Sage is 5!

My little boy isn't so little anymore. He's a big 5 yr. old now. I can't believe how big he has gotten, and while I am a little sad to see him growing up, I know that great things await him. Here's a little about him.

Name: Sage Landon Parker
Birth date: July 17, 2004
Current Weight: 36 lbs
Current Height: 3' 4"
Likes: Superheros, Roller-skates, Music, Dancing, Singing, Reading, Helping Grandpa Sugar & Daddy, Rock Music{just like daddy}
Dislikes: Peas, Getting in Trouble, Going to Bed & Country Music

Here he is in his new Roller-skates that he got from Grandma Maxine for his birthday.

The Astro-Jump we borrowed from a family in our ward.

Left to Right: Sage, Analia, Romeo, Alexandra

Eating yummy Spiderman Cupcakes

Opening presents.

Thank you to those of you who called or sent cards to Sage today. It really made his day! The birthday festivities will continue this weekend.

I Can See Clearly Now...

I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way.
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)Sun-Shiny day.

I think I can make it now, the pain is gone.
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is the rainbow I’ve been prayin?for
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)Sun-Shiny day.

Look all around, there’s nothin?but blue skies
Look straight ahead, nothin?but blue
I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)Sun-Shiny day.

This song perfectly describes what I've been going through for the past 2 years. The light at the end of this dark tunnel I've been traveling is in sight. I've been suffering from Postpartum depression and been on and off meds since 2003.

Today I met with a fabulous doctor who can help me learn to overcome my issues. I've been put on an awesome treatment that will help me feel like the old me again, help me be a better Wife, Mother & Daughter. It will help me cope with all the new responsibilities that having a Son in Kindergarten will bring {including the PTA}.

I am excited about where this new road will take me and my Family.

Root Beer Cookies

A few months ago, I ran across this recipe. I finally got around to trying it today.

Root Beer Cookies : Makes about 4 dozen
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups light brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. root beer extract
3 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1/4 cup water (optional–only use if dough is too dry)
Root Beer frosting (recipe below)

Cream butter and dark brown sugar until very light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the root beer extract. Whisk dry ingredients together. Add a little at a time to the creamed mixture. The dough should be slightly sticky. Chill for at least an hour. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease several baking sheets, or line them with silicone baking mats or parchment paper. Roll into small balls (about 1″ diameter). I like to use a mini-ice cream scoop so that the cookies end up evenly sized. Place them on the pan, leaving a bit of space between the cookies. Bake for 8-10 minutes, rotating cookie sheet halfway through.Let cookies cool for a few minutes on the cookie sheet before placing them on a wire rack to cool completely.

Frosting Recipe:
1 cup butter
3 cups powdered sugar
3 tsp. root beer extract
3 tablespoons hot water

Beat butter on high with an electric mixer until it is fluffy. Add a little powdered sugar and the root beer extract. Beat until smooth. Add remaining powdered sugar alternately with a little hot water until a nice spreading consistency has been reached.

Frost the cooled cookies and let stand for a few minutes to let the frosting set up. (It should dry a bit on the top.)

Here's the finished product. Sage & Aurora love them!