General Conference Weekend

 

What a blessing this weekend was! We felt it was especially important, given the hard things in this world, that we commit to stay home and watch all sessions of conference together. (Except for late Saturday night session; Charlie was so tired and Perry went to homecoming) Kaden's girlfriend Suri joined us for lunch & the Sunday afternoon session. She was baptized a couple weeks ago in her Purdue University YSA ward. After that session, we were able to have a nice chat on the back porch.

Conference filled my bucket to over flowing! I feel like a new person. I have a renewed conviction that I really am on the right path and I need to stay here no matter what. I especially need to keep holding my family to the higher standard the Lord has set. Defend my testimony, be a peacemaker, build my family influence in the home, and keep the world’s influence out.

Thanks to Elder Carlos A. Godoy, our family has a new motto: "No complaints; only smiling faces and grateful hearts."

Perry & I loved Elder Kevin G. Brown’s talk about defending and strengthening your testimony. I felt like shouting, “Amen!!” the whole time he spoke. He has a great love and enthusiasm for the Lord and His work. So do I! This was Charlie's favorite talk. Charlie also, loves the Lord with enthusiasm. :)

Josie connected with Sis. J. Anette Dennis' talk. Dad liked ...

Pres. Dallin H. Oaks is going to be our new prophet, now that Pres. Nelson has finished his earthly work. Pres. Oaks’ closing talk was so validating to me and Dad. Often as parents (and humans) we question if we are doing it right. But Pres. Oaks listed many ways to put the family first and protect the family unit. I felt a sweet peaceful reassurance from God, that we are doing and being exactly what our children need in this hard world. Coupled with Elder Brown’s talk, I will continue to defend my testimony and the ways we fight to keep Satan out of our family and home. It’s honestly so exhausting! But there is no way around it. Just in and through Jesus. Giving in to satan is not an option. 

Update 10/7/25-  Kaden texted me later on Sunday "thanks for helping Suri". I didn't know what he was talking about. He explained I helped answer some questions she had. Funny thing is, I didn’t know that. I thought we were just talking getting to know each other; I was sharing my testimony through my love of God and the Book of Mormon as we talked. What I thought was a casual common conversation, the Spirit took and used it to help her in ways I wasn’t aware. Her parents aren’t currently supportive. (Likely because they have been told we are a cult, ha ha ha! Ugh, people throw that around the same way people throw the word “nazi” when someone disagrees with political opinions. Such ignorance, ha ha!) Gratefully, the spirit strongly urged me to reach out to her mom, Tricia. We text, talk on the phone and have even gone to lunch. She is a lovely woman and if I weren’t a “cultish Mormon” I know we could be very good friends! I offer open friendship and honesty to any questions she has and let her know I want to support her. Will she join the church eventually like her daughter? I don't know. But that’s not my goal. My goal is to calm her troubled heart and show her compassion. Because she is concerned for the soul of her daughter. And  I want to help assure her, that we truly follow Jesus the best we know how. Just like she and her husband are doing. 

Homecoming for Perry & his homies

 

Josie’s Fall Symphonic band concert

 

Last Primary Program for our Kids

 

Charlie’s class was asked to share their favorite story about a prophet. This is what Charlie said:

My favorite prophet story is from Lehi in the Book of Mormon. He was given a vision about the tree of life. This vision uses a lot of symbols that tell us how to follow God’s plan. There was a beautiful tree with bright white fruit. Everyone who ate it felt joy. To get to the tree they had to go through dark mist. In order to get through it they had to hold on to an iron rod that lead them to the tree. The rod represents the word of God, and Jesus Christ. The fruit represents the love of God. When we trust Him and follow Jesus, we receive the blessings of God’s love. 

