YAY for Snow Day!!!

We were thrilled when we woke up to SNOW!!! It's a rare occasion in Tupelo, so the kids and I decided to get out and enjoy it (even though it wasn't much to enjoy)! We've actually been out of school for a few days in "prediction" of the snow, so we were excited to have something to do on our snow days!

The kids went out in the driveway to play in their pi's and pullovers...Needless to say, that didn't last too long! They were freezing! After that, we dressed in our warm bibs and jackets, rode the golf cart over to the big hill to sled with the Shafers. We had so much fun, but poor little Kathryn literally had ice on her eyelashes! It was fun while it lasted, but now I'm ready for warmth and sunshine!!

Happy New Year!!!

On New Years Eve, the Brands hosted us, the Beavers and the Osbirns for dinner, fireworks and lots of fun to ring in the New Year. We ate some delicious seafood gumbo that Caleb made. We watched an amazing fireworks show that the neighbor put on for the whole neighborhood. However, it was SO very cold that we could barely stand it. The temperatures have been from 11-20 degrees at night with wind chills of -5 degrees! It's been miserable. However, the kids bundled up and enjoyed every minute of the fireworks! We had an amazing time with our amazing friends! We were all home by 11:00pm and in the bed to ring in 2018! 

As we sat and reflected on the last year, we realized how very blessed we are! Although most days feel like survival mode with 3 kids, jobs, a household, etc., we hope to try in the year ahead to be in the moment and enjoy these chaotic times with our kids. I've heard so many times before about "blink and these years will be gone"... some days I find myself wishing those times were here, but I am hoping to be able to live in each day knowing that things will be crazy and hectic, but memories are being made that will impact their entire life. I'm praying for health, joy, safety, and protection of my family and friends for the new year!

Mini Family Reunion

Yesterday, we loaded up and headed to Tunica to a "mini" family reunion from the Demilio side of my family. So, it was basically seeing lots of people that I haven't seen in a really long time or whom I've never seen. My grandmother, Elizabeth Demilio Parolli had a sister, Julia Demilio Gho who married Reno Gho. They had 4 children, one of which is Charles "Sonny" Gho, and a daughter Mary Elizabeth Haley. So this family reunion consisted of the children of Sonny and Nancy Gho and of Mary Elizabeth and Chubby Haley (who are both deceased). They were sweet to invite my mama and her 2 brothers and family to attend, too. It was fun and really neat to talk to people who are distant cousins. We had lunch at the Cafe Marie in Tunica. We were excited that Uncle Bobby and Aunt Ginny and Uncle Charlie were able to come and stay the weekend with Mimi. After the reunion, we headed back to Clarksdale to stay the night and spend a little extra time with them! Chet was duck hunting with Caleb, so he wasn't there.

Cousin Billy Joe, Karen, Uncle Bobby and Aunt Ginny

Kendall and Kathryn eating lunch

Cash and Sam

Jay, Karen, Maddi, Mimi and Sydni

This girl loves a cupcake

Sonny and Nancy Gho and their children and grandchildren

The Haley's...Charles, Eddie, and Billy Joe with families

The Parolli-Stovall-Abraham-Moore bunch!

Daddy missed the party because he was hunting!!

Sydni and Kathryn being silly!

 Uncle Bobby, Mimi, and Uncle Charlie

Uncle Charlie, me and Uncle Bobby

After the reunion, I went to visit my precious friend Kate Scott and her husband Jody, who live in Tunica! While I was there, another friend, Ransom Myers, came over. It was fun to catch up with them. It's been too long!!

December Festivities!

December was full of fun activities! Here is a snapshot of what our month looked like!

These sweet boys have been friends since preschool at the hospital daycare! We celebrated Miller's birthday at house of bounce!

Thomas, Miller, James, Sam, and Hudson

Hollie and I took the girls to see The Nutcracker performance that all of their friends were a part of! Caroline and Anna Grant were both in it as well. After we watched the play, we all met up at Crave some delicious desserts and good conversation! It was a super fun mommy-daughter night!

Kendall and Ivey Kate

Ivey Kate, Kendall, and Bitty

Our sweet Nutcracker girls--Anna Grant and Caroline

This is the most delicious dessert you will ever eat!! Peach Perfection!!

Milo has gotten so big!!

Kathryn's daycare class went to see the Frozen Disney on Ice. She enjoyed it, but fell asleep close to the end of it!

Surgery Center Christmas Party was at the Berry's house this year. Only a few of us from PACU made it!

Lesley, Missy, Me and Debbie

Sam was a part of a select group of kids at the school that won bikes and helmets from Academy Sports for good grades!! He was so excited!

My little diva doll!

My besties! 

Each year we go to Anthony's in West Point with our hubbies to celebrate Catherine's birthday right before Christmas. It is always so much fun! I love the company and the food, but mostly the company! These girls have been my rocks for the last 12 years here in Tupelo! I'm so thankful for their friendships!

Chet and I took the kids to Get Air Memphis after Christmas. They had fun bouncing all over the place! We finished up, ate pasta, and visited with Mrs. Tara and her crew before heading back home!

We also had a movie date with the Brands and the Beavers. I had the privilege of taking the boys to see "Ferdinand". It was so cute. And of course, our favorite part of the trip was the reclining, heated seats!