Student of the Month

Look who was student of the month at SAA for the month of December! We are SO proud of Ryan. He's super smart, attentive, respectful, and polite. He follows the rules, listens to his teacher, completes all of his work, and is nice to his friends. In short, Ryan rocks! He was so surprised  when he saw his dad and me walk into mass on Friday. He didn't know that he was about to honored right afterwards during a special program. He sat quietly during the service, and after it was over he accepted his award. To celebrate that evening we took him out to dinner. It was all his choice and he chose Olive Garden. He even ordered dessert! He's so proud of himself, and we couldn't be more proud of him. Way to go, Ryan!

Happening Now

Parker family movie night! 

Christmas with The Parkers and Harrisons in Video

Christmas 2013

Back in November we had high hopes for a Merry Christmas. Did we have one? 

Yes, indeed because this year we took a surprise trip to Alabama for Christmas!

I mentioned to my husband a few months ago that it would be nice to spend Christmas back home. We haven't spent the holidays with our families since we got married, plus Christmas day is my grandfather's birthday and he was turning the big 9-5! 

Unfortunately, we couldn't go...I thought.  This is our first official year at our new church and we have a Christmas day service. Surely the new pastor and his family had to be there, right? Well, my AMAZING husband had a plan cooking all along. He was going to take me home for Christmas! I was over-the-moon surprised and happy, happy, happy! We told no one; it was to be a surprise~ the biggest surprise of the year! Well, my grandmother did get suspicious that something was going on...

We hitched up our ride (this is the absolute last road trip!) and hit the road after school on Friday. The Parker four and Badger were at it again. It was a long drive, but can I say it was the absolute best Christmas ever? I know it's cliche, but the best things in life aren't things and I learned that this year. I mean, I really learned it. I know it was a tremendous sacrifice for my husband, but because he loves me so much and he knew what this trip would mean to me, he made it happen. He gifted me with time with my family. I was able to hold one of my dearest friend's newborn baby girl.  Our kids were excited because they remember Alabama and their great grandparents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins. They understand that we live in Connecticut, but that Alabama is home too. I get teary eyed just thinking about it. Anyway, here are a ton of pics. There was a surprise party for Grandaddy, a lot of laughing, playing, cooking, and eating. I hope you enjoy them.

Running at the tender age of 95? Don't tell me God isn't good!

Merry Christamas

What In the Weekend

'Tis the season for snowstorms once again. I started our preparations for a snowy weekend indoors after work on Friday, and then we nestled in Friday evening for or first "snowcation" of the year.

 Friday evening we burned our candles in memory of the 20 angels and their teachers who were killed in the Sandy Hook shootings. Their families wanted privacy, but did ask for people to light a candle in honor of their loved ones' last full day of life. God bless them. 

 By Saturday afternoon Ryan and Evan were begging to go outside. Now, they are not blessed with a mama who's a snow bunny. I'm really not an outside kinda girl, but I couldn't stay in and leave my fellas in the elements by themselves.

 I had to see my boy make his first snow angel of the year.

 And this one too. He was so happy out there!

 And I had to witness my awesome husband shoveling the walkway and driveway of our elderly neighbor. Our boys were in tow helping too. I was so proud of them. These are the lessons that we want to instill in our children. 

 Ev remembered that he had a shovel at the beach last summer and he wanted it. We managed to find one of them, which caused a little drama with Ryan, but we managed. We always do :)

 And yes, I did some shoveling too. See our his and hers shovels? 

Until the next storm...I'm sure there will be another before we know it!

Happening Now

Two Peas by the tree!