The Francy Family

Time...Where did it go?

2011-03-21T12:43:00.000-07:00

Ragon at Four Years Old.

Greyson....big daddy is 2.

Me and my boy!!!

I am so sad that I am sitting here looking back at my blog and it has been almost six months since I have posted something. I used to send ugly emails to my friends who didn't update their blogs. And now....for me, it has become a thing of the past. Until recently, when a little birdy told me they had read my blog....start to finish. What in the world? If you did that, then you would think that I died somewhere in November of 2010....So sad isn't it. Good news, I didn't die. I just stopped blogging for the Winter. Maybe for good, but who knows. I used to have more time. Kim, tells me she liked me better when I was a prosecutor because I didn't work from home. Maybe that is what changed. Maybe leaving the DA's office and going to private practice took some of my "play time" during "nap time" away. But to be honest - I wouldn't have it any other way. As much as I miss my time as an ADA, I love being in private practice. I love adoptions and guardianship's. Where I used to put people in jail for abusing or neglecting their children, now I just have to worry about finding the children a safe place. So while I might have more work, I do sleep better.

Ragon....This little nugget is a gift, I tell you. While I used to think she was very much like her mama, I have started to change and think that she might just take after her daddy. She does resemble me...physically at least. She is the sweetest little girl. She has some spice to her - don't get me wrong. The other day at her Dad's soccer game, we were leaving, and as we were walking away a stray soccer ball hit her right square in the bum! She turned around and without hesitation, yelled "Hey!"....the entire team ROARED with laughter. It was pretty funny. She didn't think so, and promptly turned into her mommy's leg and bawled her eyes out. One thing for sure, she won't be walked on! Maybe she is a little like me! Tough on the outside, tender on the inside! She is growing like a weed. She rides her plasma car like a biker chick, can ride a scooter, runs like a cheetah and is pretty athletic (Don't laugh - that part is from her dad for sure!) She has the most beautiful green eyes, and brown hair - that just might turn blond this summer - with ringlets that go for miles! She means the world to me, and I love being her mom.

Greyson - This dude is a momma's boy. Wierd though, if I hadn't been in the very room he was born, I would question his authenticity as far as Murphy genes go. That kid is Francy through and through. Only thing he could have possible received from me is the blond hair. Otherwise, he is built Francy tough! He is in the TWO's stage. Which in our family....it means you are a challenge. He wants me to hold him all of the time. He is starting to ride his tricycle. He also rides a plasma car like a madman. He also talks up a storm. The other day, he was watching David put steaks on the grill. He told David, "that's gigusging" (Disgusting)...and he hasn't said it once....he uses the word appropriately. He also says, "oh my goodness" and often uses the word "Because" as an answer...although he doesn't use it properly. He is also a total HAM. He makes faces with the best of them. I believe that he will be a lawyer. I am just calling it now. But he is the master manipulator.....ok - so maybe this is what he gets from me! I love being a boy-mom. And I am ready for 3!!! Come on 3!!!!

Ok - well that is enough boring information for now. I am going to try to do pics and update more often. Since I am a crappy mom who doesn't scrapbook...I want to have some kind of way to recall my kids after the years! Have a good week....Maybe I will get pics up!

Halloween and Greyson's Birthday Party.....

2010-11-01T11:44:00.001-07:00

My sweet Fairy!!!

The kids had a great time at Greyson's Birthday Party. We were super sad that our "Shockley" and "Love" cousins weren't able to come. So this year - we were able to take on some second cousins! Addison and Emerson showed up to play! And our neighbors Ty and Ella were able to "sneak in" as faux family members! They look like us - right? So much fun to go to Leapin' Louis Splash Pad. After TWO LONG HOURS of swimming in a muggy hot pool room - we went to our hotel room and had pizza, pop, cake and presents! So much fun! And Greyson got so many trains, cars, bikes and books that included all those things! We had so much fun celebrating with family.

We also went Trick or Treating after the party! Whew were we tired. It was adorable. Ragon was totally into it. Greyon was only into it because it ended in an enormous amount of candy. The best part was that Ragon COULD NOT wait to get back to our house to hand out candy. She practically ran down the streets to give children candy. I was so happy to see how freely she gave things away! (This is a first - she has a tendency to be a toy stealer!) Hope it taught her how good it feels to give things away.

Sorry about the order of the pics! This is the best I could do. Also - do you like my SHAMELESS plug of Judge Bill Musseman. If you vote (and you should) in Tulsa County - Judge Bill Musseman deserves your vote. For more information check out www.judgebillmusseman.blogspot.com or his website www.billmusseman.com

Pretty Please....

2010-09-28T20:57:00.000-07:00

Friends - please for the next four weeks, post the following blog site to your blog:

www.judgebillmusseman.blogspot.com

I would really appreciate your support in this! Thank you so much!

FALL FESTIVAL

2010-09-26T21:20:00.000-07:00

CAN'T MAKE IT TO THE FESTIVAL? CAN ORDER EARLY AND STILL BE IN THE DRAWING! HERE ARE THE VENDORS WHO WILL TAKE ORDERS:

TICKLED SEW PINK: via emali @ tickledsewpink@yahoo.com

STELLA AND DOT: go to http://www.stelladot.com/ and enter Becki Francy as your hostess so you get credit

Want to order Matilda Jane and cannot go? go to http://www.matildajaneclothing.com/ and shop by doing the wishlist - email the wishlist to heathers@matildjaneclothing.com Make sure she knows your order is for my party! Easiest way is to shop by size!!!

Want to order personalized Hot Packs? They are scented too! Pick your scent and pattern. Cost is $15. Call Vicki Francy at 640-2225.

Need to schedule your family pictures? Call Quincie or Email her and get your appointment. As long as you have paid by the date - then you will go in the hopper! To get her information go to: http://www.quinciescreations.com/

What about pretty tags? Email LeAnne Phelps at: leanne@nathanwphelps.com

ONCE AGAIN: You must notify the vendor that you are ordering for the Fall Festival in order to go into the drawing - otherwise, they won't record it for you!!! Hope you can come by!!!

I am having a huge Fall Festival at my mom's house! You are invited. Following are all the vendors that will be present. So mark it on your calendar! Save up your bucks, and stop by!

Matilda Jane - New Fall Line

Stella and Dot - Jewlrey

The Plaid Button - Bows
As seen in Tulsa's Coolest Kid Store - Kate 918

Scentsy - Candles

Tickled Sew Pink - Monogramming

Homemade Gourmet - Cooking Help

Pretty Tags - Bag Tags

I will have FREE giveaways! So please take time to come by and see! Everyone gets tickets based on their purchases. BUT - if you bring a friend - you get two tickets - no purchase necessary - and a better chance to win! So come and bring a friend! And get free stuff! Comment with your address if you want to make sure and get an invite! Otherwise - YOU ARE INVITED! BTW - IF YOU CANNOT COME...e-mail me or facebook me and tell me what you are interested. I will hook you up with the rep - they will notify me of your purchase and you will be entered into the free prize drawing!!!! Do not need to be present to win!

FALL FESTIVAL

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2010

10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

AND

5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

NOW EVERYONE CAN COME!

Children Welcome

MURPHY RESIDENCE (not at my house this time!!!)

(email me and I will give you address )

GIVEAWAYS: $50 towards Stella and Dot, 1/2 Price Matilda Jane Item, Scented Hot Pack, Tags from Pretty Tags, Scentsy Warmer and Scents, 11x14 Portrait from Quincies Creations, and merchandise from The Plaid Button and Tickled Sew Pink.

Cherishing Today....

2010-09-17T12:15:00.001-07:00

Today is a day that my heart is heavy. This morning, I went to the cemetery. I got a call from a sweet friend, and she was taking flowers to her children's graves (for one's fifth birthday). She asked that I meet her there. I had the honor of sitting with her as we cleaned their graves, pulled away the leaves and placed flowers in the vases. I sat there with such a heavy heart. She didn't say much...as there really isn't anything to say. But my heart hurt as I listened to her silence...sniffles and watched the tears and they snuck from beneath her sunglasses. I can only imagine if I was hurting, how torn her heart must have been at that moment.

When I got back in my car, I looked in my rear view mirror....and I lost it. I saw the sweet blue eyes of my son and began thinking about his surgery on Monday. I became fearful with thoughts of all the bad things that could happen. My mind was running in circles. You know how fear is....but then I had such peace for two reasons. As we were leaving, my friend told me what she had heard on the radio. Read it HERE. The second reason is that I know...I know....I KNOW - that God does not give me a spirit of fear....it is Satan. And so - I put the car in drive, wiped the tears from my eyes and said to myself, "God has got this".

So my thought was this....cherish today. Fear steals your joy. I could have spent the day sad, dreading Greyson's surgery on Monday. Worrying the cyst will turn into cancer, or that he dies on the table. I could have spent the time at the cemetery worrying...."will I be here next week" with my child? But that would be living in a spirit of fear....Instead, I was able to squeeze the neck of a truly special friend, spend the day with my children, tickle my son and laugh with him, and play with my children and do a crafts! We cannot live in fear of what is to come....we have to walk by faith that God is in control and will not give us more than we can handle.

So today, and tomorrow, on Carter's Birthday, squeeze those little necks just a little harder, be slow to anger at their little tantrums and disobedience, allow her to wear the shoes that don't match her outfit, don't make him brush his hair....and when all those things make you think you are about to lose your ever loving mind....remember one thing....YOU got to have that child today....and not every mom is holding her child today....

Big Day in the Francy House

2010-08-24T19:41:00.001-07:00

First day of school for the kids. As you can see they are totally interested in posing for a picture with me!

Daddy was there to take pictures and give us good luck kisses on our first day!

Apparently Daddy does not know that taking pictures of a momma's bottom is a "no no"....Especially when white pants are involved....

Trying to lift her back pack....little heavy...

Ok - So needless to say I did not do all that great of a job preparing myself for the kids first day of mother's day out. This is the first time they have ever attended any formal type of school. Have to say I was "underprepared" for how much work this was going to be. Seriously - two backpacks, lunch boxes, two tupperwear covered plates, drinks, sippy cups, pepperoni, grapes, crackers and cheese, diapers, blankies, extra clothes, and so much sharpie the room started spinning. Thank the lord for Kim or I would have sufficiently RUINED my kids first day of school. Oh well, live and learn! They loved it, went to bed worn out...and Ragon made two new friends....so Mama is happy. Have a good week!

Pathetic....

2010-06-10T18:47:00.000-07:00

I am one day short of going two months without a post. What the heck? I have lots of excuses. Lots of projects I have been working on! My two latest projects???

1. Greyson - He is in the "Fresh Face Contest" on Facebook. If he wins, he gets a free photo shoot and picture. So if you haven't already click HERE and "like" the site, so you can write "Vote" in the comment section!!! THANKS!

2. Judge Bill Musseman. You all know I can't leave a political campaign alone, especially when it includes one of my friends. Bill Musseman is a former prosecutor for the Tulsa County DA's Office. He is currently running for office, and will make a great District Judge. He is currently a special judge in Tulsa County. Click here for more information, and to join his site and follow the information.

Will do another blog post soon on a book my friend wrote....as always - I am over committed! Oh well - it is what it is!!!!

Barefoot....Check

2010-04-11T13:19:00.001-07:00

Well, I know you were sitting on the edge of your seats wanting to know if I went 24 hours without my shoes on....The answer...NO...I went 36 hours barefoot. I learned something. One - it wasn't whether or not I would wear my shoes. I purposefully didn't take "back out" shoes with me, as I new I would most likely back out of my experiment. I knew if I took shoes, I would put them on, and go on with my day. So each time my family and I packed up and got in the car, I would pack myself up....barefoot. What I did learn, is that if I can't wear my shoes....I won't go anywhere. You see yesterday, we had to go get flowers (at a flower shop), go to Walmart and get a blinker for my car, go to Lowes and get mulch, and then go home. We later had to go to Reasors to get steak.....I did all this barefoot....or shall I say my HUSBAND did all of this.....You see what I learned yesterday, is something different from the others.

While there are a TON of problems with children who go shoeless.....I couldn't help but wonder...what are the simple things that they forgo because they don't have shoes. Are they too embarrassed to go into a store, because they have no shoes? Do they worry what those "with shoes" will say or think about them? Could they be denied service for not having shoes? Dumb thoughts probably, but I know children in America might not have shoes, and these are definitely things they face. And this is coming from a girl who really doesn't have a need for shoes...clothes yes, shoes...not so much. But I was so bothered by NOT having my shoes, that I didn't go INTO the places I needed to go, I relied on others to do it for me. So did I ACTUALLY complete the experiment? I am not sure, but did I at least get a glimpse of what some children might be feeling....for a few hours....maybe. But I couldn't fathom this being my every day.....or my children's.

First thing I am going to do....clean the shoes out of the closet...and take them to the shelter....

All By Myself.....Barefoot

2010-04-09T07:27:00.000-07:00

Me.....with my shoes.

***NOTE for this post to make sense, you need to know TOMS did a "Barefoot" challange (April 8th) to show us how children go without shoes, they asked we just go one day....***

I love shoes. I don't love them so much that I have an extraordinary amount of them. I am more of a clothes girl....But I wear my shoes, and I am not often seen without them outside of my home....or should I say, my property. Yesterday, while sitting at a conference I was on facebook (I know, tsk tsk) and I read my girlfriend was going to spend the ENTIRE day barefoot. Hmmmm.....I always like a good challange. But for the love of Pete people. I am at a judicial conference, on behalf of a municipality I represent. I am a judge......(insert long pause here).....I CANNOT do this today. What will they think? Will it get back to Skiatook that I went to the conference barefoot? NOTE: I was not thinking about the purpose, I was still focused on me....myself....and I. I was quickly distracted by a phone call, other family issues, but "barefoot" kept sneaking back in.

