We 4 Kings

I'm a Slacker,,, I know....

2011-07-20T01:01:00.002-05:00

I know I know, its been forever since I last blogged. (uhum, since February!) So here's the rundown.

The kids a growing. A LOT. Parker is talking up a storm now, and actually pronounces most words correctly. Elliot is trying to walk, although she has yet to take her first steps. They keep me super busy. So busy that the only time that I really have to blog is now, while they are spending the week with their Nanny. (I miss them like crazy, and really just want to get in my car right now, at 12:15 AM and drive from Fayetteville to Searcy and snuggle with them!)

Parker starts his second year of Preschool on August 22nd. He will be going on Mondays and Wednesdays again this year, and we think Mrs. Michelle will be his teacher again. (She is probably going to be moving up to the 3 year old class.) Elliot will be going on Wednesdays too. This will be big for me. I haven't ever left her with anyone but family for that long. I'm sure she will do just fine though. She's a tough little cookie. She is so easygoing, but has a dramatic side to her. For instance, she can be smiling and laughing, but if you make her mad, you will get the angry face complete with a blood curdling scream! Here's a picture of the "Mad Face":

And here are a few Pictures of them growing over the past 4 months or so!

Razorfest 2011

Look at that Hair!

Easter

Elliot at 9 Months

Parker at 3 years 4 months

Parker's First Fish

Summer Treat

Happy Girl at Breakfast!

She sure knows how to make a mess!

So there you have it. You're all caught up. As for what's happening now.... Well, I just started planning Elliot's First Birthday Party (How the heck did she get so big so fast? This is going way too fast, and is so not fair!) and I am gearing up for back to school for Parker. Jon started his new job at Pinnacle last week, and so far he is loving it. And the kids and I are loving having him home more, and we are really enjoying his better mood and the break from the constant work-related phone calls. We get to actually meet Daddy for lunch now, which is super nice. All in all, we are doing great!

We got a little bit of snow.

2011-02-05T10:45:00.000-06:00

And we are supposed to get more!

This is how Parker and Elliot stay warm! Watching movies in Mommy and Daddy's bed!

Sugar Bowl!

2011-02-05T10:36:00.000-06:00

So it Stinks that we lost, but Elliot sure did look cute! Thanks for the awesome onesie Nanny!

Parker-ism

2011-02-05T10:29:00.000-06:00

Parker: I'm going to work now Momma.

Me: OK, have a good day. Where is your work?

Parker: It's far far away in China.

Elliot is 5 Months Old!

2011-02-05T10:28:00.000-06:00

It's hard to believe it, but Elliot turned 5 months old a few days ago. She's getting so big so fast!

Bathtime!

2010-11-16T05:35:00.001-06:00

Happy Girl!

2010-11-14T17:25:00.000-06:00

Elliot is so happy in the mornings! I love how chubby she's getting!

And she has the cutest little dimples!

And she loves her big Brother!

And Pedicures!

Christmas Picture Fail!

2010-11-13T17:24:00.000-06:00

We tried to take pictures of the kids today for our Christmas cards.

They weren't really into it! (Could you tell?) I think we got a few we can use though. We had to bribe Parker to smile by yelling "Daddy has stinky feet!" over and over again in the front yard. Our neighbors must think we are idiots!

Jon Went Hunting

2010-11-13T17:20:00.000-06:00

And saw nothing but a skunk! At least he was happy when he got home though!

Parker-ism

2010-11-09T16:31:00.000-06:00

P: Momma, you please get me some candy?

Me: Sure, here you go! (I handed him some of those old school candy sticks--you know, candy cigarettes that they don't call cigarettes anymore? Yeah, those.)

P: What is this?

Me: They are candy sticks.

P: OH, OK. (Parker takes a bite) Hmmm, Interesting.

I just love this kid!

Elliot's 2 Month Stats!

