Sweet Blessings

Jenna vs Gina

2012-02-03T12:04:00.005-05:00

Is our family complete?
This is the question that is bouncing around the walls of my mind as well as my home. Derek and I have had this discuss a million different times all ending with different answers. I have finally come to the conclusion that there is no answer because we don't know. And coming to the conclusion is so very frustrating for me. I am a planner. I am a go get um' kinda girl. I am not an indecisive person...I never have been.
Some days I feel like I can be a better mom to my two healthy beautiful girls than I can be to three children. Then there are other days when I know somebody is missing from my family. I have watched my girls play in the tub, the sandbox, or just looking at them through my rear view mirror and know not everybody is here. Does that make me crazy? I part of my says yes most definitely but another part whispers no. And this is where Jenna vs. Gina come in. I tried to explain to my mom what I was feeling and the best I could come up with was that one part of me knows without a doubt I want another (Jenna) and the other is not so sure (Gina). Crazy...I know!

For now we will enjoy our babies. For now we will play with our girls. For now I will be content. For I have been blessed twice...I really should not ask for more.

Merry CHRISTmas!!

2011-12-05T19:06:00.002-05:00

Snowflake Dream Christmas

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What's on my Heart and Mind

2011-11-04T10:15:00.007-04:00

Lately I find myself clinging to certain scriptures. They play through my mind like the credits of a movie. They present themselves just when I need them. .. a gentle whisper from my heavenly father. I love that they come at just the right time.

God has a way of bringing me peace as I fold my 4th load of laundry. I don’t know about other people but for me this is a time when I find myself worrying, dreaming, hoping, checking off my mental to do list (which grows longer every min.) planning and so on. I hear:
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
or maybe it might be:
“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” Luke 12: 25-26
Whichever one scrolls through it’s ALWAYS just the one I need. I love that about Jesus. He knows what I need.

As I being to lose my patience with one of my girls because the whining is out of control, the listening is lacking, or mommy is just having a bad moment. In my head I hear:
“Love is patient, Love is kind, It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
I don’t always remember the whole verse or exactly where is comes from but I hear what I need to.

During Isabella’s gymnastics or Sophia trying her hardest to talk to me.
Watching my daughters play or love on each other. I see in my mind:
“You have filled my heart with JOY” Psalms 4:7
or
..you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love."
Nehiemiah 9:17
I know that I do not deserve the life I have but because he is a God of unfailing love and grace I can sit on my couch and watch, in awe, my two beautiful girls playing on the floor.

As a mother I am committed to disciplining without anger, loving with all my heat, encouraging daily, and teaching my girls about the love of Jesus. I could not do any of the things above without my husband who stands beside me and my heavenly father who lives in my heart. As a parent I want to succeed in raising children who love Jesus with all their hearts for that I love Proverbs 16:3 :
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed.”

I have come to the conclusion that I have always had a love/hate relationship with my faith. It’s sad but oh so true. In the last three years is has slowly evolved into something more. My relationship with Jesus is something that I have come to enjoy and need. I have fallen in love with an inspiration Christian author, Karen Kingsbury, and I know that her words have changed me. I am grateful that my sister-in-law shared her with me last Thanksgiving. For a book lover I absorb her stories and messages within. Her books have become part of my devotional time. I love it!

This blog was not meant to preach…it was just something on my heart and mind. Maybe it will encourage others who stop by to read my blog…I don’t know why I just felt that I needed to share.

Enjoy your day!

For these I am Thankful

2011-11-02T17:18:00.002-04:00

I am THANKFUL for...

my husband. D what an encouragement you are to me and our girls.

Isabella Kate. I love the way you practically burst with energy.

Sophia Madelynn. I love your silly grin.

unfailing love and grace from my heavenly father

my daily phone calls from my dad.

my mom, who is my best friend.

my healthy family.

the opportunity to stay home with my girls.Thanks D for being the provider for our family.

Jeremiah 29:11. For the days when my life feels like it has no direction.

answered prayers and even unanswered ones!

quiet mornings.

friends.

my weekly luncheon with Nanie.

my mother-in-law. She rocks!

a good book.Especially Karen Kingsbury.Thanks to Laurie who started it all!

dreams.

Saturdays that we spend as a family.

encouraging words from TN.

Fancy Nancy, Mickey Mouse club house, and sugar cookies.

my sister. Two women couldn't be more different which is why I love her so.

the mountains. It’s our place…and we pray one day it will be our home.

the relationship my girls have. It shines brighter every day!

gymnastics. I love to watch B…its complete joy I see on her face.

holidays with my family.

coffee.

the hope of a bright and exciting future.

SMP 1

2011-10-07T08:57:00.001-04:00

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IKP 3

2011-10-07T08:54:00.001-04:00

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The Great Pumpkin

2011-10-06T10:20:00.009-04:00

Nanie, my grandmother, gave the girls The Great Pumpkin last week during our weekly get together. It is one of those books with the sound panels so the girls have loved to read the book over...and over...and over. So Instead of reading it "one more time" last Sunday we decided to go out in search of our very own Great Pumpkin.

Off to Vollmer Farms we went...Happy Fall Y'all

We found three perfect pumpkins and came home to read "just one more time" The Great Pumpkin! :)

She's One!

2011-10-04T10:50:00.002-04:00

Sophia bday - slideshows

My sweet girl how are you already one? You are such a blessing to our family. You will be forever my clown. My giggler. My smiler. My never ever serious girl. My climber. My Mischief maker. How I love you Phia Phia!

"August Twenty"

2011-10-03T13:28:00.010-04:00

It's been awhile...

Between several beach trips, birthday celebrations, enjoying the girls and just the plain craziness of summer life I but the blog on hold. But I'm back!

Isabella turned 3 on August twentieth or as Isabella likes to say "I'll turn 3 on my birthday August twenty". The things that come out of her mouth crack me up....and seeing that her mouth is constantly moving you can imagine the hilarity in our house.

I'm not a huge fan of big b-day parties. It's just so hard to enjoy the reason you are celebrating. So when Isabella told me all she wanted to do for her special day was go to the Life and Science Museum with Sarah and Reagan (our nieces) and have Bojangles I was thrilled. It was such a low key day w/ Aunt Kim, Uncle Jon, Nina, Pop, Sarah, and Reagan. Derek and I got to really enjoy and celebrate with her.

A couple of days before her birthday we had a mini-celebration with Poppy, Yaya, and Aunt B since my parents were leaving for an Alaskan vacation on the 19.

Enjoy the pics of our three year old princess!

