Monday, December 24, 2012

Christmas Eve

Not having parents to spend Christmas with is hard for me. This year Christmas Eve was a ton of fun. We had dinner, opened pj's, and played some fun Minute to Win It games with the Hunt's.


 Sage throwing Marshmallows through a wreath. He totally dominated that game.


 Robert and I didn't fare to well with the Marshmallow toss and Aurora refused to play most of the games.


 Sage was really good at the cookie game.




 The Nut stacking game was really easy.


The rest of the evening was spent wrestling and laughing. 
Thank you Hunt Family for inviting us to share in Christmas Eve with you.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Simply Perfect

I found this today and as soon as I read it, I knew I had to share it.



Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38,
When 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.
They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
They were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.
They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
"Where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"This is heaven." declared a small boy. "We're spending Christmas at God's house."
When what to their wondering eyes did appear,
But Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
Then He opened His arms and He called them by name,
And in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring.
Those children all flew into the arms of their King,
And as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
One small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
And as if He could read all the questions she had,
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of Mom and Dad."
Then He looked down on earth, the world far below,
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe.
Then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"May this country be delivered from the hands of fools."
"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"
Then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"Come now my children, let me show you around."
Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
All displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"In the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA

Saturday, December 15, 2012

No Words

There are no words to accurately describe how much yesterday's horrific event has affected me. This time of year is always hard for me but I can usually snap out of it for the kids but I just can't seem to snap out of it.

People have been saying that the gunman must have been severely depressed or suffering from a mental issue to be able to commit that kind of act but, it is my belief that is no excuse. It takes a heartless, animal with no soul to commit such a heinous crime. In fact calling him an animal is far too nice. He is nothing.

Yesterday after picking up kids I brought them home and snuggled them all on the couch while watching How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Eventually, they all went and did their own thing but it was nice to hold them so close. I keep thanking Heavenly Father for keeping my family safe and I hope that those families who are suffering the unimaginable will eventually find peace.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Twelve Days of Christmas

Our home is finally in the Christmas Spirit. We put the Tree up and decorated yesterday and our scary old elf Scotty made his way to his perch on our tree.


After reporting the kid's behavior to Santa he decided to color in Sage's Marvel Superhero coloring book. The kids were very impressed with Scotty's coloring skills.


Rumor has it that Scotty might go zip lining tonight.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Happy 37th!

Today my amazingly perfect for me husband is one more year closer to the BIG 40! In honor of Robert's birthday here are 37 things in no particular order I love about him.

1. He loves me

2. He loves our children

3. He works hard to support us

4. He loves cuddling with me and the kids

5. He is kind

6. He is patient

7. He always puts his all into his church calling, whatever It may be

8. He is my biggest cheerleader

9. He is a master at the BBQ

10. He keeps me safe

11. He stands behind me in tough times

12. He learns quickly

13. He deals with my depression and anxiety better than I do

14. He is a movie buff

15. He is a worthy Priesthood holder

16. He makes me want to be better

17. He teaches the kids things I can't teach them

18. He puts up with Ginger even though he detests cats, because she helps me.

19. He understands me better than anyone else

20. He loves Mexican food as much as I do

21. He respects my opinions

22. He makes me laugh

23. He always holds my hand

24. He is a hard worker

25. He always compliments my meals even if they aren't so great.

26. He lets me eat off his plate at restaurants

27. He understands my need for some part of us to be touching while we sleep

28. Fireworks make him act like a 10 yr. old

29. He opens doors for me

30. He gave me Bryton

31. He gave me Hayden

32. He gave me Sage

33. He gave me Aurora

34. He laughs at my lame jokes

35. If he needs laundry done, he does it

36. He carries the heavy loads, literally and figuratively

and last but not least...

37. He tells me I'm beautiful, even when I don't feel like it

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Mr. Romney

I have never cared about an election like I have this one. Robert and I truly believe that Mitt was the right man for the job. We aren't happy about the outcome of the election but life does go on and hey, at least it's the last four years.

(Doesn't he look Presidential?)

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Election 2012

Robert and I voted a few weeks ago by absentee ballot. It is the only way I've ever voted. I'm so glad that we have that opportunity, standing in long lines are definitely not my thing. 


We are blessed to live in America where we can enjoy our many freedoms, such as choosing our leaders with out fear of retaliation or violence. We are so thankful to those who help protect our freedoms.




Sunday, November 4, 2012

All I Want For Christmas

...Is my two front teeth. 

Aurora has lost three teeth in less than 24 hours. She is very excited for the tooth fairy to come tonight. This last one marks five teeth since June 2012. She's been saving her Tooth Fairy money and after tonight she'll have enough to buy a new  My Little Pony. 