2010-11-03T13:10:00.000-05:00

Elliot went for her 2 month appointment today. She is 22" long (45%), and weighs 11lbs, 5oz (60%). She is right on track developmentally, if not a little advanced! She is sleeping through the night (And has been since about 3 weeks) and she is smiling like crazy and starting to coo. She really is a joy to have around, and I can't imagine how we ever survived without her!

Parker-ism

2010-11-01T15:47:00.000-05:00

This is how the conversation last week went down:

Me: Oh Man! (I had dropped a cup while trying to put it up in the cabinet)

Parker: What Momma? What? What Happened? Huh? What going on? Why you say Oh Man? Huh Momma?

Me: I just dropped a cup Parker! Geez, you little nosey turd!

Parker: OH, OK you big old TURDHOUND!

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T08:00:00.001-05:00

I'm A Cowboy!

2010-10-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

We get that statement at least 5 times a week, and look up to see this. I especially like the fireman snow boots with the mutilated hat and diaper. I'm sure John Wayne rode into town looking just like this!

ARRGH!

2010-10-29T08:00:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, while helping me bake cupcakes for his school Halloween Party, Parker picked up the dough hook that goes with the mixer and said "ARRGH! I a pirate Mommy!" I love his little imagination!

Oh, and here are the cupcakes we made too! Now I really feel like a mom. I can't believe that I have a child old enough to take cupcakes to school!

Here She Grows!

2010-10-28T15:31:00.000-05:00

So Elliot is growing, FAST! I really would love to slow her down, but I know I can't. So I'm just sitting back and savoring every minute I have while she's little. (Most of the time at the expense of a clean house, but hey, oh well!) She has started smiling a lot, and she can lift her own head. She is even sleeping in 6-8 hour stretches! She usually sleeps from 10-5, and then goes back to sleep and sleeps from around 5:30-8:30. (Thank the Lord for giving us a good sleeper this time around!) And she is a good eater too, as you can see on her thighs and cheeks!

Parker is doing great as a big brother. He loves his sister so much, and really tries to keep her happy. We couldn't have asked for a better transition into being a family of 4! We are so thankful for our little Elliot!

Elliot Grace King is Here!

2010-09-08T21:34:00.000-05:00

We are proud to announce that Elliot Grace King was born into our family on September 2nd, 2010 at 2:51 PM. She weighed 6lbs, 15oz, and was 19 & 3/4 inches long. She is an absolute angel, and we are so blessed to have her! I guess now we need to change the title of this blog though!

One More Week!

2010-08-31T11:48:00.000-05:00

Baby day has been moved up due to some scheduling conflicts with a surgery that my Dad has to have. Elliot will be here at noon on September 7th! One more week!

Thanks for the comment...I think?

2010-08-05T13:33:00.000-05:00

So today I am 34 weeks pregnant and I went grocery shopping at Wal-Mart, as usual on Thursdays. Anyway, I tried a new checkout lady. Bad Idea! Here's how our conversation went:

Checker: How are you liking this heat?

Me: Uggh, It would be easier to deal with if I weren't so pregnant!

Checker: (looks at me really closely) Wow, I didn't know you were pregnant, I just thought you carried some extra weight in your belly.

Me: (Laughing)

I mean really, what was I supposed to say, "Um thanks?... I really like your overzealous use of hot pink 80's lipstick and blue eyeshadow!" Some people...

We're Making Progress!

2010-06-21T18:36:00.000-05:00

So as of Wednesday I will be 28 weeks pregnant, which directly translates into 7 months! We have a C-Section tentatively scheduled for September 8th, which means I have 11 weeks left to go. (And I'm praying that those 11 weeks pass quickly because it is HOT!) Here are some progression pictures of the pregnancy so far!

16 Weeks

20 Weeks

22 Weeks

28 Weeks

He says the Cutest Things

2010-06-12T12:46:00.010-05:00

Yesterday, after cleaning the house in preparation for Daddy's arrival home from his business trip, Parker and I were lounging in the recliner. Parker looked at me (after first examining my belly) and said, "Baby come out now!" I explained to him that if the baby comes out now, she will be very sick, so she needs to stay in for another few months, and then she can come out.

