Parker's First Maple Festival

We are back from visiting Nana & Big Poppy! We had a great visit and a big weather surprise...70 degrees on Saturday. (That is NOT the norm for upstate NY in March)!
Our flight up to NY was delayed 2 hours-making Parker miserable by the time we flew out. So needless to say-" I WAS ONE OF THOSE PARENTS" on the plane. The one who can't seem to keep their child quiet. Thankfully, no one complained -and of course 25 minutes before we landed he fell asleep. The flight was FULL and there were no seats available for me to bring his car seat on. Our flight home was much better. I got bumped to a later flight and got a $400.00 voucher to use some time LATER. Delta told me I had a really good guarantee that his car-seat could go on the later flight. Hence the reason I took it-but by the time I got back to airport it was full!!! URRR-I cried and prayed continuously that P would sleep the whole flight! He did!!! P.T.L! I am really worn out from flying alone! I would really like to go out and visit my friend Joy, but after my bad experience I am apprehensive to do it alone again. Howvever, I am so thankful that I did not have to drive 16 hours alone! Thursday, I took P up to my mother -in-law's school and we stayed for lunch. He was like a "Little Pied-Piper!" During our visti, my m.i.law was in charge of the 1st grade recess, so Parker got to particitpate! There was a 1st grade boy also named Parker, and he thought that was the "coolest" thing to meet another Parker! The visit was enjoyable and wore Parker out ! He took a great nap that afternoon.
Friday, my m.i.l. was off and we went shopping at the Carousel Mall! Sales Tax is cheaper and I enjoyed getting some great bargains, including Parker's Easter shoes! Mike's brother and 2 sister-in-law's arrived on Friday night. Miracle, (Mike's youngest brother's wife) brought me a big surprise....A NEW COACH PURSE! (She had my name for Christmas and I told her I would love a new purse fake looking Coach!) At Christmas she got me some things off my list and told me I would be getting something else later-I had forgotten about it! Well, she has connections and her sister was able to pick up one in the Philippines for me! I was screaming with excitement! Just like a little kid- I was not expecting it! I LOVE it Miracle!!!! THANK YOU!
The Maple Festival was SO enjoyable and of course the weather just made it more of a pleasure. Mike's brother and 2 sister-in-law's arrived on Friday night. We all got up Saturday morning and went for the yummy Pancake Breakfast! We ran into many of Mike's H.School friends and introduced Parker to many of them .Of course they were all in SHOCK that Mike got a red-head!
Saturday night, my in-laws had family over and we had a house of 30 guests! P was in love with playing around with his 3rd cousins and chasing the "Ball" around (aka-Balloon)!
I have made a slide show of our visit!
You will see a photo of Parker and a little girl (who looks similar), that is Alina! (Mike's cousin, Chad's 3 month old daughter!) Chad was the best man in our wedding. Who would have ever guessed that 2 cousins & (close buddies) end up years later with red-heads!? Hilarious! Of Course, Chad's wife Rachel, is a beautiful red-head!
Enjoy the photos and the video of Parker and the 1st graders.
Happy Spring,
Jenn :)

"Hi-Ho-Hi-Ho -It's off to Nana & Big Poppy's We Go!"

"Our Bags are packed we're ready to go."...Leaving on a plane tomorrow to head to Upstate NY to visit with Mike's family till Sunday! I am sad that he won't be going with us, but happy that Parker gets to attend his first Maple Festival. I have many friends say that I am "BRAVE" to go to the in-laws alone. I must brag for a moment and say that I do not get nervous and dread going to the in-laws. I have always felt like one of their own and I adore the time with my mother-in-law almost as much as I do with my own mother. I have been a part of Mike's family for 7 years (legally by marriage), but it has been 10 years that I have known them. I treasure the time I get to spend with them and don't mind if Mike is not around. I feel very blessed to have this close relationship and appreciate their love and acceptance of me and my marriage to Michael. I hope to be a great mother-in-law one day like Mom Riese has been to me! (Mike and I joke that I enjoy going to see his family more then he does!-And yes, those of you who know me well, I make weekly phone calls to my in-laws just to say HI!) I think my mother taught me this since my grandparents all lived away, she made weekly calls to each set of my grandparents and we looked forward to the calls with them! I want Parker to grow up knowing who all his grandparents are and distance should not be a wedge!
So-all this to say we are leaving in the morning and praying for 2 open seats on the plane. I am flying with Mike's frequent flyer miles and did not want to pay a good $300.00 for Parker. He is still free to fly (lap child) and if there are 2 open seats then I take his car-seat on! (It will be so peaceful if that be the case!!) Pray!!!!!
We are off to bed and will be up early to fight the good ol' ATL traffic!
Looking forward to a fun weekend (urrr-yet cold weekend) in NY!

