Happy Fall!

Wow, it's been over a month since I made a blog post. Yikes! Things around here have been CRAZY...to say the least.

Parker and I had our eye exams this morning. And, we BOTH need glasses. We picked out some frames for Parker and he looks like quite the professor. I am thinking of ways that will be helpful in explaining + encouraging the full time wear of his new glasses.

We took a trip to the cities last weekend and spent with Graham & Kels. It was our annual trip to the Como Zoo. Such a fun time. Parker loved the animals more this year than last. Hearing the excitement in his voice and in his eyes was amazing. He's fascinated by the smallest things.

And...we got his Halloween costume. He is black Spiderman. He insisted on wearing it for 2 days in a row. Even slept in it. It is a hit! He's pumped up about it...and that it's Papa's birthday :)

We are heading to Ruttger's tomorrow to check out the place. And to get ideas flowing for the wedding next June. It's going to be here before we know it!

Am hoping to work on some pictures + albums this weekend. Maybe Sunday if I have time. Don't seem to have too much of that lately!

Adios - and more updates soon. I need to get better at posting weekly like I used to. SOON!

Oh - and this is my FAVORITE season. I love fall. YAY!

target + ki memories

We've had a busy week! I feel like I am finally getting into a "groove" at work. It has been a little differenet than I anticipated adjusting to the hours. But, I am loving what I do and thats important. Parker is content at daycare. I am fortunate to have found such a great place for him to attend.

In modeling news, Parker was asked to go on an audtion for Target Corp. this week. Had it not been for the short (1 day) notice, we would have gone...but had to pass up this time around because I couldn't pull off the planning, and taking time off from work without pay. I've never been one of those "on the fly" type of people when it comes to the at home schedule. I need to work on that and just GO with things.


Poor little man is battling a summer cold. We are spending the long weekend at the lake and he crashed at 6:30 tonight. I guess thats what happens when he refuses to take an afternoon nap in fear he might miss something. He just hasn't been "himself" all week. Am thinking there will be a visit to Dr. Patti next door in the next day or so. That woman just inspires me!

I've also decided to submit for the Design Search with KI Memories.. I'll post my pages and questionnaire next week. I am feeling super inspired to work on a new mini-album for a Parker's new cousin that was born last week. It seems like everyone is having babies...no, I am NOT getting any ideas.

Happy Labor Day weekend. We are going to fill ours with family :)

Back to school time

It's hard to believe that it is already back to school season. We did experiece the whole Target trip to get a new backpack - Batman, in fact. I was surprised that Parker chose it over Spiderman, his alltime favorite. I think it was the blue or something. But, it was all his choice and so far there have been no tears over it so that's a good thing!

I can't imagine how I will feel next year at this time, when Parker will actually be starting pre-school. One more year. My babe is growing up so fast and learning so many things. This week he surprised my by knowing how long "15 minutes" was...waiting for me to pick him up from daycare.

I'm feeling rather inspired after catching up on some of my favorite blogs this weekend! I NEED to get pictures printed and tackle some layouts for Parker's scrapbook. It's been too long.

Parker and I got to watch the Olympics for the first time this weekend. Currently, we don't have tv at home. It's one of those sacrifices, I guess. We get by with a movie every Monday night (compliments of Kels and the free RedBox code at McDonald's) and so far so good. Parker has actually been starting to tell me that we can take turns every other Monday to pick one out. That kid is all about including and making sure things are fair! I love it.

Anyways, the Olympics. Yes - that amazing race with Michael Phelps. You should have seen Parker cheering, jumping, hooting & hollering. It was priceless. He also followed up by telling us that he was going to be a swimmer some day. And today, he actually SWAM in the lake. Literally. He kicked his feet and moved his arms like a swimmer. We had some quality time with Patti, and she gobbled up every minute. It makes me thankful for good friends, a strong family bond, and appreciate the little things in life that mean so much.

Oh yes, and the fishing. Parker talks about it all week, up until the time he has his pole in hand and is on the dock reeling them in. I love the look of concentration in his eyes. We have such a good time *relaxing* when we are at the lake. Love spending time with Grammy & Papa.

Updates

Hello! Time for an update and the recent happenings in our lives.

Parker is adjusting well to his new daycare! He is making new friends in now time, like I knew he would . He still says he doesn't like going to daycare, but I have come to the conclusion that he will say this utnil he is AT LEAST 5 and goes to kindergarten. He's just too much of an "at home" kid...just like his mama!

My new job is going great :) I am seeing patients already and the days are going by so fast! I hope to test out of the first 2 levels of certification this week...and then onto the next rounds of training. It makes a world of a difference to have a job that is rewarding, satisfying, and that I feel is deserving. Wow.

We are heading to see Graham & Kels...by the way, they have a site up now too :) I can't get the link to work, so it is: www.grahamandkellsey.blogspot.com if you want to check it out! On Thursday afternoon we are going to run some errands with Kels, and then stay the night. I witnessed Parker's first meltdown and Bodde withdrawal the other night. Sobs, literally. On the phone with both Kels & Graham...that kid has the biggest attachment to that dog. But he's not just ANY dog...he's our Bodde!!!!!

