Here comes Santa Claus

We are gearing up for Christmas! I love Christmas. I'm a sucker for the holidays but really, just being able to remember our Savior Jesus coming to earth to live among us - Immanuel, God with us. The greatest gift of all. Isn't that just incredible??

This year, I have specifically loved seeing Christmas excitment through my child's eyes. Parker LOVES the lights, ornaments (well, I'm not really excited about this one when it involves throwing them), and all the cheesy singing Christmas decorations. He has his own Christmas tree and nativity set in his room. Have you seen this Fisher Price Little People Nativity set? It is too cute and Parker loves it. Although it's difficult tracking down Baby Jesus at times...


this is Parker's sneaky face...


I love decorating for Christmas and bringing out each ornament on our tree. We have some really special ones - cowboy boots and hat from my time at Lost Valley Ranch, a beautiful wedding cake for our marriage in 2005, handmade crochet angels and snowflakes made by my Nanny over 20 years ago, Baby's 1st Christmas ornament, just to name a few! Parker has a few of his own, including a Mickey Mouse and personalized Tractor!

Fun times

I have so much to write! (surprise, suprise!)
Since I last posted:

1) Thanksgiving. Awesome. I just really love Thanksgiving. We went to Florence and spent time with my family at my parents (including the traditional pheasant meal along with the Turkey - yum!) and got to see both my sisters and all their kids, cousins, aunts, uncles, and some dogs too. Then went to Robbie's parents for a meal with his family. More GREAT food. Saw our little neice Peyton and got excited about babies on the way!
Annual kid picture at my parents house... disaster as usual!


2) I attended the Going Deeper conference in Birmingham with Beth Moore, Kay Arthur, and Pricilla Shirer. A-MAZING. Seriously, this should also have it's own post. Maybe I'll be able to share some of what I learned later. Went with my mom-in-law, Karen, and Tamyra while Parker stayed home to play with daddy. God really spoke some Goodness and Truth to me. I really needed it.

3) Robert and Melissa's wedding in Birmingham last weekend. Robert is a childhood friend for both Robbie and me, and Melissa has totally fit right in with us the past 5+ years. We are so happy for them! The wedding was beautiful, but not in comparison with the bride. Many blessings for their new marriage! And I love when weddings remind me how blessed I am to have my precious Robbie. What a gift from God. Marriage is not easy but after 5 and a half years we are still learning and growing!

More on holidays coming...

Parker... 15 Months

Parker is 15 months old and a lively little fella. This really has been such a fun age. I wanted to make sure I wrote down some of the things he is doing and how he is changing so we won't forget because it changes so fast! So I'm sharing that with you too! Well, if I can actually type this out because as I write, Parker has decided to sit in my lap and join me. I think he is up to 90 words a minute now on his typing skills. =)

He is 28lbs, 8 oz and 33 inches tall. And growing! Although I feel like his growth is steadying out a bit which is great for clothes. He is wearing 24 months, and some 2T. He is definitely outgrowing some of his baby fat (so sad!) and looking like a toddler.

Parker is:
- Running everywhere. He loves to go, go, go! Still falls quite a bit but has gotten alot more coordinated going on various terrains. And even when he falls, he usually pops right back up to go some more. He has recently mastered (much to my worry) climbing up and down stairs.
- Learning new words everyday. His most favorite (and clearly understood words) are: Dog, Ball, Bye Bye, Hey, Uh oh, Dada, Mama, Bite (as in something to eat) and Shoes.
- He also says: Juice, Chair, Book, Boat, No (this one is about to make the most common list), and of course makes all kinds of "vroom"ing sounds.
- Is officially down to one nap a day... usually after lunch for 2+ hours.
- LOVES going to school 3 days a week. His teachers Ms. Brittney and Ms. Cassi (his favorite) adore him. He runs into his class or jumps into his teacher's arms and waves Bye Bye with a smile when we drop him off.
- Still adores his luvie. He wants to carry it everywhere. And he has affectionately named blue bear "boo". Or "boo boo". It's really cute.
- Loves trucks, cars, tractors, and anything with wheels.
- Can throw a ball back and forth with you.
- Loves playing outside in the yard. And pushing anything with wheels.
- Has started dancing whenever he hears music or I sing to him. He has a "quick step" that is out of this world. He get it from his momma.
- really just a precious and funny kid. But of course, I am a little partial.

