debra parker | one girl

dressing up + spider webs

This just turned out to be one of those dreamy days.  The kind you choose to tuck into your heart and remember forever.  It was peaceful and quiet.  The kids had a blast and I chose to relish in it.  In the late morning we decided to raid our Christmas lights and put some up.  The construction paper bats and fake spider webs were added for special effect.  Instead of running around to different fall fests the kids walked our own streets.  I handed out candy to the same kids I watch play at the pool.  I listened as little ones said "watch out, this is a scary house, ooh spiders..." 

My favorite moment may have been when a little dude walked up and told me he was the scary batman all the while grinning from ear to ear.  I leaned down and said "Oh, I am so scared"...and his smile got even bigger.  He was more than pleased.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

just because

just because we had a free day...

we decided to take a tour of some of our favorite Houston spots.

and I decided to take my camera...  and I promised myself to NOT meter and set up every shot.  every now and then it is just good to be free and ride the days of being a mom paparazzi.  maybe that makes me a 'not so serious photographer' but it makes me, just that, me.

this four had fun.  the weather was perfect!  the conversation was so fun.  my heart is full from lingering thoughts and words about our present and future family.  the kids always think of R when we are having 'Parker Time'.  the overwhelming amount of strollers always remind us of our coming days pushing around J.  we love to love one another.  days like this make it so much easier.

Colt, the directions police...

 

the BEST pizza in Houston!

 

they make my life a lot more fun...

 

dear Houston, we love you.

forget + remember

sometimes, I forget...

to notice how very funny they are.

to stop and make a memory.

to listen to her stories.

to show them I love them.

to let myself relax.

to memorize the spark in their eye.

to show them I can be funny.

to not 'hush' their words.

but good days like today,  I remember...

and I thought I was doing it for them.

grill master?

no.  I am not.

no matter the 100 degree temps, I fired up the grill to surprise the man.  I am so glad that he loves surprises.

table presentation:

looking good, babe!

and for your enjoyment:

surprise!  I burned our dinner.  I always feel the need to make sure our chicken is DONE.  that is just being a good cook, right?

have you had any good surprises lately?

colt10.

Our dude, our little man, the boy, turned 10.

This boy is all about Lego's, skate boards, helmet wearing, baseball, and of course, dad.  His idea of a good day is spending hours upon hours in water.  His eyes are creased with goggle marks and his legs are more than tan.  He is sure to wear his sunscreen and LOVES his long hair.  At the moment, we are working on a hair cut.  Top in the running is a faux hawk.  Love him.

The night before his birthday we celebrated with Chuck E. Cheese.  Colt's choice.

Even though he loves Chuck E., Dad always holds his top spot.

Colt decided a swim party with his friends was more important than a $100.  That is the choice we have given them each year.  He took the money the last couple of years. 

And some sisters came...  This made our girl VERY happy.

Fun, fun, fun!

This was the happiest and easiest party we have ever thrown.  Hands down.  We served Colt's favorites, hot dogs, kool bursts, and watermelon.  A great day, indeed!

beach weekend.

love.
 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

in case you do not know... meat tenderizer + vinegar relieve jellyfish stings.  and root beer helps.

thank you galveston, texas.

and we blind fold our kids.

 

By far one of the funnest things we have done.  And one of the most simple.  One night of Spring Break we put the kids to bed on time (8pm).  A few minutes later, once they were settled and quiet, Ernest (in a party kind of shout) said, what are you guys doing in bed sleeping, It's Spring Break!! Get up and get dressed we are going out!!!

And the laughter began...  Where are we going, What are we going to do?  Are you guys going crazy?  And to the last question, we answered, YES!

Ernest blind folded them.  Which I thought made them look like some form of ninja wanna be.  It was so funny.  We led them to the car and the silence was a shocker.  They were listening to EVERYTHING trying to figure out where we were.

We took them to our mall that happens to house a movie theater.  Late night movie for four, something they had NEVER done.  All was great up until they were saying very OUT LOUD, where are you taking us??, strangers started to wonder, I am just sure.  Our laughter gave us away as crazy parents.

The photos are blurry because of that laughter.  I could not keep my hands still enough to catch a good shot in dark lighting.  No matter, they are priceless.

And in the end the smell gave it away.  As we got to the food court Carly smelled food and immediately it came to her.  MOVIES!  (our theater is right behind the food court)

Let's end this with a little movie goers tip:  At the concession stand we always ask for 2 courtesy cups.  They are little paper FREE cups.  The kids dip their cups in the large popcorn and have their own stash, when empty they dip again.  It is cheaper than buying different bags and much easier than always reaching over.  It keeps everyone happy.  I have also been known to do this with a large drink.  I am cheap, what can I say?

me and my goatee.

This afternoon me and my two spent a couple of hours chatting on the front porch.  We covered all the bases including highs and lows of their day.  Colt was being extra cuddly this afternoon.  I more than loved it.

He snuggled up close and proceeded to examine my face.  At that precise moment his little mouth opened and shared this one question.

"Mom, are you growing a goatee?"

Yes.  He really said this.

At this point Carly ran over for closer inspection and declared her brother to be true and a possessor of great eye sight.

By this point I could not stop laughing.  It did not break my heart.  I found it so funny.

Tonight I looked into the mirror and saw it for myself.  Oh my.

Anyway, I just had to jump on here and share this most interesting moment in my life.  Tonight, February 27, 2009, I waxed my lip and some.  And what do I have to say about that?  Ouch.  And Ouch.  My face is currently all shades of red and I just cannot stop laughing at myself.

I thought that maybe you would get a kick out of it as well.

I love being a mom.  My kids are the absolute joy of my life.

What is the craziest thing your kid has said to you?

Love Fest 09

Our plans for the weekend went from hanging out and about to hanging indoors.  Colt is on the sick side.  Poor guy.  We did however celebrate love this weekend.  And it was fun.

I made good use of my still undecided photo frames.

Carly decided she wanted a wall to decorate.  Love her.

She wrote Ernest a poem and gave me some Walgreens coupons [?].  Love her again.

We had to call and cancel the babysitter since Colt was sick.  It proved to be better.  Take out Chinese! We have loved many a carpet picnic after the kids go to bed.  Date night at it's finest.

Ernest brought home some white roses wrapped just the way I love them.  He knows me well.  Part of the fun for me is to cut them and arrange them in one of my beloved jars.  He also brought Carly a red rose.  He knows her well too.

None other than our weekend drug store.

And Saturday brought in the family fun.

We had a late lunch and early dinner which, of course, is linner.  That is a common term in this household.  Another carpet picnic while watching Madagascar 2.

And from our family to you...

Happy Love. Love from God.  Love from Family.  Love from friends.  Love.

grass time.

The other day I met the kids outside to play.  And play we did.  After our hour of catch we all laid in the grass to chat it up.  In the process I noticed a little zit on Colt's cheek.  You would have thought he just won a golden ticket.  Quickly, he was on his feet doing the happy dance jig. "I'm a teenager", "I'm a teenager"...

Oh, the BOY. 

 

 

Laying in the grass is one of my favorite ways to pass time.  How could it not when this is what you see.