Saturday, October 27, 2012

Thirty One Life Lessons

Today I turn thirty-one. I can't believe it. When I was a teenager I remember thinking that people in their thirties were OLD and didn't like to have fun. While I'm not sure that any of that is true for all thirty-somethings I know that I am a fun-loving, silly, thirty-one year old Mommy who loves to be silly with the kids and teenagers in her life.

In honor of my birthday I thought I would post thirty-one life lessons I've learned over the years.

1. It's perfectly fine to make mistakes. It's the best way to learn.

2. We are responsible for making our own happiness.

3. Silence is golden and essential to my sanity.

4. We must first love ourselves if we are to truly be loved by others.

5. You will never be "100%" ready for things in life, so trust your instincts.

6. Life is short, live it right.

7. Change is good; hard.... but good.

8. It's important to dream.

9. Time spent stressing over anything is time wasted.

10. Never let fear control you.

11. Choose wisely how and with who you spend your time.

12. Less is more. Say and buy less, listen more.

13. Choose your friends carefully.

14. We don't need much (stuff) to be happy.

15. By loving ourselves we become better friends, partners, parents and all around better people.

16. Serve others and let them serve you.

17. Enjoy and savor every moment.

18. We are stronger and more resilient than we think we are.

19. Never sell yourself short.

20. Complaining, criticizing, and gossiping are a waste of time.

21. Stop being a victim and be a leader.

22. Forgiveness is easier than we think.

23. It's easier to find fault in others much easier than seeing the faults in ourselves.

24. Naps are good. It's okay to sleep in, sometimes.

25. When you feel nervous, stressed or anxious get on your knees and pray.

26. Everyone has the need and/or desire to create something.

27. When you passionately believe in something it can and will change you.

28. Learn to say no. If you don't want to do something - go to a party, accept an obligation, meet someone- just say "no, thank you." You don't owe anyone an excuse or explanation.

29. Never give unsolicited advice! I can guarantee you that it is not wanted or needed.

30. Stop rushing through life. Slow down and enjoy it.

31. Don't ever let a day go by without telling your loved ones you love them and how much they mean to you.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Guess What?!?

We're moving!!!!! We'll be staying in California, in fact we're only moving 4.5 miles from where we are now. We are really excited for this amazing adventure.

Friday, October 12, 2012

Me, Myself and I

I was reading my favorite Homeschool Blog this morning and found a great article. It's so nice to know that I am not alone in my feelings. Here's the article from Latter-day Homeschooling(click HERE for the link).

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

All Sewn Up

Aurora is seriously the craziest, cutest, most adorable, brave little girl I know. She fell off her bed yesterday and had to be taken to the ER to get 4 stitches in her chin. She didn't cry once and told everyone that she was going to be scar twins with her Mommy.


After she got home she said "Mom, I'm basically the coolest Princess Superhero ever! I didn't even cry or anything!". She definitely keeps us laughing and we are blessed to have her in our family.

Monday, October 8, 2012

Cousin...Sister

We had the opportunity to have our cousin Gabby spend a whole week with us. We packed in as much fun as we could. We went shopping, swimming, saw two movies, went to the beach and spent a lot of time laughing and just being silly. She is seriously one of my most favorite people in the whole world.


We can't wait to spend more time with her in March!

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

My Little Pony Invitation

I had the opportunity to make Gabby's birthday invites today. This is what I came up with. I picked  the birthday girl up from school today and she approved the design. I'm glad that she loved it!








Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Bike Riding

 This month for Homeschool P.E. we focused on bike riding. Sage already knew how to ride but Aurora wasn't quite there yet. On September 1st we took the training wheels and pedals off her bike and had her glide to learn how to balance her bike. After a lot of practice she finally got the hang of it, so we took her to a big empty parking lot and let her put all of her hard work to good use.



Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Our Hero

Today for Social Studies we learned about September, 11th and the countless Hero's who sacrifice everyday to keep us safe. 

The kids each picked a Hero to write to. They both chose their Uncle David Parker. Sage drew and wrote his without help and he helped Aurora write her letter.



Operation: Summer Fun... Complete

It took us all summer to get these things done but they definitely helped our Summer go by fast and added a lot of fun!


Monday, September 10, 2012

Look Mom, I Made a Funny!

Is what Aurora says when she wants to tell me a joke or act goofy. Robert was getting ready for work thins morning and even though he still had 20 minutes before he had to leave Sage was very worried about him being on time. He finally said

 "Dad, you have to be on time or you'll get fired and then you won't have a job and you'll be home all day and we won't be able to fun things with you home, only Mom does fun things with us."

It was pretty funny! The funniest thing said this weekend came out of Aurora's mouth. Robert was in the kitchen making honey mustard dressing. Aurora walked in and saw him mixing the mustard, honey and lemon juice together. She flipped out and said

"Dad what are you doing?! Are you trying to poison me with that?!"

Our kids are seriously the funniest things ever and often provide us with free entertainment.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Better Late, Than Never


Cozy Cones

Aren't these the cutest souvenir cups you have ever seen? 


