All Alone

Parker and I are all alone today, and it is rather nice! School started today, so everyone is back in the school routine. Since moving in with my parents in April we have rarely been alone. Travis is staying in Salt Lake City in the dorms while he goes through the academy (to save on gas) so we only get to see him on the weekends, but all summer my mom, dad, and three little sisters have been around. While I greatly appreciate all of their help with Parker, I also enjoy the quiet of an empty house, other than the random squeals, etc. that I hear from Parker:)

Other than having the house to myself during the day, I am also excited to get back into somewhat of a routine. I am the kind of person who loves routine, I just feel like I get so much more accomplished when I have a daily routine! One part of my day now is to get up and run. I made a goal to be able to run a 5K in October, so I've started training for it! I know it's only 3.1 miles, but asthma has always held me back from running, so now that I have it under control I really enjoy running, but will have to work up to the 3.1 miles. I'm excited to see if I can do it, especially since Travis will be running with me!

Now about Parker, he is sooo close to walking. I feel like I've been saying that for a while now, but he really is. He loves to walk while we hold his hands, and we've started helping him walk by holding his tummy and back, that way we can gradually let go so he can do it by himself. Slowly but surely he is catching on. He does stand by himself, but when he wants to go somewhere he drops to his knees and crawls. Yesterday he was sitting in his high chair eating, and I turned my back to him for a minute, when I turned back he was sitting at the edge of his tray, backwards. SCARY. I guess I'd better start buckling him in again! I guess I'd better get something done!!

How Funny!

Tonight during dinner Parker fell asleep in his high chair. The funniest part was that he had a mouth full of bread when he fell asleep!

Fun in the Sun & the Days of '47 Parade

Parker has a little blow up pool that he has been enjoying this summer. He is a water bug and loves to splash and play in the pool. Here are a few pics of him enjoying the pool and the sun.



We decided to go over to Salt Lake for the parade on the 24th of July. It was very hot, but we had fun. There were lots of really cool floats, and we got to see Pres. Monson. It was crazy seeing him in casual clothes, since we are used to seeing him in a suit and tie. Here are pictures of us enjoying the parade. Don't you just LOVE the goofy umbrella hats!!





I love this sweet shot that I took of my boys.

YEAH!!! It's Official!!!

Hooray!!! Travis got hired on at the prison!! He starts the academy on July 28th. We are so so excited to have a job again. It's been a long few months, but they are finally over. Travis is really excited for this new chapter in his career and for the experience he will receive at this job. Hopefully he will be able to put his helicopter experience together with this new experience in a few years and be able to fly for a police department.

We are still living with my parents for a few more months while we save up and find a place to rent. We are so grateful for all of the support that we've receive from family and friends as we've endured this trying time in our lives. Thanks to all of you for your love and prayers. We really appreciate it.

Parker Pics

I figured it was about time to add more pics of my little guy. Here are some of him eating an oreo! He loved it!!



Notice we forgot the bib!

A couple days ago he fell asleep on his bear. It was too cute to pass up!


Here are a couple other random shots.


Parker's first 4-wheeler ride with daddy!! This was a couple weeks ago, I just haven't got around to posting the pics until now!




And finally, we will end with some more eating pics. These are from last night at dinner. He sure did like the mashed potatoes!

New Hair

It's really nice having my very own hairstylist, who doesn't charge me an arm and a leg to get my hair done! I needed a trim, but was ready for a change, so I decided to get some layers added. Heidi was also ready for a change and decided to change her color and add lots of highlights. I think the changes look pretty darn good!! The thing I like most about my new haircut is that it is so much easier. I don't like to spend all day fixing my hair, so this was a big plus! Here are a few photos.

Jewelry

Lately I've been spending almost every spare minute that I have making jewelry. I've got several things completed, so I thought that I would share my new-found love with all of you. Keep in mind I am just a beginner and have a lot to learn, but I am pretty excited about the things I've made so far.






This is the first set I made.







I have some of these posted online at www.mariahscreations.etsy.com. I'm very interested in any comments or critiques, so let me know what you think!!