This morning I woke up at my hotel (still at the conference)....showered, put on the suit....AND put on my shoes. I can't do it....WHY can't I do it....Because I am still thinking about me. I read THIS BLOG and again....felt the need to be barefoot. I read her blog...and then thought to myself...That is it. I will do this next year. I am all in. Then as I sat here.....I couldn't help but think what is so special about April 8th? Why can't I do it tommorow? Why do I have to do it with a group? There is a little security in numbers? Shall I punish myself by doing a whole day without shoes by myself? What will my husband say? Maybe I should run this by him? What is wrong with me? Should I do it tomorrow? What do I have to do tomorrow, would hate to go without shoes to somewhere important....on and on and on. What in the world must children be doing who don't have shoes? What is the point of all this. I don't want to steal, but please read the blog above....no shoes is a serious problem.....that causes serious health problems for children. It is NOT just the idea of people looking at you because you haven't worn shoes.

So....I can't believe I am going to say this. But tomorrow is my challange...to myself. I have no idea what I am doing tomorrow...but one thing I won't be doing.....wearing my shoes.

Out of the Spin Cycle

2010-03-26T17:26:00.000-07:00

This is my precious friend Jennifer Hatmaker. She recently wrote a book that is due for release this summer. Jen wrote books like: Interrupted, Ms. Understood, Makeover, Girl Talk, A Modern Girls Guide to Biblestudy, and my FAVE Road Trip! Anyway - her book "Out of the Spin Cycle" is due out this summer. She recently posted it on her facebook status! I am so excited!

Jen is an amazing Christian woman. She is the kind of gal where you can go without seeing her for five years, and the minute you see her it is like no time has been lost! Unfortunately for me, she is pretty AND nice....Gag..right? But she is an amazing woman of God whose studies are not only biblical but incredibly entertaining! Take out a minute to check out her Website! Or friend her on Facebook so you can read a snipit of the new book. I tried to post it...no such luck. Here is a LINK...hope it works!

Law Firm Video....

2010-03-19T17:46:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I am showing this...but it will be airing soon...so now or never. We have approved it, so please don't point out anything like my pants being unzipped.....Wanna see our new commercial? Click HERE....

Hair Did...

2010-03-09T19:42:00.001-08:00

Seriously - I have learned there are some major benefits to having a daughter who is just like me! She loves to do the things I do, and I never knew it! For her third birthday, her Noonie took her on a suprise "trip" to the nail salon. She sat for ONE HOUR and had her nails done. Fingers and Toes!!! Here are some pictures of my mom with Ragon!

Mom and Ragon getting her nails done!

Grandy went too to watch the show!

Some feet soaking! Oh yeah! Noonie did it right...

this was no cheap polish change - this was the real deal!

Sitting still while the nails dry!!! Look how serious she is! Also - can you see the color? Only my mom would understand that Ragon is just like me and allow her the independence so she could pick her own color...Blue Sparkles...thanks mom!

The next week was Ragon's First hair cut! I love my hair dresser, while my hair was processing, she cut Ragon's hair. It was so fun! Ragon was so excited and as you can tell, loved being pampered yet again! And yes - I love her so much I would get my picture made like this!!! I had to preserve the moment! The pictures are in reverse order, and for those of you wondering, it was 6:30pm so she took a bath, Daddy brought her to the salon and she got her Hair Did!!!

Check out the curls!It curls so much better with a trim...

Ragon and Natalie...with Hair Envy...LOVE HER!

She looks like a big girl here!

And the same pic twice...because I don't know how to remove it! Enjoy!

Ragon is THREE!!!!

2010-02-25T19:22:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday Sister....The pics are out of order - But enjoy!

Twirl time at the gymnastics party.

The Bevins Crew!

The Crew....

Bevins, Grunewalds, and a Francy!

Papa and Greyson

Nastics!

Ragon's Birthday Party!

Birthday Donuts...Hey - it is what she wanted!

Aren't they totall cute???

Happy 3rd Birthday Ragon!

Ragon - I hope you always know how much Mommy and Daddy love you. You are such a sweet little girl. You have big eyes, that are bright and full of life. Everything you do is with a squeal and a twirl. You are such a girly girl. You love dress up, playing with baby dolls, and coloring. You also love to relax and watch "toons". Your favorite are Imagination Movers (we call this your "boy band"), WonderPets and Little Einsteins. You can count to thirty, ride a bike (with training wheels), say the alphabet, cut with scissors, ride a scooter, and tell me a word that starts with every letter in the alphabet.

You have the biggest personality in the world. You are full of smiles, and extremely passionate. Like your mom, you feel things strongly. You are a very funny little girl and talk until my ears bleed. You talk a lot about Jesus, and work very hard at acting like Jesus. My favorite part of you right now is that you try to imitate me. You spend time trying to wear clothes that match mine and often try to imitate my actions. Which makes your Mommy work very hard to set a good example. I love you Ragon....you are a ray of light to your family!

Spring Fling WINNERS!!!!!

2010-02-22T14:17:00.000-08:00

FYI: The drawing was done as fairly as possible. I lined up the items on the fireplace, we went from left to right and a THREE year old (not my own) drew them out of a bag. We figured it would be more fair because he couldn't read! HeeHeeHee!!!

Uppercase Living $30 Gift Certificate - LeighAnne Phelps
Plate and Photo Album from Blessings Unlimited - Emily Schluteis
Stella and Dot Pearl Earrings - Megan Neal
Cheesecake Trio from Homemade Gourmet - Leslie Meade
Matilda Jane Half Price Item - Kathy Hitchcock
Duffle Bag from Tickled Sew Pink - Carole Ducato
Scentsy Plug In and Refills - Jessica Gross
Pretty Tags - Randy Young

Matilda Jane Girls - The RAVEN Skirt that we were all dying for is back in, in size 10 and 18 Months...TO DIE FOR! So - if you want one, better e-mail Heather PRONTO! Heathers@matildajaneclothing.com

The Stella and Dot party is still open. To order, just click on the above link and enter Becki Francy as your hostess!!!

Scentsy is still open as well. Just e-mail Ashley directly.

All the other vendors are always open for business. AND I learned the Homemade Gourmet - DeAnna Bottomly will deliver to your house! Not that is my kind of cooking!

Contact me if you won a gift!

The Plaid Button Bow - Sarah Lundin

Spring Fling is Officially Open!!!

2010-02-11T17:26:00.000-08:00

I forgot one vendor on the original blog! Uppercase Living is going to be at my house! If you haven't see Uppercase, you MUST take a look! Click HERE to see their stuff. In short - it is the wall decor that you apply directly to the wall! They will be providing a $30 free wall art - in the Giveaways!

Stella and Dot Party is officially open! SO - if you place an order HERE. Just remember to enter Becki Francy as your hostess and you will be entered for the giveaways! See - you can work on Mondays and still make purchases and win free prizes! But make sure and enter my name - if you forget we won't know and you won't be entered!!!!

Matilda Jane has a new feature! Go to http://www.matildajaneclothing.com/ and shop! All you have to do is select what you want and hit "Wish List" and you will have the shopping list ready to go!!!! Bring it with you to the party and it is shopping made easy!

Megan Neal....I love you!

2010-02-08T11:30:00.000-08:00

Ok girls...you know I can be handy - but who knew we could do this! Megan Neal - our awesome decorator gave us this idea for our breakfast nook. I had a huge wall that needed filling, with color but also with something simple. I told Megan I wanted fork and spoon concept. This is what she came up with, and David and I did it! Here are the before and after pics....picture quality is poor but you get the gist...also - leave a comment and tell Megan to start a blog or website. Also - do you need her info?????

And if you are looking for info on the Spring Fling....scroll down!

Color Your World...

2010-01-22T18:38:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to think of a way to write this all week. When we grew up, our entire neighborhood was white. By white, I mean the race of our neighborhood, schools and family was entirely white. However, my parents weren't ok with us having the "idea" that this was what the world was like. I specifically remember my Dad taking us to an all black church in Tulsa one time. It was a really neat experience. We were shown other cultures, and taught from a very young age that Race is just the color of your skin.

As I raise my children, MY family has changed. Our family is NOT all the same color. Some of us are white....some a little olive...some pretty tan...others you might call brown...some are REALLY white (don't be offended Blake - it is said out of love) and some are REALLY brown! But one thing I have made a purpose in doing is making sure my children grow up in a world of color! My friends are all colors, my co-workers are all colors, we have friends whose families are all colors....our dolls are all colors, and children in the books we read are all colors.

I was brought up this way. That the color of one's skin, says nothing about the person. I was never told not to bring home a boy of a different race. I WAS told never to bring home a boy who was not a Christian. This week, when we remember a great man who fought for Civil Rights.... we must do our part as parents to make sure our children are colorblind. ALL families have to do this. Racism exists in every race....but as parents we have to be purposeful in making our children accept everyone for who they are....not the color of their skin.

Updates.....

2010-01-02T19:09:00.000-08:00

I am such a bad mom lately - I have so neglected my blog. But I have a bunch of stuff I need to post, but today - it will be about my chillins...

Ragon is an absolute hoot. I am a little afraid. Sister is so smart. She is talking up a storm and most of what she says makes sense. She is an obedient little girl, but she is so strong willed. She really has an opinion about what she wants to do and how we do it (wonder where she gets it?). She loves gymnastics, dancing, Wonderpets, Ruby and Max. She almost always has a babydoll in her arms and loves playing mommy. She constantly immitates me (scary huh?). Today I was ordering something online, and when I turned around, she was in the chair next to me with her pink (fake) laptop. She is such a happy little girl and very very silly. She loves her friends Ty, Lillian, Kyndal and Eason. She talks mostly about her cousins, though. She is the apple of her daddy's eye and seeing them together warms my heart.

Greyson is really coming into his own. It wasn't clear until the last two weeks how much his ears were bothering him. He talks up a storm, is a lot less clingly and whiney and is working hard on walking. He will mimick almost any sound I make. He is sleeping so much better and most of the time he is standing...but not quite walking....any day now! He is still a little on the thick side...just like I like em! But it wasn't until lately that we learned what a ham he is. He loves to look at you and then wiggle his head side to side and roll his eyes and then he just dies laughing. He thinks he is hysterical! He loves hide and seek. But his favorite thing in the world is to play with his sissy....whom he calls Bubba...well it is what she calls him, so it does make sense!

I hope you had a beautiful Christmas. The most beautiful part was when Ragon would tell me that it was Jesus' birthday....and when I would ask her where is Jesus? She would point that little chubby hand at herself and say "in my heart"...."and in your heart mommy"....sweet sweet moments.

I was going to include photos...but I can't get them to upload....maybe later!

Tradition....

2009-12-21T17:51:00.001-08:00

I am not a sentimental person. But I love traditions. We have some neat Christmas ones, so I am going to share one. For Christmas, my children recieve three gits...that is it....three gifts under the tree. Santa shows up at our house in the form of a stocking...and they are great stocking gifts....but under the tree...THREE. Why is that? When Jesus was born, he recieved three gifts....Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh (yes- I checked the spelling). It is a subtle and gentle reminder to my children that this holiday, while fun, and crazy and full of excitement...is not about them. We will do things such as work soup kitchens, take presents to a family, deliver baskets to police stations and fire stations. We will constantly remind them....JESUS is the reason for this season. I am all for spoiling kids...on their birthdays....but this day....this day, is not about us, me, or them....it is about Christ and celebrating his birth. (fyi feel free to have your own traditions, I am not one of those who is psycho that my traditions are the best - heck - we totally lie to our kids and say there is a santa!)

Second - I have some prayer requests if you have a moment:

1) Terra - I hope Terra doesn't mind me sharing. Terra has been a little under attack. Her famliy had the stomach virus, but her baby girl "K" has been under the weather quite a bit lately....so pray little "K" up.

2) Taylor - This is one of my sister's friends. But Taylor is 14 weeks pregnant, and she is so sick that she is on bedrest. She has lost a tremendous amount of weight and has a two year old that she is struggling to take care of.

During this season...pray for those who aren't celebrating Christmas...who can't afford it...who don't feel like celebrating....who are too weak....and be Thankful for what you have.

Lawson.....

2009-12-17T18:43:00.000-08:00

I have not had a lot of time to blog lately. Clearly - from the lack of posts that is obvious. But tonight, I had to post a request for prayer. My sweet neighbor has a little boy, his name is Lawson. Lawson has been in the hospital for a couple of days now, suffering a high fever. I believe they thought they had it under control, but the fever has returned. He has sustained a fever as high as 106 for a couple of days now. Please pray for sweet Lawson. He is a sweet little boy and this is the worst time of year for this to happen. Not that there is ever a good time. He was transferred to OKC this evening. I am only assuming it was to Childrens in OKC. So tonight, pray for Lawson - and for healing.

Scarlet....

2009-11-26T17:30:00.000-08:00

Really...don't let a little Scarlet Fever get ya down! After 24 hours of antibiotics...she is good as new! Here is a video of her in front of our Christmas Tree. Much like the one I posted this morning on FB, but instead of singing into a thermometer, Daddy sprung for a mike. It lights up. If you listen, it also sings Under The Sea from Little Mermaid. Which doesn't bother her a bit..she belts out the song anyway. I crack up, notice how she continues to sing through the mike malfunction....seriously - she is a pro! Much like her mother who can sing without the correct words....(I had to say this before my family did).....

What in the????

