Parker Post

Happy Birthday Jesus & Merry Christmas to all

2011-12-26T06:06:00.000-08:00

Kiddo Catch Up

2011-11-07T05:14:00.000-08:00

So much has happened with my munchkins since my last post.

Ella got a puppy from her Bubba for her Birthday.
She named him Jude and he is DESTRUCTIVE which is driving Brandon mad.
Oh, and he is HUGE now, so I will post more about the animals later.

Check ups with Dr. Bies and everyone looks great

Took these two girlies to Holiday World and had a blast.

This cutie started sleeping in his bed all night, but only lasted about a month
and we are now back to getting up once in the night.
I can't really complain though, we are usually only up for about 10 minutes
and he's right back to snoozin.

Our Tay Tay spent the summer with us again, and oh how we love her so.
Allie and Brittany even got to make a few guest appearances and help out too.

Ryder hit lots of milestone this summer too. He started sitting well on his own to play,
and he is now crawling army style aroung the living room. When he does occasionally get up on all
fours he just can't quite make those legs go. No worries, I'm in no hurry for him to grow up!

Ella has been working on the farm this summer in her spare time,
when she isn't playing Barbies or making me listen to Selena Gomez songs in the car.

You know the usual, building fence and herding cows.

River fishing with uncle John

Ella is in her second year of Preschool with Mrs. Peggy and Mrs. Brenda.
Next year she will be going to kindergarten.

Ella's new best friend has been Brittany's boyfriend Brannon.
We tell her it isn't nice to pick her friends based on their toys, but she just loves
riding in his combine. But seriously, he is a total sweetheart and we hope
he makes a permanent place in our family.

This little stinker has started looking more and more
like my Grandpa George every day.

Fall has brought sweatshirts and wagon rides from Grandma Cindy,

and football

and more playing in corn fields

Ella made a very pretty Cinderella, and Ryder a very snuggly dragon.

We dug all of Ella's old baby toys out for Ryder, and he just thinks they are the coolest.
I love watching him giggle over and over at a cow going round in circles.
It's the little things.

Eating My Words and Making Money

2011-07-04T18:58:00.000-07:00

So I've always been of the motto JUST SAY NO when it comes to yard sales.

Not that they aren't good ideas and a great way to recycle, but they have just always sounded like way too much work. Well they are too much work and I probably won't be having another, but I did it. I had my first yard sale, got rid of lots, and made over $400. My cousins and I got all our old stuff together along with a few items from parents and my BIL.

I learned a lot. I learned that I had way too much junk that needed to go and that there are some really die hard yard salers out there. There is kind of a little subculture of early rising wheeling and dealing folks that I knew nothing about.

We all did really well and then loaded all the leftovers up for donation.

Now that I know the ins and outs I might not hesitate so much if and when we need to do this again and what a nice bonus to have more money to add to the Disney fund.

Happy Birthday Sweet Ella

2011-07-01T08:23:00.000-07:00

So last weekend we celebrated Ella's 4th birthday with lots of Fairies, Pirates, Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, and Friends. It was perfect. We played and played and ate yummy sweets.

And when the last guests left we loaded up and took Ella and Landrey to their very first movie, Cars 2.

I know crazy right. No naps, lots of sugar and didn't get home until after 9 on a Sunday. They didn't exaclty have patience for the whole movie, but live and learn right. When we finally crashed, we crashed hard. Ella fell asleep in her bed in her party dress with a cupcake icing ring around her mouth and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. Guess that means she had a good Birthday!

Bring the Spring In

2011-05-15T10:17:00.000-07:00

A quick fix to the rainy day blues

I got the idea HERE.

1st Annual Matthew 5:16 Day

2011-05-14T14:44:00.000-07:00

Matthew 5:16

In the same way,

let all your good deeds shine out for all to see

so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father

Ella's good deed assignment was to walk the

Martin County Humane Society dogs.

(Well at least the ones that weren't too big to take her down)

We walked this spunky guy first, his name is Rudy.

And he didn't really want his picture taken can you tell :)

And this little angel is Diamond.

Since she was still too little to go on a very long walk, we took her

to meet some of the residents at the nursing home.

She was a hit.

Can't believe people dump off such innocent and sweet creatures.

