Getting to know You........Oklahoma City Version

In the 4 months we have lived in Oklahoma City, I haven't managed to meet anyone. Well, that's an exaggeration...I have met exactly 3 people....1 through another friend, one through a homeschool group and one invited us to her church (where we ended up) through a homeschool group. I haven't managed to see these great women past meeting them, however.  And although we go to a church, it is a big church....no real chance to meet people.  This church does have lifegroups but apparently they don't have one for us, as of yet.  And, although I would like to serve, I haven't found something that works with our schedule and all our different kids.

While talking to Paula one day about this, she suggested I join MOPS.  I had heard of it, but never been part of one or looked into it.  I looked into it and decided it might be just what I need.  I am so excited, tomorrow is my first day going to the Yukon MOPS and I get to meet people in the area! And do a craft! And socialize! It's like preschool for mommies!!! :-)

My kids, on the other hand, have all made friends at church. Brittany and Emily go every Wednesday night to youth group and Konnect.  They love it and it is great to see them making new friends in the area.  

As little luck as I have had in the socialization area, we have had a wonderful time getting to know the area. I love this area.  Not necessarily Yukon, but Oklahoma City area in general. We have discovered and explored more here than we may ever have in Tulsa.  We have two nearby lakes, several nearby parks, the Will Rogers park in OKC that is a GREAT place for pictures, we've been to Norman for the Weather Festival, a great pumpkin patch in Piedmont, Pops gas station/restaurant, a great BBQ place in Norman, explored Bricktown, geocaching in several areas that we normally wouldn't have gone, climbing around a tank in Mustang, to the Czech festival here in Yukon, we belong to THREE nearby libraries, and of, course, a federal prison.  (we don't belong to the federal prison, just to clarify that)


Anyway, I have a huge amount of pics that I haven't uploaded as I haven't had time to blog lately.  I am going to take a moment to post just a few of them now.....

Throwing Rocks at Lake Hefner in late July

a picnic at Hefner the next week

(those little people in the water are the kids and I)

waiting for the Trolley in Bricktown

eating above the baseball field

to the zoo with the Donathans (one of my best friends came down from BA with her family)

visiting the Christmas Carol Train in Bricktown (put on by Disney for their new movie: The Christmas Carol)

playing in the fountains in Bricktown

tank in Mustang

Pops Restaurant/Gas Station.  They have THOUSANDS of flavors of Pop!!!

Shadow making at a nearby park

 

Hayride at a Pumpkin Farm

Trunk-or-Treat at a local church

Will Rogers Park

The Weather Festival in Norman

so there's a brief tour of the fun we have been up to! We are trying to make sure we get to see and experience most of OKC before we move again! 

Thanksgiving Challenge 11/11

is thankful for this special day....a day to thank the Veterans and my sweet grandmother's birthday. She would have been 102 this year.... I miss her so and can't wait to see her!  

Thanksgiving Challenge 11/10

Today is sort of a rough day....Michael is having a horrible day at work, the kids are screaming and fighting, we are having financial problems, no one feels good....so I am going to be thankful for little giggles.  Little giggles make my day. :-)

Thanksgiving Challenge 09

Last year I participated in South Breeze Farm's Thanksgiving challenge. I had forgotten about it until this morning and went looking for it again.  I am going to participate again, even though I am a little late. It is NEVER too late to cultivate thankfulness!

So, here are nine things I am thankful for, to get caught up!

1. I am thankful for my Heavenly Father and that he cares for me, day in and day out.
2. I am thankful for my loving husband who adores me and always tries his best.
3. I am thankful for my husband's job.
4. I am thankful for Brittany and her wonderful, sweet spirit. I am thankful for her heart towards God and others.
5. I am thankful for Emily and her compassion. She is so empathetic and always wanting to help others.
6. I am thankful for Kaedra and her miracle story. I am thankful that she is healthy and such a bundle of energy!
7. I am thankful for Ethan. I am thankful that he, too, is healthy and energetic and full of imagination!
8. I am thankful for my parents. I am where I am, in part, because of them.
9. I am thankful for the church we have been going to and their youth program and kids' program. Our kids are able to make friends and connect with people there. 

Encouragement for Weary Mothers

I read this great article today. It is very encouraging for weary mothers. Not that I would know any of those!! ;-)

I am working on nurturing my soul right now. Feeding it, stuffing it full to overflowing, so I have something left at the end of every day. 

Bible Reading; encouraging books or blogs; worship and praise music; an inspiring talk with a friend....all these things help nurture me right now. As well as hugs and kisses from the kids, time outdoors, counting my blessings, and writing. 

And praying....always praying. 

Sausage and Tortellini Soup

Hubby doesn't like soup very much (neither do I, for that matter) and I was determined, for some reason, to add some soups into our eating repertoire.  I knew he liked Olive Garden soups, so I thought I would try something Italian-y.  This is what I created....it was delicous!

