Merry Christmas 2011!!

Merry Christmas
2011

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 2011 has been a great year for our little family. We have enjoyed camping in North Fork, day trips to Pineview, a few trips to St. George to visit Matt’s parents, and to top it all off a trip to California to visit Disneyland (decorated for Christmas…loved it!) for three days. That was easily the highlight of the year for both our kids and us. To see Ethan and Sarah light up with all the characters walking around, the rides, holiday decorations, and time together without interruptions…priceless!

Ethan (6 years old) is has successfully moved onto the first grade! He loves his teacher Ms. Huillet and was so happy his good friend Sarah H is in his class again. He is a natural when it comes to math and science (our little engineer in the making) and loves reading. This year Ethan has discovered the joy of superheroes. It began with the Avengers cartoon and has developed into a nice infatuation with all things super-powered. Each night before bed he and Sarah beg for punishment from the mighty Hulk (Dad) and his beautiful sidekick She-Hulk (Mom). The couch pleads for mercy as children are thrown relentlessly into its cushiony soft goodness. The battle isn’t over until the incredible Hulk and She-Hulk are conquered. Just the kind of thing naïve parents like to do right before they put their kids down to sleep. Ethan has quickly learned that as long as he uses “Heavenly Father Power” he remains invincible. This has been a year of firsts for Ethan: He lost his first five teeth (2 up, 3 down) and no, it wasn’t because he got thrown into the couch; caught his first lizard (every boys right of passage); jumped off the diving board without a life jacket and successfully swam to the side; kicked the ball nine times in one soccer game (we couldn’t have been more proud); and went on the tower OF TERROR at Disney California Adventure. After he got off he said, “Dad I only had one brave in me (holding up one finger), I tried to grow it into more, but it just wouldn’t grow.” Oops, probably won’t get the best parent of the year award for that one. Ethan has become a valiant big brother and remains our sweetest boy.

Sarah (3 years old) has really blossomed this past year. She is our very independent little girl. She loves to dress herself (especially in dresses), put her own shoes on, brush her teeth and make her own decisions. She is a big fan of nursery. As a matter of fact, if you’re not careful she’ll disappear and you will find her sitting comfortably at the table waiting for playdough and Sister Lindmeir. Sarah is brave almost to a fault. She has no fear of heights, the faster and higher the swing the better. On the big toy at Ethan’s school there are no age differences, every kid is a peer to Sarah. She runs and plays with the best of them and they all love her! Sarah’s firsts this year consist of: being potty trained (after every bribe known to man was offered, who knew pink bubble gum was the key to Sarah’s success?); sleeping in a big-girl bed and only falling out once; reciting her ABCs; counting 1-20; memorizing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Jingle Bells, I am a Child of God, the periodic table . . . ; swim lessons with her teacher Wendy (whom she questioned each time about Peter Pan’s whereabouts); and fearlessly riding the Matterhorn with not a single tear shed. Sarah’s favorite phrases this year are, “I’m serious”, “I’m not joking”, “Actually”, “You’re my best friend”, “I love you so much” (with an emphasis on the much). Sarah’s biggest milestone this year was saying goodbye to her oldest and dearest friend “The Binky”. After much thought and consideration Sarah by her own free will and choice cut the binky with the scissors and threw it in the trash. This was huge for Sarah! Her binky was her constant companion and we really worried about how to take it away from her. In the end we turned it over to Sarah and she did it and never asked for it again. When she sets her mind to something she does it and never looks back! Sarah has become so soft and tender and is very sensitive to doing the right. She loves to hug and give kisses and cries if Daddy, Mommy, or Ethan leave her without giving her a hug and kiss before saying goodbye. She loves her cousins and loves to go shopping with Mommy. She is a true girl and the best companion you could ask for.

As for Matt and Amy we are still pretty much the same. Matt is still loves engineering and his work with Beijer. This year Matt got to go to Texas for a conference and feel in love with the Riverwalk. He is still in the Young Men’s Presidency and loves teaching the deacons and going camping with the boys. He has become a runner this past year and really enjoys his early morning runs. Amy is still home with the kids and loving every minute of it. We only wish we had four more of them running around the house. She volunteers once a week in Ethan’s school with Sarah by her side and loves being involved. Amy started running too with her faithful sidekick Julia in the wee morning hours, but due to some terrible shin splints has now become a speed walker (is it age?) Amy is still in the Relief Society Presidency and loving it.