One Step at a Time

2011-06-07T07:46:00.013-04:00

One step at a time has been the motto at the Parker homestead for quite some time now. There are so many things we want to do but so little money. :) So we have tried to prioritize them...which mean the babies come first. We spend 85% of our time outside...I say 85% because it is starting to get so hot that you can't breath out there between the hours of 12 and 3. The pics. below are of our backyard which is our biggest project. We now have sod in most of the playing area thanks to my wonderful father-in-law! We have a B-E-Autiful patio which Derek, Dad, and Mr. Sanders finished last weekend! Awesome work men!

Next thing to accomplish in the backyard:

~ cut down some trees

~ make a retaining wall behind the fort
~ fill the playing area with small rocks
~ finish putting sod around the patio

D has been working so hard. I try to help when Phia is taking a nap or is content to sit for awhile but he has done 90% of the work. It looks FABULOUS! Just to give you a little background our backyard was nothing but trees, leaves, roots, dirt, and a whole lot of other junk when we moved in. After you see the pictures you will understand how hard Derek has worked to make the backyard a place for our family to be together.

Our back yard when we moved in.

Our back yard now!

The girls fort...this was given to us by one of D's co-workers! You can't really see but there are two swings beside the pink on. For Isabella's b-day we are getting her a glider to go on the end.

The left side of our yard. We put this bed in this Apirl. The rocks you see help our yard drain since the back is higher then the front.

From the back door this is the right side of our backyard.
We put this flower bed in last year.

Before the patio...

...After!

Early b-day present from my parents.
Love these fun chairs and table!

Mother's Day...the reason I get to celebrate

2011-05-17T11:01:00.013-04:00

The reasons I get to celebrate Mother's Day!

Mother's day is a celebration, but for me it’s not the Mom we celebrate it’s our babies. We would not have the title of mom without our sweet little ones. This day is to celebrate them. As a mom we promise to protect, to love, to laugh, to smile, to encourage, to disciple, to play, to go without sleep. We promise to make our world revolve around our sweet blessings. We promise to teach, to listen, and to cry. We promise to learn from our mistakes. We promise to do our best even when we feel our best is never good enough. We try to go about our day without making a mistake but when we do we acknowledge and apologize to our babies. We promise to be compassionate and we try not to get angry. I fail daily but I love my girls so I wake up the next morning and try harder. Being a mom is a full time job. To all you mommies that work …you have my utmost respect.

Becoming a mom is not easy. Weeks spend where the bathroom is your most favorite place. For the few minutes you think it’s safe to move to another room something sends you running back. Water and food became my worst enemy. Then once the bubonic plague lifts you get to experience all the neat things only a mom is privy too. The first look at the baby growing inside you, the little butterflies, the first little kicks , you tummy changing and the first time your tummy shifts. These things make the back pain, the labor, the sickness, and the weeks without sleep worth it. It’s all worth it.

To my girls with love:

My Dearest Isabella Kate,

You are becoming such a little girl. No longer my baby. I love to watch you put your puzzles together in the den. It's almost as if I can see your little brain working. I love your facial expressions. I love the way you love your baby sister…your Phia. I love that you love all your friends. I love how you crave to be outside as much as possible. I love your need to be surrounded by books…my little bookworm. I love the relationship you and Poppy have. I love the conversations you have with me. You are my constant chatterbox. I love the way you insist on wearing shoes and a dress as soon as you get out of the bath. I love your new found independence… I love that you already have a mind of your own. This may not be so in a few years but at the moment I am enjoying the sweet innocence of you finding out who you are. This list could go on for miles...with all that I have I love you!

My Sweet Sweet Sophia Madelynn,

My newest little one how you have rocked my world. I love that you challenge me daily with all your sweet needs. From the beginning you have always been such a peaceful soul. I love that you want to snuggle as much as possible. I love when your laughter or squeals reach me in another room. I love your little two teeth smile…it transforms your entire face. I love that you are my sleeper… what a napper you are. You have surprised me with your persistence to get on the move. I love that you want to be right beside your big sister at all times. I love to watch you as you speed crawl across the floor set for one destination….Isabella. I love that you are so inquisitive. I love that you want to be with me…what a momma’s girl you are becoming. Many mom's wonder how they could love more than one baby …the answer is very simple, you just do. With all that I have my Phia Madelynn I love you.

I love taking pictures...my husband not so much. But when Mother's Day comes around he gets behind the camera because he loves me. I joke with him all the time about the pictures he took at the hospital when Phia was born. Many of them are one big blur...or as I call them pictures in motion. I cherish the few pictures he willing takes...here are the three from Mothers Day. :) Thanks D for loving your girls...all three of us!

Mother's Day Tea!

2011-05-17T10:20:00.005-04:00

The Thursday before Mother's Day Isabella's preschool class hosted a tea. It was such a sweet hour that I got to spend with my girl and her little friends. The kids sang us a song as well as give us a poem with their hand print on it. There was music playing and the tables were decorated...the teachers made it very special for us moms.

One of my presents! Those are Isabella's thumb prints!

They yummy food...what a treat.

Isabella's art work. She was very proud of this...needless to say we have put it in a frame.

Isabella and her class singing a song. The infamous CJ is the cute little guy in the madras plaid pants and yellow polo. If you have ever talk to my child you know all about CJ. They adore each other!

Way to go our Citadel Man !!

2011-05-09T16:12:00.010-04:00

WOOOOO HOOOOO!!!

This past weekend, thanks to my sweet sweet parents, Derek and I got to go to Charleston for Jerry's graduation. Jerry is my cousin and has always been very special so I was excited to get to celebrate with him. D and I left Thursday afternoon and got to spend that night with just Jerry and his Shannon. We had a blast. Friday everybody else joined the party...nanie, papa V, boompa, pam, Aunt C, Mark, Uncle Joe, Sha (jerry's sister) and Aunt Mary. What a day Saturday was! The weather was beautiful and the ceremony was worth the feeling I lost in my bum! :) I love you Jerry and I am so proud of you!

p.s: not really sure why some pictures are smaller than others...hope you can still see them.

Easter Sunday

2011-04-28T20:53:00.002-04:00

Easter Bunny

2011-04-28T19:31:00.004-04:00

We have a very practical Easter bunny in the Parker Household. Isabella got a new sippy cup, big girl underwear, and some tooth paste and tooth brush. Sophia got a new sippy cup, some bibs, new pacies, and some spoons. Both the girls got princess place mates...which was a big hit...even with Sophia. The Easter bunny found this really cool princess card game set that B hasn't stopped playing since Sunday. Are days have been filled with memory, go fish, old maid, and crazy eights...it's been a blast.

