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

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.

Sleeping Positions

I am constantly finding Robert in funny positions while sleeping or napping.

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.

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

This Old Man...

In honor of Robert's 38th Birthday I am sharing 38 things that make him special.

1. He is hilarious
2. He is very relaxed which balances my craziness
3. He loves music
4. He is a wonderful son
5. He is an even better Husband
6. He is a wonderful Dad
7. He loves super spicy food
8. He is like Bruce Willis' character in UNBREAKABLE.
9. When he was younger he looked just like Neil Patrick Harris during his Doogie Howser years
10. He supports me and my dreams
11. He is always there for me when I need a shoulder to cry on
12. He loves my Mom
13. His sarcasm
14. It was his idea to add to our family
15. He works hard to support our family
16. He loves Disneyland as much as I do
17. He's a thrill seeker
18. His willingness to serve others
19. How tender he is when he talks about Bryton and Hayden
20. He has become a real handyman
21. He helps me overcome my depression and anxiety
22. He loves to play with our fur babies
23. His patience
24. He never complains when I mess up dinner
25. His love of chocolate
26. His love for the scouting program at church
27. His love of movies
28. He loves a good root beer
29. He's become a master gardener
30. He grills our Turkey every thanksgiving
31. He can sleep anywhere
32. He falls asleep very easily
33. His willingness to help me more around the house since I am now limited in what I can do.

34. He does whatever it takes to make me happy

35. He loves Starbucks almost as much as I do

36. He can fix almost anything to do with the cars

37. He comes home from work when I have panic attacks and stays until I feel better

38. His love for his brothers and sisters

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

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

Honest Abe

Robert took me to see Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter today. Yes, I know it's rated R and yes there are a few parts that did not need to be in there but hello..... it's a vampire movie so it's going to be violent. I didn't think I'd like it at all but I was pleasantly surprised. Even though I found myself cuddling up to Robert at the really intense scenes, I really enjoyed it and found myself getting caught up with the storyline.

It was a historical/fiction film. I love how it actually followed his life through his Presidency. The way it was presented made me feel and wish that it was real. And really.... who doesn't love a good vampire movie. There's something about vampires that intrigues me and I love the idea of it.

The best part about the movie was that It made me want to come home and read all I could about Abe. I'm thinking that this coming year that we're going to learn about a different President every week and I cannot wait to teach the kids about all of the amazing things President Lincoln did!

So Blessed!

Lately I have been VERY frustrated with Robert's job. They've been messing with his schedule a lot and it's hard to get used to. Just when I think I've had enough of his job I am reminded how blessed we are that he has such an amazing job. Robert brought home Sage's monthly prescription tonight and this is what I saw. 

Yep, apparently his prescription would cost $509.07 but thanks to our insurance that is provided by Robert's job we only have to pay $5.00. I am very thankful for the stability of Robert's job, we truly are blessed!

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.

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.

Thirty-Four

Today is Robert's 34th Birthday. I can't believe it's been 8 1/2 years since we met. Anyone who really knows Robert knows that he really hates to have his picture taken, even more than I do. It's really hard to get good pictures of him because he insists on making goofy faces, closing his eyes or keeping his sunglasses on.

Happy Birthday Robert/Daddy! We love you very much and hope that you have an awesome day and that us surprising you at work didn't cause too much trauma. If you see him today please wish him a Happy Birthday.

Twilight Birthday

My good friend Marissa bought me these Bella & Edward stamps for my birthday last month and sadly they haven't seen ink. I think I was waiting for the perfect project. Today, I found it. Robert's Birthday Card. Now you are probably thinking "Why would Cula make Robert a Twilight themed birthday card?" Well, here's your answer... I love Twilight, therefore Robert has to deal with all things Twilight.

Here's the card:
Here's the inside

I normally don't add anything to the inside of my cards but I couldn't help myself. Let me explain; last year when I was caught up in the Twilight Frenzy along with the rest of the world, Robert was making fun of Twilight Vampires and how instead of bursting into flames when they step into the sun, they sparkle like diamonds. He then proceeded to stand in front on the large picture window in our dining room and pull up his shirt and say "Am I Sparkling?". He had me on the floor laughing so hard.

As payback for making fun of me, he now had to deal with anything Twilight I do for him.

Daddy, We Got You Wolverine!

Tuesday night I took Sage with me to Target to buy him some new school shoes as well as Robert's Birthday present. Robert has been wanting the movie X-Men Origin's Wolverine movie ever since it came out, so Sage and I decided to pick it up for Robert.

We also decided to get him an iTunes gift card to feed his music obsession.

While in the store and all the way home I kept telling Sage not to tell his Daddy about the presents we just bought because it was a surprise for his Daddy's Birthday. He promised he wouldn't but as soon we got out of the van and into the house, he proudly announced to Robert that he couldn't tell him about the Wolverine Movie and iTunes card because it was a secret for his birthday. Needless to say the surprise was ruined but seriously if your gonna have your birthday surprise ruined isn't that the way you'd want it to happen?

Happy Father's Day

I just wanted to wish my super sweet and AMAZING Husband a Happy Father's Day! He really is the best Husband and Father ever! He is the perfect compliment to my paranoia and OCD, and I don't know what I did right to deserve him. Sage and Aurora truly love him and so sweet to see them having special moments.

Aurora, was SO done with our photo shoot but one hug and talk with her Daddy and she was ready to keep going.

Sage was also done with the shoot, so Robert took Sage for a walk. They love to explore together. Sage's nickname is Robert Jr., he is exactly like his Father, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Thank you Robert for being one AMAZING DAD!!!