2009-11-25T15:17:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I feel like things all hit me at once. I guess in the long run that is the best...I mean, really - don't you want all the bad stuff to happen in one week? If you spread it out, life would always be a stinker....right? At least I need to believe that this week. BECAUSE, Monday Greyson is having tubes put in, adenoids removed, and eye surgery to correct his tear duct problem. And to top it off, our insurance has denied the claim. Too many details and TOO big of a check I just cut the three doctors....LOVIN IT! Ragon was diagnosed with Scarlet Fever, sounds much worse than it is. Just strep with a rash that looks a little like a sunburn. David is sick....and to top it off....My sweet grandma "Grandy" lost her husband this afternoon. Folks - that is one shooie week! And it is only wednesday. I am hoping tomorrow brings better health, and reminds me of all the things to be thankful for. Because, I DO have children that can get sick, I have a wonderful husband who is usually healthy, I CAN afford insurance (although it doesn't pay), I have a roof over my head, and a God who loves me.....so who am I to complain about a crappy week?

On a fun note, I was thinking about blowing this picture up and hanging it over my bed with candle sconces on each side....what do you think? These are my precious Ragon's hands holding our wedding rings.

Face Lift....

2009-11-16T18:26:00.001-08:00

Hey - look at the header...more new pics to come....

Fall Pictures....

2009-11-08T04:48:00.000-08:00

Somehow I have managed to convince my husband that all families have their pictures done twice a year! I have found a photographer that is multipurpose for me! Ha! This is going to sound so wierd. BUT - Quincie was not only my labor and delivery nurse for Ragon, she was there when Greyson was born...AND - she takes the most amazing pictures ever!!!!! Here is a link to our recent pics! Click HERE. Quincies does great with the family. My favorite part is that she manages to catch my children's personalities on camera. Also - one of my new favorite pics, that I am going to do something fun with is a picture of Ragon's tiny hands holding our wedding rings...LOVE IT! Anyway - have a good weekend. Give Quincie a call and get some pics done for the Christmas Season. Her website is www.quinciescreations.com

Leapin' Louie!

2009-10-28T06:47:00.001-07:00

Greyson had his first birthday yesterday surrounded by family! It was so much fun. We had a small family party at Leapin' Louies Lillypad (or something like that!) at the Radisson on 41st and 169. It was so much fun. Have to run, lots to do today, but here are some of the pics. I am sure there is a setting on my camera that would allow me to take pictures indoor with water, but for some reason it wasn't working. Here are the best pics! I am apparently a horrible photographer, I cute off most of the grandparents heads (oops! Sorry Dad and Vicki) and didn't seem to get one photo of an aunt or Uncle! Many thanks to Uncle Greg and Uncle Mike for playing lifeguard! P.S. Note all children are not pictured! This place was so fun, I couldn't catch a glimpse of them all...these are from the times I got them to stop..... Max and Owen...Best friends forever, I think they are being alligators!

Max shooting the super water gun!

Luke trying to shoot the gun with Papa....of course you can't see his head! (sorry papa!)

Daddy and Greyson going down the slide....I think Daddy is too big for the slide!

Cate going down the slide....(see bottom right)

Crawling through the water!

Sutton would stop and shoot me a smile!

And Cooper wouldn't look at me!

Sadie Cakes....lookin' smokin in her suit!

Birthday boy after two pieces of pizza (minus the crust of course)!

Mimi and Greyson...or at least half of Mimi...

Opening presents....

Opening more presents!

And I posted this one twice and can't delete it...so here it is again....like the "Ladies Man" shirt?

Has it been a year???

2009-10-25T19:45:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, my baby is turning 1. I really can't believe it. I can't believe all that has occurred in the past year. We got Sadie, Lukie, Greyson, we built a house, dad had open heart surgery, David started a new business...and the list goes on and on. But I have to say...I am in love with this little boy. He has a hold on my heart....and now I get to be a proud "Boy Mom".

Greyson-

You are such a sweet boy. You are so busy. You crawl around so fast. You have NO desire to walk. It is too cute. You just fly around on your hands and knees. You crawl up on everything, and you get into everything. When we tell you 'no' - you look at us and nod your head no back to us. You love your sister. You call her "bubba" though. I think it is because she calls you bubba. Daddy especially loves you because you evened the male to female ration in the family! My favorite part of the day with you is when you wake up. I can go in and get you, then bring you back to the couch, or my bed and snuggle up. You will sit in my arms snuggled into my side for at least half an hour. I love feeling the weight of you on my chest. You love to play peek-a-boo, play with your sister, and you like to clap...a lot! You are still into pacifiers...take two naps a day, and eat like a little pig. Thank you for being my sweet snuggle boy. I love you forever....

Mom

*** Picture is by Quincie or Quincie's Creations

Big Changes....

2009-10-23T18:15:00.001-07:00

We have had a big change in our lives. I have not mentioned it, because it only recently happened. My husband decided to leave the current firm he was working at, and go to work with an old friend of ours. I am very proud of him for taking the step out on his own. He is such a good man, and an incredible lawyer, and I am proud of him for following his heart. So we are praying a lot, about our new "business". Please continue to keep our family in your prayers as we step out in faith that this is what David was called to do. He has always wanted to start a law firm from the ground up and this was an opportunity he could not pass up. So while we are excited, motivated, full of dreams...we also have some fears. But we are wholeheartedly trusting that this is God's plan, as we bathed this in prayer.

Every night we pray for "Daddy's Business".....probably too much. Ragon has a purse that has scissors, markers, eraser and a ruler. Ragon calls it her "bidness". It is pretty cute. Our whole family is involved in the prayer process. Have a good week, I promise more updates soon! As you can see....we have been busy!

Matilda Jane!!!!

2009-10-07T07:07:00.000-07:00

I have to admit that I love me some Matilda Jane! I have been dying to go to a trunk show - but for some reason, I can never make it. So I decided, if I have one...for sure I will make it. I discovered this line last year and I am IN LOVE with it. I wish I could wear it! (there are some mom clothes that are super cute!) Anyway - I am having a party on Monday, October 19th from 3:30 - 6:30 (if you come a little later - there is wine involved!) If you don't know Matilda Jane go to http://www.matildajaneclothing.com/. I am sending out tons of invites, but I might not get everyone, if you are interested post a comment and I will e-mail you the information and directions to my house. In the meantime - here are some super duper cute pics!

I need a new project, like I need a hole in the head....

2009-10-03T09:57:00.001-07:00

I have a short project....but this one is for ME! Click here to look.

Ahhhh...NUTS!....(or Wheat)

2009-09-29T16:43:00.000-07:00

Today we got a call from Greyson's pediatrician. Greyson has had a CHRONIC runny nose and cough, that continues and then he gets an ear infection. After a month of this, my pediatrician had enough and he ordered some testing. If you have seen my pumpkin pie, I am sure you noticed the redness (eczema) around his little mouth. It is quite noticeable, and if I am honest, it breaks my heart. Not only does it itch my little man, but it attracts some looks, and often comments. It doesn't matter now, because he doesn't know. But one day he will.

Anyway - the pediatrician diagnosed Greyson with food allergies.....yes...that was plural. The list? Eggs, Wheat, Oats, Corn and Soy....go to your pantry and try to find one item that doesn't have ONE of those ingredients. Anyway - to answer the first question on your mind...He does not have Celiac disease. This is a disease...he has an allergy. They have the same treatment, but are not the same in diagnosis. So that is good.

Please pray for me in how we deal with this as a family. I know it might not sound like a big deal to you, after all, he is healthy, we know what is wrong with him, and it is only an allergy. But with this big of a shift in the way he eats, David and I have agreed that our entire family will change the way we eat. When my younger sister Molly was diagnosed with Diabetes, our entire family changed the way we ate. So while at home, we will continue to eat dinner as a family and eat the same meal. I do not want to single him out. (NO advice on this one peeps, we have made a decision. And for the super nosey, yes we will check with Ragon's pediatrician on whether or not this is ok for her).

So please pray for me. I LOVE to cook, especially pasta....if you have any good recipes, let me know. Or just a few words of encouragement wouldn't hurt! And in case you are wondering....I kind of figured about the wheat after we did the initial test...so I witheld wheat....you should see Bubba's face.....eczema is almost gone!

Minnie.....Me

2009-09-08T19:07:00.000-07:00

I got to spend the weekend with my "sissies".....aka my sisters. We had so much fun. We drove to Branson...talked the entire way, and then spent three whole days shopping. It was so much fun. We ate WAY too much Mexican food, and shopped until we literally could shop no more! It was fun, but one of the most fun times, for me at least, was talking with my Momma and sisters. At one point, they were telling me how much they have enjoyed my Ragon. They just told me how much "light" she brings into their lives. How special she makes them feel when they walk into a room. That she always has a smile, is constantly laughing and squeals when she sees you when it has been a whole five minutes sinces she has seen your face!

Ragon- You are the light of your parent's lives. You make us laugh constantly. Your smile and little personality keep us on our toes. Although you definitely have an opinion and like to be heard, you are such a good little girl and make so many good decisions. Although you don't always make the right decisions, you are such a big girl in handling your consequences.

For those of you who either don't know me well (or as a child) or who haven't met Ragon -she is really a "minnie me". She looks like I did (althought that is becoming less and less true) but with brown hair and darker skin. Her personality is almost exactly the same. She can be a toot just like her momma! But this little girl, is the apple of her Daddy's eye. They are two peas in a pod and are hard to seperate. She is such a "Daddy's Girl". I really have no idea what these two would do without eachother. Seeing him love on her makes me love him that much more.

It just got me to thinking how special this little girl is.....and the picture just fit. Here is my "minnie". (outfit courtesy of Noonie) And in case you are wondering, yes...we wear the outfit a lot and yes...she has made numerous requests to wear the minnie mouse shoes in public...and no....I don't let her.

What the???

2009-09-02T06:35:00.001-07:00

I am sure you are wondering where I have been. I mean all four of you out there who read our blog are really just scratching your head....right? Well we closed on our house and moved in...since then our life has been crazy busy.

Greyson:
Has been teething. He has EIGHT teeth now, his shirt is always wet and he is crawling and pulling up on EVERYTHING. He is really the sweetest little boy. He is quite the snuggler. He finds just about everything funny. He loves to clap, and when he wants to get your attention, he clicks at you. It is really pretty cute! He says, "mama, dada, and bubba (I think this means sissy)". He is also quite the dancer. If you put on dance music, his face lights up and he moves to the grove!

Ragon:
She is really starting to be a big girl. She told me today that it was "chilly outside" and that it "hurt her feelings" that I didn't let her play in my car. She just had her first trip to the ER the other day for jumping on the bed. She calls it dancing, I call it jumping....now I call it a "nono". She busted her lip open and looks pretty pathetic. She is really loving the new neighborhood. Every night we go outside, and she runs around with her new "pals" Lillian, Grace and her "long time boyfriend" - T-BONE...as she calls him. It is too cute, funny girl moment #1 with Ragon. The other day, Ty (T-BONE) was here and she decided to tell him, "I love you"....Ty paused for a moment and then replied "Thanks"...well sister...that is how it goes...never say it first!

David and I:
David is hard at work taking care of our family. He is playing soccer (we go and watch). It is funny to take Ragon, when he steps on the soccer field, it is like he is a superhero....she won't even go to him. It is pretty cute. She likes to warm up and ask when she can play soccer...don't worry, Daddy has a plan honey! I promise.

As for me, I am on the TU Law Alumni Board and I am currently planning Chilifest 2010 and Spring Gala 2010. I am working with a Judge trying to get him appointed to the District Court Bench. (I will be asking for your help later!). We still have the blog, http://www.promoteokadoption.blogspot.com/ (and a giveaway this week) I have a couple of adoptions I am working on, and then I am being a mom.

Life is good, pictures will come, when I find my camera! Have a good week.

Design Star....

2009-08-14T18:46:00.000-07:00

Really people. I should be on design star....the garage sale version. So I went to a store that I am coming to LOVE. It is called IO Metro. As I have said in previous posts, this house is much more contemporary than any house we have lived in. SO, I really had to start over with decor. I went to IO to find some art. I came across a really cool bambo screen thingy. It was a lot more than I really wanted to spend. In addition, I really needed the big one...and that was pricey. So I decided to make it on my own. (And when I say on "my" own, I really mean "our" - the hubby helped). So here it is kiddos.

Here is the screen I wanted:

Here is the screen I made as it is in my dining room:

I can't believe I am asking this! What do you think? Just so you know...the real version cost a whopping $199.....but the Francy version....$39.99 (actually fifty - but I have $10 worth of stuff to return!)

Hello???

2009-08-06T18:39:00.000-07:00

Yeah - we moved! I have not had internet or cable for a week, but I am in my house. My children are adjusting (Ragon is having some struggles) but for the most part, we are all loving our new home! And I feel so blessed to have it. Our neighborhood is seriously like the Truman Show. I go outside and all I hear are the laughs of small children. Today after I got home, a new little neighbor girl came up to Ragon and asked "what is your name?". It was too cute...Ragon just looked at her like, come on...everyone knows who I am. She looked back at me and said "Mommy??" Like - what do I say? I told her...and she sweetly looked at the little girl, and said "My name is WAGON"....."I two"....it was so freakin cute I could have cried. After dinner, she and I went on a walk and she rode her new "motorcycle" (A bicycle from our friends the Bevins). We went down the street and she and the kids rode scooters, bikes, and just ran around. That is until Ragon had a melt down (a new thing she has started doing since we moved). So we went home....but we love our new home, but most of all, we love how great it is for our kids and the friends we have here.

Ray....

