Church Family

Have I ever mentioned how much we love our church family? The people of Union Baptist Church have been such a blessing to our family. The day before Ryan and Evan were born and I was admitted to the hospital people came to see me in droves. When I was transferred to Yale they were there. When the boys were born I don't think there was a moment when somebody from our church (and churches around the nation--literally) were not praying for us. They sent flowers and visited. I pretty much lived in New Haven the summer the boys were born and one family drove up on a regular basis--to New Haven--in rush hour traffic--to bring me a home cooked meal. The condo I stayed in that was walking distance to the hospital? Courtesy of a friend of a church member. They threw us a surprise baby shower that was out of this world! I still have things from our shower that I haven't used yet--18 months later! The biggest surprise was my grandmother, sister, and Cousin Betty were all in attendance. I'm telling you, they thought of everything.

One day, I was at the hospital and I was at my breaking point. I'm talking, I'm about to lose it, admit me to the psych ward right now breaking point! I went to the chapel to pray and my phone rang. Something told me to answer it and it was our pastor. How in the world did he know that I needed a word of encouragement right then at that very moment?

Their love and kindness have only continued since the boys have been home with us. This time last year the director of the children's choir brought the kids to sing Christmas carols to the boys through the window, since they knew we couldn't come outside and they couldn't come in. When we didn't bring the kids to church for months they didn't push and respected what we had to do, even though I'm sure they couldn't wait to see them.

We go to church every Sunday now, and their support starts as soon as I pull into the parking lot. The deacons save me a parking space, get the stroller out the truck, help strap the boys in, and insist on pushing them inside. If it's raining or is too cold, they let me pull to the front and get the boys out. They even park my car for me. Once we get inside, the church mommies step in.


Miss Ina is Ryan's church mommy, even though she loves her some Evan too! She brings yummy snacks that she knows they'll love and has the perfect spot for them when they need to run around.

Miss Laverne is Evan's church mommy, but I know Ryan has a special place in her heart too. Laverne is quick to go with me to the cry room when the boys need a break. She'll grab the diaper bag to change a diaper before I even realize they're wet.

Without these two, I don't think I would be able to come out to worship. On second thought...not true. There are many more mommies-in-waiting that I'm sure would come to my rescue at a moment's notice.

By the way, Ryan hates to take pictures now. Would you look at him?!

This one was taken immediately after Laverne put him down, though! Crocodile tears??

Even the kids get involved with the after service fun! When the boys were still in the hospital someone said to us that one day our babies would be running around Union in no time. Guess what happens every Sunday after church? God is awesome and I'm not talking about what I heard. I'm telling you what I know.


I know there are many church members who read our blog and I want you to know that we love and appreciate you. We are so very grateful to each and every one of you. Thank you for loving us and for loving Ryan and Evan.

Ball Players?

Did you know that Daddy P was a big-time football star when he was in high school? (I'm officially dead for posting this!) I wonder how he's gonna feel when he sees these videos of the Peas. Maybe they'll be basketball players!

If you know my grandfather then you know about being "Humpty-Dumptied." Grandaddy Humpty-Dumpties every single child in our family. We all know the nursery rhyme, but Grandaddy puts a twist on it...he has a medley of Humpty-Dumpty, Peter Peter , and Ol Jack Horner. He made us promise to sing these songs to the Peas when we left Alabama this summer so they wouldn't forget him. Well, we kept our promise and tonight we found out that Evan has been paying attention! I had no idea he knew how to say "dumpty!" Check him out!

Oh, and excuse me in advance for my singing...a singer I am not! :)

Christmas 2010 Outtakes

First, you should know that I had high hopes for this year's Christmas picture. I imagined all the cute shots we could get of Ryan and Evan sitting in front of the tree, playing with ornaments, or maybe even holding their stockings. I didn't even consider that getting them to stay seated for any amount of time is nearly impossible. Take one...you see how well that went over

OK, fine. We'll hold them; surely this will work...

wrong...


Maybe if we sit on the floor this will be easier...

wrong again

So let's stand...

nice try, but wrong again

Yeah right...

Finally, we were all so frustrated that this was it! Sure, Ryan is rubbing his eye and Evan looks terrified because Fallon was making noises to get them to look at the camera. Never mind all of that! Everyone is looking at the camera so this is what we went with! It's not perfect, but if we hadn't used this one, there would have been no Christmas 2010 photo of the Parkers. I actually think it's hilarious! I'll look back at this year's Christmas card and remember all the craziness we went through just to get one not-so-perfect shot. Maybe next year...right?

Merry Christmas from The Parkers!

The Peas' First Christmas Party

Yesterday the senior group of our church had their annual Christmas party and they invited us. We were delighted to attend! Ryan and Evan are truly church babies; everyone knows them, spoils them, and gives them lots of attention!

Ms. MiMi was so sweet to help look after Ry and Ev

As she quickly learned, it's not easy keeping up with two curious toddlers! Evan is not in this picture because he, of course, headed in the opposite direction!

Santa stopped by and Evan was happy to get a stocking from him

Ryan was amazed that this man was handing out presents!

They refused to take the stockings from Santa themselves. Mommy had to get them first.

Evan wanted nothing to do with him! Good thing we won't be doing Santa in our household!

Ryan still can't figure it out!

Stopping for a water break with Daddy

These two are always on for a game of chase.

I had to keep Evan away from the keyboard. He managed to belt out a tune twice despite my efforts.

It was a good day

A good day indeed!

The Peas' First Christmas Party, cont.

The important things in life...

On Tuesday I was reminded about what's really important in life. It's so easy to get caught up in the world of working and taking care of household duties. If you are not careful, the really important things can be overlooked.

I welcomed the Peas into the kitchen with me after their bath this night. I knew that it would take me a lot longer to get the chores taken care of, but I wanted to spend the time with them. They love to explore, and Lord knows they love to explore in the kitchen! I had the Christmas music playing and the cinnamon sticks simmering; our home was all warm and fuzzy, and I thought to myself, why not?

R & E wasted no time helping me unload the dishwasher

Evan wasn't sure if he wanted to clean my Kindle power cord or use it as a lasso

Daddy P and I were dancing to Jingle Bells and gave Ryan and Evan a front row seat to our mini-concert! As you can see, they loved it and got into it too:)

Teamwork! The Peas decided to work together to sweep for me

Evan and Ryan can't seme to resist the urge of peering under the basement door to see what's going on down there! We're currently setting it up as their official playroom.

I had no idea that we even had these napkins, but thanks Ryan for finding them for me! Just a few more inches and he'll be able to open doors. Yikes!

This was the stuff that memories are made of! Just thinking about this night with my family makes me smile, and I'm so glad that we went with the moment and spent this time together.