Before each trip we take the kids have an opportunity to do extra chores and odd jobs around the house to earn money to spend and when it's gone then it's gone and there is no more money.

The kids saw these adorable cone cups and had to have them so they each spent half of the twenty dollars that they each earned. I wanted one too but couldn't justify the extra money especially since I needed to buy a new antennae ball for the van since some very rude and dishonest person stole mine last week.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Monday, September 3, 2012

It's Finally Here


Well... the first day of school finally came. The kids woke up at 7am, ate, brushed their teeth, got dressed, did their morning chores and were ready to go by 8am. 

I can't believe that my Baby Girl is in Kindergarten. She is definitely a very smart girl and I look forward to all the progress she will make this year.

Aurora Janell Isabelle Parker
Kindergarten
9-3-12
5 1/2 years old

My little boy is not so little anymore. He's a big third grader and amazes me everyday at how much he is learning. He may be a little slower to learn things that other kids his age but he makes up for it in other ways. 

 Sage Landon Parker
Third Grade
9-3-12
8 years old

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Frustration

I was out running an errand today and had a horrible encounter. Instead of feeding the anger of another person I decided to just ignore them. I think I'm going to make little business cards with the link to this article on it to give out when I encounter someone who is angry about our choice to Homeschool.

{Click on the photo to read the article}

Sunday, August 26, 2012

The Countdown...

... has begun. T-Minus 8 Days and 9 Hours until School starts. We are all very excited and cannot wait for another fun-filled adventurous year of Homeschooling. It also helps that we will be celebrating our second day of school at Disneyland and California Adventure.


Saturday, August 18, 2012

Always...

It's been two years, and while it seems like it was ages ago it also feels like it was just yesterday that my Mom and I were laying in bed talking and making each other laugh before she went to the Emergency Room.

The kids have been missing her a lot lately.We spent the day doing things that reminded us of my Mom and cuddling with the kids in her chair. She will always be in our hearts and her memory will forever live on.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Beautiful Beginnings...

One of my best friends is getting re-married this weekend. I was honored when she asked if I would design the announcements. I was given three colors and an ocean theme to work with. 

I was asked to keep it simple and clean and this is what the finished product looked like.


I used Stampin' Up!'s My Digital Studio software to create this gorgeous announcement. I just can't get enough of MDS and the endless possibilities it allows me to create numerous projects.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Perfect

I ran across this today and it perfectly sums up how I feel lately.

The Homeschooler's Wish List

1. Please stop asking us if it's legal. If it is — and it is — it's insulting to imply that we're criminals. And if we were criminals, would we admit it?

2. Learn what the words "socialize" and "socialization" mean, and use the one you really mean instead of mixing them up the way you do now. Socializing means hanging out with other people for fun. Socialization means having acquired the skills necessary to do so successfully and pleasantly. If you're talking to me and my kids, that means that we do in fact go outside now and then to visit the other human beings on the planet, and you can safely assume that we've got a decent grasp of both concepts.

3. Quit interrupting my kid at her dance lesson, scout meeting, choir practice, baseball game, art class, field trip, park day, music class, 4H club, or soccer lesson to ask her if as a homeschooler she ever gets to socialize.

4. Don't assume that every homeschooler you meet is homeschooling for the same reasons and in the same way as that one homeschooler you know.

5. If that homeschooler you know is actually someone you saw on TV, either on the news or on a "reality" show, the above goes double.

6. Please stop telling us horror stories about the homeschoolers you know, know of, or think you might know who ruined their lives by homeschooling. You're probably the same little bluebird of happiness whose hobby is running up to pregnant women and inducing premature labor by telling them every ghastly birth story you've ever heard. We all hate you, so please go away.

7. We don't look horrified and start quizzing your kids when we hear they're in public school. Please stop drilling our children like potential oil fields to see if we're doing what you consider an adequate job of homeschooling.

8. Stop assuming all homeschoolers are religious.

9. Stop assuming that if we're religious, we must be homeschooling for religious reasons.

10. We didn't go through all the reading, learning, thinking, weighing of options, experimenting, and worrying that goes into homeschooling just to annoy you. Really. This was a deeply personal decision, tailored to the specifics of our family. Stop taking the bare fact of our being homeschoolers as either an affront or a judgment about your own educational decisions.

11. Please stop questioning my competency and demanding to see my credentials. I didn't have to complete a course in catering to successfully cook dinner for my family; I don't need a degree in teaching to educate my children. If spending at least twelve years in the kind of chew-it-up-and-spit-it-out educational facility we call public school left me with so little information in my memory banks that I can't teach the basics of an elementary education to my nearest and dearest, maybe there's a reason I'm so reluctant to send my child to school.