Hope they will have us back because we would sure love to meet more of them.

Baptism

2011-05-08T17:36:00.000-07:00

Lord surround this child with goodness,

lead him in Your light each day

Let him walk the path You've chosen,

guide his steps along the way...

Pretty Presents

2011-05-05T15:14:00.000-07:00

Oh how these pretty presents just made my day when I saw them.
My amazingly talented friend Val made these for us and I just had to share.

She painted this picture for Ella to hang in her room.

And made Ella's Momma these beautiful bracelets made with old buttons.
.
Thanks Val :)

Has Anyone Seen My Baby?

2011-04-30T03:09:00.000-07:00

I know it couldn't have been that long ago that we brought this bright eyed angel home.

Could it have?

I swear I was just wiping her butt and nose every hour on the hour.

Wasn't I?

Wasn't it just the other day that she needed me to rock her to sleep?

I know it was just last week that she couldn't even reach the potty. Right?

Could she really be turning 4 this summer?

She wouldn't even let me stand by her in the dentist chair. I had to sit in my chair in the corner. Seriously?

Okay Ryder, we need to talk about this!

What a Trooper

2011-04-29T13:02:00.000-07:00

Ella had her first cleaning at the dentist today and she did amazing. So proud of her.

Tricia said that they would keep going and see what all Ella would tolerate the first time and stop if we could tell she had enough.

We got it all!
Cleaning? Check
Flouride Treatment? Check
Flossing? (this is the one I didn't think she would go for) Check
X-Rays? Check

Pick up a toy on the way home for being an awesome patient? Check!

We will gladly see you all again in 6 months :)

Easter

2011-04-24T14:53:00.000-07:00

Lord,
Thank You for the gift of HOPE You gave us on Easter morning. Because of You we know that no problem is too difficult and even death does not have power over us.
Thank You for the gift of JOY You gave us when You were resurrected. Because of You we know that no matter how challenging life may be, in the end we will rejoice again.
Thank You for the gift of LOVE You gave us when You laid down Your life.
Because of You we know that there is no sin too great to separate us and we are incredibly valuable to You.
Thank You for the gift of LIFE You gave us when You left the tomb. Because of Easter we know this world is just the beginning and we will spend forever in Heaven with You.
We celebrate You, JESUS, with hearts full of praise and gratitude for who You are and all You've done for us.
Amen

Meet Ryder

2011-03-15T09:08:00.001-07:00

Ella has a baby brother.

Ryder William Parker was born at 7:35 pm on

February 9th.

7lbs 3 oz 20 inches long

She asked several times in the first week
"how long do we have to keep him"
but I think she has decided he's not so bad after all.

He really is a wonderful baby. Already sleeping
5 hours at night and doesn't make much of a peep
unless his tummy hurts.

Life is definitely pretty different around here
but loving every minute of it.
There will be tears for sure when I have
to go back to work.

Shower for Baby June

2010-06-13T10:37:00.000-07:00

Saturday I went to a baby shower for Valerie and Cole so of course that meant that I stayed up very late the night before to make presents because I unfortunately inherited the procrastination gene from my Dad. Anyway, I made these cute onesies for Miss Eleanor June.

And I couldn't forget Mom, so I made Val a necklace with her daughter's name.

The shower was perfect and I finally got to hang out with Cole, which I must say I think he is going to be an amazing Dad. What they have seems so effortless and I am beyond excited for them.

June, you are a very blessed little girl and we love you already!

Girls Day

2010-05-15T16:41:00.000-07:00

Today we picked Courtney and Landrey up and headed to Jasper for a little girls day. We ate pizza and then went to the riverwalk to kill a little time before the Skate Palace opened. Since we had a beautiful day, full tummies, and good spirits, we decided to take some pictures of the girls.

Then we headed to ...

where they had Barbie skates

and good times

I pray that you girls always remain close.

Thanks Court and Landrey for a great day.

New Living Room

2010-05-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

I feel just awful that I haven't blogged in so long but I promise I have been very busy. We completely cleaned out our front room that was holding a dining room set of Grandma Wilma's. While it was very pretty, it just never got any use. We aren't really the formal dining type of folks. So instead we started from scratch in making it into a small living room for Mama and Ella to run away to when Daddy wants to watch sports or hunting in the other room. So really this room is just for us girls which means I can stray away from overstuffed leather and recliners which are the dominant theme in the other room.

