Oakridge Camp

The Tinker Youth Center put together a family retreat for families of recent pre/current/post deployed families. It was a weekend getaway to Oakridge Camp & Retreat Center in Anadarko, OK. I picked the kids up from school and we went straight there. We had a lot of fun, but I wasn't able to take a lot of photos because we were having too much fun. It was so nice to get away, unwind, and relax. No cooking, cleaning, or laundry! Just family fun!

We still managed to have our Friday family movie night on our little 7" portable DVD player. The kids were happy.

Saturday morning the kids really got creative before the scheduled activities started.

Ready...Set...

go!

Go ahead and judge my parenting skills...we had a wonderful time, no one got hurt, and we have excellent health insurance! I wanted to do it, but I would have probably broken the bed.

You're probably wondering why I'm taking pictures of the shower in our room. Here's the story... When Howard and I were newlyweds, Howard was we were too cheap to get a hotel room whenever we traveled. We slept in the car (very uncomfortable). I begged We finally decided to get a room during one of our travels and it was a very cheap (scary) motel. The thing we remember the most about it was the "dungeon" shower. It was scary! After 9 years, I've finally found a shower to top that experience. It was a tall tin box and very small. I honestly don't know how a heavy set person would be able to use the shower. I put Howie and Jack in at the same time and it was a tight squeeze for both of them!

We only took one shower all weekend. I just made sure I wore extra deodorant.

On Sunday during lunch time, Jack fell asleep on the couch. He was exhausted from a busy weekend. Too bad he was Howie's unsuspecting victim of a cookie crime. If you know Jack well, you would know that he HATES being dirty. Especially food on his face/mouth area.

Erin finishing up her lunch right before we left for church. Thank goodness we have afternoon church!

Here's a general view of our eating/common area. We had a lot of fun playing games, ping pong, and other various activities this weekend.

The main event of the weekend was our guest speaker, Trevor Romain. Saturday morning, childcare was provided so the adults could listen to him speak. There was a lot of laughter and tears, he's such a wonderful person! Sunday morning was the children's session. Jack and Luke went to the babysitting area while Howie, Erin and I listened about how to express our feelings while Dad is away. He also touched on the topic of bullying. He's written many books and I plan on adding him to our home library!

Labor Day Weekend

Last weekend I had the privilege of watching my sister's girls, Jackie and Nadia. We had so much fun and I can't wait for them to come back for some more fun.

This was Jackie and Nadia's first time ever on a trampoline. They did more walking than bouncing. It's okay, they still had a lot of fun. The weather was great, so that was wonderful!

Luke...just because.

We also had an amazing sunset on Labor day. The picture really doesn't do it justice.

I Lurve Autumn!

I know, it's only September 5th, BUT I love Autumn and for me it doesn't come on September 23rd this year. It comes Labor Day weekend!

A kind lady from church asked me one day when she could take my kids for me so I could have a break. Of course I accepted her offer, because I'm not crazy. And so she watched the kids for several hours on Thursday night for me. I just ran a bunch of errands that are not fun with kids. Grocery shopping was a biggy, but I also was able to enjoy a little time at Hobby Lobby. Walking through the isles of Autumn decor just brings so much happiness to me, I don't quite know why, but it does.

Howard and I love looking at model homes and how nicely they are decorated. Several months ago we were in one and I noticed that there was art work over the fridge. It looked so nice and it never crossed my mind to put something there. Ever since then I've been looking for just the right touch for the space over our fridge and I FINALLY found it on Thursday.

"As for me & my house, we will serve the Lord."

I know Autumn is coming soon to Oklahoma because the wind has been blowing in cooler temperatures. And by cooler I mean that it's only 85F and not 105F

Things I love about Autumn...

back to school

sweaters and pants

NOT sweating

sound of leaves rustling

breathtaking fall foliage

(I know I'm not in the right part of the country, but I at least have 4 season now compared to Okinawa)

planning Halloween costumes

Thanksgiving dinner

(my favorite holiday)

Howard returns home

(this will be his third time returning in the autumn)

a crisp cool breeze

sleeping with the windows open

the sun rising and setting at a reasonable hour

pumpkin anything

(carving, roasted seeds, candles, ghetto trifle, roll, pie, pancakes, potpourri, etc.)

