Redemption

So, I signed up for the "Main Treat" for Grace's class for the Halloween party. I made some cupcakes.
They were... (wince) cute. They had orange frosting and a sucker poking out of the top. I took them into the class and what was already there but the cutest spider cupcakes with licorice legs, red eyes, and chocolate sprinkles so they looked hairy.

Argh.

My friend Mindy pointed out that I should have signed up for paper products.

Good Point.

WELL, my friends, today is Grace's ninth birthday (It's true, We have reached the half way point of the time we'll have her full time. Sniffle.) She asked me to bring in cinnamon rolls for her birthday treat. And I did.

Take that all you cute cupcake bringing moms.

They look good, no?

P.S. This post reminded me of the part at the end of Dumb and Dumber when the one says to the other, " Just when I think you can't possibly be any dumber you do something like this..... and totally REDEEM yourself." Funny.

Totally

shout out to my BFC

You know Best Friend Cousin... like a BFF, only blood relation.

She texted me last night to "update your blog already." So here it is.

This is Lyndi. She is my BFC. We've been friends forever. When we were little we were pen pals and I would eagerly await her letters. When we were in high school I lived with her family for a semester. We could carry on entire conversations without words. We had sleepovers Friday and Saturday nights in her room and we had hundreds of inside jokes, that only we found funny. There's nothing quite like a BFC. If you have one, you know.

The problem now is that the only time we see each other is if someone dies or gets married. Sad. Well, not this summer. The kids and I took a little road trip to see her family. So fun. We stayed up way too late talking and it's like the time has never passed.

My sister, Wynn; me; my cousin, Lyndi; and my other BFC, Cassie. It really doesn't do any of my gorgeous girls' justice...but after a long day of shopping and so many shots...we took what we could get.

So...Lyndi Lou... I love you! (Sorry it's taken me so long to update the ole' blog.)

Later... Deep thoughts

When Val showed the video of their family pics at the reunion I had some thoughts:

I miss Matt's parents. I cried when I saw the pictures of them set to the song, "I believe." I always do. I miss Val Sr. I miss Matt's mom (who I never even got to meet.) I think if I could know Matt's mom, I would have the missing piece of the puzzle that is my husband. I thought about posterity and the importance of family. The rich legacy of faith that can be left behind. The legacy of faith I want to be part of and my children and time.

How quickly it passes.

Family Reunion Season

Ah... Family Reunion Time. We never have McKittrick reunions unless someone dies. (No offense guys, but it's true.) But the Parke family... they know how to reunite. This year all of Matt's side (Uncles, aunts, cousins, etc.) got together in Carey. The highlight was Val's slideshow. He really has that down to an art. I love watching all the pictures and getting a sense of people when they were young. (I have deep thoughts about this but this doesn't seem like the time to share them.) (Maybe later.)

After the big shindig some of Matt's family came back to our house. We went to the ice show. We stayed up too late watching funny you tube videos and laughing. "Twilight, what have you done with my wife?" It was great fun.

This is my niece Ashley. I {heart} her a lot. We used to cheat at Masterpiece.

OK. We still cheat at Masterpiece.

I {heart} this picture of my cute nieces and my favorite brother-in-law Val in the background.

At the water park

(To the tune of 'At the carwash" )

B. O. A. T.

April 2007- Yes, that is snow...and our new boat. Happy Day. . .

Bail Out Another Thousand- Did you know that's what it stood for?

Or how 'bout this one,"The two happiest days in a man's life-

The day he buys his boat... and the day he sells it."

For my birthday (July 5th) we decided to take the boat out. We thought it would be perfect since my mom was here and could help wrestle kids etc. (Also she's never been out on our boat since there is a small window of time here in our neck of the woods to actually use the boat.) (A pitifully small window.) (Have I mentioned how small the window is...)

So...We spend hours loading up with towels, snacks, etc. (I don't know why it always takes us so long, but it does.) We finally pull away from the busy gas station. The whole drive to Magic Resevoir it is Windy. Capital W. And I've lived in Rexburg... so I know wind.

We get there. Matt backs down. I park the truck and boat (straight shot, just like I like it.) (I get super antsy if I have to do any boat/trailer backing.)

I get Riggins out of his seat and walk to the dock where Mom is on the dock and Matt in the boat holding it steady. I jump in the boat. Matt "yells" at me because he wasn't ready for me to jump in the boat. I "yell" that I didn't know. (It's good to get the yelling out of the way straight off.) When we're all in the boat Matt sits in his his captain chair and turns that baby....over. But not on. The boat won't start. Awesome. We try a few things. They don't work.

