Seminole, OK
Playing around and having fun...
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Visit With My Sis and Nephews
My sister and her three boys came from Oklahoma City for a short visit yesterday and they went home today. My girlz had fun playing "spies" with their cousins and I enjoyed catching up with my sis and holding her six-month old baby, Will (who is in almost every picture below!). My mom came over for dinner last night and of course she was thrilled to see five of her seven grandkids in the same visit.
Wish they lived closer but it's nice to see them when we can!
Wish they lived closer but it's nice to see them when we can!
Happy St. Patty's Day!
St. Patrick's Day Links:
St. Patrick's Day Activities (at DLTK.com)
St. Patrick's Day (at Familyfun.com)
St. Patrick's Day Crafts and Activities (at Enchanted Learning)
St. Patrick's Day Recipes (from Allrecipes.com)
Emerge Women's Retreat 2010
I recently got to go on our church's annual Women's Retreat to Sky Ranch in Miami, Oklahoma. This was my second time to go and it's just such a nice time to get away. (I wrote about last year's retreat here.) We had a great time attending sessions, sharing with small groups, singing (hence, why the Emerge playlist on this blog was created), crafting, eating, zip-lining and even zumba-ing ;-) One of the best things about the retreat is getting to know the other ladies outside of church. We had some great sharing time that is leading many women to feeling true freedom in Christ for the first time ever. Looking forward to going again next year!
Monday, March 15, 2010
In Loving Memory of "Gammy"
Today is the fifth anniversary of my grandmother (a.k.a. "Gammy") going to be with Jesus. I miss her so much. She was the perfect grandmother and such a great example of a kind, thoughtful and fun-loving Christian. More than anything, she loved to serve others.
The following is an excerpt from one of her Gratitude Journals. (Thank you to my Aunt Jeanette for sending this out to our relatives today! Such a sweet memory of Gammy's servant attitude.)
February 11, 1994
Over several cups of coffee this morning, I sat and was doing some pondering of my past days. For several weeks I had been getting ten years of Volunteers files up to date and getting everything in order to hand over to our activity director. In other words after eighteen years of really working hard at this voluntary business, I was slowing down to almost a halt.
On February 10th, I went out to the Nursing Home (Rosewood) and turned in all of the books and files. In the afternoon, we volunteers had our monthly business meeting and I resigned as their president and founder of ten years. What a load off my mind! I enjoyed all of my voluntary work at Rosewood, Four Seasons, and Hillcrest Nursing Homes, but now I wanted to do what I wanted to do.
So, on this morning of pondering, I looked back through the years. In my seventy-one years as far back as I could remember, it seemed like I was always doing for others (as millions of others have done). I probably wasn't any better or any worse and what I have done is certainly not outstanding but it was an interesting path to travel. The joy and blessings that I have received along the way are too many to count. God has been so good to me to give me the health and ability to do my tasks and I'm grateful to Him. I believe He led me to become a caregiver and a volunteer. The loved ones I tended to are all gone now so most of what I was doing is no longer needed.
Does all of this mean that I can now rest on my laurels and do nothing? I really don't think that God wants me to do that just yet. Yes, I want to rest my body now but I still want to find new avenues to take and see what I will find along the way. I will always do some kind of volunteer work if I can help someone or try to be a blessing to someone. As Aunt Bonnie would say, "I still have rats to kill!" I do miss hearing her say that.
As far as I know, there are still lots of books to be read, lots of new people to meet, and lots of old friends to remember and check up on and I do not wish to be alone and hidden under a bushel. What fun would that be?
The joy of waking everyday and to wonder what the day will bring is something I look forward to. I may not wake until 10 or 11 - but not all of the day is gone! I do stay up late at night and a lot of that time is in reading.
I so look forward to seeing her again someday. In loving memory of my Gammy...
The following is an excerpt from one of her Gratitude Journals. (Thank you to my Aunt Jeanette for sending this out to our relatives today! Such a sweet memory of Gammy's servant attitude.)
Over several cups of coffee this morning, I sat and was doing some pondering of my past days. For several weeks I had been getting ten years of Volunteers files up to date and getting everything in order to hand over to our activity director. In other words after eighteen years of really working hard at this voluntary business, I was slowing down to almost a halt.
On February 10th, I went out to the Nursing Home (Rosewood) and turned in all of the books and files. In the afternoon, we volunteers had our monthly business meeting and I resigned as their president and founder of ten years. What a load off my mind! I enjoyed all of my voluntary work at Rosewood, Four Seasons, and Hillcrest Nursing Homes, but now I wanted to do what I wanted to do.
So, on this morning of pondering, I looked back through the years. In my seventy-one years as far back as I could remember, it seemed like I was always doing for others (as millions of others have done). I probably wasn't any better or any worse and what I have done is certainly not outstanding but it was an interesting path to travel. The joy and blessings that I have received along the way are too many to count. God has been so good to me to give me the health and ability to do my tasks and I'm grateful to Him. I believe He led me to become a caregiver and a volunteer. The loved ones I tended to are all gone now so most of what I was doing is no longer needed.
Does all of this mean that I can now rest on my laurels and do nothing? I really don't think that God wants me to do that just yet. Yes, I want to rest my body now but I still want to find new avenues to take and see what I will find along the way. I will always do some kind of volunteer work if I can help someone or try to be a blessing to someone. As Aunt Bonnie would say, "I still have rats to kill!" I do miss hearing her say that.
