Cubs take 2nd!!

In their first tournament of the season, the Kirby Cubs took 2nd place after being defeated twice by the same team. It was a fight to the finish!! We had such fun last weekend at the ballpark...two games Saturday and four Sunday. Momma was hoarse from yellin' for the team!! Woohoo!! A shout out to all our family and friends that came out to support our little E!!

Watermelon Feast

The First Graders at Briarwood had their annual Watermelon Feast last Friday. I say annual because I remember going to Parker's several years ago...memories. It's cute to see who the kids have made friends with at school in such a short amount of time. Of course, they usually already have a couple neighborhood friends or friends from Kindergarten. Here are some pics from Liv's Watermelon Feast. We went to WM the night before to pick out a watermelon she could take to school. She wanted to carry it through the store, quite funny!
Livie carrying her watermelon at the store.

Liv loves watermelon.

The sign of something DELICIOUS!
Friends - Bethany, Olivia, Fayleen, Karli

"Watermelon makes me smile!"

Birthdays at Pops!

Our family has three birthdays in August and they're pretty close together, Erin, my sister's is the 17th, Joe's, my b-i-l, is the 21st, and Phil's is the 28th. We try to have dinner one night during the month to celebrate all the birthdays. This year someone made the decision to go to POPS out in Arcadia. If you're up for a little drive this is a pretty fun place. We went last Tuesday, it wasn't busy and we had no trouble getting a place to sit. The kids were amazed by all the different kinds of sodas. Unfortunately for me, I'm taking some meds that make anything carbonated taste nasty so I wasn't able to enjoy that part, but the rest was fun!
Happy Birthday Phil, Erin & Joe!

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My Little Ball Player

Easton is what we like to call our "strong-willed" child! Ha! I say that with a chuckle!! He is the kid who is really good at almost everything HE decides to do. It's actually very wearisome for the rest of us. He has played baseball in the past but at the prodding of his parents and grandparents, so as you can imagine he wasn't "all in". At the beginning of this year he decided to play tackle football but as sign-ups neared his desire lessened. Out of the clear blue one day he announced that he would be playing baseball again, so we jumped on it. We got him into some hitting lessons with Eric Walker, which I think he thought was very cool, and a new, lighter bat and he has soared ever since. Like I said, once HE decides to do something it's a go!

Here are a few pics I took of him at his game last night. He was 3 for 3 with 2 run scored and he brought the winning run in on his last up to bat. For all you baseball buffs, I'm sure I didn't write that out correctly but you get the point!!

WAY TO GO, EASTON!!!!!!!!!

Always, Sometimes, Never

My great friends and fellow bloggers, Nicole & Becky, tagged me in 'Always, Sometimes, Never'. I'm gonna admit, I've had a day to think about this and it's not an easy task for me. Probably for one, I'm not a creative writer and two, it's hard for me to come up with things about myself. But in the spirit of the game and blogging...here goes.

I Always...
-floss my teeth every night.
-hit snooze for at least 15 minutes every morning...drives Phil crazy.
-shower and shampoo every day...the whole nine-yards, and yes I get tired of it.
-love being goofy.
-wipe every dish spotless before putting them in the dishwasher.

I Sometimes...
-read before I go to bed.
-do absolutely nothing on Sundays...love lazy Sundays.
-am too honest (in a bad way).
-get a pedicure...probably my only luxury.
-talk on the telephone...haha!!
-don't take constructive criticism well, especially depending on the source.

I Never...
-play with our dog (sorry to all you dog lovers).
-find clothes when I have the money to buy them.
-watch scary movies.
-dust...ssshhhh!
-say never!!!!!!

Another First Day of School

Phil and I walked the kids to yet another first day of school. It's always a bittersweet day for us, sad that summer is over and that our 'babies' have moved up another year on the education ladder, Olivia 1st grade, Easton 2nd grade and Parker 6th grade, but at the same time relieved to have them 'entertained' for the entire day.
We started our first day in our traditional way, breakfast at Ihop. The kids really look forward to this and I love that we have started this tradition. Phil wanted to eat somewhere different but the kids wanted to stick with good'ole Ihop, and it did not disappoint. We had a few minutes before school started so we came home and relaxed (I could've fallen asleep) and the kids let me take a few pics. Then it was off to school.
Enjoying our breakfast!

