The Bark

Rowley just got her first piece of mail today! Paul and Sheila were kind enough to send a funky magazine we have yet to stumbled upon, called The Bark, our way. Once Rowley drifts off to sleep I can't wait to spend some time flipping through the pages. I'm already in love with some of the funky dog beds pictured on the inside cover! Maybe we could figure out a way to make a Popsicle Pants Parker dog bed in our free time! We will keep our fingers crossed. Thanks Paul and Sheila. Rowley loved the surprise!

Congratulations Mom!

This week couldn't have been better.

After much anticipation Mom sold and bought a house! We couldn't be more pleased for her.

Although it is strange saying goodbye to the house I grew-up in, I'm so excited for Mom. She has found an amazing place in Medfield that she gets to build a condo from scratch.

Hopefully I can repay her for looking through all those wedding magazines a few years ago by looking through architecture and interior design magazine in the months to come. It looks as if this spring and summer will be busy since she moves at the end of August.

Congratulations Mom!

Rowley's Arrival

Rowley has arrived! After much work "dog-proofing" our house (the place hasn't been this clean since we moved in), purchasing crates, toys, and treats we were ready to head to Maine to pick-up our new pup.

Last weekend we made the trip to Warren, Maine for the newest member of our family. It's hard to believe we have had this little German Shepard for a week. We swear she has already grown. Fortunately, she has started to sleep though the night. It took us a while getting use to waking up every 2 hours at night to let her out -- sleep is something we haven't had much of until trading off who looks after her this weekend. Managing on a few hours of shut-eye each day is the least of our troubles considering how rewarding every other minute is with her by our side.

Fortunately, Rowley doesn't mind us sticking a camera in her face. We'll try our hardest not to post too many photos of her -- it's not easy considering how cute she is!

Here is the first of many slide shows: (Click on the thumbnail below to start the slide show).

Rowley
March 22 - 29 2008

Rowley's Arrival

And the Winner is...Emily

Every Easter my Mom's side of the family has their annual Egg Crack. I have no idea how the tradition started, but we have been keeping the tradition alive with success. Since explaining how the Egg Crack works would take up much of your patience anyone interested in learning more should send $3.00 to the address below. Please allow 12-16 weeks for delivery.

This year Emily won the egg crack (a first in 26 years). Emily's winning egg (aka "The Crusher") pummelled the competition -- the sweet looking teddy bear/bunny rabbit painted facade won't fool us again next year. This couldn't be a better surprise for all since Easter happens to be her favorite holiday and she traveled the furthest to be there.

Here are a few images from the exciting afternoon.

Welcome Home Emily!

Welcome home Emily! I'm not exactly sure when Emily, my Mom, and I just took a little time to hang out together. Since Emily is home for Easter Mom and her decided to stop by for an impromptu visit. It's been good to hear how her classes are progressing. Fortunately, Jay was able to sneak a camera and snap a casual photo of all of us. I believe that last time a candid group shot was taken of all of us together Emily and I must have been in grade school. Although none of us like having our photo taken, it's nice to finally have a recent image of all of us together.

Back from the Bahamas

I just returned from a wonderful and restful vacation with my Mom, my aunt Anne, and cousin Victoria. Mom was kind enough to invite me to travel to the Bahamas with the rest of the crew for 8 days. The weather was a much needed change from the bitter cold. Nothing beats lying in the sun all day, not having to cook one meal, and of course time with your family. Mom, thank you for a wonderful trip. I love you.

Husband of the Year

After much procrastinating, today was the day to pack for the Bahamas. My Mom has been kind enough to invite me along with the girls (my Aunt Anne and cousin Victoria) for a week in the sun.

The most dreaded part of preparing for a last minute trip to the sun, has to be trying on last year's bikinis. I confronted my fears late last night and instantly had plans for today -- find at least 2 bikinis. After 5 hours and 7 stores later the mission was complete.