As far as I know, there are still lots of books to be read, lots of new people to meet, and lots of old friends to remember and check up on and I do not wish to be alone and hidden under a bushel. What fun would that be?
The joy of waking everyday and to wonder what the day will bring is something I look forward to. I may not wake until 10 or 11 - but not all of the day is gone! I do stay up late at night and a lot of that time is in reading.
I so look forward to seeing her again someday. In loving memory of my Gammy...
Kwero!
For about the past six months, I have been busy helping plan a fundraiser to raise money to build an orphanage and medical clinic in Lira, Uganda. The event is called "Kwero!" which is Ugandan for "party!" Several people have asked me how I got involved with this endeavor so I thought I'd share my story ;-)
Project Hope Worldwide is an Owasso, Oklahoma-based non-profit organization whose mission is to "invest, equip and provide hope to the poor, the oppressed, the widows and the orphans around the world." Their current project is "Calo Me Lare", which means "Village of Redemption". Calo Me Lare is located in northern Uganda where many Ugandan citizens have been affected by AIDS and many children are homeless orphans just trying to make it in the world. Project Hope Worldwide wants to help this unfortunate community by building an orphanage, a medical clinic and eventually a school within Calo Me Lare.
In order to take on a task this big, obviously large funds of money are required. So, the Board of Project Hope Worldwide thought it would be a great idea to plan a huge fundraiser and raise money for Calo Me Lare, but also raise awareness of the needs of Ugandan citizens. The Board asked a friend of mine, Amy Main, to head up the fundraiser then she thought of three more ladies to help join her on the Planning Committee.
This is where I came in. Amy approached me and filled me in on Project Hope Worldwide and Calo Me Lare. She told me her idea of hosting a local fundraiser and asked if I would help out by being the Media/Public Relations Chairperson. It didn't take much to convince me that this was a great cause and something I could help out with that was bigger than myself.
So, we got to work right away planning and advertising the event, making invitations, printing tickets, notifying the public, creating websites, sending out press releases, procuring auction items, etc. It has been a huge feat but something I have really enjoyed participating in. So as you can see, "my" part of the story is not really "my" part. The role I have played with Kwero is so minute, but when brought together with lots of volunteers and a few "surprise" donations, we can and will make a huge difference for those in need in a country clear across the other side of the world! So many people from within our local community have taken an interest in Kwero and I am constantly amazed at all the many ways they have volunteered their time and services!
The event is April 17, 2010, and we hope many people from the Tulsa area will come out for an exciting and fun evening - and all for a great cause! To find out more about Kwero, please check out our Kwero Blog or visit us on facebook here!
In order to take on a task this big, obviously large funds of money are required. So, the Board of Project Hope Worldwide thought it would be a great idea to plan a huge fundraiser and raise money for Calo Me Lare, but also raise awareness of the needs of Ugandan citizens. The Board asked a friend of mine, Amy Main, to head up the fundraiser then she thought of three more ladies to help join her on the Planning Committee.
So, we got to work right away planning and advertising the event, making invitations, printing tickets, notifying the public, creating websites, sending out press releases, procuring auction items, etc. It has been a huge feat but something I have really enjoyed participating in. So as you can see, "my" part of the story is not really "my" part. The role I have played with Kwero is so minute, but when brought together with lots of volunteers and a few "surprise" donations, we can and will make a huge difference for those in need in a country clear across the other side of the world! So many people from within our local community have taken an interest in Kwero and I am constantly amazed at all the many ways they have volunteered their time and services!
Soccer Season Has Begun!
Well, soccer season has officially begun! "A" is playing her 4th season and "M" has decided to take it up this year so this is her first time to play. They are both so excited and look forward to their practices and games each week. I love to watch them play but I'll enjoy it more once it starts getting warmer outside! ;-)
March Date Night With the Girlz
We recently took our monthly date night with the girlz. It was Steve's turn to take "M". They ate dinner at Baja Jacks Burrito Shack then went shopping at Old Navy and Kohl's. I took "A" to Burger Street then shopping at Hobby Lobby and Old Navy. We always look forward to our night out with the girlz!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Introducing...Baby Samuel!
Welcome to the world, Samuel! We're so glad you're finally here and we look forward to watching you grow into a little guy! You are very blessed to have the sweet family God has placed you in! We love you already!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Home Is Where the Heart Is
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
The Silhouette Girl
Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!
Dr. Seuss was born Theodor Seuss Geisel on March 2, 1904, in Springfield, Massachusetts. The amazingly clever author published more than 60 children's books over the length of his career. Looking for some ways to celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday with your kids? Here's a few ideas that I've found on the internet...DR. SEUSS LINKS:
FAMOUS DR. SEUSS QUOTES:
"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself, any direction you choose."
"A person's a person no matter how small."
"Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than you."
"Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So... get on your way."
"I meant what I said, and I said what I meant. An elephant's faithful, one hundred percent."
"So the writer who breeds more words than he needs, is making a chore for the reader who reads."
"Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple."
"And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed."
"Be who you are and say what you feel because those that mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
"You know when you're in love and you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams."
DR. SEUSS VIDEOS:
Monday, March 1, 2010
That's a Lot of Rocks!
Field Trip to the Elsing Museum
Oral Roberts University
Tulsa, OK
Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010
The photos in the slideshow were taken by my girlz ;-)
Video by 10 year old, "M"...