Well that's it for now, but this list is always changing! Just wanted to write it all down before it changes once again. We are really looking forward to Christmas with this little guy this year... let's just hope I can keep him out of my Christmas tree!

I realized I hadn't posted any pictures from Halloween so here are a couple!

Life Without Limits - More pictures

See my previous post for details about the Life Without Limits Run... Here are some pictures!
Parker came out to support and do the 1 mile fun run with GiGi

SO proud of my dad... ran his first 5k in years and placed 1st in his age division!






Also, enjoy this video that our friend and photographer Rebekah Smith put together:
Mills Mission

Mills Mission... Life Without Limits Run

Last Saturday was an AWESOME experience to participate in the Life Without Limits Run (1/2 Marathon, 5k, and 1 mile Fun Run) for the UCP in Florence. http://www.ucprun.com. Robbie and I ran along with many other friends and family in memory of sweet baby Mills. It was my first 5k to ever do!! I am amazed that I finished, but you understand why when you read my motivation. In fact, I'm not sure anything but my sweet little nephew and Jesus could have gotten me to do that!

Many people aren't aware (myself included!) that Cerebal Palsy is often caused by premature births and complications. Though my nephew Mills was never given a formal diagnosis of CP (he didn't make it that far), it is highly likely that given his birth at 25 weeks due to placental abrupture and other complications, he would have had CP (among other things).

Rebekah, my sister, is the heart and soul behind Mills Mission. Along side her grief, she starting planning this summer to get a group together to run for "Mills Mission" and raise support for the UCP. She had never run any kind of race before either! I began training in August with the Couch to 5K program from Cool Running - it is GREAT if you are NOT a runner like me but want to try something like this. http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml
I am so proud of Rebekah for getting this together and motivating me to DO something good in the midst of pain. It speaks volumes to her and Roddy's faith in God through heartbreak and puts flesh to the scripture "Weeping may come for a night, but JOY comes in the morning". Sure there were tears of sorrow last Saturday as we remembered Mills and wish so deeply he was still with us, but the Spirit of Joy was everywhere. We can celebrate because we KNOW our God and that all His promises stand True.


Our team shirts had this scripture on them:
I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may FINISH THE RACE and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me- the task of testifying to the Gospel of God's Grace. Acts 20:24
And team sign:

On the back it read: We run to remember... One short life, One eternal purpose.

I could only pray my life would have such eternal purpose and reveal God's glory and grace to others. Mills Thomas Methvin lived 6 short weeks, but the impact of his life absolutely eternal. That is God's grace.

Like father, Like son

There are many qualities about Robbie that I will be thrilled if Parker gets. His ears are not one of them. I'm not saying I don't like my husbands ears, but they gave him all kinds of trouble as a child with ear infections and he went through several sets of tubes! Unfortunately, we started seeing the same pattern with Parker late summer. From July to October, he was on 4 different antibiotics for ear infections. Fortunately, our pediatrician spotted the "repeater" signs early and got us in with a Pediatric ENT in October. Took two weeks to get in to see the ENT, and we were scheduled for him to get tubes in his ear one week later. We didn't realize how bad the fluid had built up behind his ears until seeing the ENT... he said it was like Parker had earplugs in because of how much and how thick the fluid was. He even failed part of his hearing test! Poor guy. One thing I realized is how tough kiddos are... I think the ones with chronic ear infections just learn to live with it! And even worse, we didn't even make it until the surgery until he had an eardrum rupture... 2 days before his scheduled procedure. Fortunatley, the doctor was still able to put tubes in both ears and it has made a TREMEMDOUS difference. Parker is less whiney and clingy and talking alot more! We can tell he feels MUCH better.

