Grandmothers

I've been thinking about my grandmas a lot lately, for various reasons.  Today, I pulled a "Bobbie Vines" and decided I'd go ahead and write about what's on my mind.

Because I have a super abundance of parents, I've been blessed with even more grandparents!  I won't mention them all in this post, but do want to pay tribute to three of my grandmas.  I do so because I believe they helped to make me who I am, and give me inspiration to be more of who I want to be.

I want to be like my Grandma Rhoades; I want to show so much love in such a little amount of time that those I love never, EVER, question their worth in this world.  This beautiful woman kept EVERYTHING.  She was a more clean hoarder than you see on TV though, and she taught me the worth of reusing what is on hand and to make the most of what was in the pantry to make a delicious meal (Mom2 loves to brag on me about this).

I want to be like my Grandma Page (aka Great); I want to love & serve with everything in me - so much so that when I'm gone, my loved ones miss my servant's heart and genuine love every single day of their lives, the way I miss her daily.  She could feed an army (did so at least once/year for the annual fly-in) as if it were "no big thang"; I like to think that's where I get my love for hosting and hospitality.

I want to be like my Grandma Vines (aka Grammar); I want to be known for my honesty (although it was sometimes brutal) - I want people to know that what I say is true because I never say what I don't mean.  I want to be able to fix or create ANYTHING that I dream up in my mind, whether it requires a sewing machine, hammer, electrical tape or duct tape!

Today, I'd like to believe all three of them are smiling down on me.  I recently had the opportunity to house a family member in need and I LOVED it!  I got to cook for an army and show hospitality just like his momma (Great) would've. 

And--Grandma Rhoades & Grammar both did a happy dance this week as I've been cleaning up the house and such.  You see - I have a bit of that "keep EVERYTHING" in me - I fight it a LOT, but this week I have been cleaning up and cleaning out.  In the process, I located a corner that kinda became a hiding place for everything that didn't have a home - including the sewing machine and the bag of stuff to go with it.  The sewing machine was covered in dust and the threads were all intertwined - it was pathetic, I'm almost ashamed to share.  So - off I go to add "sewing box" and "machine cover" to my list.  As I was doing so, I channeled my grandmas, I guess, cause I immediately crossed them off my list.  I pulled out an old tool box that didn't have much of a purpose, and I made it my sewing box.  Then, I dusted off the sewing machine, pulled out some fabric that I'd been hoarding, and made a sewing machine cover.  This, my friends, is what I call "pulling a Bobbie Vines".  That woman could make or fix anything and with scissors in hand, I cut out the fabric - just eyeballing it - and made that bad boy!  Now, to be honest, Grammar would've known better than to pick the jersey knit because it's a pain in the butt to deal with, but I still think she'd be awfully proud!  Yes, it'll still collect dust like the sewing machine did, but at least it's machine washable!!! :)

I hope you have such fond memories and joy when you think of certain people in your life; I have been abundantly blessed to have such amazing women in my life.  Words can't express how badly I miss them, but I pray that others see just an ounce of each of them in me.  I know I'm a better person for having known and loved them all! 

What are you most thankful for as you enter the New Year?

Coming up for air. . .

I decided I'd come up for air this weekend and it was totally worth it!!!

Friday night, I spent the evening with some of my favorite people.  The idea was to accomplish some Christmas task that we had on our list, and I chose Christmas cards.  Between the stories and laughter, I managed to at least get all of the envelopes addressed.  I call this a success.  :)  The amount of cheeseball consumed = not a success.

Yesterday morning, C ran the Jingle Bell Run 5k.  No, I did not run as planned for a myriad of reasons.  I can't say I was broken-hearted about this, but I will say that I missed having some one-on-one time with my little man.  He did great, though.  He came in at 44:13 and felt like such a victor - as he should.  I'm so very proud of him!!!

I love this little man!  :)

Cause everyone wears a dress and heels to a race, right?

Finish Line Video

Last night, we had my sister and her family over for dinner.  It's been 6 months because they live so far away. . . . about 1.6 miles.  I'm ashamed.  We enjoyed the fellowship, the food, and the gifts (Christmas was Aunt Nina was a success!!).