First I made these really cool curtains out of two flat king sheets. The picture is kind of bad but they are a dark gray. I just cut some off the bottom and hemmed them. You can't even tell that they used to be sheets in a former life.

Next was on to the BIG project. I read a blog that had all the plans for building your own entertainment center and thought I would give it a try. I started with this pile of wood which I had them cut for me at Home Depot when I bought it.

I was able to put the whole thing togather by myself with the help of my brother-in-law's handy dandy nail gun, a little wood glue, and some screws.

I was a little dissappinted when I had to call in reinforcements to install the track for my drawers when I couldn't get the darn things to line up. But that is the ONLY thing I had help on. I promise.

Then I painted and polyurethaned and moved it on in. Painting was definitely the most time consuming part. The plans called for cubbies that stack on either side but I wanted to get it moved in and see what it looked like first before I decided. I will for sure be making those soon so it looks a little more finished.

Then I picked up this couch which is gray but again you can't tell from the bad picture. Its super comfy and has NO RECLINERS. Its mine and I love it.

Oh and check out this beautiful afgan that my Mom picked up from my cousin Lucile's estate sale. I works great in here and I love knowing where it came from.

Then for Mother's Day my wonderful husband bought me this tv, so I guess I could let him sit in my room sometimes. :)

I hope to make a bright yellow coffee table with big caster wheels soon, as well as a long white shelf for displaying pictures. I'll be sure to post those as soon as they are done, but I also have a birthday party to plan for a very special little girl so I hope I have time.

A Day with Friends and Mickey

2010-02-28T06:55:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we loaded the cousins, Ella, Landrey, Abbey and Ava up in this sweet minivan Courtney rented and headed off to see Mickey and all his friends.

We made a quick stop at Steak and Shake

And then with tantrums in check (because of milkshakes in tow) we headed to The Centre.

The girls picked out some Handy Manny hard hats and Little Einsteins wands

and settled in for a very captivating show.

Don't you just love Mickey. I think us Moms were just as into it as the kids.

Then with happy hearts we headed back to the minivan

for much needed naps.

Oh, and then of course there were piggy back rides from Grandpa Jay waiting for Ella at home.

Waffles a la Ella

2010-02-20T05:58:00.000-08:00

Snow Castles

2010-02-19T14:24:00.000-08:00

I came home after work yesterday to find my Mom and Ella building snow castles in the driveway. Looked like a lot of fun, but Ella told me I wasn't allowed because "I'm playing with Mamaw, Mommy." So I went inside to fix supper.

When I came back out to bring her inside, I found this lovely lady on my side walk. She needs a name don't you think. She looks like a Fern. We'll call you Fern.

Lovely hair by the way.

Thanks Mom for making great moments with my Daughter.

I Heart You :)

2010-02-17T09:02:00.000-08:00

Valentine's day is just such a cool day. Ella sure enjoyed it to the max. We ate candy, played with the new stuff in our Valentine mailbox, and made paper hearts to send to all our friends.

Here is some of the loot.

And you know we had to play with all of it at once.

She liked her new boots so well, that I had to sneak them off of her after she went to bed.

And Mamaw Cindy got us these oh so neato window crayons and they are really easy to clean off so Mommy likes them too.

Hope you all felt the love Sunday and just in case you didn't I'll pass a little on today.

XOXOXO

Cookie Day

2009-12-20T17:09:00.000-08:00

We had annual COOKIE DAY at my uncles yesterday and we had a very messy, very yummy, very wonderful time.

Lots of Sprinkles

lots of messy faces

Would you like a little cookie with your icing?

No wonder Ella didn't want to go to sleep last night!

Sugar overload.

Check out Ella and Daddy. Thanks to Mamaw Cindy and Papaw Jay, Ella can be just like Daddy in her very own recliner.

Surprise Visitor

2009-12-20T16:09:00.000-08:00

Last night a Ella had a special visit from Santa.
She didn't cry this year but she wanted nothing to do with sitting on his knee.
Thanks Santa for finding time to visit, we know how busy you are.