FYI-While we are away, Mike will be going to Memphis,TN to watch his Alma Matter play in the Sweet 16~ NCAA tournament! He is SO excited that it was not a conflict (leaving me alone)! This sure worked out well for him! :)
Fingers crossed they do well this weekend!
"LET'S GO ORANGE!"
Jenn :)

19 Months

Parker-roo is 19 months and finding new adventures each day.

I could not resist....I have to post this adorable photo of Parker, Kayleigh and her little friend Reese, from gymnastics! They all had fun being FREE (as you can see from the photos) in Kayleigh's back yard! Friday, I took P over for a little bit so I could run some errands & I had an appointment. Looks like they had a BLAST~ Do you think? Oh to be 1 again!

He sure keeps me going! (Thankfully the nice weather has allowed me to keep the house more in order that way-HA!) His latest phrase is "uh-oh!" And he says it all at the right moments!

He is ALL boy, always on the look for a BALL and still fascinated with his outdoor play set. Of course, he loves to throw a fit and scream at me on the days or moments I will not him go out (due to yucky weather or meal times!) Never a dull moment here!

We are working on using MORE words and really working hard on using manners....instead of the little "baby noises" to get things!

(Reese, Kayleigh & Parker enjoying a cookie together.)

This next Wednesday, P & I are flying up to NY to see my in-laws! We will be staying with them for 5 days! I am excited to be back "home" and attend Parker's first Maple Festival ! Mike's oldest brother, Brian & his wife, Courtney will be there. As well as Mike's youngest brother, Phils' Wife, Miracle. Only 2 members will be missing, Mike and Phil! We are sad they won't be with us -but we will for sure eat some yummy Maple suckers and have some good ol' pancakes for them!

Today, we are taking Parker to get his Easter photos done ! Last year, I had the photos done with Bunnies. This year, we are going to get photos with the Lamb! I am sure he will be excited and saying "Woof-woof" when he sees the lamb, since he associates ALL animals with Abbey as a Dog and says "woof-woof" to them! Still working on teaching the correct animal sounds for each animal. Keeps life entertaining to say the least and we love him.

I will post photos next week of our time in NY!

In the meantime I am working on the laundry and trying to clean while P is napping.

Hope the Spring weather is enjoyable for you all.

Jenn :)

Syracuse & Birthday Celebration!

This past Sunday, was Mike's 29 (and forever holding)-Birthday. Mike is not a big celebrator when it comes to his own birthday. He likes things simple and keeping the cost simple for his birthday! All he wanted for his birthday was to see Syracuse make it into the NCAA Tournament! This past weekend was the ending to Big East Tournament and they were playing in it. We went to watch the game on Saturday Night with some of our close "Syracuse" friends who all live down her as well! We had a sitter for Parker-since the game was late! Unfortunately, 'Cuse lost the championship game for that tournament 67-76! But they had an incredible week. You may have heard they played 6 overtimes on Wed night and finally won the game! Incredible!!! I got a cake from Gabriel's Bakery (one of the only kind of cakes, Mike will eat) (German Chocolate) and we celebrated at a restaurant that was playing the game! March 15th is also Paul's, (one of Mike's Syracuse friends) birthday as well! (They are just a few hours apart-and were born an hour and 1/2 away from each other-but didn't meet till after college...lol!)

They announced the top 65 teams on Mike's birthday for the NCAA Tournament which begins this weekend! So, we had our good friends & neighbors over for my famous stuffed shells and kept it "simple"-just like Mike wanted! We all sat and waited for the big announcement and Syracuse made it in to the tournament! They got the 3rd seed! Mike of course was pumped. They have a really good record this season, 32 (wins) 8 loses!

I failed to get any photos of Mike and Parker together, so I will try and get one very soon!

You can see that I was a sweet and supportive wife rooting away for Syracuse in my apparel!

We have big hopes that Syracuse will do well in the Tournament. I will keep you posted in the next few weeks!

It was a fun weekend celebrating what you love most Mike, Basketball ! We Hope you felt special! Parker and I love you and appreciate you deeply!