We feel truly blessed this year. Our testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ is strengthened each year as we pass through our trials and triumphs. He is our Redeemer and our King and it is to Him that we offer our most sincere gratitude for this wonderful life. We wish you all well and hope you find peace, joy, and laughter during this holiday season.

With Love,
Matt, Amy, Ethan, and Sarah Parkin

Happy 3rd Birthday Sarah Diane!!

Happy birthday to my sweet Sarah girl! You are three years old and you are a pure delight. Here are some pictures of your birthday party and the prettiest princess I have ever known.

You insisted on being Belle for your party, but when everyone got here you changed your mind to be Cinderella. Still how cute are you!!

This is you getting the hair all curled. I love that smile!!!

This is your face before you were crowned the official princess.

All the boy cousins came as knights and all the girl came as princesses. Notice you are now Cinderella. Who says a girl can't change her mind on her birthday...not me.

We had all the kids stay inside and all the adults sat outside and then you came out one by one and we introduced you just like at Cinderella's ball. Daddy was very clever with all your title's and you each got to do a spin and everyone clapped for you as you made your entrance. Sarah you loved this part!

We then played a knight game. The knights had to battle the evil black knight to save one princess. Daddy was the black knight and you girls were so cute screaming to be saved. Luckily the knights were skilled just enough to fight off the evil black knight and you were all brought to safety. 

We then had a ball where everyone danced and sang to their favorite songs. Flowed by a princess cake and ice cream. Mommy wore her Queen's dress as well and you loved it! I surprised you and came out all dressed up and talked like a Queen the whole time and we had the best day ever.

Happy birthday to the perfect little girl. You are such a girl in every way and I love it!! When I dreamed of my future little girl, Sarah you were exactly what I hoped for. Happy 3rd birthday, sweetheart. I love you, Mommy

Perfect Sunday morning surprise

It is a beautiful Sunday morning and both kids crawled into bed with us about 7:30 a.m. As Daddy and I are laying there trying to catch a few more winks, I hear my sweet Ethan whisper to Daddy that he wants to do, "a surprise for mommy because she is always doing nice things for us." Well Daddy said just one minute sweetheart (Daddy was a little tired as we stayed up until 1:00 a.m. the night before), then you hear this little voice say, "I'll help you Ethan. I will, I really will." That would be our sweet Sarah. So the two of you climbed out of the bed and into the kitchen you went. We could hear the fridge opening and closing, toaster getting out, and a lot of talk about cheese. That was the real mystery, what could they be doing with all that cheese? So Ethan you came back into the bedroom and said, "Daddy, what kind of sandwich would mommy want?" So by this time Daddy jumps up and begins to help. As you left the room, Ethan you turned to mommy and said, "Mommy, just...um...lay there...um...were not doing anything in there." A few minutes later that bedroom door opens up and in walks my beautiful little family, holding a serving tray with, toast with strawberry jam and butter, yogurt, cereal, and apple juice. Ethan you were so excited and said, "Mommy you know why we did this? Because you always do nice things for us and my brain told me this morning, let's do something nice for mommy and it kept saying it over and over again, and that's why I did it." Well of course I begin to cry and try to express my gratitude, but mostly it's just a lot of smiles and tears. Then you all wanted to eat in my bed with me, so I said, "what if mommy comes out and eats in the kitchen with you at the table." As I walked into kitchen it did make me laugh, because every different kind of cheese was out on the kitchen table, as well as several containers of yogurt, and the leftovers from the night before. You were really working some magic before Daddy came to help. It was adorable! So we all enjoyed a wonderful breakfast together and mommy felt very loved and very very appreciated.

