"Don't you dare tell me I'm punctual!"

Matt and I were watching, "The Help" and I loved the part that the maid told the little girl that "she was nice, she was smart, and she was important." So the next morning while cuddling with Sarah I turned to her and told her that she was nice, she was smart, and she was important. Sarah then got her big wide eyed face and put her hand on her hip and said, "Well that's fine, but don't you dare tell me that I am punctual!" I immediately said, "what did you say" and then she repeated back the same sentence. So I said, "where did you learn the word punctual?" Sarah just looked at me and said, "I'll never tell". So fast forward a day and I ask her again where she learned that word and start naming cartoons she has recently watched and then the big reveal came...it was Aladin! When the Genie is in the form of a bee and tells Aladin to tell Jasmine that she is punctual! So funny! You just never know what kids are listening to and what they are picking up. 

Summer Fun and Fort Friday

So the summer has been pretty wonderful so far. We have had a party or outing of some sort nearly everyday. We have swam or played in water nearly everyday. We have been with cousins just about everyday as well. We have been to Castle Park for a family reunion. You both love Castle Park. We played on the playground, but this year you were very interested in the woods below, so we went and discovered a small creek, lots of trails, and a million trees. It was pure dirty fun. We have been to Barnes Park. We went one day with all the cousins including the Bull family cousins. We played in the sand, on the playground, soccer, and dodge ball. We have gone to Daddy's work to take him on a picnic and went to Sugar House Park to play on the playground and eat with Daddy. We have ate outside nearly every night for dinner and played on our swing set, swam in our little pool, and swung on our tree swing. We have rode our bikes, dressed up as superheroes, or princesses, and played outside until we had to start a camp fire to keep us warm...which we have done several times and then roasted marshmallows. We do learning time in the mornings and it has been so fun to discover new things with Sarah and watch her try to grasp the concept of letter sounds and writing. Ethan is loving math and time and is really progressing in his reading. I can't believe the words that he breezes through. It has been such a great beginning to a much anticipated summer.

Right now I am listening to you play in the family room. You have made a fort and Ethan you are a scientist and Sarah you are a princess and you have found some jewels and Ethan you have hidden them and Sarah is trying to find your hiding place. You are giggling and creating together and it makes me so happy. Our house is fairly quiet compared to most of my family and friends. With only two kids the fighting is pretty tame (not perfect, but doesn't happen to often). We play a lot with one another and you are getting better about depending more upon one another than you did in the past. I love it! You are discovering how fun it is to have a brother and sister with you all the time. If there is one thing I hope for it is that you will be each other's best friend. That you will always respect one another. That you will always delight in each other's accomplishments. That you will always be proud of one another. That you will always be loyal to each other. That you will always be one another's best friend. It really is a wonderful day. The wind is blowing outside, the sun is shining, the flowers are brilliant, the vegetables of growing, and the house is happy because of you. I love you both. I love being your mother. This is what I hoped for. You are wonderful!

A few of my favorite things at age 35

Some times I don't think I realize how many things I love. So today I am letting my children know that their mom is a real person with likes and dislikes and many loves. So here is a glimpse of what mommy loves at age 35.