"LET'S Go ORANGE!"

XO

Jenn & Parker

We want to send a special "Happy Birthday" to my nephew, Josh who is 3 today! We love you and hope you have a special day! We can't wait to see you-next month!

$38.00 Bargain!

We have an obsession here in the South....it is called, CONSIGNMENT SALES!

It is a HUGE event in the south that in the Spring and the late Summer (just in time for Fall) Mom's get all their kiddos clothing that they have outgrown and re-sell them at local churches and community centers (Civic centers, Fairgrounds, etc)! Being one who grew up and lived in the North, it is not something as big up there! Most of the clothing is name brand (Baby Gap, Gymboree, Old Navy, Osh-Kosh, Target.....) and in excellent condition.

This is one way we make it possible for Parker to be home with me...... 80% of Parker's clothing comes from Consignment Sales! However, we do splurge from time to time at Gymboree, Baby Gap or even good ol' Target! But as a first time Mom, I have come to appreciate these "Hand-me-downs" from other kids. Kids don't stay in clothes like adults do and I cringe when an outfit is over $10.00! I would rather save the $$ and splurge on things that have a lasting life span with Parker! We do have a few local Consignment Stores that are open all the time, but this is different. The best part is that some of the moms/sellers will sell their items 1/2 price on Saturdays. (Most of the sales begin on Thursday mornings and end on Saturdays).But, more then likely, I know it will not be there come that Saturday! I took Parker today, for the second year in a row to a local Methodist Church. I knew I was in for it when I saw the parking lot! Samantha forewarned me IT WAS PACKED as she was one of the first to arrive. Here is how obsessed some mom's are; Remember all the commercials about the appliance stores having those closeout deals? The people camp out over night until the doors open! Or the commercials, of $99.00 wedding dress bargains and all the Bridzillas? Well, we mom's get obsessed and jump to be there on opening day. (Now granted the mom's don't camp out for the sales, but they are waiting in line before it opens.) I am not one of those extreme mom's! But I do get EXCITED to get some great deals for P! Parker was great, and strolled along happily as I found him new clothes- we met up with Kayleigh and Liz! She found some great stuff at the Fairgrounds and a few items for K at this one. I will really be in trouble if/when we ever have a girl! (They always have rows and rows for girls . The boys are always more slim pickings, but today I was very impressed! (I actually had to put some stuff back!) He will be one preppy boy in these great Polos that we got!

I also got P the Fisher Price Animal Sounds Zoo for $4.00 and it is originally $42.00 on Amazon! (That was a great $38.00 savings)and it is in the original box and has all the pieces!

So, my secret be told! If you are ever visiting in March or August I will be more then happy to take you on a shopping spree at some of these great Consignment Sales for your kids!

Off to eat lunch and wash all the "new" clothes. Just adds to the loads I already have to do! (Urrr!)

Can't wait to hear of any other bargains you may have found or your secrets to cut cost!

Jenn

Backyard Spring Cleaning

The weather was BEAUTIFUL this weekend, and Parker got a Little Tykes Outdoor play set from some friends of ours! So, the motivation was in high gear and Mike and I worked away in the back-yard! Parker napped for 3 hours on Sunday, and we raked away,bagged up leaves, & raked, bagged leaves, swept the patio, bagged up leaves (did I already mention that)? and cleaned up the back yard! Making a grand total of .....12 bags of leaves, sticks and debris! We are "just" a little sore today! But the labor was worth it for the satisfaction of 1 happy little boy!

Apart from all the clean-up Saturday, Mike rented a wood chipper and chopped up the Bradford tree remains (that my dad cut down over a year ago0). It has been sitting in our back yard forever! No need to go to Home Depot and buy mulch this spring! We have plenty for the front & back yard!

Kayleigh comes on Monday & Tuesdays, and was SO excited to see the play set in the backyard! Needless to say the day is going by FAST since they are entertaining each other, while climbing away on the play set.

Spring approaching also means that it is once again time for beautiful trees, greener grass, short sleeve clothing, and we must not forget "Mikes 3rd love,"Softball! Mike was in his glory yesterday,as he played with his PWC friends and their league. He plays on "too many leagues" (3)~ but it is his way of workout vs. me working out at the Y! I always tell him he must spend MORE time with us each week before he plays in all the leagues! He agrees and I will say he does a good job balancing 95% of the time! Besides he is working hard, so he needs a little time for some fun. This next Sunday, we will celebrate Mike's 29 and holding birthday( yes I married younger...but love that he is so full of life and I think always will be), so we will be going out on Saturday night with some friends for some good old Mexican!
We hope that Spring comes your way quickly if it hasn't!

