When Did My Baby Grow Up? And How in the World Did I Finish the Marathon?

It's no secret that I have been doing a lot of reflecting as Jordan turns 18 and is in his Senior year of High School. I can remember vividly how it felt when I found out that I was pregnant. I can remember the look on Jay's face when I told him the news. He was at work at the hospital right across from the Newborn Nursery. Just a few short weeks after moving to Grand Forks, North Dakota, the most beautiful black haired, brown eyed, dimple faced baby made his grand entrance. He was the center of attention immediatley with those dimples. From a rambunctious toddler who gave us our fair share of heart attacks, including falling 12 feet from a tree and being life flighted to intensive care at Primary Children's with a severe head injury, to getting into a fenced field at age 3 with his little friends to chase the bulls, he has grown into a man, yes a handsome, loving, smart man, ready to graduate, go on a mission, and enter the adult world.






We spent his 18th birthday in St. George, bribing him to go by taking his adorable girlfriend Krystal with us. They supported me at the finish line, and I made him Fresh Peach Cupcakes with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting, from scratch, after the Marathon with my tendon searing in pain. If there was ever true mother love, that is it. After Jordan and Jay went to General Priesthood, we took Jord and Krys to dinner. It was a great weekend.

A Lot of Growing Up, and a Little Bit of Torture.

Jordan is getting ever close to his 18th birthday. I find myself taking a lot more pictures lately, much to his dismay. Maybe I am holding on for dear life.

Yesterday I went to Physical Therapy, and got a diagnosis of Posterior Tibial Tendonitis, and a possible stress fracture. After a torture they call A-Stim, and various other cruel and unusual punishments, I am left with a wrap on my foot and ankle, bruises on my leg, and a promise of 2-3 more sessions of the same torture plus a course of steroids to decrease inflammation. All of this so I can run 26.2 miles of a whole different kind of torure otherwise known as the St. George Marathon. Why do I do it? Because in some masochistic way, I love it.

20 Years.....Really?

A few weeks ago we had our 20th High School Reunion. I can't believe I am really that old! It was so fun seeing old friends, and realizing that some people you didn't hang out with in high school are wicked cool and so fun to be around. The barbeque was so fun! Seeing everyone with their kids was a blast. At the adults only dinner, our table was the loudest, because we were laughing most of the time. We are already going on double dates, girls nights out, and planning trips with friends old and new.

Happy Days....Back to SCHOOL!

I can't believe I have a senior, a sophomore, an eighth grader, a sixth grader, and a third grader. After sticker shock from the 500 dollars for registration fees for "free"public education, we are full speed ahead with High School soccer, signing endless papers, and homework. Here's a glimpse into happenings at the Parker Place.

Jordan- Sigh.....my baby will be 18 in a few weeks. Where has the time gone? He is trying to be independant and I'm trying to keep him needing his mommy for awhile longer. He would rather spend time with Krystal. (I don't blame him )He did stop at the hospital after a date on Friday, and I got a hug goodnight.

Whit-Is loving being at the high school. She has her driving permit (YIKES!!!), and is a varsity soccer player. As much fun as high school soccer is, she can't wait to be back with her comp team. They will be traveling to North Carolina, Florida, Texas, Colorado, and Vegas starting in December.

Becca-13 going on 20. Make-up, boys, Justin Beiber concerts, Lagoon, texting, avoiding any sort of household jobs at all costs, and piano. Jay is trying to get her to ride my road bike...since I never do. They rode 20+ miles on Saturday.

Kaden- My Kader Bug. A sweeter boy you will never find. He is growing like a weed, and takes great pride in having bigger feet than both of his sisters. He definately inherited the Parker legs...long and skinny. He loves baseball and soccer....tolerates piano lessons.....and would read books 24/7 if he could.

Jackson-the CABOOSE. Jay and I laugh daily at how much is reminds us of Jordan. Stubborn, funny, always thinks he is right, and loves to play with his friends. He hates to read, sulked when he got the "meanest third grade teacher", and is a natural at any sport he tries.