YUM!

The best salsa EVER. I stole the recipe - shhhh!!!

True story: today, for the first time in three months, I actually accomplished a few non-school and non-work tasks!  Some were accomplished an entire week in advance.  I almost forgot what it felt like to have some control over my life.  Tacky sweater outfit for work party, check. Connect gift exchange, check. Angel tree kiddos, check. Secret Santa gifts, check. Jeans without holes for C, check. First attempt at tamales, we'll see - still steaming.  Laundry? HA!  Yeah, right.  Christmas for my own children? Not even on my radar yet.

3 papers & 2 group presentations.  Then, MAYBE we'll have clean clothes to wear and gifts to open on Christmas morning!  ALMOST THERE!!!!!

A special thank you to my most amazing friends - the ones who still love me and check in on me, even when I drop completely off the grid (as Katie would say).  And - my handsome hunk of a husband - you rock my world!!!!! And of course my children, who appear to not completely hate me - I promise the remaining semesters will not be like this. Also to my sister who has come through more than I'd like to admit was necessary. I'm so thankful for you all - more than I could ever say.  I love you guys!!!! :)

Okay - crawling back under my rock now,
Laura

YOU CAN DO IT!!!!

This year, the kids started a new school.  This meant new friends, new teachers (even more so than just changing grades), and new opportunities.  One of those opportunities was the running club - C joined as soon as they'd let him!  I thought it was pretty funny, actually.  The kid is just like his momma - the idea sounds great, but he actually hates to run.  HA!  BUT - there's something about being involved in an organized situation that causes one to act differently than they normally would.  I'll provide further proof of that later.

As a member of the running club, the students participate in 3 local races/semester.  In true "Laura" fashion, I immediately said, "Oh, C, that is so exciting - and we could run with you!!!"  Turns out, the kids remembers things. . . . EVERYTHING!!  It came time to register for the Zoo Run, and that statement immediately came back to haunt me.  "Mom, are you signing up too?  You know, to run with me?!?!?"  If you know my boy, you know his love language (one of a few, actually) is "quality time", so being the good mom that I strive to be, I signed up.  I said, "we'll train everyday".  We trained twice (he did more - in running club).  Zoo Run day arrived and I was ready to go!  It's only 2k, how bad can it be? Well, for someone who doesn't run, that was bad.  Trust. Me. On. This.

We did finish; C finishing before me (shocking, right?!?!?)

Following the Zoo Run. You can't tell, but I'm on the verge of losing my breakfast. . . along with all of the other meals I'd eaten the week prior!

I only tasted blood for an hour, and I quit coughing about 3 hours later.  Lesson learned: train for the Tulsa Run scheduled 3 weeks later!!!!!

Three weeks later. . . . . I've trained . . . once . . . ran for 1/4 mile.  Ya'll - I don't have good sense.  I know this.

Regardless, we did it. 



Tulsa Run - 2k
Also - I said I'd provide proof that when pushed by an organized event, one will act out of character. 
This is me prior to running 2k = this is me out of character.

This time, C stayed with me (downtown is not as safe as the confines of the zoo) and again, I didn't die. I only tasted blood for 30 minutes this time and I coughed twice. Life is good.

Today - we received an email from the coach.  She was taking the time to thank us for not dying during the race yesterday and to "remind" us that our next race was coming up in 5 weeks and, by the way, it's 5k.  That's right.  2.5 times as long as the two that almost got the best of me.  I cried inside, sent a text to a few friends - anyone with text that might feel sorry for me.  Instead - they encouraged me. . ."YOU CAN DO IT!!!"  "GO FOR IT!!!!"  I'm so glad they have more faith in me than I do. 

I promise to report the results of said run.  And if anyone would like to join Matt & P at the finish line, I'm sure they'd appreciate the company! :)  Bring hot chocolate and hand warmers, it's going to be COLD.  Unless the OKWX is true to itself. . .then it'll be 80, in December. 