2009-07-15T18:32:00.000-07:00

This week my little Ray of sunshine is at my parents for the week. She is at "Camp Noonie Papa". Pictures will follow of this camp. In short, at the camp are: Ann Marie, Lauren, Max, Sutton, Owen, Cooper and Ragon. Yep - all seven are with my parents, along with TWO camp counselors. They do all types of fun things. But to be honest, I miss my little "Ray Ray" as we lovingly call her. Lately, I have realized that she is my little ray of sunshine everyday. Of course, Ragon is constantly on the go...she talks non-stop (she comes by this naturally) and she is a little spit fire. But in all of that, she is the sweetest, funniest, most upbeat, hysterical little ray of sunshine for her parents. And tonight I am a little jealous of my parents for getting to enjoy my sweet thing.....sleep tight little girl - your momma loves you - and I will see you Saturday!

Free at last....

2009-07-09T20:26:00.000-07:00

I am leaving on a road trip with my girlfriends tomorrow. Crazy, huh? Well not so much. I - at the age of 35 - am a bridesmaid. Am I really a bridesmatron? Is that a thing? So I am so excited, one of my girlfriends is getting married, and I have the honor of being in the wedding. So four other girlfriends of mine from work are driving to Madisonville Texas early in the AM. My sweet hubby has the kids for the weekend. How sweet is he? I am excited for the wedding, excited for the getaway, but I know I will really miss my babies. And to be honest, this will be the first night I spend away from Greyson - my little man! I will probably be sad - but I will be okay. Please pray for safety for us girls and for my family over the weekend! Have a wonderful weekend!

Confessions of a Mad Woman....

2009-07-07T20:20:00.000-07:00

I am a bad mom...not always, but Monday - I totally failed the "mommy test". I took Ragon to her first movie. I totally talked it up, about how fun it would be. About having a snack, being quiet, etc. Our local movie theatre has a "kids film festival" all summer and offers free movies for kids one day a week during the summer. (for more info all over Tulsa click HERE). Anyway - I took Ragon to ZATHURA. If you have seen this movie, you know where this is going. This movie is NOT for children, in my opinion of any age. Now, generally I am not that conservative, but in the first five minutes one kid called another kid a "D"....another word for penis. YEP! I couldn't believe it. I almost left (and should have) but thought, I talked this up and she, and Greyson, were being so good and watching it, I let it go. But about the time the Robot began chasing the kids through the house trying to kill them...well we were out of there! Seriously - Ragon climbed into my lap, clung to me like a tree frog and said "I scerred". It broke my heart. I am the one who is supposed to protect her little mind and let her keep her innocence. And here I had taken her to her first movie and I hadn't looked it up! I just assumed someone elses' standards met mine! Big mistake. To make matters worse, she screamed bloody murder when I put her to bed, because she was "scerred of the mobie". It literally felt like my heart was being ripped out as I left her! Anyway - the crying was significantly shorter tonight, hopefully past it tomorrow. So the lesson - check out the movies, G ratings are BOGUS nowadays!

My Peeps....

2009-07-05T18:48:00.000-07:00

A lot of times, people ask me who I use for "this" and who I use for "that", so I am just going to give you a list of where I get things and who I use for services.....Here goes....

Hair
Obstetrician/Gynecologist
Pediatrician
Dentist
Thrift Stores - Baby Emporium and Barely New (both in Broken Arrow)
Lawyer
Builder (that is building my house)
Builder
Realtor
Stationary/Gifts
Fertility Doctor
Interior Decorator
My Church
Blog Design (to clarify - she has not done my personal blog - but she did do my adoption blog and it rocked....I am DYING for her to do my personal blog!)

Let me know if I missed any....I will add anyone on! (but you truly have to be one of the peeps I actually use!) Would love to see other's do this! Hope all my links work! Have a great week!

Shoes....

2009-06-28T19:40:00.000-07:00

Ok - so I am in a shoe predicament. I shouldn't procrastinate - but at times this Type A momma does. So I am a bridesmade in a wedding on July 11th. I was to get some gold strappy sandals for the wedding. But I CANNOT find ones that I like. Strike that - I did find some I like, but they cost about $130. Not the type of cash I am willing to throw down. So my question - two fold - do you have a pair of cute gold strappy sandals? Or do you know where I can get some? I like a little heel and wear 8.5 - HERE is a link the the one's I like. Just so you know how unsuccessful my trip to purchase shoes was today, attached is a pic of the shoes I DID buy. Trust me - the pic does not do them justice.

Best Daddy Ever....

2009-06-25T18:24:00.001-07:00

I have to say that my husband is the "best daddy ever". The other day, we went on a date and when we were leaving, Ragon really wanted to "go on a date daddy". So he promised her that he would take her on a date. Today - David and Ragon when on their first official "daddy/daughter date". He had high hopes of taking her to Olive Garden (although I am not sure why) - but she promptly said "I go dat way" pointing to Sonic. He let her pick the meal - corndog, cheddar bites, chicken strips and tater tots....oh yeah - and a blue slush. YUM! Anyway - they ate lunch and Ragon got to sit in the front seat. Then they went to "Chocolate NuVeau" on Main Street across from David's Office. There she picked out chocolate covered caramel and a chocolate covered marshmellow with sprinkles. Don't worry - she hardly ate any of the food - but she had so much fun with her Daddy. And I know her Daddy loved spending time with her. I think this is the start of a tradition for Ragon and Daddy. Here are their pics of the date!

Wet your pants, funny.....

2009-06-18T18:35:00.000-07:00

Need a good laugh? This is Ragon - she is doing her version of the "boost mobile" commercial. It this hysterical or what? I couldn't stop laughing. First - because she actually STILL fit in the baby bjorn! Seriously - I wanted so badly to walk up and down main street with her like that. The only reason I didn't. Check me out in the picture. I looked like I just woke up and rolled out of the sack. No make-up and I was wearing as David calls - my "mom uniform". Just thought you needed a laugh today.

Pooped....

2009-06-14T11:19:00.000-07:00

My sweet husband captured this picture of me the evening I had my "procedure". Nice of him, huh? (wanted you all to have a good laugh - even at my expense) All went well - I guess. I don't really know how you know. By the way - can you tell I like anesthesia?

But on Saturday early afternoon, Ragon got really tired...this is not good. She spiked a fever around 12, and it really has only been down while she is on Motrin. It makes me so sad, because my little busy beaver, who typically drives me crazy as she runs around, jumping off things, is just laying around. AHHHH....it really breaks my heart as her little droopy eyes look at me to help her! Seriously - it hurts me to see her like this because she literally never sits down, and right now, I can't get her to stand up!!! Anywho - say a prayer for Ragon tonight, for her little fever to go down, so my baby doll with all the energy plays with me tomorrow!

Surgery....

2009-06-11T18:48:00.001-07:00

Big day is tomorrow 11:00 a.m. is check in, surgery is 12:00 pm. Very excited....ok - no I am not. I guess I can say I am very excited to get it done with. How about that for truthful. So please pray for me. Funny - I told David tonight I was getting nervous. He simply replied, "I am not, I have prayed about it and I have a peace." My response, "Well I haven't and I don't". There is the truth - peeps. I have NOT prayed about it. I don't know why, I just haven't. I don't know what is wrong with me lately - a little bit of denial probably. I didn't call the doctor to schedule. They called me. I didn't call to do my pre-op, they called me and I had to schedule. But I just did my pre-op today. For a surgery that is tomorrow. So - like I said - I don't know what is wrong with me. A little denial - maybe. A little pissed that I am going through this? Probably. I just need a better attitude. Oh well - granted no one WANTS to have this. I guess I should be grateful that they found it before it was cancerous. Strike that - I SHOULD be thankful they found it before it was cancerous. Anyway - I am done rambling - will update you after surgery. Should be home shortly after procedure is done.

So Purdy....

2009-06-05T18:03:00.000-07:00

In case you are wondering. YES - we still live with my parents. So fun - I am sure not so much fun for them, but fun for us. We are really getting into a routine here. Our house is really coming along though. Here is a little sneak peak of the new digs. We are very excited. Hope you all have a good weekend. Can't wait until our new home is done! By the way - if you want to build a house, our BUILDER is awesome!

For those of you who have clicked on the "builder" button, and wondered why my Dad's sight didn't come up. Click HERE take a few minutes to browse through the pricing. Remind yourself that I am a stay at home mom and then hit yourself on the side of the head. We will be building a home with my AWESOME dad builder one day, when our kiddos are a little older and we can afford it. But if you CAN afford it - go Murphy!

I chouch bir poo......

2009-05-31T18:51:00.000-07:00

That is code for Ragon. It means "I touched bird poop". Nice - that is what my two year old was yelling at us during dinner tonight. She is getting so big and is such a sweet, albeit energetic, little girl. This weekend David played in a soccer tournament. Ragon and I went to see him and then we went on a date, just mommy, Ragon and Daddy. We took her to the new store on Mingo called Kupcakz. She absolutely loved it and ordered a "pretty in pink" "Coocake" as she calls it. David and I shared a carrot cake cupcake - YUMMY! Fun little afternoon treat. All weekend when David would go to a game and we didn't go, she would just ask me "I go see 'em?". It was too cute. She is really talking up a storm right now.

As for Greyson - well brother is getting big. I wish I could report a lot of developmental milestones. I mean he sits up well, transitions things from one hand to the other, and will roll back to side. But the dude HATES to be on his tummy and he will not roll over to it. He has done it on accident. But apparently figured out how to put a stop to it and hasn't gone there since! Greyson is the easiest little boy. He just hangs out. However, the boy is a squealer. To give you an idea, the other morning we were sitting out on the patio and David commented. "A neighbor is going to call the police because they think we are killing a cat." Yes, my friends, that is what it sounds like. He is eating big boy food, as the picture shows. No negative comments please - I don't care if in your family a rib is inappropriate for a seven month old, in my family - this is acceptable behavior...I mean - I do have a hold of the rib!

And the answer is....

2009-05-28T12:00:00.001-07:00

Wow - third time is apparently not the charm for me. Yep - I failed that test too. Apparently I have some precancerous cells on "old girl". So - going to have a little laser surgery procedure done in a couple of weeks. I do not know what all this entails. So let me know if anyone has had this done. Doctor gave me the option to wait three months and see if it resolves itself. However, I am not apt to leave anything with the word "cancer" inside my body. So I went ahead and asked them to set up the procedure. Will let you know more when I do.

Earmuffs....

2009-05-26T18:34:00.001-07:00

Did you watch Old School? Earmuffs is what they said to the kids so that they would not listen to the following conversation. So for those of you who can't handle the word cervix or vagina....EARMUFFS. Okay - so a couple of weeks ago I had my annual Pap. So much fun....you know the drill. The doctor tells you to scooch down....a little father .....ok... a little father. This is hard for me...Sticking my privates in someone's face, albeit my excellent physician, is just not ladylike! But I do it....Anywho - after my pap, I got the dreaded letter. My pap was abnormal, and I have to go in for further "testing". So today, again, I go in for a little "look see" on the old cervix to see what is going on with "old girl" as I lovingly call her. I was hoping that the doctor would not have to do a biopsy. But yet again, I failed the test and the doctor saw some inflammation and did a biopsy. I will get the results on Thursday. Please pray that these come back ok. It appears I might have some precancerous cells growing on my cervix. I hate the C word. For now, my doctor says don't worry. So I am not worrying. I do have an excellent physician. But at the rate I am going on this "test taking" thing, I just might not pass this test either! Anywho - I will update thursday...so what do I want? When you are praying, throw a couple up on behalf of my vagina. That was for my friend, Val. She hates the word vagina. (For those of you who are Type A, I realize my vagina is different than my cervix - I just like to make Val cringe).

Jeans.....the ones that fit!

2009-05-21T19:13:00.000-07:00

The other day (for my anniversary) my hubby and I went shopping. We decided to go and look for stuff for the new house. That is something that we can both enjoy. But my hubby had a little suprise up his sleeve. You see a while back, I had a jean problem. If you don't recall, click HERE. So my hubby takes me to one of those "young girl stores" that sells jeans. (He had previously promised to buy me some nice jeans, because my other nice jeans don't look as good as they used to, I have lost some of the ghetto in my booty!) So a young girl decides to help us pick out jeans. So I select the "big star" jeans. I really liked them. I sneak into the dressing room, trying to hide that I am the only person over 20 in the entire store and put on my jeans. I have to admit, they were pretty sassy, but in all their sassiness....they were SNUG. And when I say snug, I mean that you could see the freckles on my legs! So I go out and tell the now TWO sales people waiting on me, that I believe them to be a little snug. When yet another sales girls comes up and tells me not to worry, that these jeans stretch up a size. Now, I want to be nice, but you have to understand all the circumstances to get how odd this situation was. The third girl was what we would call a "large" girl. She informs me that all the jeans stretch a size and that hers stretch and now they fit perfectly. Obviously a look of panic set in on my face as David gives me the "the jeans you are wearing are not as tight as hers" look. (Because we have been married SIX years, I can read this look). But this girls jeans were so tight, I literally have NO IDEA how she got them. So I am sitting there looking in the mirror, thinking I look skinny, but secretly wondering if I am as insightful as Salesgirl #3 and in all reality, I am BUSTING out of the jeans and have no idea. Denial set in, I bought the jeans and wore them that night. I have decided I bought the right pair for the following reasons. One, I was able to eat dinner. Two, sitting down and standing up did not create an issue. And finally, the jeans were not so tight as to alter the way I walked. Hence, they are the PERFECT jeans.

Write this down....

2009-05-15T11:29:00.001-07:00

I did this a lot last summer. So glad a woman sat down and wrote it all out. I don't know who she is but a lady named annamerica@yahoo.com made the following lists of FREE or Pretty Cheap family entertainment in the Greater Tulsa Area....So sit back...here is what she has for the WHOLE summer, it is LONG - but it is well worth the read. Also - feel free to cut and paste right off my blog so you get the whole thing....PS I don't think the links will work, so just cut and paste!