Happy Spring :)

Jenn

Cooking Show with Johnnie Gabriel

Last Saturday, I went to a cooking show with my friend & neighbor, Lorelei! For Christmas, she got both of us tickets to go see Johnnie Gabriel. As I mentioned in my last post, Johnnie Gabriel, is the cousin to Paula Deen (aka -"The Butter Lady")!

It was a blast and we enjoyed some new tips and even got to "chat" with Paula Deen via Johnnie's cell phone!Johnnie made Shrimp & Grits (YUCK -I am so not southern when it comes to grits or SHRIMP-I have never devourered a taste for seafood),tomato salad, cheese straws, & key lime pie (yummy photo above, that was on the big screen)! The pie looked awesome!

Lorelei and I picked up her new cookbook, "Cooking in the South with Johnnie Gabriel"

As you can see from the photo above, we met her in person and had her sign our cookbooks. I LOVE to cook, so it was a big deal for me to meet her! She is a sweet lady and was so sincere to talk to!

I am having a hard time to post the video...(tried 2 times now) I will try and post this video later. Johnnie on the phone, with Paula....listen closely for Paula asking about the Butter! (Johnnie is calling her for advice on cooking Shrimp).

Jenn : )

Kitchen Update and more....

As mentioned 1 month ago, here are the photos of the curtains for my kitchen.

We are very pleased with how they turned out ~and I can't thank my friend, Heather enough for her hard work. Now for those kitchen cabinets, counter tops and floor! (All down the road....but always a project I have my eye on!)

Parker is finally back to his normal self . Of course, Sunday is a new month and we are glad to have February behind us! Amazing what an antibiotics will do for an ear infection and some Motrin!

Today, I took Parker up to North Cobb Christian (my old school I worked at) for a visit. The 4th graders were doing "The Wax Museum" (They read a book of a famous person from history or currently living) All the 4th graders prepare for quite a while and make a speech from their book reports about it! On top of that they have "costumes" and props for their big day! Today they were all in the Gymnasium and look like statues. They are still until their (button) nothing more then a piece of paper on the floor in front of them is pushed for them to "come alive" ! Parker LOVED all the characters who were famous "sports" celebrities ( Basketball players, Golf ball players etc...) those were all the ones we listened to, since they all had a "BALL" for a prop! LOL

Tomorrow, I get to go and spend the day with my good friend, Lorelei at a Cooking show! For Christmas she got her and me tickets to go see Johnny Gabriel in person . (Johnny (a lady) is the cousin to, Paula Deen, and she opened up a little bakery in Marietta, GA, called Gabriel's! Johnny is famous for her homemade cakes! I am really excited to go and you all know I LOVE to cook! The show is called "How to Throw a Simple Southern Dinner Party!" I am excited to learn some new secrets (now that I am a "Southern-Belle!") I am not sure-but I think Paula Deen may be there. I am not a huge fan of Paula Deen (but hey it might just be my claim to fame)!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend....Yeah to March's arrival on Sunday!

Jenn :)

A rough month!

That is an understatement....since getting off that cruise we have had a "rough" 4 weeks!
I lost my sanity yesterday....I cried for 1 hour. Parker who has slept everyday (since birth)-and not missed a nap ,absolutely refused to nap yesterday! He cried for 2 hours straight and I could NOT get a hold of Mike. Come to the end of that situation.....Mike arrived home late due to a presentation he was preparing for a meeting he had today. His cell phone did not work at ALL yesterday. (I was on the phone with Sprint at 11PM ,last night demanding that they fix the problem, since I had made 7 phone calls to my husband and he never got a ring! URRRR-so that is how part of my day went)
After soothing Parker and giving him some Motrin @ 10- we managed to get 4 and 1/2 hours of sleep . Then the screaming began again at 5 AM!
I was beside myself this AM-but we managed. My sanity for the day was his 18month check up at 4 PM....and I could not wait to find out what was making him go "crazy-and be uncontrollable!"
I was ready to start selling him when he was uncontrollable and screaming a fit when we were in the waiting room. The poor nurse had to write down a novel of the past months episodes! She laughed and said I could vent all I wanted-she had a 2 year old so she understood COMPLETELY!
When Dr. McGee came in he was all of a sudden "HAPPY!" I said "you can have him".....but then he started pitching a fit and screaming again. To sum it all up she said "He is mad at the world Mom, he can't sleep cause of the bad cough and cold, he hates the breathing treatments and runs when the "Nebi Dr" (the nebulizer) comes out, he is cutting 2 new teeth and ................the big whammy and reason for ALL the commotion the last 24 hours - His first Ear infection!"
No wonder the kid is upset and unsure of what he wants! (Hence the screaming 2 times at night-)
Boy, was I shocked but relieved to hear that! I knew I was not crazy and was hoping for a good explanation for the uncontrollable behavior. So, the poor kid is on his 3rd round of antibiotics and fingers crossed we don't go back in a week for another!
He didn't get his 18 month shot, but we will get caught up in 6 months. No need to torture him today! I LOVE Dr. McGee and appreciate her attentiveness to him today. What a day!

