Laughter Fills Our Home: 2012

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas

2012

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We can’t believe that 2012 is coming to a close. This year has been one of change, growth, and gratitude. The hardest change this year was the loss of our beloved father Richard Parkin. He was a man of strength, integrity, and faith to name a few. His passing had all the potential of being an overwhelming and desperate experience but instead was immensely unifying. We all witnessed an incredible outpouring of love and an increased capacity of hope. He was a man capable of making his last few moments of life into a fantastic and cherished gift. We miss him terribly, but are forever thankful for the many priceless memories that we share with our children who miss their “Papa” so very much. We love you, Dad!

Ethan (7 years old) is now in the 2^nd grade with Mrs. Phillips. He loves the computer and to play Cool Math for kids. His teacher tells us that Ethan has a very bright mind and thinks out of the box; of course we knew that already. She is encouraging him to discover new things and helps him push himself beyond his comfort zone. This year Ethan has discovered the love of the chapter book. He loves to read in his bed with a flashlight and he goes to a whole new world of joy and magic. He still loves his superheroes. Each day a new character finds his way into our home and the imagination goes wild. We think he knows every statistic on every superhero there is (thanks to his new Marvel superhero encyclopedia). Ethan has earned his right of passage from child to “young man.” He has achieved three fundamentals of boyhood: he conquered the two-wheeler, executed a perfect front flip on the trampoline, and met potential conflict from a school bully with confidence and smarts. He has all the makings of a great man and we’re incredibly proud of him. He is kind, never misses a chance to say I love you, and cuddles at a moments notice. We love our boy!

Sarah (4 years old) has started her first year of preschool. She loves Ms. Brenda! She loves writing her name, her ABC’s, and numbers. She can’t wait to go to school in the morning and loves singing time, playing with friends, and learning new things each day. This year she has discovered the world of my little pony. She loves Fluttershy and her beautiful pink hair (Sarah loves anything pink and purple). She is very involved with what she wears each day and is our own little fashionista. She really does have impeccable taste and loves to accessorize; everything from jewelry to nails. Sarah has a new love for cooking with mom. We put our aprons on each day and she becomes our little Julia Child. She chops, stirs, and does the final tasting to make sure everything is just right. Some of her favorite sayings these days include; “I’m so ‘busy’” (read dizzy) as she twirls, “that so impressed me that I had to go for seconds”, “you’re my very best friend”, “seriously”, and last of all “for reals?” Sarah had several firsts this year; praying in primary, swimming with her head under the water, learning to snap (after practicing everyday for weeks), painting her own nails, and coloring in the lines. She is an absolute joy and brings such a light wherever she goes. She is sensitive to others, kind, and her mommy’s best shopping companion and friend. We couldn’t love her more!

Amy continues to turn heads where ever she walks. There is not a construction sight on the planet that doesn’t immediately erupt in whistling and cat-calls when she is within eyeshot. She is an incredible mother who is so accustomed to sacrificing her time and energy on behalf of her family that she must be reminded to take pause for herself. We love her dearly and respect her as the pillar by which our family stands or falls. She was called to serve with the stake young women’s presidency and I think they are fortunate to have her. She is a tireless advocate for her children—case in point is her participation in “Fun Friday” at Ethan’s school and volunteering every Monday in the classroom. I have heard more than one testimony from the other children in his class that Amy’s Fun Fridays are the most coveted. “Please”, “thank-you”, loyalty, love, tradition, faith, service, friendship are now all tenants of the Parkin constitution born from the incredibly brilliant mind of our mother, wife and cheerleader.

Matt is now working at General Atomics. His new job is in the field of aeronautics and he couldn’t be happier. The way he lights up every time he talks about his new assignment is so gratifying for our whole family. The greatest thing about Matt’s new job is having him come home everyday for lunch and when he says he’s on his way home, we only have to wait two minutes before we can welcome him with all our hugs and kisses. Another big change for Matt was being released from his favorite calling of all time (working in YM’s) and now having the great opportunity to serve the Lord as the executive secretary in the Bishopric. This has been such a great new blessing in our life and Matt loves the men he is able to serve with and learn from. What would we do without our Daddy? He brings laughter to everyone he meets, he is kind, he is constantly thinking about others, and makes everyday better just because of the man he is. He is a wonderful husband, father, and patriarch we can trust and depend on. We love our Daddy!