Parker thought that was a good idea, but then he said, "But Momma, I flay with her!" (Which in Parker-ese means, I want to play with her.) I told him that she can hear him talk, and he can talk to her anytime he wants. So then he proceeded to lift up my shirt, put his mouth as close to my belly button as physically possible and said, "Peek a Boo baby sister!" And just when I thought he couldn't get any sweeter, I was right. Next he said, "I bite her!" Oh well, I guess he'll get the hang of being sweet to her sooner or later.

Parker-isms

2010-06-11T13:25:00.000-05:00

A good friend of mine has a blog, where she posts her child's funny sayings pretty often, and I thought it was a great idea to document all the funny things that Parker says now that he's talking like a madman! So here are a few Parker-isms from the past few weeks.

Me: Parker, don't you want to put on your PJs so you can be all cozy?
Parker: No Momma! I sleep Naked!

Ms. Melissa (his preschool teacher): Parker, it's naptime. Would you like to come lay down and rest?
Parker: No Thank You, I too busy!

Kayla: Parker, who am I?
Parker: Turd-hound!

That's all for now. I'm sure there will be many, many more though!

Parker--Definitely Male!

2010-06-10T23:24:00.000-05:00

A few minutes ago I went to carry Parker from my bed (Where he fell asleep watching cartoons) to his bed, and this is how I found him. Notice the placement of his hands!

Parker's First Day of Preschool

2010-06-08T18:14:00.000-05:00

Today was Parker's first day of Preschool. He looked like such a big boy with his backpack and lunchbox. The drop-off was so hard--for me that is! Parker did great! I cried off and on until 1:45 when it was time to go pick him up.

When I got there to pick him up, he was so engrossed in playing with his play-doh that he didn't even notice I was there for the first 10 minutes! He looked like such a big boy sitting there at a little table with all the other kids in his class making a "Cake" out of his play-doh! He was even using the rolling pin.

Finally, he noticed me and said, "My MOMMY!!" And that was it. Nothing more. He told me Hi, and then informed me that he didn't want to go home! (Which I was so happy to hear, because that means he had a great time!) His teacher said he was very good, and kept his pullup dry the whole time. He went potty 3 times, ate his entire lunch, and even took a 1.5 hour nap. Preschool day 1 was a success!

We found out...

2010-05-28T11:31:00.001-05:00

So 3 weeks ago we went to the Dr. for our big ultrasound and found out that...

Parker is going to have a little SISTER!!!! We're pretty excited. Now if we could just agree on a name...

OH, and here's a link to the video of the ultrasound! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CH03omZfUes

Easter (At our House!)

2010-04-13T09:43:00.000-05:00

We had a change of pace this year, and hosted Easter at our House for the 1st time ever! It was a lot of fun. The food was actually really good, and Parker had a blast hunting eggs and scouring his Easter Basket!

Our Big Announcement!

2010-03-24T14:42:00.000-05:00

For those of you who don't already know, our family is expecting another baby! My due date is September 15th, however the baby will probably be delivered on or before September 8th! So that makes me 15 weeks today! Yay!

Parker is still getting used to the idea of having a little brother or sister. I don't know if he has any idea what's coming, but he does know that there's a baby in Mommy's belly, and he thinks that if he looks into my belly button hard enough, he can see the baby!! He has been really sweet about hugging my belly and kissing the baby through my belly though.

So, how's it been going? Great so far! I had a few weeks of Nausea a couple of weeks back, but now I'm starting to feel better. I'm starving all the time, and we should probably buy stock in Nature's Valley Crunchy Peanut Butter Granola Bars, but hey, at least I can keep them down! My only other real craving has been grapefruit, and the urge to eat Shrimp or seafood at every meal! (In case you were wondering, the cravings with Parker were Chicken with Broccoli, Pizza, and Lemons!) So at least I'm keeping up the whole citrus fruit thing!