READING PROGRAMS

Tulsa Library summer reading program, "Be Creative at Your Library."
You go in and get a form, and then get prizes and coupons for free things for reading certain number of books over the summer (younger children can be read to). We have done it since age 2, and they have programs up through teens. More info athttp://www.tulsalibrary.org/eventguide/events/SRP_ch_prize-poster_09_sm.pdf

Free Reading Reward Program - Barnes & Noble, grades 1-6
Participation is fun and easy way for kids to earn free books. They simply read any eight books — library books, books borrowed from friends or books bought at Barnes & Noble — write about their favorite part, and bring a completed tear page to a Barnes & Noble bookstore. Children then choose their free book from a list of paperback titles. In 2009, we’re partnering with Rick Riordan, author of the “Percy Jackson & the Olympians” series. For more information and to download and print an Educator’s Kit, http://www.barnesandnoble.com/summerreading/

SUMMER MOVIE PROGRAMS

AMC Theater Summer Movie Camp
(At Southroads...$1 movies Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m. seating first come first serve—proceeds benefit The Children’s Charity and the Will Rogers Institute) http://www.amctheatres.com/smc/
2009 Schedule
June 17:   Space Chimps
June 24:   Kung Fu Panda
July 1: Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
July 8: Tale of Despereaux
July 15: Horton Hears a Who
July 22: The Spiderwick Chronicles
July 29: Nim's Island
August 5:   Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Cinemark Theater Summer Movie Club
Wednesdays at 10 am at Cinemark, 6808 S. Memorial.
*All 10 movies can be purchased in advance for $5.00, or can be purchased separately at the box office for $1.00 per show.
2009 Schedule
June 10 Space Chimps
June 17 Madagascar 2
June 24 Horton Hears a Who
July 1   Arthur and the Invisibles
July 8   Alvin & the Chipmunks
July 15   Kung Fu Panda
July 22   Tales of Desperaux
July 29   Hotel for Dogs
Aug. 5 Igor
Aug. 12 Open Season

RiverWalk Free Summer Kids Film Festival
At RiverWalk in Jenks. FREE. Mon. Tues., Wed., at 11:30 & 1:45, June 1-Aug. 5.
June 1,2,3 Flushed Away
June 8,9,10 Alvin & the Chipmunks
June 15, 16, 17 RV
June 22, 23, 24 Shark Tale
June 29, 30, July 1   Kung Fu Panda
July 6, 7, 8   Zathura
July 13, 14, 15   Monster House
July 20, 21, 22   Madagascar 2
July 27, 28, 29   Hotel for Dogs
Aug. 3, 4, 5 Open Season

FREE SUMMER MUSIC

First Friday Concert Series – LaFortune Park

Bring your favorite lawn chair or blanket and sit back and relax while local bands present family friendly music from all genres. Located in the Gardens of LaFortune Park (off 51st Street, just west of Hudson) our First Friday Concerts kick off each month from May - September with free entertainment 7-9 pm.

June 5 Vance Orange Project (Rock/Blues)

July 10 Three Hour Tour (Classic Rock/60’s & 70’s)

August 7 Radio Soul (Pop, R&B, 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s Rock)

Sept. 11 Wanda Watson (Blues)

Music Sandwiched In
Each Wednesday in May over lunch (12:10-12:50 p.m.) you can experience jazz, the universal language of cool, during Music Sandwiched In at Central Library’s Aaronson Auditorium, Fourth Street and Denver Avenue. Free.

May 6 -- Annie Ellicott. She may be young, but her voice is timeless and her American jazz performances are unforgettable. As a recipient of the Tulsa Jazz Society’s 2008 Legacy Tribute Award, she quickly has established herself as Tulsa’s jazz sweetheart and one of the city’s most sought-after performers.
May 13 -- Olivia Duhon and Vernon Howard. Giving a new twist to old jazz standards. As a recent graduate of the University of Tulsa and a former member of the TU Jazz Band, Duhon shines as a bright, new performer on the local jazz scene. Accompanied by Howard, director of jazz studies at TU, this duo will perform classics like “Fly Me to the Moon” and Joni Mitchell’s “Court and Spark.”
May 20 -- Chuck and Sandy Gardner. They have performed at Carnegie Hall, the Johnny Carson Show and Caesar’s Palace. As a regularly featured band at the Jazz Hall of Fame and Tulsa Jazz Society, SCORE’s signature “elegant American jazz” act is a local favorite.

May 27 -- Donald Ryan. One of Tulsa’s most respected classical, ragtime and jazz pianists. He is a faculty member at Oral Roberts University and serves as the musical advisor on ragtime for Tulsa’s board of directors. Jim Bates, bassist, and Arthur Thompson, drummer, will accompany Ryan.

Starlight Concerts
Free concerts held Tuesday nights outside at the River Parks Festival Amphitheater, 2100 S. Jackson. All concerts begin at 8 p.m. Tentative dates for 2009 -- check for updates here: http://www.starlightbands.net/
June 16     Jazz Band - Contemporary Jazz
June 23   Concert Band - Medley Night
June 30   Concert Band - Americana Night
July 7   Concert Band - A Tribute To Super Heroes
July 14   Concert Band - Circle Cinema Movie Night
July 21   Jazz Band - Big Band Hits

Broken Arrow Tuesdays in Central Park outdoor concerts
All concerts are held starting at 7 p.m. at Central Park, 1500 South Main, in downtown Broken Arrow. In the event of inclement weather, concerts will be moved to the North Intermediate High School Auditorium located at 808 East College.. The concerts are free and open to the public.
June 2 - Missourians/Eternity (Gospel Night)
June 9 - Grady Nichols (Jazz)
June 16 - Mike Bennett (Big Band)
June 23 - Mary Cogan (Soft Rock)
June 30 - Les Gilliam (Country)

Summer’s 5th Night at Utica Square
Every Thursday through August, 7-9 pm.
Utica Square’s summer concert series serves up everything from jazz to rock to country. There’s something different every Thursday and best of all, it’s free! Pack a picnic or dine at one of our great restaurants as you unwind to your favorite local bands. Put on your dancing shoes, catch up with family and friends and win great prizes like Utica Square gift certificates and merchandise from Utica Square merchants.
May 21 Light Opera Oklahoma (Musical Theater)
May 28   Mid-Life Crisis (Classic Rock)
June 4   Earl Clark (Jazz)
June 11   Admiral Twin (Rock))
June 18   Sean Adair & Okie Island (Country)
June 25   Scott Ellison (Blues/Rock)
July 2   Red Dirt Rangers (Country)
July 9   Joseph Vincelli (Jazz)
July 16   Jessica V. and the Rhythmatics (Rhythm & Blues)
July 23   Random Sample (Country & Rock)
July 30   Usual Suspects (Rock)
August 6   Something Steel (Island Music)
August 13   Annie Ellicott w/Brian Haas Trio (Jazz)
August 20   Mid-Life Crisis (Classic Rock)
August 27   Grady Nichols (Smooth Sax)

RiverWalk Concert Series
Free outdoor concerts at the RiverWalk in Jenks. For additional dates and other Riverwalk events, go here: http://www.riverwalkcrossing.com/events.html
May 8, 6 pm   J3 Band (Jazz/Blues)
May 15, 8 pm   Meridian (Rock & Blues)
May 22, 8 pm 4 Players Band
May 28, 7 pm   Francesca Battistelli
May 29, 8 pm   Touch of Aloha Hula Dancers
June 5, 8 pm   RadioRadio, Opening Act: Ziff
June 6, 8 pm   Hurricane Mason
June 11, 7 pm   John Waller
June 13, 8 pm   Miles Raulston
June 18, 7 pm   Jubiliation Choir
June 19, 8 pm   Juke Box Hero
June 20, 8 pm   Badwater
June 26, 8 pm   Michael Ray Little Band
June 27, 8 pm   Hot Shot Karate

CITY OF TULSA PARKS PROGRAMS

Unless otherwise noted, call 596-PARK (7275) for information or to register

Pools
Admission fees this year will be $2 per person. The 7 pools scheduled to open this summer are below – call 596-7275 for hours.
Lacy, 2134 N. Madison Pl.
McClure, 7440 E. 7th St.
Manion , 3003 E. 56^th St.
Reed, 4233 S. Yukon Ave.
Zeigler , 3903 W. 4^th St.

Berry, 5002 N. Wheeling

Whiteside, 7440 E. Pittsburg Ave.

Pools open with Beach Bash – May 30, noon-3pm, at McClure Park Pool (7440 E. 7^th St.) Kick off the Summer Pool season with ice cream, music, and pool races. Admission is free!

Tennis in the Parks – June 8-July 18 at most Community Centers.
Practice matches in June, and League play in July in four divisions for ages 6 through 18. Cost of $46 (Lacy and Chamberlain - $6) includes t-shirt and awards. Call 596-2527 for info.

Hook A Kid On Golf – Five-day morning sessions starting June 22 and July 13
Designed for ages 8 -13 for boys and girls. Enrollment fee of $186 includes golf shirt, and starter clubs. All lessons and games occur at Page Belcher Golf Course – 6666 S. Union Ave. Limited Space; call 596-2527 for info.

Kids Triathlon – July 25, McClure Park, 8am
Youth ages 6 through 15 can sign up for either the short or long course. Includes swimming, biking, and running with medals of completion for all finishers. Early Bird entry fee of $25 includes a t-shirt. Call 596-2527 for info.

Summer Day Camps - Registration has already begun. Ages 6-11. Rates vary.
Sessions: #1: June 1-12, #2: June 15-26, #3: June 29-July 10, #4: July 13-24, #5: July 27-August 7, and #6: August 10-14
At the following Community Centers:
Chamberlain, 4940 N. Frankfort Ave., 591-4155
Hicks, 3443 S. Mingo Road 669-6355
Lacy, 2134 N. Madison Place 596-1470
Maxwell, 5251 E. Newton St. 596-1444
McClure, 7440 E. 7^th Street 669-6678
Owen, 560 N. Maybelle Ave. 596-1485
Reed, 4233 S. Yukon Ave 591-4307
Turner, 3503 E. 5^th Place 596-1444
Whiteside, 4009 S. Pittsburg Ave 746-5040
Zeigler, 3903 W. 4^th St. 596-1485

Specialty Camps-Teen
McClure – All Sessions (Ages 12-14) - $150
7440 East 7^th Street 669-6678

Specialty Camps-Theater
Clark Theater – Sessions 2, 3, & 4 only (Ages 8-14 & 11-17) - $150
11440 E. Admiral Place 669-6455
Heller Theater @ Henthorne (Ages 11-17) July 27-Aug. 7 - $150
4825 S. Quaker Ave. 746-5065

Specialty Camps-Art
WaterWorks Art Center - half days only
Ages 7-12 (Sessions 1-5) - $120. Ages 12-15 (Sessions 5&6) - $180
1710 Charles Page Blvd. 596-2440

Other Tulsa Park events include classes in Martial Arts, Soccer, T-Ball, Gymnastics, Volleyball, Aerobics, Yoga, Pilates, Swim Lessons, and Dance. Pick up a Tulsa Parks Fun Guide for more information, or visit www.TulsaParks.org

Tulsa County Parks also has swimming pools and other programming at LaFortune (51^st & Yale); O’Brien, 6149 N. Lewis Ave., and Chandler, 6500 West 21st St., but doesn’t have details about hours, etc., online (and I am too lazy to call!) – for information check their website at http://www.parks.tulsacounty.org/Default.aspx or call 596-5990.

MUSEUMS/ATTRACTIONS

Gilcrease Museum-Kids Dig Books, Summer on the Plains
FREE. Fridays, 10-11 am. June 5, 12, 19 & 26; July 3, 10, 24 & 31
Listen to stories of summertime on the Western plains in which children explore their natural surroundings and the freedom the long warm days bring. Then create a work of art based on these adventures.

Also at Gilcrease, if you haven’t tried it, I highly recommend the Creative Learning Center: http://www.gilcrease.org/CreativeLearningCenter.aspx
It’s a free art center with all kinds of activities available to the kids. They can make and take projects using painting, clay, weaving, etc.

AND Gilcrease offers free admission to all visitors on the first Tuesday of each month (“TU TUesday”). For more information,www.gilcrease.org

Philbrook Museum-Free 2^nd Saturday
Every 2nd Saturday of the month is Free Family Day. Drop in anytime from 10:30 am – 4 pm. Experiment with fun materials to make hands-on art projects, go on a scavenger hunt, take a family-friendly tour of the museum, and so much more on this day specifically for families.
Thanks to Heyman Family Adventures in Art.

Oklahoma Aquarium
Get a free admission for a child for going to the dentist...print out the form here and get dentist to sign.http://www.okaquarium.org/userFiles/DentalCertificatePrint.pdf

Oxley Nature Center
In Mohawk Park – free.
With more than 9 miles of trails covering 804 acres, the Mary K.. Oxley Nature Center at Mohawk Park is one of Tulsa’s treasures. The gates open daily (except City holidays) at 8 a.m. and close at 5 p.m., although the trails are open as early as 7 a.m. or as late as 9 p.m. to hikers who park outside the gates.
Visitors may pick up maps and trail information at the Oxley-Yetter Interpretive Building 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and 12 noon-4:30 p.m. on Sunday. The Interpretive Building houses inter-active, hands-on exhibits explaining the local natural history. Gift shop, restrooms, drinking water and a classroom are also available. For more information, call 669-6644.
Grand opening for the newly remodeled Interpretive enter is June 27, 9-5 pm—join us for all kinds of fun activities!

Redbud Valley Nature Preserve
Free. Natural diversity is protected at Redbud Valley Nature Preserve. Located on North 161st East Avenue about 3.8 miles north of I-44, Redbud Valley Nature Preserve protects 220+ acres of unique plant and animal life. The rugged one-mile trail is open to hikers only when the gates are open: Wed.-Sun., 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. The Barclay Visitor Center is open 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Pets are not permitted. The Preserve is closed every Monday and Tuesday, and most holidays. For more information, call 669-6460.