Here is a photo of his "Progress Report"

24.4 pounds and 34 inches!(He is 40th percentile for weight and 85th percentile for height) He sure feels heavy to only be 24.4 pounds but she said he is solid and very healthy. By Sunday, we should be able to stop the breathing treatments. It sure will be nice to see March arrive.

I am starting to get an awful cold (yes, Parker passed it on to me) and I can't be sick this weekend. I am going to a food show with my friend Lorelei, and we get to meet Paula Deen's, Cousin, Johnny Gabriel (famous for Gabriel's Bakery in Marietta,GA ). Paula Deen may just be there. No matter what I am excited to attend!

"This to shall pass"

Jenn :)

18 Months old and.....

Parker got his first Haircut!

Yesterday was an adventure I will always remember.
I had to capture the moment on video since Daddy is away in Brazil.

I will be the first to admit that our child is NOT perfect and by no means "an angel !" But we sure think he is cute! Did I mention VERY strongwilled, hilarious and defineitely "ALL BOY!" I write all this explanation for his behavior in the first video. Of course, it was his FIRST haircut and he had never been in this situation before! After his tears and uncertainty,we bribed him to get through with this wonderful creation of nothing more then sugar on a stick, a.k.a "A SUCKER!" I assisted and had him sit on my lap. It turned out cute and so happy to have that "long hair finally cut!"

Update:
The week has been long since Mike was away and we were sick. On top of us being ill, I have had to pull out the nebulizer again for him. He has been wheezing and coughing a ton. But, he still has been a happy boy and not missed a moment with his time outside or playing with his ball! He got some extra playtime in with Kayleigh, even though I wasn't watching her, and I posted a few photos of our time.

Just this past month he took a deep interest in a spoon and fork . He is really growing up to be a big boy. He is 25 pounds and next week we will see where he is on the charts.
In the world of food, we still battle over certain vegetables, but he is getting better. :)
Each day is always an adventure (a true understatement) with him and we are so happy to have him in our lives.

Enjoy the videos : )

Yuck.....

Is exactly how I /we feel today! I had my fingers crossed that we would not have any drama here while Mike is in Brazil-BUT it all began yesterday.

When I got home from Church I felt AWFUL! I was feeling nauseous ALL day and crashed in the lazy boy at 2:00. Mike was cleaning the WHOLE house for me (He is SO good to me) and trying to pack for his trip!

Parker woke up screaming at 2:30 and I should have known-then-it was the stomach bug...but the other end! After Mike went in there and comforted him he went back to sleep. He woke up at 5 and he exploded in his diaper. Fortunately, Mike was still here and assisted me with his bath and the MAJOR cleanup!
I was still feeling yucky all night-went to bed at 9! I tossed and turned ALL night! Then at 5 Am it hits me and I puke away! (...sorry to get graphic...) After 5:15 I felt SO much better. I went downstairs and slept on couch till 7:30! Parker woke up at 7:30 with ANOTHER diarrhea episode....Thankfully I was over the worst of my sickness and had enough strength to get him in the tub -clean all the linens and clean his room...Lysol and all!

I really MISS Mike today. I am so glad he is NOT gone often!
(Still no appetite and can't seem to eat that can of soup yet-but the cherry 7Up is helping.)

So glad my little boy is a great napper and I can get some rest today too! This too shall pass-AMEN!