Jon and I are getting more and more used to the idea of having 2 kids. We're still scared to death that we're going to loose our minds in the first year, and from what we've been told by seasoned parents, we will. But we will survive, and we'll have 2 perfect little ones to be proud of!

Parker is 2!!!!

2010-03-11T08:12:00.001-06:00

We had so much fun at Parker's Party on the 27th. It was a carnival theme, and we had tons of guests! And of course, Parker got TONS of new toys! Pictures are coming soon! For now, here are a few of his 2 year Pictures that I took last weekend!

Parker's 2 Year Birthday Party!

2010-03-10T08:27:00.000-06:00

Hey guys, as promised here are a few of the pictures from Parker's 2 year Birthday Carnival! Enjoy!

The Cupcakes!

The Decorations

Parker having Fun!

What? I get Cake too!!!

Opening Presents

Best Shirt EVER!

What Happens in Vegas!

2010-03-09T15:45:00.001-06:00

Jon and I,,,, OK, I decided that we needed a vacation BADLY!!! We had not been on a real vacation since our honeymoon in 2006 for pete's sake! So anyway, for Christmas, and our 4th Anniversary, I got Jon and I a trip to Vegas! We had sooo much fun! We generally just played around and did whatever we wanted while my Mom and Dad watched Parker for us. (Thanks Mom and Dad!) Here are some of the pics from our much needed adventure!

Our Hotel

Jon even took me to Paris!

A View of the strip from our Hotel

Gondolas at the Venetian--(Yep, we went to Italy too!)

The "Sistine Chapel" in the Venetian

We even went to see Blue Man Group (which was AWESOME by the way!)

We went to Freemont Street to experience Old Vegas

Overall, we had a really great time! We miss Vegas Already!!!

Talking, and lots of it!

2009-12-03T15:16:00.000-06:00

So after all of my worry, Parker is starting to talk up a storm! (He still isn't saying some of the things I think he should say, but I'm giving him until his 2nd birthday before I have him evaluated) Anyway, we have recently discovered that although he is talking, he doesn't always say what we would prefer him to.

For example. The kid will not say the word Burp. Instead, he calls all releases of bodily gases a "Fart". So the other day, I'm in Wal-Mart, and after sharing a coke with Parker, I let out the tiniest burp ever. Which obviously prompted Parker to start giggling hysterically, and YELLING, "Mamma, Fart!" Thanks, now everybody in Wal-Mart thinks that I farted. Lovely.

There have been other instances of this as well. After a lengthy phone call from work the other night, Jon muttered a rather unsavory 4 letter word. Parker was in the bath, and apparently Jon didn't think Parker could hear him. Don't worry, Parker and his super sonic hearing heard it all right. And for once, I was thankful that Parker can't yet make out the "K" sound, or the word that he was trying to repeat would have been all too clear!

But then some of the words he says are cute. The other night, we were watching an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives on the Food Network, and they were cooking cheese burgers. Parker, who had been uncharacteristically silent through most of the episode, pointed, and in the clearest little voice ever said, "Burgers, an Cheese!" (Maybe we've been eating too much fast food lately?)

The one thing I don't have to worry about is his cognition. The kid understands every word you say to him. Honestly, it amazes me sometimes. This morning we made pancakes for breakfast. Later, he was watching an episode of Little Bear and they were making pancakes too. I looked at Parker and said, "Hey, they're having pancakes just like we did aren't they?" To which Parker replied, "Uh Huh!"

So all in all, I'm less worried about his speech. And for me, that's great!