Matt backs down the ramp. I strip off my warm cozy sweatshirt down to my swimsuit and get in the water. So. Cold. Matt and I guide the boat onto the trailer while my mom drives up while we yell at the kids to stay to the side while I shiver and try to be helpful. After mom parked it we all got back into the boat and hung out for awhile. Seriously. The seven of us just chillin' in the boat, eating snacks, getting windblown, watching 7 other boats pull out. Then we went home.

Good times.

Usually so free with words...

I couldn't think of a good (enough) title. I love these guys.

Turning four

I won't bore you with a lot of details. Suffice it to say.

This is Bella.
She is four.
She is cute, sassy, determined, funny, loud, and an animal lover (among other things).
She is my third child and I love her.

The end.

McCade "graduates" from kindergarten

For the record. I am not entirely sold on all the "graduations" BUT I'm clearly not opposed to it enough to boycott photo ops.

Here is McCade with his BFF, Luke and Mrs. Boatwright, (I'm a card carrying member of the Mrs. Boatwright fan club.) Anyhoo.
"My name is McCade Matthew Parke and I want to work at SunValley when I grow up."

If only cats really did have 9 lives

This is a story of a kitten. It doesn't end well (as foreshadowed by the title.) But the story must be told.

Grace had been begging and we had been promising a kitty for months. The day finally came when we couldn't hold her off any longer.

Matt took her to the shelter where they found this charming little fellow. He was adopted, brought home, and Grace promptly changed his name to "Lurr Lurr." (Yes, there is a story behind the name; when Matt was a wee lad he had a cat too. He like the way it purred all the time so he named it Lurr Lurr. The kids love Matt's animal stories.) So....Grace was very responsible with the kitty, feeding, watering, giving it a little nip of milk here and there. And Lurr Lurr was a great kitty. No excessive scratching or crying. Bella loved to carry him around like a baby (under his "arms") and he would patiently hang out until she put him down. It seemed to be the perfect match.

When we went to Disneyland and my mom was home with Riggins she backed over him when she was leaving the garage. When she found him she put him in a shoe box and was going to bury him out back but she didn't want to leave Riggins alone in the house. Michelle A. and her son, Alec stopped by. When my mom told Michelle the story and asked if she would stay with Riggins so she could bury the kitty Michelle said, "Alec will do it." So sweet, strapping Alec dug a deep hole and the pet cemetery in the field had another beloved addition.

(An aside here... we have all kinds of friends in our lives; Friends to laugh with, shop with, eat with...etc. But it is important to know which of your friends will bury a body. . . I'm just sayin')

My mom told me on our way home from the airport. She cried. I cried. Grace cried. Bella didn't (surprisingly). McCade told Bella (with all the tact of a 6 year old boy), "Lurr Lurr is dead. Nana ran over him." Grace said, "It's not Nana's fault. It was an accident." I was proud of her. She cried and cried but forgave Nana without a second thought.

One of the most important and hardest lessons in life is that it is uncertain. And short. It's best to show the love and affection we feel with no hesitation. And no regrets.

MWF seeking balance

Sometimes I have a hard time balancing all the things I need to do, have to do, should do... with the things I want to do. Then throw in the things I need to buy, have to buy, should buy.... with the things I want to buy.... On top of that there are the things I need to eat, have to eat... well you can see I am buried in my need for balance. I confessed to my friend, Jill, about a winter coat I bought {$!$} because it was 1/2 off and I needed a new winter coat. She said, "You have to spend money to save money." Then the absurdity made us giggle like little school girls.

Part of the problem is summertime. There seem to be no punctuation marks in my day like there are during the school year. Matt feels the lack of structure and when he gets home from work it makes him grumpy (heat+matt not running after work=grump dogginess). Anyway. What's a girl to do?

We have been doing good with chores. Amazingly well, actually. But somehow this isn't giving me the sense of order I thought it would. I just can't ...quite...put my finger on it. I guess I'll go see if it's hiding in the freezer. Behind the ice cream.

Disneyland

We {heart} Disneyland! So does Matt's brother, Val and his wife, Tami. They are experts and showed us the best way to experience it so we would be assured a great trip last time. As a result we all love it. We had no trip plans on the horizon but a few weeks ago we were dreaming about going...soon. Matt got a sweet deal on rooms, throw in some affordable airfare. DONE! We were on our way.