Our family has enjoyed hiking at the Moki rocks in St. George, our many trips to Pineview, camping in Nephi, and planting and maintaining our first truly successful garden. We also made the purchase of a trampoline and have enjoyed many family nights playing circus, crack the egg, and dead man. We feel truly blessed for all that the Lord has given to us. We have a deep and abiding testimony of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and we know that He loves us and it is because of Him that we have true happiness. May you find a way to invite Him into your lives this holiday season and always as you serve those around you and your Savior.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,

Matt, Amy, Ethan, and Sarah Parkin

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Thanksgiving, St. George, and oh so sick!

Happy Thanksgiving! Ethan and Sarah you are 7 and 4 years old and the complete joy of our lives. We went to spend Thanksgiving with Grandma Parkin for the week and arrived Wednesday night and Ethan started throwing up about two hours after we got there. You threw up all night long (the worst you have ever thrown up in your life). Then all Thanksgiving day you had a fever and just wanted to be held. So there we cuddled on the couch in the casita and watched Disney Jr. all day long. You felt like a million dollars by the next day and we thought we had passed the illness. So out we went to the outlets for a little Black Friday shopping. We found Sarah thee most darling Christmas dress in the world and daddy got a barbeque grill for vegetables. We went to lunch a Chili's and then went for a bike ride as a family. It was a nice day. The weather was beautiful and we came back to Grandma's house and played football in the backyard and cops and robbers. Daddy and Mommy were the bad guys and Gavin Caldwell had built a fort out of Grandma's lounge chairs and you hid in there as Daddy and I tried to capture you. After the rest of the cousins (Scott Parkin's family, Cheryl Caldwell's family, and Clarin Beesley's family) got back from wherever they all went as a family we started talking and playing card games. Ethan and Gavin played in the backyard with the fort and their swords, they had a blast! They later came inside and colored in Ethan's Captain America big coloring book. The rest of us sat on the couch and talked about everything and anything for hours. Meanwhile our little Sarah started to feel not so good and about 6:00 p.m. she threw up for her first time. Sarah threw up three times and then she just wanted to be held as well. By Saturday morning she was feeling okay but not great and then Daddy walked in and said he wasn't feeling good and took his turn over the toilet bowl. Wow is all I have to say! We never get sick and to have three members out of four be sick in three days was unbelievable. After Daddy started throwing up we figured we stayed around as long as we could and it was time to go home. Ethan was so disappointed. He thought it was all his fault and he already hates to leave Grandma as it is and he didn't get to go on his big adventure hike like we usually do and was so disappointed. It was a hard decision to leave but there were too many people in the house and we felt so bad about possibly getting anyone else sick. So off we went back to good old Layton. Sarah threw up in car (luckily right in the trash bag we placed hanging from the seat in front of her). We got home and have all taken it easy for today. So Thanksgiving didn't turn out like we hoped but we definitely got cuddle time which mommy always loves and we were together and for that I am truly grateful.

So on Friday when everyone seemed to be doing okay, right before we left to go shopping I took these pictures of the kids in Grandma's front yard. They turned out surprisingly well.

Sarah age 4. I wish you could see the boot better...they are so darling. She was so excited to bring her purse and felt like such a big girl that day.

The shy pose.

This is easily one of my favorite all time pictures of Sarah. I think she looks so beautiful! We curled her hair and she was feeling cute so she wanted to keep taking pictures.

Love this face!

I wish I had blue eyes like this. She is stunning!

This was the only picture I could get with both kids smiling. They are truly each other's best friend.

Ethan age 7. Sweet Ethan we took so many pictures and I had to beg you to look at me because you were so busy watching everyone else. You look so big to me in this picture. Such a cute face!

This is a perfect shot of you. You were much more interested in posing then just sitting and smiling. Love the face in this one.

You wanted to show me your muscles....wow! You are tough!

The serious pose!

The superhero pose.

Thee I conquered St. George pose.

Thee I am the cutest boy pose! I love you sweetheart!

Happy Thanksgiving 2012 !!

Saturday, September 8, 2012

I can SNAP!