What I'm Thankful For

2009-12-02T13:17:00.000-06:00

So this might be a little late, but better late than never huh? This year I put a list on the fridge, and challenged myself to think of one thing I'm thankful for for every day of November leading up until Thanksgiving Day. It really inspired me to look at everything I have, and not so much at what I think is missing. (I hate pessimistic people, but at times, I tend to be one myself. Now there's some irony for you!) So, I set out to be honest. And it was a little hard on those days when everything seemed to go wrong. But I did it! And I love looking at my list of everything I have to be thankful for. So here it is:

1) A loving Husband who supports me in everything I do.
2) Parker--I couldn't ask for a more wonderful child.
3) The ability to be a Stay at Home Mom.
4) A beautiful Home.
5) Hugs and Kisses
6) Netflix!
7) Loving Parents
8) Amazing In-Laws (who treat me like their own!)
9) Playtime with Parker
10) My Camera
11) Veterans--Thank you so much for protecting our freedom!
12) Cookies--(Can you tell this was one of those rough days!)
13) Photoshop
14) A HEALTHY baby. I know that not all are as fortunate as we are, and my heart aches for those who have to watch their children be sick.
15) Warm Sweaters
16) Awesome Friends--I love you all!
17) Red Velvet Cake--need I say more?
18) Pizza--(yet another rough day here)
19) Cooler weather
20) My favorite sister. (Kayla wrote this one for me, but I am really thankful for her!)
21) Squeezes from Parker
22) Our Church Family
23) The Internet--without which my house would be spotless, and I would be bored to tears!)
24) Pepsi
25) Christmas Movies on TV
26) Family Get-Togethers!

I know, I know!

2009-11-23T01:02:00.000-06:00

So yeah. I know I haven't blogged since Halloween. Whoops! I have been kinda busy though. I've had a rush of photo shoots, which probably won't end until about two weeks before Christmas. Speaking of, that's right around the corner too!

Toight we took Parker for a drive around the square to look at the lights. He kept pointing and saying, "Mama, ligh-lights!" The boy loves lights! This Christmas is going to be so fun! He knows how to open presents this year, he can eat candy and cookies and just about anything--exept for nuts, which he chews, but will not swallow; resulting in a handful of chewed up nuts for mommy-- and he appreciates the lights and decorations! I love seeing his little eyes light up when he sees a Christmas tree! I really think the true spirit of Christmas may be seeing the Joy of it in the eyes of your child.

TRICK OR TREAT!

2009-11-01T18:21:00.000-06:00

Well, Trick or Treating was a HUGE success! Parker LOVED his costume, and had a great time! We went to Harber Meadows to trick or treat with Parker's cousins, Kate and Claire, and he had a blast trying to keep up with the big kids! Parker would march his little Razorback self right up to a front door, ring the bell about 13 times (Because once is never enough!) and when the door was opened, would happily declare, "Treat TREAT!" --Yeah, he wasn't really interested in the trick part, just the treat! Then after every house gave him the amount of candy he thought was acceptable--don't worry, if they only gave him one piece, he was quick to hold out his hand for more!--he would say "Thank You!" and turn away to show us his loot and run on to the next house!

We thought we would only do one or two streets, but the group we were with wanted to keep going, so Parker did the trick or treating thing for 2 whole hours, without one complaint or whine! He was having the time of his life! After trick or treating, we went and picked up a Jack-O-Lantern pizza from Papa Murphy's and came home and ate our super healthy dinner of pizza and candy! Then it was off to the bath to scub off all that war paint, and then to bed! He was exhausted!

So I know you're all sitting on the edges of your seats waiting for these, and some of you have even called asking for them already--MOM! So here they are!

Test run of the costume on Friday Night!

Playing outside Before Time to trick or Treat!

TOUCHDOWN!

Even Daddy got in on the Halloween Action. Much to My embarrassment! He was a redneck, if you were wondering!

Jack-O-Lanterns!

2009-10-30T08:43:00.001-05:00

So last night we got bored, and decided to have a little fun. We decided that it was the perfect time to carve our Pumpkins! Parker had a blast playing with the Pumpkin Guts, and Jon and I had a lot of fun carving too. I think they turned out pretty good!

The great Pumpkin Cake!

2009-10-29T08:30:00.001-05:00

So by now, you might be able to tell that we love Halloween around here. Oh heck, I love all the holidays! You just wait until Christmas! (Which by the way, is only 8 short weeks away at this point!--Do I hear sleigh bells and carolers?)

