Happy Anniversary, Mr. Parker!

They say that finding the love of your life is a rare thing - heck, I still have friends that are searching for theirs... but thankfully I have mine. Today my husband and I celebrate 15 years of marriage. It seems like we've been together forever but sometimes it seems like we just met, yesterday. I am still amazed at how much we have grown not only as a couple but as individuals. We have our own little family now and while things can be challenge for us, we tackle them together as one.

On February 2, 2002, Robert and I were married in La Jolla at the LDS Temple in a beautiful ceremony. Times have certainly changed since then, I remember the day like it was yesterday, surrounded by our loved ones helped to truly make it a wonderful day. Now - 15 years later we have three boys and two girls.

Dear Mr. Parker,

As we celebrate 15 years of being married today, I am reminded of the vows we took so many years ago. Our lives were simpler then, but while it's much more interesting now - it's comforting to know that the last 15 years I have grown as a woman, a wife and mother with you by my side. We have never had a dull moment and sometimes we don't get to rest as much as we would like, but the challenges we've had are a great reminder of how far we have come and a celebration of our journey together.

As I write this letter, I can't help but think where my life would be if we had made a different choice 15 years ago. Our situations would be different, our lives on various paths. It's hard to fathom but I realize that without you my life would never be the same... and it was God's plan that our paths would cross. Everything happens for a reason, and God's reason was that we were to be together.

Through all of our trials and challenges, I am always reminded of our love. You are my strength, my equal and my biggest supporter. I am who I am today and who I strive to be because of you. No matter what our future holds, I'm proud to have you by my side as we walk into the unknown and face whatever it is that comes our way - head on.

I love you for an eternity, always and forever!

Mrs. Parker

Mother/Son Date night

Sage and I were long over due for some one on one time. We went to dinner at McDonald's and then headed out to see MARVEL Live! Sage and I had a great night and were able to talk and laugh together. All in all it was a success!

Where Did You Go?

Wow... life has been crazy busy and has not slowed down enough for me to get my thoughts written down. Homeschooling this last year was crazy and at times I thought it would do me in. I am glad to report that we all survived although, just barely.

The beginning of 2015 brought a switch of job locations for Robert and Sage earning his Arrow of Light in Cub Scouts. We then spent 5 months in hell looking for a house. I don't recommend it if you want to keep your sanity.

Aurora turned 8 in February and was baptized with her friend Keenan in April. She started Girl Scouts and Activity Days.

I am working on overcoming my social anxiety and learning other ways to deal with it besides medication. So far every medication I've tried leaves me feeling like a zombie and takes away my ability to care about things like housework. I've recently discovered an herbal remedy that seems to be helping to relax me.

Lydia finished another semester of college and now has just one class left before she earns her Associates Degree in Deaf Studies.

In May we ended up having to replace my Mom's car with something more reliable. In addition to our Mazda MPV we are now the proud owners of a Honda Pilot.

The kids finished the 2014-2015 School Year and will be going into the 6th and 3rd grades. I can't believe how fast my babies are growing!

Sage will be turning 11 this Friday the 17th and will officially be a Boy Scout. He is so excited and cannot wait until he is 12 so he can spend more time with Robert camping and earn actual Merit Badges.

Thirty-three

Thirty.... What?!? Today I am thirty-three. Sage and Aurora insisted I answer the 20 questions that I make them answer every year.

1. What is your favorite color? Pink
2. What is your favorite stuffed animal? Sidney the Lamb and Hayden the Rabbit
3. What is your favorite fruit? Raspberries
4. Favorite T.V Show? F.R.I.E.N.D.S
5. Favorite food? Rubio's Fish Tacos 
6. Something I can't live without? Hayden's ring
7. Favorite game? Uno 
8. Favorite snack? Buñuelos from El Indio
9. Favorite animal? Beluga Whales
10. Favorite song? The Right Stuff- NKOTB and When You Say Nothing at All- Allison Krauss
11. Favorite book? Heaven is Waiting - Stephanie Nielson
12. Best Friend/s/? Robert, Mom, Lydia, Aurora, Marissa, Juniper, Diane
13. Favorite Cereal? Cinnamon Toast Crunch
14. Favorite thing to do outside? Swimming
15. Favorite Drink? Vanilla Coke
16. Favorite Holiday? Christmas 
17. Favorite Movie? Pitch Perfect
18. Favorite Breakfast? Créme Brûlée French Toast
19. Favorite place to visit? Disneyland
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? A Grandma

Date Night

Robert and I were in desperate need of a date night so off we went to dinner at The Brigantine and then to Boomer's for a round of mini golf and the batting cages.

I don't remember the last time we had so much fun.

I am so lucky to have a husband who is not afraid to act silly with me.