Farmers Markets

(A variety of local Farmers Markets offer fresh local produce, crafts, plants, herbs and more. Most Markets run May through October. Great place to wander around with the kids, and one of the few where you can actually buy them a healthy snack!)

Cherry Street Farmers Market
15^th Street and Peoria Ave., Saturdays, 7 am-11 am.

Brookside Farmers Market
41^st & Peoria, Wednesdays, 8 am-noon.

Pearl District Farmers Market
6^th Street and Peroria Avenue, Thursdays, 4:30-7 pm

Downtown Tulsa Farmers’ Market
3^rd & Boston, Williams Green, Tuesdays, 10:30 am -2 pm

North Tulsa Farmers Market
2620 E. 56th St. North, Saturdays, 8:30am-12:30pm, starts first week of June.

Owasso Farmers Market
Owasso YMCA, 8300 Owasso Expressway, in Owasso just off U.S. 169, Wednesdays & Saturdays, 8 am-noon.

Jenks Farmers Market , Riverwalk: 7
RiverWalk, Saturdays, 7 am-noon.

Broken Arrow Farmers Market
418 South Main St., Saturdays, 8 am-noon.

OTHER FUN EVENTS

Tulsa Mayfest, May 14-17 (11 am-11 pm Thursday-Saturday, and 11 am-6 pm Sunday)
Downtown Tulsa. FREE Family-oriented outdoor tribute to the arts, with an array of dance and music performances in addition to the many visual arts booths and four indoor galleries (including a Youth Gallery at the PAC) and a newly revamped KidZone sponsored by St. Francis at the new park at 6^th and Main. Always one of the major highlights of spring, Mayfest is planned to encompass some of the very best in both the exhibit and performance areas. For listing of exhibitors and performers or other information, go to http://www.tulsamayfest.org

Blue Dome Arts Festival, May 15-17 (noon-9 pm, Friday; 10 am-8 pm Saturday; 11 am-4 pm Sunday)
Located at 1^st & 2^nd Streets at Elgin, the Blue Dome Arts Festival features hundreds of local artists. It’s fun to wander over here before or after Mayfest. For more information, go to www.bluedomeartsfestival.com
Downtown Tulsa Adventure Fitness Walk, May 23, 9 am-noon
FREE. Discover downtown Tulsa in a new way. Join a tour, beginning at Owen Park at 500 N. Maybelle and continuing through the streets of Tulsa. Tour guides will explain the city's beautiful Art Deco history and more. The tour involves considerable walking, so wear comfortable shoes. Ages 10 and older.

Tulsa Tough, May 29-31

A three-day cycling festival designed to promote fitness and healthy lifestyles while showcasing the beautiful city of Tulsa. Tulsa Tough offers events and spectating opportunities for everyone with professional-level races, recreational and tour rides,kids and youth activities, live music and vendors in one action packed weekend. For more information, go tohttp://www.tulsatough.com/

Bartlesville’s SunFest, June 5-7
“Oklahoma’s Biggest Outdoor Picnic” returns for a long weekend with its trademark combination of

	A relaxed, family picnic atmosphere.
	Quality, cost-free entertainment.
	A diverse range of arts and crafts.
	Creative, supervised activities for children.
	Terrific food in abundant variety.
	An eye-popping car show.

This free premier arts & entertainment festival – now in its 27th year – is held in Sooner Park located at Madison Boulevard and Tuxedo Avenue in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Parking is available in several lots near the park. For information:http://www.bartlesvillesunfest.org/tradition.htm

Asian-American Festival, June 6

FREE. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, at Martin Regional Library, 2601 S. Garnett Road.

Celebrate and learn about the customs and traditions of Asian-Americans with entertaining, educational events for the entire family as Tulsa City-County Library presents the seventh annual Asian-American Festival.

Explore the colorful cultures of China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and other countries in Asia. The festival kicks off at 10:45 a.m. with a vibrant Dragon Dance, featuring a 70-foot dragon from China, and includes martial arts demonstrations; Kyoto, Japan art exchange exhibit and workshop; manga exchange and workshop; bamboo flute music; classical Indian dance; traditional Chinese dance; a Japanese tea ceremony; and children’s dances and songs in Japanese and English.

Numerous activities and presentations are scheduled indoors throughout the festival, including interactive educational booths featuring crafts for kids, temporary tattoos, name translation, henna painting and origami instruction. The festival also features authentic arts and crafts booths. Food concession is provided by India Palace, located at 69th and Lewis.

Tulsa FreedomFest '09, July 4
Annual July 4th celebration held at the River West Festival Park and Veterans Park featuring fireworks, entertainment, activities, food & beverages. Fireworks are shot from the 21st Street Bridge at approximately 9:30 p.m. Contact River Parks at 596-2001 for more details

DFest, July 24-25
Downtown in the Blue Dome District, music conference and festival showcasing 130+ artists of the best emerging independent artists in the country including Oklahoma, Regional and National performers. Tickets required for entry into stages, but you can wander around and see exhibits and hear some music for free – for families, probably best in afternoon and early evening. For more information, go to www.ddfest.net

Tulsa Drillers
The national pasttime and a good way to spend a few summer hours. We love Tulsa baseball! Tickets are cheap and there are always specials and giveaways from free tickets to 50 cent hotdogs. For a list of various promotions, go here:
http://tulsa.drillers.milb.com/promotions/index.jsp?sid=t260
A couple of promotion highlights: Free tickets are available for the following games: May 29 (pick up tickets at all WalMart locations); June 10 (all QuikTrips) June 24 (all Arby’s), Aug. 25 & 26 (free tickets at ALL advertisers.)
There are several “Kids Eat Free” nights, where kids can go on the field for a free clinic and with a paid admission, they get a free hot dog, milk and ice cream -- June 11, June 28, July 12 and Aug. 16.
And even if you don’t feel like watching the game, be sure to check the list for one of the nights that will feature fireworks after the games – they put on really impressive shows (better than many 4^th of July shows) and you can join the hundreds of people who congregate in the Lowe’s or Walgreen’s parking lot or in nearby neighborhoods to watch.

Blue Bell Broken Arrow Ice Cream Plant- Taste of Summer, June 29
8201 E. Hwy 51, Broken Arrow, June 29, Saturday, 9 am–3 pm
The annual Community Open House hosted by one of Broken Arrow's favorite and best-known businesses. ALL the ice cream you can eat. Jupiter Jump for the kids, ice cream eating contest, live entertainment, plant tours and much more. Admission $4 for adults with kids under 6 free.

Woolaroc Kidsfest, June 27 & 28
10 am-5 pm -- Regular Woolaroc admission (adults $8, over 65 $6 and children 11 and under are FREE) at the great family museum/ranch southwest of Bartlesville.
Kidsfest features events, games, crafts and entertainment presented on the Woolaroc grounds where visitors can enjoy all of the activities in the rustic outdoor environment, along with the natural beauty of the Osage Hills, the historic art and artifacts in the Woolaroc Museum and the animals on the Wildlife Preserve. Kids can participate in a variety of activities, such as pony rides, wagon rides, treasure dig, face painting, Carpenter's corner, tattoos, beaded necklaces, Indian head bands, native sand art, rock painting, bean bag games, and lots of nature crafts. Our living history booths will include horseshoeing, saddle & boot makers, bridle, bit and spur makers, woodcarvers, silversmiths, flint knapping, rope making, black-smithing, old west re-enactors and lots more. More info at: http://www.woolaroc.org/

Bartlesville Kiddie Park
A fun and cheap park for younger kids (probably best up to age 7 or 8). Some of the rides were so mild that even very young toddlers can ride them safely. No admission charge and ride tickets are 25 cents -- almost all rides are just one ticket, so you can have a lot of fun for only a few bucks. At least last year, concessions were good "fair fare" and cheap -- $1 cotton candy, 75 cents snowcones, etc. A few things adults could ride, plenty of benches to sit on and watch the kids. There also were wandering clowns, face painting, etc. Good old-fashioned summer fun!
It's open through the summer, only in the evening: Fridays and Saturday evenings through May, then open Tues-Thurs 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm; Fri-Sat 7:00 pm -10:00 pm. Closed Sundays, Mondays & the 4th of July. If you want to make it the quintessential summer date -- go early enough to stop at the Bartlesville Sonic on the way -- you pass it on your way to the Park, and it's the only Sonic I've seen with a big outdoor playground.
It is located at 215 N. Cherokee Ave. in Johnstone Park. For info or directions, go to http://kiddiepark.net/ .

Free Family Fishing Clinics
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation hosts free family fishing clinics at the Zebco casting pond, located adjacent to the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks. The two-hour clinics begin at 6:30 p.m. and conclude with fishing in the small pond, which is regularly stocked with good-sized channel catfish, which the novice anglers can take home for the dinner table is they so choose. Clinics are open to all ages, not just children, but kids 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Here’s the schedule for this year:
May 19, 21 & 28; June 2, 4, 16, 18, 23 & 25; July 7, 14, 21 & 28; Aug. 4 & 11. Pre-registration is required -- to register call the Wildlife Department's Jenks office at (918) 299-2334.
For a complete schedule of other locations and events, go to:
http://www.wildlifedepartment.com./aquated2.htm.

Bixby Green Corn Festival, June 25-27
Enjoy this old fashioned family fun festival held in downtown Bixby hosted by the Bixby Optimist Club! Enjoy the Pride of Texas carnival, crafts, live music, food and fun games and events for all. Proceeds from the festival will fund youth projects and scholarships provided by the Optimist Club of Bixby. For more info, visit http://www.bixbyoptimist.org/green_corn_festival.php

Porter Peach Festival, July 16-18
Downtown Porter. Rodeo, music, arts, 5k run, carnival rides, free peaches and cream!
For more infromation, http://www.porterpeachfestivals.com/ or 694-9314.

Free Bowling
Kids can bowl free all summer long at Andy Bs, located at 8711 S Lewis Ave. Just go to this website:www.kidsbowlfree.com/andybs and register each child, and receive free bowling passes every week by email. Registered children can bowl 2 games free every day all summer long!

ONGOING

For Teens - Youth Services of Tulsa Coffee House
Come on by any Saturday, bring your friends and relax at the YST Coffee House.
Same time, same place: Every Saturday night, 7-11 pm,
311 S. Madison (1/2 mile West of Peoria on 3rd St).
The YST Coffee House has Wi-Fi! So, bring your personal connection devices and etc.
with you to the Coffee House while you enjoy your free coffee and cappuccino.

Get Ready, Set, Take a Stand
Kind of neat thing, for kids 7-12, an offer from Sunkist for a free lemonade stand kids can use to raise money for their favorite charity.
http://www.sunkist.com/takeastand/

Free Kids Workshops - Home Depot.
This is at 9 am on the first Saturday of the month...they can build all kinds of cool projects, with all supplies provided free. I have been doing with the kids from ages 3 and up.

Free Kids Workshop at Lowes
Similar deal, the second Saturday of the month at 10 am. Both of these are actually year-round.

Tulsa Kids Summer Guide
For Tulsa Kids summer camp and activities guide, go here: http://www.tulsakids.com/CampGuide/index.html

CRAFTS/ETC.

Aaaaand, if that isn’t enough, here is a list of fun summertime crafts you can do at home:

Kool-Aid Play Dough

2- 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup salt
2 pkg. unsweetened Kool-Aid
2 cups boiling water
3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Mix all dry ingredients together. Add water and oil and stir. Knead with hands when mixture is cool. Store in air-tight container. This recipe lasts for several months.

"I Spy" water bottles
Use rice, birdseed or sand to fill the water bottle about 3/4 of the way up and add a bunch of small trickets (buttons, doll shoe, jingle bell, coins, earring, etc.) Super glue the top on to keep it from opening up. Make a label of everything included and attach it to the bottle neck with a ribbon – kids can spend hours looking for all the items. I had little label to tie to the top with everything they neede to find.

Dyed Pasta
(use for crafts, to make necklaces, glue on paper for designs)
1. Pour 1/8 cup of rubbing alcohol (or ¼ cup vinegar) into a plastic resealable bag
2. Add a few drops of food coloring to the plastic bag
3. Add ½ lb of dry pasta to the plastic bag
4. Seal the bag and shake, making sure that the past gets coated with coloring
5. Set out sheets of wax paper
6. Put on rubber gloves
7. Remove the past from the plastic bags and place on the wax paper to dry
8. Repeat steps 1 through 7 for each color
9. Make sure pasta is completely dry befor storing in containers/plastic bags

Sidewalk paint

1part corn starch 1 part water , few drops of food coloring (more if you want brighter colors)... I use the platic cups we get at resturaunts to mix it in. the paint brushes you get to paint on walls work better (get 1'' and 1/2" ones) When the paint dries it looks really cool... but when you are tired of it just sweep it away. If it leaves a slight stain don't worry the sun will fade it away in a day. It also comes off clothes easy. My kids can paint for hrs... let them paint rocks, flower pots, even the house. You can put the paint in shallow pans to let them dip their feet in and make foot prints... really cute

Salt Dough

1 cup flour

1/2 cup salt

1/2 cup water

1 tablespoon cooking oil (optional)

This is the most basic and time tested dough mixture. First mix all the ingredients together. Next knead the dough for at least 10 minutes. The kneading will make the dough smooth and shinny. Floor your hand to prevent the dough from sticking. This dough can be baked in a low (250 degree) oven and then painted. Spray with a varnish for added shine.

Bubble recipe

11 cups of water
4 cups Ajax Anti-Bacterial dish soap
1 cup corn syrup

Will fill a gallon milk jug and will store indefinitely if kept cool.