Look mommy I can snap! Sarah you have worked on snapping for days. All day all night...so determined to master the snap. You have done it! At four years old and with some rigorous training you have accomplished your goal to snap. You will call us into your room at ten o'clock at night just to let us hear how well you are getting that beautiful soft snap down. Now I must say I don't know many four year old's who can do this. In fact you ask everyone if they can and just Friday an eleven year old and seven year old were amazed and said they couldn't even snap. I think you are amazing! I am so impressed at your determination and your will to conqueror something that you set your mind to. You have been independent since the say you were born and you have always wanted to do anything and everything you see others doing and I admire it so much. I love you my sweetest girl. Oh how I wish you never had to go to school because you are the greatest friend in the world. Congratulations on your beautiful snap...you deserve it!

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Let the soccer begin!

Ethan today was the first soccer game of the season. It was a great game. We won nine to three. What a great way to start the season. Daddy is your coach again this year and you have six players on your team. The players are, Parker Gardner, Jake McCormack, Jaxon Greaves, Nathan, Gavin, and yourself. It looks like you are going to be a great team. Ethan you love to play soccer but you do need a little encouragement to be aggressive, so Daddy and I have tried a little reward system and we offered you ten cents for every time you kick the ball and a dollar for every goal. You counter offered for a smiley (which is part of our rewards system at home, where you earn rewards for sixty smileys) for every time you kicked the goal and five smiley's for every goal you make. We agreed. Today you kicked the ball nine times! That is fantastic for you! Parker was determined to see you do great today and told you he would help you out during the game. So the two of you would run down the field while Parker would be yelling come on Ethan you can do it. At one point Parker was going for the goal and had a clear shot and stopped and yelled for you and to come and take the shot. You came running and didn't score, but Parker cared more about you than he did about making a goal for himself. Your friendship with Parker is forever strengthened by moments like these. Such a great day and a priceless memory. So proud of you bud and the way you played today. It will be a great year of soccer!

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Men of Song and The Silver Star

So kids tonight I write to you and anyone else who may ever read this blog. If you haven't gone to the Layton 4th of July program the Sunday before the 4th, you haven't ever truly experienced the 4th of July. Layton does such an amazing job honoring those who have served in the armed forces and reminding us why we celebrate this holiday each year. They have patriotic music and they honor Layton citizens who are hometown heroes. About three years ago my Grandpa Lorin was honored. Tonight was wonderful. Grandpa sang beautifully and the best part of the whole night is when my Grandpa's singing group (The Men of Song) sing all the armed forces theme songs. There is not a dry eye in the audience. During each song those who served in each organization are invited to stand during their song. It is so moving. How grateful I am for those who have served in the armed forces. They have done so much for our freedom. Tonight I am especially thankful for my Dad who served in Vietnam, my grandfather Lorin who served in World War II, my grandma Alba who served in World War II, my father in-law who served in the army and my brother in-law who served in that National Guard. These men and women sacrificed their lives, their dreams, everything that was comfortable so that they could preserve our freedom and priviledges of being an American. Lastly I would like to thank my amazing brother Brian who served in the army and who was decorated with the silver star. He is a true hero in every sense of the word. He saved eleven other soliders during enemy fire in Korea. He risked his own life for those whom he didn't know, but that made no difference. He would not be happy about me writing about this, but one day Ethan and Sarah you will read this and know that you know and love a true hero.

So today honor a solider. Whether or not you know this person or not tell them thank you. Offer your gratitude, respect, and thanks. Happy 4th!

Nice little band singing some folk music.

Emily Bull dancing to the music.

Misty, Kyle Anderson, Cathy Bull, Doug Bull and Thomas Bull enjoying the music.

Ryan Bull, Thomas Bull, Bryson Bull, Megan Beck, and Britton Gardner loving Grandpa's performance.

Grandpa singing with the Men of Song.

Grandpa and Paul singing.

Karli enjoying the night. I love this girl!!

The Men of Song doing what they do best singing the armed forces music.

Wonderful night, wonderful memories. I love you guys!

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Dr. Hall...We love You!

Dr. Hall delivering Sarah in 2008

So tonight we were invited to Dr. Hall's house for a barbecue with our family, the Gardner's, the Sandberg's, and the Hartvigsen's. It was a blast! So some people might think it a little odd to go to a barbecue at their OB's house, but not if they knew Dr. Hall. He is simply one of the best Dr.'s and men in the world. We all love and admire him. He came home from his vacation when I went into labor with Sarah. He has given us his personal cell phone if we need anything at all. So when it comes to looking for that perfect Dr. we found that in him. He is spiritual, he is kind, he is real.

