My Ode to Patty!

I'm at my friend Patty's and she has reminded me that it has been 3 months since I've updated this blog!! okay so this is for her! Of course she really knows everything I'd put on here because we've talked non stop for 2 days!! I've loved every minute of it! So instead of telling you some new things in the life of my family.(I promise I'll do it in another post) I thought I'd tell you all about her.

Patty is the kind of friend I always wish I could be. She's amazing. She's the kind of friend who always calls first, and doesn't make you feel bad because you didn't call. One way I like to describe her is Patty sticks. When you let her into your heart and your life she's there to stay! You couldn't shake her if you tried, but the point is you wouldn't try. You'd never want to lose a friend like her.

She's thoughtful in the little ways that make the biggest difference. She sends little cards, or housewarming gifts, little things that others don't think of. She never forgets a birthday or an important event!

Patty is the best kind of sounding board. She listens when you need her too, and she gives sound advice when you ask for it. But most of all she empathizes. She knows how you feel and recognizes and understands what you need.

And her best quality (in my humble opinion) is she says it like it is. You always know where you stand, and I love that about her! We all need someone in our life to tell it to us straight, and she does but she does it with love, because she doesn't like to hurt people.

My friend Patty has always been there for me. She's helped me through some rough patches in my life and I'm grateful everyday that she's my friend. But truly she's more than just a friend. She's amazing

She has two of the most beautiful girls I've ever met, and she's an amazing mom. I know she worries about being a good mom (like we all do) but she doesn't need to worry, she's incredible. She's such an example to me, of a good mother, and a good friend. She cares so much about others, I wanted her to know how much I care about her. I love her so much! I only wish we lived closer!!!!

I would wish that everyone could have a friend like Patty. Even if she were my only friend I would be truly blessed.

I love you Patty! Thanks for everything you do for me!

This picture was taken a few years ago, but it's still one of my favorites!

Something to blog

So I've been on a blogging kick. Not only have I blogged but I set up a family blog for Andrew's family and I learned how to import different backgrounds and add music. It's been kind of fun!

Today I have a sick little girl. She has whatever I got earlier in the week. The only good thing about it is she is a snuggler when she is sick. And because she's a girl I can get away with snuggling her and watching Disney princess movies. Like Beauty and the Beast, which is one of my all time favorites but I never watch it. Parker would never watch it with me because it was a "girl" movie.

In fact one time I asked him if he'd watch a movie with me and he knows me well enough that he said as long as it's not The Little Mermaid.

Oh well, now I have a little girl that I can watch them with. Of course the only time she'll sit still long enough to watch a movie is when she's sick. But maybe that will be the thing she remembers. When she was sick, mom would snuggle her and watch Princess movies. It wouldn't be a bad memory to have.

If anyone reads this let me know what you think about the new layout and colors and stuff!

Grandmother's Funeral

We did have a sad event recently. My Grandmother on my dad's side passed away. She was my last living grandparent, and I'm going to miss her a great deal. I do know that she is now with my Granddad and I'm grateful for the plan of salvation and the knowledge that I have of it's truthfullness. Because I know that I will see her again, and I know that she is happy.

We had an interesting time getting to Colorado for the funeral. My sister Rachel and I flew out of Kansas City and took Bailey with us. Our flight out of KC sat on the tarmac for 2 and 1/2 hours. By the time we were in the air Bailey had had enough. She screamed at the top of her lungs for 10 minutes until she fell asleep!

But we missed our connection in Dallas to Grand Junction! The next flight didn't leave until 5:30n pm Which would get us in to GJ 7 hours after we were suppose to be there!!! YUCK!!!

But I guess if you're stuck in an airport for 6 hours with a not quite 2 year old. Dallas is the place to do it! I almost started crying when I saw that they had a play area for kids! Bailey was a trooper and she loved the escalator, we went up and down probably 50 times, and each time she said weeeeee!

I could not have done it without Rachel though! I'm so glad she was there, she's amazing!

Although the trip was for a sad reason It was reallyn great to see all my family! Some I haven't seen in years!! Out of 29 grandchildren there were 21 there. And lots of greatgrandchildren. I just want to say how grateful I am for all of my family immediate and extended. I'm truly blessed to come from such a good family!

I also got to spend time with my best friend Kim!! I miss her so much and it was great to get to spend a couple of days with her!

We did get home without incident (thankfully) and I'm really glad we got to go!

Here are some fun pictures of the whole group and the grandkids!

Key West

So the Monday after Christmas, Andrew and I got to go to Key West with his firm. Grandma and Grandpa DeLaMare watched the kids!! THANK YOU MOM AND DAD!!!!