Preschool Easter Party!

2011-04-27T09:11:00.004-04:00

I am so sad for my Isabella because she only has six preschool days left. She is going to be so sad because she loves all her friends and her GREAT teachers. We can't wait till next year. She has four of her friends in her class again.
We love Horne Preschool!

All of her friends

Addison, Kaylee, and Isabella waiting to hunt their eggs!

Finding her nine Easter eggs

Isabella's buddy C.J. They talk about each other all the time at home so C.J's mom and I decided that Friday Play dates this summer are a must!

She's on the MOVE!!

2011-04-27T07:44:00.006-04:00

Our sweet Phia is on the go!

Sophia started crawling slowly two weeks ago and now there's no stopping her. I was taken by surprise because her big sister didn't crawl until she was eight months old.
In the last two weeks Sophia is pulling up on everything from Isabella's beanbag chair, the couch, her toy box...if it's stationary she finds a way to pull up and stand.
She wants to go so bad...that she gets from her momma. I want be surprised if she is walking by July...she is trying hard...bless her little heart.

She will be seven months old Friday...my how the time flies.

Watching my babies grow and change is a privilege and blessing from above!

P.S: I have video of Phia crawling while Isabella encourages her...it's such a sweet sound but it takes my computer centuries to download anything...I just don't have the time or patience to be able to share it with you.

Welcome April!

2011-04-07T15:45:00.006-04:00

We welcomed April with lots of sunshine and yummy fruit flows (Popsicles)! We spent the entire day, Sunday ,outside enjoying the weather and the girls. We have slowly been landscaping our yard...we have finally moved to the back. Last summer D's dad put down some sod for us and now we are adding flowerbeds. Derek has been clearing out a place for a fort that we were giving by a co-worker of his. How blessed we are! Isabella is beyond excited about a slide, a glider, a climbing ramp, and some swings. Our next project is a patio...hopefully it will be finished by B's b-day. When it's all said and done I will post before and after pictures. Enjoy a little bit of our day:

...and it begins.

2011-03-23T10:40:00.005-04:00

When I found out I was having another girl I was so excited because Isabella would have a sister.I think the love that comes from having a sister is a thing to cherish. It is unique.It is loyal. It is forever. I have a sister...I love her with all I have. With that said I also have a brother and that to is a powerful relationship but different. I love him with all I have, just differently.

Since I was a little girl I always knew I would have girls...at least some of my babies would be girls. Playing with my girls this morning I stopped and thanked Jesus for my two blessings. Even though some days I wanna run for the hills when Sophia want stop crying and Isabella is asking me the same question for the hundredth time... I know deep down how blessed I am. If I wasn't a mom I know that there would be a place deep down that would ache, a piece of me would always be missing. I don't know if this makes since but it's one thing about my life that has always been a constant; my need to be a mom. Even at the age of 7 playing with my baby dolls I knew I wanted "real" babies one day. How awesome it is to look back and see God at work. He made me what I am. He had great plans for me from the beginning. He put the need to be a mom in my heart. With all this said that doesn't mean I always have the patience or the knowledge to solve all my mommy problems but how cool it is when I can stop and ask for help from my heavenly father. It is a daily thing my asking for help. :) My faith has not always been what I relied on but since having Sophia the peace I find after a conversation with him is worth finding my way back to him one step at a time.

Enjoy my girls and their first matching outfits!

Let the Good Times Roll!!

2011-03-21T20:00:00.003-04:00

Oh boy! Just look at that sweet face.

I am so excited that she is starting to get her own little personality!
For the next couple of months we are in for a treat in the Parker Household. Phia is sitting up and has started to get on her hands and knees and rock. I think we will be crawling in the near future. I love the anticipation that a new little one brings. I love to watch her little brain at work. I love all those expressions that come with figuring new things out. Our Phia has finally found her places. She is our clown, our so not serious baby, our hugger. Our whole family dynamic has changed since we brought her home. Its hard to remember our lives before our Sophia Madelynn made her grand entrance.

Do The Potty Dance

2011-03-18T08:43:00.003-04:00

We to go My Isabella Kate....so proud of you!

Isabella is finally potty trained! I never thought this day would come. If you were around during our three and 1/2 months of potty training you would often hear me say that I would rather be in labor than potty train...that is still so true. This experience has taught me patience even though I lost it many times while cleaning my furniture and washing clothes constantly. Isabella is so proud of herself and because of that the struggle and frustration was worth it.

We had no problem with peeing it was the other that terrified her.

Here is what worked for us:
I got an old jar out of the garage and put in the bathroom.
I found some fun green beads that I used to fill a vase and put them in a separate cup.
Derek and I told her that when she hit 15 beads we would go to Moe's.
She got one bead for peeing and two for the other.
We did this for two weeks: We went to Moe's (15 beads) and she got a Woody doll (30 beads)

We are not above bribery!!

I share this just in case a frustrate mom should stumble upon my blog...I hope it works for you!

Little Diva

2011-03-07T15:26:00.002-05:00

Diva in Training.... :)

She got Pretty Pretty Princess for Christmas...it has provided a lot of entertainment in our house

She loves to stir...our future Betty Crocker

One of her many faces...I wonder where she gets them from... haha

The many sides of Our Phia

2011-03-07T11:43:00.010-05:00

Isabella was a super easy baby, Sophia is not. Isabella was sleeping through the night at two weeks old... Sophia is just now sleeping through the night. Isabella could eat anything...Sophia just can't because of her tummy. Isabella never cried...Sophia cries, my goodness does she cry. Sophia is teaching me patience on a daily bases. I feel sometimes I have to be a completely different mom to give her what she needs. Gotta Love Motherhood.

But Sophia is my smiler, Isabella was very stoic. Sophia is a great napper...I had to fight Isabella to take a nap from the day she was born. Sophia is a snuggler...she seems to need it. Isabella was loving but it wasn't something she needed. Sophia loves to be held...Isabella was content just to be. I love my girls. I love the way they are different even though it turns my world upside down. I am excited to see Phia's personality the older she gets.

I'm about a week late but Happy five months Sophia Madelynn...momma loves you!