We got to his house at 5:00 p.m. and the first thing he said was, "okay kids you have to find the secret door." So you were running all over trying to find this secret door and finally this one bookshelf in the family room, had a little lip coming out from the wall and we slowly opened the bookshelf door and the squeals, oh the squeals! Ethan you were shaking all over your body and screaming with pure delight! Sarah you couldn't get up that spiral stair case fast enough. Ethan you kept saying over and over again to Dr. Hall, "This is awesome, this is awesome!!" So in we all went and climbed up the spiral stair case, past the Cat in the Hat mural on the wall and into the magical hidden world of pure imagination and fun! There was a movie room with Breir Rabbit and his friends and the crocodile painted on the wall. The real exciting room was the ball room. It had a playhouse built into the wall, with a window, and a door for rabbit to come to. The walls and windows were all set up so that you could throw balls and not worry about breaking anything. It was wonderful. You guys ran and played and giggled and made wonderful memories. After you played for a while we had hamburgers, hot dogs and lots of salads. It was so nice to sit down with 15 children and everyone ate and you were all very respectful and it was so pleasant. After dinner we went outside in Dr. Hall's beautiful backyard and played baseball. It was so much fun! Ethan you hit the ball the first time and you were beyond thrilled. You made it all the way to third base! You were screaming and you were so proud of yourself, as you should be. You were able to run it in with the next hit and you were running around slapping everyone high five. Your next hit was a home run and you couldn't contain your excitement. It was the first time you really showed any interest in baseball and it was so fun. Sarah you were not interesting in the baseball game but you were interested in the hammock on the porch. You and Ellie were swinging each other on the hammock and enjoying every minute of it. It was so cute. I would like to go on record that Mommy hit the ball too and ran all the way to third base as well. I still got it. Later we found ourselves back in the playhouse in the secret room and I was the princess and Sarah, Ellie, and Brynlee were the animals. I had to sing to get them to come to me and you all thought that was too great. All the adults sat outside and talked and enjoyed the beautiful weather. We finished the night with brownies and ice cream and a big picture with Dr. Hall.

It was a perfect night with family, friends, and a great Dr. who has sacrificed so much for so many people. We love you Dr. Hall! Thank you for bringing all our children into this world.

Friday, June 22, 2012

Is there anyway to stop time?

Do you ever want to capture a moment, hold on to it, and hope it lasts forever...I do. I wish I could freeze time and keep Ethan this age forever. I wish I could journal everything perfectly and never forget one minute we spent together. I wish I could be as eloquent as some of the other bloggers I know and express myself so beautifully that every experience is remembered with perfect clarity.The last four years and fifteen days have been heaven on earth for me. He is simply the nicest little boy on the planet and I love him dearly. This is a glimpse of a typical daily conversation with Ethan.

Sledding at Layton Park

Ethan wearing Daddy's safety glasses

Daddy and Ethan cuddling in the morning

Ethan...that smile!! You are the most adorable child! This is at Dinosaur museum in St. George

Ethan and Parker at the Sandberg's for an Easter hunt

Ethan or Superman! Aunt Cheryl, Gavin, and Marissa came to stay with us and we put this air mattress in the family room and you and Gavin were loving it! You jumped from the couch to the mattress a million times. It was so fun!

Ethan you reading in the kitchen. You love to read books.

Ethan walks into the bathroom while I am getting ready, "Woot, woo, mommy you are beautiful!"

Mommy, give me a hug (with arms stretched out)

Mommy, your my best friend

Hey Mommy, guess what? I love you!

Dance, Mommy, Dance!

Mommy come dance with me (especially anytime the BYU dancers are dancing on KBYU)

Mommy sing rainbow (somewhere over the rainbow)

Sing mommy, sing louder mommy!

Did you hear something? (with eyes moving back and forth and spoken in a whisper)

What was that? (also in a whisper, looking around quickly)

Mommy: "Ethan do you want to take a bath?"
Ethan: "Well certainly, I do." (With an emaphise on the cert)

Mommy: "Ethan do you want to go for a ride?"
Ethan: "Well, of course." (Always a head nod on course)

Maaaammy, I'mmm aaaawwwake (Every morning and every nap time. Ethan never gets out of bed until I come into the room to get him. He then tells me again, mommy I'm awake in a cheerful tone)

Mommy: "Ethan will you come here for a minute?"
Ethan: "Well, don't mind if I do."

