Fill In The Blank Friday

I'll keep it short & sweet today -- I'm counting the minutes til I'm out of here

for belated Christmas dinner with family! Meaning....BROTHER IS HOME!!

 

1. New Years is a time to reflect on the past year's events, & prepare for the upcoming year's adventures!

2.  One of my New Year's resolutions will be to lose some weight gained this year & commit to drinking primarily ONLY water.  Sometimes I get sidetracked & down WAY more pop/etc than I should!

3.  A New Year's resolution I've made in the past was to learn a new language...which I haven't done. But I think Ike & I want to learn one this year...would be pretty fun!

4. The most time consuming resolution I ever made was -- uhhh, I have no idea...

5.  This year I will be spending New Year's Eve at a football game in WA during the day & then with my family at my Gran's cabin at the WA coast. It'll be nice to be together & in her house...I've really missed her this Christmas/New Years season...

6.  If I could wish one thing for my new year it would be  to retain control of my emotions at work -- I let others have too much power/influence over me & it's exhausting.

7.  2012 is going to be a year of change, I can feel it.  

*Hubby is applying for a head football coach job at my alma mater -- crossing my fingers & saying my prayers.

Happy New Years Friends! 

Enjoy time with those you love & be safe!

<3

I'm Back....and Alive!

Dear Friends! I so apologize for my absence this past week or so!  Prepping for vacation, early birthday celebrations & then time in Hawaii were my total focus these last two weeks.

It was so nice to enjoy my birthday with husband in Waikiki this year -- a special treat! We even treated ourselves to private pool cabana chairs at the adult pool! Thank you Sheraton Waikiki for this ingenious perk! Reserved it for the whole day....do you know how hard it is to get good pool chairs & hold on to them all day?! Especially in Waikiki! And the weather was pretty nice to us during the trip, just a few rain showers a couple days -- but then we had a BEAUTIFUL Christmas day at the North Shore! Tried to take some more photos this trip - and finally jumped on the Instagram train...so some of them are tinted that way!

Pool Chairs for my birthday!

Our view for the day! Beautiful Diamond Head

Driving to hike Diamond Head w/ our buddy Nate

 

 View towards Waikiki & downtown from Le'ahi (Diamond Head)

  Post hike snack....hot malasadas at the famous Leonard's Bakery!

Ike hold our niece Zaylee on Christmas eve -- such a happy, smiley baby!

One of three turtles that came on shore Christmas day!

Mele Kalikimaka?? Cousin Makoa

Christmas Day North Shore style!

 Ike painted large Hanafuda (Japanese card game) cards for his cousins & aunt!

Isaac & the women in his life! MIL Sheila, Grandma Chiko, & Me

Merry (late) Christmas from the Parkers!

It was a nice trip, had good opportunities to visit with cousins Reid & Kim, Isaac's dad & step-dad.  We both are thankful for family, and for non-touristy vacations sometimes.  Christmas in Hawaii is different (from food, to weather & more) but it's Isaac's first home & so we are thankful for time together & time with extended family!

Hope you all enjoy this week & New Year's weekend! I'll snap some photos of my family -- little brother is headed home TODAY(yaaaaaaaay)! And so we're headed to my Gran's cabin in WA to ring in the New Year and be together. So looking forward to quality time!

<3

Fill-In-The-Blank Friday!

Well dear friends -- I am a mere 3 days away from leaving on a jet plane to the beautiful island of O'ahu....  Words right now can't quite explain my excitement for a break from "real" life.  My profile picture is of Isaac & I last year & let me tell you, I can't wait to see sunsets like that again!

But for now......on to the blanks, provided by Lauren at the little things we do who faithfully provides each week! Thanks Lauren!

1.  My most favorite "little thing" is crashing on the couch on a Sunday afternoon, curled up in my favorite fleece blanket & napping.


2.  I'd give anything to travel the world for 6 months with no fear of how my "real" life would be handled/affected.


3.  I can't believe how blessed I am to be married to Isaac.  Had a nice dinner with one of his players the other night who's a senior & headed off to a Pac-12 school next fall.  Probably one of the nicest, most thoughtful kids we've known in a long time -- and probably one of the most mis-understood as well. But my honey Isaac is incredible and connected with him.  This kid wrote a letter to Isaac that brought us both to tears & reminded me that the sacrifices made in the fall for these kids are so, very much worth it. The seeds Isaac is sowing with them may not bloom right away -- but they're worth it.  These kids are worth it. And I'm blessed to be married to an incredible man who loves those kids for who they are, not just what they do on a football field.


4.  The one thing I'd like to achieve today is  wrapping Isaac's Christmas presents!! I've been delaying....


5.  The last thing I want to do today is fold our remaining laundry....becoming one of my least favorite things to do.  But we need clean clothes for vacation! Oh...and tidying up around the house. 


6.  If I were writing my own blank today, it would say "What are 2 lessons you're parents taught you that you'll always remember/pass forward?"


7.  My favorite candle scent is I know it sounds lame but there's a Glade Hawaiian scent one that I love love love....and anything harkening towards French vanilla... :)


<3

Lightin' Up

A short & sweet thought today for all the parents & Scrooges out there.... Lightin' up already about Christmas!

I find it perfectly OK to let kids believe in Santa Claus, while also focusing primarily on the birth of Christ as the real joy of this season.  Why do people find it necessary to just suck the joy out of the season for kids.  I am by NO means leaning towards the side of the fence where you spoil kids rotten with every flippin' toy they ask for.  But can we exercise a bit of balance please??

