Parker Quotes

Parker is such a funny kid! He always is saying things that crack me up! Sometimes I forget to write down what he says, but I have written a down bunch of funny Parker quotes. I post them on the side bar, but in case you missed them, here they are:

Parker: "Mom, do you have a shirt on?"
Jen: "Um, what do you think?"
Parker: "No?"
Jen: "Parker, we just came out of Wal-Mart; you walked all around the store with me. Of course I have a shirt on."
Parker: "Is it pink?"
Jen: "Yes. Why would you think I didn't have a shirt on?"
Parker: "I couldn't see it for a minute." Well, it seems that while I'm sitting in the front seat of the car and he is in the back and doesn't have a clear view of my shirt that he assumes I take it off. 9/09

"Mother Dearest, you look so beautiful! You look as pretty as a princess. The house looks so nice. You are amazing!" He loves the pleased reaction I give when he says this kind of stuff, so he repeats it often. For Brad he modifies it, "Daddy, I love you so much! You are my number one bud! You are very handsome too!" I am certainly glad this is the kind of stuff he's repeating. 9/09

Sunday 6:40 a.m.) Parker comes into my room and says, "Daddy is showering in the night (giggles), that's funny. He thinks it's morning."
Jen: "Don't we have a great Daddy who will get up very early to go to his church meetings?"
Parker: "It's funny that he has meetings in the night."
Jen: "Yeah, I guess it's kind of funny to have meetings in the night."
Parker runs to find Brad and says, "Daddy, Mommy thinks it's funny that you have meetings in the night!" Now was that MY idea? I didn't think so. 9/09

"I can't wait 'til I'm twelve, 'cause then I can have that burn my mouth too!" He asked if mouthwash was good and I told him it kind of burns. He knows he has to be twelve to try it, but is apparently looking forward to it. 9/09

"Have Fun!" Parker says this to Brad and I all the time. I'll tell him I'm running to go pull the laundry out the dryer or change the baby and this is how he responds. 9/09

"If you don't . . ., I'll throw you away!" When he's mad he'll threaten you to try to get his way. It doesn't work. We're trying to curb the threating too. 9/09

This is something I'll sing when he's a helper, but he'll really go the extra mile if he thinks I'll sing it. It's modified from SuperWhy. "Hip, hip Hooray! Super Parker saved the day! He . . . Super Parker saved the day!" Those ... are for he "was obedient" or "shared" or whatever his good deed was. 8/09

"I'm going to open Jason's door with it." Parker said this while hiding a bobby pin. He wanted to unlock Jason's door so that he could wake him up to play. 8/09

"Ever you mind, Mommy! Ever you mind!" I was cutting Parker's hair and even though I wasn't quite done, he thought I should be. I told him I needed to trim one long hair and this is what he said as he was trying to escape. 7/09

"I have to, it's in my story!" Parker says this regularly, but here's an example: Once he was banging on the table. When I asked him to stop, he used the Super Why phrase that it's in the story. Luckily, I can change the story just like they do in Super Why. 7/09

"Don't scare the monster or he'll throw you away. Be careful, he'll put you in the garbage." 7/09

"Heavenly Father, thank you that the dog ate the pizza. . ." We were at a party and the neighbor dog came over and ate a slice of pizza someone had left on their plate. Apparently Parker thought it was fitting to include gratitude for the incident in his prayers. 7/09

Tonight he had his hands on his hips and was surveying the room. When I asked him what he was doing, he looked at me and said, "I'm figuring things out." He then proceeded to rearrange things on his little table while he said, "This looks good here," and "I bet this would look better over there." 6/09

"Fee-fi-fo-fum . . . mmm, mmm, english muffin!" He was pretending to be the Jack and the Beanstalk giant. 5/09

"Yeah, and Heavenly Father has a noggin and I have a noggin!" I was talking to Parker about how our Father in Heaven has a body like ours. I mentioned that He has two legs and we have two legs. This was his addition. Despite our explainations, he is still convinced that a noggin is the top bridge of the nose and the space between your eyes. What a goofy kid! 5/09

This is a conversation between Parker and my brother Ben.
Ben:"What are Grandma Pratt's cats named?"
Parker "Oliver and Mila (pronounced Owiver and Miwa)"
Ben: "Oliver and Miwa?"
Parker: "(laughing hysterically) No, not Miwa, Miwa."
Ben: "Maya?"
Parker: "(Laughing even harder) No, not Maya, Miwa!"
I finally told Ben the cat's real name. Apparently the idea of a cat named Miwa or Maya was a pretty funny thought. 5/09
"Mommy, will you make a lap for me?" Parker says this to me when I have my legs crossed and he wants to climb up in my lap. 4/09

"I'm not a hindrance anymore!" The other day Parker was messing up the laundry when I waas trying to fold it. I told him he could stay and be a helper, but if he was going to be a hindrance, he'd have to leave the room. He asked me what I meant and ever since has used hindrance regularly in his vocabulary. 4/09

"Why?Why? . . .Why?" Every kid goes through this at some point and Parker has definitely hit the "why?" phase. 4/09

"Googled-cloza-tabla-buh. He says, 'What's that nonsense?'" Parker often asks what Jason is saying when he cries. I tell him things like "come get me" or "I'm hungry." This morning Parker was being silly and making up what Jason thought of it. 3/09

"Can I see them fly in the sky?" (He said that while flapping his arms like a bird.) He had been asking about what happens when people die. I had told him that they go to heaven to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus. When I told him it was up above the sky and you couldn't see it, this is what he asked. 3/09

"Grandma, you're kind a little." He said this to hid grandma who is only 5'0". 3/09
If you want more quotes check them out here or here.

