What a wonderful weekend!

Seriously! I had such a great weekend and I'm so thankful for every second of it!

To kick it off, we must back allll the way up to Wednesday, when Kaden & Kale showed at Tulsa. They got 2nd and 3rd place with their prospect steers. Matt and I drove up on Wednesday morning to watch them show, and of course we stopped at QuikTrip. Since everything with me just has to be an adventure I decided to leave accidentally left my wallet in the show box after Matt and I left - which wouldn't have been such a problem except I have a lead foot and we were in my Jeep, which happens to be a standard. Thankfully there were no run-ins with the police on our two hour drive home!

With three of my favorite guys! Kaden, me, Kale & Matt

Thursday after work I bought the best movie ever made, the Little Mermaid! I can officially throw out my VHS player, ya'll. On Friday, Matt and I had made plans to hang out and he told me "you pick what we do - whatever you want!" Well, obvi. Not only did Matt have get to watch my favorite move ever, my parents AND brothers joined us! I might have shed a few tears at the end and been so overwhelmed with happy that I got a few analogies mixed up, but it was the best Friday night in at least two centuries. 

Saturday was the much-anticipated Color Run at Remington Park! It was so silly cold, which I love, minus the fact that I knew the second I started running I would get warm and regret wearing a jacket. It was my second 5K in 2 weeks, and I am definitely looking for my next one. 

Oklahoma bloggers at the run!

After the run was over, as in, as soon as I crossed the finish line, Matt and I headed up to Stillwater to watch the Cowboys play! While I'm not a real sports blogger, obvi, I do have a few thoughts on the game:

1. Holy moley I'm glad we won because I Matt really wasn't completely positive we would for a minute. 

2. It was beautiful & a perfect day for football. 

3. I really wish OSU would have worn orange-black-orange instead of black-black-orange. I think the orange helmets would have been beautiful with the black tops and orange pants. It was such a sunshine-y clear day that the bright helmets were needed to add to the sunshine-y feel on the field. Just hire me to pick the uniforms already, please. 

4. The band's performance at halftime was AMAZING. Shake Your Booty, YMCA, Staying' Alive, Dancing Queen... such great selections. 

5. The pom girls' dance was filthy and unacceptable. 

 

On Sunday, we finally celebrated my Trapaw's birthday! As I walked in the door to my Aunt's house, the little munchkin below ran to me yelling "I MISSED YOU, SHAE!!" She was then stuck to my side for a good part of the next few hours :) 

To wrap up the weekend, I spent Sunday evening at Lori & Tate's house! We visited Lori's friend's pigs and Tate loved them. He blew my mind when he started WALKING. Kids these days, they just grow up so fast :)

See, I told you it was a wonderful weekend, start to finish! I couldn't have asked for a better one. 

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?).

Back to School day!

Not for me, but for my mom and brothers! My brothers are in 10th & 7th grade and mom is going back to the classroom to teach computers and (drumroll...................................) cheerleading! This means I'm officially the only one in my family to have never been an AmPo Panther (can I be an honorary Panther at least?). I'm excited for mom to start this new adventure and branch out to do new things. I know she believes in her kids and will push them to do their best, no matter what subject she's teaching or sport she's coaching. And a word to my brothers: stop growing up, for crying out loud. Kale had on his Junior High baseball uniform on Monday and he didn't look like my baby brother anymore. In just a few weeks, I'll have TWO teenage brothers, one who'll be able to drive! That's just weird, ya'll.

Anyway, since I was that girl who loved school supplies and back to school shopping (who are we kidding, I still am), I decided to put together a quick back to school list.

Everyone needs a great backpack, right? This one lasted me all through college, and even survived being hit by a truck. Best backpack ever.

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Reading books, taking notes, emailing, whatever - it's easier to do it all on the iPad than carry heavy books, millions of folders and papers, pens, and everything else. So clearly, dressing up the iPad = totally necessary. (PS - if you want to buy me anything, this iPad case is on my wish list for sure. I can definitely give you my color choices upon request.)

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The last thing on my back to school shopping list is new clothes! I can't pick a favorite outfit, but the Mint Julep is one of my new favorite shops. They post new arrivals to Facebook all day every day, and I am pretty sure I "like" every.single.post. I'm not a fashionista, so outfits that are easy to put together are totally my thing. I signed up for their email list and got a $10 off code, so help me find the perfect outfit to order, please! Leggings + long shirts + boots + scarves are totally my thing during the fall. Fall = football. Hurry fall!

Oh, and if I was one of mom's cheerleaders, I would need plenty of these :)

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Go Panthers!

don't forget your spirit fingers!

PS - Ladies, go sign up for the Hot Mamas 5K! It's on September 22 & benefits the Regional Food Bank! Feeding hungry kids + getting a good workout = #winning!! Bonus: I'm running, so it's guaranteed you won't be the slowest one there #KennedyGenes :)

So I turned 24...

...and apparently forgot I had a blog. Really, I didn't, but since that magical day of #Shaes24th, I've been a really busy girl and my dear little blog got a little neglected. #sorrynotsorry though...

The night before I turned 24, I spent the evening with my favorite 8 year old - painting our nails, watching TV and having a super fun girls' night.

I had to work on my birthday, but never fear, I wore my fancy pants shoes so I could celebrate all.day.long.

When I got back from meetings that day, I had a huge delivery on my desk - Matt had sent me flowers! 

It's now been almost two weeks and I think they're still getting prettier and definitely still blooming. Good job, Matt. Gold stars. That evening, Matt and I celebrated my birthday with a BARBIE CAKE.

I was clearly very excited about all the birthday fun and how he much surprised me with such a great day, as evidenced by my excited face in the pictures we took that night. 