"Mommy, you and Sarah are my best girls."

Everynight at bedtime we read scriptures to Ethan, 2 books, and sing 2 songs from the hymn book, he also wants me to sing somewhere over the rainbow. Ethan's most requested song is Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd...a little shocked, us too, but Ethan loves that song and can sing all the words right along with us. After Matt turns off the lights, Ethan says, "Hey it's dark in here" (he says it every night and it never gets old)

Typical prayer: "Our gracious Heavenly Father, please bless mommy and daddy and Sarah that they will come rescue us. Please bless the food in the name of Jesus Christ amen." Then Ethan says to me, "mommy was that a long prayer, short prayer, or a happy prayer?"

Ethan some how has picked up a Southern accent

I just like him way to much! Here is Ethan before our trip to California loving life in the suitcase.

Here is Ethan with his cars and all is well.

I love you, sweetheart! So very much!!

"Don't you dare tell me I'm punctual!"

Matt and I were watching, "The Help" and I loved the part that the maid told the little girl that "she was nice, she was smart, and she was important." So the next morning while cuddling with Sarah I turned to her and told her that she was nice, she was smart, and she was important. Sarah then got her big wide eyed face and put her hand on her hip and said, "Well that's fine, but don't you dare tell me that I am punctual!" I immediately said, "what did you say" and then she repeated back the same sentence. So I said, "where did you learn the word punctual?" Sarah just looked at me and said, "I'll never tell". So fast forward a day and I ask her again where she learned that word and start naming cartoons she has recently watched and then the big reveal came...it was Aladin! When the Genie is in the form of a bee and tells Aladin to tell Jasmine that she is punctual! So funny! You just never know what kids are listening to and what they are picking up.

Summer Fun and Fort Friday

So the summer has been pretty wonderful so far. We have had a party or outing of some sort nearly everyday. We have swam or played in water nearly everyday. We have been with cousins just about everyday as well. We have been to Castle Park for a family reunion. You both love Castle Park. We played on the playground, but this year you were very interested in the woods below, so we went and discovered a small creek, lots of trails, and a million trees. It was pure dirty fun. We have been to Barnes Park. We went one day with all the cousins including the Bull family cousins. We played in the sand, on the playground, soccer, and dodge ball. We have gone to Daddy's work to take him on a picnic and went to Sugar House Park to play on the playground and eat with Daddy. We have ate outside nearly every night for dinner and played on our swing set, swam in our little pool, and swung on our tree swing. We have rode our bikes, dressed up as superheroes, or princesses, and played outside until we had to start a camp fire to keep us warm...which we have done several times and then roasted marshmallows. We do learning time in the mornings and it has been so fun to discover new things with Sarah and watch her try to grasp the concept of letter sounds and writing. Ethan is loving math and time and is really progressing in his reading. I can't believe the words that he breezes through. It has been such a great beginning to a much anticipated summer.

Right now I am listening to you play in the family room. You have made a fort and Ethan you are a scientist and Sarah you are a princess and you have found some jewels and Ethan you have hidden them and Sarah is trying to find your hiding place. You are giggling and creating together and it makes me so happy. Our house is fairly quiet compared to most of my family and friends. With only two kids the fighting is pretty tame (not perfect, but doesn't happen to often). We play a lot with one another and you are getting better about depending more upon one another than you did in the past. I love it! You are discovering how fun it is to have a brother and sister with you all the time. If there is one thing I hope for it is that you will be each other's best friend. That you will always respect one another. That you will always delight in each other's accomplishments. That you will always be proud of one another. That you will always be loyal to each other. That you will always be one another's best friend. It really is a wonderful day. The wind is blowing outside, the sun is shining, the flowers are brilliant, the vegetables of growing, and the house is happy because of you. I love you both. I love being your mother. This is what I hoped for. You are wonderful!

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

A few of my favorite things at age 35

Some times I don't think I realize how many things I love. So today I am letting my children know that their mom is a real person with likes and dislikes and many loves. So here is a glimpse of what mommy loves at age 35.