1. I love aprons! I love to put one on each night and Sarah you always join me with your apron. We cook dinner together every night. There is something about putting on a apron that transports me back in time and I feel like I could actually be Donna Reed and that life is really still simple.
2. I love Donna Reed. I have the four seasons that are out and I can completely relax when I watch her. I love that I can watch a show that my kids can watch with me. I wish I could wear beautiful dresses everyday and hats...oh I love her hats. 
3. I love I Love Lucy. I feel the same way about Lucy. I don't relax as much but I giggle. She makes me laugh and the kids adore her.
4. I love tablecloths! I would love to have a different table cloth for each day of the week. I love walking past my kitchen table and see the tablecloth neatly spread out with a fresh vase of flowers. It makes me smile.
5. I love fresh flowers. I am always touched when my sweet Matthew brings me flowers or anyone for that matter. They brighten the day and lift my spirit.
6. I love my flower garden. For the first time in my 9 years of marriage I have successfully planted and kept alive flowers in my front planter bed. I can't describe how happy that makes me. We don't have sprinklers so it's a lot of work, but it's worth it. I love to walk outside in the morning and pick the weeds and pull in dead flowers and feel the joy of keeping something alive. 
7. I love my vegetable garden. We planted a garden this year. We have had two other gardens but they were never that successful because they never got enough sun. So this year we (that means Matt made, but I supervised) three planter boxes right next to our porch and they are doing fantastic! Again it is a lot of work to water but I love it and find it to be very rewarding.
8. I love to sit on my patio in my new white chairs and watch the wind blow through my neighbors tree. There is something about that sound that puts me in a state of tranquility and I can completely get lost in my thoughts. 
9. I love to cook. I don't always like the thought that I have to go make dinner, but once I am doing it I am so happy to create something I know my family will love. I love knowing that we eat every night together and that I made something that is healthy and keeps us together.
10. I love to set a table. I love to sit down at a table that is fully set. I love the tablecloth down, plates, cups, napkins, serving dishes (even though it's a little more work to wash those dishes...it's worth it).
11. I love musicals. I love to sing along with them. I love to watch them. I especially love to go to them.
12. I love music in general. I love to turn music on in the morning and I find myself lost in the work and not dreading it anymore. Music motivates me and helps me get the job done.
13. I love to read my scriptures. There is nothing that brings more peace of mind than a good study of the scriptures. Reading with a commentary is always a happy scripture study day for me.
14. I love Excel. I love to make list. I love to do financial reports. I love to plan out my workouts, the house, trips, you name it I could make a spreadsheet for it.
15. I love a clean house. I love the smell of a clean house. I love the way I feel when the house is clean. I love that if someone knocks at the door you can invite them in without the fear that your going to be mortified at what they see, smell, or find.
16. I love to talk. I love to sit down with friends or strangers and learn more about them or from them. I love to hear about people's lives and why they do what they do.
17. I love to sew. I am not that good at it, but when I sit down to do it, I am always so pleased with myself when I am done.
18. I love to scrapbook on the computer. I have a new program on my computer to scrapbook and I love it! I hope I can be good and get books done for my family and capture the wonderful memories we have shared together.
19. I love jewelry. I love nice jewelry. I love to put earrings, necklace, bracelet, and rings on everyday. I don't feel finished until I put all the jewelry on and then I can tackle the day.
20. I love skirts and dresses. I should have been born in the 50's. I love the way the dressed and I feel more complete in a skirt or dress. I would wear a dress everyday if I could.
21. I love to go walking in the mornings with Julia. It's my own little therapy session with such a dear friend. It's always hard to wake up at 6:15 a.m. but it's so worth it. We walk hard, but we talk the entire time and I always feel ready for the day after I leave her.
22. I love to be ready before I take Ethan for school. I feel so happy when I have Ethan, Sarah, and myself ready for the day. I try to accomplish this everyday so that the rest of the day I can go and do whatever needs to be done. It's one of the best things I do for our day. Sarah make this commitment when you are a stay at home mom and it will work miracles for your motivation and spirits.
23. I love to go on drives. I love to drive in the car with classical music playing and just drive around and look at other people's yards and homes and dream about the future.
24. I love my little house. I love that it is green. I love that we have worked so hard to get it to look as good as it does. I love that it is small and I can see you kids wherever you are in the house. I love Daddy and I have worked side by side to make it beautiful. I love that we can afford to live here and still have money left over at the end of the month.
25. I love to read. I love to get lost in a good book. I love to read uplifting stories or gospel doctrine books. I don't like wasting my time with things that don't add to my  becoming something better (it happens occasionally) but I try to spend my time with motivating or self-improving books.
26. I love to camp. I love to be outdoors and sleep by a stream at night. I love to cook by a fire and listen to it crackle when we roast marshmellows. I love that you kids can get dirty and it doesn't matter. I love everything about camping except the potty situation, other than that, it's the perfect vacation.
27. I love love love Disneyland!!! I could spend day after day after day there and never get tired of it. I love everything about it. I love the way you kids light up when we get there. I love that you are so delighted with everything we see. I love the music there. I love the gift there. I love the rides, the parades, the food, I love Disneyland!
28. I love to swim. I would swim everyday if I could. I don't love getting in a swim suit, but I love the way the water feels on your body when you dive in or gently glide along the bottom. It's freedom. I love it.
29. I love gardening books, decorating books, and cooking books. I love to read them, use them, and find it very relaxing to cuddle up on my patio chair and get lost in them.
30. I love pine view. I use to love the beach but pine view or bear lake is so much better. No big waves to worry about. Great sand, treats, playing in the water, making memories, it's wonderful.
31. I love my sisters. What would I do without them. They are my best friends, my kids second mothers, the best people I know.
32. I love my parents and my brothers. They guide me. They support me. They love me. 
33. I love to play with my kids! I love to pretend to be a princess or queen. I love to play dolls, house, kitchen, makeup. I love to becoming a superhero and run through the house pretending to be something bigger and better. I love playing the wii with Ethan and having him be so proud when I do something impressive that I didn't even realize I was doing. I love to read with you, to sing to you, to cuddle you. I love you! I love being your mom. I love staying home with you. I love everything about my life.
34. I love my husband! I love that he is my best friend. I love that I trust him. I love that I know he would never talk bad about me in any way. I love that he is a great provider. I love that he is spiritual. I love he takes his calling seriously. I love that he works hard in and out of the home. I love that he plays with the kids. I love that he makes everyone laugh. I  love that he is my husband! I love him with all my heart.
35. I love my Savior Jesus Christ! Where would I be in this life without my knowledge of Him. He is the one that has given me all that I have and my joy is complete because of my testimony of His existence and The Atoning sacrifice on my behalf. I love the Gospel. It is true. Everything I do is so I can return home faithful to the Father and the Son. I love the Gospel and my Savior with all my heart and soul.