What's Sophia up to?
~ She can almost sit up on her own
~ She rolls everywhere
~ She makes all kinds of sweet noises
~ She loves to be outside
~ She takes two naps and sleeps from 7:45- 6:30 or 7:00 most mornings

Being a mom is truly a blessing...another baby for the Parkers....yes please...now I just need to get D 100% on board :)

She loves to play with anything that makes noise

She is our lover

Our peaceful sleeper...she loves to sleep

Our happy Phia

Our thinker

Our silly Phia

What a Man... What a Man...What a really GOOD Man

2011-03-04T09:21:00.003-05:00

Our family lost a great man last Wednesday, February 23. My Uncle Ray was bigger than life and easy to smile. At 58 his death his blindsided my family. He was my grandmother's baby brother and a very special man to my mom. Our hearts our hurting but we all know where he is...just waiting for the rest of us. These pictures our of his Karli and Isabella. They are very much Price babies. If only Isabella's hair was dark like Karli's.

Dear Amy:
Just know that I love you and yours. Your dad was quite a man. I know you don't need me to tell you this. He was yours. My only regret is that I was not able to see him much over the past few years. I have fond memories of Uncle Ray taking me for rides in his model T as a young girl then driving Derek and I to our reception the day we got married. From this sadness I hope blooms a wonderful friendship between us and our families. I love you and yours.

Unconditional Love

2011-03-04T07:35:00.008-05:00

Unconditional Love is something I could never explain. I knew what it was but could never define it. If you love Jesus you know he has unconditional love for you...but even that is hard to wrap her head around. He loves you forever, always, for eternity....WOW! I have finally found one phrase to define Unconditional Love... being a mom. That is how Jesus loves me...he is my father. I never truly grasped this until the day Isabella and Sophia were born and the doctor gave them to me. I love without restriction. I love them always. I will love them forever. I will love them for eternity... simply because they are mine.

Yaya and Poppy gave Sophia a dino book and the Hungry Caterpillar.

Isabella got some stickers as her present and shared them with her "Sista"

Our gifts to Our Valentines

Poppy and Yaya gave Isabella the 1st Pinkalicious book and puzzle

Nina and Pop mailed Isabella and Sophia a card with five dollars in it....B loved getting her very own mail and some cash!

My firstborn and her daddy acting crazy...just love their goofy side!

Christmas Eve Breakfast

2011-01-19T11:26:00.005-05:00

My Boompa moved back to Smithfield from Oklahoma in May, so this was the first Christmas as a resident that we have had with him in over 20 years. We had a big breakfast at my Aunt's house early Christmas eve morning. Some how I became in charge of a good portion of the meal. Thank goodness my mom and aunt helped...a lot! We had yummy homemade cinna buns, sausage and mushroom quiche, breakfast potatoes, and fruit. It was a yummy spread!

If you wanna know who Isabella looks like....here you go!

Yaya and Isabella opening her present

Isabella telling Boompa and Pam thank you for her books.

Reading her new book with Poppy!

Talking to the horse

Christmas Eve Eve

2011-01-14T10:54:00.005-05:00

Sweet Treats

2011-01-14T09:23:00.007-05:00

There is something about a tradition that makes the holidays all the more special. As a family we have been doing these treats since well... forever. It is a warm comfort to know that all things don't change...in the world we live in it is a much needed comfort. This is something that I have and still look forward to year after year and I hope me girls will too. I hope it is a comfort to them as they get older when the world around them changes for the good and the bad.

Ho Ho's Cookies

This is what Phia did while Isabella made Ho Ho's cookies

Frosting her cookies

... and some sprinkles

She was cutting out bin gins (gingerbread men)

A sister chat...I wish pics. had sound sometimes...she was telling Sophia something very important.

Yaya did the icing...Isabella ate it :)

It's serious business

A masterpiece in progress

Her new found love

2010-12-15T11:21:00.003-05:00

The Dino Hat...Isabella eats, sleeps, and plays with this hat on her head. I believe it has almost taken the place of George (her monkey) and baby.

My parents gave it to her the other day... ever since Dino Dan started showing on PBS she loves Dinosaurs.

Baby It's Cold Outside

2010-12-15T10:57:00.006-05:00

Isabella wanted to go outside yesterday so I bundled the girls up and off we went. It lasted a whole three min. before a big gust of wind hit Isabella and she said "run mommy back inside". So much for that but I did manage to get a few pictures before we unbundled ourselves.

Isabella and Sophia's very own X-mas Tree

2010-12-15T08:59:00.006-05:00

My parents surprised the girls with their very own tree and some fun decorations. Their tiny tree is all girly and pink...the girls and I love it! Derek looks at it and shakes his head...poor guy...he's a little out numbered.

Deck the Halls...

2010-12-15T07:42:00.009-05:00

Merry Christmas from my Family to Yours!

These were my parents when they first got married...now they are mine...love it!

Proof that my girls have a mom... showers are not a requirement when decorating the tree... :)

Helping Daddy

Hanging an Ornament...it's serious business at the Parker House :)

Which one should I hang first?

With Thankful Hearts....our Thanksgiving in snapshots!

2010-12-13T10:33:00.009-05:00

No words needed....ENJOY!

Sweet Phia

2010-11-18T11:21:00.004-05:00

Difficult Moments, seek God; Painful Moments, trust God

2010-11-17T08:06:00.002-05:00

Our Sophia has been having a hard time the past couple of weeks. It started out with sad cries every night and slowly progressed to an hour or so of screaming...every night. Then she stared to break out with little red dots all over her face and tummy. The final straw for this mom was the move to all day screaming fits... it makes you feel helpless and frankly I wanted to pull my hair out. First we thought she had acid reflux...nope. Then we thought dairy, so I cut out all dairy which seemed to help but the crying started again a week later...next solution please. Conclusion:she is allergic to my breast milk or something that is in it, as well as dairy. I have cut out everything from dairy,spicy,caffeine, even some veggies but nothing seemed to work. So after seven weeks of crying, very little sleep, and frustration we have but our sweet girl on soy formula. This has been one of the hardest decision for me but it has to be about what is best for Sophia.
My mom put it all in prospective for me a couple of nights ago while I was having an EO (emotional outburst). She looks at me while I was making Sophia's second bottle of formula and crying and says I have never known you to be so selfish. You would think that would be a slap in the face but it wasn't. She was right and it took her saying that for me to get a grip on myself. THANKS MOM!

As I fought the idea of putting my girl on formula and not wanting to believe God put my mom in my face. I realize now if I had stopped for twenty min. to talk to him instead of trying to deal with it all alone it might not have been so confusing, hurtful, or sad.
Lesson learned: Difficult Moments, see God; Painful Moments, trust God.

The transition is getting easier but it still makes me sad to know that I couldn't give Sophia what she needed.

You would not believe the change in Phia(Isabella's nickname for her). She only wakes up twice at night instead of three or four times. She falls asleep in her swing/bounce seat, her rash is gone, and she only cries a little at night. It is much need peace for her and me.

