Wednesday Weekend Post

I just love birthday weekends. And the new iOS.

Siri really thinks this is busy. Soon she'll learn this is normal.

Friday I took off work at noon after a looooong week and, after I did a little running around, Matt & I headed to the fair to celebrate his birthday with corn dogs & candy! The candy store at the fair is now a tradition. They have smarties suckers that are the most delicious candy ever. I just hope it's not a tradition to spend more every year...because eventually it'll take a truck to haul it all out if we do :) We also had cupcakes from Gigi's with glitter number candles, much to Matt's excitement. After the fair, we made a stop at the outlet mall to get Matt new shoes then went back to his house for a fun & relaxing evening.

After round 2 of Matt's birthday celebration with a pizza lunch (& cake. always cake) on Saturday, we headed to my house to celebrate my brothers' birthdays! Kaden turned 16 & Kale turned 13 - they're growing up way too fast.

After the party, Julie & I had some girl time with a hair & makeup salon ;) 

Sunday was a big day for me - my first 5K! The Hot Mamas Run supports the Regional Food Bank & Oklahoma Birth Network and their color was hot pink, so clearly I was in. 

I had so.much.fun. and I'm officially hooked on this running thing. 

Kimmy & Tandye are in my eyes super runners, and they were such a huge help to me! They gave me all sorts of tips and convinced me that I need new running shoes :) They were cheering me on as I crossed the finish line and I appreciate their encouragement and knowledge sharing so very much! 

My coworker Denice also ran, so of course we had to take a picture with Bernie to rep the Food Bank!

I'm already looking forward to my next 5K - the Color Run - in a week and a half! 

To continue on this whole healthy kick with the running, I've also officially signed up to be a Herbalife distributor! I have taken Herbalife before and loved it, and I still use it when I leave early enough to stop and get a shake. I decided it was time to just get myself some to be able to make it here at home! I'm so excited to get my starter kit in. Super thanks to Wacey for helping me get signed up! 

And that wraps up an awesome weekend. I left out Monday & Tuesday, when we celebrated my brothers' birthdays with Chicago style pizza on Monday night & homemade donuts on Tuesday morning. I'm telling you, birthdays are the best. 

(not so) baby brother

The last week has been one of my favorite of the year. FOUR birthdays one week. For a girl who loves celebrating people as much as I do, it couldn't get much better.

 

Today, the kindest, sweetest, most loving and accident-prone boy I know turns 13. He has the biggest heart and I am so proud to call him my baby brother. Thirteen years ago our family was complete when he was born. Like I said yesterday, I prayed endlessly for a brother, but God knew I needed two of them.

 

Kale, never, ever change who you are. You're at an age where the world will try their darnedest to get you to change to be cool. Newsflash, buddy: you already are. You don't need to change a thing. You know what's right - stand up for it. You're silly. You're a little clumsy, but hey, you're my brother, so you come by it honestly :) You have a heart of pure gold and you, just like Kaden, are the kind of friend more people should try to be. Keep working hard at showing steers and playing basketball. I know you can do anything you set your mind on.

I love you, Kale Joe. Happy 13th birthday!
-Sis

Happy 16th, Kaden!

Sorry weekend update, you've gotta wait (even though this weekend was pretty awesome). Today is my middle brother's 6th 16th birthday and what kind of sister would I be if it wasn't celebrated here? So now, I have 16 lines of memories, likes, advice, wishes and comments for you.

1. The day mom and daddy told me "you're going to be a big sister!" was the best day ever...until...
2. The day you were finally born and I actually got to be a big sister! I wanted to have a little brother so bad and prayed for as long as I can remember for YOU (side note - Kale - if I was this excited over ONE brother, imagine how great getting that prayer answered with TWO brothers is. Double the awesomeness!)
3. I loved that curly head of hair you had... I think you should grow it back out :)
4. I remember looking at the clock exactly 24 hours after you were born and feeling SO EXCITED all over again to be YOUR big sister.
5. I've never known two kids to play as well as you and CJ. Best buddies forever, no matter what.