Remembering Pres. Russell M. Nelson

Our beloved prophet Russell M. Nelson passed away last night. He just turned 101 years old, our oldest prophet in this dispensation. When Spencer and I woke up this morning, he read a text from my brother Warren telling us of his passing. I was shocked and wept. Yes, he is 101 years so it should come as no surprise, but he was so lively and healthy. I love him so much, I was never going to be ready for him to pass. My heart aches for the world, but I also feel so happy for him and his amazing reunion in the Spirit World. President Nelson truly is a beloved prophet. He was the prophet for 7 years from 2018 to 2025. He's the only prophet my kids really remember. 

I woke up the kids and gathered them on our bed while dad told them the news. Dad got tears in his eyes as he informed them. After a minute, he asked what they remember from Pres. Nelson's teachings:

Charlie: "He taught us to think Celestial. To not just think of this life, but to prepare for the next life."

Perry: "He announced a crazy amount of temples."

Dad: "He was always reminding us to treat others with kindness. He gave the example of being in the operating room [when the surgeon got angry at a colleague and threw a scalpel at Dr. Russell Nelson and it landed in his arm. Pres. Nelson decided right then he would create an atmosphere of kindness in his operating room]. He often aught us the importance of being loving and kind."

Josie: "He always said, 'My dear Brothers & Sisters, I love you!'"

Mom: "He encouraged us to gather Israel on both sides of the veil. He always spoke with loving boldness. Whenever he taught and expressed love, he'd smile & his eyes sparkled."

Pres. Nelson was honored in Time Magazine last month. A quote from the article I love: "My faith teaches me that over two millennia ago, Jesus Christ preached these same laws of happiness: to love God and to love our neighbor. After 101 years, I can say that these are not abstract theological ideas—they are practical wisdom. They are what have sustained me through loss and triumph, uncertainty, peace, war, and healing. If we embrace these eternal truths—honoring our own worth, treating others with dignity, and nurturing our families—our lives, and our world, will be steadier and more joyful. That is my birthday wish for all of us." 

Han Korean BBQ & HotPot

 

Fever Game Date Night!

 In recognition of his hard work at Lilly, Spencer was given courtside tickets for the Fever. It was so awesome! We were right behind the basket. The ESPN camera man was sitting on the floor tight Ind front of Spencer. 

Ice Cream Torment

 Wednesdays are really busy. With me driving Charlie to piano & soccer practice back to back, we often end up having Wednesday dinners late. Which usually means we don’t have time for dessert. This greatly upsets Josie. Who, as dad says, “Just like mommy, gets upset when she doesn’t have ice cream!” 

I had told Jo we needed to go up for scriptures and prayer and there’s no time for ice cream tonight. She made a case that dad said she could, after she helped clean up the kitchen. I answered that I didn’t know that, but it’s late; she can have some tomorrow. I told her I’ll even make her a nice sundae tomorrow. But she wanted it tonight. I told her it’s not healthy to have dessert right when going to bed. Dad then said “don’t worry we aren’t having ice cream either…” To which I quickly reminded “Mom & dad have ice cream after you guys go to bed, which is 1 1/2 hours before our bedtime!” Dad and Perry, laughed and Perry said “Of course mom is arguing why it’s ok that SHE gets ice cream!” I couldn’t help but bust up laughing. Josie was laughing too, but still pouty. So I told her I won’t be having any tonight either. 

We got Charlie and Josie to bed. While I tucked her in and chatted about her day, Dad snuck downstairs to get a treat and brought it to our room. He found a sticky note from Josie on my dairy free Talenti gelato jar… it said “Wow, really.” With a crying sad face and a puddle of tears! And a “(jk)” just kidding. I told him I wasn’t eating it, especially not after the note! Mom guilt is a real thing for me. I’d be a hypocrite! Dad said “It’s not technically ice cream; it’s gelato! Besides, she put J/K!” I informed him that she did not actually mean just kidding. She said it, but she isn’t kidding. She’d actually be upset and hold it against me if I had ice cream. I told him I wasn’t eating it. But he went ahead and ate his ice cream on our bed. Just then, we heard Josie’s voice coming from her room on the other side of our bedroom wall. We stopped to listen and heard her shout:

“You sit on a throne of lies!!”

I’m not sure dad has ever laughed that hard! We couldn’t stop laughing… loudly and for a long while. 