I do have a sweet reminder of Mike's love for me....he got me these gorgeous roses for Valentines Day! He knows my favorite color of roses is purple, and couldn't get them so he opted for white with a spec of purple flowers!

It will be good to see him again hopefully when we are fully recovered!

Jenn :(

Happy Valentines Day

Here is Parker's photo we had on some Valentine Cards for the family.

We hope you all had a nice Valentines Day.
Mike and I got out Friday. for a date( since he leaves tonight for Brazil). Once again, another business trip-but hopefully the 5 days will fly by fast!
We went out to Bugaboo Creek for a nice (peaceful) steak dinner, and then went to see Slumdog Millionaire. I was not excited about going to see it, but I will give a big high 5 to Mike for choosing a movie that was very well written and a bit romantic. I was actually touched by the story and now know why it got an Academy Award.
We have finally gotten back into a routine since being back from our cruise. It is so much fun to go away-but so NOT fun to do all the laundry upon return. I think it was 5 loads and I was so excited to have it done. Not to mention that Parker's car seat got a major wash too( due to all the vomiting on the way home)! I started back up with my Bible Study Group-Freedom for Mothers (Motherwise). I LOVE the series and always gain so much, insight from all the other mom's on top of Biblical growth!
This week I have some projects to do,(no Kayleigh this week-she has company coming this week to watch her. ) On Wed. we are gonna go to Monkey Joe's (an indoor play place )with her and her mom. I am sure Parker will LOVE that!
Fingers crossed Parker and I stay healthy and there is no major event while Mike is gone!

Wishing you all a happy week,
Jenn :)

Our Disney Adventure and MORE

We are back from the "Happiest Place on Earth" and our Disney Cruise. One word to sum up the cruise-AMAZING! We had the BEST time and will go back again soon! We LOVED having the time with the family and of course just being on the cruise boat in 80 degree weather in Feb! Disney is unbelievable~! Compared to Carnival we gave Disney a 10 / Carnival gets a 6!

We spent the weekend prior to the cruise in Orlando. We went to Boma's Restaurant (at Animal Kingdom Lodge) to celebrate my parents 40th Anniversary. We had a great meal and loved seeing all the animals at the Animal Kingdom. We had some rain that weekend so we didn't do all that we wanted. We didn't let that put a damper on us though. Just seeing Parker interact with his cousins and really get acquainted was priceless. Friday, Parker and I went to the Orlando Science Center with my sister Julie, her husband,Rob and their son, Jack! (They were not going on the cruise) so we wanted the boys to spend some time together. It was fun to just let them run around!

Top 10 Highlights of our trip:


(Here is a family photo of the 12 of us that went on the cruise)

1. We had private fireworks from the top of the boat and got to spend a day in the Bahamas & Disney' Private Island (Castaway Cay)



2. 80 Degree weather the day we were in Nassau.
   



3. No cooking or cleaning the whole week ...so nice to have your room made up at night too!




4. I only gained .4 pounds the whole 10 days....and I was happy to not have gained 10!




5. Mike and Parker bonded a ton




6. I got a pedicure in the Spa




7. My parents room was right next to ours (and helped with Parker!! THANKS)




8. Mike got to watch the Superbowl on the biggest screen TV yet.... (They had a party on the top deck so he was THRILLED)




9. Great food, fabulous Broadway shows, and time alone at the pool!




10. We spent 6 days with my family and we treasured each moment with them.'

Now I must say that we had a few little adventures that were UNPLANNED and we will laugh about one day:

Jenn's wedding Rings~

Following the cruise we stayed in Cocoa Beach with my sister, Jolyn (her family) & my parents. We got off the cruise at 9:30 Thursday morning. We got early check in to the Marriott and we were all tired!( Last night on ship was a little rocky due to waves and it was a short night.)
We checked in the hotel and laid Parker down for a nap! I decided to lay down too. I took off my jewelry (including my wedding rings) and laid them on the dresser by the bed.Parker took a 3 hour nap (AND I DID TOO). We woke up at 1 and Mike had to step out for a conference call. I checked email-Parker woke up! I changed his diaper and let him play! *(Forgetting that my jewelry was laying on the dresser (at his reach). He discovers them and takes them away. We got ready to go over to my parents hotel and I was getting changed and went to get my rings....they were NOT there! I PANICKED! I instantly knew Parker took them! He is not at the age of reasoning and able to explain where something is...so I really panic now! I begin to cry and Mike is just thinking how expensive this vacation could become if we do not find them! I am starting to think he has thrown them in the toilet (seems to be a favorite place to put stuff). To make a long story short- after calling my parents to come and help, me being so weak and in desperate cry for them. We gave up-Mike found my wedding band, but my diamond set was GONE! I was sick and could not even eat! We left to go down to the hotel for a bit! Mike loads Parker in the stroller and puts him in the car. When Mike went to put the stroller away he found my RING IN THE STROLLER! It was in the bottom basket!! PRAISE the LORD! As you know rings "Appreciate" and Mike knew it would be expensive to replace. But it obviously has sentimental value! I was SO happy to have it back! FYI- I very rarely take my jewelry off to nap!