My New Project

At our garage sale I sold my very first rocking chair. It was old, ugly, and very comfortable. I've spent many nights rocking and nursing babies to sleep in it, but from a decorating stand point, it was time to go! I made a deal with Howard, I would get rid of the chair and replace it with one of equal or lesser monetary value, using my garage sale funds. Last Tuesday morning I went to the Salvation Army to see what I could find. Oh, I found some wing back chairs alright, but they were horribly overpriced for a thrift store. Like - $89 overpriced!!!! I was disappointed to say the least. That same afternoon I was picking the kids up from the bus stop (which I normally do not do) and found this lovely treasure on the side of the road. FOR FREE!!!! I asked the owners if I could have it (just to make sure) and within a couple minutes Howie and I had it loaded up in the van. Happy day! I will be reupholstering is as soon as I have some time (maybe between 10pm-6am?). I'll post pictures as soon as I'm done, I'm super excited to do something crafty with a practical purpose and not a waste of money.

Sugar High

While Howard is away I've tried really hard to stick to a food schedule with the kids. They don't require fancy food like a husband does, do it's a lot easier to get lazy. Anyway...I've done fairly well with meals, but I've really slacked on our Sunday night treats that I normally make. My kids favorite and most requested item would have to be divinity. It's not hard to make, you just have to follow the directions. I'm just lazy, that's all. I FINALLY made it for them tonight after months of begging from the kids.

Notice the recipe - Low Fat - as if that makes it better for you?!

These were for our piano teacher and her new husband.

The bowl was for the vultures (and it had a lot in it too)!

They cleaned the bowl FAST!

Erin's zoned out on a sugar high.

Luke went to town with the beater. We kinda all did actually. I love how divinity just melts in your mouth!

Notice Jack chugging down the milk. As soon as the kids started eating it they begged for milk. It's the only way to take the edge off all the sugar.

Poor Dash, he only gets his doggie food.

In case anyone is wondering, this is our meal schedule...

Sunday - Breakfast

Monday - Noodle Night

Tuesday - Mexican

Wednesday - Easy food (because of Scouts)

Thursday - Chicken or Fish

Friday - Pizza & Movie (We eat on a blanket in the living room, picnic style)

Saturday - Cook's Choice (PB&J anyone?)

Wacky Wednesday

Oakridge really wants the kids to have a good time! This week is Spirit Week and today was Wacky Wednesday. We sure had fun!

Erin has FIVE pony tails, glitter in her hair, inside-out/backwards pants, backwards shirt, and mismatched shoes. She also wore her robe as a sweater.

Howie's wearing some shorts we accidentally left outside during our Wisconsin trip, so the rain and sun really faded them in a weird way. He's also wearing his old Kadena Elementary shirt inside-out/backwards with my undershirt over it, and some mismatched socks! Oh, and he has some hair glitter in his hair!

Jack was trying to be weird too!

Lucas is just super cute!

To add to our wackiness I overslept (and really enjoyed it!), burned breakfast, and the dog ate Howie's second breakfast (that earned Dash a time out!). Oh what a morning!

I've Been Purging!

One of my biggest weakness would have to be my piles of paper I have around the house. I always find a few convenient places to put my stuff, but it's always an eye sore. Sometimes I pile it all up and hide it in a closet, but not this weekend! I filled a recycle bin to the brim with paper. I feel so much better! I went through ALL my trouble spots (and trouble drawers) around the house (Howard knows which one's I'm talking about!) and combined them all into one HUGE pile. Then I went to work! Here is my finished product, I'm so happy!

I purged our all-purpose cabinet to the right. It had a mix of craft/computer/paper supplies in it. I'm not embarrassed anymore if someone were to look in it. Come on over and take a peek!

Here's a close up of my desk. I finally decided to get rid of my crap collector desk organizer, it was taking up too much space. I also drilled a small hole in the back of our desk so I could finally put our keyboard on the keyboard tray.

Notice the top of the refrigerator...it's finally empty! Hopefully it will stay that way! Don't worry Howard, I found your lunch box a home in the pantry.

Another trouble spot. The higher counter and the one to the right of the sink also turns into our dumping grounds. I've repented and will try to do my best to keep it clean and clear!