Well that is a beginning of the things I love. I am a happy person by nature and so are you. Life is wonderful and if you look for what is wonderful it will always be that much better. I love you guys! 

Love, Mommy

35..perfect day!

So today I am 35 years old! Where does the time go? It was a great birthday. I woke up to a message written on the mirror from my sweetheart. It said, "We love you Mommy, Happy Birthday!!" I was able to sleep in until 8:00 am, until I was woke up by my sweet Sarah crawling in my bed with me. Ethan you slept in until 9:30. We had breakfast, I did a little light weeding in the flower garden and then watered my veggies and then we got ready for the day. Sarah today was the first time we put mousse in your hair and tried out that natural curl...you looked adorable. After we were all ready we went to Grandma McCormack's house for cousin play date. My sweet sisters always go way beyond the call of duty and they made a special lunch for me. We had ham wraps, salad, veggies and dip, and chocolate covered strawberries! So great! My Aunt Cathy and Brittany also brought lime ricky's. It was a very relaxing afternoon, where the adults got to chat and the kids played in the backyard and watched Tom and Jerry. It was a perfect afternoon.

About three o'clock the best thing in my life walked through the door...the blue eyed, brown haired Mr. Parkin! Could my day get any better...no, he makes everything perfect. We packed up and headed to our house and opened presents. I received the Adele CD, Biography on Dick Van Dyke, Shirley Temple DVD collection, a wallet, shirt, a book, and a skirt. Way to generous, but very appreciated. The great thing about the gifts was that daddy took you two with him and you helped pick out every gift. You did great! I loved every gift you got me. After gifts we headed out to dinner at the Cheesecake Factory at the City Creek Center. It was the first time we had been there and it was delicious! Daddy got tuna, I got steak, Ethan got macaroni and cheese, and Sarah got grilled chicken. For dessert we got carmel chocolate pecan cheesecake, daddy got mango key lime pie cheesecake and you kids got vanilla ice cream. We all shared and dinner was so pleasant. The waitress was a little slow, but you were so patient and it was so relaxing. We talked and giggled and it was the best time we ever had at a restaurant. After dinner we went to the Disney store and Sarah got a Little Mermaid and Cinderella nightgown, Ethan got the Brave sword, axe and hammer. It was a perfect night. We walked slowly back through the city creek and came home for the night. Before bed time Daddy put on the Adele CD and we all danced in the family room and Sarah you never wanted it to end. It was one of the best parts of the day. After prayers, scriptures, and books you both went to bed and Daddy and I stayed up and watched Pysch while Daddy rubbed my feet. The end of a perfect day! I love you all!