Trip to the ER~
Yes! We ended up in the ER with Parker last night! He must have picked up a stomach bug after the cruise. We left Cocoa Beach at 10 AM Friday. By noon he started to vomit (IN THE CAR) ! I had the thermometer on the trip. He had NO fever. So, we pulled over cleaned him up-changed his clothes. We ate lunch and were back in the car by 1:00! At 2:00 he puked again! I was really worried now. He ended up throwing up 9 more times! I was in the backseat for MOST of our trip and he was getting weaker and pale. I was on the phone with Parker's pediatrician by 2:30! We had to stop and get Pedialyte for him. He could not keep that down. I started to get so worried each time he tried to throw up (and it was every 30 minutes)! He had dry heaves and was trying to sleep! We were told by 5:30 that we needed to get to an E.R. We were about 45 minutes from our Children's Hospital so we drove straight to it-Scottish Rite. By the time we made it to the ER- I had gone through 100 wipes (and I know that because the container had 107 and only 7 left) We had great service-thankfully we were in an out in 2 hours! They gave him Zofren. (My sister had to take it when she was pregnant for vomiting) we waited 20 minutes and then began to give him Gatorade! He kept it down and we were so happy to see him "Come alive again!" He is SO happy and energetic, and he had "no life in him" The thing that made me cry was his cry. He had no tears and dry diaper ALL day! Don't ever ignore a dry diaper!

Enjoy the slide show of our vacation!

So despite my trauma with my wedding rings and our visit to the ER -it was the best vacation we have ever had!
And there is ALWAYS drama with us.

We were so glad to get away and have the time together as a family.
Jenn, Mike & Parker

Make a Smilebox slideshow

MICKEY Here we come...

We are leaving tomorrow for our long awaited Clark Family Reunion. It is all in celebration of my parent's 40th Anniversary this coming August- 8/30 ! Definitely a great reason to go to Disney and clebrate-after all Disney is known to be "The Happiest Place on Earth!" We started planning the trip last May and it is finally here!

We will be staying in Orlando for 3 nights prior to our 5 day Disney Cruise! Some of the plans are : Animal Kingdom, Sea World, & Dinner Friday night to celebrate Mom & Dad, a family photo and hopefully a sister outing!
Mike and I last cruised (on Carnival ) for our honeymoon-so this will be a real treat. And we have been told- Disney is the best of them all! We will see and let you know when we return!
The weather is really rainy here in GA today-and Mike is still in Toronto! He is hoping to get on an earlier flight today. Lots of delays around the US today,at many airports ; my family is currently flying and some are sitting in Chicago with delays. Despite the delays it is so encouraging for them all to get out of the cold, snowy weather!
We obviously do not care if the weather is gloomy for a few days! I think it has been almost 3 years since all 15 of us have been together; (The original 10 adults that is -obviously we have expanded the family. )
Parker is napping and so I better go finish packing...clothes are out-but still trying to decide on what I definitely want to take?!
I will be happy when we finally get to Orlando. We are leaving tomorrow at around noon (or earlier) We are praying that we do not have rain the whole way!

MICKEY MOUSE.....Here we come!!
Jenn, Mike & Parker

17 Months

Parker is 17 Months Old!

I have made 2 slide shows of some exciting things we have done in the last few weeks. Amazing how busy we have been!

Parker is still being really picky with his vegetables. So, I am trying to sneek them in his food!Mike got me the cookbook Deceptively Delicious for Christmas and I am trying some new recipes from time to time!
He is almost 28 lbs and despite the interest in many "healthy" foods-he is growing like a weed! Still loves his Milk!