6. Not that we'd know it now based on your studly physique, but remember being so skinny that Uncle Aaron called you the Ethiopian Poster Child? Then those tonsils came out and everything changed ;)
7. You started invading mine & dad's barn time when you began showing sheep...even though I still think I did all the work!
8. You've always been a likable, friendly kid. Even though switching schools might not have been the easiest thing on earth, you made friends at AmPo and kept friends from Tuttle, too. Continue to always be kind to people and find the best in others, you're the kind of friend people need.
9. You went from being an adorably chubby 5th grade basketball player to the Prancing Panther, AmPo's stud. You've worked so hard at basketball and I LOVE watching you play.

10. Your love for Christ and your passion for making His name famous rocks.
11. Your teenager smart mouth will get you in trouble more and more, believe me. So just remember to shut up and listen when I'm talking and no one will get hurt, even though you're taller, bigger, stronger and could take me down without even trying. Ha!
12. The day we sold the sheep to make way for your cattle project wasn't my happiest day on earth, but I pretended to happily go along with it. Now I've learned to love those oversized fluffy animals you enjoy showing so much.

13. Dad pointed out that your senior year is in two years. Stop. Just stop. I know you're really still in kindergarten and this whole "16 & driving" thing is a joke. Right??
14. How did you get the cool gene in the family? I mean, you can dance (we've all watched your killer moves by the pool), you have the singing voice of an angel, and you make a beautiful princess. It's just not fair, kid.

15. On being a princess: never be too cool to play with your little cousins. They'll always treasure memories made with you.

16. Most importantly: put the phone down. You're 16. You're taking that driver's test Friday. You have an awesome truck, and I know you're a cool kid. But for real. Put. The. Phone. Down. Don't text and drive. Don't answer a message, don't check Facebook or Twitter, don't take a selfie for Snapchat. It can wait. Nothing on your cell phone screen is so important that it can't wait for your vehicle to be in park before you see it. Your life & others lives are way more valuable than any message, so please promise me you won't pick up that phone while you're driving.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Love you, Sis

High 5 (BIRTHDAY WISHES) Friday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MATT!!

I'm so excited that it's finally Friday your birthday!!! 

So in honor, this edition of High 5 Friday includes 5 silly fantastic birthday wishes just for you!

1. I hope you win all your fantasy football games this weekend, because you will not be wining the one against me next weekend. 

2. I hope you eat a bazillion cupcakes and that we don't have to call the fire department because of all those candles. ;)

3. I hope it doesn't rain at the fair, because who wants to walk around a fair soaking wet on their birthday? Not you, sir, not you. But if it does rain, I hope there are some super fun puddles to splash in. 

4. I hope you didn't mind that phone call waking you up with me Molly singing happy birthday. 

5. I hope you get to spend it with your most favorite puppy person on the earth, Thabo me. Oh look, one I can pinky promise will come true! 

Now put your party pants on, 'cause we've got a birthday to celebrate!

Thursday for Trapaw

Trapaw

[trap-aw]

Noun

1. A great man who loves his grandchildren.

2. "Grandpa Tom" combined into one word. 

3. One who's place at the table you do not take.

4. See also: awesome.  

Origin: Tuttle, Oklahoma, 1989

Every time I saw anything about my Trapaw I have to pause and explain what a "Trapaw" is - it's not a what, it's a WHO! A very important who at that! My Trapaw (or Grandpa Tom, for those who didn't read the definition of Trapaw above), is one of my most favorite men in the world. In addition to giving great hugs, he always seems to send a text to let me know he's thinking of me at just the right time. I'm so thankful he's mine!

Happy birthday Trapaw!! I love you!!

Football Q&A with Lori Jo

Today's installment of Football Q&A features my best friend & the other half of my brain - my twin, Lori Jo. Lori is Baby Tate's mommy, Minco's cheer coach, and unfortunately an OU fan. We can't all be perfect. Just to spite her, and because crimson ugly colors aren't allowed on Sprinkles & Glitter, Lori's answers are in orange! My comments are in pink. 

Q1: When OU isn't playing, how do you decide who to cheer for?

I tend to watch anyone ranked higher. Rooting for upsets so OU can move up the rankings (given that OU pulls a win that week!) We all know how hard that is for them. 

Q2: If you played football, what position would you play? Why?

Cheerleader. Duh. (Cheerleading needs to be a recognized position as our amazing influence on crowd involvement can motivate a team to victory!) 

 Q3: What is the proper football game watching attire - a) at the game and b) at home?

A) comfortable shoes (crimson or cream) with an adorable team related shirt. Scarves, bags & team specific jewelry always a must! Don't forget your tickets!