And before I sign off, I will ask. . . . . Prayin' folks - please pray. 

Being real. . .

Forgive me while I preach to myself, and hopefully help someone else.  I think there are few things that hurt worse that feeling completely helpless when someone you love is dealing with something painful - emotional or physical.  If you're anything like me, you have the desire to save the world - no one should feel pain because you ought to be able to say or do something to stop the pain.  The reality is I always come back to "who do I think am I?!?!?" and feeling pretty helpless - and I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one.   When all of my words fail, I go to God.  Why I don't do this in reverse order, I'll never really understand. . . . my ridiculous flesh, I'm sure.  But - even though I do it out of order, God always provides an answer in His Word.  He's such a great Dad - he ALWAYS has the answer.  I oftentimes picture Him sitting at a table listening to me and being genuinely concerned about what I'm sharing- just like my Daddy would do.  The difference is - He really DOES have all of the answers (sorry Daddy!).  And now, for those of you who find yourself walking through something similar, I offer the words I've found in His Word in response to my "Father, I need help - I don't know how to help - don't know what to say (or not say) - don't know what to do (or not do) - don't know what YOU want me to do". 

 

 

 

Even more excitement!!!

When I wrote THIS post last month, it was everything in me to not share even more exciting news, I just had to speak in generic terms.  But since it was facebook official as of 7:30 this evening. . . . Our "niece", Daisie, is going to be a big sister!!!!!

Matt's brother, Danny, and his wife, Abbie, are expecting!!!!  With a little bit of good timing, we'll be able to celebrate C's birthday with a joint gathering!!! I had the distinct honor of receiving a text this morning with a recording of his/her (Danny's preference/Abbie's preference respectively) heartbeat.  I teared up. . . and then I listened to it multiple times throughout the day.  I'm a softy. . what can I say?!?!?!

AND - Last week, I was texted the beautiful "photo" of our friends', Andrew & Katie, growing baby (due in February - happy birthday to ME, HA!)  I'm starting to feel pretty special - someone is going to have to knock me down a few levels.  I may be finished with the baby making process, but I LOVE being a part of all that's going on!!!!

AND - My sweet friend, Sarah (& Mark - he's sweet too, but don't tell him) is expecting as well and being able to watch this happen is absolutely overwhelming!!!! I am one blessed gal!  We've been praying for the babies in our lives every morning. . . . for Mrs. Sarah, Mrs. Katie & Aunt Abbie. . . that their babies have a safe and comfortable environment to grow, to full term, in perfect health - and God is good!!!!!!! :) :) :) :)

AND - last, but definitely not least. . . . my baby sister (I'm pretty sure she hates that "name") gave birth to Isaac Hunter last week.  Yes, it was the day Isaac wreaked havoc on Louisiana and their neighbors.  No, he was not named after a hurricane.  Facebook is here to prove that his name was announced a long time ago!  HA!  And, no. . . . I haven't finished the burp clothes.  Maybe when he has babies, they'll be finished and I can give them to his children.  Maybe. . .
Check out this crew - I <3 these precious ones!!!!!  I have GOT to figure out when I can make a trip to get my fix. UGH!

Those of you who know my baby brother & baby sister know that this is like looking at a picture of them holding a doll 20+ years ago.  It's pretty crazy! 

Needless to say, our lives and our hearts are so very full.  Now, to be patient for the next 6-8 weeks until they all find out boy/girl so I can start burp clothes and never finish for them as well!

Just keeping it real!
Laura

So much excitement!!!!

Lately, I've found myself completely surrounded by people who drink too much of the same water. . . there are babies EVERYWHERE!!!!  And weddings. . . . oh my goodness.  I love weddings, I love babies and I LOVE the gifts involved!!!  I've been overwhelmed by things like. . .

Seriously. . . any explanation needed for this?!?!?!? These are adorable!!!

My friend, Amy Ann, made something similar to this for my birthday. 
I LOVE that dates are so special in so many circumstances!

I love this interpretation of Song of Solomon 3:4.  My heart feels overwhelmed when I think about it too much! :)

And. . . I'm actually 3/4 of the way through making a set of these for my nephew that should arrive any time now.  I guess I'd better get busy!!!!!