We Love Our Baseball Player

Brad's work sponsored a softball team, so we've been enjoying another series of games. This time Brad has been the team's catcher. We've been able to cheer on most of his games, so it's a fun activity for all of us. Super Parker made a visit to cheer on his dad! Go #4! It's kind of fun to have all of Brad's teammates also his coworkers, because it means we can get to know each other better. Parker has a lot of fun making friends with the other fans.









I love these last two shots that I captured. The first one is completely unedited and the second is only cropped. Just look at that amazing sky!

We're so glad we get to go support our daddy in so many of his games! Way to go Brad!

What have we been up to?

I'd like you to appreciate how there are no cords hanging down or around our computer. Jason crawls everywhere now, but this area had always been unavailable to him. Now he can crawl where he wishes (still under supervision, of course). I attatched a safety outlet cover and put the surge protector up on the desk under the monitor. I then used a little masking tape to secure the cords that hung down. While I was at it I even labeled all of the cords so that you can be sure what every cord is for. (Yes, I'm occasionally a little OCD.) Anyway, I'm so happy with the end product that I am posting it here on the blog. You can't tell in the picture, but the bottom shelves of that shelf, along with all other low shelves in our home are packed unbelievable tight. That way I don't have to clean up what little hands keep pulling off. Even adult hands have a hard time accessing those shelves now!

So, you want to see the embarrassing state of our cords beforehand:

I also rearranged all of the furniture in my and both boys' bedrooms. That means that everything is perfectly clean, or it was for a second anyway. If anyone wants to take a tour, feel free to come by.

So while I was organizing, this is what Parker has been up to:

That soap sculpture in our bathroom is lovely, isn't it?

Parker has been dressing himself lately. I made him raise his hand so that you can appreciate that his mismatched shorts are on backwards. Awesome, funny kid! When I was reoganizing the hall closet Parker found some of my old teaching supplies. He's been having a hayday trying out every single thing I've got. He's pretty darn smart for a three year old. Too bad I can't take all the credit.

Visit to the Dinosaurs!

Today my sisters-in-law Jen and Jackie came up with their kids so that we could go the Ogden Eccles Dinosaur Park. The kids loved it! It had been almost a year since the last time we were there.

Here are the kids searching for fossils.

I can't believe how grown up Jason looks in this picture!

Parker loved climbing! In fact the whole playground was probably a favorite for all the kids!

Parker, Isabelle and Adam pause for a photo shoot.

Isaac and Jason are way too fascinated with the wood chips to notice the dinosaur lurking above them. The robotic dinosaurs made all the kids a little nervous, but I think they're pretty cool!

Thanks Jackie and Jenny for coming up to the dinosaur park! We had a great time!

Thanks Jax for letting me steal a few of your pictures too!

Come again anytime!

Parker is 3 1/2!

Parker turned 3 1/2 this week! It seems like only yesterday he looked like this:

Parker is such a smart, fun kid! He's usually very good natured and loves learning! His favorite things right now are: ABCs, 123s, puzzles, and books. He loves to jump around on the furniture and loves making everyone laugh. He enjoys getting tickled and wrestling with Daddy.

A few weeks ago we recorded a little interview with Parker. Here is a little clip:

We love you, Parker! We're so glad that you're in our family!

Before and After

Well, I haven't quite reached my goal, but as many of you know, I've been trying to get in shape. I even started a little blog to write recommendations and encouragement for others. Anyway, I have lost 58 pounds from my nine months pregnant peak and 40 since six-weeks post-partum. Anyway, if anyone out there is hoping to lose a little weight and get in shape, there's hope! Good luck!

Great Listening

I have been listening to some fantastic audiobooks. I heard that John Lewis Lund was pretty good and I will whole-heartedly agree. I ended up listening to several of his books/lectures in the past few weeks. I would recommend any of them, but here are my favorites:

Without Offense: The Art of Giving and Receiving Criticism I didn't really feel like I was all that critical of a person, but this book has really given me reason to stop and think before being contrary or attempting "constructive criticism". It has great advice for parenting, spouse relations and basically any relations. I'm afriad that fully living by the advice is a work-in-progress, but I am working on it. This is a book I think I'll buy- or at least check out from the library again and again. It was excellent!