I just want to tell you both how much mommy loves you. I could have never dreamed that motherhood would be so rewarding. I love that I am with you everyday all day long. I love that I never miss out on any of your firsts and that I am there with you to discover new things each day. You are the best children and I love you so much. I hope that you will always know that you are my whole world and that the best decision Daddy and I ever made was to have you and to have me stay home with you. We live in a little house, we don't have every fun toy in the world, but we have time together and that for me is priceless and in the end I will never have regrets about the memories we have made together. Thank you for being my children. Thank you for loving me and for always trying really hard to do what is right. You are the best children in the world and the thanks I get everyday is the way you look at me when we play a game together, or when were doing learning time and you need a little help, or the way we laugh as we run through the house playing superheroes or princess time. Thank you so much! I love you with all my heart and being your mother is the greatest blessing and reward in all the world. Thanks for a perfect Sunday morning.

Love, Mommy

Happy 4th of July 2011

Happy 4th of July! Right now we should be at the parade where we set down blankets last night with our family, but instead I am sitting here writing this blog. Why, you ask? Well I got up and this morning to workout with my partner in crime, Julia and when I came home and everyone was still sleeping I thought well I should weed my planter beds. So I was enjoying the quiet morning and the weeding that I was getting done, when Matt walked out to greet me. He asked me if I would like him to make breakfast and called me a few minutes later, for a delious breakfast of strawberry and blueberry pancakes and eggs. After breakfast I decided it was time to shower and get ready for the parade only to realize that our sewer line is backedup and is coming up through the bathtub. AAAUGH! Let's just say this...I love my little, old house, but I very much dislike my old pipes that go with this old house. About three times a year, sometimes not so often, but this year, we are on our third go around I believe and at $90.00 a pop to get it fixed it's not the greatest 4th of July treat. So that being said, we have had a wonderful holiday season.

Friday we started the weekend off with a birthday party for Abby. It was a lot of fun and Ethan and Sarah you swam, jumped on the tramboline, and played on the playground at the Gardner's house and had the time of your life. We stayed until swim lessons and then went for our last day of instructions. Daddy got off early and came to see what you had both been learning

Grandpa singing that the Layton park in the Men of Song. Easily one of my favorite things to go to each year. When they sing the Hail to Arms song and all the past or current military people stand and they sing their songs, I cry every time! It's beautiful and the crowd always gives them a standing ovation.

Here is our Sarah girl, loving the performances! If there is singing and dancing Sarah will not move an inch.

Sweet Ethan enjoying the show!

Family fireworks at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

If there is a show, Aunt Cassie says there must be treats! Sarah loving her sucker.

Ethan I love that smile!!

Ethan trying out his sparkler in front. Daddy and Sarah playing with the sparkler behind.

Ethan and Britton enjoying the running and sparkler magic!

Sarah wasn't really sure about the sparkler, but she is enjoying it now.

Mr. Parkin and myself enjoy the show and celebrating the fact that ten years ago today we went out on our first date. Look at those blue eyes!! How couldn't I fall in love with this amazing and wonderful man. You are everything I could have ever hoped for and so much more. I love you, Geeves. Happy first date anniversary! 

These are the days of our lives...