Ok, back to the subject. We love Halloween. We love carving pumpkins, and I love making all things Halloween-y. So last night I decided to make a Pumpkin Cake. No, not with real Pumpkin flavoring, cause we all know how much Jon hates pumpkin. So really it was a chocolate bundt cake, made to look like a pumpkin! The cake actually came out of my bundt pan without falling apart, which wasy some sort of little miracle in itself! (They ALWAYS fall apart on me!) Next, I reserved 2 Tbsp of white frosting from a can. Then I colored the remaining frosting orange with some decorator's food coloring and warmed it in the microwave for 30 seconds. Then I just drizzled the icing all over the cake until the entire thing was covered. Lastly, I colored the 2 Tbsp. of reserved frosting green, and spread it all over an ice cream cone. Then I inverted the cone, and plopped it right in the middle of the iced bundt cake. How easy was that!

Parker had fun licking the icing bowl, I had fun making it, and Jon, Parker, and I had fun eating it! Here are some pictures of our finished Product!

The Cookie Taster

2009-10-28T08:29:00.000-05:00

So last Friday, Parker kept asking for a cookie. Well, we didn't have any cookies, so me having the sweet tooth that I do, decided that he had a great idea there, and that we should make some cookies. But not just any cookies, really cool looking cookies. Soooo, off to the internet I went. And I found the cutest recipe for Candy Corn look alike cookies. Parker and I agreed, we had to make those cookies. And even better, we had all the ingredients. We didn't even have to run to the store!!! Score!

After much preparation and anticipation, the first batch of cookies came out of the oven. I'm not sure I've ever seen Parker so excited about a cookie before! He kept pointing and yelling "Cookie!" Now we wont go into a discussion about how cute he is, but seriously, you all know he's precious! It was sooooo cute for him to yell cookie over and over again! And he was even cuter in his little "Cookie Taster" apron! So overall, we had a great, cookie-tastic day!

And Here's a Picture of the finished Product!

Yeah, Yeah

2009-10-22T22:13:00.001-05:00

OK, I know I've been a slacker and haven't posted in almost 3 weeks. Soooo, lets see what's gone on in those 3 weeks!

First, last week was Craft Fair Week for us. Which by the way totally warrents me not posting--I have to go get the coolest stuff right? Parker had a good time. We went with the Rieskes (Well, minus David, because no woman in her right mind brings her husband to a craft fair,,,, too much whining and micro managing!) and we went with a friend of the Rieske's as well. So in all, we had 3 ladies, and 4 kids under the age of 5. WHEW! The first day was fun, and so was the second day. Parker had a blast riding the "train" at one of the fairs. If Ashley will ever send me the photo she took of them, I'll post it! (HINT HINT! :) ) I ended up getting a lot of cool stuff, and a few Christmas gifts as well. YES!

This week was pretty boring. Parker managed to spray Roundup all over my best Holly Bush out front, and the same day he broke my little camera. (Don't worry, it wasn't by 40D, just my little Nikon point and click, but still!) Somedays, I just wanna strangle him!

But then there are days where he's super cute! Like today. He was actually pretty good all day! We went to the mall this morning to meet up with some friends for a playdate. Parker loves his friend Samantha, and she loves him too. (And it helps that Sam's mom and I are becoming really great friends too!) The kids had a ton of fun, and wore themselves out. Parker took a 3 hour nap after we got home!

So in a nutshell, that's what we've been doing! Just normal day to day stuff, with a craft fair and a play date thrown in. Maybe someday we'll do something super exciting (Although I was seriously as excited as all of those crazy old ladies wearing red hats about the craft fairs),, but then again, if we did do something super exciting, I might just die of exhaustion!

New Potty!

2009-10-01T15:25:00.000-05:00

Guess what came in the mail for Parker yesterday!

That's right, a big boy potty of his very own. (In the color he picked out online at that! That's my boy, go for the red!) He was actually really excited about it. We'll see if that excitement lasts in the months to come! At this point, we're encouraging potty training, but not pushing the matter. I think before we really start pushing it, we might need to work on the concept of taking off our jeans and diaper before we sit on the potty!