I just want to say how happy I am that I'm NOT getting married and NOT having a baby!!  I'm thoroughly enjoying our "boring" evenings just hanging out together and the nights of solid sleep!!!!

That said, I'd like to offer a little advice in both areas.  I'm no expert, but anyone who knows me knows that we've got plenty of "qualifications" for giving advice!!!  :) :) :) :)

New baby?!?!?!?

• I know you're tired.  After having a very sick baby and another who was colic for EVER. . . . I KNOW.  But, what I wouldn't give to watch my little boy sleep - so thankful that his little lungs were working - his tiny hand wrapped around my finger. . . . or to rock that sweet baby girl using her absolutely precious, adorable, solid thighs as a grip as she smiles at me as if I'm the best thing she's ever known!  You can sleep later. . . . enjoy EVERY little bit of it!!!!
• Are those $80 shoes REALLY adorable?!?! Absolutely!!!!!!  Will she/he wear them longer than 12.7 hours??  NOPE!!!  DON'T DO IT!!!  $80 in a college fund today will mean SOOO much more in a few years!!! :)
• Most of all - follow your gut.  YOU are the parent. . . don't allow anyone to make you doubt your own ability! :)

Getting married?!?!?!?!? CONGRATS!!!! There's nothing quite like spending the rest of your life having one sleepover with your best friend after another!!!!!

• Remember girls. . . . girlfriends are nice - and its nice to have someone to talk to.  But be careful what you say about your man.  He may be the sexiest, most manly person on the planet, but he still hangs on your every word.  Watch your attitude towards and about him!  He's your best friend - the love of your life.  Don't forget it!!!
• Guys. . . you're probably not reading this - I lost you at those adorable little girls' shoes. . . but just incase. . . same goes for you.  You're her "knight in shining armor" - don't give her reason to doubt her importance to you.
• Move at least 3 hours away from family.  Okay - this one is not a "must", but I will say that it's been a great experience for us!  We're close enough to visit, but far enough away to build our own life! You could probably accomplish this with just an hour. . . . but who am I to tell you what to do?!?!?!?!
• And - never, EVER, give up.  I can promise there will come a time (or ten) when you wonder "what the crud was I thinking - he/she is crazy!!!".  Just remember. . . adversity comes, but it also goes.  Don't let it take your marriage with it!!!  :) :) :)

A HUGE congratulations to all of the people in our lives who are experiencing such amazing events in their lives.  It's a blessing and an honor to watch it - and we're so very excited for you!!!!! :) :) :)

XOXOXO

Noticing the little things

Warning - I'm gonna brag on my husband in this post and it's pretty long. AND - I hope it helps others out at the same time. :)
We often say, "It's the little things that count", but what little things are you calculating in your mind??
I've recently been on some new medications (not for anything really serious, no worries), and these meds are WIPING ME OUT!!  Ya'll - I haven't been to the pool in close to two weeks - something about this just isn't right!!!!!
Matt & I have ALWAYS put the kids to bed, together. . . .since day one.  We both pray with each of them and tuck them in - it's just something we've come to "expect" from each other.  Sometimes, one of us will be irritated and say to the other, "are you going to help me tuck????" - really we mean "get off your butt and help me!!!!"  But - last night, Matt was over half-way through with brushing teeth and getting PJ's in place before I even realized I was still just laying on the couch. . . . wishing I had the energy to function.  He never said a word.  For those of you a bit curious - I DID get up and help. . . . but the point in this is - letting me lay down for a little longer was a "little thing". 
This morning, he was up and out the door before anyone else in the house was awake and he was the last person home this evening (PS - we missed him!!!).  Still - he came through with yet another "little thing".  We have a couch and love seat to lounge on - period.  The kids were on the couch, he was on the love seat.  In passing (honestly - no hidden agenda), I mentioned that I wanted to lay down.  That sweet man got up, snuggled between the kids and left me a perfectly welcoming love seat to lay on.
AND THEN (stay with me. . . I'm proving a point), C needed spending money for the movies at camp.  Because I was EXHAUSTED (and let's face it. . . once I get into my lounge clothes, NOTHING occurs outside of my home), I decided I'd tend to it in the morning, before I dropped him off at camp.  I was perfectly fine with this plan - it meant I could keep my ridiculously pathetic butt on this love seat AND enjoy a few more rounds of Words With Friends.  Instead - you guessed it, Matt tended to that as well.