The kids walking to school.

Olivia with Mrs. Dorran.

Easton & Mrs. Glasgow.

Parker! Yep, I had to sneak this pic!!

The Time Traveler's Wife

I just finished reading The Time Traveler's Wife...WOW!!! This is honestly an amazing book! Ironically, as I sit here typing this post, I'm struggling with accurate words of description. I cannot go into too much detail as it could give too much away. I'll do the best I can...
It is about a young girl, Clare, who meets a 'time traveler', Henry. Henry reveals to her that they will are married in the future. Growing up Clare is constantly waiting on Henry to appear until they meet in present time when Clare is 20-years-old and Henry is 28-years-old. The rest is the story of their life together and Henry's time travels in and out.
I love so many things about this book: the mystery of where Henry is coming from or going to (which is all answered by the end of the book), the obvious love Clare and Henry have for each other, just to name a couple. I am so excited to see Audrey Niffenegger's next book, Her Fearful Symmetry, due out this fall. It sounds like it'll be another amazing book!
If you haven't read The Time Traveler's Wife I HIGHLY recommend this book! It is one of my top favs.

July 4th on August 4th

So I thought since it's been exactly one month I should go ahead and post 4th of July pics. The past two years we've gone to the Minor's to celebrate the 4th and we've had such a great time. This year we went on Sunday; they live in Newcastle so we stock up on the fireworks and the kids love it. We also spend the actual 4th with family, mine and Phil's parents and Erin and Joe, with fireworks a-plenty. 4th of July is probably one of my favorite holidays. I enjoy the summer atmosphere, time with family and friends, cooking out, the childish feeling I get watching fireworks and enjoying the thrill my kids (and the adult men...teehee) get from them as well, and the great blessing of freedom God has given this great country.
If you can remember this far back it rained pretty good on the 4th so I didn't get any pics that night but I have a few from the 5th at the Minors...ENJOY!!!!

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Blog Re-Design

WARNING: RANDOM POST

I finally got my blog redesigned to my summer theme, now that summer is half way over. I think I've mentioned in past posts...that's the way I roll, and I wasn't kidding. Notice still no 4th of July pics posted. BUT...I am planning on it! Ha! Just be patient with me! At least you never know what to expect when ya check out our blog!! Anyway, Phil likes a "clean" blog so I went with white down the middle. I think it looks neat, as in clean, and his comment was, "What about this stuff on the sides?" Well, I compromised!

Really a lot has been going on with our family. Parker has just started his 2nd season of competitive soccer. I guess I am officially a soccer mom. In all honestly, that title should really be given to Phil. I'm sure he would appreciate that! Easton has finally decided to play baseball again. We're all excited about that decision. He beats to the rhythm of his own drum (did I say that right? Oh well!!) and no amount of coercing is going to talk him into doing anything until he's good and ready. Easton seems to be a good ball player, but once again its got to be in his own time...it's quite exhausting. Livie is still in gymnastics. She's the perfect size for it and has picked it up quickly. I love to watch her. Of course for her, she decides everyday she wants to do something different. No way sister!! She's tried other things like dance, cried every class, and soccer, played with her hair the entire time. She's a pretty fast little booger so at some point track may be in her future.

As for me, I really enjoy reading which is humorous to me because I hated it growing up. I'm in a little book club, Shabby Souls, but we don't all read the same book. It's takes the stress out of it for us. We all read different things, or the same if we are inclined, and then get together once a month for dessert and book reviews. We swap out books which also helps cut down on the cost but there are always those books you just have to own for yourself! I still like to scrapbook but I haven't been in a few months...I guess it's good to take a break from the things we love every now and then so we'll continue to enjoy them, huh?!

