HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO PARKER

Today is a great day - the day Parker was born - just 14 years ago.

I remember it like it was just yesterday (sigh).

He reminded me that next year, he could get his learners

permit.....I don't think so.

Things about Parker

He has a kind heart

He is a good brother, son, cousin, grandson, nephew, etc., etc.

He likes the Yankees - now he is rooting for the Giants

He got a new fancy tennis racket and bag for his birthday

He is a good student

He is like his dad in a lot of ways - and like his mom in some ways

He has nice thick auburn hair that he is growing out

He wants to be an architect - or a teacher

He is a good example to others

He is "popular" - so he thinks

He has a bit of a competitive side

He watches ESPN sports center all the time

He is a great "texter" - maybe too great

He is growing like a weed

What a blessing he is in our family!

We love you Parker

What a day!!!!.

6:00 a.m. Got up for work as usual
6:15 a.m. Made sure Parker was up
6:48 a.m. Left to take Parker to Jazz Band
7:00 a.m. Went to Post office to buy stamps and mail a card to Uncle Blaine
7:10 a.m. Went to Smiths to fill up with gas
7:33 a.m. Picked up Parker at school after Jazz Band to go to Orthodontist
8:00 a.m. Arrived at Orthodontist with Parker
8:53 a.m. Asked Gail at Dr. Stephens if Parker was alive
9:10 a.m. Left Dr. Stephens Office (asked Parker why it took so long - he said he knew things weren't going well when Dr. Stephens took his gloves off and threw them!
9:20 a.m. Bought breakfast at McDonalds
9:45 a.m. Took Parker back to school
10:10 a.m. Finally arrived at work
11:00 a.m. Evan call to see if I wanted to do lunch - sorry - I just got to work
12:00 p.m. Listened to Sim Gill - candidate for District Attorney - liked him - will probably vote for him
4:27 p.m. Taking a break from a busy day to blog.......NO WONDER I'M TIRED - and I still have the night ahead of me.......

Miguel and Natalia

Preston picked up Miguel and Natalia in Las Vegas on Thursday morning at 6:00 a.m then turned around and drove them to Salt Lake. They made stops along the way including the Temple and Visitors Center in St. George.

Miguel was intrigued with the big trucks and motorhomes traveling on the freeway. They were both impressed that people actually obey traffic laws and they were thrilled to be in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Miguel and Natalia are converts from Villa Ballestar, Argentina. Miguel travels quite a bit for business and when the trip to Las Vegas was so close to General Conference time, Natalia decided to make the trip. They became interested in the church over three years ago, but because getting divorced and getting married is not an easy thing to do in Argentina, they were only able to get everything in order to be baptized a month ago. Needless to say, they had contact with many missionaries, many of whom live in Salt Lake City.

Preston took them to a Football game, which they said was boring. They were able to meet Judy, Annie, Elliott, Wyatt, James and Molly.

After to game, they rode home with Evan and Parker. I was only able to spend about a half an hour with them, but felt their love for the gospel. I showed them the "countdown" poster of Preston's mission, they took a picture of it. We showed them the wedding book , they "ooo'd and aahd" about the pictures of the temple, the bride and groom, and all the cute kids - and they took a picture of the book. They actually make wedding cakes (Miguel is a baker of some sort) and Natalia's mother designs and sells wedding dresses. She has a website, which they quickly showed us on their laptop.

As they left our house, they took a picture of us with them and gave me the "warmest" hug I think I have ever had, which said to me thank you for letting your son go on a mission. In their broken Spanish, they told us what a great missionary Preston was. Evan (who can still communicate in Spanish) thanked them for listening to the missionaries and for supporting our son in the mission field.

It was great having them in our home!