Our family seems to be in a good groove, nothing too major or tragic has transpired in our lives lately. For that we are grateful. Here are a few details of the happenings around here.
Stephen of course still works for AMX International. They have been building an office here in Rexburg (kind of over by Les Schwab). Well, it is finally close to being finished after a year and a half. Stephen is finishing the wiring for the computer network and the hope is to move in before Christmas. I asked him if he is planning on working in the office when it is finished he said he will probably work a half day in the office and a half day at home. It is nice for him that he has the flexibility he so desires! As far as what he is doing in his spare time, he is putting tractors together. He has loved honing in on his mechanic skills. Stephen also loves to work on the web site he created for his family and has recently added a math game for the kids to practice online flash cards if you will.
I am enjoying life in a simple way and I LOVE IT. I have basically uninvolved myself in most of the things I usually involve myself in. I am very happy about it. I like focusing on my household tasks and making after school snacks, and being nicer to my family because I am not overwhelmed with all of the things I have to do. Being pregnant goes by fast when you have 4 kids! I cannot believe how fast it is coming. We are very excited about having another baby and hope we can brace ourselves for the change that is on its way. We are now not going to have any spare seatbelts in our van! YIKES! I think I am getting nervous about the car rides for sure. Speaking of car rides, I have enjoyed driving past the temple as it is nearing completion! It is very beautiful and so nearby! I am very excited about being able to go inside soon. We have tickets for the open house on December 29th.
Alexis is finding that fifth grade has brought on much dreaded homework. She is always happy when on a lucky day there is none! She has been taking dance lessons from Melanie Schwendimann and really enjoys it. She also has taken violin lessons from me since school started she is getting really good. We pulled out the Orange Blossom Special and she has LOVED learning it. In January, she will be taking lessons from a new teacher. I decided it would probably be a better thing for me to just be the mom. Alexis is still the DJ of our family. She is always picking out tunes for the car or hooking up my ipod to the household sound system. She loves having late-overs with her friends and she is also quite good at making earrings out of paper clips.
Mason loves having a man teacher at school! I think it is because his teacher is so relaxed especially when it comes to turning in homework! Whatever works though. For Christmas, Mason has been eyeing up the Star Wars Build it Yourself Light Saber. After school when homework is done and he has free time, he is usually found watching one of the Star Wars Movies. He has even trained Olivia to use a light saber and Lily is always up for a fight. He also loves to read the encyclopedia and dictionary, for awhile he was toting both in his backpack to and from school I was worried he would get a serious backache! Mason has also just finished his first season of wrestling. He learned a lot of good life skills especially knowing it is o.k. to loose as long as you do your best.
Lily just had a birthday and turned 6 I cannot believe it. She is growing up into such a wonderful little girl she can be one of the sweetest persons around. She absolutely loves kindergarten and playing with friends. It is such a fun age for me to watch. She loves to draw on her easel, to make up songs on the piano or sing karaoke. She is also a very great big sister and friend to Olivia. She is also learning to become a good reader and is anxious to figure out words she sees.
Olivia is at the crazy but fun age. We experience melt downs on a regular basis, but we also get to see her silly side and funny nature. She reminds us a lot of how Alexis was at this age. She loves to make anyone laugh. She is a good mom to her doll named, Dolly. I catch her talking to her doll or whatever she is playing with constantly. She is also the queen mimicker. She repeats the words of prayers, as other people are saying the prayer. Her favorite thing to do is watch Super Why on PBS.
There you have it folks the rundown of the Parker Household we hope to be seeing any of you really soon! You are always welcome at our home, we love visitors.