We were told that last night while we were at dinner, Aunt Kayla got Parker to sit on the potty sans diaper, but no pee pees (as Parker calls them) were made. Good try though!

Random Thought for the Day!

2009-09-30T14:25:00.001-05:00

You know how if you put a tooth under your pillow, the tooth fairy comes?

If I put a feather duster under my pillow, will the cleaning fairy come?

Jon's 28th Birthday!

2009-09-30T14:21:00.000-05:00

Well, yesterday was Jon's birthday! I spent most of the day wrapping his present, making a yummy carrot cake from scratch, and dipping strawberries in chocolate. Parker "helped". When Jon got home from work I think he was really surprised that dinner was in the oven, he had a birthday cake, and chocolate covered strawberries! (And Parker was stoked about the strawberries too!) Before Dinner we gave Jon his present. Jon tried his hardest to open it, but Parker thought it would be better if he helped again, and ended up opening it for Daddy. Guess What! Jon actually liked the Toro Leaf Blower/Vacuum mulcher that I got him. Yes people, I got him something that he actually liked, and doesn't want to take back to the store for something different! (I succeeded at this feat last year at Christmas as well when I bought him the Garmin GPS--that he uses even if he knows exactly where he's going. I swear he uses it to get back and forth to work!)

So after presents we had dinner, and then on to the Carrot cake. Which I must say, was completely delicious! Jon liked it, and Parker gobbled up a whole piece all by himself! Little booger. Then we were back to the real world of bathing Parker, and listening to his nightly plea for "TD" (TV) before bed. So we implemented a new rule last night. We can watch TD before bed, but it must be something that Mommy and Daddy want to watch. I'm not spending a full 30 minutes before bed watching Handy Manny or Little Bear getting all the wonderful songs that the producers of said shows have come up with stuck in my head, only to finally get to bed and not be able to sleep because I'm singing, "hop up jump in,, come on lets go!" So after one episode of 18 Kids and Counting, Parker was ready for bed. And so were we!

Tonight Aunt Kayla is watching Parker so I can take Jon to his special birthday dinner at Shogun. Here's to hoping she wears him out and we won't have to watch TD before bed tonight!

Insurance Sucks

2009-09-29T15:51:00.001-05:00

Well, we all know how much I hate Jon's insurance. Strike 31277649374 happened today. Today when I checked the mail, I got and explanation of benefits from our insurance company regarding a recent trip to Parker's pediatrician. (You know, the one he's gone to since birth--the one that I was told by the insurance company was in network when I was 9 months pregnant.) For some reason, the claim was only paid at 50% insead of the normal 80%. So I called the insurance company promptly, considering they have the same cushy hours that the Social Security office has. (Monday-Thursday, 9-4:30, and Friday 9-Noon)

After a long hold, the insurance rep got on the phone only to inform me that the clinic that I've been taking Parker to for the past 19 months is not in network. "SINCE WHEN?" was my heated response. Apparently, they have never been in network, however, the stupid insurance company has paid all well baby visits at 100% since he was born, and all sick visits at 80%. 19 months into it, they realized their mistake, and instead of contacting me to let me know that they paid the previous claims at 80% by accident and that the clinic was, in fact, not in network, they just let me know by sticking me with paying 50% of the new claim. JERKS!

So, I decided to go right to the source and call Simmons' Benefits Director. She went ahead and reassured me that the Northwest Pediatric Clinic is not in network, and that there are NO pediatricians in Fayetteville that are in network. She informed me that none of her kids have ever been to a pediatrician, and that I can just take him to a family practice doctor of my choice. (Idiot--pediatricians are pediatricians for a reason. Family practice doctors are usually family practice doctors because they either did not want to deal with kids, or they didn't have the grades or drive to continue on with their education.) She did however lead me to a pediatric clinic in Johnson, at the same hospital where I delivered Parker. You know, the good kind with only 5 doctors and no after hours service whatsoever. (Parker's current clinic has 18 doctors, 5 nurse practitioners, and is open until 8 PM, and from 8-noon on Saturdays)

