A Little More Hope

I tell ya what, God just doesn't stop putting sweet, little bows on this week.
As hard as it's been to lose Granny, God has given us little blessings along the way to ease the pain a bit.

My blogging friend Roxx who I have gotten to know over the last couple of years took a little trip over Christmas to, guess where?

Unbelievably, granny's birthplace, Hope, Idaho. population, 79. (according to Wikipedia)

Here is the title of Roxx's recent blog entry:

Loving Hope Idaho:
I may be in the middle of no where geographically,
but it's moments like this my heart centers.

Isn't that the coolest? You can see here why her family was in Hope and look here for more of the awesome pictures she posted just for me!

Thanks Roxx! (and God, thanks to you too. That was a nice touch).

The Pioneer Woman I am Not

I think The Pioneer Woman is fabulous. Who doesn't? She is beautiful, knows how to manage her house and home, tame her cowboy and pull it all together with finesse on her blog. Even my own mother wants me to be like Ree. (hey, sweetie, now come in here and look at this girl's blog. i absolutely love it and i know you could have a blog like hers!!)

I do love photography and my little "punks" bring the greatest of joys to my life, but I don't have time to blog photoshop tips and I certainly don't possess that down home cooking instinct. Ree is a crack up, but try as I might, my funny gene is dormant. Also, I think people who homeschool are partially insane and you will never find a link for how to build a fence on my blog.

Most notably, Ree is a city girl countrified.

I, however, am a bonified country girl living who just happens to be living in the city.

I am a country girl at heart. Thus, when I go back to the farm I grew up on, it's like walking down a familiar dirt path with smells and scents and images that go down to the deepest part of my being.

I spent such an incredible spring break day yesterday with my kiddos out at Nana and Papas - it reminded me of who I really am, and sorry Ree (though you are amazing), that's not you.

The Blogosphere

When I started blogging 2 1/2 years ago, it was out of desperation.

Scrapbooking was my hobby, but it was out of hand. 3 kids, 3 years of pictures, an unorganized and endless supply of scrapbooking stuff, plus a stack of wonderful (but bulky) albums (where to store em?).

I would go on a weekend retreat and come home with only 10 new layouts. I enjoyed the time with friends, but when it comes down to it, I am too much of a I've-got-to-get-something-done-today kind of girl that it drove me crazy.

In August 2006, my brilliant friend Kelly Stocksen (am I a Kelly Stocksen commercial or what?) introduced me to blogging as a way to record the moments of our lives. I was immediately hooked. Click here to see my very first post.

I went on for a couple years just blogging for myself and the occasional family member or friend who would check in and comment.

But then, a few months ago, I got connected with some other bloggers who shared my interests... some I knew personally and some I didn't. But because of their blogs, I began to know them through their written word. And this past Friday, we all came together at the "Okie Hoe-Down" and met in real life.

It was kind of a surreal moment.. especially when Flat Baloney showed up (check out her blog to understand), but it was genuinely fun and interesting to get to know some Oklahoma bloggers. * * *all the bloggers who came to the Hoe Down (except Georgie!) * * *


* * * * * * Chere (A Day in the Life) and me and Flat Baloney * * * * * * *


* Me with Dawn of Dawn's Diversions and Michelle of Froggy Bottom Blog*


Speaking of Oklahoma bloggers, I recently found out that my blog was nominated for an Okie Blog Award. What? How? Me? I was nominated in the Family Blog category. Surprising and flattering and if you haven't already voted, you can vote for me by clicking on this link (but you have to be an Oklahoma blogger to vote.)There were some other nominees in attendance...

Jen @ 6 Happy Hearts has been nominated for Best Inspirational Blog

Annie @ Having a Ball has been nominated for Best Family Blog

Melinda @ Bloggin' it from the 'Burbs has been nominated for Best Family Blog

Dawn @ Dawn's Diversions has been nominated for Best Family Blog

Georgie @ Decisionally Challenged has been nominated for Best Humor Blog

Maggie @ Maggie's Mind as been nominated for Best Looking Blog

Flat Baloney @ That's Baloney has been nominated for Best Unusual Blog

Marie @ A Piece of my Mind has been nominated for Best Writing Blog

Check out their blogs on the Okie Award website!