He is fascinated by Pop-Up Books and I am sure it is all to do with "Open/close" Which he LOVES to do around the house -and making me nerveous that he will one day LOCK me out!!!
It is still really cold here. Making it hard to explain to a 1 & 1/2 year old "NO" to go outside with Abbey! He throws tempur tantrums when we pull him indoors! It is pay back time now!-I was notorious for throwing fits when I was his age!! :( Well -we are ignoring him and removing him from his frustrations ,He is still to young to understand "time-out" BUT we are trying it! I am amazed how different boys/ girls are! Being an educator, I know that there are gaps in some areas with boys/girls! Kayleigh definitely can reason with me, go in time out and gets so many of my commands! They are 3 weeks apart and in some ways- a few months apart! Amazing that NO seems to be one word-they all understand so young! Thankfully, Mike and I agree on the same discipline plan and hopefully Parker will soon understand that we are in control-NOT HIM!

I think the 2 back molars are finally in! He sleeps GREAT at night-but the weekend days were SO LONG! I am SO happy that he got over it now-and hopefully he won't have any major events on the cruise!! Fingers crossed!

Mike flys out this Sunday for Canada. (sigh :( Which will make my days long!
Please pray that they go by fast! I am looking forward to Tuesday, when our sitter, Hannah will take Parker for a few hours so I can get some packing done and have some ALONE time! Mike will return at 8 PM Wednesday and then we will be leaving , hopefully by nap time (noon) on Thursday to meet up with my family in Orlando ! The cruise departs on Sunday, 2/1! We are going to Nassau, Bahamas and on a 26 degree day like today ~WE CAN'T WAIT!

Enjoy the slide shows!
Jenn :)



Slide show 1 :


Parker's friend, "Courtney's" Birthday Party~ (My friend Samantha's Niece)
& Fun with Kayleigh (I took them to an in-door playplace.)

I am working on Slide Show 2 and I will post it shortly! It is of Parker's first visit to Charlotte, NC (Our visit w/ Mike's college roommate)

I thought we lived in Georgia NOT New York !!

YUP, we are freezing too! We have had COLD weather only in the 20's! It really has made us sympathetic to our families (in MI & Upstate NY!) Also, reminding us WHY we left Upstate NY 4 years ago! This is the coldest it has been in 5 years! We hear it is only supposed to last a few days! BUT-we have had enough of it!
This weather is making us SO ancy for our Disney cruise in just 2 weeks TODAY! (Sorry-I know you all want to go with us. We have not been on a cruise since our Honeymoon...and this is a really needed vacation!) Mike and I ALWAYS "vacation" to NY or MI so we really are looking forward to it!

UPDATE: I have a ton of photos to upload, but we are away for the weekend.
We came to Charlotte, NC to see Mike's college roommate, Chris and his family!
Chris & Meghan just had their first baby, Emma in August! So, we had to bring Parker to meet her before she turns 1! SHE IS ADORABLE and reminds us of where we were 1 year ago! (Parker and Emma are 1 year and 6 days apart!)
It is AMAZING how fast they grow and how irritable they get too!

Parker- Will officially be 17 months on Tuesday! His favorite words are still Ball, Abbey & Plane! Yet, he is putting them into phrases and amazing us each day with his words! Walking proudly and getting into mischief constantly....but I can't complain! So, nice not to have to carry him everywhere. And-once again, Parker is cutting 2 more molars! The top back 2! Bless his heart....for being away from home, his bed & surroundings he is being a great trooper. I just have to keep my eye on the clock and keep ahead of the Motrin wearing off!

Mike has 5 big upcoming trips for work! His first is just around the corner. Next Sunday he will be flying out to Toronto for 4 days! Thankfully, he will be home late Wed! We leave Thursday for Orlando! Feb-May he will be gone for 1 week each month! He is headed to Brazil, Indiana, Mexico, & Malaysia! I will be going to see family and my best friend, Joy during some of these trips. Definitely can't be home for 7 days with no family and help while he is gone!
I am back into the routine of going to the Y, back on Weight Watchers (still have a good 15 left over from Pregnancy) that I want to drop before we have another child! I am Also hoping to get back into another Bible Study at our church!
I can't wait for our weather to warm up so Parker can get back outside and ride his wagon! In the meantime it is indoors!
We hope you all are staying warm!
Jenn :)

Kitchen Update

Here is the finished kitchen (almost)

Still have to put all that shutters back on, mount some things and hang the new draperies!

Here are some before and after photos!

So glad to have this project ALMOST behind us.