Here are a few highlights (and "lowlights".) *My mom stayed with Riggins:) *Our Alle-giant flight was two hours late getting us to CA:(*The kids first airplane ride and the escalator @ the airport:) *Bella, "When we gonna blast off?" :) *Finally getting to our sweet hotel room (warm cookies anyone?:) *Tami, "If you thought the escalators were fun..." *Walking on to Pirates & Splash mountain as soon as we got there (Grace, sopping wet, we had to buy her a new shirt.) *Fantasmic *Bella, sound asleep, on Matt's lap *Yummy breakfast *"Hitting" Splash and Pirates every day. *Good times @ the airport.

*Bug's life baby!

*At the Pixar Parade Grace blew Buzz Lightyear a kiss, he pointed at her and drew an air heart. PRICELESS!

Splash Mountain- we love it!

*Bella wasn't tall enough to go on Grizzly River :(even after I folded granola bars in half and stuck them in her shoes) *But she was loving Brother Bear :)

*Lunch at the Blue Bayou:) -Not being by the door (double:) *Magic Morning * Bella's giggle on Thunder Mountain:) *Fast passes *Holding hands with the kids *Bella, (about Tower of Terror) "That ride frrrreaked me out" *Standing in line for Alladin:( *The Alladin show:) * Val carrying Bella around and her kissing him on the cheek all the time. *When we finally got a stroller for Bella, "The mauler." *The kids eating oatmeal and going straight to bed every night *Room service:) *Swimming at the hotel pool (Why do kids love swimming so much?) *Standing on the side of the road waiting for the bus back to the airport:(!

I'd clone him if I could

Maybe I already have...

I really would clone McCade even when he is missing a front tooth and the other one is all snaggly ... and he has a red kool-aid mustache. I'd love a clone of him that I could freeze at each age. Like the age when he said "hephalant" or the age when he said cute things about seeing the jet's breath outside at night.

I'd for sure clone the 6 1/2 year old McCade who loves to surprise me by making my bed a few times a week.

Who doesn't love animals but loves his kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Boatwright and obsesses about how tall Mr. Boatwright is.

This little / big McCade who loves his brother so much and keeps his room clean.

I'd sure like a copy of the boy who is so sweet to his mom and sisters but tore the head off his robot when his dad got after him one night. Then he came out with his headless robot and asked me to hot glue his head back on and started doing karate kid breathing so he would be calmer next time.

Since the whole cloning thing isn't going to work out, I'd settle for him to just grow up slower. ALOT slower.

AOADD

Adult Onset Attention Deficit Disorder. That is my (self) diagnosis.

I fear my symptoms are getting worse. By. The. Day.

It appears to be a genetic disorder. My Mom suffers from a fierce case as well.

It seems to be exacerbated by multiple or long to do lists.

Example #1 It was after lunch and we were going to have some ice cream. Scraping the bottom of the carton I offer to get more from the freezer in the garage. On the way out I see a box from Costco, "I'll just put that in the recycling." I broke down the box and wrestled with it, trying to get it to fit in the bin.(Approximately 5 minutes later) I gave up and was kneeling in front of the freezer when Matt came out to see if some horrible accident had befallen me. Alas, no accident, just my faulty brain.

I could go on and on but... that would be focused and not at all what this post is about. Instead I want to share this funny poem I found in one of my organizing books;

One morning I woke and began resolutely

To work till my tasks were done absolutely

I decided I would not waste even a minute-

In the race against time, I determined to win it.

I started all right, first clearing the dishes,

Then saw it was time to clean the bowl for the fishes,

As I reached for the cleanser, I thought that I'd better

Grab soap flakes as well for washing a sweater.

As I went for the sweater, I saw that the bed

Needed straightening, so I stopped to do that instead.

Just then the phone rang, and while I was answering it,

I saw plants on the sill that needed watering a bit.

So went my day, and I worked till bone tired;

Then happy and proud, I sat back and admired.

But taking stock of my home, my joy was diminished;

Everything was started, but nothing was finished.

-Donette V. Ockey

10 things I love about Grace (in no particular order)

1. I love that when she decided she wanted a new American Girl Doll she earned half the money to pay for it by reading books (penny a page) and doing extra chores.

2. I love that after she was so diligent about cleaning her ears after she got them pierced and after all that there was still one point when she was willing to let them close up because she was having such a hard time switching earrings.