You may be thinking "he's up to something", but the truth is - I am THE SINGLE MOST BLESSED woman in the world.  You see. . . . after being married almost a decade, we've come to really understand the value of the little things. 
But - to my point. . . . what "little things" are you noticing in your life (marriage, friends, family, etc)???  I've yet to mention the cereal bowls that are ALWAYS on the coffee table.  It's not called the "cereal table", what's up with that?!?!?! And I haven't mentioned the towel on the floor in the bathroom.  Those are "little things" too.  The important thing, however, is that about 80% of this post was about the positive, uplifting acts of general kindness and consideration that my amazing husband has shown towards me.
So I ask, "What little things are you noticing in your relationships"?  I encourage you to focus on the positive things in life that bring a smile to your face. . . . when you do that, it's REALLY hard for the negative things to get you down.  The same is true in my relationship with my Heavenly Father - when I think about ALL that He has blessed me with - what He has done for me and through me - it's impossible to allow "life" to hit me as hard as it could if I weren't in the right mindset.  What things are you concentrating on?  Philippians 4:8 - Read it, live it!!
PS - the towel is still on the bathroom floor. . . but so are the kids' clothes from their shower and my curling iron.  We're a disaster people. . . . but we're a happy disaster! :) :) :) :) :)

Dancin' a jig!!!

Have you ever done that? Dance a jig?  Yeah, well, me either. . . but I totally could!!!!!!!!!!

I want to introduce you to my absolute favorite song on the face of the planet:

"He never promised that the cross would not get heavy and the hill would not be hard to climb. He never offered our victories without fighting but he said help would always come in time.

JUST REMEMBER WHEN YOU’RE STANDING IN THE VALLEY OF DECISION AND THE ADVERSARY SAYS GIVE IN…
Just hold on, our Lord will show up!!!! And he will take you through the fire again."

Today I am proud to tell you that Matt was offered, and he accepted, a job as instructor of flight at Spartan - just two weeks after finishing school!!!!

The number of "valleys of decisions" that we came to in this process is overwhelming - and the many times we almost turned back are countless. . .but God DID show up - EVERY TIME!!!

I am so very thankful and so happy to share this part of our lives with you!!!!!!!! :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjSaE9yBRD0

Today - I say "CONGRATULATIONS" to the love of my life!  I couldn't be more proud to walk this life at your side!!!! :)

Who, or What, are you listening to???

I've been working on this post for a while. . . . it's been on my heart and I couldn't quite make it make sense.  So - here's hoping it finally makes sense. :)

"The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else's highlight reel." - Steve Furtick


How many of you just yelled "AMEN!"  :) 

What about. . .
"Comparison is the thief of joy." - Theodore Roosevelt

When looking for the author of the last quote, I stumbled upon THIS blog post.  She said exactly what I was going to say - only better. 

We're so overwhelmed by the 1,000,000 images we see daily telling us how we should look, feel, breath, smell and eat. . . . when all we really need to know - and TRULY KNOW - are these few things - all of which can easily be found or made to place around you - to replace the negative and overwhelmingly condemning images:

". . . I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for."  - Jeremiah 29:11 - The Message

"Many plans are in a man's mind, but it is the Lord's purpose for him that will stand."  - Proverbs 19:21

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?  Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?  So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. - Matthew 6: 25-34

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.   For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. - Matthew 6:19

Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise: "Many women have done wonderful things, but you've outclassed them all!"  Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God. - Proverbs 31:28-30

Be the best YOU that YOU can be!!!! 

I love you all - thank you for listening. :)

Laura

Four scores and seven years ago. . .