Josie has such a great sense of humor and I love these memories. 

For the record: mom kept her word and joined in no ice cream solidarity, for Josie’s sake. Dad, finished his jar of gelato. 

No more braces for Perry!

 Woohoo!!! Perry was so excited to get his braces off today. He only had to have one round, unlike all his siblings. So that was his one and done. He looks so handsome! Congratulations Perry! Now just be faithful with your retainer so you never have to do it again. ;) 

We love you!

When my honey travels for work

 

Spencer took a short trip to Boston for work. I love that even when we’re far away we can get ready for bed together, brush teeth together, and talk about our day together. I love still getting to see his kind eyes and his cute smile even though it’s just on the screen. 

While we were talking tonight, he looked so adorable and so handsome, so I took a screenshot of my honey’s face. In these moments, I’m grateful for technology.

I’m so grateful for the way that my husband provides for our family. I’m grateful he doesn’t have to go out of the country very much. Lately it’s just been to Boston and back. I’m grateful for the way that he loves us. I’m grateful for the way he needs us. I’m grateful for the way that we need him and he always shows up. Spencer truly exemplifies what a good man is. I’m grateful that he FaceTimes me every morning, in the afternoon when he can, and every evening. I’m grateful that he always remembers to pray and read scriptures with me daily. I’m grateful that our kids love him and respect him and look up to him. I’m grateful for his gentleness, his patience, his humor, his hard work. I’m grateful for his kind eyes that match his kind heart. I’m grateful for his strong hugs and sweet kisses. I’m especially grateful that God always answers our prayers in bringing him home safely after work trips. I don’t ever want to go a single day without him. 

I love you, Spence.

Sound of Music’s 60th Anniversary

 Josie and I had a movie date yesterday afternoon. In honor of its 60th anniversary, we went to a special showing of The Sound of Music. It was awesome! While she knew most of the songs from me singing them or playing the soundtrack, this was her first time seeing the film all the way to the end. I played it for the kids years ago, but none of them lasted through the first half. 

In the theater though, Josie kept looking at me smiling and mouthing the lyrics. I was doing the same to her. She’d poke me and make a funny comment and we’d have to stifle our giggles. 🤭 She loved the movie! Gave it a 6/10 (which is pretty good for her high standards). She would’ve rated it higher, but she really cringed hard when Captain Vontrapp confessed his love to Maria, and nuzzled his face on her head after kissing her. Haha! She audibly groaned and twitched in her seat! Then she whispered to me: “What was that!? Why’d he nuzzle her so awkwardly?? I’m cringing!” Haaa! 

Today for church Josie wanted to match. So she picked out my clothes for me. I love her sense of fashion. I love spending girl time with my Angel Face. I love our bond. Although she is a huge daddy’s girl and definitely gravitates more to him. But I don’t mind a bit. Their relationship fills me with joy! 

The Lord’s Strength

 

I just read this with my kids and it hit differently today….

Matthew 11:28 ¶ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest⁠.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart⁠: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy⁠, and my burden is light.

Let the Savior help you. Don’t do it alone; ask for His help. Ask for Him to ease your burden, let Him carry it for you. ❤️

Practice praying these words, at any moment in your day : 

“Lord, please give me the strength to _______” 

Tongue Twisters: genetically speaking

 

I was delighted to learn that Josie can make the tongue-clover like me! I think she does it even better than me. Perry was able to get it started too! Charlie didn't try in this moment. Dad... well... we're just happy for dad that he can at least turn his tongue sideways. :) 

Charlie’s 6th grade class

 

My babies

This is still one of my all time favorite photos of our four kids together. I miss these moments. But I cherish them, as I do all the new moments and memories we make together at every stage. I love being their mother. They are truly precious and so very special to us. 