On the morning of the surgery, before they took him back (and yes, he is in a hospital gown!):


We were really nervous, not only about the anesthesia, but also just how Parker would do in that environment. He did great! They had a flat screen right by his bed with cartoons on for him and the nurses and doctors were great. He didn't cry at all when they took him back. In post-op, he was a little groggy, requiring lots of juice and cuddles with blue bear.

By the time we got home, he got to open some presents and was running around our house! He took a great nap that afternoon and was back to himself in no time!

So, if you are mom and have to go through this... it is not easy on parents but SO worth it for your child. I had many friends to encourage me along the way and did not have one parent tell me they regretted getting the surgery for their child. Of course, lots of prayer and encouragement from others help too!

Fall Blessings

I love Fall! Pumpkins, football, cool(er) weather, getting ready for the holidays... it is all so fun. We took a trip to Tate Farms and the Pumpkin Patch last week with some great friends.


Parker and I's pumpkin patch buddies: Cheryl and her son Stephen (20 months) and Rebecca and her daughter Katie Lane (14 months)... the kids did great and mommies had fun. We were ALL worn out!



What precious kids we have!

Bloggers Vacation

I have apparently been on blogging vacation. Oops. So I'm back, and have lots of updates and pictures so hang tight....

Robbie turned 30! So happy birthday to my wonderful husband. Glad he has been around 30 years and going strong. Just another reason to celebrate in 2010. Robbie and I went out on a date to Bridgestreet on Friday night (his actual birthday) while my mom keep Parker. Even better, Gigi even got up with him at 5am and let us sleep in Saturday morning. Great birthday present!

Also, please note Robbie with his favorite birthday present from me: homemade pecan pie. I made this for him on his birthday 7 years ago and he requests one every year. Quite yummy if I do say so myself!


Then Saturday, we had our great friends Laura and Luke come in town with their son Pryce (only 3 months older than Parker). We had great time... grilled out, watched football and let the boys play. What fun those 2 are!!

Parker's Favorite Things

It's hard to find the best toys that kids love for the right ages, and though I know it varies from kid to kid, I decided to share a list of Parker's favorite toys at the one year old stage. I really appreciate going to other people's houses who have kids around Parker's age to scout out what they have and what he likes to play with! Sometimes it seems great at the store, but it's not so great at home. So, if you are looking for great toys for your child or someone elses, or if you just want to know the main attractions going on in our home, here is a list of Parker's Favorite Things (Disclaimer: we have too many great toys to list them all here so I tried to list the ones that aren't the obvious choices walking down the elses of Target):

Radio Flyer Push and Pull toy. This toy has gone MILES around our house.


Red Rocking Chair. My mom and dad gave this to Parker on his 1st birthday and it's precious (and personalized of course!). I wasn't sure if he would like it but he loves learning to get in and out and will actually sit in it! www.llbean.com

100 Ways to Know God Loves Me. I realize this is a book, not a toy but we use it daily. It has such sweet devotionals for kids and Parker loves reading.


Little Tikes Cozy Couple. This toys have been around 30+ years and still going strong for a good reason. A must have!


Melissa and Doug toys. Love their big puzzles and old school wooden toys. We do have the M&D Chomp and Clack alligator that Parker loves and mommy hates (it's terribly loud and he only really likes to use it when I'm on the phone). http://www.melissaanddoug.com/

Toy Push Mower. Parker has the Fisher Price Bubble Mower and the Laugh and Learn Mower. Great inside or outside.



Little Tikes Water Table. Parker loves playing outside, so with the summer heat it has been a necessity to have water to play in! He has a baby pool, but the water table is great if you don't want to have to get into a swim diaper and all that. Some of the tables have sand and water... brave parents go there!


