Category Archives: marriage

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and they date.

August 31, 2008 – 8:42 pm

We have come a far walk from our first date on September 24th 1994. That night we doubled with another couple. I think our meal was all of five dollars at Taco Bell. That was high stuff for some high school seniors. After our glorious tacos and nachos supreme [minus green onions] we hit the bowling alley. Ernest was a smooth mover. I will never forget him putting his hand on my leg. Holy cow. I remember that feeling so strange. Ernest Parker was touching my leg. Ernest Parker, the guy that I have known all of my school years. The guy that I absolutely hated in middle school. Yes, that Ernest Parker. Who knew that ordinary night in September would be some of the moments that would define my future.

I am so happy that all these years later we are still dating.

I promised photos & words.

We drove downtown to eat juicy burgers at Jax. The atmosphere is glorious there.

Parking is horrendous but the atmosphere is worth the wait.

God knows that I am a SUCKER for sunsets. I hardly ever see them from my new neighborhood.

Is it weird that this made me feel special? I’ll take it as an I love you from God.

I had never been to Ikea. This seemed like the perfect opportunity. I have been

stalking their catalogs for some time.

My new dream living area. I am thinking we could bust out a wall and make

this a reality. [ha. we are leasing]

Can you tell by the look on my face that I LOVED this place. There was

much nesting happening in between those walls. Dreaming of the

future is good stuff. I highly recommend it.

After Ikea we drove over to the downtown aquarium. We rode this ferris wheel 4 times.

I am so afraid of heights that even this wheel gives me the shakes. It was more fun that I could have imagined.

Even though I would not let Ernest sit on the same side as me. Hello…

the weight needed to be evenly placed. Right?

After riding the ferris wheel I was seeking ground level fun. We walked the Buffalo Bayou and talked.

Talking is good. Why is it that we go days without a REAL solid conversation.

We need to work on that.

Your turn:

What is the best date that you and your man/woman have been on? Or what is your fairy tale dream date. [mine would be the dreamy one from Pretty Woman where he flies her across the world for dinner and a play]

[these photos were shot with my Casio Exilim snap and shoot]

By debra parker | Tagged , , , | Comments (7)

dating my husband.

August 28, 2008 – 8:47 am

I was asked out on a date for tomorrow night. [insert hot date]  That is what our kids call our date nights.  Mom and Dad are going out on a hot date. Love it.

Here is the deal.

I am trying to think of something new to do.  Let’s pass up dinner and a movie.  Do you have any great ideas?  I am having an issue with feeling inspired.  If you live in Houston can you even suggest Restaurants and tell me what price range they are in.

If you help me gain inspiration I promise to share fun photos.

By debra parker | Tagged , , | Comments (9)

year twelve.

July 13, 2008 – 10:19 pm

I posted this last year.  Look for the added year 12 and the best paparazzi shot of us.


12 years of loving each other. It is good.

Year 1 :: fresh. late night grocery trips. eating dinner on the floor in front of the fireplace. working. school. 1014 C. Cocoa the baby dog. love. candlelight dinners. airplanes landing outside our window. finding out we were pregnant. (how did that happen?) lots of laughing.

Year 2 :: purchased our first home. surrendered to ministry. moved to BBC. Carly was born. sweet pink moments. dinner around the table. big bellies and massages. first snow. growth. sunflowers. finding out that we were pregnant. (how did that happen..again?)

Year 3 :: moving out of married housing. Prospect. Baby blue. no sleep. drama and friendships. vacation bible school. internship. paper routes. lemonade.

Year 4 :: first ministry job. back yard sunflowers. garden. grilling out nightly. lightning bugs. picnics in the grass. laundry. date nights. smiles.

Year 5 :: school. work. kids. ministry. diapers. bottles. the time out chair. jesus being thirsty. friends.

Year 6 :: hard. hurt. growth. big love. learning what love means. larry boy and barbie hair. houston. mosquitoes. astros. galveston. dates. rebuilding. honest.

Year 7 :: finally graduation time. second ministry job. abilene. kids in school. lunch dates. writing. worship. paper in trees. love. security.

Year 8 :: baseball. valentines day dinner. family time. canterbury trails. new friends. biblestudy by candlelight. growing every day.

Year 9 :: mission trips. students. family. love. birthing dreams. more new friends. possum kingdom. laughter.

Year 10 :: new house. pto. church. movement. intercession. cruise. europe. black dress. celebration. kids. life.

Year 11 :: change. faith. time. dream. late night talks. new car. christmas lights. photography. camp. loving. coffee. blockbuster online. books.

Year 12 :: testing. adventure. selling. going. learning. adoption. discovery green. love. search for community. haiti. houston. camps. ecclesia. laughter. tears. new. lace and doilies.

:::

I set this photo up for project 365 (I need to get back on track).  It makes me laugh every time I look at it.  It is some serious paparazzi love.  Except for the fact that we are our own paparazzi.  So there you have it.  In case you ever wanted to know what we look like while we share lunch (insert sarcastic smirk).  Chips & Queso+ Ernest + Project 365 = FUN.

By debra parker | Tagged , , , | Comments (2)