 

Photos from the Uncle Bill File

 Warren randomly sends screenshots of old photos from Bill's stash of stuff. I so badly want to get my hands on all of those photos and put them in proper albums. Until then, I'll archive them in random posts here. :)

(Top photo L-R Timmy, Nancy 10yo?, & Jason. That was my favorite Easter dress. Backyard Covina, CA house. Bottom photo- Nancy 5yo?, Brenda Phelps, & Bill at the Phelps home in Alhambra, CA. Last- Nancy 7yo & Elder Warren on a layover in LAX from the MTC to Guatemala).

Parenthood isn't for the Kids; Its for the Parents

Parenthood. It’s definitely not like we imagined it would be. When you're young and newly married you dream about what your kids will be like and what kind of a mom & dad you'll be. I guarantee every young couple has observed parents with a judging eye and whispered to their spouse, "OUR kids will never be like that..." HA. Oh such naiveté.

We have had a very difficult year. I thought the sleepless nights with newborns and sick kids, and tantrums in store aisles was hard. But I was wrong. 

As you raise children you become more keenly aware of the world around you: pitfalls, dangers, traps... rising evil. And you navigate it accordingly, often creating future safety plans to protect your family. But this year, we have had trials come up that were never on our radar. I’ve been thinking and praying a lot to understand them. Trying to grasp my role and my responsibility in it all. Trying to figure out how to shift and become what my child needs from me in this new situation. But only to find trying to do my part seemed to make it worse. So I began seeing a parenting therapist, reading more books on parenting teens, mental health, etc. It's been a huge game changer and opened my eyes to many things. But I've still been struggling with this one concept: 

If it’s typical that our children reach an age of becoming rebellious & unteachable as they prepare to leave the house, then what was the point of all the teaching and guiding we did? Why did I pour my whole soul into this if they were just gonna burn it all down and do it their own way, regardless??

Spence and I have talked about this daily ad nauseam over the last year. Most recently I vented to my husband and in desperate tears lamented, "I don't understand!! We did our best! When we knew how to do better, we did better. We apologized and truly worked to be better. But it wasn't enough! So, what was the point? If it was always going to be like this, out of the primal need to rebel and venture on their own and turn against us, what was the point!?"

My sweet husband lovingly gave his best reply to calm my deeply troubled heart. He reminded me to "look at the big picture, think celestial, think of eternity..." etc. I know he spoke truth, but it wasn't a comfort to me. Because I was thinking about eternity. That's all I think about! It's my main motivator in life. Wanting my children to WANT to be with us and each other and God for eternity. 

So later I poured my heart out to my Father and He enlightened my mind and calmed my heart with this understanding:

I sobbed to Him and lamented, "I did my best! I repented and said sorry when I got it wrong. I prayed and You gave me guidance. I acted on spiritual promptings, I changed what needed changing; I went to therapy for help to be a better mom, I read the parenting books, & I read the Lord's words most of all. I did all You asked in my parenting! But it isn't helping my kids!  The only one growing, changing, becoming, and getting closer to You, is ME!" In that very moment, He washed total calm over my body and one word entered my heart & mind: "Exactly." 

I could picture Father smiling, and I knew He was saying "Now you're getting it."

I now understand that parenting is for the parents.  Through all we’ve done for them and become for them, WE are the ones growing, learning, changing. WE are the ones coming closer to the Lord. The point of parenting was never to ensure our children are who they are supposed to become by 18. I’m not sure our job was ever to succeed in making them fully-functioning-valiant-Christian adults by the time they leave the nest. I believe our job was to show up, keep them safe, give them direction/teach, and love them fiercely while praying they’ll choose the Lord’s ways. 

To drive this lesson deeper into my heart, Heavenly Father inspired Sis. Wright to share some words in the adult session of Stake Conference last night. My allergies are acting up, so I had to go into the hall several times with coughing fits. I was getting frustrated with my lungs and thinking, "Why do I bother  going back in, I'm just gonna cough in a minute again." But I went back anyway. Just as I entered I heard Sis. Wright share these words... 

"I have 5 grown children and only 1 of them is still active in church... I fought for years to get them to do the right things... but I realized too late that they are entitled to their agency...after all, it is from my own mistakes and experiences that I have become who I am today." She went on to say that she was trying to protect them from their own mistakes, but deprived them instead of learning experiences.

