Darling Parker and some fun news!

Parker turned 12 on November 15th.  This young man is really something special.  He's been acting 12 for a long time-- he's mature and talented and responsible beyond his age.  We couldn't be blessed with a more wonderful son.  When we first found out we were pregnant with him, we were quite surprised.  I didn't know how I would be able to handle two boys so close together.  As it turns out, Heavenly Father knew exactly when Parker needed to be born and how wonderful it would be to have these two boys so close together.  They are the best of friends and their personalities compliment each other perfectly.   Jeremy and I obviously love each of our children with all of our hearts.  They all have our hearts in different ways and each one is so very special.  But this road we have chosen, with so many kids and so many different needs, can be very difficult and taxing and overwhelming.  We are grateful beyond words for these two boys-- we couldn't ask for better friends to go on this journey with.  We couldn't do it without them.

Parker is just plain awesome!  He is particularly sensitive to the emotions of others.  He notices when I need a hug and he is often the first to respond when a sibling needs help.  He is talented and funny and obedient and kind-hearted.   He has liked girls since the day he was born and will make the world's greatest husband!  (;  He's always the first one to notice if I'm wearing a new shade of make-up or just got a haircut (which, by the way, I'm WAY overdue for!)

When I called Parker from the store to ask what he wanted for his birthday breakfast, he replied, "Um, can you call Grandpa and ask him for the recipe for his breakfast casserole?"  I thought that was cute.  (:   These kids love their birthday breakfasts because basically the only time I cook breakfast in the mornings (we do often have "breakfast" for dinner) are on birthdays and conference weekends.   He also got his favorite dinner, fettuccini alfredo, and carrot cake for dessert.  My favorites, too-- yum!

Today, Parker was given his best birthday gift-- the priesthood.  In our church, worthy young men are ordained to the office of a deacon at the age of 12 and receive the Aaronic Priesthood.  My parents drove up to be here for the special occasion, and my brother, Matthew, his wife, Megan, and beautiful baby girl, Emery, came as well.  Mom and Dad not only came, but they came with dinner and dessert as well.  Yes, I am one very spoiled daughter.  (:

We love you, our sweet Parker!  Can't imagine our lives without you in it... We are beyond blessed to have YOU for a son!


And, some really fun news...

Drumroll...



We FINALLY got our travel approval!  WOO HOO!!!!!!!!! We will be leaving next week to get our Cali Rose!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  We're just a little bit excited-- can you tell??!!!!

I have so much to do to get ready, it makes my head spin to think about it!  I'm so glad that there is fun in the preparation and something so exciting and beautiful at the end of it all!  This young lady has waited and prayed for a family for way too long.   I cannot wait to get my arms around her and kiss those beautiful round cheeks.  I'm getting emotional just thinking of it.  She just belongs.

I know that these next few days will be full of so many feelings for her-- and likely the biggest one is fear.  Can you imagine at the tender age of 12, leaving everything you know behind-- even if it's for a better life?  A new language, culture, friends, food, and family.  Any one of those things is overwhelming-- put them all together and I can't imagine where her thoughts are right now.  So if you think to remember her in your prayers during these next couple of weeks, we would be so grateful. 

You're coming home, beautiful Cali.  You're FINALLY COMING HOME.