Spring Fever

Man-o-man have I got spring fever! I just want to be outside in the sunshine and I have this incredible urge to clean and organize. I guess maybe that's where "spring cleaning" comes from. After all the winter coldness and being locked up inside and the sun setting so early, I'm READY for spring!
Don't get me wrong, I do like winter, it's just this little part of me that is ready for the next season :)

I'm even excited for daylight savings to begin (I may miss that one little extra hour of sleep though) and for me to actually have time to work outside on the yard when I get home from work before the sun sets. I want to clean and organize every single room of our house and get rid of a lot of stuff!

When we bought our house we purchased the house AND everything in it. This has been a huge blessing in a lot of ways. We didn't have to rush out and buy a house full of new furniture, we can take our time and buy new things piece by piece as we want to and are able to. Also, we were able to make some extra money right away by selling a lot of the spare things in an estate sale. But, there are some downsides too and the major one right now is... what do I do with ALL THIS STUFF!?! There's the house stuff, then my stuff and now Kenny's stuff and we just have too much stuff *grins* I am so ready to purge through and sell or donate a BUNCH of it. It will just feel so freeing to have some space for OUR things.

So, we're planning a garage sale some time in early spring. In the mean time I just want to organize and clean so we're well prepared! Boy my feet are just bouncing waiting to get home and get started! Let's hope I still have this much energy after work ;)

P.S. Kenny said the L-Screen worked SO GREAT at practice yesterday! He was really excited!

L Screen!

Do YOU know what an "L-screen" is? Well, I didn't until this week ;) It is for baseball. It saves the pitcher from certain death during practice *grins* This is what they look like:
Kenny is just getting into the swing of things (no pun intended) with his baseball practice and thought an L screen would really help them out. He could get really close to the batter and throw the ball precisely and quickly helping them with hand-eye coordination and stuff.

Well, L-screens are EXPENSIVE! Well over a hundred dollars! So Kenny and Dad decided they could build one. They are so creative and mechanical! So on Saturday night after Lori's birthday party Kenny, Dad, Mom and I built the frame work for the L screen out of PVC piping. Then Sunday, after shopping ALL OVER Oklahoma City for some netting, we finally found some at Ace Hardware. We cut it down to size and I sewed it to the framework with some heavy duty thread and we got the whole thing finished. Total cost, under $20! Woo Hoo!! Kenny kept encouraging me and telling me how good of a sewer I was, so cute *grins*
(Yes, I made Kenny do the Vana White pose here) ;)
I just know it will come in SO handy at practice! Good job guys!

Lori's Birthday Party

Friday night after work I went over to Mom and Dad's to see Neil and Julie. They had come down to see the family and be there for Lori's birthday party. They're so good about making trips to come see us. Kenny and I are looking forward to our next trip up to Springfield to see them and their new house.

Lori was at Mom and Dad's too and Kenny came over after he got done with Baseball Practice. So, the boys all hung out while Mom, Julie, Lori and I worked on cleaning out my old bedroom. It's become the holding space for all of us girls stuff that we need to sort and take to our own homes. Mom and Dad are so sweet to let us take over a whole room of their house with our crazy stuff *grins* We got a lot of sorting done and hopefully cleaned out some space for Mom, but we also got to talk and laugh a lot ;)

Lori mentioned that she was needing to get her hair cut and that it had been a while since her last appointment. Well....I just happened to have an appointment the next day so I gave her my appointment and paid for the hair cut as her birthday gift! What great timing!!

Saturday afternoon the whole family met at Mom and Dad's for Lori's birthday party. Since Chili's to-go had worked so great on Mom's birthday we did that again. It feels so different to order and pick up food for ten people instead of just Kenny and I *laughs*. So, Kenny and I picked up and delivered the food and we all had a great lunch. Bryce was asleep for most of the festivities. It was strange, it really seemed like someone was missing!
We had two great desserts! Hawaiian wedding cake and Lori introduced us to Mexican Cheesecake, OH.MY.GOODNESS.!! It's like a sweet gooey cinnamon roll all melty in your mouth!! We all kept going back to get "one more sliver", "just a tad more" :)
Here is the recipe if anyone wants to try it....SO GOOD! Mexican Cheesecake

2 pkg Pillsbury crescent rolls
2 eight ounce pkg cream cheese (softened)
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 c. butter

pre-heat oven to 350.
place 1 pkg crescent rolls flat in a greased 9x13 pan.
mix together 2 pkg. cream cheese and 1 cup of sugar until smooth. Spread mixture evenly on top of rolls.
Place 2nd pkg. of crescent rolls on top of cream cheese mixture.
Melt butter and mix with remaining 1/2 cup of sugar and cinnamon.
Brush butter mixture on top of crescent rolls.
Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes until rolls are brown.
It is better served chilled. The "filling" sets up a little better after it has cooled considerably.