It was one of those moments where I knew God was speaking directly to me through someone else. I heard her words with my ears, but they made a home in my heart that changed me, once again. I raised my eyes upward and said in my mind, "I hear You, Heavenly Father. Thank You."

Several years ago, when Kaden & Perry were leaving primary age, dad & I felt prompted to allow natural consequences to be the kids' teacher. So instead of telling them what to do and not to do all the time, like when they were little, we changed our approach. When they'd ask "What should I do?... Why can't I? ... What if I just __?" and so on, with "That's something you need to decide for yourself... you should try praying about it... do what you think is right...what is your gut/heart telling you?" They didn't like that. Partly I believe because when I was telling them how to act & what to do, if it wasn't a favorable outcome, they could point at me to take the fall. ha. 

Like Sis. Wright, I wanted to protect my children from the pain of mistakes. I wanted to rescue them from hard consequences. But how can they truly learn without feeling and understanding consequences and opposition? The adult world would be so much harder for them if we succeeded in sheltering them from all of that. Home is the best place to mess up and make mistakes. Where they are loved and safe and guided by mom & dad. But there will be so many more experiences outside the home to learn too. Here at home, they've been taught how to manage their choices and work through the consequences of life. They definitely don't like it, but I pray years down the road they'll recognize their ability to handle hard things, because they were prepared at home for it.

I now understand, children won’t truly become and grow and change until they’re in our shoes: parenting beautiful perfect babies who turn into sassy-hard headed teenagers/young adults. And THAT is where they will really learn to lean on the Savior. Because it has always been His job to do the rescuing and save them. 

Our job has only been to guide them to Him. And we have done that. Everyday of their lives “we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, […] that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins." I recently quoted this out loud and when I heard myself say it, the Spirit emphasized that last part: for a remission of their sins! It scripture doesn't say "we teach our kids about Christ so they won't mess up. So they won't have hard times. So that they will only have peace and joy (only rainbows & butterflies!).  It says we teach of Christ, so our children will know who to go to when they sin. It says it right there: our kids are going to mess up! They are going to have need of repentance, just like me! So our job is to teach them how to repent and how to turn to Jesus Christ!   

So, as far as our parenting goes for Spencer & Nancy Jones…

We are doing our best. When we learn how to become better, we do better. Tomorrow, when we get it wrong (again) we will apologize, and work to do better some more. We will pray for the Lord's help, repent, and do over. And that is enough. 

Chuck’s recent Doings

 

He got his first round of braces off, yahoo!! He’s so excited to have chewy treats again. 

He’s been really working hard and being more bold on the soccer field. 

For a long time he’s been complaining about a “popping” sensation in the back of his head. I brought it up at his well visit in May, and his Dr. Freeman suggested we keep a log of when it happens and how it happens. So after doing that the follow up is for him to get an MRI to see if there’s anything going on. Gratefully and such a blessing it came back clear. Think next I’ll take him to a chiropractor to see if it’s just out of alignment. 

This boy is so sweet and so good. He does random funny things that keeps us laughing! My favorite though is that he comes and asks for hugs frequently throughout the day. The other day he said to me, “ I need a hug, mom. You are my safe place.” That melted my heart. I love how good he is at communicating his feelings and advocating for himself. He really understands his emotions and does a pretty good job of trying to explain them to me and to others. Makes it easy to know what he needs. Except when he’s tired! It’s only after he gets sleep that he recognizes that his grumpy fit because he was tired ha ha ha.

 We love you, Charlie boy.

Move houses or Burn it All down…

 … those are the only options in my mind when I find a monster in my bed!!

I was straightening up my bed when I turned over my body pillow and found the BIGGEST sPiDeR Ive ever found in my house! 