Three Generations

Lately, I find myself missing these two women everyday. I remember when this picture was taken I thought it was really stupid to be taking a pictures with my Aunt and Grandma but now I am so very glad that I have it to remember these AMAZING women and how much they mean to me.

They helped my Mother raise me and have greatly influenced to woman I have become. Those who knew my Grandma and Aunt will remember that they had little to no tact and always said what she thought, they would do anything for those they loved and had a deep love/hate relationship with Carbohydrates. I am constantly having to remind myself to think before I speak but then I think of them and it makes me happy to be so much like them.

Tap, Tap, Tap.......

In honor of our 12th Anniversary here's a breakdown of our twelve years together.

12 - Years of Marriage
11 - Trip's to Utah to visit Family
10 - Years we've lived in San Diego
9 - Pets we have had/have
8 - Years working for Kaiser
7 - Days a week that we are grateful for each other
6 - Months between our first date and our wedding
5 - AMAZING Children
4 - Different homes we have lived in
3 - Years we've been Homeschooling
2 - States we have lived in / Children in Heaven
1 - One happy couple

Eleven Years

Wow... has it really been eleven years since I married my best friend? The time has flown by but yet it seems we've known each other forever. 

Exiting the San Diego Temple after our ceremony.

Our First Dance

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.

Many Mustaches

I just love this stamp set. From the moment I saw it in last years catalog I knew I had to have it. I was even more excited when Stampin' Up! released it in digital format for MDS. I made this today since I was feeling down and this set always brings a smile to my face.

9 Years Later...

...and I'm still madly in love with Robert. We've been through an awful lot in the last 9 years dare I say more than most people. We've had 4 children and mourned two of them. We've had personal struggles and have said goodbye to my Mother all within the last 9 years, but we've come out of it stronger than ever and more united than I thought two people could ever be. He inspires me to be better, he supports and carries me when I don't have enough strength or courage to go on.

He loves me for who I am and has never once tried to change me. He puts up with my attitude and lets me be who I am. I love him more now than I did the day I married him. He is my best friend and the best part about him is that he loved my Mother like she was his.

Wonderful Weekend

It all started a few months ago when talking to my Bishop. He asked me if I had ever considered volunteering to work in The San Diego Temple once a month. I told him that I have always wanted to, but was never sure of how to go about it.

Fast forward to 5 weeks ago, I got a call from the Temple President's Secretary asking me to come to the Temple the next morning for an interview. At first, I  freaked out and couldn't figure out why the Temple President would want to talk to me, then I remembered my conversation with the Bishop and immediately calmed down. I got up and drove to the Temple and met with the President and He asked me to serve at the Temple the First Saturday of every month from 11:30 - 5:30, I accepted.

This last Saturday June 5th was my first day. While it was a little nerve racking at first, I quickly felt at ease as soon as I met all the wonderful women with whom I would be serving with. I've only know them for two days now, but they all feel like Mother's and Friends to me.

It was an amazing experience and while there were a few incidents it was easily the best day I've ever spent in the Temple(besides my wedding day). If your ever at the San Diego Temple on the first Saturday of the month, come and find me I'd love to see you!

The weekend just got better on Sunday. I was asked last week if I could teach the 7yr. old Primary class of course I jumped at the chance. I haven't been in Primary for 2 years now and it is next to Young Women's my all time favorite place to be in Church.

I had a blast with my Class. We went on a Treasure Hunt looking for various treasures and ended with the ultimate treasure the Scriptures which represents the Gospel. We then went back to our classroom and had a great time learning and sharing our treasures with each other.

After class we went to Sharing Time where we sang songs and played a game. I was also privileged to hear the new song the children are learning this year for the Primary Program. As I sat there listening to the children I was moved to tears to hear their sweet voices singing about our Heavenly Father. CLICK HERE to listen to the song and click on the words and music mp3 for I Know That My Savior Loves Me. If you haven't heard it already I guarantee you will be in tears by the end.

I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for giving me exactly what I needed this weekend! He truly knows us all and loves each of us more than we could ever comprehend.

Disneyland

Robert and I visited the Happiest Place on Earth last week and it was Amazing! It was Robert's very first trip there and one we won't ever forget. There aren't very many pictures because I'm super paranoid about strangers using our camera.

Robert walking through Toon Town

Robert and I waiting in line at Autopia

Robert being silly in Toon Town

Buzz Lightyear

Me in Sleeping Beauty's Castle

It was a GREAT overnight and whole day Date, one that we needed and really enjoyed.

8 Years

Eight years ago today I married my best friend. We were married in the San Diego Temple on February 2, 2002 {2/2/02}. I can't imagine anyone else I'd rather have by my side for eternity!

Robert got his wish and received this:

Robert says he's set for life with gifts now. He's got one more surprise coming today. I making a ginormous chocolate chip cookie.

Robert knows me so well. All I ever want for gifts is stamps or something stamp related. He bought me the Serif Essentials Alphabet Die's for my Big Shot.