And finally, I have a little plea for you... I have a lovely blogging friend in Louisiana who is pre-cious and is "Desperately Seeking Blog Makeover." She is so c-ute and a great dream interpreter. Won't you visit her and give her a little love and much needed help! Poor thing! ;-)

Post Note:
I am a proud grandma to several blogs that have been born. I feel since this is a blogosphere post, I must make mention of them! I played some kind of role in helping them come to life... sometimes tiny, but hey, I'll take the credit anyway! :-)

Keith Family
A Day in the Life
Something Singapore
The Next Big Event
Kim NOW
Iowa Pilot Wife
and a NEW ONE being born tonight!!!!! congrats L!!!

The Interview

Amber from A Small Peek into my World had a very cool diddy on her blog.... someone had interviewed her and then she posted her answers for all to see. She asked for people to comment if they wanted to be interviewed, and I took the bait.

Here are her questions to me... and my answers following.
1) How did you meet your husband??

My first "real" job was as an English teacher at East Central High School. I had worked there for a couple years when this really good-looking new coach got hired on as assistant basketball coach. The head coach, Coop, was just a couple doors down the hallway from me, so I saw Tom quite a bit. We made a bet on the outcome of a TU-OSU football game... winner paid for movie and dinner. (I won.) The next time he came to make a "bet" I called his bluff (said, "are you going to ask me out or what?") and well... the rest is history.

2) When did you realize that you had a love for letters??

When I saw the two mouths talking on Electric Company. Back in the day.

3) What is your favorite kind of music??

I Love, Love, Love Christian music. Steven Curtis Chapman, Toby Mac, Mercy Me, Third Day.... That's mostly what I listen to in the car and on my ipod.

However, I cut my teeth on some real funk.... and still feel the beat in my soul when I hear Chaka Khan (I Feel For You!), Prince (Purple Rain), Club Nouveau (Situation Number 9), Michael Jackson (Beat It) Midnight Star (No Parking on the Dance Floor). I went to a fairly rough high school where I also became fond of bands like Cheap Trick, ZZ Top, White Snake, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Boston. My dad loved classic music like the Eagles and Elton John, so I grew up liking that music too. And when I was a cowgirl at OSU, I danced my boots off to George Straight, Garth Brooks, and Hal Ketchum.

Oh, and one more thing... lately, I've had a bit of a thing for Robin Thicke.

4) What’s your dream job? Are you doing it now?

I was born to teach. I know that. It's agreed with me for all my life.

But I am a dreamer and in my wildest dreams.... I would be...

*a writer for a newspaper or magazine - weekly columnist

*an author of a wildly successful children's book

*an artist (but I can't paint or draw)

*a comedian (but I'm not funny)

*a tough as nails lawyer (not that tough)

Guess I'd better stick with teaching and being a mom (my dream job come true)

5) What is your favorite family activity??

It's soooo hard to pick just one! Things we like to do together as a family...

any sporting event, bowling, letterboxing, playing board games, wrestling in the living room floor, hanging out with friends, watching sports on TV, baking, going to movies, watching plays, playing Wii, card games, and of course spending time with the kids' grandparents and Granny I.

Can I interview you? If so, leave me a comment and let me know. I will email you your questions.

Punctuation Reflection

Sometimes I like to bloglift.

And that is because I have such brilliant and darling blogging friends.

The temptation to do so was too strong this time.... I just couldn't help myself because I have a wacky interest in all things language, including punctuation marks.

I wasn't really that excited about being a comma at first, (because I actually do have favorite punctuation marks - and commas aren't my favorite), but I'll take it...