Telling little kids that Santa isn't real just seems mean in my opinion.  Let them enjoy that season in their life....teach them the main focus of this time of year is the Lord, teach them that there are those who receive nothing & so to be generous, teach them to be giving & kind during this time of year.

Best believe my kids will see a present under our tree each year specifically from Santa, and bite or two taken out of the cookies left for him.

Thoughts?
<3

Random thoughts...

Tonight Honey Isaac & I gave my parents their Christmas gift.  Now before you gasp in horror at the thoughts of a Christmas gift given this early, let me explain...  My mom is pretty sensitive to the fact that Isaac & I are still early in our marriage & trying our darndest to pay off debt, save for future babies, and are traveling to beautiful but expensive Hawaii in a week.  So for the 3rd Christmas in a row they haven't asked for traditional gifts.  Rather she & my dad have asked to spend time with us or do something special or specific for the season.  This year my mom spent 2 weeks on vacation in Mexico (1st time she's EVER done this) and was totally stressed about getting & decorating their tree.


So for their Christmas gift, my mom & dad asked us to pick up their Christmas tree, get it set up & then decorate it for them.  We picked up the tree the Saturday after Thanksgiving, in TRUE Christmas babe style (did I mention that my birthday is in 9 days???).  But then we waited to decorate until they were both home.  Well tonight we mosey-ed over to their house & decorated their tree.  It was fun to be with my parents again.  I'd seen my dad over the last few days - but it's always so funny and entertaining watching he & mom together.  


Sometimes I feel really guilty that that is our Christmas "gift" -- but then I remember why my mom asks for things like that & I'm grateful.  Grateful for an understanding momma, grateful that my parents don't EVER put pressure on us to wow them with material things, and grateful that I have a husband who loves being with my parents as much as they love being with him (have I ever mentioned that I sometimes wonder if they love him more than me???....hmm....).  We even had dinner together & my aunt joined.  It was a peaceful, enjoyable night.  And I'm so thankful that my parents don't make us feel like we have to shower them with un-ending amounts of gifts to show our love & appreciation for them. They're incredible blessings to us.


How do you handle gifts for parents??


And not to rub it in or anything -- but in one week I will be in beautiful, wonderful, warm, friendly, relaxing Hawaii for vacation! Can not wait -- after two weeks without my mom in the office I am beyond ready for some down time.  We'll be spending a couple days in Waikiki for my birthday & then the rest of the time with Isaac's family. Which will be nice -- we've been able to see them more than usual this year & it'll be nice to cap off the year with time in Hawaii again.  It's crazy how the time flies.  It seems like we were just in Hawaii with all of Isaac's family celebrating Christmas, digging for sand crabs & relaxing by the sea on Christmas day.  But here we find ourselves again, preparing for the anxiety of flying standy-by during the holidays & preparing to be with family.  I always tend to miss my family functions at Christmas -- but I know how much it means to be in Hawaii at Christmas for Isaac & so we go.  


Hope you preparing for Christmas in your own way also. Remember the reason for this joyous season -- the birth of our Saviour King, Christ Jesus!
<3

Fill-In-The-Blank Friday

Last day with my mom out of the office.  Kind of ready to have her back -- even though she drives me batty most of the time.

Thanks as always to Lauren at the little things we do for the blanks!

1. Love is a choice & a daily decision.  Yes feelings are associated, but when it comes to true, consistent, complete love -- that must be chosen. It's a verb, not simply a noun

2.  Being in love feels like excitement, adrenaline & a pinch of fear all at the same time!

3. My favorite quote about love is "Love me when I least deserve it because that is when I really need it" -- Swedish Proverb

4. The most important thing in a relationship is trust & communication.  Yes I gave 2 -- but they are so closely tied together. Ike and I are probably what some would say "over share-ers" but that's how we roll.  Full disclosure, share everything gently & ALWAYS be kind to one another even when it's hard

5. A "deal breaker" for me in a relationship is someone who is not trustworthy

6. The way I show love in my relationship is time & words of affirmation. And Ike loves to have his head, arms, & palms scratched. So I give in to those as well :)

7. I love my honey, my happy Hawaiian, my football coach, the man who would swim thru a sea of sharks to bring me a lemonade.

That was fun to get to think about all the different ways & reasons why I love Isaac. He's one of a kind I'll tell you what! I can not wait until the day that we have kids so they can see what a wonderful husband to be or to look for. Ahh...blessed :)

<3

Christmas Card Photo

So about 2 weeks ago Ike & I had our photos taken for our Christmas card.  Last year I bought these super cute cards off Etsy....but quickly found that it took so much time writing out all these messages, and vowed to do photo cards the next year.  Thankfully I remembered this vow & got set up with a new friend of ours.


She's trying to start a little business, mom of 2 precious little girls -- and so we felt really good about scheduling with her.  We weren't looking for anything fancy; not really our style.  And in typical Oregon fashion, the weather was BEAUTIFUL alllllllll week -- that is until Sunday.  The day of our photo "shoot."  So with the rain coming down we had to get creative.  Insert standard rain coats & umbrellas.  Oh...and our giant black lab Boston.


Here are a few:

I only wish I didn't have my hood on! :)

This one made the official Christmas card

Quick little smooch

I've said it before & I'll say it again -- my husband is a BIG kid sometimes! :)

All in all it was a fun afternoon with my husband & our dog -- regardless of the rain.  I'm a true Oregonian, so I wasn't fazed a bit!  We've already got the cards in hand, most of them addressed.  The next big step is hitting up the post office....always my least favorite part.  

Do you send Christmas cards? What's your favorite way to send them, favorite design site?

