My Little Models

I am beside myself excited! Coco and Sebastian got to model for the 2011 Fall Catalog of Sarah Louise children's clothes! Sarah Louise is a company based in England but their U.S. offices are headquartered in Sarasota. Since it is a brand that the freckled frog carries, Mom wanted to go visit her rep and the check out the facilities while she was in town visiting. In true "proud grandparent" fashion, they were showing pictures of the kids off while they were there. One of the owners asked how old Coco was because she needed a 4 year old model for a dress that didn't get finished for the first catalog photo shoot. We all went back the next day for a preliminary fitting to see if she could wear the dress. It fit like a glove! And, when they saw Sebastian, they said there was a sweater that needed to be shown and asked if he would model too. This is really a case of being in the right place at the right time. So, with our list of what not to do (no shoes that would mark her feet, no chocolate milk or dark fruit juices before the shoot, no ponytail or clip in her hair, etc.) we booked our very first photo shoot! Here are 2 of the shots they e-mailed me that will appear in the catalog; the catalog that gets distributed across the world!

They both did such a GREAT job and have been asked to model for the Spring 2012 catalog too! Here's the kicker: they both actually get little paychecks! How cute! Dare I tell them that we would gladly do this for free?!?! Nah...

Raise in Pay

Since this is our family blog, I am committed to recording as much about our life as I can. Even the silly and seemingly inconsequential things. That being said, I'm proud to say The Parr Family just got a raise in pay. Donald begrudgingly traded in his GMC, V8 Engine, gas-guzzlin' truck for a new, much more economical Nissan Altima. For a man who drives 100 miles a day, going from 19 mpg's to 32 mpg's is a really. big. deal. While Donald is not super thrilled about giving up his truck, I personally think a man in a car is suave. It's sort of like wearing a pink shirt; only the cute guys can pull it off. So cheers to my cute guy, his pink shirt and his cool new car!

Visit from Grammy & Namps

I just lived the shortest week of my life. Mom and Dad came to see us and we crammed 5 months of missing one another into 7 action packed days: Coco's first dance recital, Busch Gardens, several days of poolside fun, Marina Jack's, St. Armand's Circle, quick & rainy visit to the 2011 Most Beautiful Beach (Siesta Key), morning at Anna Maria Island, movies, shopping on LWR Main Street and lots of family time. It would be impossible to recapture our week of adventures in words without turning this post into a short story.

So, I'll let the pictures do the "talking."

Namps & Sebastian at the beach: "reverse tater sack!"


Coco was less than thrilled when I snapped this picture. I was actually trying to capture her pouty face but ended up with a dreamy face that looks adorable.

Namps & Grammy at Anna Maria Island

Coco finally realized her dream of sitting on our tree limb...thanks to Namps for the lift.

Lunch at Marina Jack's

Sebastian enjoying the swing Namps hung. Our neighbor later stopped me to tell me how it thrilled his soul to see Dad hanging this swing for his grandchildren. He told me it took a special grandfather to literally climb out on a limb to get the job done. I told him I already knew my Dad was super special and that he was THE BEST grandfather in the world. Of course, I had to say it quickly and leave because the tears were filling in my eyes. :-)

Grammy reading Coco her new mermaid book. This was her treat for doing such a great job at her first dance recital.

Grammy & Namps eating dinner on the lanai. We eat every single meal outside. It's one of those perks of Florida living that I love. The cage around the pool and patio keep the sun at a minimum and the bugs OUT!

There's no story to this picture other than it's just so good. Mom doesn't like the camera in her face so getting a good "alone" shot doesn't happen often. What a treasure.

What started out as a game getting him to copy Coco's pout face has backfired. Sebastian has mastered his very own pout face and knows just when to use it. Hmph! and all.