So I keep thinking that I am going to journal funny things and that I will never forget anything adorable that my children do, but I do. So I am attempting to capture so of my favorite moments from the last few months. Let's start with Ethan. So we are reading the scriptures before bed time and for several nights in a row we have been talking about prophets and what does it mean to be a prophet. Ethan turns to me and says, "Mommy I've been thinking (most of your statements start out with that line) you know you and Daddy are like a prophet." I say, "ya, what do you mean?" Ethan: Well prophets are supposed to tell us what we should do and how we should live and that is what you and Daddy do for me and Sarah. That makes you like a prophet." I told you I was very proud of you and that I like the way your applying what we are studying. I thought that was pretty cute and profound. The next night were reading the scriptures again and you say, "Mommy can I tell you something?" I say of course and you say, "Mommy I am going to be a prophet." I stop and stare at you for a minute (because like all moms I think you are perfect and that really could be a reality for you) then I say, "Ethan I believe that is true." You then say, "Ya Mommy and when I am the prophet, I'm going to preach the gospel to all the world. I am going to find Satan and teach him the gospel and if he doesn't listen, do you know what I am going to do. Of course I say, no. Then I get this finish, "well if he won't listen I am going to blow up his house!" I sit there for a second and try to keep a straight face because you are dead serious and so proud of what you just said. I try to explain to you the condensed version of the pre-mortal life and how we all made a choice to come here and that Satan isn't going to change. That he already made his choice, but you were still determined that you could make him see the light. You got to love being five years old and seeing the world with such innocent eyes. Okay so number three story with Ethan. Both kids are watching movies in two different rooms in the house. I tell you that when the show is over that you need to turn the t.v. off and go play. Well you listen and turns the t.v. off, meanwhile Sarah's show is still going in the family room. You start playing in your room, but remember that you left a toy in the family room. You run in the family room and come straight to the kitchen (I'm cooking dinner) and say, "Mommy I made a mistake and I am sorry it was an accident." I say, "Honey what are you talking about." You say, "my eyes just looked but I'm sorry and I didn't mean it. Only one eye looked will you forgive me?" I had no idea what you were talking about and told you to back up and tell me again what was going on. You said, "Mommy, I went in the family room to get my toy and my one eye saw Sarah's movie that was playing. I didn't mean to look it just happened. I am really sorry." I turned to you and I gave you a big hug and said, "Ethan I don't care if you finish watching Sarah's movie I just didn't want you to start another show. You are not in trouble at all and I am so proud of you and your willingness to be so obedient." I get a big hug back and smile and you run off to play. Sometimes I watch you, Ethan and you are so pure in heart, I just can't believe how much you want to please. Ethan you are my little angel and I love you so much! There are great things ahead for you. Some of the things you love right now are the pink panther, inspector gadget, lego indiana jones, lego batman, and lego star wars. You love strawberry oatmeal and a banana for breakfast, and a ham and cheese sandwich for lunch. If you could pick dinner every night it would usually be a burrito. You have your favorite potatoes that we have named Ethan potatoes and you love them! You will eat anything and everything and you always praise my food every night. You make it a delight to cook for you. When you get dressed in the morning you love to put your pajamas back on over your clothes and come running out like you didn't get dressed and then start laughing while you take the pj's off, only to reveal your clothing underneath. You love school and you love Mrs. Hafen. You sit at the green table right now and love sitting with, Kaden Fisher, Kaden Borego, Lindae, and Kennedy Cowley. You have an extremely active imagination. You never stop dreaming or playing. Any object in your hand becomes something amazing! A pencil, now a rocket ship. An eraser, now a boat. A program from church, now an airplane, anything can be fun for you. You are a great reader and love math and science (just like your daddy). You have an incredible memory and memorize things so quickly that I have to cover the words when you read so you won't just read it once and then memorize the book for the other times we read it. Writing time is your least favorite part of school. You have never liked to color, draw, or anything really with a pencil. You love building instead. You love your trio blocks, puzzles, star wars, batman, spider man, and there is always room for cars. Just last night you lost your two bottom teeth. Daddy pulled them out with floss tied around them and you were really brave. You said, "Mommy how much money will the tooth fairy leave me." I said, "I think she will leave you a dollar for both teeth." You said, "Mommy you know what I am going to do with that money, I am going to give it to you and Daddy so you will be rich!" I am blessed to be your mother. You love to cuddle with mommy or daddy. We walk every morning to your classroom holding hands and you give me the double squeeze the entire time were holding hands (which means I love you). You have no problem giving me kisses and hugs before you go into the classroom and you are my little man. I love you sweetheart. Now to Sarah. Sarah you are a gem! You are all girl. You love everything princess, pink, and fluffy. Every morning when I finish doing your hair you look in the mirror and say, "I am a beautiful princess." You love to run out of the bathroom to find daddy because you want him to reaffirm what you just said in the mirror. He