Ms. Kim

...this woman is absolutely amazing! Meet Ms. Kim - the center director at New Horizons. She is what makes every minute of Parker's day fabulous. Just in the last week I have noticed that Parker has taken off with his writing. When we reflect on our day together, he talks about the letter of the week and "draws" it in the air for me. Perfectly, every single time. They concentrate on one letter, number, and theme each week. This week it was about the ocean and the letter O. I appreciate how much thought, effort, and time that the teachers in his room put into all of the activities that go on through the day/week. When Grammy asked Parker today what he has been doing at school he said "math + science, dramatic play, table toys, outside, cars + trucks, computer, library, and thats all". So stinkin cute!

Moving Parker back to New Horizons has been the **best** thing thus far. It's been 4 months already, where does the time go? The tuition is most definately an investment into his future and education. I'm thrilled that NH is such a great fit for us. Its so comforting for me to know that while I am at work that ALL of his needs are being met - mentally, physically, emotionally, and educationally.

I'm gearing up for spring/summer to come - so Parker can get to the much needed exploring outdoors. Looking at this photo reminds me of how dark he gets when the sun comes out...and how I love how cute he looks in shorts and his Crocs. Which, I need to get ordered so they are here in time for the season. Ahh - the warm weather can't come fast enough!

Have a great weekend!

Happy Valentine's Day

Hope you are spending the day with those you love!

xoxoxoxoxo
Abby & Parker

Valentines

Parker and I made some super cute Valentines for Graham, Kels & Bodde + Grammy & Papa. I forgot to take photos BEFORE we mailed them out...but Kels has a post up on her blog with a quick preview. Check it out!
www.grahamandkellsey.blogspot.com

I love any excuse to put my scrapbooking skills to work ;)

p-a-r-k-e-r

He spelt his name out loud to me in the car this morning. Our conversation went something like this:
M: Parker, it's share day at school today...are you excited about that?
P: Yeah, mommy, I am.
M: What letter are you working on?
P: Llll, mommy. It goes down and over.
M: Good job, buddy. Are you working on your handwriting with Ms. Katie?
P: Yep, she picks 2 wetters from my sheet.
M: Oh, Ms. Katie picks the 2 best letter "L's" that you can write for her?
P: Yes, mommy. I already told you that.
M: I know you did, I just like to hear about what you do at school, bud. Do you know what letters are in your name?
P: My name is P for Parker. P-(pause)-A-R-K-E-(pause - insert Mommy helping with the last letter R)-R!
M: Wow, buddy - that is AWESOME! You can spell you name - you are so smart in the Sunshine room.
P: Yep, I am. And pretty soon I am gonna be a Qwest kid. But not yet, I yike being a Sunshine :)


I gobbled up his goodness this morning...THIS is what makes being a mom so rewarding :)

Tommy's Birthday Party

Parker had a BLAST at Tommy's birthday party! The kiddos played and played - and boy, did he sure sleep good that night. Parker picked out a Speed Racer track to give to Tommy. He loved it. We spent 2 hours at Rainbow Play Systems in St. Cloud - after cake and whistles, it was time to go "home".

Here is Parker and his friend Olivia making funny faces!

New York

Kels has posted an amazing recap of our where-abouts exactly a year ago in NYC. Check it out here: www.grahamandkellsey.blogspot.com

Prayers for Jon

We are lifting up Jon Schroeder and his family in prayer. Please visit the Caring Bridge site to learn more: http://caringbridge.org/visit/jonschroeder. In Him, we ask for his healing touch in every minute of Jon's day.

Merry Christmas!

Just a quick note to wish all who read our blog a Very Merry Christmas!!!

Christmas Eve

I met my friend Ali for coffee this morning and we talked the hour away! She is such a sweet, caring, patient, fashionable woman that I am proud to call my friend!

Parker & Grammy bundled up and went for a sled ride/walk outside in the snow. He's so cute with his winter gear - Spiderman boots and all!

We are going to church at 3:30 pm tonight and then opening a few presents. Parker tells me that he is getting excited!

Kels & Graham will be here on Friday morning - bright and early! Can't wait to spend time with them. We are making some holiday craft projects as well, look for pics of our handy work soon :)

Enjoy the wonder of tonight!

December Updates

Whew...5 days until Christmas! Parker is beyond excited to open presents. He's going to leave carrots and oats for the reindeer. And cookies for Santa. He asked me what I had on my list when we were driving in the car last night and said "Santa is checking twice". So stinkin cute!

Parker had his Christmas program at school yesterday afternoon.

They sang 3 songs - he did a great job and was waving and smiling the whole time to me! We went to Subway (his choice) afterwards to have a sandwich and a cookie. A slight melt-down on sandwich#1 that got made. Note: he likes the mayonaise on the BOTTOM of the bread...the ham, pepperoni, salomi, and sprinkle cheese goes on the top.


We are in Spicer for the weekend - hoping not to get snowed in! We are going to see The Tale of Desperaux movie this afternoon. Can't wait to bring Parker to the theatre. He insisted that Grammy take him - and you know her, she gives in :) All in good nature though. She loves him so. He specifically said that he wanted to go to the movies with his family. What a boy - always including!

We wrapped some presents this morning. Note: Grammy you have all paper for boys, none for girls. We'll be re-stocking the supply at the after Christmas bargain sales. Love looking for the deals!


Parker also decided that he does not like hot chocolate - but posed for a cute picutre anyways!

2 days of work this week and then we are home bound for the Holidays. We are looking forward to spending time with our family. Love you guys.

Parker tells us that we have to wait to open our presents until it is Christmas time. He also loves looking for the lights at night-time...he tells me "Mommy - look for Christmas on your side". I love that he gets so excited at this time of year. I'm looking forward to the expression on his face when he opens his presents - fingers crossed that he'll enjoy all of his gifts. There are some Spidey things, a doctor kit, workbench, and games coming his way - he should be set for entertainment!

Merry Christmas from our home to yours. I still haven't received our cards yet - can't complain though for spending $6.13 (including tax and shipping) at Winkflash. I'm still working on the letter as well...I best be on my way to finish it up!