Julie in my heels. Presh.
5.31.2012
Weekend wrap up
On Monday, once I finally got up Daddy, mom, the boys and I headed south to Mt. Scott to explore. We went to the Wildlife Reserve and saw buffalo just feet from the car. We went to the top of the mountain and looked out across a beautiful Oklahoma landscape. We ate a delicious (but giant) burger at Meers. We I learned prairie dogs aren't actually real dogs. We took a walk and saw a snake beautiful flowers.
I'm so thankful for those who have put their lives on the line so that I can enjoy these freedoms I experienced all weekend. We often forget, living in our pretty little world, that there's more to what goes on than what's outside our bubble. There are men and women fighting to protect our rights every day. There are some who have died and some who have come home. If you have served in the United States Armed Forces, thank you.
See part one and two of my weekend.
I'm so thankful for those who have put their lives on the line so that I can enjoy these freedoms I experienced all weekend. We often forget, living in our pretty little world, that there's more to what goes on than what's outside our bubble. There are men and women fighting to protect our rights every day. There are some who have died and some who have come home. If you have served in the United States Armed Forces, thank you.
See part one and two of my weekend.
5.30.2012
Memorial day part 2: Lake & Lori
Like I said, my weekend was so great that it requires three posts. I took so many pictures.
Saturday morning, I got to go have lunch with my twin, Lori Jo. This was also my first time to actually officially "meet" Ninja Baby! Now that I'm not keeping secrets from you, blog world, I can share my excitement for Lori and the tiny human she's going to have! We ate at Grady's Pub & Grille (#GPG), and again it was so delicious. I had the grilled onion and pickle burger, and Lori had a plain burger. We absolutely loved our meal! I'm excited that Tuttle has a place like GPG; it's been much needed for a long time. I love the atmosphere, and of course it's very convenient that all the TV's are showing sports. Maybe the best part is the staff - every single employee I've encountered delivers great customer service with a smile. The Paxton's have done an incredible job with this restaurant and I look forward to enjoying many more meals there.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
The view from Grady's window...hello, Main Street![/caption]
After lunch, I headed to the lake to seeKiera my family. Trapaw, Aunt Kandi, Uncle Aaron, Kiera and I went fishing, and I must say, Kiera is quite the little fishergirl (Is that even a word? Now it is.). I do believe she "reeled in" more fish than anyone, or at least was the boss of more people who were reeling in. I am actually not a fan of fishing, but I'll never miss a chance to lay on the boat and relax, nor will I miss a chance to spend time with Kiera. We had a slumber party at her place that night, and this is where I need to apologize... Katie & Christie - I'm sorry for the abuse I gave you when I was a child. You always said I took up the whole bed, kicked and took all the covers. Kiera does the same thing, and I'm afraid I've been paid back! :) Jokes aside, it was a great time with Kiera and I loved being favorite cousin for 24 hours.
Kiera also made me an awesome assortment of accessories - I have animal print duct tape rings, bracelets, anklets and a necklace. I know, you're jealous.
I must agree - life is better at the lake!
Saturday morning, I got to go have lunch with my twin, Lori Jo. This was also my first time to actually officially "meet" Ninja Baby! Now that I'm not keeping secrets from you, blog world, I can share my excitement for Lori and the tiny human she's going to have! We ate at Grady's Pub & Grille (#GPG), and again it was so delicious. I had the grilled onion and pickle burger, and Lori had a plain burger. We absolutely loved our meal! I'm excited that Tuttle has a place like GPG; it's been much needed for a long time. I love the atmosphere, and of course it's very convenient that all the TV's are showing sports. Maybe the best part is the staff - every single employee I've encountered delivers great customer service with a smile. The Paxton's have done an incredible job with this restaurant and I look forward to enjoying many more meals there.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
The view from Grady's window...hello, Main Street![/caption]After lunch, I headed to the lake to see
Kiera also made me an awesome assortment of accessories - I have animal print duct tape rings, bracelets, anklets and a necklace. I know, you're jealous.
I must agree - life is better at the lake!
5.29.2012
Memorial Day Weekend: Part 1
Who's three day weekend is so awesome that it requires three posts? #ThisGirl
After over two months of waiting, Laine and I finally got to see Josh Abbott Band on Friday night! We had front row seats and I was excited to see some of my favorite people :)
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Me & Carissa (my cousin)[/caption]
As a bonus, Laine & I also got to meet JAB! Please tell me I'm not an awesome friend.