Every birthday princess knows that a birthday party isn't complete without a slumber party, so clearly I had one that night! Julie and Kiera were ready to celebrate when I got home from my celebration with Matt, and celebrate we did, until I was so tired that my eyes wouldn't stay open. Then the next day, we continued celebrating, by fixing our hair and makeup like princesses do, of course! 

Ready for our slumber party!

Have you ever met more beautiful fairy princesses?

My girls. The only thing that could have made the slumber party better is if Mag could have joined us for a cousin night! :)

On Friday Matt and I celebrated again, but I didn't get any pictures. #bloggerbirthdayfail. On Saturday, I met Twin Lori and Baby Tate for a birthday lunch! I'm telling you, I celebrate my birthday right! :)

Saturday night, my family came over to celebrate. I'd told momma I wanted a sparkly pink cake, but she outdid herself with this delicious made-from-scratch, glittering, pink, pearl Shae-cake.

After eating cake, Tate had to try pickle juice. He liked it, I promise. 

On Sunday, we had the Pikey Family Reunion because my great-great-great grandpa Benson Pikey was inducted into the Chickasaw Nation Hall of Fame on Tuesday! I enjoyed the event so much - there's always so much Chickasaw history and I find it very interesting to learn more about the people who have given so much to my tribe.

Great-great Aunt Marie - Ben Pikey's granddaughter - had to hit the casino floor for a bit after the Hall of Fame! She will be 102 this summer and is still just as rotten as they come :) 

On Wednesday morning (I think - my days are running together - eep!), my baby brother Kale was on TV! AmPo was chosen as OKC FOX's Cool School and Kale and the Elementary Choir got to perform! It was too cool. I asked him for his autograph and he told me I wasn't a "real person" so I didn't get it. Ouch!

Matt and Thabo came over last Wednesday night for dinner - I made pizza from almost-scratch (lies. It was totally from a box). Molly and Thabo weren't quite sure what to think of each other - my sassy little pug doesn't like to share, but tries to be as lazy as possible while defending her territory. At one point, she was sitting on Matt and staring down Thabo as he played. They haven't seen each other since Thabo was a tiny baby puppy, but by the end of the night I think they'd decided to be friends. 

On Friday, Magan, Kiera and I ran around the countryside taking pictures, and I got to see a beautiful sunset after taking pictures in the middle of the road. I'll be sure to share some pictures from their photo shoot soon :) 

On Saturday, I got up bright and early (for the weekend) to go to Letter Carriers' Food Drive! My job was to go to various sites and take pictures, and Matt's job was to drive me. I had such a fun day and really appreciated Matt going along with me to work! After the food drive, we went to dinner, watched the Thunder and even shopped a little! Such a solid Saturday :) 

Almost done with our day of work! 

Sunday it was time to celebrate MOM! My brothers and I are blessed with a truly incredible woman to call momma. We had a day at the ponds with our whole family, complete with fishing, homemade fried chicken, hot dog roasts, smores and sunburns! I can't wait for more days like this all summer long. 

Daddy said the rule is if you're driving the truck, the windows are down. I agree. 

I did an activity called "princess fishing" at the pond - I threw the line(?), reeled in the fish, but daddy took it off and held for the pictures. I don't touch gross things like that!

Such a busy, fun couple of weeks! God has put some truly wonderful people in my life and I am so, so very blessed! In conclusion: I'm seriously liking 24 so far. 

Happy #NationalSiblingDay!

I have the best brothers on the planet.

They're talented, they're huggable, they love Jesus, and they love their sister (don't tell anyone though!). Kaden is always good to fix my #shortgirlprobs (like not being able to reach anything, ever) and #princessprobs (we won't even get into these). Kale is always good to make everyone laugh at his silliness and has recently been impressing me with some incredible drawings. They make me such a proud sister, and I'm so, so thankful to have them. We need an updated picture, because I'm now officially the little older sister - Kale's passed me by a mile now.

I also have the best twin ever, in case anyone was wondering. :)

#twinning

Saturday night

I had the opportunity to take a mini road trip Saturday night, and let me tell you, I couldn't have asked for better or more fun passengers. The AmPo girls were in the finals of the Hinton basketball tournament, so, along with my brothers and two of their friends, I headed out to watch them, just minutes after returning from watching Kaden's team beat Harding Prep.

I feel like most teenage boys wouldn't want big sister hanging out, but the whole way over we jammed to music and I pretended to not be there as they talked girls and "text bombs." Only once at the game did Kaden request I relocate to anywhere else in the gym, but then they realized I had money and they wanted food, so I was allowed to stay a few seats away :) Also, the four of them had the best manners - no tooting or burping in my face, so that was a win!!

While driving home and thinking about the fun evening we had, I couldn't help but realize that my baby brothers are no longer little boys! I wanted to squeeze every last second out of the night and capture every minute of the great night we'd had (even if I was kind of an onlooker...I understand what I put my parents through now - thanks mom and dad!!). I then looked over and saw Kale was very asleep and glanced back to see Kaden jamming with his Beats on his ears, so it was clear no more adventures were in store for the night :) I'm sure in a few days they won't even remember how much we (okay, I) enjoyed the evening, but this is a memory I will carry with me. They let me be a part of their lives, in on the jokes and laughter, and not just be their sister, but be a friend to them for the night. I prayed for so long when I was a little girl to have little brothers, and I was given the best two God could design.

Kaden and Kale, I am proud of you every single day. I am thankful for you, and being your sister - and your friend - is the best title I have ever been given. While I want you both to stay little forever, because let's face it you getting old means I'm getting old, watching you grow up is so exciting. You are chasing dreams and reaching goals and being awesome. I hope you both know how much I love you.
-Sis