We had such a fun little party!

City Bites with Stephanie

Yesterday evening I got to have dinner with my best friend Stephanie! We met at City Bites and had a fabulous evening!!
She is such a sweet, caring friend! It is sometimes hard for us to find time to do things together now a days because we're married and working and so busy with day to day things. But, we make the most of the opportunities we do have! When we get together it's like no time has passed at all. We just pick up the conversation right where we left off and can't stop talking! I love that girl!!

Stephanie is so special to me. We actually met on THE FIRST day of kindergarten. She has a home movie from that day where she is asking "Daddy, who's that little girl over there who's crying?"....well, that little girl was ME! *grins* The first day of kindergarten was a hard day... I barely let my Mom and Dad leave for ten minutes before they had to pick me up to go home again. I was quite the shy little girl. I probably wouldn't have made it without Stephanie ;)

She has been my partner in crime ever since that day. We joined orchestra together in 4th grade (both playing violin), went shopping together, went on trips together, had sleep overs, birthday parties, school trips, drivers licenses, graduated high school together, went off to seperate colleges only to both transfer to another school together and graduate college side by side. We were bridesmaids in each others weddings and so much more! I am so thankful God placed her in my life. I couldn't have asked for a better friend!

**Edited on 4/1/09 to add:
At this special dinner Stephanie shared the news with me that she and Jeremy were expecting A BABY due in August!!! Needless to say I was completely overjoyed to hear the news! Stephanie and Jeremy are such a sweet couple and they are going to be THE BEST parents! I can't wait to meet their new little bundle of joy!

I added this note later on because I didn't want to share the big news with the world until Stephanie and Jeremy were ready...but BOY was I excited!

Eight Months!!

We had an extra special eight month-a-versary because it just happened to also fall on Valentine's Day! So romantic ;)
We decided that getting food to go would be the best plan. It would just be so hectic and crowded anywhere we went and we would much rather be comfortable and just focused on each other. So we ordered Cracker Barrel to go and Kenny built us a roaring fire in the fire place. We are so thankful for all of that great fire wood we have stacked in the back yard. It really makes fires easier when the wood is so handy.

Kenny got me a great gift and it is sentimental too. Tickets to see Billy Joel and Elton John in St. Louis Missouri in May. It is sentimental because the first Valentine's gift he ever gave me was tickets to see Billy Joel here. Awwww, he's a romantic at heart!

We got all snuggled up on the couch and Kenny suggested that we watch Casablanca. I love that movie, this was only my second time to see it, so I'm still noticing interesting new things.

I couldn't ask for a lovelier night of romance with my sweetie!

Happy Valentine's Day!

In honor of Valentine's Day I wrote Kenny 100 things about him and it was so much fun I thought it would be neat to share on here :) Some of the things probably won't make sense to anyone but us, but they're still fun *grins*

