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!