Phil's business is really taking off. I'm so proud of him. I always knew he would do well. We actually sat in our first business meeting together a couple of weeks ago. It was a little strange. The company I work for is moving into a new office space, TBIP, which is the same company that Buzz Consulting has been competing for their business. I hope that made sense. I think that's going to go well for them but more business is always welcome...(plug for Phil & Ellen and Buzz Consulting Company). Phil really enjoys spending time with his friends and I try to let him as much as possible ;).

The kids start school two weeks from today. Most of you know what kind of rat race that is...ugh. I love summer but I like the schedule that school puts the kids back on. It really takes away some of the choas around the house. So we'll be gathering supplies, for Livie anyway, and getting school clothes bought in the next few weeks! Speaking of summer, we were so blessed with our own "Super Nanny", Taryn Kindrick!! She's been great at entertaining the kids and keeping them in line! I think she even figured out how to call their bluff early on! That's not always easy either. But don't any of you think about stealing her for next summer...we get first dibs!! Ha!!

Weekend Recap!!

Friday evening I enjoyed time with some of my closest friends, the Shabby Souls, at our monthly book club meeting! We met at Hawaiian Mikes for the best snow cones in SOKC and then off to Earlywine Park. Great weather, great conversation, great friends...what could be better. I missed all my sista's that couldn't make it, hope to see you next month (if not before).
Afterward, I went to the Deans where Phil and the kids were hanging. We had a good time visiting.

Me, Kelsie, Natalie, Becky, Sarah, & Pam. Nicole took the pic, but she was there!


Saturday, Phil, me and the kids spent ALL day cleaning the house. That is such a huge beat down!! The day we get to hire a maid will be an amazing day for our family, or for me anyway. One day it will happen!! The funny thing about us is we take advantage of our clean house by inviting friends over, and all their kids. I know, crazy huh?!?! Phil cooked out and I think for the first time in his life he burned the wieners...hehe!! You know me, I'm always trying to take pics for proof! Too funny!

We had a great time with the Deans and the Baldwins. A rematch IS in the future! You 'boys' got lucky!

Sunday, we went to lunch with my parent's and met my Granddaddy at Cattlemen's. We had a good time. My b-i-l, Joe, is a manager there. He brought out Lamb Fries as a joke for me and I couldn't stomach them...couldn't even look at'em! I feel a little guilty cause I'm always trying to get my kids to try new things and I wouldn't try them, Parker did! Oh well...movin' on! Ha!
Took a wonderful nap later that afternoon. Definitely one of my favorite things to do. Later that evening we went to eat with Phil's parents and watched Lakeview Terrace. It's a pretty good movie, one that kinda makes you mad though!

Super Sleuth

If any of you are friends with me on Facebook (see left column) then you know I've been on a mission over the last 2-3 days for Coconut M&M's. Here's how this all started...

Earlier this week I was at my favorite grocery store, GFF (12th St & Santa Fe in Moore - plug for Charlie ;)) and noticed by the registers a white M&M display box. Ok, I need to back up one sec...I worked at a candy store for 3 years after high school so I am always intrigued my any new candy. Now back to GFF, I excitedly walked over to the display anticipating what this would be. I looked in and only saw the same'ole plain and peanut M&M's. I looked at the display and it said Coconut M&M's...I LOVE coconut anything. I immediately texted Charlie, owner of GFF, to ask him what's up. He shares in my love for coconut and I was a little surprised he hadn't already let me know about them. His response, which I found humorous, was, "Where'd ya see that at?" Hehe!!! I told him to let me know if he got anymore in. As you can imagine this became my new mission...TO FIND THE COCONUT M&M'S.

I thought, Hey, I'll post on FB and maybe someone will give me heads up on where I can get some. My post has turned out to be pretty funny!! When Phil got home that evening I told him what I posted and he gave me the "are-you-kidding" thing and then I proceeded to tell him I had over 20 comments. Granted some were me responding to comments from other people. Let me tell you all the places I've looked myself - and drug a few friends along too - GFF, Target, several Walgreens, CVS, Dollar Tree, two Walmarts, and a Gas Station--I think that's it, but that's a lot for a stinkin' bag of M&M's.

Okay, so today is Wednesday and still NO M&Ms...HELLO!! This is craziness. My sister tells me she has a partially eaten bag for me but that hasn't surfaced yet!!! We'll see!! Ha!!