- even though after thinking about it for a minute, I wondered exactly what this survey was REALLY telling me about myself? My suspicions in red.

You Are a Comma

You are open minded and extremely optimistic. (flakey?) You enjoy almost all facets of life. You can find the good in almost anything. (naive?) You keep yourself busy with tons of friends, activities, and interests. (can't say no?) You find it hard to turn down an opportunity, even if you are pressed for time. (bad time manager?) Your friends find you fascinating, charming, and easy to talk to. (needy?) You excel in: Inspiring people You get along best with: The Question Mark

What Punctuation Mark Are You?

Because I Always Love a Good Letter Challenge

Dawn @ Dawn's Diversions had a fun diversion on her blog a couple days ago....

It's the Sesame Street Meme. Dawn was given a letter by Georgie, and she had to think of 10 things that she loves that start with that letter. So, because I love letters and words and challenges, I asked Dawn for a letter and she gave me.... P.




Quickly ruled out, Poison, Poop, Profanity, Peanut Butter (ick!) Partisin Politics (truly makes me angry), Puke, Potsmokers, Potholes, and Pain.

So, here is my list for letter P.

1) Parenthood - there's probably nothing I like more than being a momma. It just rings true in my heart.

2) Penelope's Pitstop - this is an awesome site that has some of the coolest finds out there - what she calls "Praise Worthy Paraphernailia." Since I hate to shop (I know, I'm weird), I love to look at this website for hip and happenin' ideas. I had been stalking this site for awhile before I discovered it's blog author is a friend of mine named PENNY!!!

3) Parties - I love parties! There is nothing more fun that putting together a fun party for your kids' friends or your own friends! I also love attending parties. Oh, and there's a party of sorts for Oklahoma bloggers coming up. I am going to that party! Won't you come too?

4) People - all of you people! I know I say this all the time, but I am totally inspired by you. I am a people person. Some of my favorite people: Kim Nicole Ashley Laura Lori Chere Chrissy Rise Tom Kerry Judy Ida Starla Dawn Amy Traci Laurie Erin Amanda Jessie Linda Suzanne Heather Ronda Kelly Rhonda Carolyn Renee Catherine Clint Kendra Katie Laurie Terri Ginger Julie Bruce Susan Leigh Michelle Paula I love you all!

5) Pictures!!!!! - I have a passion for pictures. I can't stop taking them. I pore over them like a mad scientest. Here is my favorite photographer.

6) Parents - Well, I literally would not be here if it weren't for my parents, but I appreciate them for more than bringing me into the world. Judy and Jim don't get enough blog time really, because they are the epitomy of wonderful parents and I love them so much even though sometimes lately when I talk to them it is like watching Frank and Estelle on Seinfeld. Love you guys!!!

7) Pummelling Opponents - That sounds bad, but most coaches wives will tell you that it is gut-wrenching to watch a close game... I'd rather just beat the bleep out of the other teams. Sorry, but it's true. Last night, when I left our game early, we were up around 25 and all I could think about was yelling at those players to "extend your lead!!" The rest of the evening, I had such a happy feeling in my heart and when I examined it, I realized it was because we had just annihilated the enemy.

8) Pardon - I love being pardoned from sin... the pardon given to us by Jesus when He died on the cross.

9) Palindromes - Words/Phrases that are spelled the same backwards and forwards - how cool are those? Like RACECAR and WAS IT ELIOT'S TOILET I SAW?

10) Pajamas - oooooh soft pajamas and a warm cup of Green Tea? PERFECT!!!

Ok, that was even more fun than I thought it was going to be. I totally enjoyed it and want you to play. Please play? If you want a letter, leave me a comment that you want to play, and I will assign you one!

Blogging and other Things on My Heart

How I do love to blog.

I look at it as something I do for myself.
Like taking a hot bath.
Or getting a pedicure.

That's how much I love it.

It's my opportunity to express myself, record my memories and be creative all in one.

