Parkes Family

So my last post was to my sweetest little festive thang (AKA Allison) and nothing has changed from then. She has lit up the holiday season I'll tell you that much! I feel so fortunate to feel the magic of Christmas like I did as a child. I am absolutely in love with my little family.  My mom said it right when she told me that I couldn't have found a more perfect husband for me than John. He is so festive too and I wouldn't have it any other way. Some of the time I think we were more excited that Allison. Poor thing didn't even believe it was Christmas on Christmas morning since we have been celebrating/decorating since the week before Thanksgiving! She was very grateful for her gifts and I am grateful for all the people who take pride in buying her (and me and John) special things. I am such a gift giver and feel so rewarded buying something thoughtful for someone else. It was neat to see Allison give gifts and take ownership since she shopped with me, wrapped with me ...

Dear Allison, my heart is full at this time of year but this year seems different. It may be because we've spent a lot of time together after me not working for a year. I just can't wait to celebrate the holidays with you! You are a very sentimental and thoughtful person and it makes me feel complete when I'm with you. I feel like we are in sync lately and I can't get enough of it. Trust me you're not always perfect and sweet but you're perfect for me just the way you are. There are so many little things that never melted my heart the way they do now and I finally understand what it feels like to be a mom. A real mom where you constantly feel like you don't want anything bad to ever happen to your child, very 'Mama Bear' like! I'm feeling vulnerable and for the first time I'm not fighting it and it feels good. There is a famous quote and I'm forgetting the author at the moment but it says something to the effect of it being a momentous d...