I love aprons! I love to put one on each night and Sarah you always join me with your apron. We cook dinner together every night. There is something about putting on a apron that transports me back in time and I feel like I could actually be Donna Reed and that life is really still simple.
I love Donna Reed. I have the four seasons that are out and I can completely relax when I watch her. I love that I can watch a show that my kids can watch with me. I wish I could wear beautiful dresses everyday and hats...oh I love her hats.
I love I Love Lucy. I feel the same way about Lucy. I don't relax as much but I giggle. She makes me laugh and the kids adore her.
I love tablecloths! I would love to have a different table cloth for each day of the week. I love walking past my kitchen table and see the tablecloth neatly spread out with a fresh vase of flowers. It makes me smile.
I love fresh flowers. I am always touched when my sweet Matthew brings me flowers or anyone for that matter. They brighten the day and lift my spirit.
I love my flower garden. For the first time in my 9 years of marriage I have successfully planted and kept alive flowers in my front planter bed. I can't describe how happy that makes me. We don't have sprinklers so it's a lot of work, but it's worth it. I love to walk outside in the morning and pick the weeds and pull in dead flowers and feel the joy of keeping something alive.
I love my vegetable garden. We planted a garden this year. We have had two other gardens but they were never that successful because they never got enough sun. So this year we (that means Matt made, but I supervised) three planter boxes right next to our porch and they are doing fantastic! Again it is a lot of work to water but I love it and find it to be very rewarding.
I love to sit on my patio in my new white chairs and watch the wind blow through my neighbors tree. There is something about that sound that puts me in a state of tranquility and I can completely get lost in my thoughts.
I love to cook. I don't always like the thought that I have to go make dinner, but once I am doing it I am so happy to create something I know my family will love. I love knowing that we eat every night together and that I made something that is healthy and keeps us together.
I love to set a table. I love to sit down at a table that is fully set. I love the tablecloth down, plates, cups, napkins, serving dishes (even though it's a little more work to wash those dishes...it's worth it).
I love musicals. I love to sing along with them. I love to watch them. I especially love to go to them.
I love music in general. I love to turn music on in the morning and I find myself lost in the work and not dreading it anymore. Music motivates me and helps me get the job done.
I love to read my scriptures. There is nothing that brings more peace of mind than a good study of the scriptures. Reading with a commentary is always a happy scripture study day for me.
I love Excel. I love to make list. I love to do financial reports. I love to plan out my workouts, the house, trips, you name it I could make a spreadsheet for it.
I love a clean house. I love the smell of a clean house. I love the way I feel when the house is clean. I love that if someone knocks at the door you can invite them in without the fear that your going to be mortified at what they see, smell, or find.
I love to talk. I love to sit down with friends or strangers and learn more about them or from them. I love to hear about people's lives and why they do what they do.
I love to sew. I am not that good at it, but when I sit down to do it, I am always so pleased with myself when I am done.
I love to scrapbook on the computer. I have a new program on my computer to scrapbook and I love it! I hope I can be good and get books done for my family and capture the wonderful memories we have shared together.
I love jewelry. I love nice jewelry. I love to put earrings, necklace, bracelet, and rings on everyday. I don't feel finished until I put all the jewelry on and then I can tackle the day.
I love skirts and dresses. I should have been born in the 50's. I love the way the dressed and I feel more complete in a skirt or dress. I would wear a dress everyday if I could.
I love to go walking in the mornings with Julia. It's my own little therapy session with such a dear friend. It's always hard to wake up at 6:15 a.m. but it's so worth it. We walk hard, but we talk the entire time and I always feel ready for the day after I leave her.
I love to be ready before I take Ethan for school. I feel so happy when I have Ethan, Sarah, and myself ready for the day. I try to accomplish this everyday so that the rest of the day I can go and do whatever needs to be done. It's one of the best things I do for our day. Sarah make this commitment when you are a stay at home mom and it will work miracles for your motivation and spirits.
I love to go on drives. I love to drive in the car with classical music playing and just drive around and look at other people's yards and homes and dream about the future.
I love my little house. I love that it is green. I love that we have worked so hard to get it to look as good as it does. I love that it is small and I can see you kids wherever you are in the house. I love Daddy and I have worked side by side to make it beautiful. I love that we can afford to live here and still have money left over at the end of the month.
I love to read. I love to get lost in a good book. I love to read uplifting stories or gospel doctrine books. I don't like wasting my time with things that don't add to my becoming something better (it happens occasionally) but I try to spend my time with motivating or self-improving books.
I love to camp. I love to be outdoors and sleep by a stream at night. I love to cook by a fire and listen to it crackle when we roast marshmellows. I love that you kids can get dirty and it doesn't matter. I love everything about camping except the potty situation, other than that, it's the perfect vacation.
I love love love Disneyland!!! I could spend day after day after day there and never get tired of it. I love everything about it. I love the way you kids light up when we get there. I love that you are so delighted with everything we see. I love the music there. I love the gift there. I love the rides, the parades, the food, I love Disneyland!
I love to swim. I would swim everyday if I could. I don't love getting in a swim suit, but I love the way the water feels on your body when you dive in or gently glide along the bottom. It's freedom. I love it.
I love gardening books, decorating books, and cooking books. I love to read them, use them, and find it very relaxing to cuddle up on my patio chair and get lost in them.
I love pine view. I use to love the beach but pine view or bear lake is so much better. No big waves to worry about. Great sand, treats, playing in the water, making memories, it's wonderful.
I love my sisters. What would I do without them. They are my best friends, my kids second mothers, the best people I know.
I love my parents and my brothers. They guide me. They support me. They love me.
I love to play with my kids! I love to pretend to be a princess or queen. I love to play dolls, house, kitchen, makeup. I love to becoming a superhero and run through the house pretending to be something bigger and better. I love playing the wii with Ethan and having him be so proud when I do something impressive that I didn't even realize I was doing. I love to read with you, to sing to you, to cuddle you. I love you! I love being your mom. I love staying home with you. I love everything about my life.
I love my husband! I love that he is my best friend. I love that I trust him. I love that I know he would never talk bad about me in any way. I love that he is a great provider. I love that he is spiritual. I love he takes his calling seriously. I love that he works hard in and out of the home. I love that he plays with the kids. I love that he makes everyone laugh. I love that he is my husband! I love him with all my heart.
I love my Savior Jesus Christ! Where would I be in this life without my knowledge of Him. He is the one that has given me all that I have and my joy is complete because of my testimony of His existence and The Atoning sacrifice on my behalf. I love the Gospel. It is true. Everything I do is so I can return home faithful to the Father and the Son. I love the Gospel and my Savior with all my heart and soul.