We flew into Ft. Lauderdale and drove down to to the Keys it was a beautiful drive when we got to the Keys. The 7 mile bridge was really neat! It was however a lot longer of a drive than we anticipated but we had fun!!

Andrew had to be in meetings two of the days we were there, so if you ask him I had more fun then he did!!

This was the view from our hotel room!

I had 3 goals while I was in Key West. The first was to run on the beach, the second was to spend one whole day laying on the beach, and the third was to watch the sunrise. I'm proud to say I accomplished all 3. I don't have pictures of running but here are some of the beach I laid on.

These are the palm trees I was laying under! Honestly I was in heaven it was so great. The resort where Andrew's meetings were and where we laid on the beach was a full service resort and at 2:00pm servers brought around popcicles on a silver platter! It was so cool!

Thursday morning, Andrew and I and one of the other attorneys Kathleen and her husband Jeff, got up and watched the sunrise and then ate breakfast on the water! It was beautiful and peaceful!

Needless to say we had a great time and it was really hard to leave 80 degree weather and come back to 10 degree weather and snow. But it was great! The last pictures are of Andrew and I one on the pier, behind us is the southern most part of the USA and if you look hard on a clear day you can see Cuba, or so they say! And one at night on the wharf close to the resturuant we ate in!

Our little snow bunny!

Here in Missouri it snowed 8 inches on Christmas day! It was incredible. I guess it's been 50 years since it has snowed on Christmas day! The kids loved it. Andrew however did not since he had to shovel. I even helped him and there was just so much snow. And then it seemed like it kept snowing!

Finally this week (the second week in January) it has warmed up enough that things are starting to melt! It's been a crazy winter so far.

Here's pictures of Bailey all dressed up for the snow!

When I blog I really blog!! So I ran a 5K in October and loved every minute of it! Now I'm addicted to running! I've been running about 20 miles a week since then. And I'm going to run a 10 k in June and a half Marathon next October.

For someone who has NEVER enjoyed running this is a BIG deal. I actually really enjoy it. And a great benefit is I've lost 12 pounds since the beginning of November!! Okay that's the best benefit really. But I'm excited. I've only ran 5 miles at a time so far, so I need to keep working to increase that but I'll get there. Anyone who has any running expertise please feel free to give me some advice.

Now I'm going to be teaching a triathlon class at the YMCA on Fridays. That should be fun. And then we'll do an indoor sprint triathlon in March! Who would have thought?

Here's some pictures after I completed the 5k! I did it in 29 min. My goal was under 30! And these are the girls I ran with!!

I'm reminded almost daily that I'm a horrible blogger! So I thought I'd blog! These are a few things on my mind! Just in case anyone still checks this blog!!

Life is crazy, and wonderful all at the same time! Sometimes I get so frustrated with work or people or whatever and then my son will ask me to play a simple game with him and the frustration vanishes, or my daughter will say something funny in her almost 2 year old way, or my husband will do the dishes. Isn't it great that the people around us can make our life better by simply being in our lives. I love my family. And I get so caught up sometimes in getting every thing done that I think I need to that I don't take the time to spend with those I love the most. My new vow is when Parker asks me to play a game or watch a movie with him, instead of saying after I finish the dishes or maybe after dinner, I'm going to stop what I'm doing and spend the time with the ones I love most. For a mother who really is trying to have everything done and keep everything organized this will be hard but I will try. That's what's on my mind right now!

Look who's walking

Bailey has been toying with the idea of walking for awhile now. But once her cousin Bryson (who's 3 months older and walking) came to visit, she just took off.

New Job, New Car and a good picture of the Family

In past posts,(if anyone can remember that long ago) I mentioned something about the FBI and Andrew. We had some interesting things happen. He went through both the first and second phase of testing and passed. But then he was not selected. It was a difficult time, there is no reason except maybe they were most likely looking for something he didn't have, such as a foreign language or IT skills etc.

Anyway, when one door closes another opens as the saying goes. A couple of months ago there was an advertisment for Parmele Law Firm that practices solely in Social Security disability claims. During law school, Andrew did his internship with an Administrative Law Judge for Social Security Administration, so he applied. They called him back, told him his resume was impressive, but the job was in Rolla Missouri. Andrew said thanks but no thanks. It would be to hard to sell the house right now and I have a good job.

A week or so later they called him again and told him they decided to open a position in Kansas City and asked if he was interested. Of course he was. After he had his interview and his references were checked, Parmele offered him an attorney position.