<3

Christmas Spirit

I likely say this every year...well every year since Isaac and I have been together...but I've been having a hard time getting in to the whole Christmas/Holiday spirit.  Yes we have our tree up. Yes I listen to Christmas music most of the day.  Yes we have our stockings hung.  And yes we even have our ornaments purchased.  But beyond that I don't have much energy for anything else.


I try not to be envious of all these posts & pictures of everyone gearing up for the holiday.  Perhaps my attitude has changed a little bit over the last few years.  We used to travel over holidays frequently as a family -- but now it's just Isaac & I.  And so it's tough to get my house and head in the right mind frame for Christmas when I know we're going to actually be spending Christmas day on the beach.  Sure I know that sounds glamorous, and it is a bit -- but it's still a far cry from what I was used to.  And I'm not even sure how to remediate it.... Hmm...suggestions?


In the mean time I'm also focused on keeping my head above water over these last few days that mom is gone.  It's been crazy yesterday & today -- crazy to the point of tears I'm sad to say.  I'm not proud of that at all, but that has been my reality...  Plus I just miss my momma & am ready for her to be home.  


<3

Fill In The Blank Friday

I've got nothing pithy to share today -- I've run 3 days this week thus far, so that feels pretty good.  Looking to slim down a bit more before Hawaii...we'll see how this goes!  And headed to a Gala of Trees event tonight with my honey in a whole new outfit! Definitely looking forward to that.  Except I wish I knew what to do with my flippin' hair.  Oh well, I'll figure something out.  

Thanks to Lauren at the little things we do for the blanks!

 1.  The holiday season is a time to be with family, enjoying the real reasons for the season. And a time to share kindness & warmth with those around you.

2. Snow makes me indifferent? I like looking at the snow from the safety & warmth of my house.  I don't jump for joy about it, but I'm not bah-humbug about it either. I'm not afraid to drive in it, though I absolutely hate all the scaredy cats or dare devils who drive like idiots in it!

3. The best comfort food to eat when it's cold out is grilled cheese & homemade tomato soup.... OR my grandma's famous cheese bread

4. Winter is the best time for  bundling up in all my favorite cozy items. Sweat pants, slippers, long sleeves, vests, sweatshirts, etc

5. I can hardly wait for  Birthday & Christmas in Hawaii -- a nice tradition we're forming!

6. When it comes to holiday gifts I prefer to shop for organizations like Angel Tree (need to pick up that basketball for our kid!) or Toys for Tots

7. If I were to rate my excitement about the holiday season on a scale from 1-10, I would say I am about a 7 or 8 -- It's always a little odd when you travel to sunny/warm places during the holiday season when you're used to cold, crisp, grey.  But it's getting easier with each year to get excited about spending Christmas day on a beach, eating kalbi ribs & rice.  I always seem to have a hard time getting motivated to decorate my house.  The tree ALWAYS goes up, but the rest of it...I can't seem to quite pull everything out.  But I AM excited about post Christmas family dinner when my brother is home! Can't wait!!

Alright -- back to maintaining the office while Mom is gone.  It's been a little hectic, but I'm pretty proud of how my buddy Eric & I have maintained everything.

Have a wonderful weekend friends!

<3

Accomplished

today is one of those days where I feel really accomplished.  I feel very proud of myself for the work I've done in getting 3 pretty challenging short sales approved & closed.  And another came thru with an approval today! 

There are certainly days when I've gone home frustrated to no end & on the verge of tears out of pure anguish.  But today -- today is not one of those days.  And yesterday I got to experience two awesome events.  I was able to go to two signing/closing appointments for two of our clients.  One a single lady who works two jobs and is just a salt of the earth type of person.  And the second a small family, dad's a teacher & mom's a stay at home mom -- so incredibly sweet.  They were beyond excited that the buyers for their home were actually going to live there & not just have it be an investment property.  That certainly helped put everything in perspective for me & reminded me of the big picture of why I do what I do with my mom.

Today was a good day! :)

Beloved Long Weekend

This long weekend has been absolutely perfect -- exactly what this stressed out, tired soul needed.  We hosted Thanksgiving dinner for my parents (who conveniently were leaving for Mexico the next day!) & it was so relaxed!  So relaxed that mom & I wore nike pants, and after 1 1/2 rounds of eating all four of us were passed out in our living room! Legitimately at one point we were all snoozing & it was awesome.


Next of course Isaac & I were contemplating if we should brave the Black Friday sales or continue our sleeping endeavors.  Well, sleep won over and we didn't roll out of our house until about 645am to hit up the first store.  And to be honest, that was ideal.  Most of the crazies were already home in a coma, and we were able to easily walk thru the stores and find what we wanted/needed.
And after that -- not a whole lot happened! It has been an ideal weekend that is for sure.  We even picked up our Christmas trees & are all set to decorate tonight! And were able to enjoy the Oregon State/Oregon "Civil War" game with some friends.


Though tomorrow brings with it a bittersweet realization.  Back to work & back to reality.  But the sweet part of that realization is that in 3 weeks I will be basking in the beautiful Hawaiian sun & warmth.  Though there are spots of tension, it is an incredible blessing to be married to a man from Hawaii - because we have spent the last 3 of 4 Christmases in Hawaii.  And let me tell you, it does take some getting used to - but building sand castles & eating kalbi ribs for Christmas dinner does start to grow on you! :)


I hope you've had an enjoyable long weekend as well.  Here's the Christmas season -- and the start of Advent today!
<3

Days of Gratitude -- Day 24, 2011 Thanksgiving

Day 24 - Today I am thankful for a husband who is a wonderful cook, who let me sleep an extra hour while he got to work, and for parents who are super relaxed -- so much so that mom & I are totally wearing workout pants & leggings....bahahaha Thanksgiving HEAVEN :)


Happy Thanksgiving Friends -- today, like all other days, there are many things to be thankful for!