B) team related shirt with OU sweatshirt blanket! (Beer in OU koozie!)

Q4: How do the first down lines appear on the field when you're watching the game on TV?

Invisible yellow line placed by magic football fairies. When you cross it golden glitter flies into the air. (#getonmylevel) I love this theory. 

Q5: Who is your favorite OU football player and why? Do you have a favorite OSU player, so you can be compared to other answering? :)

current OU football player is Roy Finch #22. He's a little guy who I think can run like the wind. I feel he doesn't get optimal playing time but when he is put into the game is gives 110%. Past players? Josh Heupel #14. One of the most intelligent QB's ever. Being that his dad is a football coach he knows the game inside & out. I also love that he stayed at the university as the QB coach. :) If I had to pick an OSU player it would be Cooper Bassett. Local small town kid. I have yet to hear anyone say a bad thing about on & off the field. Good choice! Go Cooper! 

Q6: What is your favorite part of being at an OU game?

Atmosphere. You are among your Sooner family! Aaaand tailgating! Can I get a BOOMER?? NO. No you cannot. ORANGE POWER!!! :) (PS my computer tried to change that B word to <word deleted due to profanity>. Be thankful I let it appear.)

Q7: Name 3 formations teams line up in on offense: 

Shotgun, wishbone (hello Switzer like invented it. Ok maybe just perfected it) annnnnnd let's go with punt. Haha

Q8: What are 5 possible penalties? 

face mask, offsides, pass interference, block in the back, horse collar

Q9: Who is the best current NFL QB? Why? 

Duh. Sam Bradford. Haha I do like Peyton Manning though.

Q10: What will OSU's final ranking be? OU's? Who will win the BCS?

I have no idea. It could be anyone. If I had to choose I'd say Alabama (Roll Tide!)

Any other info you want to add?

Idk. It was a long night. My brain hurts from being awesome at work...

Are you all surprised we're best friends given that she likes the other team so much? Yeah, me too, but like I said, we can't all be perfect! :) Hahaha, just kidding, Twin!!

And now, it's time to beat Lamar! GO POKES!

Football Q&A with Kaden & Kale

For round 2 of Football Q&A, I interviewed my younger brothers. They play basketball and show steers, and Kale plays baseball too. Kale's answers are in orange, Kaden's answers are in green. My comments are in pink.

Kale (left) is 12 and loves football, plays baseball & basketball, and shows steers. Kaden is 15, plays basketball & shows steers, and is the biggest goober I know. :) 

Q1: You're both OSU fans, right? (right!) Good, otherwise I would disown you both, and you've got birthdays coming up so you better be good :) When OSU isn't playing, how do you decide who to cheer for?
I just cheer for whoever's winning. 
I cheer for whoever has the flashiest uniforms.

Q2: If you played football, what position would you play? Why?
I would be...Cooper Bassett's position. Because I could tackle people and fight for the ball. (Good role model!).
The Prancing Panther. Yes, it's made up. Honey Badger ain't got nothin' on the Prancing Panther.

Q3: What is the proper football game watching attire - a) at the game and b) at home?
I'd wear somebody's jersey to the game and keep it on until I got home. I'd wear just regular old clothes if I was watching at home and cheer real loud...but not loud enough to make the doorbell ring (our doorbell goes off if it gets too loud in a room - basically any time we watch football or basektball). 
At a game you should wear an NHL hockey jersey with an NBA hat and basketball shoes, carrying a hockey stick and Adidas socks. And Under Armor underwear. If I'm at home is a pair of hoop shoes, some shorts, an the opponent's jersey. (Guys, I apologize for him... I'm not sure we're related.)

Q4: How do the first down lines appear on the field when you're watching the game on TV?
The people make it to where you can see the first down with computers and technology. 
Morgan Freeman hires magical elves to put them down every down. They don't get paid. They just do it because hearing Morgan Freeman's voice is enough pay. 

Q5: Who is your favorite OSU football player and why?
Kendall Hunter & Cooper Bassett. Cooper because I know him and he got my football signed for my birthday and Kendall Hunter because he is a running back. 
I like Marcus Smart. Cause he embodies defense so well. No wait, my favorite is KD. For the same reason. (At least he has played flag football on OSU's campus before, right?)