Not being a fan of shopping, especially when hunting for necessities needed the next day (it seems to be a common occurrence for me), I was so pleased when Jay offered to spend the day with me. I don't know how he managed to withstand dressing room after dressing room. If there is a husband of the year award drifting out there it has his name on it.

The day wouldn't have been the same without him. Between watching him pull out the most absurd outfits for himself at Filene's Basement and then finding a smile still on his face after I returned from 45 minutes of trying on different suits (I managed to snag 13 - 15 different bikinis at once -- I was desperate) he couldn't have amazed me more.

Jay, I don't know where I found you...but thank you for making the day a blast. I promise you won't have to return to any of those stores again soon -- you know I'm not in any rush. I love you.

Willow 2000 - 2008

When it rains it pours. At least that seems to be the best way to explain the current absence of any 4 legged friends living at 59 Winthrop Street.

On Monday, we decided to put Willow down. Although we are still recovering from Sydney leaving us, Willow's unpredictable behavior was getting too risky for us or guests to be around. While he may have been missing a few marbles, it doesn't make it easy to say goodbye. Fortunately, I was able to take a good number of photos of the little guy this weekend. He certainly was a gorgeous cat. I loved his slate blue/gray coat and bright yellow eyes. Thankfully, he always was a good model.

Happy Birthday Jason!

Happy Birthday Jay! I couldn't resist posting this photo of Jay in honor of his 29th birthday. I'm not sure exactly how old Jay may have been when this photo was taken on Belmont Street (6 or 7?) -- hopefully someone will fill us in this week. One thing is for sure -- I've never seen a more stylish baseball player/rock star/string-bean as him!

Newburyport, MA

Today Julie was gracious to toss me the keys to her Audi A4 when we headed out to lunch in Newburyport, MA with my Father and Sheila. Julie, Sara, and I grabbed a sweet parking spot on Main Street and strolled down to Not Your Average Joe’s for some delicious grub and much needed laughs.

Sheila surprised us with some hilarious cupcakes that will probably create much ado upon my upcoming trip to the dentist. And for the non-sweets section – a plethora of Rao's pasta sauce – she truly knows the way to my heart.

It was a little too cold to leisurely wander the incredible downtown area but we hope to return this summer for some walk about time.

Sheila and Dad, thank you so much for taking us out for a great time and cheering me on into my 29th birthday.

Mayhausens Pretty Sydney 1995 - 2008

On Monday Jay and I had to say our final goodbye to Sydney (her legal name was Mayhausens Pretty Sydney -- the Kennel came up with it). She had eaten very little for the last week and last weekend she ate nothing - not even the "bedtime" bones that she use to take one after another each night from me.

She was thrilled to see Paulette (her first Mother) on Saturday and Sunday. We spend the time at home, sitting on the floor with Sydney in various rooms of the house - talking, laughing, and petting her. Paulette left Sunday around 4:00 pm. The timing of everything was uncanny. Sid went outside Sunday night with her usual 'need no help' attitude but once she was back inside laid down for the night. The next morning she refused to get up even after Jay tried to lift her into a general standing position -- she would not/could not stand or sit. She cried and whimpered when Jay finally carried her downstairs.

After agreeing that she was experiencing more than dehydration and fatigue we drove her to the vet. Fortunatly, both of us were able to put our obligations at work on hold for the day. It is amazing how much Sid was a part of our life. I don't think I ever knew how many dog toys/treats we owned until we started packing everything up. It's going to take a good deal of time before we can adjust to her not being around. We are just so glad she was a part of our lives. We wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

Welcome to Maine: The Way Life Should Be

One of our new year resolutions included finding more time to spend with our family. Fortunately we were able to escape to Maine this weekend. One of the best parts had to have been spending time in our favorite city with my Dad and Melody. Melody had never been to the area and the last time my Dad took in the sites was 20+ years ago. (I guess that explains why family trips to the area never seemed to happen when I was young). Although the temperature was fairly low, we had a great time downtown taking in the shopping scene.