3. I love that even though she is afraid of things she still does them, often by herself, i.e. pulling out her own teeth, switching her own earrings (she kicked me out of the bathroom while she did it.)

4. I love that she reads (especially if she is saving up for something.)

5. I love how much she helps me with Riggins.

6. I love that she likes to wear cute clothes, cute shoes, and matching accessories.

7. I love that she can keep up with me shopping...

8. I love that she really listens to Matt so he can talk to her about the tough stuff.

9. I love that in the car the other day she asked me what the f- word was. When I was hesitant to answer she said, "Mom, I need you to tell me. At school I will hear it and I need to know. I might spell something bad while we are doing word chunks." So matter-of-fact. (That's gonna come in handy when Matt has the birds & bees talk with her.)

10. I love that even though she is often emotional and occasionally irrational, she wants to do the right things and I can try to appeal to her logical side. If that doesn't work I can just wait until the sun comes back around, as it always does.


Here is Grace with her American Girl doll she named, "Sallina." Sallina is pictured wearing an original "Grace design" made from paper towels and ribbon from my scrapbooking stash.

It's been a month since my last confession

I've always wanted to say that.

In so many ways a blog is like a confessional. Me the confessee and you, sitting on the other side of the curtain in anonymity listening (reading), making the occasional comment. It feels good to get all the things rattling around in my head out there.

So for today's confession; I have a favorite child.

I know, horrible, right?

What can I say...

He never complains if the other kids get something and he doesn't. He NEVER complains that he has nothing to wear. He has yet to utter the words "That's not fair." (Could there be three more annoying words in our vernacular?) (Could someone {Michelle?} confirm that I used that word correctly.)

He doesn't make us all late looking for a Boise State hat for 15 minutes when we should be walking out the door to school. Throwing a fit, when he left it in his dad's truck all along.

He doesn't whine to get his way or bring three changes of clothes, a blanket, a stuffed animal, a lunch box, a mini chalk board, two coats but NOT a single PAIR OF SHOES when we are going out to a restaurant for lunch.

He doesn't do any of those things.

He plays in his bouncy thing. Looks up and beams when you throw a smile his way. Only cries when he's hungry, tired, or wet. Stops crying immediately after being picked up, regardless who does the picking up. And then when you do pick him up his little chubby body is so cuddly and soft. And that is why I can say without reservation that he is my favorite child...

...for today anyway.

Next month's confession might be a whole different ball of wax.

24 things I've learned since becoming a mother

1. Yelling is not sufficient motivation to flush the toilet after each use. Nor is identifying the perpetrator.

2.There are things/ questions only a dad can answer and do. That is good. It in no way threatens our usefulness as mothers.

3. I'm so glad when daddy comes home.

4. Nothing sucks the creativity out of children faster that television first thing in the morning.

5. It doesn't matter all that much if others think you are a good mom. The most important thing is what you think about yourself. This can be a blessing and a curse.

6. What your kids wear does not determine if you are a good mom or not. (See # 5)

7. Pick your battles... carefully.

8. Sometimes "I'll think about it." is a really good answer.

9. Sometimes "Sure" is an even better answer.

10. Worse case scenerios should be avoided.

11. It's ok to eat the chip that is laying on the counter but be prepared just in case all the salt has been licked off.

12. Life isn't fair. If it was fair we wouldn't have or need agency.

13. Outfits on babies are over rated, I'll take one piece jammies with feet any day. Simplify.

14. A shower is an important part of the success of any given day.
15. Shrieking is lame.

16. There can be a spot for everything i.e.: a "naughty" spot; a "happy" spot; a "reverent" spot; a "talk to me with a little more respect" spot... you get the picture.

17. Nothing is as sweet as when a child does something without being asked...

18. ...except maybe an "I love you" when nothing is wanted...

19....or playing with a sibling without coersion.

20. Sometimes we just need a bit more sleep.

21. Yelling will not get anyone out the door faster. (But it could start the day out real bad.)

22. Repeat after me, "It's going to be oookaaaaay."

23. Breakfast isn't the most important meal of the day. Dinner is.
(And I'm not talkin' 'bout the food.)

24. I won't ever be the perfect parent. I will make mistakes. I can only hope that my kids will know that the mistakes I've made were mistakes made out of love, not neglect or hurt. Just love.

Family fun

HMMM... what to do when it's cold outside.

Our kids have no problem finding fun (albeit dangerous) things to do.