12. If my kid's only six and you ask me with a straight face how I can possibly teach him what he'd learn in school, please understand that you're calling me an idiot. Don't act shocked if I decide to respond in kind.

13. Stop assuming that because the word "home" is right there in "homeschool," we never leave the house. We're the ones who go to the amusement parks, museums, and zoos in the middle of the week and in the off-season and laugh at you because you have to go on weekends and holidays when it's crowded and icky.

14. Stop assuming that because the word "school" is right there in homeschool, we must sit around at a desk for six or eight hours every day, just like your kid does. Even if we're into the "school" side of education — and many of us prefer a more organic approach — we can burn through a lot of material a lot more efficiently, because we don't have to gear our lessons to the lowest common denominator.

15. Stop asking, "But what about the Prom?" Even if the idea that my kid might not be able to indulge in a night of over-hyped, over-priced revelry was enough to break my heart, plenty of kids who do go to school don't get to go to the Prom. For all you know, I'm one of them. I might still be bitter about it. So go be shallow somewhere else.

16. Don't ask my kid if she wouldn't rather go to school unless you don't mind if I ask your kid if he wouldn't rather stay home and get some sleep now and then.

17. Stop saying, "Oh, I could never homeschool!" Even if you think it's some kind of compliment, it sounds more like you're horrified. One of these days, I won't bother disagreeing with you any more.

18. If you can remember anything from chemistry or calculus class, you're allowed to ask how we'll teach these subjects to our kids. If you can't, thank you for the reassurance that we couldn't possibly do a worse job than your teachers did, and might even do a better one.

19. Stop asking about how hard it must be to be my child's teacher as well as her parent. I don't see much difference between bossing my kid around academically and bossing him around the way I do about everything else.

20. Stop saying that my kid is shy, outgoing, aggressive, anxious, quiet, boisterous, argumentative, pouty, fidgety, chatty, whiny, or loud because he's homeschooled. It's not fair that all the kids who go to school can be as annoying as they want to without being branded as representative of anything but childhood.

21. Quit assuming that my kid must be some kind of prodigy because she's homeschooled.

22. Quit assuming that I must be some kind of prodigy because I homeschool my kids.

23. Quit assuming that I must be some kind of saint because I homeschool my kids.

24. Stop talking about all the great childhood memories my kids won't get because they don't go to school, unless you want me to start asking about all the not-so-great childhood memories you have because you went to school.

25. Here's a thought: If you can't say something nice about homeschooling, shut up.

Friday, August 10, 2012

Babies Having Babies

According to Aurora and Gabby this is how babies are born. These girls so funny, they are always doing silly things like this.

Monday, August 6, 2012

Thursday, August 2, 2012

2012-2013 School Room

Last year our school room needed to function as a guest room as well as a school room but we soon found that we needed the extra space. So, this year we removed the bed and put up a large 8x6ft white board and added some bulletin boards for easier display. Forgive the poor quality they were taken with my iPod since Aurora has lost our camera. As you walk in the room and turn left this is what you see:
Calendar/Weather/Address Board

Grammar Anchor Charts and
a bulletin board to display the kids masterpieces

Computer Station

Empty Bulletin Board and Desk

Class work bin/ Teacher supplies

Our new white board (LOVE IT!)
I have since added President Hinckley's 9 Be's above
the whiteboard but changed them to the 9 Bee's

Alphabet/ Number charts for Aurora
and our color coded schedule

Bookcase with leveled books, games and curriculum

Close up of the desk

Now all I need to do is make new curtains.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Cub Scout

Last night marked Sage's first Cub Scout Activity. They are currently working on their swimming skills so he hasn't worn his uniform yet. He can't wait to a bog scout like his Daddy!

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

It's Great to be Eight!

Today Sage is Eight years old, I can't believe that my baby boy is old enough to be baptized. We started the day with his favorite breakfast of pancakes and bacon. He then got to open two presents which were Star Wars Lego sets. We went and visited Hayden and then headed to the new City Creek Mall in downtown Salt Lake City were we had Chick-fil-a for lunch then headed back to Grandma Parker's house where we got ready for Sage's Baptism.

Robert and Sage all ready to go in their suits.


All of us


We are so proud of Sage and his choice to be baptized. He is such a good boy with an amazing spirit and we are proud to be his parents.

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Who Would Have Known...

...That this sweet little Monkey was a Kleptomaniac?


Not her Father and I, that's for sure. For the last six months we'd catch her every once in a while digging up loose change from the furniture. She's been dying to go to The Lemonade Store(Souplantation) and pay for her own meal.

We were helping the kids organize their room earlier this week and I picked up her bank and it was way heavier that I expected it to be. I never would have thought that this little thing could hold so much.
We promptly dumped it out and were shocked to find $30 in change along with the $2 she got from the Tooth Fairy. She is one determined little girl and I'm glad that she has learned how to save for something that she really wants.