Just something I read...

2010-11-09T08:22:00.001-05:00

Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment, thank God.

Watch Out Tinkerbell!

2010-11-03T09:42:00.004-04:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

We love this sweet boy...Mr.Austin!

Preschool Field Trip

2010-11-03T08:29:00.006-04:00

Isabella went on her very first field trip in October to a pumpkin patch with her preschool...she LOVES preschool! It was a fun morning except that it rained as soon as we started our hayride. Isabella got to feed some chickens and wave to a donkey and some goats before the rain really started to come down. We ended the field trip in the barn where Isabella painted a pumpkin and learned some fun stuff about the farm we were on.

Poppy is such a trooper...he never complained...but he wouldn't he loves his Isabella and Sophia.

Mrs. Michelle...one of Isabella's teachers

She was really excited about the chickens!

What troopers!

Pumpkins Everywhere...Our CSA Farm

2010-11-02T15:23:00.008-04:00

We took the girls to Vollmer farms when Sophia was 10 days old. We didn't dare play in the back forty with a 2 yr old and newborn but we did get some pumpkins, beautiful mums, and have some yummy homemade ice cream.

All in All our first outing as four was a success.

Happy Fall!

Another Sweet Blessing for the Parkers

2010-10-06T09:37:00.006-04:00

Introducing:

Sophia Madelynn Parker

September 29, 2010
11:43 pm

7 lbs 10 oz

20 3/4 inches

Sophia's Story:

When I went to my doctors appointment Wed. at 3 I was 4 centimeters and 80% effaced. They scheduled to induce me the next morning but Sophia decided to make a grand entrance.

I had been having contractions for four days but didn't think much about it b/c they weren't close enough together to worry about. Derek, Isabella, and I went to Bojangles and had dinner around 6:30 and we came home to wait until morning to meet Sophia. I went to put Isabella to sleep around 8:30 having contractions every 6-8 minutes but assumed they would stop like they had been doing. WRONG....laying on B's bed my water broke. We got to the hospital at 10:30 pm and I was 7 centimeters 100% effaced. Twenty min. later i was 9 centimeters and quickly got to 10. I pushed for 20 min. and she was here. Sophia was facing "sunny side" up so it was harder getting her out then I remember during Isabella's birth. It was a whirlwind delivery but I wouldn't have it any other way since I made the decision with both my girls to have a natural birth. I have been blessed with a wonderful husband and mom who were there every step of the way encouraging me. I really don't know how I would have made it through without them.

How blessed I am!

Enjoy the pics below of our sweet Sophia!

2010-10-06T08:27:00.005-04:00

Here are some pictures of Sophia's first couple of days with us.
As you can see her big sister is never far away. I think it is the start of a beautiful friendship.

Preschool, ready or not Here I Come!

2010-09-09T10:52:00.004-04:00

Well, we started preschool on Tuesday. Isabella walked right in without looking back. My independent child! When I picked her up she told me that she "find friends". I thought that was the sweetest thing...I just can't believe she is even old enough to go to preschool. The first three pic. are of her first day and the last are of her second day.

When I picked her up she was starving so before she left this morning I gave her a handful of grapes and as you can see she was very appreciative. Who would have thought my child would like to eat... haha!

Happy Day Isabella Kate!

2010-09-09T10:47:00.000-04:00

2010-09-09T10:45:00.000-04:00

31 wks and camping like a CHAMP!!

2010-07-30T07:17:00.012-04:00

Last weekend we all packed up our camping gear and headed for Hanging Rock State Park. This was Isabella's first camping trip and she was so excited. All week we would ask her where we were going and she would yell

CAMP- NEN... :)

We had an awesome time. We swam in the lake, slept in a tent, did a little hiking, played at the base of a waterfall, cooked over a camp fire and of course made lots of s'mores. Aside from the fact that we are heading into the "terrible" twos she did fabulous. It will definitely be something we do again once Sophia gets here.

...and the count down begins!

2010-07-20T07:36:00.002-04:00

10 weeks to go....according to my due date 9/26.

Nobody around here is holding their breath that she will come by then. I had to beg Isabella to make an appearance ,along with the doctors, when I was 41 weeks. You wouldn't think an extra week would be a big deal but by then I am done with the pregnant thing. :)

Over the past week I have been so antsy (is that a word) that I can't sit still and stay in my house ...Isabella and I have used way to much gas and had way to many outings just so I wouldn't pull my hair out. :) Thank God Dad is at home in the summer when everybody else is at work.

Birthday's are special days so I know God has picked her a fabulous one I just hope its in September....but we all have a feeling we have an October baby waiting to make her appearance.
My grandmother's birthday is in October and she has an opal ring that has already been passed down to me (even though I'm an August baby) and she would love for one of my girls to have an October day.

Beach Trip

2010-07-06T16:54:00.008-04:00

Sweet Sweet Summer Time!

2010-06-02T13:11:00.001-04:00

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Our April trip to Clemmons State Park

2010-05-11T09:17:00.000-04:00

Hey Poppy!

Better than a stroller

Checking it all out

run, run, run away

Smile

It's a Girl!!

2010-04-29T08:44:00.001-04:00

So we're have another sweet baby girl!!
I don't think I can tell you how excited I am about another girl.
My house will be full of pink and bows always.
Yesterday when I called my sister-in-law to tell her about her new niece and how thankful I was that I didn't have to re buy everything in blue and change my mindset completely to fit a little boy she says "You know God knows exactly what you need and what you can handle". I have to thank God everyday for giving me Laurie. She always know what to say and what I need to hear no matter how it makes me feel.

My poor father-in-law, he now has four granddaughters...but he loves every min. of it. :)

Counting down...

2010-04-14T10:02:00.001-04:00

Just a quick update on baby P:

We find out on the 28 what we are having...so excited!
As far as names go if it's a boy we are naming him Boone Michael....my dad and brother's middle name is Michael...so what better way to say I think you are two awesome men by naming our son after them...I always knew if I had a boy his middle name would be Michael.

Finding a girls name has not been as easy. With Isabella we knew what we wanted to name her before we knew what she was but not with this one. I think we have gone through about 10 different names...and if you know me well it has driven me CRAZY. So after throwing around names for two months I think we are going to name her Sophia Madelynn or Sophia Makenna.