It looks more dangerous than it actually was.

McCade fully rotated and landed every time.

So did Grace. And Bella... she believes she can fly.

Bella's bangs

While we were visiting Val & Tami this weekend my niece Kaitlyn did Bella's hair for her, she swept Miss B's bangs over to the side.

Bella became obsessed.

She carried a comb around for the rest of the day wetting and combing the bangs to the side. She has wanted them swooped over ever since.

Yesterday I saw her spitting in her hand and wiping her bangs to the side. She did it three times before it registered what she was doing.

That is some sweet styling product.

Rolling with Riggins

As you can see, Riggins is starving nearly to death.Wasting away...


He is rolling all over the place, front to back until he gets himself stuck against something, then he puts up a racket until someone comes and rescues him.
He is delightful with his smiles, easy laugh and chubby cheeks. Now, if we could just get him to sleep through the night...

Profoundly Grateful

I read the book "A Thousand Splendid Suns" on the recommendation of my friend, Michelle B and my cousin, Lyndi. I got done and felt a little changed and ...profoundly grateful.

Then last night at work we started talking movies which somehow led to the movie "Boy in Striped Pajamas" which led to the Holocaust which led to a horrible/ true story of how a Cambodian girl escaped death. (I'll tell you if you ask me.) As I drove home from work in the dark I felt... profoundly grateful.
I've been thinking about it all day long and I have to try to put it into words...Not that I will be able to do it justice but...

First, being born in the USA; millions/billions of people just unlucky enough to be born into a different country. Countries where my very existence as a female would be enough to bring my demise. Countries where I may not get to choose who, when, why I'd marry. Countries where I would live in constant fear, for my own life, health and (worse yet) constantly fear for those I love. I could spend all night just on this alone.

Second I was born to parents who wanted and deeply love me. Wait... back up, I was born to parents (plural). My parents never raised a hand to me, seldom even raised a voice (that my own kids should be so lucky.) They raised me to believe that I could be and do anything I wanted. Raised me to believe I am smart, beautiful, talented, wonderful, funny... It's hard to doubt yourself when surrounded at every turn with such love and faith.

Speaking of faith... To be born into a home where I learned of a loving Father in Heaven. Taught that I am a daughter of God. That mistakes are made and recovered from, hurts healed, broken hearts mended with the help of a loving Savior. Taught to pattern my life after great men and women who are full of integrity, honor, courage, compassion, and faith. Taught that there is life after this. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity I have had to consistently learn things that bring me closer to my husband, family, God, and the person I want to be.

And that's just being born... The safety and peace I enjoyed growing up cannot be taken for granted.

The opportunity I had to go to college and choose for myself what I wanted to be and who I wanted to marry. Both great choices.

Matt. A good man. A responsible man. Hard working and smart. Funny and athletic. Spiritual and strong. Handsome and forgiving. A fantastic dad.

Our kids. All healthy and fun and easy to conceive (I had to throw that in... I feel grateful all the time for that.) Grace, McCade, Bella, and Riggins. Each individuals and blessings to me.

My family. My mom is wonderful. She comes to my rescue and never criticizes me. Always loves me and buys me things I wouldn't buy myself. She helps me start and finish projects. She stays with the kids so Matt and I can have time. She's happy and full of faith. My two younger sisters.

Matt's family. I love them like my own.

My friends. I have the very best friends.
A girl could not dream of better friends.

My job.
Matt's job.
A beautiful house and three car garage.
My shoes.
A queen sized bed and down comforter.
My mini van.
A garage. (I thought it worth mentioning twice.)
My new facial cleanser from Arbonne.
My hobbies.
My Ipod.
My new red laptop.
I could go on indefinitely.

I should never have a sad or discouraged thought with a life as rich and full as mine. But I'm even grateful for the gray days. They make the sunshine that much more glorious.

I am blessed.

I am profoundly grateful.

FF-Remodeling part uno

I know you might not want to see these pictures but I think we've established that I don't care. Just kidding.
This used to be a hallway, from the dining room into the back hall. It was destined to become a bigger bedroom, bathroom, and closet for Matt & I.

Such good little helpers! Can you believe I painted so much. This was about 2 weeks from my due date. PS. I wanted to burn my paint clothes but I couldn't bring myself to do it.

This shirt used to be my dad's.

It says, "Take a hike." on the back.

I got it for him the summer I worked at Sgt. Leisure up in Sun Valley.

I still love it..