Only in Oklahoma #1

I moved to Oklahoma 15 years ago this summer. On the surface you wouldn't think Oklahoma is that much different than Kansas (where I grew up), but, really, my friends, it is. I won't go into detail. But this is one of the things that makes me say to myself, "only in Oklahoma."

Eegad!

I seriously followed that truck for about 3 miles...totally expecting that big ol buck (is that what that is...I'm not really fluent in deer/hunting lingo) to jump up and out of the back of the car and directly onto mine and get all crazy. But as I was taking the pic of this monstrosity, I realized that bigger danger was that the driver of that truck was more likely to jump out of the truck and get all wicked crazy on me.

Only in Oklahoma...nice. Maybe I'll start having a monthly "Only in Oklahoma" post.

Disclaimer: I will say that Oklahoma has that southern charm about it that is missing in all parts of Kansas, even the larger cities.

And by southern charm, I do not mean 100 degree days with 95% humidity from April 1-Nov. 1. I mean charm.

Keep it classy, Oklahoma

Ok, I'll stop.

I really do love Tulsa.

Skywatch Friday on a Monday

I'm a couple days late...but here's another Skywatch Friday...um, Monday...photo for you.

This is similar to the other except on this evening there were no clouds and we got to watch the sun descend into the ocean. It was beautiful. And I love the silhouette of the little boy fishing at the ocean's edge.

Oh, how I miss the beach.

Preschool Patrick

My little guy started big boy preschool yesterday. I was so worried about him going to a school where he'd never gone and knew no one. He's been talking about it and so excited for weeks now, but I still figured that when the day came it wouldn't go well (this is the kid that cried every time I've ever left him at the church nursery, with a babysitter, or at day care back when I worked).

But boy did he ever prove me wrong. He wore his dinosaur backpack for about an hour before it was time to leave. Sat by the door saying, "let's go." And the best part was when we pulled into the parking lot of the school he said, "you can just drop me off, I'll just run myself in."

I'm not sure I'm ready for him to be so anxious to get away from me. He's my mama's boy and is supposed to want to spend all his time with me. (He even said as much this summer). But I couldn't be more proud of him. And he talked about it all day after I picked him up. And asked if he could go back today ("no") or tomorrow ("no--on Tuesday, Patrick").

So, yay!! He did great--I don't know if it's because he feels comfortable there because his preschool is at the school Katie goes to, or if he just needed that year at home with me that he got this past year (I quit my job last summer to stay home with the kids). Whatever it is, it works for me.

Now...if I can just get wild Josie straightened out.

First of First

Today is Katie's 1st day of 1st grade. It was bittersweet because she has been so excited about starting school for about a week now, me...not so much. We've had the best summer...just relaxing, swimming, perfect vacation...I'm not ready for it to end. But as the Bible says, to everything there is a season. And today ushers in a new season...school season.

When Katie started Kindergarten I was excited and sad because we had reached a huge milestone...school! I was ready for her (and us) to take on the adventures of school. But for some reason, as she starts school, I'm a little nervous. Now she has to be grown up, be completely responsible for everything, she's expected to know what to do and how to do it. No more, "she's just a Kindergartner, it's ok." I just pray that my little girl will face challenges with confidence, be a leader, know when to ask for help or challenge herself to find the answers herself. I know that Katie has it in her--I've seen it. But I a mom, I worry, because that's what mom's do. Don't get me wrong--I'm SO excited for first grade, just a little nervous about it.

As WM, Josie, Patrick and I were leaving school, we stopped with another group of parents because the principal was making the morning announcements/welcome. After announcements were prayers. Each day starts with prayer at our school. And that was when I was reminded that my daughter is not just in the wonderful hands of her teachers, she is in the hands of our Father.

How refreshing it is for her to be surrounded by people who will encourage her to pray and be proud of her faith--every day.

What a wonderful place for her to be!

Three's A Charm

Have you met this little gal?

If so, you know that something about you has changed--part of your heart is missing--because she took it. She has a way with people.

Three years ago today, this little girl stole my whole heart--and I'm okay with that.

Josie is our "hat trick" child and we certainly think "three's a charm."

Happy Birthday, my sweet little Josie!! Mommy and daddy and Katie and Patrick love you so much!

Skywatch Friday--Cape San Blas

I've been admiring Yogi's Skywatch photos for awhile, but I've never been inspired to do a Skywatch Friday until today. I have a couple nice sunsets from our vacation, so today you get #1. Hopefully it will help you drift off to sleep, or rather, start your day off relaxed.

See more at Skywatch and Yogi.

Beach-o-sauraus

If you've been reading my blog for awhile, you know that dinosaurs have invaded our lives. They are everywhere...dollhouses, backyards, beds, bathtubs. You never know when an allosaurus is going to pop up and get ya!

Well, guess who showed up on the beach...

The tiger tried to attack them to get them to go away. But it didn't work.
These were sandosauruses...they weren't going anywhere.
So we just embraced them and welcomed them to our vacation.

Crab Arms

Today you get a vacation video! This is Josie after she caught a "crab arm."

"It's gonna snap us!"

(Sorry it's poor quality and starts out sideways...)

The Real Reason I've Been MIA

Ok, so you know I've been MIA. But, really, what's going on?

Here...let me give you a hint.

Trust me, there will be many more days of this type of photo for your enjoyment (or annoyance).

Also, on a quick side note...I had pretty much decided to quit blogging this weekend, multiple reasons. But then sweet Dawn, told me I've been missed. Me...missed. Someone noticed (or were you just being nice, Dawn?). Anyway, I'll keep this going for a little while longer and really think about whether I want to stay in the blog world. But you've got me for at least another week or two or three.

Reasons Why I'm MIA

So, have you noticed it's been a week since I blogged? No? Well, it has. But that's okay.

Are you wondering if I've been busy? Ummm, I was, not so much now.

Are you alive? Yes, I'm 100% alive, relaxed and doing fine. Just fine.

Is something wrong? No, nothing's wrong, I'm good. Real good.

Are the kids okay? They are fantastic. Fanstastically fantastic.

So what's up with no posts in a week?

Well...

Ummm...

I just don't feel like it.

Just keepin' it real.