~100 Things about Kenny~

1. You are a Godly man of integrity
2. You always have an answer to my questions, even if you have to make it up
3. You secretly like HGTV especially House Hunters International
4. You always save the last bite for me
5. You blow me air kisses
6. You know all the music artists and can match them to their songs
7. You put up with my lawn watering mania
8. You make me so incredibly happy
9. You always get me started on projects that I’d otherwise delay
10. You have thick curly cute hair (that you let me cut)
11. You know everything about sharks
12. You are freaked out by bugs, but you still kill spiders for me
13. You are THE BEST teacher in the world and sincerely care about your students
14. You play “name that musician” with me even though I only ever guess Meatloaf
15. You ALWAYS open doors for me, even in the middle of the wilderness
16. You hate sauces, but you love ketchup
17. You bring me roses….just because
18. You can read a book faster than anyone I know and I love that you’re so well read
19. You hold all the three-point records in basketball at your high school
20. You make me feel safe
21. You don’t like to order food at the drive through or over the phone, you make me do it
22. You are the best vacation planner ever
23. Your toes bend way backwards but not very far forwards
24. You get the cutest twinkle in your eyes when you smile at me
25. You have a Man chin
26. You encourage me
27. You buy the best Christmas presents
28. You remember everything
29. You can hula dance better than Hawaiians
30. You beat me at every game we ever play (except that one game of Risk)
31. You don’t like to lose
32. You always laugh at my jokes (even the silly ones)
33. You make me want to be a better runner
34. You make lists and actually do the things on them
35. You have a sweet tooth but not for Chocolate
36. You are incredibly intelligent
37. You are an amazing photographer
38. You have a sexy athletic body
39. You say a prayer and squeeze my hand before we take off in an airplane
40. You have a secret handshake with me
41. You like to be babied when you’re sick and you baby me when I’m sick
42. You are such a sweet Son and Grandson
43. You are a dedicated coach
44. You are the answer to many years of prayers
45. You take such good care of me
46. You still give me chills
47. You wish you could play an instrument
48. You make a mean fruit smoothie
49. You love going on adventures with me
50. You guide me lovingly through a crowd
51. Your reach for my hand when we are together
52. You got hit on at Charleston’s
53. You get excited about animals and nature
54. You make me feel beautiful
55. Your cell phone number, when dialed, sounds like “camp town races”
56. You are very humble
57. You called me genuine and spunky the first time you wrote to me
58. You were attacked by buffalo gnats and had to go to the ER when you were a kid
59. You are fun
60. You want a son and you want to name him Dat
61. You would love a daughter just as much (and probably name her Dat too)
62. You would love to live on acres of land in the mountains
63. Your favorite musician is Seal
64. You would love a little boxer puppy
65. You have soft baby lamb earlobes
66. You cheer for the underdog
67. You have an endless collection of CD’s and DVD’s
68. You have that perfect spot, right under the crook of your arm where I always want to be
69. You are perfectly content to stay home and spend time with me
70. You keep me warm
71. You are an excellent Salsa dance partner
72. You say “for the greater good!” with me
73. You know what “falcon, falcon, temple” means
74. You look great in a tuxedo
75. You make my dreams come true
76. You lovingly take care of the “man” chores
77. You want to be with me forever
78. You think all dogs are boys and all cats are girls
79. You are a leader
80. You like to stick your cold feet under my legs
81. You are my one and only
82. You follow world events and know about politics
83. You laugh at my Dick Morris impression
84. You know how to use and have used up an entire fire extinguisher
85. You call to check on me when there is a storm
86. You beat the Cracker Barrel peg game on our fourth date
87. Your eyes are the color of sweet maple syrup
88. You like your Kool Aid with extra sugar
89. You want to learn how to Scuba Dive
90. You used to rub my ring finger before there was a ring on it
91. You notice when I take a deep breath or sigh
92. You love Charlie Brown and Garfield
93. You are going to change the world
94. You make me proud
95. You like to have a BIG glass of water
96. You always kiss me goodbye
97. You taught me how to play soccer and golf
98. You’re who I want our kids to be
99. You love God
100. You love me

I love you Kenny!!

Flock of Seagulls

No, not the band... *grins*
First of all, hooray for me, I made the run again!! :) I feel so good about it! And no sore IT band this time either. I'm so glad Kenny looked up those stretches for me.

Secondly, the title of this blog is talking about a literal flock of sea gulls. When Kenny and I rounded the corner to turn in and park by the lake for our jog, there was a mass gathering of seagulls just resting in the parking lot. Wow-o-wow, so MANY! As we drove by they got kind of spooked and took flight. Then they started following Kennys car flying really low and just hovering around. Once we parked I was scared to get out. It was like a scene from Birds! I think they saw that big white durango and thought it was the mother ship or something *laughs*

Finally Kenny convinced me that it was safe to vacate the vehicle, so I nervously slipped out the door and ran over to get behind him.

The sea gulls just continued to fly low and right beside us and all around for at least fifteen yards of our jog, kind of spooky, but really cool too. Kenny convinced me that they were just hoping we had some food for them. Next time I'll have to bring some bread and my camera ;)

Winning!

We had a lovely night of winning yesterday!

As soon as I got home from work Kenny and I went for a run down by the lake. Yes, I did say run! Wow :) Kenny's always been a great runner, but it's never been quite so easy or enjoyable for me. About a year ago I was really getting pretty good at running, but I fell off the bandwagon when the weather turned cold and I am trying to get back on now ;)

Kenny is such a sweet encourager. We've been going for "walk/jogs" for a while now... meaning we'll jog as long as I can and the walk for a bit, then jog, walk, jog, etc. I love him so much for not pushing me or pressuring me, just always encouraging me.

Well, my hip joints always seem to start hurting when I run very much (I know I sound like an old fogey *grins*) Kenny googled "hip pain when running" and discovered a picture of EXACTLY where it hurts me. It said it was actually my IT Band (not my hips). It had some stretches to do and recommended taking Glucosamine supplements. So, for the past two days I've been doing the stretches and taking the supplements and they truly seemed to make a difference! So much so that yesterday on our run I was able to run the ENTIRE time! Woo Hoo! I'm a winner! I was so excited! Kenny was beaming with pride and kept telling me how great I was doing (he's such a sweet hubby!)

