FRIDAY, MAY 10

MILE 2

PARKER

Twelve years ago today, this little guy entered my world and I've never been the same.  Parker was the perfect baby who slept through the night at 3 weeks old.  He was a super toddler who went everywhere with us and easily entertained himself.  When we moved to Knoxville, Parker was a shy 3 1/2 year old who quickly adapted to his new school, church and friends.  Now, about to complete sixth grade, Parker is a mature, fun-loving, and smart kid who makes me so proud.

Here are twelve things I love most about Parker:

1.  He loves to eat.  Other friends have trouble with their kids being picky eaters...not me.  Parker loves to try new food and really enjoys well prepared food.  This afternoon he and some buddies are having a milkshake at Long's and tonight we are going to have steak at Ruth's Chris.  Enough said?

2.  He is an "in the moment guy." People often ask what Parker's favorite sport is and I always reply, "Whatever he is playing at that moment."  It's true. 

3.  He is fiercely loyal to his friends.  Parker would love to spend every waking moment with a friend and would "go to bat" for any one of them.  I get it.  I'm the same way.  I'm grateful that he has so many nice friends in his life. 

4.  He is determined.  Watch him swim.  Watch him golf.  Watch him play football.  Some call it competitive, but Parker puts his all into the things he chooses to invest his time.   

5.  He is tough.  Three years ago, he broke his arm playing football and did not shed a tear.  In fact, he continued to play for 2 more quarters.  I love this posed "tough" face.

6.  He loves music.  He plays the baritone in middle school band.  He sings in the church youth choir.  But mostly, he listens to music on his ipod.

7.  He loves an adventure.  Last summer, Parker traveled to Detroit, MI with 47 other eleven year olds to be a part of a month-long CISV Village.  Twelve countries were represented and they were exposed to different languages and cultures.  Now he has friends all over the world.

8.  He can have a deep, philosophical, adult conversation and seconds later be silly like a 5 year old.  That is middle school, right?

9.  He relates to people of all ages.  One of Parker's closest friends is 3 years older...and he also loves hanging out with friends 3-4 years younger.  When he was four, he invited our realtor to his birthday party.  He regularly invites adult friends to Sunday lunch.  Age has never been a barrier to Parker when making friends.

10.  He is fun.  He loves to laugh.  He loves to play.  He loves being outside.  He loves people.

 11.  He loves a good party.  Parker and I typically spend months planning his birthday parties.  We used to look through books for themes and ideas...and our parties are always fun.  My favorite was his 7 year old "Splash Bash" - which all started with Parker wanting a dunking booth.  

12.  He embraces change.  It may be hard.  It may take a little time.  But when Parker sees change happening, he not only accepts it, but embraces it.  When we told him we were moving to Tallahassee, he was very quiet.  We talked it through (I had a career in sales which has served me well in parenting).  We visited Tally.  And then we went to the FSU bookstore to buy some FSU shirts.  I am so proud of how he has handled this change and can't wait to see how well he adapts!

You might say that Parker has been one of the keys to my happiness in K-town because he has been the hub of my activities since moving here.  My friends are the moms of his friends.  His school became the place where I invested my time.  I began teaching children's Sunday School because that is where Parker was.  Our house became one of the neighborhood gathering places.  I love this boy and I'm forever grateful that God allowed me to be his mom. 

Happy 12th birthday Parker!  Let's go eat some steak!