I get to write poems, (try to) be funny and extract those emotions that are running rampant inside my heart.

One other bonus: your comments! I love reading them. They make my day sometimes. Did you know that?

I also love, love, love to read your blogs. I'd like to name all my favorite blogs here, but I don't want to leave anyone out... because your words really make a difference!

They influence me.
They make me laugh.
They make me think.
Your blogs are truly wonderful and delightful.
They inspire me in many different ways.

I have this habit of thinking in terms of blog posts. I'm sitting there actually experiencing a moment, thinking... boy, I'm gonna have to blog this. Sometimes, the title jumps right into my head at the very moment.

For instance, today, I was itching to get to the computer to blog about this picture... My wild child daughter decorated herself with a fancy mustache, unibrow and chest hair. Don't ask me where she gets this stuff.



I also have wanted for a long time to share with you about our two aquatic pets: a red eared slider turtle and a catfish. I mean, who has a pet catfish? We even have a stocking for him. I also wanted to tell you that I try to be real careful in the mornings not to wake turtle up. If I come in to the laundry room (where he stays), and I can see he's all tucked up into his shell, I just cannot turn on the light and jolt him into his 10 gallon aquarium of reality. I mean, that's not how the sun comes out, instantaneously, and I guess out of respect for mother nature, I try to tread lightly around turtle in the mornings.

I'd love to tell you that a week ago, I was running up to my sister's door (it was COLD!) and tripped and fell HARD knee-first on the edge of her concrete step. I don't think my knee will ever be the same, but what is really bothering me is that I put a hole in the one pair of skinny jeans I have. Ok, I am not skinny; however, they are the closest thing to a skinny jean I will ever have... they look good tucked into boots and with my BFL diet, I was actually feeling semi-cute in them... and then, the only pair of true designer jeans I own... ripped. I have seen pics of celebrities in ripped jeans, but I guarantee you they paid money for special rips. Sigh.

I'd like to share with you that we're having a rough basketball season. It hasn't been this rough in quite a few years. I guess that's something to be thankful for -that our last few seasons have been good ones-, but it is H.A.R.D. to watch your husband and his players lose game after game. It's difficult to listen to his voice on the phone when we just got whipped and he won't say it... but I know that all he wants is to come home and see his family. It makes me anxious when we start losing so much, but ironically, it's the one thing that consistently gets me on my knees - right where God wants me.

Which brings me to my last point. As much as I love blogging -and tend to obsess-, I am going to take a bit of a break. I am feeling in my heart that as much as I love it (and it's ok to love it!), I need to take a step back from it and focus on the One who makes it All Possible.

I wonder (because of YOUR blog posts)... am I truly helping my children focus on the REAL meaning of CHRISTmas? Am I giving them opportunities to serve others? Am I spending enough time with my King? That's what I'm going to focus my heart upon right now - the birth of Christ - my Father, King, Savior, Protector, Rock. Have a peaceful, relaxing, lovely and wonderful Christmas!!!

Tag, You're It!

Steff @ Okie River Mama tagged me and I am going to try it. The instructions say to list 7 weird/random things about your self. Here goes.

1) You wouldn't know it by looking at me, but one of my legs is longer than the other. Like, significantly longer. I had surgery in 8th grade to correct the problem (they cut the growth line in my knee - leaving me with two 6" scars - ) and it worked to some extent. But I still had boys in high school calling me Eileen.

2) My relatives 12 generations ago came to America on the Mayflower. Being a lover of American history and early Puritanical literature (Anne Bradford - you're the best), this is a fact that I dig about myself. I pick up every book that I can about that era. My sister kind of teases me for being so "into" my (OUR!!!) heritage.

3) I often involuntarily read words backwards. Einna Sniknah is just one of the many words I know. Along with Amohalko, Tixe, and my current favorite Rebotco.