Q6: What is your favorite part of OSU games?
Seeing football being played and watching Bullet run out. 
When they dribble the ball and pass it to the first baseman for a home run KO.

Q7: Name 3 formations teams line up in for offense:
Normal, I think Hail Mary and 4 verticals. They're all on my Playstation game. 
The Kindling Mountain Lion, The Fierce Butterfly and the Ever-So-Ferocious Puppy. 

Q8: What are 5 possible penalties?
face mask, offsides, delay of game, holding and chop block
Not rocking that headband right, not having enough swerve (as he shakes his hips), those shoes do NOT go with that helmet, illegal signaling from the coach and not enough celebration. 

Q9: Who is the best current NFL QB? Why?
I wanna say Peyton Manning or RG3 is pretty good too...
Cooper Bassett. Because he's got that...IT. He can do it. He can go the distance. 

Q10: What will OSU's final ranking be? Who will win the BCS?
Hopefully in the top 10, um, about 6 or 5. And Notre Dame or Alabama cause they've been the best lately. 
Final ranking will be... .99832 (so, first?). I think Prarie View A&M will win the BCS. 

Any other info you want to add, brothers?
Um, not really.
I'm Batman (well at least it's not Ben Affleck? I thought you were the Prancing Panther, though?).

Football Q&A with Matt

Since fall football season is officially here, I decided to ask a few of my favorite people some fun football related questions. Up first: Matt, my football-loving boyfriend who knows everything there is to know about the game (and I'm now exaggerating an ounce). For this one, I'll give my answers too. Matt's answers are in blue and mine are in pink.

Q1: We're both OSU fans, right? (right!) Good. When OSU isn't playing, how do you decide who to cheer for?
Whoever is playing OU. If OU isn't playing, I pick the opponent of the Big 12 team closest to OSU in rankings.
Texas. Or if OU is playing, I'll cheer for their opponent unless it's someone I don't like, like Les Miles. Mostly though, I just pick the best uniforms/colors. 

Q2: If you played college football, what position would you play? Why?
Fullback. Cause that's the position I know how to play.
The kicker, because I have great kicks. And Dan Bailey and Quinn Sharp played in the NFL right?

Q3: What is the proper football game watching attire - a) at the game and b) at home?
Shorts and a college t-shirt...for both. Athletic shoes to the game, flip flops at home. 
At the game, something like jeans, nice boots, nice shirt and jacket if it's cold. If it's warm, a dress. At home, if I'm at my house, sweats. Something orange regardless! 

Q4: How do the first down lines appear on the field when you're watching the game on TV?
Lawrence Taylor comes out and draws them every time. He's gotta make money somehow. (I think he's kidding.)
There are LEDs in the field that light up magically, right? Just kidding. The gremlins run across the field and draw them really quick. KIDDING AGAIN. It's the munchkins in the TV. 

Q5: Who is your favorite OSU football player and why?
Brad Girtman...apparently he's the only one good enough to get paid to play. (Weirdo. #iRideWithTheCowboys)
I think Barry Sanders is probably the best from what I understand. But Justin Blackmon made that really good catch at the Fiesta Bowl so I'm going to go with him.

Q6: What is your favorite part of OSU games?
Sitting by my girlfriend! Shae, delete that! As boring as it is, watching the game is the best part. 
The atmosphere! Nothing beats Boone Pickens Stadium!

Q7: Name 3 formations teams line up in for offense:
Pistol, wildcat and wishbone
Shotgun, pistol and the diamond. 

Q8: What are 5 possible penalties?
Holding, offsides, face mask, encroachment, false start.
Roughing the passer, block in the back, defensive pass interference, delay of game, illegal hands in the face

Q9: Who is the best current NFL QB? Why?
Peyton Manning. Enough said. 
I think Peyton Manning is good. Didn't he score like 7 TD's last week? I need him on my fantasy team in week 4. 

Q10: What will OSU's final ranking be? Who will win the BCS?
(makes duck face) Fifteen. Alabama.
I think we'll be like 7. And probably Alabama will win. Again. 

Bonus: Who's going to win your week 4 fantasy match up, and why? What does the loser have to do?
I will. Gronkowski. You have to watch 3 scary movies when I win. You said boy movies! Oh!! The ante's been upped! I'm surprised you caught that. Ehh okay boy movies is good enough. 
I'm winning it, even if I have to PAY someone. And WHEN I win, we are having a chick flick marathon day. 