<3

Days of Gratitude -- Day 22, 23, 2011

Day 22 - Yesterday I was thankful for Isaac bringing home a slurpee for me on his way home from school conferences.  Small yet impactful. He's a good husband.

Day 23 - Today I am thankful that I don't have to come in to this freakin' office for 4 full, complete days. I will not be addressing emails, phone calls, nothing.  And I need it....


Hitting a bit of a limit with work and my mother right now.  She is driving me insane (she always does right before she leaves for a trip) & really showing no real care about the fact that we're actually hosting Thanksgiving this year & that it's a bit stressful.  I am irritated....and that's holding back.

Happy Turkey day tomorrow friends. I apologize for coming up on the the end of the series with a moderately solemn note. But boy am I tired of work and everything associated with it at this very moment.
<3

Oh Dear! Days of Gratitude!

Yikes! I am WAY behind on my days of gratitude! So sorry friends!  The end of last week did not go as I planned & was in a bit of slump.  Thankfully the slump seems to have been cured by a solo night in on Friday....wait...I'll share this info in my Days of Gratitude :)


Day 18 -I was thankful for a quiet night on my couch, dinner provided by Chipotle, and a cat nap that kind of made me feel like an old lady.  But I was also thankful for the relationship between Isaac & my dad -- I love how close they are, and how my dad loves Isaac as his own pretty much.  My dad's a character, and you really need patience with him sometimes.  But the two of them went to a playoff football game & got a beer afterwards.  Blessings abound in seeming them together, getting along!


Day 19 - Despite the fact that I was a royal brat to Isaac for the majority of the day - I was reminded of how much (and often) I need to be thankful for him.  He is incredibly kind & thoughtful.  And gracious....man is he ever gracious.  On a day when I absolutely deserved to be whipped with a wet noodle, the man showers me with grace.  God...are you sure you want me to be with him?? Really? God really must know what He's doing...


Day 20  - Yesterday I was thankful for a reminder in church about giving (tithing specifically) and what is/should be behind our giving -- appreciation, a spirit of sharing, and an eternal perspective.  To give with a glad heart, knowing that the Lord has everything under control -- including my finances and my earthly surroundings.


Day 21 - Today I am thankful that I have a body that is able to wake up early (though it's not always pretty....) and be active.  This morning honey Isaac & I drug our butts to our local gym and got a work out in.  Sure, we debated skipping for about 15minutes -- but wonderful husband reminded me that I made the decision last night before going to bed & that's the decision that stands.  So off we went.  Also thankful for marrying a freakin' Renaissance man!  Isaac fixed my front bumper (*note to self..do not park with curbs/etc in front of me...) after we got home from the gym. He's pretty freaking awesome.


I can't believe the end of November is around the corner & that Christmas will be here literally in a matter of weeks.  Crazy how the year always seems to fly by.  I'm convinced it does so at a much faster pace with each passing year.  But it's always good to be reminded of how much we each have, how much we each can share, and how much we each are in need of the Savior born in a humble way.  That is what I'm most looking forward to with the upcoming Advent season...reminders of the quiet, gentle way that Christ came in to the world He would later save.


Happy Monday friends!
<3

Words..

There are so many thoughts running around my head right now.  Thoughts that I should probably keep to myself until they are filtered.  Thoughts that are likely being tainted by other feelings I'm having about totally different situations.  And thoughts that I'm not entirely sure how to fully express...


And with all those blocks, I don't quite have words...heck, I have no words that would be any kind of sense.  




One of those times when it's likely better to just put myself to bed.  So that is precisely what I am going to do....

Days of Gratitude - Day 17, 2011

Day 17 - Today I am thankful for my little brother.  He's a pretty spectacular guy.  I mean honestly, the girl who is blessed enough to grab his attention is going to be beyond lucky.  The kid is responsible, kind, and gracious beyond words. We've had our rough patches -- but our young adult lives have been filled with great conversations, fun adventures, & lots of love. Plus the kid is in the Navy, is a Corspman (and freakin' good at that!), and chose to serve our country.  That pretty much makes him the best person around.

He's pretty awesome!

From our brother/sister trip to Disneyland before my wedding in 2009

I'm proud of my little brother.  And I'm so interested to see who he ends up with and how his life will unfold!

Looking forward to the weekend already - nothing special planned. More work & a restful Sunday are on my agenda.  Can not wait!

<3

Days of Gratitude - Day 15 & 16, 2011

Day 15 - Yesterday I was reminded how thankful I am to have such wonderful, quality girl friends.  I know I've said it here a few times before.  But yesterday I was yet again reminded at the greatness of my friends.  Although I am a huge fan & lover of great fashion, but have never been able to quite pull it together for myself...I've never quite figured out how to make this fashion I love come together for me.  So when my new boots showed up I was struck with what to wear them with.  Insert my great friend Monique -- she joined me for moral support and to be an encouraging voice on a small shopping trip.  And with her help I was able to get a few pairs of pants & leggings (ps where have I been all this time on the legging front!).  Through it all, the best part was just hanging with my girlfriend.


Day 16 - Today I am incredibly thankful for my niece MacKenzie.  She is such a joy.  Probably one of the most respectful 13 year olds you'll ever meet.  And incredibly insightful & kind.  God has moved in her heart, she accepted the Lord this summer -- and it's crazy to just see how much she's changed from last spring to now.  God is good & is growing our relationship in such a great way. Love spending Wednesday evenings with that kid!