Silly Coco "Bean"

Some much overdue R & R for Grammy & Namps

Happy 35th Birthday DP

The love of my life and sunshine of soul turned 35 this year. How could that be? Aren't we still teenagers? I have officially known Donald for more than half of his total birthdays. Would you believe that even after nearly 10 years of dating and almost 8 years of marriage, I am still learning quirky things about him? Here are some of my most recent and interesting revelations: he doesn't walk well when barefoot and doesn't know how to pose for the camera. Despite his perpetual need for shoes and his inability to flash that pretty smile for the camera, he is the most incredible husband and father in the world. Since Donald's company didn't get the memo that if your birthday is on a Saturday you shouldn't have to work, we had a half-day, low-key but very fun celebration: dinner by the sea, ice cream cake and 2 children who were so excited to see Daddy open a present.


Another diner saw me take a picture of the kids and asked if we would like him to take one of the whole family. Ever the shy guy, Donald was instinctively going to decline the offer. Luckily and to no surprise, the words "oh yes thank you!" poured out of my mouth before he had a chance to get his out. And just in time to see Donald flash me one of those infamous "looks." Not the greatest family photo but he'll thank me for it in another 35 years.



Oh, Daddy & his girl; she may be dangerously close to worshipping the ground he walks on. And he is dangerously close to loving every minute of it.




Donald's birthday serenade at church. He handled the spotlight very well.

I wish this photo had audio...the squeals over the ice cream cake were crazy loud!!! It's the simple things in life that bring the purest joy.

End of an Era

It's been a month since we made the big switch so I think it's safe to announce an official end of an era. The Simply Thick era, that is, for Sebastian. Our little guy was born absolutely perfect with one minor defect...he couldn't swallow efficiently. This swallowing deficiency was the root cause of his recurring (aspiration) pneumonias when he was a baby and, once diagnosed & treated, he has been healthy as a horse. Staying healthy meant making all of his liquids the consistency of honey. Milk, juice, water...all of it was as thick as honey. Yuck. Our pediatrician all but guaranteed us he would outgrow it by age 2. So, as he neared the 24 month mark, we started weaning him off it. The 30 day mark was important to reach because that was the cycle of sickness. Healthy - pneumonia - treatment - 30 days - pneumonia again. I am so happy to say goodbye to those obnoxious little packets! No more $100 a month expense; no more labels on all of his cups; no more weird looks from people at restaurants when I would put the gel in his drink. Hallelujah! After more than 30 days without it, he's doing great.

Food for the Soul

While our blog shows lots of pictures of sunshine and smiles, life has thrown us quite a few curve balls since we've moved to the Sunshine Sate. I won't elaborate on these curve balls because my children are healthy, my husband loves me and I know those things are what matter most. However, life goes on and challenges, trials and disappointments do flood in. I have to continue to claim our family scripture and hold tight to the promises Romans 8:28 give: that ALL things work together for good to those who love the Lord. This much I know - I love the Lord with all my heart and soul. He is all I need and He will NEVER leave me or forsake me.




I heard this song on the radio the other day when I was having one of my "moments." You know the kind of moment I'm talking about. The kind where I lose sight of who's really in control and was well on my way to a pity party. This song snapped me out of it and drew me right back to where I belong....safely in God's arms praising Him for being all I will ever need & asking Him to forgive me for ever doubting that. I wanted to share this song just in case someone else needs to hear it as badly as I did. Music is food for the soul and this song will fill you up! So, despite what seems like life's raindrops, tears or disappointments, thanks to my Jesus, I continue to be BLESSED BEYOND MEASURE!

Off to the races...

Our newest Florida friends, Steve & Amanda Crump, invited us over for a mini Kentucky Derby soiree. Inspired by the recent royal wedding, I was excited to go shopping for a hat. What's a Derby party without pretty headpieces? Even Coco got excited about wearing her hat to the "horse party!" The Crumps are Kentucky natives and provided great entertainment (comic relief maybe?) with a serenade of My Old Kentucky Home. LOL! Once again, they shared their gift of hospitality with us and everyone had a great time.

Momma & Coco

Derby Divas: Kendra, Amanda & Melinda