Category Archives: For Fun

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tamales + camera = God story

I happen to think God is really cool.  He more than just provides the needs he details moments through the journey.  Unfolding like the most beautifully wrapped present were the details of this story.  I cannot help but share them out.

Last September I learned how to make tamales.  My plan was to make some money for Jamie’s adoption.  Interestingly enough I became known as “tamale lady” by one sweet blogger woman. I thought that really funny because I feel a far cry from all things tamale. We needed to meet in person and sure enough we got the chance.  I love Nancy.  Love her.  She is the most encouraging beautiful woman.  To know her is to love her.

The time that followed has been nothing short of craziness.  In the months we acted on the leading to adopt.  In that time I also picked up a camera and started a little business.  God blessed.

A few weeks ago I got a call from Living Proof Ministries about doing a photo session for Christmas Cards. Nancy works for LPM and shared my name.  Precious brave Nancy.  Nancy is also aware all the money from my little business runs to our adoption fund.

God. only God.

Yesterday we all met and laughed for the camera.  I felt more than honored.  I sit under the ministry of each of these beautiful women.  Some may answer phones, some may answer mail, some may organize, and some may teach but rest assured these women [ahem… and Curtis] are in this together.  It is such a beautiful thing.

Who would have thought?  Debra makes tamales.  Debra meets new friends.  Debra picks up a camera.  Debra plans adoption.  Debra photographs LPM Staff.  God thought.  He can choose in any way to provide our adoption funding.  Today he chose this.

What will it be tomorrow?

I am so along for the ride.  I must say that at this moment I feel a bit wild over him.  Wild enough to have a picture in my mind of holding tight to his strong arms while riding the fast pace of this life.  My hair is blowing in the wind and my cheeks are ravaged by the sun.  I cannot see what lay ahead.  I can only hold on with great anticipation.

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In this photo you can see the fun on my face.  I enjoyed each of you and your good hair. I still cannot believe that I actually jumped up and down for you all.  My plan was to act a little more civilized [insert my own laughter]. Kimberly and Kimberly the LT was fun.  We must do it again.  Liz thank you for coming and being willing to hold a ladder for me and for documenting the wrapping to my story.

Photo Credit: Liz Seay.

happy friday.

today is friday.  if you could do ANYTHING today what would it be.

anything.

me. you.

me.

Taking in the calm before the storm.  Soon and very soon Mr.Ike will make his way here to meet us.  The boy is tracking Ike on his trusty hurricane tracker page.  Pictures to come.

you.

what, where, when are you doing?

if you came over to my home…

You would walk up a short driveway. When you ring the door bell I will quickly answer.  Don’t you know that I have been anticipating your arrival.  We would laugh together while sharing our casual hellos.  The heavy black door is closed after we walk through.

Of course I would have lit some candles on your behalf.  They just make a day feel special.

Maybe we would share a meal.  Something simple like a whole wheat sandwich & pasta.  Or maybe something divine like Chicken Alfredo.  How about anything that goes with Guacamole?  I love that stuff.  I would bring out the pretty glasses and the plates that match.  [Alright… None of my plates match but that is the idea.  They have a non matching togetherness.]

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In the midst of eating and laughing what would we talk about?

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I would share the highs and questions about adoption.  or

I would share how for the life of me I cannot figure out our amazing God.  or

I would try to convince you to do a teen girls ministry with me.  [who knows what that looks like]  or

I would share how I started into photography.  or

I would share funny kid sayings/doings.  or

I would share the horizon vision of youth missions.

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What would you bring to the conversation table?

the DNC and the 9 year old.

Setting: Yesterday afternoon.

Colt is home from school. The news is playing a segment advertising the Democratic National Convention. I am on the computer stalking your blogs.

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[colt] Barack is speaking tonight?

[me] yes. (read: not interested, into the blogs)

[colt] are you going to watch?

[me] yes. (still not real interested. your words must have been good.)

[colt] Can you please dvr Barack speaking tonight? I want to hear what he is going to say

[me] umm. sure. (finally looking up and a bit shocked)

[colt] I want to watch it in the morning before school…

[me] alright. (read: this may be the craziest thing you have ever asked me)

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Scene change: about an hour later at the dinner table with all four Parkers present.

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[colt] Hey dad tonight Barack is going to speak on TV. Mom is going to watch it and dvr it for me.

[me] colt, do you know who Obama is running against?

[colt] (insert curious tone) Umm. Yao Ming?

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wow.

me. you.

hmmm.

It is Friday night. I am vegging out watching TV in my room.

I am craving cake.

Not just any cake.

Wedding Cake. White cake with buttercream icing. Wait. Wait a minute. I mean COLD white cake with buttercream icing.

What are you doing?

::

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Update with photos. (To understand you might want to read the comments.)

me. you.

me.

cooking spaghetti for dinner.

you.

tell me… what are you cooking?

playing in the rain.

This is what we have been doing today.  What are you doing?

secret.

The secret is not that I use this nasty toothbrush on my teeth.  No.  I use it on my eyebrows.  It works like a charm.  I have some of the bushiest eyebrows known to women.  It is a must to wax.  I have even learned to embrace the pain.  This brush keeps my eyebrows going in the right direction.  I picked it up at Wal-Mart about 5 years ago.  That is why it looks so nasty.  Time for a new one?  Surely not.  It has got a lot of life left in it.  After brushing the “would be unibrow” I then dab on some great lash clear mascara.  I love it because not only does it sort of “hairspray” my brows in place but also it makes them appear a little darker.

It seems bushiness runs in the family.  There is a 10 year old girl I love who does the same trick.  It just may be time to buy a spanking new brush to start her collection.

Are you willing to share a beauty secret?

and the winners are…

First off.

Don’t hate me because I am a dork.

Second.

Here were the chances.

Third.

The winner is.

Just click here to watch the video announcement.