Well that is a beginning of the things I love. I am a happy person by nature and so are you. Life is wonderful and if you look for what is wonderful it will always be that much better. I love you guys!

Love, Mommy

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

35..perfect day!

So today I am 35 years old! Where does the time go? It was a great birthday. I woke up to a message written on the mirror from my sweetheart. It said, "We love you Mommy, Happy Birthday!!" I was able to sleep in until 8:00 am, until I was woke up by my sweet Sarah crawling in my bed with me. Ethan you slept in until 9:30. We had breakfast, I did a little light weeding in the flower garden and then watered my veggies and then we got ready for the day. Sarah today was the first time we put mousse in your hair and tried out that natural curl...you looked adorable. After we were all ready we went to Grandma McCormack's house for cousin play date. My sweet sisters always go way beyond the call of duty and they made a special lunch for me. We had ham wraps, salad, veggies and dip, and chocolate covered strawberries! So great! My Aunt Cathy and Brittany also brought lime ricky's. It was a very relaxing afternoon, where the adults got to chat and the kids played in the backyard and watched Tom and Jerry. It was a perfect afternoon.

About three o'clock the best thing in my life walked through the door...the blue eyed, brown haired Mr. Parkin! Could my day get any better...no, he makes everything perfect. We packed up and headed to our house and opened presents. I received the Adele CD, Biography on Dick Van Dyke, Shirley Temple DVD collection, a wallet, shirt, a book, and a skirt. Way to generous, but very appreciated. The great thing about the gifts was that daddy took you two with him and you helped pick out every gift. You did great! I loved every gift you got me. After gifts we headed out to dinner at the Cheesecake Factory at the City Creek Center. It was the first time we had been there and it was delicious! Daddy got tuna, I got steak, Ethan got macaroni and cheese, and Sarah got grilled chicken. For dessert we got carmel chocolate pecan cheesecake, daddy got mango key lime pie cheesecake and you kids got vanilla ice cream. We all shared and dinner was so pleasant. The waitress was a little slow, but you were so patient and it was so relaxing. We talked and giggled and it was the best time we ever had at a restaurant. After dinner we went to the Disney store and Sarah got a Little Mermaid and Cinderella nightgown, Ethan got the Brave sword, axe and hammer. It was a perfect night. We walked slowly back through the city creek and came home for the night. Before bed time Daddy put on the Adele CD and we all danced in the family room and Sarah you never wanted it to end. It was one of the best parts of the day. After prayers, scriptures, and books you both went to bed and Daddy and I stayed up and watched Pysch while Daddy rubbed my feet. The end of a perfect day! I love you all!

