Oklahoma State Fair- BRING IT ON!

Yes, I have been super pumped about the State Fair. I'm not too proud to admit it. Thursday was the opening day and I was there, along with Chelsea, my dad and my girlfriend Veronica. Veronica is from California, her family frequents Disneyland, and we lived in the beautiful, tropical New Zealand together. So she visited me in OK and what better place to take her but the Fair?

We saw several massive pumpkins, huge warermelons and all varieties of peppers. We split a delicious, heart stopping cinnamon roll and buttery corn or the cob. We viewed the fancy quilts and tablecloths (my Grandma's favourite). Dad, Chelsea and V went into the petting zoo, and last but not least, we went to 2 shows. The Dog JUMP show was good, I mean dogs catching frisbees is amusing entertainment, but his microphone was soooo loud it kind of drove me crazy. The real highlight was the TIMBER show- a couple of middle aged men cutting up logs, throwing an ax at a bullseye and cracking jokes. I was happily entertained. The kicker was when they had a log rolling competition in a pool, best 2 out of 3 wins. And to finish off the show one of the men rode the rolling log in splashing water on roller states.

Seriously people, the Fair is where it is at. I'll be back on $2 Tuesday for sure!

Asta La Vista Summer

Saying goodbye to my favorite season deserves a picture collague. Ahhhh, feel the warmth.

Our 5th Wedding Anniversary in Mexico (sans Chelsea)


Mastering the slide: CHECK

Keeping Cool at the Pool: Yep

Cook out with Friends- You betcha

Root, Root, Root for the home team

Relax at the Lake- okie dokie

Yipee for summer. Farewell good friend.

Bitter sweet farewell...

Going back in time: My granddad came 3 times and grandma came 7 times to Australia see us! (I am in my schools sports uniform!)

Many of you know my grandma passed away two weeks ago. I have been really struggling with her passing. This last year Chelsea and I regularly went to the Wellington where my grandparents lived for Granddad and Grandma lunch dates. We would eat and retell stories with their two friends, Sam and Jess (both in their 90's). Chelsea was doted over by all the residents "She is such a doll" but especially cherished by my grandparents, who would take turns feeding her fruit (and deserts if I didn't interevene fast enough!). After dining we would troop upstairs to their apt. play with Chelsea and chat some more.

My grandad passed away just after the 4th of July weekend after a slow decline of health. We had an empowering memorial service recalling all his good deeds. My grandads life challenges me to be hard working, honest and generous. He left an incredible legacy of faithfulness to the Lord and his church.

6 weeks later, my grandma passed away suddenly and painfully. It was a huge shock and traumatic ending that still quietly haunts me. She had congestive heart failure and had been in poor health for years so the fact that her death was so unexpected is honestly slightly ridiculous, however, her spirits and engery had been high. Chelsea and I were accustomed to dropping by and hearing the latest "news", playing Hank Wlliams and listening to her musical clock chime - and I just took those lovely times for granted. They finished so abruptly.

My Grandma was an Oklahoman, country gal who loved Dr. Pepper, watermelon, and jelly bellies. She carefully embrodiered table cloths, watched western movies and made scrumptous apple and cherry pies. Wjen shopping she relished fancy jewelry, pretty dishes, and music boxes. Her grandkids were adored, and she basked in the joy of great grandkids. She bought Chelsea a huge, larger-than-life sized teddy bear that Chelsea would cuddle, squeal and bounce all over. This made my grandma, and me quite happy.

This is a video of Chelsea in April with the bear- Grandma was usually more attentive to Chelsea's antics however she is discussing with my mum fried fruit pies and that was a VERY important topic.

Truth be told, my Grandma had no idea how difficult this transition back to Oklahoma has been for me. I never mentioned yearning for the ocean, missing the mild teperatures or my New Zealand friends. I didn't dwell on the trials related to my husbands new profession or his night time studies. But she helped me through this time tremendously. Through her love, kindness and eager-to-greet-us attitude I drew strength. I will forever be grateful. Dorthy Jean, you were deeply loved and are sorely missed.

Side note: It is no secret that Pick and I tried to stay in New Zealand last year but things didn't work out. We returned to Oklahoma and have wrestled with our lot. Thank the Lord that we were here. This is the ONLY year of my life that I have lived near my grandparents and the joy, and life lessons I received from their companionship was irreplaceable. Again, our heavenly father knows what we need even when we cannot see it. "Praise Him, praise Him, tell of His excellent greatness".