For all you guys that have doubted their even existence here's proof...


I promise I'll letcha know when I find'em!! And I can't wait!!! Yum!! Yum!!

He Works Hard for the Money...

Parker has been mowing this summer for money which he has been saving for things that he's been wanting. I've been so proud of him, he's been so serious and dedicated to his mission. He calls his grandparents asking if they need their yard mowed. It's been quite humorous at times.
He finally met one of his goals...Yeah, Parker!!!! His dad took him to Sam's last week and he bought an XBOX360. Parker has wanted one of these ever since they came out. Phil and I both hope this will be a good life lesson for him. We already see his ability to make common sense decisions when it comes to money. Before he made his final purchase he put in many hours of research to find the best deal on the XBOX. I'm sure his dad would say he got that from him. Ha!! However he learned it, I just hope the motivation and drive he's had this summer will stay with him throughout his whole life.
Parker, we are SO proud of you!!

Scrapaholic

For most of you that know me you know that I am a scrapbooker. I enjoy a night out with my girlfriends, chatting away, glittering, adhering, and matching colors to pictures of my family for them to enjoy for years to come. Okay, okay so that's the Snow White version. I do enjoy the satisfaction and occasional praise I get from scrapbooking but a night out with my girlfriends with no kids is FABULOUS. We try to get together at least once a month and the girls that end up going always varies...which makes it interesting. One of these days I'll take some pics of all of us scrapbooking.
The store we really like to crop at is called Whole Lotta Scrap in Norman. They send out a news letter and I loved a piece from it so I wanted to include it on my blog. We are always teasing each other about these things so I found it especially funny!!

You Know You're Addicted to Scrapbooking When...
1. You reach into your purse and your family scatters--they think you're grabbing for your camera!
2. You see something metal lying in a parking lot and go back to pick it up. It turns out to be some kind of pop top from soda can, so you stick it in your pocket, you think, "Yeah, I can run a ribbon through that."
3. You dream in layouts.
4. You know what a Crop-a-dile is.
5. You give your children PJs as a "special" Christmas Eve gift so they will look extra cute for pictures in the morning.
6. You plan your vacations around your favorite background colors.
7. You discover an awesome printed paper and actually dress your children up for pictures in clothes to match the paper.
8. You have ever forgotten to pay the bills because you were so focused on finishing a project.
And my personal favorite...
9. Your husband runs into the kitchen yelling, "I need water...my truck's on fire!" And your first response is, "WAIT! I'll get the camera!"

I must say I am guilty of more of these than I care to admit. I've come to the realization that I will probably NEVER be caught up with the kids albums. But I've also learned that for myself, if I try to keep up with all of it it takes all the joy out of it for me. So, for all you fellow scrapbookers, don't be so serious about your hobby. It truly is a gift from GOD...enjoy it!!
Love you

Call me a Slacker...

So I haven't posted in awhile! Honestly, I was hoping Phil would post a little somethin somethin from his Honduras trip but he has yet to do that and I don't see it happening.

Summer is moving right along. Taryn, the kids sitter, is awesome and has kept them busy. I just keep hoping the kids don't wear her down before the end of the summer. What's even better is she takes pics all the time. Woohoo!! I'll be posting and scrapbooking them for all to see.

I've also been working on a new background for my blog; however, my computer will be taken into the shop tomorrow for some repairs so there's no telling when I'll be able to finish that!!

I did breakdown and start a Facebook...yes,I know! Be quiet all of you out there laughing at me!! I will admit it's been kinda fun and I even pushed Tina into starting hers too!! Woohoo!! Oh, and how could I forget...I started dad a Facebook...hehe!!! He's so hip!

That's all for now. Stay posted and I'll try to get more on here soon!!
Love to all!!!

Phil in Hondo

I've been able to talk to Phil every night while he's been in Honduras and so far there have been no casualties. Everyone's prayers are working!
Here are a few pics I snagged off the website, www.oakcrestyouth.com, you can check more out there.


Sorry Phil, I couldn't resist...hehehe!!