No trip to Maine is ever complete without stopping by 12 Belmont Street. We were so glad to see Paul and Sheila. What made the weekend all the more special had to have been dinner on Saturday night. Paul and Sheila took all of us out to the Five Fifty-Five for an incredible meal and of course good conversation. We can't thank all of our parents enough for making the weekend so special. We always love the time we spend with each of you but spending it as a group makes it all the better.

Happy Anniversary Paul and Sheila

Last year in the end of August we spent a wonderful week in Middleton, RI celebrating Jay's parents' 20th anniversary. Paul and Sheila, were kind enough to invite us, Jay's sister Kris, and her husband Kevin to celebrate two decades together under one roof. Sheila found an amazing house that was built nine years ago (I may be a little off on the date -- but I'm sure it's less than ten years old). The house couldn't have been more unique. The entire construction was based around old wood beams that the owners' had savaged and shipped in from Tennessee. Everywhere I turned I found myself mesmerized by the construction and overall decor. Jay and I are currently drafting new plans to renovate 59 Winthrop Street (I'm only kidding -- although the thought has crossed my mind more than once since returning yesterday. Although the house was stunning, nothing was better than having quality time with our family.

Paul and Sheila's generosity always amazes me. We enjoyed unbelievable food at numerous restaurants, but nothing could beat what Sheila was able to put together once she sets foot in the kitchen. Kris did an unbelievable job seeking out exciting places to explore. Between wine tastings, enjoying the beautiful mansions nestled along the shore while trekking around Cliff Walk (the Parker clan walked the terrain five mornings in a row), taking in the sights on a Harbor Cruise, window shopping in downtown Newport, jumping aboard a helicopter for an aerial view of RI, getting a sneak peak of Newport's rich architectural history on a tour through many of the famous side streets, experiencing everything Fort Adams has to offer, finding time to play a little put-put, and who could forget soaking up some sun on Eastern Beach.

As you can tell our week was eventful. While we filled our days with plenty, our evenings were just as much fun. Nothing compares when spending some downtime with your family. Whether we were playing intense games of Pictionary, watching the Red Soxs, or just catching-up over chocolate good times were always had. As sad as we were to return home, the vacation couldn't have been better. Congratulations Paul and Sheila! We love you and can't thank you enough for letting us enjoy your anniversary with you. Our goal now: to find a way to spend another week together next year -- if you can handle being surrounded by your family once more. This time we won't wait 20 years!

Here are a number of slide shows from our trip. I can't thank Kris enough for sending along so many family photos. Your the best!

Home Sweet Home: A look around Sheila's unbelievable find.

Ahoy One And All: The Harbor Cruise

Out and About: Admiring Newport's Famous Architecture

Food Glorious Food: Evenings Out and About

Sophie Grace Keefover

One of the many excellent events to come our way in 2007 included the birth of Allyson's (Sara's cousin) second daughter, Sophie Grace Keefover. On September 24th Sophie arrived and was only 2 lbs and 15oz! Seeing photos of her had me in awe. Aside from how beautiful she is, I was amazed by her size considering she only weighed 3oz more than me when I was born. We look forward to seeing more photos of Allyson's family in 2008. A belated congratulations and we hope to see you guys soon!

A Practical Christmas For All

We never complain when receiving gifts, but nothing beats giving gifts. Jay and I have an ongoing system of gift giving -- practical gifts for him and non-practical for me always seem to work. This season practical gifts seemed to be our mantra. Jay and I were busy before the 12 days of pages and Christmas countdown creating a much overdue wedding album. 164 pages and countless gruelling hours staring at a monitor later we completed the task. From the sounds of things our parents couldn't be happier. We were so pleased to give them a final gift to thank them for everything they did to make our wedding a reality. We had a blast creating the album thanks to the wonderful images our photographers and friends, Enna and Matt Graizer, shot during the event. Thanks to their amazing photography, I was even able to surprise Jay with an album I designed from our engagement shoot.