Monday, June 18, 2012

Summer time brings gratitude

As the summer begins my gratitude is over flowing. I love being your mom. I love having my children home with me all day long. I love waking up in the morning and cuddling with you while watching cartoons. I love going swimming and hearing you giggle with every touch of that ice cold water. I love having unplanned days and doing our summer time "homework" each morning and reading time before we start out for the day. I love packing lunches with no idea when we might be home from our days event and trying to plan well enough so you don't go hungry. I love going to the park and running around the playground with you and pretending to be pirates on our own ships taking over the ocean blue. I love going to Daddy's work to surprise him with lunch and a trip up to Sugar House Park to play on the playground. I love that we eat outside in our backyard at our picnic table nearly every night for dinner. I love that I get to play dolls with my sweet Sarah and superheros with my kind Ethan. I love being your mom. You are my greatest gifts in life. I don't know why we aren't blessed with more children, but the two of you make everything wonderful and complete. I love you so dearly. I wish I could stop time and we could play like this forever.

I promise you as you get older I will try my hardest to always stay connected with you. I will love you unconditionally and support you in your life decisions. I will continue to play with you and find joy in your interests. We will hike together, swim together, boat together, play games, laugh, discover, and grow together. I was born to be a mother. Some woman have aspirations of being great women in the real world. I have always wanted to be a great mother. I would give everything up to be with you each day and never miss one sacred moment with you. I vow to be here for you everyday of your life. I will sacrifice anything and everything so that you will always know how important you are and how much I value my job as mother. I know that I can never turn back time, so I will live in the moment and try to live without regrets. I love that I am blessed to stay home with you each day and I can be involved in your life at school and home.

I love being a wife. I am blessed with the greatest husband in the world. Your father is everything I hoped for and so much more. Our marriage is healthy and pure. He has always put me first and I have never doubted his love or commitment to me. He sacrificed so many hours of sleep to go to school and work so that I could be a stay at home mom. He never complained about that, ever. I know that he values my job as much as I do and that is priceless. When Dad and I bought our little home, we bought it with the idea that we could always make this house payment and I would always be blessed to stay home with you, so far that was one of the best decisions of our lives together. When you get married think ahead to the future. Plan for these important decisions and be firm. It's hard not to want bigger and better all the time, but know when you can truly afford things (and by that I mean pay cash for everything if possible) if you abide by that principle and marry someone who feels the same your life will be far less complicated and a million times more happy. Your Dad helps me with everything. He cooks along side me, cleans, he reads with you, baths you, cuddles you, disciplines you, loves you to death, and is our spiritual leader. He works hard and never complains. We will work all day in the yard together and he will never quiet until he knows that I am satisfied with a job well done. He treats me like a Queen. He makes me feel beautiful even when I am big and pregnant, or sick in bed, or all dolled up for a big date. He still dates me. He plans great dates. He still gets my door for me and winks at me across a crowded room. He holds my hand and makes me feel needed and wanted. We cuddle every night before bedtime and we still giggle while talking about the day before we drift off to sleep. He is the only one in this world who truly knows me and loves me unconditionally regardless of my many imperfections. He is my best friend in every way and he has helped me to know the Lord better and to draw closer to him through prayer. He has taught me so much and I love him with all my heart.

Lastly I am so grateful for my testimony of Jesus Christ as my Savior and for His atoning sacrifice for me personally. He lived for me, He suffered for me, He loves me, and He died for me. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is true. It takes sacrifice and work and it is all worth it. The Book of Mormon is the word of God and was translated by a Prophet of God, Joseph Smith. Thomas S. Monson is a Prophet of God today and leads and directs His church in righteousness and love. It's true. Never doubt, never give up! Always put the Lord first and you will always be happy, that is a promise that I can make to you and I know that I can keep. I love you Ethan and Sarah. Someday if we are blessed with more children this is written to you as well. I love you all. I love Daddy and I love my Savior and Heavenly Father with all my heart. It's all true and it's all worth it!