Waiting to hear on some potential football news in the next couple weeks.  Trying not to let my thoughts get ahead of me, and be thankful for our present situation.  But man it's hard some time to stay present in the moment.  But I'm also thankful for a really good, honest conversation with my mom today.  I think I was able to clearly voice my thoughts, fears, and more without feeling like I wasn't measuring up.  It was a relief....but perhaps that's a topic for another post. :)


<3

Days of Gratitude - Day 12, 13, & 14, 2011

Whoops! The weekend got away from me....perhaps because we had Hawaiian Feast to cook for & it was the 1st weekend post football.  Poor hubby's team lost in their 1st round playoff game on Friday night (it was an ugly game from start to finish....).  So I happily took the time away from blogging to snuggle, cook, to go to Target, and fully enjoy my husband for the first full weekend in about 3 months.  It was awesome!  But back to the series!

Day 12 - Today I was thankful for great friends, new & old to share our love for Hawaii and it's food. I was thankful for the giggles of our friend's little girls and how they shared how loud they could roar as a dinosaur.  And I was thankful for a husband who enjoys sharing our home with our dear friends!

Day 13 - Sunday I was thankful for a full morning spent sleeping in & snuggling with my husband.  And I was thankful for time to spend with my parents -- and primarily for the way that they have completely loved & accepted Isaac in to our family with ease & joy.  It's as though he as always been a part of our clan. It's a blessing to say the least.

Day 14 - Today I am most thankful for my parents & the fact that today marks their 31st anniversary.  It is an incredible feat in these days for a couple to stand together, for one another, for 31 years.  This was both their 2nd marriage and the fact that they stayed together thru thick & thin has blessed my brother & I infinitely.  So much so that it's hard to quite put in to words.  They've experienced some really hard times, times of uncertainty & pain, scary times when life seemed to be able to slip thru their fingers, and times of extreme joy & happiness.  They've given my brother & I a real, solid picture of what marriage is & can be when you stick together.  Sure they're not perfect, and never have claimed to be -- but what they have shown us is that it is worth it to work at it!  So Happy Anniversary to my wonderful parents (Greg & Amy)!

Palm Springs, Spring Break 2010

This will be our 1st week without football -- trying to help Ike adjust back to the normal routine without too much depression over the end of football.  Thankfully the big guy has something to look forward to.  He'll be coaching a team for the Tanoa Bowl -- a Polynesian bowl game for Polynesian high school students.  The goal is to get a full Polynesian team, or a team consisting primarily of Poly kids.  That'll be our New Year's Eve plans...haha But I'm proud of Isaac for taking this on. It's such a joy to watch him coach, to plan, & prepare for things like this.  He's so good at it!

Ok...that's enough boasting on my part :)

<3

Days of Gratitude- Day 11, 2011

Day 11 -  Today I am thankful for the many Veterans, past & present and for the service they have given to our nation.  Many of the things we take for granted are available to us because of the sacrifices they have made.  Today is a specific day to be thankful for these men & women...but truly, we should all be thankful every day for what they do and have done for our nation.  


Each time you set a Vet - please extend your hand and let them know that you are grateful for the ways that they have served. 


Thank you Veterans!
<3

Days of Gratitude - Day 10, 2011

Day 10 - Today I am grateful for the United States Marine Corps.  I am grateful for the role that this branch of the military played in the lives of my parents; and ultimately my life.  I am grateful for the sacrifice of the men & women who proudly wear the eagle, globe, & anchor (symbolizing the Marine Corps' presence in the sky, on land, & on the sea).  I am grateful for their dedication to excellence, protection, and pride in our nation.  And most of all, I am grateful for the incredible sacrifices made & being made by past, present, & future Marines.

Marine Corps Memorial, Washington D.C.

My Devil Dog Parents: GySgt & CWO-4

Check out my pops fresh off bootcamp graduation!

I swell with pride when it comes to my dad & mom and their service!

Happy Birthday Devil Dogs! Semper Fi

<3

Days of Gratitude -- Day 9, 2011

Day 9 - Today I am grateful for a gracious, understanding mother who lets me go home early when I'm sick.


Boy oh boy this sickness is ravaging me -- I'm totally exhausted and can't quite seem to kick this bug no matter how hard I try.  


Oh well....I'm making this roasted tomato soup that Krystal shared! This is one of the 4 NEW recipes I'm making this week.  I'm definitely looking forward to trying it.  And to add some greatness with it, and because it's the fall...we're adding a classic grilled cheese sandwich to the mix.  Ahhh....I'm already excited about it!
New recipes scare me -- but what the heck, I'm going for it!
How do you approach new recipes??
<3

Days of Gratitude - Day 7 & 8, 2011

Whoops -- definitely meant to post yesterday but the day just got away from me.  Before I knew it it was 11:15pm and I was just getting around to washing my face!

Day 7 - Yesterday I was thankful that my husband & I could go in to the grocery store and purchase our items without anxiety.  And was also thankful that we are planning a huge feast for new & old friends!

Day 8 - Today I am thankful for Vitamin C, Emergen-C, Dayquil, and Water.  Though I wish I were still in bed....this cold is kicking my rear end! :(

Wish I had more exciting things to share, but alas my foggy brain is coming up with nada.
Hope you have a wonderful day friends!
<3

Days of Gratitude -- Day 5 & 6 2011

Day 5: This day I was incredibly thankful for the patience that Isaac so freely gives.  He is quite possibly the most patient man I know.  When I am on the brink of a silly, selfish bratty moment Isaac never holds it against me or throws it in my face.  He is the epitome of grace -- that man would swim thru shark infested waters TWICE to get me lemonade (I try not to take advantage of this trait too much of course). 


