Between festivities....

That's where I find myself right now....right smack in the middle of a season of festivities. One might compare it to "the eye of the hurricane".

This past weekend, I hit the big one...yes, the big 3-0. Kevin and some of my sweet friends threw a small surprise party for me at Buca de Beppo, which was very fun. On the actual day-o-my-birth, there were many other parties to attend... We began the day at the Candy Cane Lane preschool Christmas party at our church. Laurel was a little unsure of the petting zoo, and was even less thrilled with the goat that went after her sippy cup. We then proceeded to celebrate the 3rd birthday of our friend Jayk before Kevin had to head to work.

The afternoon brought a college graduation celebration for our friend Christa. Seriously, this girl is amazing. I'm so proud of her. She has worked full time, taken care of her hubby, and gone to school full time....AND managed to graduate with honors. I'm pretty sure it was all I could do to get through college when the only thing I had to take care of was me. Way to go Christa!

The day ended with a dinner date with Laurel to Panera. We got to the register to order, and she immediately spotted the chocolate chip cookies by the register. So, in all of her cuteness, started sweetly begging....More cookie, pease....pease....PEASE!!!! Who could resist? I really wasn't wanting to ruin our "date" before we even ordered.

After 2 days of recovery...we are in gearing up for the festivities of Christmas. Kevin and Laurel left for Austin yesterday for Nanny and Baba's, and I'll head up there today after work. Last night I had the condo completely to myself. It was crazy-quiet. No monitor music...no puppy dog following me around...nothing. Which was nice for about an hour. Then I took myself on another date to Panera (are you noticing a trend?).

The festivities to come include candlelight service with Kevin's family, and Christmas in Austin. Kevin has to work Friday, so he'll come back that morning, and Laurel, Toby and I will stay until Saturday. Should be an exciting weekend of presents, wrapping paper, and boxes. And, maybe if Laurel hits the jackpot, some packing peanuts.

We hope you all have a Merry Christmas with your family or loved ones with whom you celebrate!

Much love to all of you!

And the countdown begins...

Not to Christmas, silly...to the 30s. Yes, they begin on Saturday. And, in anti-climatic form, Saturday will bring a 3-year-old's bday party, a Pre-K event at church, and then hanging out with Laurel while Kevin goes to work. I've noticed that as I get older, birthdays seem more and more like any other day of the week. Not a pity party...just an observation:)

December also has brought another landmark...the 5th anniversary for the Parkers. We got back last Monday from Key West...which for this ocean lover, was amazing. Ocean everywhere I looked...out the window, down the street, surrounding the highway...everywhere. In case you are from Houston and didn't know, the ocean is actually blue...not brown like you see in the gulf. Who knew? The best part is that my husband is a firm believer in the fact that vacation is for doing nothing....and that's what we did. We ate breakfast about 11 every morning, slept about 10 hours a night, and often took naps during the day. By Monday, though, we were definitely ready to return home to the Little Bit. Here are a few pics to give you the brief rundown of the weekend...
Outside our hotel in Key West


The street performers at Sunset

My anniversary present to Kevin...Dolphins tickets...these were our seats
And, the view from our balcony in Miami.

That's all for this Monday...Have a great week!