I also fell in love with the violinist. Like for real. He was so talented and I love he (and his violin, duh) is featured so prominently in their music.
Then this happened...
For those of you whoare too lazy didn't want to click the link, Nathan Burris played at Riverwind after the JAB show. It was, of course, awesome to hear some of the songs from Oklahoma Sunrise live, and to catch up with people I never get to see. Again, great job Nathan!
Friday night was great, but it just got better from there... To be continued :)
After over two months of waiting, Laine and I finally got to see Josh Abbott Band on Friday night! We had front row seats and I was excited to see some of my favorite people :)
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Me & Carissa (my cousin)[/caption]As a bonus, Laine & I also got to meet JAB! Please tell me I'm not an awesome friend.
I also fell in love with the violinist. Like for real. He was so talented and I love he (and his violin, duh) is featured so prominently in their music.
Then this happened...
For those of you who
Friday night was great, but it just got better from there... To be continued :)
5.24.2012
Breaking in is hard to do
Have you ever had one of those days? You know the kind, where at the end, the only thing that will make it better is a cute shopping bag of new clothes/shoes, or a pedicure, or a nap by the pool?
Welcome to my Wednesday.
Not only did I leave my badge at home...
But I also locked myself out of my car...and didn't realize it until 5:00.
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="300"]
I thought breaking in to a Jeep would be easy. Apparently so did he. #wrong.[/caption]
Thankfully, my mom understood.
But seriously. My legs aren't this long, it's an appropriate length.
Welcome to my Wednesday.
Not only did I leave my badge at home...
But I also locked myself out of my car...and didn't realize it until 5:00.
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="300"]
I thought breaking in to a Jeep would be easy. Apparently so did he. #wrong.[/caption]Thankfully, my mom understood.
But seriously. My legs aren't this long, it's an appropriate length.
5.23.2012
#QuikTripLove
If you've ever been to Tulsa, I'd bet you've seen, and likely stopped at, a few QuikTrips. I never understood Tulsa's love affair with QT until I had one of their delicious fountain drinks, filled my car with their luxury gas, and ate their gourmet junk food (donut holes...in a cup!). No, seriously Tulsa, why do you love them so much again? I think you love QT as much as Seattle loves coffee.
When we go snow skiing, on our drive to our fluffy white destination, we play a game - Windmill! Basically, it's like Slug Bug, except there's no hitting involved and instead of yelling for cute cars you yell for windmills. For all you Tulsans, do you play QuickTrip!?
Side note: Speaking of, if you ever go snow skiing, I hope you don't lose your humor. Ahem.
In addition to attempting to grasp the concept of #QuikTripLove (#fail), I filled my Saturday evening with basketball! Saturday night was the first game of the regular season for the Tulsa Shock, and Caylee & I went to the game! Afterward, we stopped by River Spirit to see Caylee's sister and check on the Thunder score, because of course I couldn't miss a single game of my #ThunderCrush. I'm not a gambler (hello, I'd much rather go shopping), but they gave me $15 in free play. I left the casino up $35 after playing just $1 of my own money and singing along to Summer Lovin' on the Grease game. #winning
I stayed with Caylee at her sister's house, and I think they imported this tiny bed specifically for their fun sized house guest (me).
So why the random trip to Tulsa? This past weekend was the wedding of my GG Big, Shannon! She is one of the sweetest, kindest, most beautiful (inside AND out) ladies I've ever met. I met Shannon on the first night of Phi Lamb's rush in 2008, and instantly wanted to be her friend. She was just so nice! I was ecstatic when I found out I was in her phamily and treasured all the advice she gave and time I got to spend with her that year.
Take a look at that hair. I worked hard on getting it to look that awesome and I will totes brag about it. Hey Tulsa, thanks for a great weekend.
PS - unrelated, but it's about Tulsa, and King George is singing. #love
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBnm-qu5Rtc?rel=0&w=300&h=225]
When we go snow skiing, on our drive to our fluffy white destination, we play a game - Windmill! Basically, it's like Slug Bug, except there's no hitting involved and instead of yelling for cute cars you yell for windmills. For all you Tulsans, do you play QuickTrip!?
Side note: Speaking of, if you ever go snow skiing, I hope you don't lose your humor. Ahem.