Adventures in Potty Training

2009-12-13T18:48:00.000-08:00

We have been trying this training thing now for several months with not much progress until Friday. Friday she stayed dry all day and even through the night. Its like it just clicked finally. Saturday was starting out to be another amazing day, she woke up and went straight to the potty without and bribing. Yay! A perfect day of training until this

and this

Yes, that is poo on my bathroom walls. God love her, she tried to go all by herself but just couldn't get the pants down in time. Her uncle Bryson had the privilege of catching her in the act. Try disciplining and explaining what she did wrong when your trying not to pee your own pants from laughing so hard.
The potty is missing from the first picture because it was already outside being hosed down by the time I got to my camera, but just try to imagine it just behind that smear of poo on the floor with the foot prints in it. Very thankful that I had just stocked up on the Clorox wipes and Mr Clean Erasers!

Prayer Request

2009-09-10T12:22:00.000-07:00

I am sending out this Prayer Request for my Aunt Becky and her son Trent. Trenton is my age (25) and went to the hospital today with congestive heart failure. I don't exactly know what this means, but they have gone in and put in a stint and ballooned in two spots. They say that he has a lot of old scaring on his heart, significant build up of calcium, and a weak wall.They believe that they caught this in time. Thanks be to GOD!
As many of you know my aunt has already lost her husband and son to nearly the same thing. Please keep them in you thoughts and prayers. Thank You.

Trip to the Park

2009-09-01T11:57:00.000-07:00

Saturday we took Ella to the Washington Park. It was such a nice day I couldn't imagine spending it indoors.
She loved the swings, loved the ducks, and wasnt' so fond of wet slides.
As we were leaving she wanted to walk in the mud and fell right in it. Before I could get to her she had picked some up and was rubbing it everywhere. Well, we ruined a skirt but a small price to pay for a great day.

New Sitter

2009-09-01T08:45:00.001-07:00

Well, this is the start of Ella's third week at her new babysitter. I won't say it has been an easy transition, but that is mostly due to the fact that my daughter has a little of her Grandpa Jay in her and doesn't handle change well. Maggie is wonderful so lets just hope that our very opinionated two year old doesn't scare her off. She cries in the mornings which breaks my heart, but then wants to tell me all about the fun she had as soon as I pick her up. She surprisingly even tells me when she was bad.

Wiffle Ball, Landscaping, & Birthday

2009-08-03T11:41:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a beautiful day for playing outdoors and that's just what we did. My cousin's son Larson was celebrating his first birthday at Carl's with grilling, cake, ice cream, and presents. Then the great grandkids took advantage of the great weather and played wiffle ball.

Uncle John couldnt't resist a chance to coach again.

Go Allie Go

Jaelyn really getting into the game

My cousin Scott's two beautiful girls

Larson with his Mom & Dad

Drew & Korbin helping on the farm - Grandpa George would have been proud

Drew & Korbin helping Will lay landscaping stones

Rainy Day Fun

2009-08-02T17:29:00.000-07:00

Thursday night we met at Carl's with our girls because Tuesday just didn't work out this week. They always want to play outside but it had been raining all day. Ella found a puddle and it started with just putting a foot in and ended with no dry clothes to wear home. Thank you Lord for the rainy day, we had so much fun.

Corn on the Cob

2009-07-22T05:15:00.000-07:00

I have finally found a vegetable the Ella will eat besides potatoes.

I made stir fry and corn on the cob Monday night and went ahead and made something else as a back up for Ella because I knew she would pick the steak out of the stir fry and eat it but I didn't think she would be interested in the corn on or off the cob. As soon as she saw Daddy enjoying his she wanted one. She said, "Can I have one too with nails?"
She calls the corn holders nails. She finished the whole cob. Looks like we will be having a lot more of this in the future.