4) Something that is freaky to me.... as a teacher for 16 years, I may forget a name or even an face, but what I have stored in my memory is people's handwriting. In fact, this year, I was helping with Back to School, and a lady came through the line. I didn't recognize her at ALL, but after she left, I looked at what she wrote and realized that she was the person that Tom and I bought our starter house from 12 years ago!

5) I am cool with spiders and snakes for the most part. But give me an elevator and I start sweating. I blame it on my dad who pushed the "EMERGENCY - FIRE" (YCNEGREME - ERIF) button on the elevator leaving the dentist office when I was, maybe, 6 years old. We were stuck on the elevator for a LONG time. I still ride elevators (I don't like to let any fear control me), but it is a struggle.

6) I was a slob in college. I don't know how my roomates put up with me. (Not to mention in high school - I think my mom almost killed me.) But something happened right after college and I am on the other end of the spectrum now. Not a clean freak, but I do NOT like my house messy.

7) If there would be one food and drink I would have to choose to eat/drink for the rest of my life, it would be SOUP and TEA (what I would really like to say is CUPCAKES and PEPSI).

***BONUS) Sorry, just thought of one more! The first time I danced with Tom (at a teacher's get together at the Caravan - LOL!!!!), I went to bathroom and had my one and only "premonition".... - maybe it was just a feeling, but I'm telling you it hit me like a ton of bricks - the feeling was that THIS was the man I was going to marry. Of course it all flew out the window when we later got de-engaged (another story!), but in the long run, the "feeling" was RIGHT ON!

So, who to tag?

I'll try these people:
Michelle @ Froggy Bottom Blog
Rena @ Insert Grace Here
Chere @ The Sammons' Zoo
Nadra @ Conner... Party of Four
Fuschia @ Living in the Land of Pink
Georgie @ Decisionally Challenged
Baloney @ That's Baloney

Wordless Wednesday

Following the lead of my blogging friends Michelle and Dawn, I try for the first time, Wordless Wednesday. Sorry about the words.

Simple Words that Say A Lot

"I praise God that my hope is in Him and not in the stock market. " - from Margo

"I'm just an ordinary girl with an extraordinary God." - from Fuschia

"GOOD MORNING. THIS IS GOD. I WILL BE HANDLING ALL YOUR PROBLEMS TODAY, AND I WILL NOT NEED YOUR HELP, SO HAVE A GREAT DAY." -from a friend's private blog

I can't help myself: I keep getting inspired! Thank you for all for writing such uplifting things that remind us of our place in the universe, and how our God is one magnificent, powerful, loving God. You are all such examples of excellence!

Motherhood 101

When I look at brand new moms these days, they look like babies themselves. Am I the only one who has noticed this??? It makes me wonder ...was I really that young when I had my first child? Just thinkin' I was ever so grown up, but in truth, still such a baby....??? Well, at 29, I wasn't exactly a spring chicken, but looking at pictures.... yeah... I was young.

It reminds me exactly how much I have grown. Yes, older, but more than that, as a person....as a mother.

I was tagged by Dawn from Dawn's Diversions to blog about some lessons from motherhood.... so first, I thank her for choosing me!!!...because I have spent the last few days really wrestling with this topic.... when I wouldn't have otherwise. I have gone round and round with myself in my mind thinking of lessons I've learned:

*The simple: Love your children but don't smother them

*The medical: The miracle of Mylicon

*The embarrassing: Your children will repeat anything you say!

*The practical: Establish a great bedtime routine

*The emotional: Sometimes, Moms need timeouts too.

*The boy lessons: Boys will be boys, so let 'em!

*The girl lessons: Girls will be girls, so watch out!

*The lesson my mom taught me: Love, and when you get tired, love some more.

*The lesson my Granny taught me: This world is not our home. Let your kids know it

But the most significant lesson I've learned may be this one:

God has given me these child to raise. They are just on loan! They belong to Him... they are his precious creation that He trusted me with.

It is a hard one to learn.