In addition to attempting to grasp the concept of #QuikTripLove (#fail), I filled my Saturday evening with basketball! Saturday night was the first game of the regular season for the Tulsa Shock, and Caylee & I went to the game! Afterward, we stopped by River Spirit to see Caylee's sister and check on the Thunder score, because of course I couldn't miss a single game of my #ThunderCrush. I'm not a gambler (hello, I'd much rather go shopping), but they gave me $15 in free play. I left the casino up $35 after playing just $1 of my own money and singing along to Summer Lovin' on the Grease game. #winning
I stayed with Caylee at her sister's house, and I think they imported this tiny bed specifically for their fun sized house guest (me).
So why the random trip to Tulsa? This past weekend was the wedding of my GG Big, Shannon! She is one of the sweetest, kindest, most beautiful (inside AND out) ladies I've ever met. I met Shannon on the first night of Phi Lamb's rush in 2008, and instantly wanted to be her friend. She was just so nice! I was ecstatic when I found out I was in her phamily and treasured all the advice she gave and time I got to spend with her that year.
Take a look at that hair. I worked hard on getting it to look that awesome and I will totes brag about it. Hey Tulsa, thanks for a great weekend.
PS - unrelated, but it's about Tulsa, and King George is singing. #love
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBnm-qu5Rtc?rel=0&w=300&h=225]
5.22.2012
In Oklahoma...
Some things just aren't supposed to happen.
Bombings. Shootings. Heartbreaks.
Thankfully, we live in a state where the great outshines the bad and we know firsthand that we can overcome any challenge. More than that, I'm thankful to serve a God who is bigger than the storm.
The shooting in Bricktown after the Thunder game last night was too close for comfort. I'm thankful God kept Chase, Caden and me safe, and I'm praying for those who were injured. Such a terrifying event to happen on such an exciting night.
"For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, fear not, I will help you." Is. 41:13
#ThunderUP #TeamIsOne
Bombings. Shootings. Heartbreaks.
Thankfully, we live in a state where the great outshines the bad and we know firsthand that we can overcome any challenge. More than that, I'm thankful to serve a God who is bigger than the storm.
The shooting in Bricktown after the Thunder game last night was too close for comfort. I'm thankful God kept Chase, Caden and me safe, and I'm praying for those who were injured. Such a terrifying event to happen on such an exciting night.
"For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, fear not, I will help you." Is. 41:13
#ThunderUP #TeamIsOne
5.19.2012
A little music for your Saturday
In 6 days, Lainey and I are going to see Josh Abbott Band. We've literally been counting down for two months, and I am beyond excited. I just need to teach him how to two step!
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTlQzKOOkeU?rel=0&w=640&h=360]
5.14.2012
Hi, there!
Are you from Cassie's blog? If so, welcome! If not, go check her out! Cassie featured me in a blog post because she's doing something awesome and I got to help. Cassie is raising money to be a St. Jude Hero and is going to run the half in the St. Jude Memphis Marathon! So she's pretty cool (I don't just say that because we share a birthday, though that doesn't hurt!).
Sometime around last Thursday, I began thinking to myself "Self, I really hope to sleep in on Saturday. Just until 8:30 would be fine with me. Oh, and wouldn't it be nice to spend some time by the pool reading a book? And don't forget, you really wanted to ride horses this weekend too. Yes, self, we should relax this weekend."
Friday night was the AmPo FFA Chapter's end of the year banquet. I hadn't been to an FFA banquet since 2007, which was the last time I presided over a meeting, wore my jacket and felt the overwhelming pride I had in being an FFA member. As soon as Charlie, their outgoing president, tapped the gavel, the chills were back. I am so proud to be an adopted member of the Amber Pocassett group, and being at their banquet, celebrating all their incredible accomplishments this year, was amazing. I might be more excited than Kaden is for him to finally be an FFA member next year! I hope his experience (and Kale's, when the time comes) is even more incredible than mine was.
Saturday, I slept in!! I don't think I even woke up until 9:30. It was great. And, as you've probably heard a few times by now, Saturday night was the celebration for Nathan's Oklahoma Sunrise album! If you'd like to see pictures, look here. I am just so excited to see Nathan chasing dreams and succeeding! (It's halftime of the Thunder game, and I had the album playing on my computer, and I just heard it start playing it downstairs too. #SuperFans. Haha.)
Sunday was MOTHER'S DAY! I love my mom. In fact, I love her so much that I already wrote about her. We went to my Aunt Kandi's house and had great fun with the family, eating delicious food (hello, fruit salsa!) and jumping around with tiny humans.
Now, for the really relaxing part of the weekend.
Bliss.
Update: And I rode horses Sunday too. How could I forget that!?