Any Ride-On toys are a hit in our house. Parker loves the Mickey Fire Engine Ride-on and his Powerwheels Tod Rod (see Tot Rod post!). Basically, anything he can ride, push, pull, or zoom around the house is a winner for our little boy. He even has a FP Vacuum that he loves to push around... hope that trait sticks around!

Books, balls, bath toys, and anything with wheels...
these are a few of a 1 year old's favorite things in our house!

Exciting News!

We are so excited that Robbie will be starting a new job with Qinetiq in October. It's in Huntsville, and he will be working on Redstone Arsenal as a project/test coordinator for military aircraft. He is excited for the change of "career" path, something we have prayed for a while. We are truly thanking and praising our gracious Lord. This opportunity was in just the right time and just the right way... as God always provides. God has been teaching us so much through all of this that I don't really know where to start or what to say other than I have been learning what our purpose is really about- knowing, loving, and glorifying Him.

Here's a few things that have meant alot to me (and Robbie) over the past couple of months as we have struggled with direction after Robbie's branch/company closing:

Our help comes from the Lord. Psalm 124:8

And Phillipians 4:1-7

Plan B by Pete Wilson

One of my favorite quotes from Plan B:
Instead of an answer, God offers us something better. He offers us a solution. He offers us the cross.

Crazy Love by Francis Chan


Thanks for those of you who have been praying for us. We are so grateful for our faithful family and friends!!

I will praise you Oh Lord, among the nations... for great is your love, higher than the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
Psalm 108: 3-4

Our Velveteen Rabbitt

We aren't sure how it happened, but our son has found his best friend, object of affection and comfort, and napping pal. Around our house he is known as Blue Bear. Blue Bear was a gift from Parker's aunt CiCi, and was placed adoringly on a shelf in Parker's nursery for months.
Blue Bear before...

Then somehow, Blue Bear came down from the shelf and Parker began sleeping with him every night. Blue Bear travels with our family everywhere. We have to work very hard at keep Blue Bear in the crib for sleepy time or he would go everywhere Parker goes. One day when nap time was over, we found Parker awake in his crib, cooing and laughing swinging Blue Bear by one arm. One arm only, because the other arm was across the nursery. This was only the beginning. Blue Bear does attend day school with Parker at First Methodist, and is known well by the teachers. One day, mommy went to pick up Parker and the teachers explained something unfortunate had happened to Blue Bear.
Blue Bear now...

You see, Blue Bear is loved. If the picture above disturbs you, wait to see more below. No missing arms or head can separate Parker from his buddy.


Blue Bear is very loved, very real. And very stinky most days but that's another story.
The End

Epilogue
For those of you interested to know more about Blue Bear, I have located his manufacturer online at http://www.stephanbaby.net/ (also known as the Cuddle Bud Blankie). It appears that Blue Bear is a friend to many, as he is on back order until the end of September. I have also planned for our original Blue Bear to have a face lift performed by a dear friend of mine (and seamstress) who understands the love Parker has for him because she babysat them both over the summer.

Old friends, Good times, and Crazy boys!

Last weekend, Robbie, Parker, and I all took a roadtrip to visit our good friends the Duttons in Chattanooga. We had so much fun! Laura and I have such a sweet friendship that I treasure, time-tested and husband-approved. Now our boys - Pryce and Parker - are only a couple of months apart in age so that makes it even better! It's always fun to spend time with Laura and Luke, but now it's even better because we have constant entertainment (and a much earlier bed time!).
Here are some pictures from our weekend...


The boys played so good together. Loved bath time at night and getting into pretty much anything they could.




We took a trip to the Tennessee Aquarium on Saturday and it was AWESOME. The boys did great and we loved it too. Robbie's favorite was the jellyfish exhibit (why am I not surprised). I loved the Butterfly room, the huge sharks, and the penguins!



Thanks Laura, Luke, and Pryce for a great weekend!