Lots and Lots of Critters

2009-07-22T04:21:00.000-07:00

Friday night we loaded up and headed to St. Louis. In the morning we went to the zoo. This was Ella's first time and she loved it. If you ask her what she saw at the zoo she'll tell you horses and cows. Wouldn't you know that the only thing my little girl was really interested in are the things we get to see everyday along the road. We had a nice lunch outside at the zoo. Then Ella napped on the way to Grant's Farm. I have never seen such lines before. One hour wait in the car to get in the parking lot,one hour wait standing in line to get in the farm, and 30 minute wait to get on the tram to take you in to see everything. Amazingly, and thank you Lord, Ella remained calm the whole time. The park workers kept saying that they hadn't seen crowds like that before so it must have been a fluke. I guess it was a combination of a beautiful day and a free attraction. Even with the wait I would go back again. Well, I guess with all that being an angel all day long she just couldn't take it anymore. She slept for the first 20 minutes of the ride home and the cried from St. Louis to Evansville. Needless to say, Brandon and I had to stop for Tylenol at a gas station. I had a great summer weekend with my husband and daughter and can't wait to plan our next little weekend getaway.

Quick Catch Up

2009-07-06T16:13:00.000-07:00

I know it has been way too long but so much has been going on. I love my new job and I don't even mind the getting up early part because it is so worth it being home early. We just celebrated Ella's Birthday. She turned 2 last Monday. Can you believe it? The party went great and we can't keep her off her new Gator. The day after her Birthday we headed to Dale Hollow for a few days for a little R&R, sort of. Its a lot of work to go on vacation especially with a 2 year old. We were gone for my Dad's Birthday which is the day after Ella's so a great big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Dad! Ella missed you both terribly. Now I'll share some highlights of the last few weeks.

The Birthday Girl

Ella & Daddy @ The Fish Hatchery

Ella Loving the Water & Swimming By Herself

Lots of Changes

2009-05-29T15:30:00.000-07:00

Well I thought I wasn't much like my Dad, but this week has proven me wrong. I like change but this is an awful lot at one time.

This Week:
Last day at work today. (Will miss everyone so much)
Start new job Monday.
Babysitter that we love love love is moving to Jasper today.
My cousins will start coming to the house Monday to watch Ella.
Today a dear friend and co-worker moved to Kansas City.

I know He doesn't give us more than we can handle, but that sure is a lot of goodbyes for one week.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2009-04-08T18:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to an amazing husband and the best Dad a little girl could ask for.
Hope you had a great day.
We Love You !

Ella Helping Make Daddy's Cake

Ella Helping Eat Daddy's Cake

Ella Giving Daddy His Birthday Card

Hello Spring

2009-03-25T17:16:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful weekend for playing outdoors. We took full advantage of the nice days. Sunday we spent the day getting starts of flowers from Lucile's house. Ella just thought it was so great that she got to ride in the wheel barrel and play with Lucile's well pump. Lots of fun on the farm. She was supposed to help Mommy and Mamaw Cindy plant them at our house, but she slept right through it. Monday rolled around and it was nice too so we didn't even go inside when we got home, but headed straight for the sidewalk chalk and colored until supper. Looking forward to many more spring days.

We're In !

2009-03-13T16:56:00.000-07:00

We've been here since the 1st of March, but there is still so much unpacking to do. It already feels like home, and Ella loves to show her room to anyone that comes over even though she's only slept in her own bed twice now.

Ella's Room

Our Room

Play Room

Bathroom

Living Room

Family Room

Ella's First Haircut

2009-01-10T18:05:00.000-08:00

Today Ella's aunt Brittany cut her hair for the first time. My Mom and my cousin Justi went with us. I wasn't sure how she would do, but we sat her on my Mom's lap and she did really well.

Catching up after the Holidays

2009-01-03T16:59:00.000-08:00

Well, what a busy and wonderful couple of weeks. We spent time with family, ate lots of great food, and most importantly we celebrated the birth of our Lord. I'm kind of sad to see the season go. We kicked everything off by gathering at my uncle Carl's house with my aunts and cousins and our children the Sunday before Christmas to bake cookies and put up the tree. The girls really got into decorating the cookies. As fast as Polly could bake them, they had them loaded down with icing and sprinkles.

Then on Tuesday Ho Ho came by to see Ella. This went much better than expected, she actually sat on his lap and even shook his hand. The next few days that is all she talked about.

Christmas Eve was the Walker christmas at Ray's (that is what Ella calls my uncle Carl). Everyone ate then my cousin Blake read us the story of the first Christmas. The kids all tore into their new toys and played together until time to go. Ella started getting sick that night with fever and nose bleeds so we didn't stay as long as usual. We went home and sat out our cookies for Santa and went to bed. Poor little Ella was up all night with fever and cold chills.