always stops and says, "You are a beautiful princess." Which gets a big smile from you and usually a big hug right after. Two nights ago I was sick a daddy came home with roses and a magazine for me (I know I am spoiled) and the first thing out of your mouth was, "Are those roses for me daddy?" Daddy smiled and said, "There for mommy sweetheart, but next time do you want me to bring you roses?" Sarah: "Oh yes daddy!" Then you came running into my room with the roses and in your soft voice said, "Mommy, Daddy got you roses and they're beautiful." You then put your hands together and put them up to the side of your face as you always do when something is beautiful. The final touch is the slow motion eye closing and opening. I told your dad that he has ruined you for any boy to come your way because he has raised the bar so high. I can just see you saying well my dad always rubs my moms feet, or my dad always gets my moms coat, or my dad always dances with my mom in the kitchen, and the list goes on and on. You are quiet the little lady. Last night we were getting ready for bed and I told you to go get your pajamas on and you came out with a dress and said, "I want to wear this, because I am a princess." I tried to persuade you to wear something else but you were adamant that this needed to be worn at that moment or the world would end. So I let you play in it for about forty five minutes and then you happily got in your pajamas. You are learning that comprise isn't such a bad thing and that it usually ends up with all of us happy. Your favorite line these days is, "Your my best friend." Also wherever we go you ask me what every one's name is. We walk complete strangers and you say, "Mommy what's her name?" I say, "I don't know." You reply, "yes yo do mommy, come on what is here name." Then you will turn to the person and say, "Are you a stranger? I am Sarah." You always charm people right off the bat and then tell them who I am and that Buddy (Ethan) is your brother. Where ever we go the blanket, binky (I know it's terrible but she is still 2), and some princess doll go with us. You love your bell doll and your sleeping beauty polly pocket. You love you littlest pet shop animals and your favorite one is a hamster that you have named Brynlee after your cousin. You count to fifteen, you know your shapes, and colors and love to ask lots of questions about everything you see. You are very bright. You love to cuddle, especially right after a nap. You love to go to Target. You love Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Curious George, you could easily watch them all day long if I would let you. You love strawberry oatmeal for breakfast and chicken nuggets for lunch. You love to eat dates with your daddy. You love all fruit and are learning to love all veggies. You have an obsession with apple juice and it's the first thing you ask for when you wake up in the morning, and then we have to remind you the rest of the day that you already had your glass of apple juice and have to wait until the morning for your next one. You are beyond polite and are always blessing everyone and anyone when they sneeze, saying excuse me for anything that should be kept to yourself, saying please for everything you ask for, you are very polite and I love it! You love to play with your purse and do mommy or daddy's hair for that matter. You love to color and you love to do stickers in your sticker book. When Ethan is doing homework you always want to be at the table doing your "homework" as well. Sarah you are what every mother dreams off when they are having a little girl. I love you with all my heart. I look forward to your future and the amazing woman you will be become. As for Matt and I we are pretty much the same. He is still the manager over the mechanical engineers at his company and loves the people he works with, especially Pete Shay. He has been an amazing mentor and friend to Matt. He is the first counselor in the young men's and loves those boys and the fact that he gets to go camping several times a year. He is the best husband and father in the world and I adore everything about him. He is giving, self-less, a spiritual rock, my best friend and the person I most want to talk to everyday. I literally count down the hours until he is home. When Matt is home he brings a spirit of peace and joy that only he can bring. He is my everything. As for me I am still serving as the education counselor in the relief society and I love the people I serve with. They teach me a great deal and it's been a year of a lot of growth spiritually for me. I love being a mom to the two most wonderful children and I hope to have many more. We did have a ectopic pregnancy in December and lost that baby, which was physically painful and a loss knowing that we would have to wait longer for another child. But hopefully soon the Lord will bless us with another child. I love my Savior. He is my Redeemer and my friend. I know through His atonement I can become clean from the mistakes I make everyday. He knows me personally and he heals me and comforts me. I am nothing without Him. It is through Him that all things are possible and if I could tell my children anything it is that He is real, He knows them, and He loves them. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the true and living church on the earth today. Personal revelation is a gift from our Heavenly Father and He is waiting for us to turn to Him. The scriptures are His words and can bring you more comfort than anything else. Through the blessings of the temple our family is sealed and will be bound together for all time and eternity. We have a prophet today that leads and directs our church through the hand of God. When life is hard never doubt the one thing that is sure, Jesus Christ is real and He walked this earth so he could succor His people. He know you and loves you and you will never suffer anything he can't understand and relieve. He loves you. He is REAL! I love Him with all my heart and it's through Him that I will one day meet again with my Father in Heaven. I love you Matt, Ethan, and Sarah. Love Mommy.