Sometime around last Thursday, I began thinking to myself "Self, I really hope to sleep in on Saturday. Just until 8:30 would be fine with me. Oh, and wouldn't it be nice to spend some time by the pool reading a book? And don't forget, you really wanted to ride horses this weekend too. Yes, self, we should relax this weekend."
Friday night was the AmPo FFA Chapter's end of the year banquet. I hadn't been to an FFA banquet since 2007, which was the last time I presided over a meeting, wore my jacket and felt the overwhelming pride I had in being an FFA member. As soon as Charlie, their outgoing president, tapped the gavel, the chills were back. I am so proud to be an adopted member of the Amber Pocassett group, and being at their banquet, celebrating all their incredible accomplishments this year, was amazing. I might be more excited than Kaden is for him to finally be an FFA member next year! I hope his experience (and Kale's, when the time comes) is even more incredible than mine was.
Saturday, I slept in!! I don't think I even woke up until 9:30. It was great. And, as you've probably heard a few times by now, Saturday night was the celebration for Nathan's Oklahoma Sunrise album! If you'd like to see pictures, look here. I am just so excited to see Nathan chasing dreams and succeeding! (It's halftime of the Thunder game, and I had the album playing on my computer, and I just heard it start playing it downstairs too. #SuperFans. Haha.)
Sunday was MOTHER'S DAY! I love my mom. In fact, I love her so much that I already wrote about her. We went to my Aunt Kandi's house and had great fun with the family, eating delicious food (hello, fruit salsa!) and jumping around with tiny humans.
Now, for the really relaxing part of the weekend.
Bliss.
Update: And I rode horses Sunday too. How could I forget that!?
5.13.2012
Oklahoma Sunrise
Last night, Nathan Burris celebrated the release of his debut album, Oklahoma Sunrise, with a party at Grady's Pub & Grille (#GPG) in Tuttle. Great food, great people, celebrating great music. Not a better way to spend a Saturday night. Download the album here. Seriously.
Update: Oklahoma Sunrise on iTunes
Update: Oklahoma Sunrise on iTunes
Application for Super Mom
Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Proverbs 31:28-30
If you don't know my mom, you haven't met the most incredible lady in my life. She has taught me so much...everything except this, actually. :)
If my mom was to write a resume for the job of Super Mom, the following qualities would be included...but wouldn't scratch the surface of all her qualifications.
23 years, 11 days experience of being Momma.
Taxi driver
Stain remover
House cleaner
Animal feeder
Meal cook-er
Child tamer
Photographer
Hug giver (and she makes a great chair to sit on)
Tear wiper
Shoe tie-r
Love giver
Multi-tasker
Supporter
Encourager
Teacher
Reporter (she tells everyone everything that we do)
Piece picker upper
Fixer
Discipline giver/referee
Manager
Excellent listening skills
Band aid changer
Advice giver
Professional maid
Cheerleader (minus the poms)
Secretary
I had to quit because I'm tired and this list is exhausting to even think about. I can't even imagine how my mom does all of this for me (occasionally on a daily basis...), not to mention for my brothers too. She does it all without expecting any recognition or thanks. She doesn't get paid, and her benefit package doesn't even include days off for sickness, vacation or holidays.
Momma, I am thankful for you. I'm proud to say I'm Kim Kennedy's daughter. I love you and I hope one day to be even half the mom and wife you are. Thank you for everything you do. Also, congratulations - you got the job of Super Mom 23 years ago ;)
her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Proverbs 31:28-30
If you don't know my mom, you haven't met the most incredible lady in my life. She has taught me so much...everything except this, actually. :)
If my mom was to write a resume for the job of Super Mom, the following qualities would be included...but wouldn't scratch the surface of all her qualifications.
23 years, 11 days experience of being Momma.
Taxi driver
Stain remover
House cleaner
Animal feeder
Meal cook-er
Child tamer
Photographer
Hug giver (and she makes a great chair to sit on)
Tear wiper
Shoe tie-r
Love giver
Multi-tasker
Supporter
Encourager
Teacher
Reporter (she tells everyone everything that we do)
Piece picker upper
Fixer
Discipline giver/referee
Manager
Excellent listening skills
Band aid changer
Advice giver
Professional maid
Cheerleader (minus the poms)
Secretary
I had to quit because I'm tired and this list is exhausting to even think about. I can't even imagine how my mom does all of this for me (occasionally on a daily basis...), not to mention for my brothers too. She does it all without expecting any recognition or thanks. She doesn't get paid, and her benefit package doesn't even include days off for sickness, vacation or holidays.