Any other info you want to add, Matt?
I'm making a bold prediction. Les Miles will no longer be coaching at LSU with 3 years. That's just long enough for the NCAA to poke their heads around, investigate and nail LSU and Coach Miles. He'll find a job, it'll be at some podunk Western Kentucky, Idaho State or Popcorn U.

#IRideWithTheCowboys

Labor Day Weekend...a little late

Yes, thank you, I do realize Labor Day weekend ended 3 days ago, but I've been a busy girl and I'm just now turning on my computer to do anything except work.work.work. #PGP, major.

My weekend happiness was centered around the success of the QB situation the Choo Choo Train the Walshing Machine the OSU defense. That's right, there's no way I was missing the first game!

Even though Molly didn't go to the game, she supported the Pokes from the comfort of her corner of the couch, wearing orange and white, of course.

Matt rented a car for us to drive down to Houston, so after picking up the car (and one for my parents to drive, but more on that later)  bright & early Friday morning, we started south! Of course, we didn't even make it to WinStar the Texas border before I had to stop to get a drink, and it wasn't too long after that time that I started side eye-ing Matt needing a bathroom break. But, we finally made it across the Texas border and stopped at the most delicious place on earth - Chickfila - for lunch. Because clearly there were no other options in Texas like in-and-out burger.

Obligatory "drive friendly, the Texas way" sign pic.

After finally making it to Houston (I slept a lot of the way so really I shouldn't complain), we went to the Galleria and again ate a place we could get in OKC - Raisin' Caines. In  my defense, I hadn't ever tried it and the other option was Chili's. The sauce was amazing, though. 

My family finally got to H-town around 3:00 a.m. They had to go to work/school (ha!) and then stopped outside of Dallas to pick up my mom's new car! We sold my jeep a few weeks ago, she gave me her jeep (upgrade!) and she got a giant Ford Expedition. It's super nice. Anyway, their 3 am arrival meant they woke me up from a nice sleep so I could let them into the hotel. Sorry to anyone who might have caught me dragging through the lobby in my sweats looking like a rag doll. 

On Saturday, we woke up bright and early to get burgers at Lankford Grocery, recommended by my high school ag teacher. Mom got a burger that was so hot I thought she was going to cry, Kaden got one with mac & cheese on it, Cindy got one with Fritos on it, and mine was just so big that I barely ate half. Everyone else got chicken or hot dogs. 

Lankford Grocery was featured on Diners, Drive Ins & Dives! We knew it had to be good.

My brothers dressed alike. How cute.

We met a group of Miss St. fans at lunch, and one of them brought over his cow bell from college. Clearly, I had to take a Pistols Firing pic with it!

The first Mississippi State fans we ran into were still sober at noon on gameday. I didn't know the SEC allowed that. :)

As we were leaving lunch, we realized dad had officially broken in mom's less-than-24-hours-old car. He parked on the wrong side of the street/going the wrong direction, and got a ticket.

We finally got to the game and headed up to our seats, but were stopped before making it all the way up the escalators...they needed to fill seats on the first level, and we were upgraded! Now we must pause for picture overload from the OSU game...

Matt & I had our pistols firing | Cheering on the Cowboys with Daddy
Spark + Cowboy Football = AdvoCare Texas Kickoff Classic | The view from our upgraded seats!

Sheriff Gundy after the win | I got to see Caylee & Maureen!
After the game with mom | Dad needed some Spark

After the game we ate at Pappadeaux and headed back to the hotel. On Sunday, we went back to the Galleria before heading home. I got a cute pink owl phone case, which of course I haven't taken a picture of yet. #BloggerFail Just think Jess's Bunny Case (from New Girl), and imagine it being a pink owl. That's what it looks like. After shopping a while, we headed back home.

Yay for a fun weekend! Boo for a long drive home! | What a beautiful sunset to come home to!

Bonus Weekend Day Monday was filled with family and fun - the Kennedy side of the family came over for lunch, swimming and horse riding, then we went over to Aunt Kandi's for dinner. 

Such a great weekend. So much fun, so much family, so much ORANGE. I just love fall. 

PS - my weirdo cousin Mag will soon be blogging over at Chasing Squirrels. Follow her and love her.