And a few good sites for summer activities, games, crafts, etc.:
http://familyfun.go.com/
http://www.creativekidsathome.com/summerkidsactivities.html
http://holidays.kaboose.com/summer/

Fancy Family....

2009-05-14T20:07:00.000-07:00

Wanna see how cute our pics are???? Go to www.quinciecreations.com and click on the PROOFING button at the botttom....then it will ask for password - Type in FRANCY and you can watch the slideshow. Little push - Quincie is the best at family pictures - notice how she has captured Ragon's personality so well!

Swing Low Sweet Chariot......

2009-05-14T19:16:00.000-07:00

What is wrong with my children that they both would sit in a swing like this as infants? I wish I had my old computer and I would post the pictures of Ragon doing the same dadgum thing!

Should I be embarassed by this?

2009-05-12T20:17:00.000-07:00

Never in our 8 years have I seen my husband as embarassed as he was when I posed for this picture. The sad thing is that we are stone cold sober. Yep - maybe a glass of wine...but it isn't any excuse. These are all the prosecutors I work for posing with our badges. I thought David was going to die as he just shook his head. So - you tell me - am I a nerd? BTW - isn't Tulsa County lucky - what a bunch of hottie prosecutors!

How you doin'?

2009-05-10T19:44:00.001-07:00

Okay - this is a picture of my sissy's, my grandma, my momma, my aunt, and my cousin's wife. We are all the momma's at our house this Mothers Day. Can I be honest? I picked this picture, because my arms looked the best in it...How is that for honesty?

YEAH! Do you see sister? Yep! No one is holding on to this little girl...She has learned to swim with a life jacket on...Apparently this is something you have to learn. At first she just kept ended up face down in the water...Now she can hold herself up! Yeah! Now we have to learn to do it without the life jacket! How did she get so big?

Teachable moment....the way to take a picture of 10 kids - 10 years and under is to turn on Monsters, Inc. and stand next to the TV. Not that it works perfectly...but come on....Their heads are all turned the right way!

Happy Mother's Day.

Face Lift!

2009-05-05T18:30:00.000-07:00

This isn't really a face lift. I am so cheap. I will one day pay to have a cute blog....but for now, all three of my followers, you will have to live with the free downloads...but I just HAD to get rid of the CHRISTMAS background I had been using! I had family pictures done on Monday - so those should make their debut in a couple of weeks. I am sooo excited.

The other face lift ? I need one! Because - hold your breath. I am turning 35 on Thursday - please as a favor to me...pretend thursday doesn't exist! Just ignore it. Treat me as you would any other day - maybe tell me I look skinny....or young. Today in a staffing, this girl was talking about how OLD the guy was....she then said he was born in 1973. Yeah - that is a whole year before me! I about rolled under the table and quickly informed her that he was NOT old. I think she too wanted to roll under the table after I told her - he was my age. She tried to back peddle....no such luck. The damage was done!

Cheater Cheater Pumpkin Eater....

2009-05-01T10:46:00.000-07:00

I don't know if this is cheating...we shall see! Go to this website and vote on the notecard naming contest. I suggested "Seaside" I don't care if you like my name - just vote for it!!! HAHAHA!!! That is sooooo wrong! But I want to win something - I don't think there is a prize...but I am just competitive, and if you take a look. I am LOSING! So log on and vote for Seaside! Come on - it is two clicks. And on a side note - this girl has the GREATEST stuff! So shop around. She is in town - super fast, reasonable prices and very reliable!

100.....

2009-04-26T16:00:00.000-07:00

This is the 100th post I have posted. That is scary. I don't feel like I have said much in the 100 Posts - but I do feel like this blogging thing has changed my life. I have made new friends, grown closer to women at my church, and all around felt like I had a new outlet. I haven't blogged much lately - apparently too much going on. Here is what we have been up to.

1. Building our house! Yeah - it is scheduled to close August 17th, but we have enjoyed staying at my Mom and Dads.

2. Dad had open heart surgery a few weeks ago. He is doing FABULOUS! Still moving slower than usual and not in to full frontal hugs quite yet, but he is doing terrific!

3. Side Practice! I have a little "side bidness" of pro bono adoption work. I typically do work for the Shockley family. By the time I am done with this, I think Blake will owe us at least a hip replacement! HA! The other day I did some very special work...but you will have to go HERE to read about it.....

4. Work. Oh yeah - I work....right now I am assigned at the Child Abuse Network, prosecuting those who abuse and neglect their children. If you haven't heard of it, take a peek.

5. Project - I have been working on a cause. The Promote Oklahoma Adoption cause, wherein we are trying to change Oklahoma Adoption Code. If you are interested about that, click HERE.

6. Chair Person - I (as usual) can't keep my nose out of "politics" as well. I am currently starting a campaign for Judge Carlos Chappelle. (he is the fourth guy down - duh - I am sure you can read the names!) He is gearing up for a district court position. He is an excellent judge. If you happen to know any of THESE people, please comment and let me know!

7. TU Board of Alumni - This is a new one. I have no idea what I am doing. I was voted in last week.....yeah - more stuff to do!

8. LUKIE LUKE! My sister had a c-section and gave us our precious Luke. Making it a round 10 grandchildren in my family. Did you click on it? Isn't he cute!

9. Being a Momma! This is my top priority - being a momma to my kiddos. So much more fun with the warm weather. Greyson is almost 20 pounds and will be six months next week....and Ragon is talking up a storm...and DOES NOT STOP MOVING!

10. Praising my god....who still preforms miracles....

Our life is crazy busy...but good. Yeah for pictures, okay I stole them from my sister...but aren't my kiddos cute?

Words of Wisdom

2009-04-13T17:37:00.000-07:00

This week has been a tough one. If you know me, you know that I have a pretty tough exterior. If you know me well, you know I am all gushy inside. I wouldn't really call it a front, it is just that I don't let a lot of folks go "real deep". I reserve the "mushy me" for my family and a few close friends. I don't know why....that is just the way I am. But this week, the tough exterior all but fell down. And it taught me a lot.

This week as you know my Dad had open heart surgery. And the fear didn't just creep in, it jumped into my heart and set up camp. And I let it. I had the worst thoughts flowing in and out of my mind all week while we anticipated Dad's surgery. Finally, Sunday night, I seriously thought I was going to have a break down. I am not kidding. It was one of those, want to scream in your back yard, throw up and then fall down crying times for me. I was so fearful that I would lose my Dad.

My sweet sister Molly was so good to talk me through it. The first thing I learned was that as wonderful as it is that we have an awesome church, family and friend support system. I tended to rely on them too much. I was relying on them for support and for peace. And not God....really ? How did I miss that one? So the first thing I did when we got home from Target (yes another trip to get my mind off the surgery) I got down on my knees, more like my face, and prayed, begged and pleaded with God for peace. Which he provided....

Second, obviously you know that the surgery went well and my Dad is healing remarkably, but after the surgery I had a nagging feeling. How come I couldn't tell the difference between God speaking to me and the negative thoughts? And I stood in the bathroom brushing my teeth asking God this very thing....why can't I tell? How can I tell? Help me to know...and clear as day it came to me, "I don't speak in fear". And it was like a light went off in my head....God will never place fearful thoughts in my head, he won't give me sad visions of the future, he just doesn't work that way....THAT is Satan. And another one of those peaceful feelings flowed over me.

One of "those" friends that gets to see my most vulnerable yucky sides of me is my friend Kim. She has seen some of the worst times in life. I am sad to say that the things that have happened to Kim are things I FEAR would happen to me and I couldn't handle them. Yet in the midst of all of the trying times in her life, she taught me something (well a ton of things - but this is just one). Celebrate today, enjoy today, live today, love today....and don't worry about tomorrow or what tomorrow might bring, because you will miss so many of the GOOD things in life. So - my words of wisdom, well they aren't from me. Enjoy this day....and fear not....

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On a better note, Luke William Grunewald made his debut today at Saint Francis. He weighed 7 lbs and 5 ounces, and was 18 inches long. He has brown hair, and in my book he looks just like Greg. He is a little pumpkin. Laura and he are doing well. I keep trying to add a picture, but so far no luck....stupid mac's. Oh well, will try to add one later. Keep Laura in your prayers for quick healing.

Please Pray....

2009-04-06T05:30:00.000-07:00

My Dad is having open heart surgery as I type this. Please keep him and my family in your prayers.

My Everything...

2009-03-31T08:25:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to a praise and worship concert. It was MUCH needed. You see my Daddy had an angiogram yesterday, and the results....well they weren't what I would have liked. Next week he will have open heart surgery...more like bypass surgery. So I am a little stunned, okay a lot stunned. My Dad is the picture of health and always has been. So it would be an understatement to say that this has rocked my boat. So last night I needed to see God, and I mean really see him and feel his presence. We sang a song and the words were "You're my Everything"....it occurred to me that God is my everything. It isn't my finances, my job, my friends or even my family. I cannot not forge through this without My God. And he will see me through this, he will see my Dad through this, and he will hold my sweet family in the palm of his hands. That isn't to say I am not scared, in fact I am. I know God had a plan and it isn't always my plan. But he has a plan nonetheless, and I want to follow it, regardless of the pain it might or might not cause me. If you know my Dad you would know this is what he would want too. He doesn't want to be the most important thing in my world....he wants it to be God. But every part of my heart is screaming for God to save my Daddy....I think that is only natural. But in the end, I want Gods will, as does all of my family.

So this week, pray for two things. My Dad is having surgery and we pray it goes smoothly, and my sweet sister Laura is expecting Luke any day now. And I know this is VERY hard on her as she wants to be able to help, and is going to be needing a significant amount of help herself. So pray for my family for the next few weeks. Expect few posts, but a lot of need for prayer.

Also a special thanks to Kim for going to the concert with me yesterday. I desperately needed someone to stand by me as I cried for two hours. I am sure it was such the uplifting experience for her! But she was a trooper and it was a huge help for me to just have a good cry. You know what I mean? Anyway - thanks for the prayers, we really need them right now.

Stinker....

2009-03-22T18:16:00.000-07:00

Tonight David put Ragon to bed, and after about fifteen minutes she started whining and crying. I decided to go check in on her. As I walked into the "bunkhouse" she was looking under her pillow for her "bunny". I told her I would help her, and I looked around, had her lay down and placed bunny back in her arms, where she belonged. She started jibbering to me, so I leaned down to hear her sweet whispers. When I leaned over her tiny little body, she reached up and wrapped her arms around my neck and held on. In that moment, I LOVED being a mom. To be held in the arms of your toddler, feeling her soft warm breath on my cheek, smelling the baby lotion skin....well, you know how great it feels. So, with tears in my eyes, and a lump in my throat, I whispered into her ear, "I love you baby doll"...and I just rested my head next to hers....then those chubby little arms squeezed me even closer and pulled my ear to her mouth, and she sweetly whispered, "Annie".

Yes I have a two year old....she can't seem to obey a single directive, but she can remember that I promised to buy her the movie Annie to replace the one I lost. What a life....I love TWO!

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Pray for my girlfriends sweet boy major, he is having surgery tomorrow to remove a lump from his leg.

The Fat Lady.......well she does sing.

2009-03-18T17:31:00.000-07:00

Not a lot of time right now. But we DID close on the house, signed the contract on our new house. They will start clearing the lot tomorrow..WHAT? I am so stinking excited! I can't wait. So I have been running around like mad, picking out colors tile, granite, carpet, etc. I also have a super duper project that I have been working on. Will let you know more later. Just know we closed on the house, and we are starting the new one. Kids are doing amazing and we are ready for the weekend! A weekend without showings, open houses, etc. One last push, our Real Estate Team...it would not have sold or closed if not for them.

Oh...I am still working on my new project.....someone got some new purdies!!!!! Look HERE

Hmmmmm.....What's this?

2009-03-13T20:01:00.001-07:00

If you want to know, you have to click HERE.....

Dress For Less - Kid Couture!

2009-03-11T10:25:00.001-07:00

I am always trying to dress for less. I am an attorney and I gave up the job and the income to stay at home with my two special miracles! I guess I didn't totally give it up, I work two days, but for the most part...I don't work. So I have to find ways to dress for less. One of my favorite Bloggers Kelly challenged us to teach how we dress for less. My first answer is towards my kids. My children wear resale clothes! But I just have to tell you that I get compliments wherever we go on their clothes. I go to a huge sale hosted by Just Between Friends. But if you are into kids clothes, my daughter only wears Gap, My Vintage Baby, Baby Lulu, ZaZa Couture, Baby Nay, Leopard Daisey, Gymboree, etc. And I have purchased it ALL used at consignment! I wish I had a picture of an outfit to post! But you will have to use your imagination! I don't have my cord to my camera!

As for me....well I do shop some consignment. But after Kelly started posting, I have shopped a ton at Walmart and Target. My new fav find. Girls for $7.49 check out this adorable dress. They have it in all sizes....well until enough people buy it! How cute! Sorry I can't get it to cut and paste...but I think you can throw it with leggings in the winter or high boots, or sandals in the summer on a cooler day! Anyway - have a great week.

More updates on the house to come soon, I hope! And - please continue to pray for our dear friends the Bevins Family.

I don't have the words....

2009-03-09T10:29:00.000-07:00

I don't know what to say today, other than I am broken. I know God has a purpose, I know he has a plan....but I don't find it fair today. I don't find life fair today. I hurt inside, I ache at the pain my friend feels. I am shocked, stunned and in awe of the pain some people have to experience....So I will be still....I will listen to God and see what he is doing. I don't doubt that he is always at work...but today....today - I am having some questions...not about my faith....but why? Why them? I could really scream it today.....WHY....Please take time to read, comment, let this precious family feel the love of Christ reaching out to them. Please...get on your knees....and pray....