Oh, and the best part--She informed me that the owner of the company just takes his kids to the Northwest Arkansas Pediatric Clinic, and just pays the 50% charge. (Said owner also has a house that covers a full block in Siloam Springs, a house in Colorado, a house in the Bahamas, a private Jet, and numerous other fancy pants cars. Said owner has not been able to give my husband a cost of living raise in two years, and for the past year has not matched ANY of Jon's contributions to his 401K, even though in his contract it states that they will match half of Jon's contributions.) WELL HECK, I'M GLAD SOMEBODY CAN AFFORD TO TAKE THEIR KIDS TO THE VERY BEST DOCTORS IN TOWN! Simmons insurance can kiss my heine!

Caught Brownie Handed!

2009-09-28T13:51:00.001-05:00

We all know that Parker bears a striking resemblance to Jon. Oh heck, the kid really looks just like him. But there is one thing that proves to the world that he is my child. His love for chocolate!

For some time now, Parker has been using a stepstool to get into things that have been placed on the kitchen counters. Sometimes its cute, sometimes not so cute. Today was definitely a cute one! I rounded the corner to the kitchen to find this.

When I asked him if he had been eating brownies, he replied with a quick "NO". I wonder if he was telling me a story!

Vroom Vrooms, Blues, and BBQ

2009-09-28T09:34:00.000-05:00

We Survived! The chaos of Bikes Blues and BBQ is over. (Or Vroom Vrooms as Parker likes to call them!) We really had a lot of fun. Jon's friend Alvin and his wife Kaede came up to visit, and really kept Parker entertained. Parker loves his uncle Alvin! Friday night the boys went out with Kayla while Parker and I stayed at home and watched Little Bear. Earlier that afternoon we took Parker out to the festivities around the Tyson Track Center where he could do nothing but point and say, "VROOM VROOM!" (Please Lord, don't let my baby have a Vroom Vroom until he's 30!)

Saturday night we all went out to eat at Grubs and enjoy some time on Dickson Street (minus Parker). Yes folks, I left my baby with a non-family babysitter for the first time ever. And I didn't cry! (And for that matter, neither did Parker! YAY!) Lindsay did a great job with him, and she will definitely be getting a call to come back again.

Sunday was a LAZY day in our house. None of us, including Jon, got out of our pajamas all day! We were so lazy that we even ordered Pizza for lunch, and then ate it again for dinner. And we all napped from 3-5:30 yesterday afternoon--yes, even Jon napped. Of course, then I wasn't tired for bed until 1 AM, but Jon and Parker were out at 9 PM! All in all, it was a great weekend!

And now we're back to reality. I have tons of cleaning to do today, along with going to the grocery store tonight after Jon gets home from work. Yes, we still have only one car, but hopefully that will end on Tuesday or Wednesday. And Jon's birthday is Tomorrow! Happy Birthday Sweetie! So tomorrow I will be attempting to make a carrot cake from scratch. Wish me luck!

Cleaning

2009-09-23T14:25:00.002-05:00

Story of my life. Nuff said!

First Post!

2009-09-23T13:26:00.001-05:00

Well, this is the first official King Family Blog post! Now everyone can keep up with us a little bit better. (We hope!) Not a lot to report here. Jon's back still hurts, but Parker is doing much better after his fall. (And remarkably sleeping really well too--hmmm, maybe a bump to the head is all he needed!) I know, that's not funny, but hey, he scared me to death, so I have to find a way to laugh about it! This weekend is Bikes, Blues, and BBQ here in Fayetteville, so we will be out quite a bit! We actually have a babysitter Friday night who isn't family. (Lets hear it--the huge GASP from family-- I know you all think I'm crazy overprotective!) And maybe I am, but that's OK! And I actually only shed one tear when I left him overnight with Grandma and Grandpa last weekend. See, I'm getting better! Oh, and I wanted to add--Happy Birthday MOM!! We love you!