At some point while the kids were young, I became fearful... I mean really, deeply fearful about their well being and future. I have worried painfully about everything from making the soccer team to being in class with the right people. I obsessed over molluscums and when in the heck they would go away. I worried if I was giving him the right medicine? Too much, not enough? Is she growing properly? Am I stunting her growth? What about those wild eye brows? Will she be made fun of because of that? How many words is she supposed to say at one year? Omigoodness, she's not even close! And this list could drone on and on forever and go into much darker areas.

Now, as a mom, I am on detail patrol, and that's how God made us moms. It's when we get too focused on these issues and/or we try to control them that I learned it becomes a problem.

Two things that have made a difference for me....

1) God has given me these children to raise. And at the end of the day, they are all His. And there is great freedom in that understanding. I could put my children on house arrest to protect them from the outside world, but is that really what is right for them? I have to trust God to watch over them physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. I will always pray that prayer for them, and will try to step back and turn their little lives over to a great big God who loves them far more than I can even imagine.

2) I can read book after book and consult expert after expert, but God is the giver of true wisdom. I simply cannot do this job without him. I may think I can, but I soon learn, that NO, I need Him to give me energy, strength, wisdom, and help in general.

The funny thing is that when I am really living in these truths is when one of my kiddos will start going through a hard time and I'm like... why God? One time, after seeing Kami at lunch with her "friends" (they weren't very nice to her), I came home and sobbed my eyes out for 2 hours. I am not kidding. But I realize that God is molding and shaping her too. My impulse is to protect her from the pain, but I see that I shouldn't deprive her of the lesson, and I thank God that He is teaching her.

There is nothing in the world like being a mom. It is my favorite thing I have ever done. Even on days like this when I get MORE emails about my son, I have to give it to Him. In fact, this is a perfect day to do it. God, this is YOUR boy! You made him headstrong and full of life. You take this child and mold him. You change the parts of his heart that need changing. Now, I'm going to close my eyes and get a good night's sleep.

Oh yeah, I am tagging a few fellow bloggers now....

Amanda @ Herrold Collection because she is such a faithful blogger...

Michelle @ The Froggy Bottom Blog because I have enjoyed reading her blog...

and Traci @ Something Singapore because I miss her!

What to do: share with us and your readers a lesson that you learned from your own mom, a special mom in your life, or while raising your own children. There’s no right or wrong answer ….just lessons that each of us can learn and implement with our own children. It can be very simple!!! Link your post back to this blog, leave a comment below so we can visit and learn from you, and then tag 2-3 other moms to participate. (if you are not up to this right now, just let me know and I will pass it on to someone else!)

Hair-larious

I have a new person in blogosphere who keeps me entertained. Her latest post on Labor Day cracked me up. A few days before that, she posted about Yearbook Yourself, a site that lets you picture how you would have looked in decades gone by. You just upload a pic, fiddle with it a bit and you are instantly transformed into June Cleaver or Madonna. The results were just so stinking true that it made my skin crawl while simultaneously feeling like I may pee my pants. So, in the spirit of self humiliation (I seem to do that a lot!) here are the pics.... 1952 - This one kind of freaks me out. It looks sorta real.

1958 - Sweet - I really think I could've dug living in this era

1960 - Lookin' a little like Judy?

1962 - What were they thinking?

1966 - I only know one person in real life who has this much hair! Chere! I'm so jealous of her awesome hair.

1972 - Hmmm... Hairstyles Gone Wrong?

1974 - Smooth and Silky

1976 - I think my hair looked like this in 1980... I was just a few years behind the styles..

1984 - Get into the Groove

1986 - Huh?

1990 - my sister's hair style in 1990 - I can see her in her Homecoming Queen dress looking like a beauty

1994 - I have a picture of myself that looks EXCATLY like this. Actually several dozen pictures. I wore my hair like this for years. Still do, sometimes. I just can't get over the big hair look

2000 - I don't remember this style, do you? Blech!

I haven't told Tom that they have a guy's version. Hee hee!! He may find out the hard way.