Love One Another: It was all good, but I especially appreciated the first disc. He talks about goals and wishes. Goals depend entirely on you. Wishes involve others. If you base your happiness on wishes, you are setting yourself up for unhappiness. Here is a quote from this book: “As human beings we need to love and to be loved. Many of us spend much of our time trying to be loved, yet we have zero control over being loved. But we have 100% of control over loving other people. So, where should we put our energies? We need to find satisfaction and joy in loving other people.”

For All Eternity: A Four Talk Set to Strengthen Your Marriage This audiobook gave some great suggestions on how to understand each other better and help meet each other's needs. He's really pretty funny too, which makes it really entertaining. I feel like Brad and I have a really solid marriage, but his suggestions have helped us improve our relationship as well.

Actually, speaking of marriage advice, I randomly picked up another audiobook at the library that ended up being really good too. It's Cracking the Communication Code by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. It reminded me of just how different men and women can be. His main idea is that women crave love and men crave respect (Ephesians 5:33). He goes through ways to fill those basic needs in each other. I had no idea what it was really about when I stumbled upon it, but it was certainly worthwhile.

Scroll down to the bottom of my page and I have some other books I've enjoyed.

Sweetheart Jada

We were so fortunate to be able to spend the day with my neice Jada who was in town from Arizona. She is such a cute girl! We started things off at Grandma and Grandpa Pratt's. Parker had a great time playing with Jada.

Here are Jada, Parker and Grandma in the pool. They had a great time jumping into the pool and blowing bubbles in the water.Jason was grinning the whole time! He loves the water! It's a good thing he can't climb out of his floatie, because he sure tried.

Brad kept diving in and swimming underwater. He's a pretty good swimmer! Back inside the kids played with puzzles, colored and later I fixed Jada's hair. (Maybe sometime I'll have a daughter that will let me do her hair on occasion!) Jason is such a happy kid!

Then we went over to Jackie's and got a photo of all of the grandchildren. Of course no one else was looking in the shots in which my kids were smiling. Oh well, what can I do. Maybe I'll have to practice more with Photoshop. Spending time with Jada also means more time with Janelle, Chase and Baby Kade. Hooray! We also celebrated Jada's birthday. She turned four last week! Jada loved her princess cake. She blew kisses to everyone to show how much she liked it.

After she opened her gifts, her dad said, "Jada, what do you say to everyone?" "Your Sweethearts!" There are some things better than a thank you! Thanks for spending the day with us, Jada! You're a Sweetheart!

In Town from Vegas

My sister Julie and her family were in town last Saturday so we spent the afternoon at my parents. The kids had a great time playing outside while the adults visited. We enjoyed a fantastic barbeque and even had a little birthday party for Heidi who turned five at the end of August.

Heidi and Parker on the little slide. Jason still loves to suck his thumb.

Alison and Heidi enjoying Heidi's new toys. I didnt get very many pictures so here are some that I stole off Julie's website: Heidi, Ali and Dylan. We're so glad we got to see you!

My Baby is Growing Up

My sweet little Jason turned nine months old yesterday. I can't believe how fast he's growing. He has slowed in his growth. In the past he's been in the 80-90% in height and 65-80% in weight. He is now in the 25th percentile in both. He's 27.5 inches and 18 pounds 10 oz. Luckily the doctor isn't concerned about his slip in percentile. He is still tall enough that we graduated him from the infant carrier to a convertible carseat.

Here are a few things Jason is doing:
*commando crawling
*signing "milk" and sometimes "eat" or "more"
*babbling and squealing
*sampling table foods (He loves spaghetti!)
*feeding himself puffs and Cheerios
*Sitting up himself after lying down

He is still such a happy kid. The only times he is unhappy are when he is hungry or when Parker taked his toys or squishes him. We love our little Jason and can't imagine life without him!

Check out the little ear flaps that Jason has been sporting. I've been hestitant to cut his hair for a few reasons: 1) I was afraid I'd mess it up, 2) I didn't want to pay to have someone else cut his hair 3) He's my little baby and I don''t want him to look too grown up.

Well, I bit the bullet and just cut it myself. It's certainly not perfect, but considering how much he was wiggling, it looks pretty good. Here's a shot of two of my favorite boys freshly bathed and sporting their new 'dos.

Splash Park

We went to the park a couple of times this week, but I only remembered to take pictures when we were at the South Ogden Splash Pad. Jason loved watching Parker run through the water. This park is great because it has two regular playgrounds and the splash park. We had a fantastic time!

Family Search Indexing

So. I finally decided to try at my hand at indexing through FamilySearch. I've read about it serveral times in the Church magazines, but had never tried it.

I signed up today and have already finished 30 names. It's really easy to register and the only tricky part is decifering some of the handwriting. I'm really glad that they have multiple people indexing the same document to catch errors. Of course I do the best I can, but that gives me peace of mind when I can't be sure that I'm accurate.

I have some extended family that are really into genealogy. I enjoy reading about my ancestors lives, but I'm sad to admit that I haven't really done anything to contribute myself. Now I feel like I'm at least making an effort to help.

I think I'll enjoy doing more of this. I love that anyone can do it. Maybe you should try it too.