Honduras, Tooth Fairy & Other Summer Happenings

Phil left the house this morning at 3am for his annual Honduras Mission Trip with our church youth group. Every year he asks me when I'm going with him and I tell him that's not where God wants me to serve. Really, I hope I'm not just being a Jonah and running the other way. Ha! I'm one of those "girly-girls" that would rather go and play with the local kids or delegate the work...if you get my drift, not that I'm afraid of a little hard work! I suppose at some point I'm going to have to break since we've got three kids on their way into the youth group. Sheesh...I should probably start praying now!! Phil texted me about 8:56am to say their plane was pushing off from the Houston airport so they are officially on their way. A group of about 43 from our church will be there until Wed, June 14 so please send up lots of prayers.

Now on to the Tooth Fairy...should that even be capitalized? Ha!! Ok, I need to give a little confession here. As Phil and I lay in the bed early Monday morning (see previous post)realizing the "tooth fairy" had not made it to see Livie we had to admit the TF at our house sucked. Our poor kids! I can't tell you how many times we had to tell them something must have happened for the TF not to make it to our house! Pathetic I know, but when that money was finally there everything was quickly forgotten.

We decided to buy a water park pass this summer since I'm off on Mondays. Not only that but the kids will be able to go with Taryn too, she's our nanny! We hired Taryn to keep the kids this summer and they all really like her. Honestly, I'm more worried about them driving her crazy but I think so far they're doing pretty good! Parker bought himself a White Water pass with his lawn mowing money; he and Jake can go hang out there. Also, Parker will be going to church camp in a couple of weeks for the first time. Sawyer is going too and I tease her about her kitty cries at night. She doesn't stay away from home much and the last time she stayed at our house I could hear little kitty cries from the other side of the house so I had to take her to my moms house. I think they both will have a blast but we did tell Parker we would NOT come pick him up, so be better suck it up!

We're still trying to figure out if Easton wants to sign up for football in July. He says no but that's his answer for everything. We'll probably go ahead and sign him up and let him play one season to see how he likes it. I'm excited. Tiny E on the football field...for those of you that really know E you know how potentially funny that will be! But if football doesn't work out we'd really like to put him back in baseball...that kid has some skills!!

Happy Summer...more to come!!

Livie Lost It!!

Well, after a couple of weeks of twisting, wiggling, and turning Livie finally lost her first tooth. She was so excited. I have to admit my feelings were not exactly the same. She's my baby and actually I told her at her last birthday that was the last one we were celebrating ;), but it really does make me sad. Phil, on the other hand, was totally grossed out! Hah! I guess we'll wait and see what the tooth fairy thinks about it all!

Tip Junkie Celebration

If you've ever gotten a great tip from the Tip Junkie blog then you know what an awesome blog it is. If you haven't then this is the perfect time to swing on over and getcha some. Tip Junkie is moving neighborhoods...from the blogs to the dot coms. They are also turning 2 years old and to celebrate they will have 50 giveaways during the week of June 15th-19th. Woohoo! We LOVE giveaways!! So be sure to swing on over and check out the PAR-TAE!!!

Shabby Souls May Meeting

Our Shabby Souls Book Club met last Saturday night. We enjoyed a nice evening on the patio at Nonna's in the heart of Bricktown. We always meet for dessert and Nonna's had plenty of that to choose from...and it was D-lish. Unfortunately, we didn't check into it ahead of time and before our evening was over they had live music which made it hard to hear for book club discussions. No matter, the company is ALWAYS great no matter the atmosphere and we had several newbies...I sure hope they enjoy book club as much as I do.
I ate a yummy carrot cake!

The group, minus Sarah, she kinda got cut out :(

Becky & Sarah

Janee & Tobi

Laura & Shannon

Kelsie & Megan

Kelly & Tina

Nicole & Jeana

Oakcrest Night at the Redhawks

We spent last Friday evening at the OKC Redhawks. It was the perfect weather for a baseball game and, as usual, I enjoyed spending time with our church family. The game went into overtime and I was definitely feeling it about the 8th inning. The Redhawks ended up winning 6-5 in the 10th.

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