Christmas morning came and I don't think Ella knew what to think. She was in awe of all the new toys. She still wasn't feeling well and by the time we got to my Mom and Dad's she was throwing up. She slept through presents and breakfast. Then we went to Brandon's Mom and Dad's for lunch and more presents.

Ella opening presents at the Parker family Christmas on Saturday.

Mommy's Little Helper

2008-11-27T05:27:00.000-08:00

Having a wonderful Thanksgiving morning with Ella. She thought it was pretty cool that she got to help.
Praying for a safe and happy holiday for everyone!

Birthdays

2008-11-16T17:04:00.001-08:00

Friday was our babysitter's Birthday so Thursday night Ella helped me make cupcakes for Nae Nae and I let her eat one all by herself.

& Today the Sargents got together for Grandma Wilma's 89th Birthday party. It was really great to see everyone. It's been too long!

Trick - or - Treat

2008-11-02T18:06:00.000-08:00

Our little Moo Cow

Party with the Walkers

2008-10-11T18:58:00.000-07:00

Tonight my whole family got together to celebrate my aunt Peggy's upcoming surgery which we have been waiting on forever, but it was also a chance for all of us to welcome baby Joe to the family. You would think that all the new faces he met tonight and all the strange people holding him would scare him, but he was a such a trooper. It feels as if he has always been a part of our family. I think that everyone had a great time and I can't wait to do it again at Thanksgiving. I am so thankful to God for such a large and close family. It really is a blessing.

Joe & Taylor

The girls found some dirt to play in

Lark Ranch

2008-10-05T05:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Courtney and I took our girls to Lark's Ranch. Neither of us had been before so we weren't sure there would be anything for one year olds to do, but we all had a blast. The first thing the girls did was check out the "farms animals", which turned out was just goats and birds but they didn't care. Ella wouldn't pet the goats, but Landrey sure thought they were cool. Ella was more into the chickens and quack quacks. One little chicken kept teasing Ella by sticking its neck through the fence and then pulling it back as soon as she would try to pet him. Maybe next time baby. Landrey also got to ride a pony, and suprisingly she loved it and didn't want to get off when her turn was over. Ella didn't want much to do with the ponys, but I did get her to pet the smallest one before we left. We then decided to push our luck and take the hay ride to the pumpkin patch. Well, Ella broke down halfway there and started sreaming which continued the rest of the way there and the whole way back, and Landrey got sick on Courtney. We called it a day and headed home with our pumpkins. Thanks Courtney and Landrey for spending the day with us. We love you so much! Maybe next year we will go after naps :)

Yard Sale Find

2008-10-04T21:10:00.000-07:00

Let me start off by saying that I am so thankful and blessed that our parents help out so much with Ella. Brandon's Mom picks her up from Renae's Mon-Thu after work and keeps her until I get off at 5. My Mom has her on Fridays and many evenings so that we can work on the house. I know we don't say it everyday but I couldn't imagine doing it without them. Well, yesterday when Ella came home from spending the day with Grandma Cindy she came home with a big dump truck that they found at a yard sale, and she loves it. It makes noises and it is just big enough for her to fit in the back. She was just too cute in it so I thought I would share. Enjoy!

Grandma is 55!

2008-09-24T08:25:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Grandma!
Love, Ella

Tuesday Dinner

2008-09-23T19:46:00.000-07:00

Every Tuesday my family gathers at my uncle Carl's (Grandma & Grandpa's) house for dinner. Sometimes there are two or three of us and sometimes ten. I am just so thankful to everyone that makes the effort to keep our family close the way that they would have wanted it. I love that my daughter gets to grow up with and be close to her cousins and great aunts and uncles. Thanks again. I love you all!

2008-09-20T18:47:00.001-07:00

Some Pictures

2008-09-20T18:37:00.001-07:00

I Finally Did It

2008-08-26T13:11:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! This is my first blogging experience. I have been wanting to do this since my daughter was born (14 months ago), but never had the time. I just realized that I will never really have time with a toddler, so I am just going to try to squeeze this in whenever I can. I don't have the time or patience for scrapbooking and wanted some way to document all the little things. I'm going to try posting some pics soon. :)