Then when we got home from running we watched the USA vs. Mexico soccer game. I made us enchiladas and chips and salsa and we had a great time. Kenny's students had all been telling him over and over how Mexico was going to beat the US....well, we won 2 to 0! *grins*

Kenny is starting baseball practice tonight, but I'm hoping we can still go run when he gets home. I'm excited to see if I can make it all the way again!

"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." ~Philippians 4:13

Lori

Happy 21st Birthday to my amazing sister Lori!

She is such a sweetheart and one of my best friends. In fact, when she was a baby, I wanted to be her mom :)

I love spending time with Lori because she is so much fun, we just laugh all the time we're together. I'm so proud of her and all of her accomplishments. She was valedictorian of her high school class and is in the President's leadership class at UCO. She is so outgoing and friends with everyone. I secretly live vicariously through Lori and all the cool things she does *grins*

Lori, I love you and I hope you have an AMAZING day!

T.G.I.F.

Hooray for Fridays! I just love that last day of work and looking forward to a relaxing weekend looming just over the horizon.

And I love my job. I can't imagine how much greater Fridays would feel if I hated my job. I'm a pretty lucky girl.

Today was extra special because I got to have lunch with Kenny. He is in the middle of Parent Teacher conferences at school and had to stay late last night and today until noon discussing students with their Mom and/or Dad. He really amazes me. I think I would have trouble even remembering all the students names (five classes of nearly fourty students...that's like TWO HUNDERD kids)! But he remembers each and every one as well as how they're doing in class, relating to their peers, keeping up with their homework, following through with test scores, etc.

I told him last night that I'd have to tell each of the parents (in a robot voice)... "Your son and or daughter is excelling in U.S. History, thank you for your time, goodbye" because I wouldn't be able to remember all of them!?

Tonight we are going to go to an NBA game and see the Oklahoma City Thunder play against the Portland Trail Blazers. Kenny's awesome friend Justin called and invited us to join a group of his friends. We haven't seen a basketball game in over a year, this will be exciting! Plus it's our first time to see the Thunder since they came to Oklahoma.

I hope everyone has an awesome weekend and enjoys this beautiful breezy weather!

Superbowl and the sniffles

Man, I had such high hopes for this weekend. It was supposed to be warm and sunny, perfect timing to get the kitchen cabinet doors finished. I am more than halfway done and we can't wait to see it all finished.

But, that wasn't in the cards for this weekend.... :(

I must have caught some cold bug that was floating around because I was WIPED OUT! I felt so weak and tired and literally could not breathe out of my nose (not fun). So I was a couch potato all weekend and just got to rest and be babied by my hubby.

We did get Cracker Barrel to go and watched the superbowl on Sunday. What an exciting game! I really thought the Cardinals were going to pull off a surprize victory (we always tend to cheer for the underdog), but I think those ref's were rooting for the Steelers *laughs*

I love the way Kenny is so patient in trying to explain all the football happenings to me. Being the second of FOUR girls, I'm pretty much a beginner when it comes to sports, but I'm getting better *grins*

Anytime a whistle is blown, or a yellow flag sails through the air I'm asking Kenny "what's happening, what's going on??" I can never tell whether to cheer or boo or maybe both (just to be on the safe side).

Me: what was that whistle for, how come he threw his little yellow bag down and why is that guy yelling at the black and white stripe man?
Kenny: (laughter subsides) well, the whistle was to stop the play, the yellow FLAG means a foul occured and I think that player is politely disagreeing with the REFEREE.

even after the REplay I'm usually still lost...

Me: I didn't see anything...
Kenny: you see where they drew a yellow circle around that player....well, that's the foul
(yes, sad to say I didn't even notice the yellow drawing on the screen encircling the foul)

Poor Kenny, I think I'm destined to be the worst football watcher in history, but at least I enjoy trying :) I am constantly asking questions and determining new "plays" that they should have used...

• Can those two players pick up the guy with the ball and launch him into the endzone?
• Could the defense build a cheerleader style pyramid to block the fieldgoal?
• I think they should constantly be throwing the football to another player (player one catches and throws to player two, two to three, three to four and so on)..... I have found out this is called a lateral pass and Kenny even recorded a game where it took place, just for me!! :)

Hopefully if we have sons someday they won't think their Momma is crazy ;)