What's been going on at the Parkin's?

So I realize that there has been a lot of stuff going on, but I've been a slacker at updating my blog. So here's the long and short of what's been going on lately.

Shelisa had her awards assembly. She got awards for leadership and because she is a 4.1 student. Yes, it is possible to have higher than a 4.0 if you take AP and honors classes. She also got a $100 scholarship from the high school for being a 4.0 student. Shelisa also won a scholarship that Mtn View Elementary gives out to a former student. It was $500.00. She finished writing her speech for graduation and she is talking in church today.

Our ward had a Primary Talent Show and YM/YW Roadshow. The roadshow them was Disney Channel. The kids were completely incharge. There were three Disney shows they wrote skits for, Suite Life of Zach and Cody, Kim Possible and Hannah Montana. Shelisa wrote the Hannah Montana skit. Kayla did a lot of stressing out because she thought she might have to be seen so in the end she sat it out. It was a pretty simple production for our ward. Usually we have huge elaborate sets and costumes and spend months preparing, but we put it together in 3 weeks and in the end the kids had fun and it came together fine.

Kayla went to Six Flags on Tuesday for being on the honor roll for all thee out of the four quarters. She was gone almost all day. She didn't divulge much information, but what little she did say she had a lot of fun.

Alyssa's going on her last reward trip this Tuesday. In the 5th grade if you turn in 90% of your work during the trimester the kids get to go on a reward trip. They are going to Pier 39 and taking a trip around the bay on the Blue and Gold Fleet. Her 5th grade party is Friday and I've got almost everything put together for that. This party pretty much fell into place all on it's own.

Ken is trying to study for his Project Management test. He has to take it on Friday and when he's finished he has to stay in the city to go to a work "retreat". He'll be home late Saturday afternoon. He's super excited!

I've decided my new theme song is "Let's go Crazy" by Prince. Of course I have tons of stuff going on. One day I'll learn to say "no". I'll be glad when 5th grade party and the grad night party are behind me. I can stop dreaming lists and waking up going "I've got to remember to do that in the morning".

So there you go. Now you know what's been going on.

Baby Birds

Every year we have a nest in our jasmine and this year is not exception. Yesterday we cleaned up the backyard. When I was trimming the jasmine along the back of the house I found a nest with a couple of eggs. As I continued down the length of the house I found a baby bird. It hadn't learned to fly yet, but it was hoping round on some of the branches. The girls climbed the ladder to see the eggs and bird and we thought we we add it to our blog. We're not bird people, but it was fun to see.

What could be more important than the shoes?

I should have known I would get asked, "What did Shelisa's shoes look like?" So here you go. I've also included a picture of what her hair looked like in the back.

Breakfast in Bed

For Mother's Day I told my family all I wanted is the house cleaned really good before we have company for graduation. Kayla and Alyssa decided that wasn't enough. They cooked waffles, not the Eggo kind, and brought it to me in bed. They were very good and Kayla and Alyssa put a lot of work and thought into it. Thank you Kayla and Alyssa! They also had dinner made for me. Everyone helped out while I sat on the couch and surfed the internet. I have a GREAT family!

Senior Ball 2009

Well, I have to say there was absolutely no stress this year. Shelisa had a date and the party planner did everything he was asked to do by Miss Senior Class President. And you know what that means, we didn't have to make any emergency phone calls to Liz. Shelisa looked beautiful. I think she was the prettiest girls at the park when we took pictures, but I'm her mom and I'm a little one sided. I'll let you decided for yourself.

A Prayer in Your Heart

With Shelisa going to college soon, she has been working very hard to earn money for college. She has a great part time job. She's been applying for scholarships and she's been trying to sell her car. Unfortunately, she hasn't had the best of luck lately. Her hours got cut at work. She hasn't received any of the scholarships she has applied for and she hasn't had any luck selling her car. Because yesterday was Fast Sunday I decided that I was going to dedicate my fast to helping Shelisa overcome some of the financial obstacles and frustrations she's facing right now. Ken and I are very willing to help Shelisa with college, but we both think the more she can contribute, the more she will appreciate college and the harder she'll work because she has something vested in it. I decided to make this my own personal thing to fast and pray for. Although, everyone else would have participated in this specific need had I asked. I would just like to say that we can receive many blessings if we do it in faith. After dinner last night, Shelisa got a call about her car. The lady is very interested. She came over and test drove it and told Shelisa it was just what she was looking for. She's supposed to get back to her on Tuesday. After the phone call I shared with my family what I had fasted for and I was able to share with them that fasting is a true principle that really does work if you have faith.