Day 6: Today I am thankful for the healthy, safe delivery of my little cousin Liam & for his momma.  My cousin Kayla had a moderately risky pregnancy with a few scares scattered thru out, and that was followed up with a very challenging/tiring labor.  She was in labor for about 4 hours before the doctors decided to take her in for a C-section.  Apparently little Liam had wedged himself in pretty well and wasn't going any where.  But with the help and wisdom of the great doctors he is here & they're both recovering.  It was so sweet to see my cousin & her husband Robbie & how they've changed over night.  How a little 6lb baby boy, who's name means strong willed!, can move mountains and bring the best of people to surface.  So very thankful for my ever expanding family!  And it gives me hope for the day when we start having children!


Meal planning is getting done tonight -- I think there are a couple new recipes on the agenda! 3-packet Crock Pot (quickly becoming a Parker family favorite), slow cooker potato soup, & roasted tomato soup! Mmm....I'm already excited! Not to mention HAWAIIAN FEAST on Saturday with new friends! The food that will be cooked and likely consumed will be extensive! Can't wait!
What are you all thankful for this month??
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Days of Gratitude - Days 3 & 4

Day 3:
Super thankful for Isaac's high school coach -- he's helping coach at OSU now, and graciously offered to get us tickets for the game this weekend! I'm so pumped! I haven't been to an OSU game in AGES! And it's homecoming which should be fun -- neither of us are OSU alums, but whatever.  Bonus, his coach is getting us access in to the hospitality room after the game to hang out! How fun! But I'm crossing my fingers that Oregon stays true her to schizo weather ways and holds off on the rain!

Day 4:
Realizing that this time next week I won't have to be at work (Thank you Veterans Day) and will be prepping for a HUGE Hawaiian feast with some new friends.  They lived in Hawaii for 5 years and are aching for some "local" food.  Isaac & I are too happy to oblige :)  I mean, who are we to deprive people of some of our favorite food, that we make often.

Today is realtively quiet here in the office, and I can't say I'm disappointed.  An approval for a short sale came thru.  Found the boots I've been searching for online.  And I'm going to my alma mater's play-in football game tonight.  Despite the fact that I'll likely freeze to death, I'm very excited!  Finding that I am loving football more and more as I watch it.  What I don't find myself loving even still are the ridiculous long hours --- sometimes it just wears on you & you get tired of practice & film break down.  But such is life, right?
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Days of Gratitude - Day 2, 2011

Truth be told -- I am not in a very good mood right now.  Probably for a variety of reasons, one of which is that monthly jokester that likes to show up.  And with that comes the waves of emotions (man, I think I'm likely going to be an ugly MESS when I'm pregnant...oy), exhaustion, and the deep desire to curl up on my couch with a delicious, over flowing plate of green curry, egg rolls & pad Thai.  But that wouldn't exactly fit in with what I'm trying (or attempting to try...yes, attempting to try...) to do with my weight/eating habits.  Oh yah..and my heart freaking HURTS for my friend who experiencing extreme heartache today. Ugh.

So with keeping that in mind, I will try to find something to be thankful for today...

Day 2
Today I will choose to be thankful that I woke up in a comfortable bed & was able to take a shower in my own home, and drive my own car to my place of employment.

Beyond that I'm definitely in a blue mood -- how do you break these moods?
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Days of Gratitude! - Day 1, 2011

Well being that today is the 1st of November, I am compelled to bring back my Days of Gratitude series I started last year.  It's a good way to remember the small things that occur in our daily lives in the beginning of the holiday season when so many other things can steal our focus.


So here it goes -- Day 1
Today I am thankful for the partnership I'm blessed with in Isaac.  A partnership that's rooted in Christ, a partnership that is founded in trust, and a partnership that is OK with continued growth.  And recently our partnership and dedication has brought us to an awesome place -- we just made our VERY LAST school loan payment! I'm so stoked! Huzzah! We've already come up with our reward before we start going bananas on the car loan....one more thing before we're DEBT FREE.  You read that right...debt free! I can't freakin' wait - I feel pretty proud of us, that in our mid 20's & early 30's we are within feet of not being beholden to ANYONE except our Lord & ourselves.


What are you thankful for today?
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Blogging Bum

Yup -- that's me! The latest blogging bum!  For a multitude of reasons I have been MIA.  Lately, I'd rather be spending what precious time I do have with Isaac...darn football.  And then this weekend was spent with 4 wonderful girl friends of mine.  Though I promised to try and take photos -- true to form, I was having far too much fun to even think about it! I did bring my camera with the best of intentions.  But there's something about taking walks, random/spontaneous Zumba parties, & a nerve-wracking Stanford game that keeps a girl preoccupied.

I will say that I was reminded again of how thankful I am for the blessings of wonderful girl friends.  It's always so surprising how nice it is to just be surrounded by good friends, talking about serious things, laughing & giggling about silly things, and having a shared love of Christ to be bonded together.  A brisk 2.4mile walk in to Sunriver Village was awesome -- followed up by a cup of coffee & a quick stop at the renovated market.  There's not much that beats a girls weekend. 

And to top it all off -- this week husband has a bye for football, but of course we're going to another high school football game.  It wouldn't be fall without a football game every Friday night.  But this game is the 1st playoff game for his cousin who plays in Portland against another Salem team. So it'll be fun to sit with family, and actually enjoy a high school game with my husband! And we're likely getting tickets to the OSU/Stanford game too which will be AWESOME! Thank you Coach Souza! I pinky promise to take some tailgating/game photos! I'll even get Ike in on the action & to remind me! :)

MUST mail off scarf swap box tomorrow! Waa! Have to get a few more items for the package before I mail it, but boy it takes a lot of thinking! Hope my swap partner doesn't mind that I'm not super creative.....eek.

