Packer Party

The boys decided to throw a little Packer party: they made cupcakes, nachoes, and pizza! We sat and enjoyed a BIG win for the Packers!

A Reminder of Life and Appreciation

New Year's Day brought several reminders of how blessed we are.

Jesse wanted to bring Arianna and Zory back to their home, which was about 25 miles from our home. It had been snowing the night before and the roads were very slushy, he didn't want them driving by themselves. About ten miles from our house another driver lost control of her car and hit Jesse and the kids. They flipped end over end twice and then landed in the ditch. They were transported to our local ER via ambulance. Arianna suffered a severe concussion that kept her from school for nearly three weeks. Zory was guarded closely by angels, he walked away from the accident with only minor scratches. Jesse suffered a concussion and severe shoulder separation. He has been out of work for four weeks. He goes to physical therapy three times a week. He has very little strength in his arm, is in pain almost constantly, and is not sleeping. We were told it can take several months to heal from a shoulder separation. This been a very slow process.

In all this, we know we are blessed to still have Jesse, Arianna, and Zory here with us. The accident deployed both their air bags. The young lady in the other car, walked away, shaken but not injured.

We are so thankful that God has given us more time with our family. We know how close they came to losing their lives and are so thankful they are okay. Hug your family, enjoy every minute of both the good and bad times.

Happy New Years: 2012

We had a nice low-key New Years! Arianna, Christopher, Arianna, and Grandpa helped us welcome in the year 2012! We ate, laughed, watched some terrible tv, and goofed off well into the New Year! Once again, Thomas did not make it to see midnight, he curled up on the couch and was O U T! Everyone else was wired and ready. The boys were up til nearly one with all their energy!

Christmas Magic

Christmas Eve Children's Mass at Our Lady of the Lake. The boys were chosen to carry Baby Jesus to the manager. While Jesse and I were especially nervous, terrified our boys would be the ones who dismembered the Christ child. They did great! Baby Jesus arrived to his appointed manager in one piece! Prayers answered!

Christmas arrived full force early the next morning! We made the boys wait for Grandpa before they were allowed to open their gifts! They were excited with all their new treasures! The next two days were spent assembling the gifts! Christmas Eve dinner was shared with Jesse's siblings, while Christmas brunch was spent with mine. Overall, it was a lovely Christmas holiday!

Meeting Ronald McDonald

Do you believe in magic? We do! Ronald McDonald had a very special treat for those who popped over to the Ashland McDonalds. The boys loved his magic tricks, sparkling personality, and bright red hair! Thanks Ronald McDonald, it was a true pleasure to meet you!

2011 Bentlyville

A new tradition has started for the Parker family. This year my mom, sister, the boys and I made our way to the ever popular Bentlyville in Duluth, Minnesota. Bentlyville is a celebration of Christmas lights, music, Santa, cocoa and cookies, and a whole lot more! Bentlyville is free to the public and extremely popular. We braved the very cold wind and weather to stand in line for three hours so that our family to meet Santa. It was well worth the wait! This is a tradition that will continue for as long as possible. Thank you, Nana and Auntie Heather for making our evening even more special!

Walter Wedding

Our dear friends, Jodi and Tom, reunited in matrimony December, 2011. The wedding was at the Hotel Chequamegon, Jesse officiated. Mollie made the wedding cake, which was both beautiful and delicious! We had an amazing time and are so thankful to have friends like the Walter's family.