It will require him to travel to Topeka, Kansas about twice a week and also to either St Joseph, Missouri or Columbia, Missouri about once a week. These are all about 1 1/2 hour trips so he'll still be home every night. And last week when he went to St. Joe he beat me home! Occasionally, he'll have to go somewhere random, like California or Iowa. He has an office with a window that is close the Crown Center. And I have never seen him so happy about a job!!! But I took a picture of the 2 case files he brought home. I'm sure the excitment will wear off but he'll still enjoy it. We've waited for this for 2 years.

He has a conference in DC in May and I get to go with him!! I'm very excited. Grandma DeLaMare is going to watch the kids!

But since he has to drive so much he is now driving our Impala and we got a new car for me to drive. It's a Dodge Journey and is so fun!!

Life is really good and we are so grateful to our Heavenly Father for his constant care!

I will try to do a better job of updating this so that it doesn't take me 2 hours! Please read on for the rest of the blogs I posted today! I can't wait to hear comments if there is anyone who hasn't given up on me!

Birthday # 1!!

So I can't believe Bailey is a year old. (as I'm sure you can't since I haven't updated this since she was 6 months!!)

On March 13th two days after her brother's birthday Bailey turned 1. We had just the 4 of us and then we went to grandma and grandpa DeLaMare's for the weekend. She was so cute and had fun with both cake and presents.

She is such a joy. She is happy most of the time and always has a quick laugh. She's not walking yet, (which is just fine with us) but her vocabulary is incredible. Her favorite words these days are Hello and doggie. Kitty and cheese are up there. She has a hard time with Parker but says it like "Dah her" P and K are hard! instead of mama she says Mommy, which is funny because Parker still says mama.

She has the greatest smile and the craziest hair. She is such a joy. And sometimes she looks at me like I'm her whole world and there is nothing she loves more. That sure makes a mom feel good!!

Birthday 7

On March 11th Parker Celebrated his 7th birthday. Having a 7 year old makes me feel 29. He wanted everything Transformers. We had a big party for his 6th birthday so instead of making a party the expectation we did something with just us.

He wanted to go ice skating with Mom and then eat at IHOP. Unfortunately I didn't get pictures of us ice skating but we had a lot of fun. Parker spent a lot of time on his rear end on the ice, but he got a lot better by the end. Mom is proud to say she didn't fall and even remembered some tricks from her youth.

We met Dad and Bailey and Rachel at IHOP where he annouced to everyone that it was his birthday, so they sang to him and made him blush.

He is a good kid, and we love him so much. The pictures I did get are priceless!

Birthday 29

So I celebrated my 29th birthday a month ago! I have to say I'm still a little put out that I did not get a golden birthday. The year I turn 29 there is not a 29th, oh well. but I did have a fun weekend. For those of you who don't know this about me. I do not know how to have just one day for my birthday. Growing up I always got 2 days (Thanks mom and dad) because my parents didn't agree what day I should celebrate it if it wasn't leap year. So I have gotten very use to having my birthday celebrated for a number of days. I know my parents only gave me two days but I figure if two is good four is better right? Drives Andrew crazy, but because he loves me he indulges me.

We went out to dinner with some friends who where also celebrating birthdays. And then the next day it snowed! And not just a little! So we played in the snow with the kids. Can't believe I celebrated my first 29th birthday. I do not feel anywhere close to that! Ha ha

First Stitches

So after waiting almost 7 years for it to happen, Parker finally had to have stitches. He was in Buffalo Missouri visiting his grandma and grandpa DeLaMare and slipped on some wet rocks while he was holding a rock in his left hand. The rock he was holding smashed his left thumb when he fell. It cut the thumb and there was need of stitches mainly to save the nail bed.

After the stitches came out he lost the nail but it is growing back! We had to drive down and meet them at the ER in Bolivar Missouri, but fortuantely everthing was okay.

New year, New Things

So at the begining of the year my mom and sister Rachel came out to see us. My mom went home and my sister stayed. She is living with us for now. She found a job and is working. She says she likes it here and has made some friends. We have really enjoyed having her here. In Jan and Feb, she didn't have a job and we had a lot of sickness so she helped watch the kids when I had to work. The kids love having her around and I've really enjoyed her also.

I found out at the begining of the year that I developed an auto immune disease during my pregnancy that killed my thyroid. It's called Hosimotos disease. So my thyroid was ridiculously low. I have to take thyroid medication for the rest of my life but I have to say that it is a relief. I felt so awful. I was killing myself to lose the weight from the pregnancy with no luck and I was exhuasted all the time. My body ached, and so much more. I've been on medication for 2 1/2 months now and I've lost 20 pounds. I have energy I can consentrate and basically just feel better. So yeah for thyroid meds!