Have a great one friends! Glad to be back in the mix!
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So Much to Do....

And so little time -- or at least that's what I'm feeling these last few days & what I'm anticipating for the next few days until I get myself & my buddies to our girls weekend!

Side note -- I'm participating in my first blog swap!! Leesh from The Blarkness Chronicles is hosting it.  Yup! I'm pretty excited it.  It's a scarf swap, so I'm on the hunt for an infinity scarf to send off to Canada.  I'm not entirely sure where I should look for the scarf...any suggestions?  I also have to send it with a hot drink packet or gift card.  Doesn't that sound like fun?! And hopefully I'll get mine back too from my swap partner!
And though I have fought it and pushed back against the "popular" trend of Pinterest...I have given in.  Yup that's right.... I've succumbed and am pinning away.  What's your Pinterest name? I'll follow your boards...here's mine: AnnaParker4 Yup I've fully crossed over.  And with that I'm going back to the Pinterest addiciton. :)


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Girls Weekend -- RIGHT around the corner!

Since getting married I have been keenly aware of the time I need with my girlfriends.  It's totally unhealthy, not to mention un-realistic, to expect & hope for my husband to be everything that I need, all the time.  And thankfully I've got a pretty good husband who encourages the girl time. 

So with that in mind - a few weeks ago, I decided to organize a girls weekend & invited some great buddies of mine.  Two I know from the football coach crew & the other two are just great friends, one who's my best & the other is her cousin -- who I just happened to have grown up playing sports with.  All in all I am beyond excited to have a weekend away with other women who are likeminded & women that I know I can trust.  There's something about spending quality time with people who know, love, trust & challenge you.  And I'm fully intending to just enjoy this time with these friends.

Girlfriends are a blessing - so it'll be fun to see how God moves in this weekend & what He brings to the surface for us.  There aren't any plans, except for who is responsible for what meal.  Other than that it is full on relaxation mode for all of us. Maybe a couple chick flicks.  Maybe a board or card game.  Maybe a walk.  But for sure dinner out on the town on Saturday night.  It's going to be glorious!  I'll try & snap some photos of the adventures to share.  But you know me....so we'll see how I do! :)
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Freakin' Eye Twitch!

Nothing glamorous to report dear friends -- despite the fact that I've had a flippin' eye twitch for about 3 weeks now.  You read that right...3 weeks!  Needless to say it's driving me a little batty...which I think only exascerbates the whole issue.  "Stressed much?" is what I heard from a friend.  I probably am but haven't noticed.  Well except for the fact that I spent nearly an entire weekend holed up in my house....like a loser.  That was two weeks ago.

Perhaps I shouldn't beat myself up too much about that stuff - you know, like comparing my existence with that of someone elses?  I'm no fashion blogger.  And definitely not one to blog about interior design. Definitely not a blogger who goes to meet ups - or is invited.  Love to appreciate those - but they are definitely not my forte.  So why be mad at myself for not producing those types of blogs.  Because you know what ultimately ends up happening - those small things start the reel of comparisons, and boy is that an ugly cycle if I've ever seen one.
I am Anna - girl who is married to a Hawaiian, who thinks I'm the most beautiful thing in the world, no matter what I say to dispute him.  I am the girl who would drive 4 hours to see you for 2, and I'm the girl that will sit my cold rear end on a bleacher to watch a bunch of kids play football & they aren't my own.  And I'm the girl that will take my 6yr old cousin Cooper to get a burger & fries -- just to bribe him in to liking me, well not only for that reason.  I'm the girl that is just trying to give a window in my ultra "normal" life, while trying to be as honest as possible.  That's me - and that's good enough.

But frick man...this eye twitch is driving me bananas!

A Saturday Reprieve

Every fall there is one Saturday that I look forward to -- one Saturday where there are no football plays being scribbled on scrap pieces of paper, one Saturday where I'm not waiting just to see my husband at 3pm, one Saturday when we spend every moment together doing whatever we want.  Yesterday was that day -- and it was awesome.


There weren't any grand plans on the agenda.  In fact there wasn't anything "spetacular" about the day, except for the fact that we were together for an entire Saturday.  The primarily consisted of a Saturday market visit, dropping off our dog at the groomer, grocery shopping, dinner and a quick run in to Toys-R-Us(try not to judge).  Super glamorous events I know.  But in complete honesty, nothing about yesterday sucked or was boring.  I love my husband....and without trying to sound like one of "those" wives, I would not trade him for anything or anyone.  God obviously knew what he was doing in putting us together.


I treasure that Saturday every season. It's perfectly timed -- right in the middle of the season.  It's a reminder that all the time away is worth it.  And it's a reminder that the end is near, and the partnership will be back to normal.  Football season is hard -- especially on the wives/girlfriends sometimes.  But this weekend was a reminder that I'm married to a wonderful man and through it all he loves me above football.  So I'm ok with sharing him & letting him be the best man possible as a football coach!
Love that man
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Sick of Myself...

Sometimes I forget that life is hard -- like really hard.  There are days when you want to throw in the towel and escape to a sandy beach, free from all responsibilities.  And your only care in the world is to always have a full glass, that you have enough SPF, and there are plenty of reading materials handy.
The last few days have been that for me -- a battle to fight against the urge to either crumple up and hide under a blanket or run to the nearest warm beach to get away from it all.  I don't mean to sound overly dramatic but there's just been this air around me.