Okay, so it wasn't THAT long ago.  BUT - just shy of 4 years ago, I hugged my momma, said my goodbyes and backed out of our driveway in Little Rock to follow the most amazing man to the land of "Tulsa" to pursue his dream of flying.  I remember my mother-in-law saying just before we left, "it's always hard leaving Egypt".  I can't tell you how many times that has come back to me and held me through what seemed like a "wandering in the wilderness".  The first time it came back was just about an hour later when we received a call that we did not have the apartment we had signed for just a few days earlier.  It was just as we stopped to have lunch with Daddy & Judy and to be honest, it would've been so very easy to enjoy that lunch and drive back home to Little Rock.  I remember Matt looking at me as if searching for the answer and me just responding "we have to do this - we'll figure it out when we get there".  We arrived in Tulsa, stopping at my brother's house - he was going to help us get a storage unit and figure out a plan.  He & his wife had emptied their daughter's room for us - and we lived, graciously, in that room (all four of us) for over 2 months.  It may not have been ideal for anyone involved, but God made a way in an impossible situation.  The next four years seemed to follow that pattern - rising, believing and then SLAM - a setback of some sort.  But through it all - we've never doubted God's provision and He has never failed us - and we've had the opportunity to show our children what it means to persevere and push HARD to pursue a dream and a vision.

C on Dad's very first flight - ever - his "discovery flight" at Spartan

Yup - she really was this little at one time. This photo was taken about 6 months after moving to Tulsa and its one of my favorites!!

We went on a date to Stillwater - Daddy & Judy happened to be there at the time. I must admit - that was the coolest thing EVER!!!!!!!

I don't think a caption is really needed for this. I love everything about what this photo says about us. :)

Today I am so very proud to tell you that my amazing husband - the love of my life, has finished school.  His last course flight was today - and he passed with flying colors (pun fully intended).  He takes his final (at least for this stage in our life) FAA exam later this week and should start instructing flight in early June.  Getting paid to do what he loves to do - I couldn't be more proud and more happy to be his wife and partner in this adventure.

You might be a redneck if. . . .

You might be a redneck if. . . .you reuse household object to decorate the yard.  So they say, at least. . . . .
I, personally, smile when I see these things - probably because for YEARS both of these types of images welcomed me "home".  :) :) :) :) :)

Picture found here

Picture found here

That being said, we added a household object to our own backyard!  :)

Last week, I found this on Pinterest. I was not deceived - I know that this wouldn't REALLY work because there would be no place for the roots to go - especially since I have dreams of tomatoes. . . often. . . . lots and lots of dreams about lots and lots of tomatoes. . . and tomatoes need LOTS of room for their roots.  But, I figured if I went without the "weed free" part of the promised results - and nixed the weed block, it could be quite a success. 
So, I announced to the world Facebook that I needed pallets.  My sister shared to the rest of the world Facebook and successfully found a few pallet donors!  :) 
{Enter my brillant and ridiculously good-looking husband}
"Baby, instead of pallets, why don't you use that old box spring that we can't get rid of???" You see - Goodwill, John 3:16, the trash man. . . no one wanted this box spring . . . it was bound to become a permanent fixture in the garage place where we store everything, except the car.

So - I sent the boys to soccer and the girl & I headed off to Stringer's Nursery.  I almost lost my mind. . . we wondered around for a very long time.  P pushed the cart through every single row of amazing green-ness while I wiped the drool from my chin.  If you've never been, do yourself a favor. . . GO!!!!!!!!! 

Then - it was off to the house to begin our project!

She's good help - seriously!!!

I mean, seriously - tongue out an all. . . she was working very hard!!!! (Mom was busy taking pics!)

Helping mom remove the material from the frame.

Just another shot - because she's so dang cute - and I couldn't have done it without her! :)

This is after dad returned from the game (after stopping by to pick up the dirt & cages that I didn't have room for in my car!).  He's definitely a keeper! 

At this point, I almost lost my helper - she just about lost it!!!!!!

After 10 bags of various things. . . and help from everyone (including Daisy)

Plants are planted!!!!!