Anyways, then we are off to Wisconsin for a long weekend! We are counting the days - really, on our 5 fingers - Parker knows that on the "ring finger" day we get to go see Graham, Kellsey, & Bodde. And on the "pinky finger" day we get to see Mark, Terri & the horsies. You should HEAR the excitement in his voice!!!

We are also gearing up for the family reunion in August. Aunt Evelyn is expecting over 100+ people...should be a great time!


It's a late post - I'm off to bed. We get to sleep in tomorrow morning, so I can get away with sneaking onto the computer at night. Which, by the way is one of Parker's new favorite things to do. He absolutely *LOVES* the www.starfall.com website to work on his letters. I'm trying to find some more educational sites to incorporate into his viewing...any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

One last thing...I heard from Kenadi's mom (one of the other GAP winners) this week, and got goosebumps reading her email. Our internet is up and running (thanks to whoever in the neighborhood has an unsecured connection!). When I told Parker that I got a letter from her, he grinned from cheek to cheek...and then asked when we were going to see her :) Gotta love the curiosity of a 3 year old. There are some days when I wish he would understand the concept of time, and other days when I'm glad he can't comprehend.

Toodles.

Red, White & Blue

Wishing you all a splendid 4th of July!!! Parker and I are headed to Lake Florida at the end of the day. He has been carrying around his little Spiderman container with 2 bobbers and a little fish in it - asking me "can I go fishing with my papa now?". He also can't wait to swim, play in the sand, ride his bike & scooter (which Papa needs to do some fixing on...those darn training wheels), and spend time with friends & family. His cousins: Brandon, Sean, & Amanda will be over for a slumber party tonight - he has already told me who he wants to sleep by, Miss Amanda of course. He absolutely LOVES playing with the 3 of them, and it's a little "mini tradition" that they all get to stay overnight for the 4th of July. My mom adores having the 4 of them for the night...they're like our 4 little 4th of July cuties :) They get to stay up late, we play games, make yummy pancakes, and usually are entertained by Amanda's stories (she is quite the little talker and she cracks me up every time with how much she knows about things!). I don't know who has more fun at the sleepovers - the kids or the grown-ups?!!!

In other news, it is Parker's LAST day at New Horizons (*tear*)- I am extremely thankful for the friends and learning that he has done. Parker has attended the center since he was 6 weeks old...there were a few tears last night when I picked him up and I anticipate more today. Not of him - but this mom here. I can honestly say that this is one of the most challenging things I've been faced with as a parent thus far. I'm sure there will be more complex, different issues that evolve over the years, but in this very moment at this very point in our lives - this daycare switch is the hardest. We have so many GREAT memories of New Horizons! Praises and plauds to all of the wonderful teachers at NHA - everyone there is simply THE BEST!!!!! We hope to stay in touch with his 2 best friends, Tommy & Olivia. I sent my camera with him to school today, so hopefully we get a few good shots of the kiddos :)

I'm looking forward to attending the parade in Spicer on Friday with Parker. And on Saturday, I'm going to a wedding in Sartell with Karl. I don't like to talk much about "me" on this blog...but this is one amazing guy that I am happy to share about :)

Super Jump Weekend

Parker had his share of the Super Jumps this weekend! We took in the Sauk Rapids Food Fest, and many of the Granite City Parade and festivities. Parker LOVED the parade, and is still talking about it. He wanted to make sure we got a picture of "Old McDonald" and the "big backhoe". I'll have to make sure and get these in his scrapbook :) I was exhausted after all of the events, but it was well worth the excitement on Parker's face at the end of the day. Enjoy the photos from our weekend!!!

River Bats game + Party Time Inflatables + PineCone Vision Center

Karl, Parker, and I went to the RiverBats game last night. Parker got a little anxious around the 6th inning - but he LOVED the bat :) He kept asking where the bat was and kept his eye on him the whole time. They even posed for a picture...isn't this CUTE?!!!!!



And...how's this for free advertising? I'm now an official shirt holder and walking ad Party Time Inflatables. This picture could definitely be put to use for some good promo stuff! Parker couldn't resist last night, and asked me to try it on AND take his pic. What a kid :)



And now, for the exciting news I can finally share with all of you! I've accepted a new job at PineCone Vision Center. I will be an Optemetric Technican and am really excited about this new opportunity. My first day is on July 8th and I couldn't be happier!!!

Little lake boy

So excited it's finally summer! Parker will be a little fish this summer. We are hoping to get to the lake NEXT weekend. It's crazy how things pop up on the calendar and make us so busy.

Parker has been such a good boy lately. He is a little jabber mouth. For those of you who know me, believe it or not - he talks more than ME! I know, hard to believe...but it's so true.

I'm waiting for some exciting news that I can hopefully share next week. Until then - have a great weekend and soak up some sun!

Alyssa's graduation

Wow...this was 2 weeks ago! Here is a quick photo of Parker + Papa after the graduation ceremony. Visit 2peas for a peek at the album I created for Alyssa :)

Designer Calls + album

I've been trying to upload this onto 2peas, and have been unsuccessful ;( It must be a setting on my computer or something. Anyway...I'm searching for designer calls this week, in my attempt to be on a design team for a scrapbooking company. Wish me luck! I'll be posting *MANY* of my recent layouts on my blog this week. For all of your non-scrappers...sorry! For all of my fellow scrappers out there - ENJOY!

*update* I did figure out how to upload my pages to 2peas today - can you tell it's Monday?!