To my Wife...

As Chrissy and I celebrate our 14th anniversary, I want to take a moment to celebrate my dear wife on her weight loss. I have witnessed the entire process firsthand and it has been amazing. In my eyes, it has been a total body transformation; not only physically but mentally as well. I am happy to say that my wife is the most dedicated, powerful, and inspirational person that I know. She has proven that these qualities along with tons of hard work is the key to accomplish any goal. It all started with dedication. She is the type of person that puts 110% into everything that she does. She began her journey by doing minimal exercise in the home and changing not only her eating habits but allot of mine as well. Day by day, week by week, I continuously saw her do more and more. Mid July, I went on a business trip to Chicago and asked her to go with me. We stayed at a place that had free membership to a gym nearby. As I would go to work, she would go to this gym. After the first day, she told me, we need to join a gym. As we returned home, one of the first things that we did was join a gym. I have seen her progress from walking a short distance to running for miles and miles and miles at a time, along with many other activities. I have heard her say many times that exercise becomes and is addictive. She definitely makes it a high priority and loves doing it. She has also had many obstacles to overcome throughout the entire process. Most people would have thrown their hands in the air and give up. My dear wife persevered through these and by doing so has made her a much stronger person mentally. She has been an inspiration to so many people. I have clearly heard hundreds of people say to her, you are a huge inspiration. I am more proud of her transformation than any other thing in my life. Their is clearly no other person than me that could be more proud and happy for the things that she has been able to accomplish. She has inspired me more than she would ever know or begin to understand. Chrissy, you truly are a hero and I love you more than words can say. Happy Anniversary...

The Before, Middle and After

Today I hit a major milestone in my weight loss journey.

I reached my weight goal.

145 pounds lost.

In just 14 months.

In case you can't imagine how much losing 145 pounds of fat and nastiness can change your body, check out how it changed mine.

Before - July 2009


The Middle - August 2010 - about 6 months in and 70 pounds lost


And the After - June 2011 - 145 pounds lost


It has taken a lot of hard work, committment, dedication, will power and faith in myself to reach my goal, but I did it. I finally did it.

And it feels good.

Really good.

Go Dolphins!

It's that time of year.

Fall

or better known around our house

FOOTBALL.

Now Donny, he lives and breathes by what is going on in the great state of Alabama, and fantasizes about the day when he is retired and he can roll around the country with his beloved Crimson Tide.

But this year beside the crimson, we are seeing Teal and Orange, and one little boy who lives in our house is dreaming about Dolphins.

Yes, along with the Crimson Tide, Donny has been fantasizing about the day one of his boys starts playing football. Because, really, what is the point in having a son if you can't pass on to him the love of football?

So, Colin is all geared up, ready to attack


He's been busy practicing, learning how to run plays and take a hit.


He even had to get a haircut so he could get his helmet on and be abe to see.


That haircut was my least favorite part. I like my boys with long locks of hair. Yes, because I still fantasize that they are girls. But seriously, does this kid have ginormous hands or what!

First game is this Saturday. Bright and early. 9:00 am.


Go Dolphins!! Good Times!!

And if you are a parent on an opposing team from my son, and your kid weighs more than 100 pounds, could you please ask him to not tackle my son in any way, form or fashion. Thanks! That would be just great!

Birthdays are of the Devil

Another year has passed and now Donny is another year older.

37 years older to be exact.

Last year we spent Donny's birthday in the hospital with Madilyn who was having yet another surgery, while he and I nursed ourselves back to health from our ravaging strep throat.

Happy to say this year, no hospitals, no surgeries, no strep throat (I am knocking on wood as I type this!).

And while Donny and I may be getting older, he thankfully is still older than me, we are getting smaller and smaller. We have been working our hinnies off, well, I have been working my hinny off, Donny doesn't have a hinny to work off, but he does have a gut, well, he used to have a gut, he has been working it off!

Did that sentence combine enough fragments to even make sense?

Anyway, Donny has lost almost 50 pounds of belly fat and I have lost almost 80 pounds of belly, booty, thigh, back, arm, face, neck, hand, feet, fingers and toe fat.

Together we are the incredible shrinking couple. And we are still going. Everyday. No mercy!

So when birthdays come around, especially Donny's, problems arise for the incredible shrinking couple. What is a birthday without an ooey-gooey chocolate birthday cake? Now I opted out of having a birthday cake this year. Yes, cause I am THAT good. But Donny, well, the man loves chocolate. So as a faithful dedicated good little wifey, I made the ooey-gooey chocolate cake for my man.

And let me tell you, it is of the devil!


So there it sits, half eaten, half left, getting ooeyer and gooeyer every minute.

Have I had a piece?

NO!

And I have no intention of having a piece. Yes, cause I am THAT good!

Now I know what you are all thinking. What is the point of living if you can't even enjoy a piece of your husband's birthday cake, even if it is of the devil. Well, the point is, umm, yeah, I don't know yet. I know there is a point somewhere. When I figure it out, I'll let you know. In the meantime, I will not be partaking of anything that is of the devil!

My Bestie is the BEST!

For my birthday this year, Donny surprised me with a plane ticket to Ft. Myers, FL to spend five fabulous days with my most favorite person on the planet (besides him, of course). Jen and I have been friends for years and she is more like a sister to me than a friend. I was super excited by my gift!

We all know what happened on my birthday, so I wasn't sure if I was still going to make it to Florida or not, but everyone said I should still go, so off I went.

Jen and I had a great time shopping, eating out, getting manis and pedis, more shopping, going to the beach , couponing, working out, and chatting it up till all hours of the night.











So thanks to Jen for a great week and thanks to Donny for a great birthday gift and for playing Mom and Dad all week.