He also gave me the money to pay for Stampin' Up! Convention 2010 this Summer. So...July 21-24th I'll be in Salt Lake City at the Salt Palace having the time of my life!

Then it's off to dinner on Saturday night at Tony Roma's to celebrate.

BEST OF 2009

2009 was a good year for us. Here's a few highlights:

January
*Sage found his one true love in Preschool. {click here}

February
*Robert and I celebrated our 7th Anniversary
*I celebrated my 1st Anniversary with Stampin' Up!
*Aurora celebrated her 2nd Birthday {click here}
*Hayden turned 6

March
*Sage started Mommy&Me Preschool and his learning took off from there. {click here}*Sage also made his first trip to Library and got a Library card.

April
*We bought a new Camera after our old one died
*I started a Blog for Hayden {click here}

May
*Aurora but right through her lip {click here}

June
*The kids and I took a trip to Utah {click here}
*Sage & Aurora learned the dance to Michael Jackson's Thriller

July
*I went to Stake Girls Camp as a Stake Leader, AWESOME!!!!
*Sage celebrated his 5th Birthday {click here}

August
*I went and saw WICKED twice, it was amazing!
*Sage started Kindergarten {click here}

September
*Stampin' Up! released the most amazing product, My Digital Studio
*Aurora got her first haircut {click here}
*While browsing some SU! Demo Blogs of the Display Boards from Convention, I realized that
one of my cards was on display for 6,000+ SU! Demo's see. {click here}

October
*My Mom & I took a trip to Utah for 3 days with NO KIDS
*Sage enjoyed his first Mommy/Daddy date {click here}
*I celebrated my 28th Birthday

November
*I went and saw THIS IS IT {click here}
*Robert celebrated his 34th Birthday, complete with a Twilight themed birthday card {click here}
*I saw NEW MOON, twice! {click here} Holy Hot Vampire Batman!
*We had 14 people over for Thanksgiving Dinner, none of which are related to us.

December
*I made my first gift with My Digital Studio, a calendar for my Mother-In-Law
*We had an amazing Christmas!

We had a great year and we look forward to what 2010 brings us.

28 Reasons Why I Love Cula

Hey there everyone. As you might know today is Cula's 28th Birthday. In honor of my amazing Wife I decided to make a rare appearance and tell you all the top 28 reasons why I love her.


28. The way she laughs
27. The way she squeals when I surprise her
26. The way her smile makes me want to smile
25. How organized she is
24. The way she giggles
23. How she makes me laugh harder than I ever have before
22. How much she loves her immediate and extended family
21. How passionate she is about reading
20. Her warped sense of humor
19. How creative she is
18. How strong her testimony is
17. How she always calls me on the carpet when I've got an attitude
16. How she doesn't take attitude from anyone
15. How giving and loving she is
14. How she took such good care of her Mom while she underwent Chemo
13. How dedicated she is to her Church callings
12. How she drop whatever she's doing to help or be there for the Young Women in our Ward.
11. The way she stands by me, no matter what I've done
10. Her ability to stand up for what she believes, no matter the cost
9. How she actually gets down on the floor and REALLY plays with the kids
8. How much she loves me, even though I don't deserve it
7. How much she loves all of our Children
6. How she makes sure the kids know about Hayden, so they don't forget him
5. How much she loves and thinks about Hayden everyday
4. How she makes me want to be a better Husband and Father
3. How beautiful she is even though she doesn't see it
2. How she makes sure the kids and I know how much she loves us
1. How I fall more and more in love with her everyday

I'm so glad that Cula moved to Salt Lake City and that we were able to meet. I truly believe that she is my soul mate and I would be lost without her. I don't know what I did to deserve her. She is the most amazing woman I know.

Love,

Robert

Yucky...

Have you ever had one of those days where you just feel yucky? I've been sick all weekend and finally I'm starting to feel better, but for some reason I still feel yucky. I think it's a combination of things really. For some strange reason San Diego seems to have skipped Spring all together and moved straight into Summer. It was 80 degrees at 8am. I haven't looked outside at the thermometer yet, cause I know it's gonna be worse, and because of the heat, I can't send Aurora out to play because her eczema flares up and her body becomes red, puffy and dry. I could let the others out but then Aurora gets all upset and it's really not fair to her. So here I am trapped indoors with 3 lively children two of which can't seem to stop fighting and it's driving me crazy today. Their super hungry, but won't eat anything and when they do it just comes back up, so it's crackers and juice for the third day in a row. My children are coughing so loudly that they sound like little smokers with emphysema. I'm going crazy with my two plus one daycare child and I'm thinking that I'm so grateful that I don't have more children and I'm wondering how some women do it. Heavenly Father sure knew what he was doing when he blessed with the right amount of children. Anyway, sorry just had to vent