Here's a picture of the kids with Grandma

Taking time

Okay I'm taking time to finally update this blog. Yes I've heard from several that it's bees so six month so I should get it updated. The problem with waiting so long is that there is so much to tell so instead of one really long blog I will do several!! The end of our year was crazy as usual and for the first time in 8 years I didn't get Christmas cards sent out. I decided not to lose sleep over it! So I'm putting a couple of pictures on here that very likely would have been on our Christmas card, had I done one. I hope you all had great holidays very overdue!

Finally an Update!!

So I have had several people point out the fact that I have not updated our blog in awhile. I realize it has been nearly a month, but it's been a VERY busy month. So if you have a minute to read this entire blog there are a few things you might like to know.

First off Parker started the first grade and wouldn't you know we got a call from his teacher on the 3rd day!!! He got in trouble for two things. talking, (I know that's a shocker with me as his mother) and trying to make the class laugh (hmm can we say Andrew!) Anyway the thing was he was doing all of this while his teacher was trying to talk. Big no no. So I guess it's during their carpet time he had a little problem distracting the other kids. The good thing is she says at his desk he's all buisness. So we talked to him about it and the next day was better but the first day of the next week we got a second call!!!! SAME THING! I have a feeling this will be something we struggle with his entire school career. I guess with his parentage we should have seen this coming. But the good news is he has an incredible teacher and we've been "practicing" quiet time at home, and we haven't had a call since that day. And his teacher says he's doing great now. Hooray!

Bailey is just amazing. She's growing and changing so much every day! She rolls and turns all around the room, and she's sitting up really well. She's starting to get some hair, and when she's awake she is usually babbling non stop. It's crazy we don't remember Parker talking this much. It could just be the difference in a boy and girl, and she is my child, so I'm sure she'll love to talk. One night she woke up at 2:00am and laid in her crib and just talked and babbled for 2 hours!!!! Of course it was loud enough that we could hear her and we didn't get any sleep!!! But it's hard to be mad when she was so stinking cute!!!! She also LOVES her daddy. For some reason if I'm holding her it's time to play or eat. She won't just snuggle with me. I miss it because Parker was such a snuggle bug, but Bailey will snuggle with Andrew. It's really sweet. I guess she already knows who to wrap around her finger!!

In one of my earlier blogs I mentioned that Andrew's application for the FBI was accepted and that he was going to take the first exam. Well he passed. Now we wait for the second test which could be 3-6 months. Then he'll go to Chicago or Dallas for that which is an essay and an interview. If he passes those then he'll have to take a polygraph test and pass the background check, which could take another 3-6 months, upon passing those then he would take the Physical Fitness test and then wait for a spot to open in a class at Quantico. We would definately have to move. They never send you back to your application area. So we're looking at about a year for the whole process. He's still very excited but we will just have to see. Someone asked why he went to law school if he wanted to go into the FBI. To anwser that he didn't really know he wanted to go into the FBI and not just anyone can apply to be a special agent. You need a degree in one of several fields and law just happens to be one of them. so that's the news there.

I'm just crazy. I've got work and kids, and YMCA classes I teach, and being Primary President and now being roped into helping organize a book fair for the PTA, not to mention the buisness I'm working on, I'm swamped!!!!! So that's my excuse for not getting the blog updated sooner. Besides the laptop was on the fritz and the desktop isn't fast enough for me. I have no patience for slow computers!!!

Well that's my update and here's some pictures! I hope everyone is well.

Flashbacks

I have to start my blog by telling you that yesterday as we were getting ready to leave for Church, Parker could only find ONE shoe. The one he found was in his closet where it was suppose to be, but we could not find the other one. So thus ensued the changing of clothes so he could wear his brown shoes. We also told Parker that he would have to clean his room today. Normally if I tell him to clean his room he will. And at first glance it looks pretty good. The floor will be clean and the bed will be made. But a closer inspection will reveal that he has things stuffed everywhere! So we had to do a real thorough cleaning to find the shoe. Of course this was not going to happen with out my help. I started pulling things out of corners and drawers that did not belong. I found ties in his lego bucket! And when I ask if his tie looks like a lego he just looks at me and shrugs! Ugh. So I put everything in the middle of the floor and try to get him to clean it up. I'm sure I did most of the work, but my flashback was to my childhood and my mother doing the same thing. My deepest apologies to my mom for all the stress of trying to get us to clean our rooms properly!! It didn't occur to me until just now to take pictures of his mess but I'm happy to say after almost all day the room is very clean and organized. And his comment, "It's nice to know where all my stuff is." Hmm imagine that!