Momma, I am thankful for you. I'm proud to say I'm Kim Kennedy's daughter. I love you and I hope one day to be even half the mom and wife you are. Thank you for everything you do. Also, congratulations - you got the job of Super Mom 23 years ago ;)
5.12.2012
EMT Truck
Somehow, in my two and a half years of telling the following story (or in my 23 years of life), I never learned how to say the word in bold properly.
"On November 19, 2009, I was hit by a truck...thankfully the ambulance was just a few cars back at the stoplight..." For that story, click here.
As mom and I were driving home from Amber tonight, we passed two fire trucks and what I from now on will be calling an EMT truck. Somehow we started talking about the trucks, and I said it.
Ambleance. In case you're not familiar with the word, it sounds like "Am-blee-ants."
I thought my mom was going to drive off the road because she was laughing so hard. I didn't get it... What's so funny about an ambleance?
Apparently, the way I say it.
She tried, unsuccessfully, to teach me how to say it for the rest of our three mile drive. For all of you who have heard me say it and haven't corrected me, I'm mad at you.
This is going in the same category as rotten, muddin' and straighten: words Shae will never be able to pronounce right and will get made fun of for the rest of her life. #sadface
5.11.2012
This is the musical definition of Thundersome
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMbibT7nhEg?feature=player_embedded&w=640&h=360]
Also, this is awesome too...
It's available on iTunes TOMORROW!! I'll post a link so you can buy it, because I promise you'll want to. PS - Nathan, can I get my copy signed? #BigTime
Also, this is awesome too...
It's available on iTunes TOMORROW!! I'll post a link so you can buy it, because I promise you'll want to. PS - Nathan, can I get my copy signed? #BigTime
5.10.2012
Yum.
I've had a sick pug the last few days, which has made me a sad girl. She's getting to be a bit of an old lady (though you didn't hear that here!) so it was worrisome. The result of her sick days have been a lot of snuggling ("pug snugs") and not much sleep, but she seemed a bit better this morning so hopefully Dr. Bayliff has us on the right road! Yay!
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="612"]
At the end of day 1 of her sickness... Sleepy Pug[/caption]
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="612"]
Yes, my pug is a back sleeper...she thinks she's human.[/caption]
Anyway, on to something related to the title of this post... Yesterday I wanted chicken tacos. So much that I found a picture on Pinterest and sent it to my mom. So much that I went to Target after work by myself (I hate grocery shopping. Hate it.) and bought everything I needed to improvise my own version. Since I am typically not a food blogger and definitely not one to take direction from, I have no pictures of the how-to process. However, these babies are dad and brother approved, so should try them.
I took chicken breasts, sliced them up and sprinkled them with Cavender's, something from Penzy's (I'm not sure what kind...), pepper and cilantro. I cooked them in a little olive oil and squirted lime juice on them (I'm sure you're loving my technical descriptions. Sorry!). When the chicken was done, I sprinkled on more cilantro, placed a few slices in a warm corn tortilla, drizzled with a little more lime juice and topped with pico. It was so easy, and if I can make something, anyone can. Also for those of you on Weight Watchers and/or looking for healthy dining options, dad said the three he had were only 8 points total. Yum!
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="612"]
At the end of day 1 of her sickness... Sleepy Pug[/caption][caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="612"]
Yes, my pug is a back sleeper...she thinks she's human.[/caption]Anyway, on to something related to the title of this post... Yesterday I wanted chicken tacos. So much that I found a picture on Pinterest and sent it to my mom. So much that I went to Target after work by myself (I hate grocery shopping. Hate it.) and bought everything I needed to improvise my own version. Since I am typically not a food blogger and definitely not one to take direction from, I have no pictures of the how-to process. However, these babies are dad and brother approved, so should try them.
I took chicken breasts, sliced them up and sprinkled them with Cavender's, something from Penzy's (I'm not sure what kind...), pepper and cilantro. I cooked them in a little olive oil and squirted lime juice on them (I'm sure you're loving my technical descriptions. Sorry!). When the chicken was done, I sprinkled on more cilantro, placed a few slices in a warm corn tortilla, drizzled with a little more lime juice and topped with pico. It was so easy, and if I can make something, anyone can. Also for those of you on Weight Watchers and/or looking for healthy dining options, dad said the three he had were only 8 points total. Yum!
5.07.2012
a day at the golf course
Tomorrow, for work, I get to spend a day at the golf course taking pictures and doing other fun things. Yeah, be jealous.
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