Summer time brings gratitude

As the summer begins my gratitude is over flowing. I love being your mom. I love having my children home with me all day long. I love waking up in the morning and cuddling with you while watching cartoons. I love going swimming and hearing you giggle with every touch of that ice cold water. I love having unplanned days and doing our summer time "homework" each morning and reading time before we start out for the day. I love packing lunches with no idea when we might be home from our days event and trying to plan well enough so you don't go hungry. I love going to the park and running around the playground with you and pretending to be pirates on our own ships taking over the ocean blue. I love going to Daddy's work to surprise him with lunch and a trip up to Sugar House Park to play on the playground. I love that we eat outside in our backyard at our picnic table nearly every night for dinner. I love that I get to play dolls with my sweet Sarah and superheros with my kind Ethan. I love being your mom. You are my greatest gifts in life. I don't know why we aren't blessed with more children, but the two of you make everything wonderful and complete. I love you so dearly. I wish I could stop time and we could play like this forever. 

I promise you as you get older I will try my hardest to always stay connected with you. I will love you unconditionally and support you in your life decisions. I will continue to play with you and find joy in your interests. We will hike together, swim together, boat together, play games, laugh, discover, and grow together. I was born to be a mother. Some woman have aspirations of being great women in the real world. I have always wanted to be a great mother. I would give everything up to be with you each day and never miss one sacred moment with you. I vow to be here for you everyday of your life. I will sacrifice anything and everything so that you will always know how important you are and how much I value my job as mother. I know that I can never turn back time, so I will live in the moment and try to live without regrets. I love that I  am blessed to stay home with you each day and I can be involved in your life at school and home. 

I love being a wife. I am blessed with the greatest husband in the world. Your father is everything I hoped for and so much more. Our marriage is healthy and pure. He has always put me first and I have never doubted his love or commitment to me. He sacrificed so many hours of sleep to go to school and work so that I could be a stay at home mom. He never complained about that, ever. I know that he values my job as much as I do and that is priceless. When Dad and I bought our little home, we bought it with the idea that we could always make this house payment and I would always be blessed to stay home with you, so far that was one of the best decisions of our lives together. When you get married think ahead to the future. Plan for these important decisions and be firm. It's hard not to want bigger and better all the time, but know when you can truly afford things (and by that I mean pay cash for everything if possible) if you abide by that principle and marry someone who feels the same your life will be far less complicated and a million times more happy. Your Dad helps me with everything. He cooks along side me, cleans, he reads with you, baths you, cuddles you, disciplines you, loves you to death, and is our spiritual leader. He works hard and never complains. We will work all day in the yard together and he will never quiet until he knows that I am satisfied with a job well done. He treats me like a Queen. He makes me feel beautiful even when I am big and pregnant, or sick in bed, or all dolled up for a big date. He still dates me. He plans great dates. He still gets my door for me and winks at me across a crowded room. He holds my hand and makes me feel needed and wanted. We cuddle every night before bedtime and we still giggle while talking about the day before we drift off to sleep. He is the only one in this world who truly knows me and loves me unconditionally regardless of my many imperfections. He is my best friend in every way and he has helped me to know the Lord better and to draw closer to him through prayer. He has taught me so much and I love him with all my heart.  

Lastly I am so grateful for my testimony of Jesus Christ as my Savior and for His atoning sacrifice for me personally. He lived for me, He suffered for me, He loves me, and He died for me. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is true. It takes sacrifice and work and it is all worth it. The Book of Mormon is the word of God and was translated by a Prophet of God, Joseph Smith. Thomas S. Monson is a Prophet of God today and leads and directs His church in righteousness and love. It's true. Never doubt, never give up! Always put the Lord first and you will always be happy, that is a promise that I can make to you and I know that I can keep. I love you Ethan and Sarah. Someday if we are blessed with more children this is written to you as well. I love you all. I love Daddy and I love my Savior and Heavenly Father with all my heart. It's all true and it's all worth it!

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