I'm having a garage sale this Saturday because I'm tired of picking up and taking care of my stuff. I have more important things to do...like play with my kids! I recently came across a very inspiring blog about simplifying and minimizing, take a look! As a side note, I endorse her simplistic lifestyle, not her politics. Just so you know.

rowdykittens.com

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

Pardon the Christmas music, but THIS is the most wonderful time of the year...the first day of school.

Before school

My lil' miss cowgirl

Howie and I both love his shirt, and Greg Heffley.

Howie got a hold of the camera on the drive to school. This was his favorite, with the sun.

I'm smiling wide inside!

We are going to have a fantastic year at Oakridge. Hopefully we'll be able to have a lot of good years here. We had to drop all the kids off in the cafetorium (their word, not mine) for their morning "Rise n' Shine" meeting. All the kids gather for announcements and other fun things every morning before school.

Erin and her teacher, Mrs. Jones. Howie had her last year...the best teacher ever. I'm so glad Erin got her!

Howie waiting patiently in his row. His teacher, Mrs. Newmark, seems like she's really going to be great too! My feelings are so different than last year, it's incredible. I feel so blessed that we could buy our home where we did and that my children can go to an outstanding school.

As a matter of fact, their school is brand new.

So new that they are still unloading supplies...

...and building the playgrounds.

If you notice to the left of the picture, there are empty chains, but no swings.

I'm hoping they finish before recess!

"Daddy's flag" as Jack calls it.

There are American flags EVERYWHERE in OKC, I love it. This is the most patriotic city I've ever lived in and Jack is constantly pointing out Daddy's flag wherever we go. It's so cute.

I have to make a plug for Land's End backpacks. This will be Erin's third year using her backpack and it still looks new. Howie got a new one this year, but he used his previous one for three full school years. His old backpack still looks fantastic, but I'll be saving it for Jack.

The Story of Stuff

Click on the link below and watch the video. It really makes me think twice about shopping and what I purchase!

The Story of Stuff

Don't Worry, I'm Okay.

I bruise really easily, so you can imagine how bad it can get with a simple needle. Here is where my IV was in for less than 24 hours.

Here is where the nurse attempted the first IV, but couldn't get it in. The bruise is actually quite deep and it it hurt worse than when they put in my coil. Weird isn't it? I feel all better now, it just looks nasty.

On a side note...The white toy box in the bottom left of the photo is from when Howie was a baby. It recently broke, but after several tries I managed to fix it myself with a hammer, wood glue, nails and screws. I'm not handy, so I'm proud of my work. It seems like the older I get, the less likely I am to buy something new if it breaks. If I can fix it, why not?

My Mini Vacation

I've been really busy at home this week preparing for my outpatient procedure that turned into an inpatient hospital stay. I went in Friday for a Veinoscan, which is a diagnostic procedure in preparation for my varicose vein surgery coming up in the next few weeks. It turned out that I had several varicose veins, including my ovarian vein, that was bad in my lower abdomen. The doctor put a coil on several veins throughout my lower abdomen. Here is a picture of my ovarian vein and the large coil used. Because the hospital was behind schedule (surprise, surprise) my 2 hour procedure didn't even start until 3pm. Afterwards I had to lay perfectly flat for several hours to make sure any bleeding stopped. Once I was able to get up, I still needed assistance walking and since it was so late, I just stayed the night. I was discharged first thing this morning and was home by 9:30am. I'm so glad to be home. At first I was excited to get a mini vacation. Dinner and breakfast in bed sounds good to me! But I quickly became board, missed the kids, and couldn't wait to get home. Since it wasn't a planned overnight visit, I wasn't properly prepared with any personal items.

Anyway, I'm just happy to be home and I wanted to share with everyone what I've been up to this week.

Because I was a vascular patient, I stayed in the cardiac wing. When I got up for my first walk, the nurse told me that everyone was staring at me because I was the youngest patient there. Again this morning a different nurse told me it was nice having someone so young, because they normally consider 50 young on that wing of the hospital. Most patients are in their 60's and 70's.

Powerful!

I can't quite figure out how to make the screen fit in my blog column, but listen anyway. It's a wonderful story!