I still think it's a boy and D still thinks it's a girl....we will see who's right in 14 days :)

Isabella, Sarah, and Reagan

2010-04-09T08:04:00.000-04:00

Marbles Kids Museum and Burgaw to visit Derek's Grandmother:

Easter Weekend

2010-04-08T14:05:00.001-04:00

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Outside is callin' B

2010-04-07T08:02:00.000-04:00

If you have been following this blog from the beginning you will know that my child LOVES the outdoors. Spring is here and I don't think I have sat inside more than an hour in the last week. :)

My parents have a trampoline (is that spelled right) and Isabella has learned to jump on it. She loves it and spends most of her time sitting, running, or jumping on it.

It's planting time at the Vinson house.
Even though we (Vinson/Parker) are apart of a local CSA we still plant strawberries, squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, and peas. This is my dad's yearly project and Isabella has become his permanent helper.

Meet Charlie our Concrete Man:
Isabella loves to sit beside Charlie to give him kisses and hugs. I guess she thinks he is lonely.

Now I lay Me Down to Sleep...

2010-03-16T20:41:00.000-04:00

My favorite time of day, hands down, is putting Isabella to sleep. Every night Derek and I read her not two but FIVE books.
Since she was very small she has loved books. I don't now if this is because I read to her from the moment she was born or it's just her nature. I'm a bookworm myself and I think its GREAT! I love to see her face when we come to her favorite part in a book she just grins with her big blues eyes fixed on the page. We recently got the book "Five little Monkey's Jumping on the Bed"....her favorite line is "And five little monkey's said good night to their Mama"...this is where she chimes in and says mommy. It makes me want to squeezes her.

Just wanted to share this moment with you have a goodnight.

Isabella and The Pudding

2010-03-16T16:01:00.000-04:00

Parker Party of FOUR!!

2010-02-25T15:24:00.000-05:00

Our family is adding a new little one near the end of September. We are super excited about adding one more to the Parker bunch.
You like all this we are due and we are having ...when in reality I am sick, I am due, and I will be the one in labor but D gets a little grumpy when I leave him out of all this..... :)

Just to give you an update we are due September 30. We listened to the baby's heart beat Feb. 15. It was strong and fast: 152 was the heart rate. I thought it was pretty cool because Isabella's heart beat was also 152... but that doesn't mean anything.I go to the doctor next week for our 10 week check up.
I love begin pregnant once I get past 16 weeks. I was sick as a dog with B and with this one it's not as bad but it's bad enough. I have already lost 7 pounds...crazy right?!?
I am interested to see how B reacts to all this over the next 61/2 months.

BOY OR GIRL?? Any guess? My parents, sister, and D think it's another girl but I thinks it's a boy. A girl would be easier but we really don't care. I don't have a clue what to do with a little boy but you know what BRING IT ON!

Beautiful Christian Sister

2010-02-24T16:09:00.000-05:00

Just a little encouragement to all my Beautiful Sisters in Christ. Especially the moms who need a little uplifting at the end of long day. :) Smile because he loves you!

When I say that 'I am a Christian' I am not shouting that I am clean living
I'm whispering that I was lost but now I'm found and forgivin

When I say 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and I need Christ to be my guide.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong
I'm professing that I am weak and need his strength to carry on.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting that I failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect.
My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of Headaches, so I call upon his name.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner who received Gods good grace somehow!

Isabella's hospital adventure

2010-01-05T09:03:00.001-05:00

We have been dealing with the same ear infection since July. She was on four different medicines but the infection just kept coming back. At the end of December we took her to an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) to talk about getting tubes put in. We met the doctor on Monday and she was scheduled for tubes on Thursday. For Isabella Kate it was an adventure but for me it was a little traumatic.
They gave her a little mask with Dora sticker all around it to play with before they took her back. It was the same mask they used during the surgery. We got to bring it home and if you ask Isabella what you do with it she'll put it up to her mouth and breath. :)
All is well now but I am pretty sure we will have to do this a couple more times before her "real" tubes start working properly.
During the last couple of months I have learned enough about the working of the ear.....so if you have any questions just ask :). One thing that I did learn is that issues with the inner ear are caused by the way your face is structured, which is genetic. In other words it's my fault....sorry baby. My sister and I both had tubes three or four times growing up and we just passed it right along.....lucky Isabella.

Checking out her name tag.

They gave her some med. to calm her down before they took her....she's a little crazy in this pic.

practicing

Gotta Love Santa...he rocked our socks off!

2010-01-04T10:03:00.001-05:00

Christmas Morning....these are just a few of the MANY pictures :

This was one of her favorite gifts.....she strolls that thing all over our house.

Check out the tower Daddy!

Aunt B helping Isabella open her presents.

My Dad calls her Isabella the pretty Cinderella so we thought

it was appropriate to give her a Cinderella doll.

What's inside?
It was a grocery cart

Lots of fun buttons on her new kitchen set

Isabella's Present from Santa.

Cookies and Milk for Santa...... Cheerios for the Reindeer

To Nanie's house we go

2010-01-01T16:05:00.000-05:00

Christmas Eve was fabulous. Isabella had a great time with the family. She was in the middle of it all helping everyone open their present and entertaining us with her random "I'll tell you all about it" speeches. On my side of the family it's pretty big. We had about 20 people at Nanies. This is nothing new for any of us but a stranger might run for the door because of the noise and pleasant chaos that we all enjoy. There is no better way to spend Christmas Eve than our way.
Hope you all had a Merry Christmas full of your family!

Family Christmas Eve pic....if only she would look at the camera.

We should have just bought her a box for Christmas

Picking her envelope....she got $20 this year...mommy got $100!!

Helping Nanie open her present.

Opening her present from Nanie and Papa V....it was an American girl bitty baby!

Helping Aunt Carla open her present.

Hanging out with her buddy, Zach

To cute in her Christmas outfit....all smiles as usual!

Aunt B and Isabella

The fun we had waiting for Christmas!

2009-12-31T11:19:00.001-05:00

What a fun week we had! Every morning we had a big breakfast with my parents and each afternoon we had something fun planned. As I was growing up we always made gingerbread houses, gingerbread men, date balls, sausage balls, and Christmas cookies. My mom, sister, and I always had fun with each other so this year was special because Isabella got to be apart of it. She had the best time getting her hands dirty and eating everything she could get her hands on. It was a serious sugar rush she had all week. :)

Our Cookies

We had a little flour fight....she got caught in the middle!

Crazy Aunt B!

Daddy's helping

Making our gingerbread house!

PUSH....which is what she was saying while she made her cookies.

She had a fascination with the egg carton

One of our many breakfast creations: Egg Gingerbread Man

Getting ready to make Gingerbread houses

Cheezzz

Yummmm.....marshmallows

Christmas with the DiDiano's

2009-12-30T11:33:00.000-05:00

The older you are it seems like it's harder to find friends to hang out with. It gets even harder when you add kids to the mix.