Now, I’m not usually afraid of spiders. I mean I don’t want them touching me and for sure they can’t be living in my house. But this thing was so massive and scary all I could do was scream at the shocking sight of it. Josie and Charlie came running (I was currently on the phone with dad who was on his way home from work).  Josie, my once again, brave girl… trapped it in a jar and we took it outside on the porch. I didn’t want to release it until I could research what kind it was. Because if it was poisonous, I’d never be able to sleep in my bed again. Seriously, I’d have to move or burn it all down and destroy every web, nest, egg sack, and relative of this 8 legged beast! 

Gratefully, I discovered... with several cross searches and extensive verification... that this was only a common house spider known as the American Grass Spider. Happily relieved it’s not a Brown Recluse (I have 2nd hand PTSD from Leslie Sandgren’s horrific experience with those evil arachnids). The Grass spider’s bite is the same threat and irritation as a mosquito. Ok, good. I can sleep again… after I strip my sheets, vacuum all around my room and spray bug killer on every nook & cranny!!

I figured I should release it outside, but Perry had his own plan: he took the jar from me and took it to the deck. Then he shot inside the jar with the A-Salt rifle until it was dead. I asked him to stop because it isn’t fair to shoot a “fish in a barrel”. But the deed was done. I feel a little bad, but not so bad that I won’t sleep tonight. In fact I’ll probably sleep better. At least I would have, right up until dad said “But now it’s spider family will seek their revenge and ascend on our house!”

Gee. Thanks, honey. :(

Temple Date with my Soulmate!

 

Spencer made an appointment for us to attend the temple tonight. His new calling is the ward temple and family history specialist. Definitely outside his usual wheel house of callings. But he is doing great work learning what is needed of him. 

I absolutely love my husband. I love date nights with him every week. I am so grateful he prioritizes that time together. I'm especially grateful when he takes me to the temple. Sitting with him in the Celestial room is always a joy. The peace from stepping away from the world and being immersed in the Spirit, is what we all need more of.

Thanks for a special date night, my love!

Morning Bus take 2…

Okay, lets try this again...

The buses DID come today, hooray! So I got the traditional boarding-of-the-bus photos just one day late! :)

First Day of School 2025-2026

 

Here we go again... another school year begins!

6th Grade for Charlie at Fall creek intermediate, 8th Grade for Josie at Fall Creek Jr. High, & 10th Grade for Perry at Hamilton Southeastern HS.

I got up early this morning and made Grandma Zilpha's banana cake muffins for breakfast. They were still warm out of the oven when they all sat to eat. 

It felt off not having Kaden here to send to school with his siblings. This all has gone by so fast. 

I didn't feel as prepared this year. I don't think the other kids did either. I almost completely forgot about the traditionally chalkboard pictures. So grateful it popped into my head and I ran upstairs to get it. I had to scramble a bit before Perry left. But I got them all in. Turns out, there was no need to rush...

As if the whole community is feeling off, the buses were all late today. Perry has a new driver and she drove right past us. I called immediately to transportation, and they said they'd have the new driver swing back by. But she never did. This made Perry quite agitated! He absolutely did not want to be late on the first day. But he was. Sorry Perr. This year the kids buses come pretty close to each other. So I couldn't leave to drive Perr until Jo and Charlie got on theirs. But their bus was super late too. So I had them all get in the car to get Perry to school then I'd drop them off at theirs schools. Just as I was pulling out, Mr. Bob pulled up but it was too late. Our neighbor Abby told him to go on without us. Bah. :(

So the kids were all car riders today. I had to call HSE on the drive to explain why Perry was late, and they said a lot of busses are and he won't be counted as a tardy. phew! Josie's school doors weren't open yet. I worried about having to wait in that long line at Josie's school and risk getting Charlie there on time across the street. But as I pulled in, I saw Enu Jefferson with her and Gabby in their car. They saw us and waved, so I called her and asked if Josie could sit with them so I could get Charlie to school. I explained about the bus issues. She was so happy to have Jo sit with them. I'm so grateful they were right there! Truly a tender blessing from the Lord! I kissed Jo goodbye and waited until she climbed in the Jefferson's car. Then dropped of Charlie in time. 