Oh and we did find his shoe it was hiding behind his books on his bookshelf. Don't ask how it got there because I haven't the slightest idea!

Here's a couple of pics of the kiddos. I think they're cute, but what do I know?

Milestones

I'm sitting here at the computer at almost midnight wondering what on earth I'm doing still awake. I find sometimes it's the best time to get things done. Does anyone ever wish that we just didn't need as much sleep as we do? I know I usually feel like I need an extra couple of hours in the day. Granted I can find them if I sacrifice sleep, but eventually you have to pay the piper. I remember the days I could pull all nighters and not think twice about it. Now unfortunately I don't do well on any less than 6 hours of sleep and I would LOVE to have more like 10!! Okay I know in my dreams!!
Well a couple of milestones for the kids. Bailey is officially mobile. She can roll from back to stomach and from stomach to back. She can also sit up pretty well. She usually sits leaning forward supported by her hands. Today we watched her pull up to a straight sitting position, and hold it. It's so crazy that she's already doing all this. Parker did everything early and I was kind of hoping that little miss Bailey would take it slow. It doesn't look like that will be the case.
And Parker's milestone, in two weeks the kid starts 1st grade. It sounds so different from saying we have a kindergartner to saying we have a 1st grader. Honestly where does the time go?

For those of you that may be wondering what my darling husband has been up to since he passed the Bar exam, he's been working for Sprint, in the real estate department. However this week he takes starts the testing process for the FBI. Yes you are reading that correctly. He applied in October and found out last week that his application has been accepted to go to the testing phase. We have no idea how long this will take. When I asked him if he was excited about it, his response was, "Of course, who wouldn't want to say, 'I'm a special agent for the FBI' that's just sounds cool." He does however have to pass the background check! So if men in dark suits show up on any one's door step be sure to say nice things!!!!!

A little update on myself. I've started a business (like I don't have enough to do!) as a consultant for a company called BeautiControl. They specialize in spa quality products at home! It's a lot of fun to do the in-home spas and to meet new people. I have a website if anyone wants to check it out. www.beautipage.com/spaanywhere I have fallen in love with the products. Let me know if anyone is interested in knowing more.
No pictures tonight because it's late but I'll try to put some on in the morning.
I'd love to hear from everyone.
Have a wonderful week!!!!

Correction

So it was brought to my attention that there were a few oversights in my last blog. Ed would like it stated that he and Linda had Parker for 6 days not 5. And they survived I might add. Parker is a very early riser, so there was not much sleep while he was there.

I also failed to mention Ed's son KIRK. He claims that he did the most work, and no one is arguing. He's 12 and Parker thinks he can do anything. He looks up to him so much. Parker loves Linda and Ed but he always asks if Kirk is going to be around when we go visit. Kirk is very good with Parker and entertains him well. So he gets credit for doing the most stuff with Parker and making the trip as fun as it could possibly be. Ed and Linda get the credit for planning all the activities and be patient with a child that does not know how to sleep in. So here's to a wonderful guy -Kirk that's you- and an incredible family that loves my son!!!!! We love you guys!!

Vacation away from parents

So when does a child get old enough to take a vacation away from mom and dad? The answer is 6! Parker is on his way home as I type this from a trip to see our good friends Ed and Linda! He left Wednesday night and is coming home today, Monday. He of course had a great time. Miniature golf, swimming and fishing in the lake, riding go carts, the water park, and what would a vacation be with out a dune buggy and mud? Needless to say the kid had a ball. Its been a little strange around here without him. Its been quiet. Something we are not at all use to. Anyway we are ready to have him home!!!!

The other person who got a vacation away from his parents is my little brother Hyrum. He came and spent two weeks with us and goes home tomorrow. I really wish he could stay longer. We've really enjoyed having him. The kids have loved him. He even volunteered to watch the kids 2 days while he was here and I had to work. Of course he did great and he got the joy of changing his first messy diaper ever. He did so good he got to change two, thanks to little miss Bailey. Since there are 11 years between us it was fun to get to know him on more of an adult level. I just don't think it's fair that the youngest also gets to be the best looking. Sure there's family resemblence but he's definately the looker of the family. He went to youth conference while he was here, and the girls of the stake will be talking about him for along time. I've already been asked why he had to go home and when he's coming back.
So I guess a vacation without mom and dad is a good thing for boys of all ages!!