When Derek started working for Clancy he met Brian and we soon realized they live in the neighborhood next door How awesome and convenient!

Over the past couple of months we have been trying to hang out and get our kids together and we finally found some time before X-mas. Isabella loves playing with Austin and Mia and I think the feelings mutual. :)

Boy talk!

Mia...she's to cute!

Mrs. Erin gave Isabella a snack which I think she tried to feed to the dogs!

Celebrating X-mas a little early in the snow with the Parker/Esser gang!

2009-12-30T10:02:00.000-05:00

The weekend before Christmas we went up to Kim and Jon's house in King. We had so much fun just hanging out and playing in about 10 inches of snow. Isabella loved on Sarah the WHOLE weekend...she was just so excited to see somebody else her size.

Should have just given her a box for x-mas

Helping Aunt Kim with her present.

Pouring mommy some tea.

Sweet....poor Sarah I think Isabella kissed her every five min.

There they go....all by themselves. :)

She's checking out the snow in her carhart outfit... to cute!

Sarah's trying on AJ's (Aunt Jenna) Uggs

Playing

All three girls playing with Pop

Oh Christmas Tree...

2009-12-17T09:23:00.001-05:00

This year we started a new family tradition...cutting down our own Christmas tree. We love Boone and we go often so we thought what better place than there. The tree farm was actually right outside Boone in Todd. We had so much fun. Isabella got to see some horses and a lot of big tractors that pulled us to the top. We spent an hour going from tree to tree looking for the perfect one....easier said then done. :)

Check out our newest adventure: My sister and husband bring out the best in each other..:)

She found her tree...the Charlie Brown kind!

He's cutting down our Christmas tree....how cool!!

Getting ready to go for our hay ride up to the tree farm....Dad's taking the pic.
Everything is always a family affair.... Aunt, Uncle, Cousins the whole nine yards.
It's the way we like it. :)

Looking for her tree.

Checking out the view from Daddy's shoulders.

A kiss for Isabella Kate

Isabella enjoying the hay ride!

Thanksgiving with the Boys

2009-12-16T11:11:00.001-05:00

Our Thanksgiving was jam packed with a little bit of everything. 11 of us slept in the same house for three nights and had a blast. The house was full of children, games, the wii, way to much food, and countless games of monkey in the middle and wrestling. We wouldn't change a minute. My girl was a little out numbered with her three boy cousins but I can promise you she fit right in with NO problem. Thanksgiving day was spent at a family friends house which was just as loud with six Pattons, 3 Parkers, 8 Vinsons, and a lot of fried turkey. Can't wait to do it again.

Mrs.Jenna (Patton) playing with Isabella after Thanksgiving dinner.

I love you Owen.

This expression should tell you everything. :)

Hanging out in their red pj's

Yaya reading to Tate.

This is Isabella's new face she brought it back from our visit. :)

Poppy opening the boy's gift. Owen is waiting to tell him all about it.

Aunt Lala letting Isabella check out her pictures.

Just hanging out.

She was having a conversation with Uncle Chad then ran away.

Taking a ride with the Poppy.

Aunt Belle...she's so pretty

Isabella's 1st bicycle ride....Daddy was super excited.

family pic.

Cousin Love
This is Isabella's Ta (Tate).

She walks around our house and my parents looking for pictures of him. :)

All Hallows Eve

2009-11-08T15:51:00.000-05:00

Isabella was the cutest pumpkin for Halloween. The pumpkin costume she wore was the same one my sister and I wore on our first Halloween. I love stuff like that....knowing that Chel and I wore it and now Isabella....how cool. We had so much fun with her that night. Nina and Pop came over to help Isabella get dressed and then we went for a little stroll before we went to a neighbor's house. After we visited some friends and did a little trick-or-treating, which consisted of two houses and she was done, we went to Barnes and Noble to let Poppy and Yaya see how cute she was.

The pictures are backwards... in case you care :)

She loves her books

Telling Poppy all about Diego (the stuffy in her hand)

Checking out the goods

We love Mr. Brian

Isabella Kate's first piece of Halloween candy...i know I'm one of those dorky moms who thinks every milestone needs a photo.

Cutest Pumpkin I've every seen!!

So excited...just so you know those are her favorite pumpkins at the bottom of the pic.

taking a stroll before trick-or -treating

i love you Nina

ready to go Pop!

Our Jack-o-Lantern Adventure

2009-11-08T15:32:00.000-05:00

Saturday morning before we did the whole trick or treat thing we'd make Jack-o-Lanterns. Derek and I weren't sure what Isabella would do but as you can see she dug right in. I don't think our child is scared of anything! The three of us had the best time and our Jack-0-Lanterns were fabulous.

Peas and Corn!

2009-11-08T15:21:00.000-05:00

Just thought these were some sweet pics.

I took this one morning while she was day dreaming... I love it!

Corn on the Cob...yummmm

Trying out Yaya's peas

BOONE

2009-11-08T14:28:00.000-05:00

Every year we go to Boone to see the leaves change. In my bible study we have been talking about how God amazes us daily. There is no better way to realize this than the mountains in the fall. Watching the leaves as we were driving on the Parkway it was like God was saying, " Jenna just sit back an be AMAZED by what I have created and know that I ROCK". Now he might not have said it just like that but it was the way I felt as I enjoyed the mountains with my family. Here are some fun pictures of our Adventure. ENJOY !

Checking out her Halloween Bucket

2009-11-06T15:36:00.000-05:00

Checking out her Halloween bucket... up close and personal!

Taking a Walk with Pop

2009-11-06T15:28:00.000-05:00

We went to a Parker family reunion at the beginning of October and these are some snap shots . Pop and Isabella escaped and went for a walk. To cute!

Lions and Tigers and Bears OH MY!

2009-10-06T18:33:00.001-04:00

Snap Shots from our trip to the Zoo in Asheboro

I wish you could hear her talking. She was having a conversation with my mom and me or maybe it was with the whale. :)

Sometimes I wish Isabella had a tail I could grab

Derek, Poppy, and Isabella checking out the bees.

Hanging out in a baby Rhino egg!

This is typical Isabella: Talking. Just like her mommy

Before going into the Zoo who had a NC picnic which means Bojangles of course :)

Checking out the animals on Daddy's shoulders

Isabella's first time eating meat....she had maybe a whole chicken tender!