TOMATOES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cucumbers, Zucchini, Squash. . . oh my!!!

This morning, Matt pointed out that they were all standing up straight in the garden!  After their first watering, they were kinda limp and sad-looking.  But - seeing them spring back to life gives me hope that I will be very successful this year!  I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :) :) :)

**Addition to original post**
The box spring had a piece of cardboard between the frame and the fabric. I kept the cardboard in hopes of providing some extra "water insulation". Oklahoma summers can be brutal - heat and drought are not unheard of. I did put many holes in the cardboard to provide routes for the roots, but left quite a bit of it to serve as a "sponge" or "reservoir" for water. I don't know if this will work, but it's worth trying! :)
Also - the ends (head and foot) are not enclosed, so we wrapped the ends in heavy plastic sheeting so the dirt didn't spill out. I guess you could add additional lumber, but we had the sheeting on hand (used it last year as a pool blanket to prevent the grass from growing through and destroying the above-ground pool).

My C-bear

My sweet boy turned 8 last week. I had the best intentions of creating a memorial blog post for him, but this momma just didn't find enough time. Rather than put it off until never doing it, I thought I'd lead you here---- http://thekenthappenings.blogspot.com/2011/02/my-sweet-little-man.html for a trip down memory lane. He is still my most favoritestest boy in the whole wide world and he still fills my life with so much joy. Happy Birthday, Baby Boy!!!!!

Wish List

Because of my birthday, I've been thinking about "wish lists".  It never fails, when asked months in advance, I can't think of a single thing.  The day before. . . boy howdy!  I have a great list!!!  I guess this is when you hope you just get cash!!!!!  :) :) :) :)   Regardless, I felt the need to share my recent desires, both logical and not-so-much. 
I decided I wanted The Pioneer Woman's new cookbook, but when I went to Amazon, I quickly re-discovered my desire for all things PW. . .

This

This

My babies would love this!!!!!

Let's not forget King Cake. . . . I want it and I want it now!!!!!!!!!!!
I used to work with a girl that made an amazing, moist king cake...... Unfortunately all others are lame and not moist. So, I want Lynne's king cake!!!!

Then, there's clothing. . . I have a lot of things that I "want", but I'll only list those things that I find are NEEDED in the very near future.  :)
Like. . .

These

and then

these

I kinda like white pants. . . provided they aren't see-through.  That's just naksty! 

I'm sure if I thought about it hard enough, I could come up with plenty more.  But, I have been working on this post for two days and I suppose I should post it BEFORE my birthday.  :) :) :)

Goodnight! :)

Because yesterday was Valentine&apos;s Day. . .

And because I love you and want to provide you with entertainment. . . . I have decided to take my lunch break NOW instead of later (to run some errands) because it is very important that I share this with you.

If you've known me for any length of time, you know I can't stand "public typos".  So, you can imagine my laughter when I read the following (verbatim) from a liquid chalk pen that is in my office:

Note: I will attempt to copy EXACTLY as it is written (including the punctuation and spacing errors).  I also need to warn you that the "usage" involves poop.


cherish:
Chalks without powder!!
Clean with wet towel, paper!!
Color Florescent

Precautions:

• Only for writing and drawing.
• Please put to places unreachable for children.  Intense vibrations, impacts and drops may make ink leaked.
• It's difficult to wash if ink drops on clothes, please pay attention.
• Pen tip may be cracked if it is pushed too forcibly.
• Ink can be cleared off b y papers if  it is too much on pen tip.
• Please recap pen after using.
• Pleasedon't put in places subject to direct sunshine and great heat (in a high-temperature car).
• Don't throw into fire after using.

Usage:

• Shake pen body repeatedly, and hear "Ka Ka" sound.
• Press on board slightly for several times, and start to write when ink flows out from pen tip.

Let's talk about this for a brief moment.  A) I know this is a bad attempt at translation and I shouldn't find it this funny, but I do.  B) For the love of pickles, don't expose it to heat and don't throw it in the cold fire either????  C) Ka Ka.  I. am. finished.

:) Laura