Definitely not at all how our normal first days go. It's been a long, strange year. Lots of wrenches tossed in the works. Lots of unexpected shifts. Too many tears and worries and changes. But also lots & lots of growing, learning, and leaning on the Lord. 

Even though today started off stressful and out of the norm, I have a feeling this year is going to be better than last year. More calm. More connection. More learning. More love. More closeness with God. It's going to be a good year. 

Before School Fathers Blessings 2025

 

Family walk to El Lago

 Family date night! We walked to dinner at El Lago. As i walked behind to take a group shot, i was suddenly shocked at the comparison of Josie’s image next to her dad: is it just me, or does she suddenly have crazy long legs!? We knew she grew a lot this year, but it seems only her legs stretched out! :) Our beautiful girl. The kids are all getting so big… soon we won’t be able to squeeze into a booth anymore (tonight was already too tight!) ha

Dinner was delicious and the evening together was easy and nice. 

Cousin Parker Jones’ visit

    Having our nephew Parker Jones spend a week with us, was pure awesomeness! He flew in around 11pm, on an unusually nice cooler day for Indiana Summer. Perry came with me to the airport while everyone else was asleep. We had made a sign for him and planned to meet him inside, but his flight was really early! (when does that ever happen?!)  Instead, Perry held the sign out the car window as we drove up to Parker at the curb. We got out and hugged him, then loaded his luggage. When he climbed in the car, the first thing he asked was, "Is it always this humid here??" Perry & I just laughed! I told Parker, "Oh buddy, you just wait. This is nothing." Perry added, "It's actually cool and nice tonight!" ha ha

When we taught him to wake surf, he got up on the first try and stayed up on the 4th try!! He did so great! He’s really athletic! Perry said “I knew he’d be able to do it!” Perry showed him how to use the ripstick today (*note to reader and you kids as future adults: never buy one, they are dangerous and I despise them!). I wasn’t out there but Perry said “I showed him how, he fell off once, then got up, took off, and nailed it!” It's sweet how proud Perry is of Parker. :)

I made sure to wake up the big boys early to get Indiana’s best donuts when they were fresh. (I offered to bring Jo and chuck, but they sleepily declined) That same afternoon, Alex Dodge came to hang with us while his brothers were at FSY. We all grabbed some lunch and corrupted Parker by feeding him Taco Bell. He hadn’t eaten it since he was 6yo! He was not impressed with the Doritos taco, but he did enjoy the Chalupa. :) Then we all went bowling. 

I promise we didn't just eat garbage while he was here. We had healthy dinners too. We introduced Parker to poké bowls and he loved them! Even taught him the proper way to use chopsticks. :)

We also went to Top Golf. My kids are getting better at it! It’s fun to watch them progress and get stronger. Parker golfs with his dad sometimes and has so much power in his swing!  

On Saturday dad took us all to hike Turkey Run. We love it there and Parker did too. In the canyon it was cool and nice. But once you hike up and out, it was humid and hot. Poor Parker was melting! Luckily Jo & I brought our Japanese hand fans and Parker made good use of it! After getting sufficiently hot and sweaty, dad & the kids all went swimming in the river while I watched our stuff. It was a lot of fun seeing them play and laugh together. They're making such great memories!

Matt & JayDee raised a good young man. He’s sweet and is always holding the door for everyone. At Turkey run when we were leaving, he held the door for me and some people behind us. When I turned to my side I didn’t see him. I looked back and saw him still holding the door. Some 4yr old boy was standing in the doorway staring at Parker… possibly challenging him! Ha ha! Park just held the door not knowing what to do! The boy's mom finally realized and moved him. But it was so funny that Parker just kept holding the door, like he was afraid of letting the door crush the kid. :) He’s so polite, helpful and funny! He has been really fun and sweet with Jo & Charlie. I know his family must have missed him. But we’re gonna miss him when he leaves. 