Farmer John's Pumpkin Patch and the back Forty

2009-10-06T18:01:00.000-04:00

Our family has signed up to become a part of a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture)program where we will get NC veggies and fruits weekly from April - September. We chose Vollmer Farms in Bunn so we went to check out the farm three Saturdays ago.

The farm was not just a farm . Derek, Isabella, and I found our pumpkins, took a hayride, went down an underground slide, fed the ducks, smelled sunflowers, and talked to a cow ( I am serious Isabella talked to the cow).

We had the best time and Isabella is so proud of her pumpkins. HAPPY FALL!!

We're all about the Park!

2009-10-06T17:25:00.000-04:00

We love to go to the park down from my parents house in Smithfield. Isabella could spend hours playing on the swing, slide, and the running through the tunnel. She has a HUGE love for the outdoors and I blame my dad everyday when she begs to go outside ALL THE TIME.
Poppy (my dad) took her to the park for the very first time and every since then she has been hooked.

2009-09-03T17:07:00.000-04:00

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Check me out Aunt LaLa!!

2009-09-03T15:24:00.000-04:00

Laurie~
She looks so cute in the dresses you made her. Everybody loves them!! When they ask where did I buy them I proudly tell them MY SISTER made them. :) I could not get Miss. Isabella to stand still in the pics... surprise surprise. I love you.

If you are checking out my blog and think this dress is to cute click on tender warriors. I am sure Laurie would be willing to stitch you one... for a small fee of course :)

Bella By the Beach

2009-08-05T17:22:00.000-04:00

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

2009-06-28T14:53:00.000-04:00

The Parker/Esser Family

I can not think of a better way to celebrate my first Mother's Day than to dedicate our Isabella to the church. On this day we promised to raise her with Jesus. Isabella was a gift from him. Given to us to teach her about him and his love for us. This was a big day for our family. We filled three pews with family that came to celebrate and encourage us on this special day

Our Pray:
Thank you Lord for Isabella. We understand that she was given to us as a gift. We promise to raise her in a home that loves you. We have so many hopes and dreams for her. We know that you have her life planned out. Please help us to honor your plans for her. Be with us as we raise her with love, patience, kindness, joy, and self-control.

The Vinson/Parker Fam
(minus Chel who had already left)

Paster Steve walking with Isabella

Sweet Sarah

2009-06-28T14:14:00.001-04:00

Ok I have been a little slack....time to play catch up! Our niece turned one May 1st so Derek, Isabella, and I went up to King to celebrate. Here are some pictures of her special day.

We love you Sweet Sarah!

Pop playing with his girls

Aunt Kim opening Isabella's present to Sarah

Reagan loving on Isabella

Nina playing with Isabella

Pop playing with the b-day Girl!

This is How We Do Things Down South!!

2009-04-27T13:42:00.000-04:00

When my sister and I were little girls (and probably our brother) my dad used to ride us around in the wheel barrel so we thought it would be fun to carry on the tradition. Isabella had a blast! She and Poppy played for hours. Isabella supervised while Poppy planted his garden. We played in our red neck swimming pool Poppy and Yaya set up for her. The weekend before Isabella helped Poppy mow the grass! We are so thankful she loves to be outside since our entire family loves the out doors.

Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail!

2009-04-27T13:24:00.000-04:00

This year we didn't do the Easter Bunny thing but we dressed her up all pretty and went to church. After church we had lunch at Nanies (my grandmother). After we ate I took some new pics of Isabella. My mom (yaya) and I had the best time taking these pictures. Even though she is so little we told Isabella all about the reason for Easter- "Jesus has risen". We want her to grow up to love the Lord and understand all the great things he has done for us.

Farmers Market

2009-04-19T20:48:00.000-04:00

Three weekends ago Derek and I took Isabella to the Farmers Market for the first time. Derek and I LOVE the FM and we thought sweet Bella would too. She was so excited by all the people, flowers, and the noise. Isabella loves people!! She just gets so excited she can't sit still. At the FM we bought some herbs as well as some pretty flowers. When we got home all three of us played in the yard planting our pretty flowers. Isabella loved hanging out in the dirt!

Splish Splash Aunt Belle Gave Me a Bath!

2009-03-16T18:52:00.000-04:00

Isabella Kate and Chelsea Kate

My sister, Aunt Belle, is a frequent visitor in our house and Isabella loves her bunches. I just wanted to share these sweet pictures with you guys. I wish you could hear the sounds that were coming out of the bathroom. It was the sweetest sound- Isabella was just cackling and Chel was loving it.

80 Degrees and Sunny!!

2009-03-08T12:53:00.000-04:00

Wow, what a BEAUTIFUL weekend!! Isabella, Derek, and I always enjoy every minute of our weekends together but the weather from this past weekend made it twice as special. As new parents we are experiencing many baby "first" and loving it. Isabella played outside for the first time and was so excited just to be there. We thought Poppy could use some company since Yaya was out of town. So we made a trip into town and Isabella and Poppy played in the yard for a little while . She loves to be outside - especially playing in the dirt. When it comes to being outside she is definitely a Vinson. We hope she gets Poppy's green thumb. :) After we got home Isabella and I watched Daddy wash the Tahoe. She watched him intently. It was precious! Needless to say we spent the entire day outside hanging out with each other and the neighbors. We ended our weekend with a hour walk were Isabella saw nine deer. She laughed when they ran in front of her stroller. I love that the small things in life make her so happy. As adults we forget about the small things and tend to only appreciate the big things in life. Isabella has opened our eyes and shown us how blessed we our. Each day we thank God for all that she has taught us and the many things to come.

August 20, 2008

2009-03-02T21:20:00.001-05:00

Isabella Kate Parker

8-20-2008
8lbs 7oz
21 inches

I never would have thought that I could love this much. Isabella Kate is such a blessing to our family. She is truly an example of God's Grace in one sweet little face.

Hear me dear Jesus

Rock this little one to sleep

Keep her close when she's scared

and give her grace when she is weak

I know she'll stumble

But I know she'll make it through

if You hold to her just like You said You'd do

Hold her, Jesus

so she'll hold on tight to You.

Better Late Than Never!!

2009-03-02T15:00:00.000-05:00

Well, after many hours of trying to get this crazy thing to work we (Derek, Kim, and I) have finally figured it out! Thanks Kim. After having Isabella I wanted to be able to share all the fun things we do together as well as her sweetness with our family and friends.

Isabella's Uncle Chad and Aunt Laurie live 9 hours away so they are not able to see her as often as I know they would like . This is for you two and of course my three handsome nephews!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNCLE CHAD!!

We hope you enjoy!!