1 lb. polish sausage, cut into slices
1 large onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
a bunch of italian seasoning
48 oz. beef broth
14.5 oz Diced Tomatoes
28oz Cut Italian Green Beans
9 oz cheese tortellini

Saute sausage, onion, and pepper in a bit of olive oil until vegetables are soft.  Add garlic and saute for about 30 seconds.  Pour in spices, broth and tomatoes and simmer for awhile.  Bring to a boil about 10 minutes before serving, add in tortellini and green beans. 

More about me than you ever wanted to know!

Susan posted this on Penless Writer

I needed something to jumpstart me blogging again, so I thought I would try this!

The phone rings. Who will it be? Michael, Tarry or Kimberly

When shopping at the grocery store, do you return your cart? Yes

  

In a social setting, are you more of a talker or a listener? Depends on who I am being social with. With FAITH and my friends I am a talker/listener. Most of the rest of the time I am a listener. 

Do you take compliments well? Hmmmm....Sort of well?

Do you play Sudoku? yes, love it 

If abandoned alone in the wilderness, would you survive? I'd like to think so 

Did you ever go to camp as a kid? Yes 

What was your favorite game as a kid? Rummy-O

Could you date someone with different religious beliefs than you? No, but I really ought not to be dating. I am married, y'know. ;-)

Do you like to pursue or be pursued? neither, see above...

Use three words to describe yourself? at the moment: weary, frustrated, lonely....in general: blessed, joyous, forgiven

Do any songs make you cry? yes

Are you continuing your education?

Not in the "formal" sense but yes as far as viewing life as an education! (I like Susan's answer) I am constantly trying to learn more and learn new things! It can actually be very frustrating...I am a jack of all trades, master of none.

Have you ever taken pictures in a photo booth? yes

How often do you read books? Constantly, I am a chain reader. :-) and actually, I usually have more than one going at a time.

Do you think more about the past, present or future? the present and future.

What is your favorite children's book? hard to say. I like a lot and am growing tired of a lot.  I love Shel Silverstein.

What color are your eyes? Green

Where is your dream house located? around my family, preferably by water and/or mountains.

If your house was on fire, what would be the first thing you grabbed? our lock box.

When was the last time you were at Olive Garden? In Overland Park, KS meeting Michael's childhood friend. I think that was September last year. I didn't get to talk to him, however, because my littles kept me quite busy on my side of the table. 

Where was the furthest place you traveled today? Tinker Federal Credit Union

Do you like mustard? sometimes

Do you look like your mom or dad? neither. I am adopted. However, I do look like my birth mother. At least how she used to look.

How long does it take you in the shower? 5 minutes

Can you do the splits? nope, not even close, not even in the same county as the splits. Never have been able to. No flexibility.

What movie do you want to see right now? I have a huge list.  Next one up is "Up"

What did you do for New Year's? I don't remember

Do you think The Grudge was scary? Never heard of it

Do you own a camera phone? yes, not just that, an IIII phone. :-)

What's the last letter of your middle name? "a"

How many hours of sleep do you get a night? at the present time I am lucky if I get 4

What do you buy at the movies? popcorn and pop

Do you know how to play poker? in theory. :-) However, I am not good at it at all.

Do you wear your seat belt? Yes, always. well, always in the car. Sometimes I wish I had one for the chairs at home, too, especially when I inexplicably fall off. 

How many meals do you eat a day? 3

Do you like funny or serious people better? I like both, but am usually drawn to funny people with a serious side.

Ever been to L.A.? yes...many a time

Did you eat a cookie today? yes

Do you hate chocolate? nope. I have a healthy like for chocolate.

Are you a gullible person? I don't think so

Are you easy to get along with? I like to think so! 

Join in the fun if you want. Please be sure and let me know if you participate so I can come learn more about you.

Decisions, Decisions

We decided that Kaedra will NOT go back to the Children's Hospital here in town. We cancelled all the exchange of information and we will be going back to Kansas City in February or so. Kaedra is far too precious to leave her in the hands of people who aren't experts at what they are doing. 

Appt with new Surgeon for Kaedra

The quick version is we did not get warm fuzzy feelings from either ortho surgeon we saw at the local Children's Hospital. Neither one addressed Kaedra at all and her only exam was a peek at her back from about 3 ft away. They never asked us abt her history or looked over the page I brought in with her detailed history. They never mentioned the removed rod, even though the hook is still attached and obvious in photos. Really, honestly, they barely talked to us at all and Kaedra not at all. We both got the feeling they were not very familiar or comfortable with VEPTR or the kids that may need them. We were very disappointed.

We are awaiting some records from KC and have another appt with them in 2 weeks. We will give them one more chance and then make our decision from there.

Great Quote

"People gravitate to where they are celebrated not merely tolerated..ensure you celebrate the people God puts in your world today..they are a gift to you" ChristineCaine