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