In Loving Memory of My Father

Michael Dewitt "Mike" Parr
February 11, 1954 - August 15, 2010

Matthew 11:28-29 "Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."

On Sunday, August 15, 2010 my father ended his own life. There are no words to express the loss and grief my family feels at this time. There are many unanswered questions that we may never know the answers to in this life. But we have faith and take comfort knowing that he is now in a place of comfort and love and has found peace. He will truly be missed and our lives are forever altered, but I hope he feels our love, understanding and compassion for him.

When I'm Gone

When I come to the end of my journey
And I travel my last weary mile,
Just forget if you can, that I ever frowned
And remember only the smile.
Forget unkind words I have spoken;
Remember some good I have done.
Forget that I ever had a heartache
And remember I've had loads of fun.
Forget that I have stumbled and blundered
And sometimes fell by the way.
Remember I have fought some hard battles
And won, ere the close of the day.
Then forget to grieve for my going,
I would not have you sad for a day,
But in summer just gather some flowers
And remember the place where I lay,
And come in the evening
When the sun paints the sky in the west
Stand for a few moments beside me
And remember only my best.

Southaven - MICHAEL D. "MIKE" PARR, 56, Kroger manager for 36 years, died Sunday, August 15, 2010 at his home. Mr. Parr was born February 11, 1954 in Houston, TX and he grew up in Greenville, MS. Visitation will be Tuesday, August 17 from 7-9 p.m. at Twin Oaks Funeral Home in Southaven. Services will be Wednesday, August 18 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with burial in Twin Oaks Memorial Gardens in Southaven. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Carolyn Parr of Southaven; two daughters, Miriam Parr Arroyo and her husband, Ross of Hattiesburg, MS and Chrissy Parr Langley and her husband, Donny of Newnan, GA; one son, Blake Parr and his wife, Shelby of Byhalia, MS; four sisters, Angie Parr Cohea, JoAnn Parr Sumrall, Diane Parr Goodwin, and Nancy Parr Fugett; and seven grandchildren, Jonathan, Addison, Tanner, Madilyn, Colin, Anna Reese, and Philip. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dewitt and Eva Parr and one sister, Teri Parr Riddle. The family requests that any memorials be made to the United Way.

Rest in Peace Dad. I love you.

How We've Been Living

It's no secret I have not been updating my blog. And when you see how busy we have been this summer you might understand. If you don't I don't really care. You'll get over it eventually.

My kids got out of school for the summer the Friday before Memorial Day. From there, this is how it all went down

1st week - Me at my churches' Girls Camp for a week
2nd week - Home
3rd week - Camping at Stone Mountain
4th week - Colin and I at Cub Scout Day camp for a week
5th week - Camping in Alabama
6th week - Kids in Alabama, Donny and I in Chicago
7th week - Camping in Chattanooga
8th week - Kids in Mississippi, Donny and I camping at Stone Mountain
9th week - Mississippi for my brother's wedding
10th week - Back to school

As you can see, we packed it in this summer. Big time!

Donny started a new job on May 31st. He was unhappy with some things going on at the Kmart DC and with Sears Holdings company in general and decided it was time to look for a move. In no time, he had an offer from the Walmart.com Fulfillment Center here in the Atlanata area as an Operations Manager. And with all jobs there are always the good and the bad.

The good - To start out, he will only be working three days a week - Saturday, Sunday, Monday.

The bad - He will be working Sundays

But for the summer the job was great and we were able to do so much traveling and have lots of fun. Now the kids are back in school and we will see how well things continue to go.

Enjoy some pics from our summer adventures

My five fabulous young women I chaperoned at Girls' Camp


Stone Mountain Fun






Camping in Alabama with Donny's family









Chicago, Baby!





Chattanooga Fun where Nana joined us for a week of camping








Now I don't have any pictures of my brother's wedding because I am STILL WAITING on my sister (who was the photographer) to HURRY UP and edit the photos that EVERYONE is DYING to SEE!

So that wraps up our very exciting, fun, eventful, packed-full summer.

We are a week into school and back to reality.

Bring on the good times!

Bad Blogger

Yes, that is me. Cannot believe three months have passed since I last posted something on here. We have lots going on, and are so super busy, so maybe soon I will get this thing caught up since I know everyone is so interested in staying up-to-date with my fascinating family!

My Mr. Fix-It

Anyone need a handyman?


He can do it all folks - electrical, plumbing, HVAC, general carpentry - He is your man.

Just have him home by 8:00. He has a very strict bedtime.

Birds, Butterflies, Blooms and Bribes

What are your kids willing to do for a pack of gum?

My kids LOVE gum, and since I frequently am able to get it for next to nothing, I keep a nice stash of it hidden away for moments when I need it. You see, my kids will do just about anything for a pack of gum. But more of that later.

If you live in the South, then you know that this past weekend was BEAUTIFUL. As soon as we found out how warm and pleasant it was going to be, we knew it was time to take the camper out for the first time this year.

We headed up to Pine Mountain (or should I say down since it is technically south of us) and camped at Roosevelt State Park and spent the day at Callaway Gardens. It was a great little trip and the fresh air and warm sunshine was perfect!

The Birds of Prey show was great, until some wild eagles decided to crash the party and freaked out all the birds in the show. Freaked out birds means "Show is Over!".




The Butterfly House was, well, it was just HOT! We were disappointed that there weren't more butterflies, but the ones we did see were lovely.



The Horticultural Center made me long for Spring, for flowers, and maybe even a trip to Hawaii.







And now today, it was snowing again. Crazy! But at least we got one perfect weather weekend out of the cold wet winter!

And speaking of perfect, all I had to do was offer up each kid a pack of gum to get some great shots of them on the mountain.







But don't ask them to share. They are not into that.

Now how long until we can go again?