Larry Wayne Parker 08/10/54-11/23/08

When trying to gain control of ALL my emotions and type this, bare with me.

I have been a part of this family for some 22+ years. I babysat the kids, vacationed with the family, and later just became one of the kids. I can't count the MANY days and nights and meals I shared with them. And the 'family' photos we trotted off to RR to take. And the races we went all over NC to. The family arguments we often had with raising pre-teen and teenagers!! The food fights we had. The tears and laughter we shared. The good, bad, and ugly that any family had!! To say I love this family is a HUGE understatement.

As I sat with the Parkers yesterday, we spoke that we NEVER in a million years expected he would die this way. We all had bets he'd die in a car wreck going 100+ mph in one of many fast cars this man was SO passionate about. I never thought I'd get the call that such a giving and loving, kind and compassionate man would be gunned down on his very own back porch while his wife, step-daughter, and grandaughter fought for their lives a few 10 steps away.

This man was a father to many, a brother, an uncle, a grandaddy, a life savor to many. He was a dynamic mechanic and a devoted friend to many. I never knew him to have any enemies. Plain and simple, a GOOD MAN!

Please continue to pray for this family and the family of the other victims- whom on last report, the mother is expected to pull through. Praise God!

Bowen is Going Potty!!

Yes, that's right, my baby is potty trained!!!! He started Tuesday and had 3-4 accidents. I trained both of mine with underwear..Karley might have used 5 pull ups the entire time. Bowen REFUSES to wear one. He says "I aint wearing no diaper!!" So, Tuesday night, he stayed dry ALL NIGHT. Then at home yesterday and all last night, NO ACCIDENTS at all..He even pooped on the big potty!! So, we gave Judson all our diapers today! More than a whole box of Pampers...

My proven theory on potty training girls or boys, DO NOT force it on them. They will do it when they're ready and not one day before!! Karley was FULLY trained in 2-3 days and it looks like Bowen will be too.. And when I say 'trained', there aren't ANY accidents ever! My kids know how to pee and poop beside the road if need be!! Jamie can take credit for Karley pooping in a cotton field, but that's a whole different blog!! LOL!

How 'Bout that snow??!!??

Don't know where ya'll 'stay-to' but we had a beautiful 20-30 minute snow this morning.. It was around 7:50-8:00.. It was pretty decent size and pretty thick.. It must have been in very few spots, b/c Shelley nor people in Jackson got the size we got.. YIPEE!! LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW!!! I love it!!

#3

Okay, party number 3 for the weekend..

Jamie and I Halloweening it Adult Style.. Can ya'll believe Jamie went to this extreme to dress up?? He kept saying, "Add more, right here!" a trip.. First Halloween party Jamie and I have EVER been to--and folks that started in 1998!!

#4

ok, so I got 3 & 4 backwards..

This was Erin & Joe's Baby Shower we hosted at our house. Remind you all that this was party #4 for us in the SAME weekend... Halloween Friday night, Bowen's party Sat., our Halloween party Sat. night, and this shower on Sunday. All of this the SAME week that Joe's Mother passed away! The flowers with Mickey Mouse in them were some that the D'Arco's had at her funeral services. Joe asked me earlier in the week to bring those home with me so that his mother would be at the shower!! One pic of Erin and her mom Darlene, another with Memama.

They got lots of goodies and I can't wait to babysit baby Reagan!!

#2

These are from Bowen's 3rd Birthday Party..Sorry Donielle, apparently Janna took the pic of the cake with her camera not mine.. Anyway, Judson is shown here helping Bowen open some gifts..Granny & Grandaddy gave Bowen his first REAL set of golf clubs. Yes, that's a REAL hard driver he and Jamie are playing with!! Look out Karley! and shins..

#1

Well, in MY defense, I figured I'd better blog or 'get outta town!' So, here's the first one-- Halloween '08- and before you think or say it--better late than never. I've been swamped every since Halloween week.. Bowen was a Pirate and Karley was a Sparkling Witch.. We had a ball at the Conway Baptist Church Fall Festival again this year!! Thanks Michelle!!