Perry & Parker shared a room all week, while Charlie slept back in his old room. (Thank you Charlie for sacrificing your bed for your cousin. Although, I'm pretty sure you slept great in your old one, without a big brother messing with you). P&P had a great time baking, riding bikes, competing in ping-pong, billiards, and thrashing around on the boat tube and lily pad. While they were baking, I made them re-create a photo from 12 years ago. The original photo was them as toddlers helping Aunt Heather in the kitchen and she let them lick the measuring cup! I always thought that photo was too cute! Reluctantly (& awkwardly) they agreed to re create it! :) Thanks guys! ha ha

While he was here I gave him a haircut and "bleached his tips". That was a fun night! Parker had mentioned a couple times that he knew people who had them, so I asked if he wanted them too. I even said if his parents are cool with it, I can do it very easily. But he'd just get shy and say, "Nah."  He was so cute and silly about working up the courage to ask me if I'd do it. Matt sent me a text saying, "If he asks for frosted tips, we're cool with it." About an hour after Matt texted, Perry, Parker and I were challenging each other in arm wrestling (I beat Perry then Parker, then Parker beat Perry, then Perry beat me!). When it was over, Parker sheepishly blurted out "Aunt Nancy will you give me tips please?"  Me: "Of course!! Why didn't you just ask, you goose!" Not only did we do his, but Parker convinced Perry to do it too. :) For most first timers getting tips with a cap, they don't know that when you pull the cap off it reveals little yellow quills...and looks like a mistake, ha ha! But it once I washed and toned their hair, it looked great. Such handsome boys! Note: this wasn't Perry's first time with tips. He did it back in 5th grade, I think. It's been a long time and he was nervous. But he's glad he did it now. Parker shared some of his mens hair styling powder for Perry to try. Perr liked it and it helped him get the dry messy look he's been wanting to try. 

We had dinner at Portillos last night. Parker ordered a Chicago style Italian Beef sandwich with spicy pickled peppers. Same thing I order. It was melting his mouth, but he enjoyed it! 

We couldn’t let this visit end without the traditional surprise water dump photo we’ve done in the past. While Perry and Parker went kayaking this morning, I filled a 5 gallon bucket and left it in the upper balcony over the back deck. Hours later, before we went boating one last time with him, I asked for another picture with the two of them. (I had already reminded them earlier to leave their phones at home before boating, so no risk of ruining devices. Their phones were on the kitchen counter) I counted to 3, "say cheese..." and dad dumped the water from the balcony! 

The best part was Parker’s eyes stayed open and his smile didn’t budge even when the water hit his head! 😆 He said 3 seconds before he remembered the other times we soaked them. He thought: “Wait a minute…”. But it was too late. And when it hit his head he was like, "Yep, this is happening!" Ha ha haaa!

At family scriptures tonight, before he leaves tomorrow, we gave him some things to take home. We sent him with some Japanese yen coins to have some to share with his brothers. Josie has a gift bag of little things for Cambri. (Cambri sent a gift bag and letter to Josie in Parker's luggage. It was really sweet!) Parker didn't want his parents to know he'd frosted his tips; he wanted to surprise them. So he was hoping to find a hat to wear off the plane but he didn't have one. I told him I'd find one. I wanted it to be an Indiana hat, but couldn't find one at any stores, that I thought were cool enough. But I did find a blank black & white hat and a patch with a checkered flag in the shape of Indiana. So I sewed the patch on the front of the hat and we gave it to him. He loved it! 

It was such a joy to get to know Parker better and spend so much time with him. It was fun to see how well he & Perry get along and how much they have in common. They even accidentally dressed a like a few times, ha ha! I didn't point it out, for fear they'd change their clothes. But it made me smile every time. 

Parker was great to talk to. He asked me lots of questions about me, about our family, the area, etc. And I got to ask lots of questions of him too. It was nice to have that time with him.  Our hope is to do this every year. The boys were thinking it would be fun to have Parker fly here for a week, then Perry fly back to UT with Parker for a week. I hope we can make that happen! I think these boys need each other. :)

We love you Parker and we miss you already.