Three generations...

...of women!  Someone saw this picture on Kyle's facebook site and said that we all look alike.  What do you think?  People always comment to my mom and I that we look alike, which is odd because growing up people thought I looked like neither my mom nor my dad so we started saying that I looked like Gretchen.  As I have gotten older things changed and people said I looked just like her.  We laugh and attribute it to the similar expressions as well.  I mean faced it look at all those teeth in the picture.  We are a family of toothy grins.  Whatever you think...I love the picture of the three of us.

A family picture...

We took at quick impromptu family picture at the zoo last week - only we were missing to key people...Caroline and Kyle (who was behind the camera).  Maybe next time we will actually get everyone.  It is a bit easier to accomplish now that the kids are a little older and will sit still that much longer!

The zoo...

Ahh, the joys of a hotel....

We spent a couple of days up in Portland with everyone (except Caroline, who we really missed) while my parents were visiting.  Kyle and I stayed in a hotel the two nights we were there, and the kids got to jump on a bed.  They loved it, and it was fun to see such excitement.  They also got to go swimming in the pool.  There is something magical about swimming in a pool at a hotel.  Kids always remember that kind of activity.  

Men at work...

While my parents were visiting, there was, of course, work to be done.  Kyle and my dad worked outside on some left over drainage issues.  They worked in the rain, sun, sleet, and cold weather.  Jack decided that he needed to be a man and get out there with them to help.  He, of course, had to put on knee pads (and elbow pads) just like his daddy!  I could not help but to get a picture for memory sake.  I love that Jack is leaning over watching and being a part of the decision making process of what to do.  Jack is a wonderful helper with a fantastic attitude about it - which does not surprise me since he is a part of his dad and by extension his pops who both love and are always willing to help out family!

This time of year...

I love this time of year...spring.  I love to watch everything bloom and come back to life.  I find myself consumed at looking at our bulbs that are emerging every time I walk out to the car.  It is so fascinating to me how flowers come to be.  Tonight it is 6:30 and the sun is just now beginning to set.  It is at that fabulous stage in the sky that makes everything look that much more rich in color.  The kids are outside with Kyle while he does a quick mow and trim of the yard - mind you that he cut it just 6 days ago.  Yes, we have enter the stage of needing to mow often already this year!  Kyle loves it, and the kids love to help.  The cherry trees are in full bloom.  The forsythia is also in full bloom.  There are several azaleas beginning to show their brilliance.  Of course, the daffodils are all around.  I could go on, but I am sure that you are bored with my run-down list.  I think the spring is the most amazing to me to watch because it shows God's artistic side so easily.  It is hard for me to look outside and not wonder and want to ask God about his creation.  I think I also love it because there are so many displays of color that leaves me thinking about my own artistic creations - or lack there of or that live only in my head right now!  Maybe next time I post I will have a picture of the beauty we are experiencing here this week.  If you are not seeing signs of spring yet, rest assured it is moving your direction because it is here now! 

You only thought this was Raggedy Ann...

...but this is Jenny!  Molly was given this wonderful Raggedy Ann doll awhile ago, but she never really took to it.  Until last week.  She pulled it out of the blue and has not put it down since.  She has been toting it around with Baby Betsy and her blanket.  They have been taking naps all over the house all day long.  She was calling her Jenny all day, when I thought I better correct her and tell her that the dolls name is really Raggedy Ann.  However, Molly would have none of that.  This is Jenny, which I guess is good because Jenny came to us a while back as an imaginary friend that we could not see.  So you see, now Jenny is REAL and we are glad she is in our home for Molly to pal around with each day.  Besides, I am sure that Baby Betsy is glad to have a friend all day each day too!  So, thanks Granma.

There are no words...

...to explain these faces of Molly.  So, just gaze and may it bring a smile to your face.  It makes me laugh out loud each time I look at them!


Maybe she will be my outgoing child who WANTS to do drama in high school, which I will encourage and watch from the sidelines saying to myself "she did not get this from me!"

Here's the picture....

...dusk on wednesday night, grey clouds outside but no rain.  the new u2 album blaring on the cd player.  two kids naked ready for their shower.  kyle playing his "air" guitar with a funny face.  the kids dancing and making their own "air" instruments all the while laughing at their dad with such delight.  me in the background smiling and making a mental memory of such grand family times in the parker house!  i wish you all could be here to see the sight, but i am sure that kyle and the kids (in their future) will be glad you all are not.  hope you are having a wonderful wednesday evening.

by the way, u2 is the only band that i know of that really gets kyle moving toward busting out and dancing in his own home.  i often will dance around to music with the kids, but kyle never feels that beat.  only with u2!

Molly & Daddy...

Mad face
Monster faces
Cute faces

Daddy is a climbing tree...

The thing I love most about these pictures is...Jack and Kyle match (it was unknowingly done!)

Facebook...

...sucks your time away!

...yet, reconnects you with people of the past!

It is finished...

Knitting my first throw is officially done. I enjoyed making it, and I have a real sense of accomplishment but the pattern did get a little dull. I am just excited that it is still cool enough around here to use it before the seasons change!