Even at BSF on Friday, I had the hardest time connecting with my discussion group & paying attention during the lecture.  Nothing in me wanted to be there. I goofed around during the hymns (typically my favorite time of the evening).  It was weird....and exhausting.  I hate this time of year when things are in transition -- hell, I hate transition in general.  I'm not a fan of change (don't stress, no major changes are on the horizon...but even small changes are stressful to me).  Call me a control freak - it's been something I've struggled with for my entire life.  I've always been the one to take the reins and lead the charge, knowing that I'd get it done some way or another.  I'd muscle my way through it if I had to.  It was very "me" focused...and even now, looking at this freakin' post there are more "I's" than anything else. BLAH! Do you ever just get sick of yourself...of hearing yourself talk...of over thinking situations.  I have hit that place -- the place where it would seem easier to just pack it in, because at this point in time I bring nothing to the table that isn't completely & utterly selfishly motivated. Barf.   A good dose of reality is needed -- a kick in the pants -- something!

How to break thru this.....if only there were an easy solution....
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My Husband the Coach

This season has been challenging for my husband, the other coaches, and the football team.  To say that this season has been less than what was expected would be a gross understatement.  In fact, so far it's been downright heart breaking.  Truth be told this past week I almost cried at the football game....yes, you heard me right, I almost cried.  Oh, and I may have had to genuinely control my temper & tongue from saying something to a parent.  Not a proud moment -- but I was proud of my self control.

With the disappointing season thus far we've been trying to find lessons to learn and find positive outcomes from each game to focus on.  It's sometimes easier to just surrender and give in to the negativity.  But not if you're my husband....nope.  He always allows himself Friday night to be disappointed & angry.  But come Saturday morning brings with it a new opportunity to solve a new puzzle.  I'm learning so much about Isaac and his philosophies about coaching football.  

I sincerely can't wait to see Isaac be a head coach some day.  Those kids are going to be incredibly lucky -- not that I'm biased or anything.  My reasoning?  Isaac isn't simply focused on winning football games, don't get me wrong or anything the man does want to win -- but he isn't willing to sacrifice building and encouraging boys in to becoming young men.  That's probably the best part about Isaac as the football coach.  He sincerely wants to have great football players but he also wants to help kids figure out how to be the best young adults possible, to help them make solid choices, and how to be responsible in all areas of their lives.

It's going to be pretty awesome to see him in that capacity when the time comes.  For now...we're being grateful for the place we're in.  The lessons are plentiful and the joys are many.  Sure there are sacrifices -- but those sacrifices help bring more gratitude for the blessings.

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Lazy Weekend

This weekend was a complete and total lazy weekend.  I don't tend to take these too often because as a teenager this is all I would do.  It's not a good life choice to always be a bum on the weekends....but I am a firm believer that these are needed from time to time.


So in my lazy weekend I went to the Willamette football game with my husband, had dinner with one of our friends -- and the best part of yesterday was the clay mask facial Ike & I did last night.  Yes I'm kicking myself for not taking a photo of it.  But let's just say we looked awesome with our lemon mint clay masks!  Top that highlight off with a margarita and Dirty Arnie and life was good.  


These simple times together are so nice -- and so appreciated, particularly during football season.  The other thing that I realized yesterday was how much I'm looking forward to being a parent with Isaac.  We're not in the season of our life where we want to start trying now - but it is comforting to see Isaac with our friends' children and see how much he loves them that I can only imagine what our lives will be like when it's our time.  Very exciting.


Side note -- girls weekend is coming up and I can not even express how much I'm looking forward to it.  The women that I am spending the weekend with are wonderful, I trust them and know that our friendships are based on sincere trust and a mutual belief in Christ.  Can't wait to see what the weekend has in store, what conversations will come, and how God will be glorified in our fellowship! Huzzah for girls weekends! I'm thinking this will need to be a quarterly thing!
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A Tough Decision

I've shared before how I am a volunteer leader with a youth program where I live.  And that the reason I started leading again was for my niece....she had approached me half way thru her 6th grade year saying that she wouldn't go unless I was her leader.  To give you the entire backstory of my relationship with her and her mom (my half-sister) would take a while....and I'm afraid you'd stop reading.  So because of our history, I decided to move forward -- because honestly, she was the main focus for me.  I wanted to be able to share the goodness of the Lord, and how He had changed my life with her specifically.  It was a blessing to get more acquainted with her friends as well.  
Around this time last year, some things started to take place in our area that eventually led our team leader to step away from the ministry; which left our team with out a specified leader.  Regardless the other leaders & myself were committed to getting kids to camp in the summer.  In fact, I directly told my area director that I didn't care if I only took my niece -- that she was my entire focus.  The Lord was good, and this past summer we took about 30 kids to camp...6 who made new commitments to Christ (one being my niece!).  To say that I was excited & overwhelmed would be an understatement.  And since camp, my relationship with my niece has blossomed and grown, and the Lord has blessed us with opportunities to really share about our lives & where we God shaping us.  It has truly been a night & day change from what our aunt/niece relationship used to be.

That being said.....I feel like I'm at a crossroads.  There are things taking place, and truly things not taking place, that are causing me to reconsider my involvement.  I'm not sure how to move forward when in my gut something just does not feel right. Primarily what I'm battling is the notion that I stay involved with something while battling my internal feelings about the entire program(how it's run, where it's focused, and where it's headed...).  There's a stirring conflict inside my heart & my stomach.  And I'm not entirely sure how to approach it.  It's something that I'm definitely praying for -- and if you're of the praying mind, would you also?  Pray for discernment, pray for courage, and pray for grace.
Thanks friends.
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