Summer chop!

Only 1 other time in Cayden's life has he had the "summer cut". He was 2 and we were going to Disneyland, so we buzzed his head. Only problem was, everyone thought he was a cancer patient! He had such fair skin, his hair was blonde, and it was all shaved off. He got some of the saddest looks. But, this year, with baseball and all of the hair he has been acumulating on his head, and all of the sweat that was dripping off his head...

We decided to go the white trash route, and shave his melon!

Before... *why can't they smile normal?*

We were going for the Mile Olsen look (pre head shaving), but we missed the mark!

After...Doesn't he look so cute?!?! His hats fit much better, with out the mop!

Graduation

This week marks a huge milestone if you will for our little family! My first baby is "graduating" from the 6th grade, and entering the cruel world of Jr. High. Where did time go? I still remember her being in Kindergarten. I remember her so little. Man, time has flown by. I can't even express it in words, how time is just slipping away. I hope that I can remember how quickly time does pass, and to treasure each moment! Kylee is such a beautiful young lady, both inside and out. I am so proud of the person that she is be coming. Today I realized that I only have 6 more years, and then she will be gone.

They had the cutest graduation for her class. They actually had the commencement exercises, read each of their names, and they shook hands with their teacher, and the principal, and then got a "diploma". She had another milestone today...

Kylee wore a dress!!! THE.WHOLE.DAY! Her teacher even had to take a picture of it, because he couldn't believe it! She admitted to me that it wasn't that bad! She got straight A's, and got an academic award from her school. Congrats Ky! I can't wait for the next 6 years...that is if we both live through it :)!!!

The other milestone we reached this week was the graduation of my last baby! Halle had her Kindergarten graduation yesterday. She is so cute, they did a little play, and performed some songs, it was darling. They also had a little commencement exercises where they read each of their names, and had them get a diploma! She is so cute! Next year I will be alone ALL.DAY.LONG. I am so sad. I feel so empty. I always heard people say..."I can't wait until they are all in school, I will have all day to myself"...I don't feel that way. I am going to miss having lunch with Halle, helping her on the bus, spending a little 1 on 1 time with her.

She is also growing up into such a beautiful girl. She is literally a head above most of the kids in her class, I think she got the Olsen gene's for her height!

Congrats girlies, I am so proud of you!

Halle and Clay on her graduation day!

Halle performing her part in the graduation...so serious!

Here is the cake that they served to the 6th graders. They took each of the kids school pictures, and cut them out to fit the graduation caps and gowns. It was so cute!!! Kylee is the one on the second row in the orange shirt.


Here is the best teacher in the whole school...just ask Kylee, and every other kid in Highland Elementary. Kids can't wait until they get to 6th grade to have Mr. Hillier! What a great teacher!

The big 7th grader! She looked so cute, her hair curled and everything!

Happy Mothers Day

Today was a different kind of Mother's Day for me. This was a Mother's Day where I realized the importance of being a mother. I have always realized it, but today was different. Today I realized a little better how much I love my kids, and how much of a miracle that they are each here. I was telling someone about how really, medically speaking, I shouldn't have a child, let alone 3 children, how with each one, it got scarrier and scarrier, but Heavenly Father knew that I needed them, and somehow made it possible. I love my kids more than words can express, and for different reasons.

Kylee, I love the longest, because you are my first born. You made me a mom for the first time. You are so beautiful, both inside and out. You are such an amazing young woman. You are the best big sister, an awesome babysitter, an excellent student, an amazing soccer player, but most of all, you are a beautiful daughter of your Heavenly Father. I love that you will stand up for what you know is right, and not even think twice about it. I love that you are a friend to all. I am so thankful that you are one of my best friends, and I am in awe every day of you! I *heart* you!

Cayden, you are my favorite son! I am so thankful to have a son, someone to carry on the Parke name. I love that you are so compassionate, and that you are the one who will always tell me you love me, and give me a hug. You are a great big brother, Halle looks up to you more than you will ever know. I love that you came into this world a fighter, and that you still have that spirit today. I love that you are the one that is always helping the "underdog", you look out for others, and I love that about you. You are so smart, and I love to watch you learn. You are a great son, a great brother, an incredible athlete, and my little man! I am so thankful that you came to our family, and I love you!

Halle, you are my little princess. You are the little pink girl, and my little fashionista! You bring a ray of sunshine into the room where ever you are! You are such a miracle, and I know that you have a special purpose here on earth. Heavenly Father really wanted you to come here and help us learn to love a little more, be a little more patient, and have you in our family! You have such a zest for life! I love that you have such an amazing imagination. You can have fun with the smallest things, and play on your own for hours. You have a spunk that is going to get you somewhere in life, and I can't wait to see where it takes you. You are a sweet little sister, a great babysitter, a great reader, and excellent artist, and a beautiful dancer! I am so thankful that you came to our family, and I know that Heavenly Father knew we needed you! I love you!

I am thankful for my own mother, and for the incredible example that she is to me. I am thankful that she taught me to be a good mom. I am thankful that she taught me to cook, and clean, and how to keep a nice house. I am thankful that she loves me and my kids.

Happy Mothers Day!