Pity Party

Historically, I love the holidays. The food, the smells, the fellowship - the entire months of November and December are a constant state of "warm & fuzzy." Since the start of the month, I've been waiting on the excitement in me to come. It's deep down somewhere I can feel it, but it just won't surface. Sort of like when you want to cry, I mean really belly-cry-your-eyes-out kind of cry, but you just can't muster up the tears. Your mind and emotions are ready but something is missing to make it happen. Well, I'm afraid our 2011 journey has beaten the spirit right out of me and it's impossible for me to dig deep enough to find my holiday excitement. Last year's Thanksgiving and Christmas were dreadful; tainted by the anticipation and preparation of a 1,000 mile move and a husband who had already relocated. The Christmas before that was spent in transition living with my parents while we remodeled a house. This makes the 3rd Christmas in a row I won't get to unpack my decorations and sprinkle Christmas spirit all around our house. But wait, we don't have a house right now so I suppose that's a moot point. That brings a whole new bag of guilt. My children don't have their own room to sleep in, their own yard to play in or their own fireplace to hang their stockings on. Our life is just messed up right now and I am smack dab in the middle of a pity party. (The post title warned of this.) If you're reading this and rolling your eyes, I totally don't blame you. I know that God is still in control, my children are healthy and my loved ones are safe & near; I acknowledge these are the things that REALLY matter in life. So I promise to put my big girl panties on and wake up on the other side of the bed tomorrow. However, if you're reading this and you have the time to whisper a prayer for me, please do. I really need God to give me an extra dose of contentment and faith right now because I'm running on empty.

Happy Halloween 2011

Fall Festival 2011

Fall Party 2011

Dan & Staci hosted another fabulous Fall Party this year and we were so lucky to attend. We thought we would be in Florida and miss the annual get together but we are so happy life had plans for us to be there. Each year we add another baby to the bunch; Ellie made her debut this year. We'll see whose family grows for 2012!

Sebastian saying "Cheese!"

Wonder what this group is plotting?

Staci & sweet Tilly

Anderson posing as he "sells stuff" from the table.

Steve getting into the campfire spirit.

Luke as Captain America & Abe as Luigi

Seriously...could this picture get any cuter?!?

This was the best group shot we could get. Sigh.

Dan, Coco & Abe trample through the grave yard.

No fear in these little ones!

Me & my babies - not the best picture but at least no one is crying.

Deck the Halls?

Can you believe in just a few short weeks we'll all be decking our halls and getting ready for the most wonderful season of all?!?! To help you get ready, Coco's preschool is selling live evergreen wreaths and garlands! To see what's available, click here: Sherwood Forest Farms. All orders will arrive within the first 2 weeks after Thanksgiving. E-mail me (kparr@bellsouth.net) if you have any questions or if you would like to place an order.

Random Sweetness

Just because our family blog wouldn't be complete without these precious pictures. I am one blessed momma.

All this random sweetness was captured at the CHS Homecoming Parade. This was one of those days I was so glad I lugged my camera bag with me. You just never know when a Kodak moment will strike.

A New Tradition

We started a new family tradition tonight: decorating our Candy Cottage! Grammy bought us one from Something Special and the kids were so excited to decorate it. The premise is a basic gingerbread house without having to bake the gingerbread. You just get to skip straight to the fun part: decorating! Halloween is the best candy holiday so it was a great one to start with. I'm already scheming on designs for our Thanksgiving house! Sebastian may have eaten as much candy as is on the house, Coco worked so hard at "tiling the roof," and Donald showcased his skills at spreading icing. It was a sticky and fun project but most of all, it was family time together. As the Mommy, that was my favorite part!