Since we can't share the books with you here, the least we can do is show you the covers of each of the albums.

Deck the Halls

We had a blast helping Mom and Sammy get her house ready for the 25th. After a hard day's work, I must say the house couldn't look better. Between her gorgeous tree, nutcrackers, endless ornaments, and of course a good dose of Irving Berlin's White Christmas we are ready for the holidays. Here are a few photos of us decking the halls. Mom, thanks for a wonderful day. We love you!

Greater Portland

This weekend, Sara and I packed up the car one more time to jump up to Maine. It took all of our effort to roll out early in order to get Sydney to a new kennel (Palmer Kennels of Acton MA - which got an 5 star from us as well as Sydney) and I would like to take this opportunity to credit Sara on a new found skill of packing her things the night before to easy the morning departure.

We arrived in time to see Mom before she returned from Gorham to Bethesda. We got to see her new rug which looks terrific - so soft! She had to leave just hours after we arrived so we helped out for a few moments, winterizing the house, lowering storm windows, and pretending to be helpful.

Just down the street we did find time to relax and catch-up over delicious food and ale at the Sebago Brewing Company. With a great list of not your average beers, there was something for everyone. Northern Light - a light beer for Sara, Slick Nick, SBC's holiday ale, and I skipped the soup de jour to partake in 16oz of Lake Trout Stout - wow.

After hugs and kisses, Mom was off to the skies and we were off to Cumberland to see the Bezansons and Plettes. We found the whole crew - Sandy, Andre, Laurel, Jennifer, Nick, Nicole, Alex and even Gary to boot!

Kristin and Tim Grannell arrived soon after to drop off Perrin which brought out a total number to 11. It was quite a raiding party for that evenings dining at Thai Garden in Freeport. As usual, I found room to put in another meal within three hours.

We stayed in at the Plettes after that - playing pool and staying up late to play Axis and Allies - which Nick lead a surgical strike against Gary (who had only played once before).

Oh, and Nicole made whoopie pies. I had two. That's probably why I had no problem staying up late.

The next morning we found it tough to say goodbye. (Nick, Nicole, and Alex fly back to Okanowa, Japan next weekend). We will miss you.

Way To Go Kris!

Jerry Seinfeld famously joked that at a funeral, the average person would rather be in the casket than giving the eulogy. Indeed, according to national surveys the fear of public speaking is America’s greatest fear, surpassing the fear of illness, fear of flying, fear of terrorism, and amazingly, the fear of death itself. BUT NOT OUR KRIS! Although she spared all of us (except the ever loving and compassionate Kevin) all the hours of rehearsing and fine tuning - Kris's presentation yesterday was a great success. With no room for cold feet she nailed a twenty minute prezento - no small feat! At the end of the meeting, someone in the audience said that she recognized Kris from the National Library Honor Society - who's cool now! Way to go, Kris.

Thanksgiving in Maine

We just returned home from a wonderful Thanksgiving at Sheila and Paul's in Portland, Maine. Spending more than 2 nights in the area gave us plenty of time to catch-up with friends and family over the holiday. After plenty of Thanksgiving turkey, the Parker clan made sure they left space for 30 crustaceans the next day. I may not be a lobster fan...but I love the brilliant orange hue lobsters become once cooked.

Our Family Knows How To Put On A Good Show

Even though Halloween has come and gone, we couldn't pass up sharing how our family loves to celebrate in style. Each October Jay's sister, Kris, and her husband, Kevin, leave us amazed by their Halloween costumes. When it comes to costumes, we have yet to meet a duo that out matches them.






If you thought you may have had a chance at winning best Halloween costume in this family we are so sorry but you better KISS that dream goodbye. This year no one can out do these two. We love you Kris and Kevin! We can't wait to see what you surprise us with next year.