Seriously......Seriously....Seriously?

2009-03-03T18:38:00.000-08:00

The underwriter decided not to "fund" the loan. Doesn't look like the house will close on Friday, if ever.....Need I say more?

Here we go Loop Dee Loo.....

2009-03-01T12:38:00.000-08:00

Sorry this one is going to be quick. Buyer called back...apparently she DOES want to buy the house. We have to close by friday, so I have five days to move us out of that house, paint the room and replace the light fixture....CRAZY. Oh well....we can do it...accepting all offers for free babysitters....just kidding! My sweet sister Stephanie is pulling out all the stops to come over in the evenings to watch the kids while we pack it up. For all of you out there thinking I have improved on my Type A status of being super organized and out of the house. We moved here early so that we would be moved out by Saturday, but when the buyer started to waver, we put the moving on hold. And so now, I have five days to get the furniture out! So you may still pray for me and my control issues...I still have them! You won't here from me this week....have a goot one! (yes I mean't goot!)

It Is Well.....

2009-02-27T18:59:00.000-08:00

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Last Sunday we dedicated Greyson Michael Francy in our church. Before we went up for the dedication, we sang that song. As I sat there tears flowed down my cheeks, and thoughts rushed through my mind. It didn't have to be this way.....I could have been sitting at my sons memorial service singing that same song. And a sweet friend from church is going to do that very thing this week. She will bury her son...And it breaks my heart.

Horatio Spafford wrote that hymn. He had his only son die, then sent his wife and daughters on a trip and was to meet them. The boat sank and his only four daughters died. His wife survived. As he took a boat to meet his wife, and passed the location where his children passed, he wrote those words....It is well with my soul.....That my friends, is faith.

There has been such heartache going on around me. That is the second time in the last week that I have learned of the death of a child. It is the thing that scares me the most. Loosing my children. I can't and don't want to ever imagine that feeling. It isn't right....parents shouldn't bury their children. But God has a plan, and I don't doubt it....not for a minute.

So with that.....the Buyer withdrew the contract. My house is on the market again. But it is well....God has a plan....Please don't think a thing about it.....Just pray for my sweet friend.

My Life....

2009-02-25T17:47:00.001-08:00

Lately everything in my world is upside down. On Sunday we moved out of our house. On Monday, we found out that our house did not appraise. Not for the lack of fight from my amazing Real Estate Team. The jury is still out on if we are going to actually close or have to put the house back on the market. But guess what..... I DON'T CARE! Sure - it is a little disappointing, and of course it is inconvenient. But lately - I have had a better perspective on what is important. A friend, dare I say one of my best friends lately, has helped me gain perspective on what is important....and what should stress me out. Ironically enough the other day SHE was giving me the pep talk. So that is what is up with us, pray our house closes on the 6th of March, but please pray it happens only if that is what God has for us in his will.

On a more fun note. I have taken a challenge. Here goes:

Here are the official rules: I will send a hand made gift to the first three people who leave a comment on this post requesting to join the PIF exchange. All the gifts will be made and sent out sometime soon (not within the next year - I will forget if I take too long). How exciting to not know when your surprise package will arrive. What you need to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog. This exchange is only open to those with active websites or blogs. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS PROMISE TO POST THIS SAME 'PAY IT FORWARD' MESSAGE ON YOUR BLOG, WHICH MUST BE ACTIVE IN ORDER TO PLAY. YOU WILL PAY IT FORWARD TO THREE PEOPLE WHO COMMENT ON YOUR BLOG. Recap: The first three people who comment, commit to the PIF thing. The gifts are supposed to be hand made. I know a lot of you are probably thinking that you can't get in on it because you aren't "crafty" enough. If you really want in on it but don't find yourself crafty enough, I am sure it would be okay to support someone you know that has a handmade crafty kind of business. Buy a gift from them. Got it?

1 Samuel 1:27

2009-02-20T21:23:00.000-08:00

1 Samuel 1:27 (New International Version)
27 I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him.

It took me almost three years to have my first child, Ragon. And she is TWO today. Wow - time flies. So today on her 2nd Birthday I want to tell you my fifteen most favorite things about Ragon....

15. Her sweet smile really does light up a room.

14. She loves for me to hold her and when she wants David or I to hold her she walks up and says, "hold you"?

13. She loves her family, and when she sees them it is as if she hasn't seen them in years. She will squeal and run up to them yelling their name. Even if it was yesterday that she saw them!

12. She loves to dance. She will come up to me and say "Jack Offbach" (that is Jaques Offenbach) on starfall, we play the "Can Can" song, and she, David and I dance away!

11. She loves to sing. We sing "this little light of mine" and when it comes to the "hide it under a bushel" she so cutely shouts "NO"....

10. She loves her brother. She is the security guard for Greyson. She doesn't like people she doesn't know touching her brother.

9. She loves starfall. She is a smart little girl, she sings ABC, counts to 15 and can tell you the sound of every letter in the alphabet.

8. She is obedient. Although my child is such the spitfire! She obeys well. She - to this day- will put herself in time out. If I tell sister to go, she will go. She follows instructions well. Now we just have to work on sharing and hitting!

7. Everywhere she goes, she is in a hurry (she got this from me). She literally runs from point A to point B.

6. She is a talker. She talks pretty well for a two year old. (Albeit, not like a Shockley) But she can say a lot. The other day, she pointed to the sky and said, "I see the moon". I laughed because it was broad daylight...but low and behold....the moon!

5. She loves to play "mommy". She has four dolls now and proceeds to carry them ALL around the house. She burps them, feeds them and rocks them. She will be such a good mommy one day!

4. She loves her daddy! If he is here, he is definitely her choice of person to hang with.

3. When we tuck her in at night, she looks at David and I and pats the pillow and says "sit down"....and she won't pray her prayers unless we are all there!

2. One day I was singing in the car, and I looked in my rear view mirror. I was singing a praise song. I look back and Ragon was sitting there with her fingers in her mouth and the other hand was in the air......praising the Lord right along with me.

1. The one thing that I love most about my daughter, is that when I see her every morning, I am reminded, that God can preform miracles.....

My Valentine....

2009-02-13T16:26:00.000-08:00

I got onto my husband and made him promise that he wouldn't spend money on me this Valentine. He promised, so he gave me a gift that is my most favorite and my love language...he gave me his words. He gave me a little letter, and here is what it said....(yes I got approval from him to post)

I AM

I Am Sorry

I am sorry that I snore, I am sorry that it sometimes takes forever to wake me up when the kids are crying at night, I am sorry that I complain about getting your hot packs, I am sorry that I don't tell you the things I feel more often, I am sorry that I don't tell you the things I think more often, I am sorry that I don't tell you I love you more often, I am sorry that I don't tell you how grateful I am for giving me our children, I am sorry that I don't tell you enough that I think you are more sexy and beautiful that I have ever seen you.

I Love

I love the way you always think of our children first, I love the way you cry over sad stories, I love the way you drool when you fall asleep on the couch, I love the way you accomplish every thing you want to, I love rubbing you to put you to sleep, I love being able to surprise you, I love the way you love our families, I love when we get to lay in bed with our kids, I love going to bed with you, I love waking up with you

I Am Grateful

I am grateful that you are frugal, I am grateful that you like to be with me, I am grateful that you let me be me, I am grateful for the way you are with our children, I am grateful that you love them so much you have given up your career for them, I am grateful that you trust me, I am grateful that you love and trust God so much, I am grateful that you fight for victims, I am grateful that you don't let people change who you are, I am grateful that you are patient with me, I am grateful that you hold me accountable, I am grateful that you are passionate about everything you do, I am grateful that you chose me to be your husband.

I Hope

I hope you know how important you are to me, I hope you know how much your children love you, I hope you know how great a mother you are, I hope you know how great a wife you are, I hope you know how much I love you, I hope you know how much I need you, I hope you know how attracted to you I am, I hope you know how much I want to be with you, I hope you know how much I think about you, I hope you know how much I want to make you happy, I hope I remember to tell you all of these things more often, I hope you know how much I love my life, I hope you know how much I love my family.

I am in Love.

I am in love with you more than ever.....

David

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On another note, today (Valentines) we took the Micah Challenge - and we decided to deliver donuts to the local firefighters, to make a long story short, they were out on the job! Then we went to the police station - Yep! Again - they were under construction and couldn't get in. But there were some very sweet construction workers working hard in the cold to complete the Police Station, so we gave them the donuts! If you haven't read about Micah, he is a wonderful little boy and has such a vision! This is a picture of Ragon with the picture (aka valentine) she drew for the fire fighters!

Grey....and George....

2009-02-12T19:05:00.001-08:00

My children are blessed enough to have a "Mimi" that watches them two days a week, while their mom maintains her sanity working two days a week! My latest assignment is at the Justice Center. Many of you think I am absolutely crazy because I have a hard time placing my children in the care of anyone other than a relative. I spend the entire day reviewing cases like these. I am so thankful that we have Mimi to take care of the kids. I am able to work all day and not once worry about my children's safety or welfare. Now just to clear the air, I DO NOT THINK that daycare is bad, at all. It is just that I spend the entire day reviewing child abuse cases, and it is hard to convince my head that it isn't the norm. Even though I know it isn't!

Anyway - today David picked up the kiddos. Grey had peed all over the outfit I sent him in, so she had to change his clothes. Apparently I put an outfit in his bag that was WAY too small. I really don't think that I have accepted how quickly my little man has grown up. He almost weighs fifteen pounds, and is in the 80% in height. This outfit is 6-9 months, and he is just over three months. Here is a picture of Greyson in the outfit and his sisters socks.....she put the socks on so his legs wouldn't get cold! I laughed so hard, as you can tell - he didn't find it as funny.

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My rockin friend Kim gave me a TON of clothes for Grey. I am having so much fun going through them. David turned around the other day and low and behold, here is Ragon....she had gotten into the bag....have we mentioned she loves George?

My Daddy Can Beat Up Your Daddy......

2009-02-03T17:56:00.000-08:00

Well I did a little "tribute" to my Mom....and so I felt that I really couldn't go without doing one about my Dad. You REALLY must meet my Dad. He is one of those people...well - everyone likes him. Some people call him Steve, or Murf....sometimes Murphy...the wee ones in our family lovingly call him Papa....my sisters and I - well, we call him Dad.

In case you are wondering and you don't know me or my family......I am a carbon copy of my Dad. Ragon is a carbon copy of me....and the craziness just goes on and on...

Here are the Top 10 Lessons My Dad has taught me....

10. Don't put value in things. (You should know this about me, I have NO emotional connection to "things" - so don't give me a gift, expecting me to hold on to it forever and have a sentimental attachment - it just isn't going to happen!)

9. Don't judge others - you never know where they have been.

8. Delay gratification - do the work first - then play!

7. Educational debt is good investment.

6. You don't know anything unless you know it first hand. (aka gossip sucks! - if you weren't there, you don't know what happened - I think he had to tell me this a thousand times)

5. Murphy's don't say "can't" - we just knuckle down, buckle down and (say it sisters) DO IT DO IT DO IT!!!! (My Dad taught me that nothing I want is beyond reach)

4. Watch your mouth. Your mouth can build a person up or tear a person down. Make sure you are always building someone up.

3. Work hard no matter what. My Dad brought me up to have a good work ethic. If my Dad had to take a job flipping burgers at McDonalds to pay the bills he would...and so would I. My Dad taught me to do what has to be done to get by. I taught Jazzercise and cleaned offices to get through law school....and you know what? I am PROUD of that!

2. Love your neighbor - recently my Dad has taught me to always remember that EVERYONE has value. Be it the homeless person on your corner, the senior citizen in the retirement community, the drug addict, or the sex offender (yes i said that)....they all have value. Christ loves them and we should show them grace....he doesn't just say this - he lives it.

1. Christ is everything....God is the center of my Dad's life, he is the center of his family. Jesus Christ is my Dad's savior, and you will know this the minute you meet him, because he lives it, he breathes it, and he speaks it. And I am so proud.

I love my Daddy, and I love him more and more every day for the woman that he brought me up to be. Now that I have a daughter who is like me, I know how he feels about me. He is one of the few people on Earth who fully "gets" me. He gets that I feel everything passionately, he gets that I love others deeply, he gets how desperately I want to help victims of crime, he understands that I would take the shirt off my back if you really need it, and he tears up the same way I do when they raise the flag and salute military, and he praises the same God I do everyday for the blessings he has bestowed upon our family.

And that my friends......is my Daddy.

This one is for my Mom....

2009-01-31T18:35:00.000-08:00

Well lately I have realized a lot of things about my own Mom. If you have met my Mom, you know what an incredible woman she is. She is absolutely beautiful on the outside. What is incredible is that once you get to know her, you will realize that she is more beautiful on the inside. I remember a lot of things from being a kid. And as a kid, I totally questioned some of the things that she did. But now that I am a Mom (FINALLY) I totally get her. Here are some of the things that I have realized!

#1 My Mom used to let my Dad get us up and take us to the ranch or farm all day and she would spend the day by herself. I used to feel SOOOO sorry for her and wonder if she was lonely? Hmmm....that one was answered by the first week I was a Mom....hello to the new meaning of alone time!

#2 When I was a kid, and I would get mad, I would tell my Mom that I wanted to run away. And I remember her telling me that she wanted to run away too. WHAT? Why in the world would she want to run away? We were awesome! All four of us! We were the coolest things on the block, and I could NOT imagine why she would want to leave! By the end of the first six weeks, I knew why my Mom had brief periods of wanting to pick the flight over the fight! (Come on - Mom's out there - You have been at this point!)

#3 I used to feel sorry for my Mom because she didn't get new clothes every season! And we were constantly getting new clothes for school (because we were growing - not because we had the money) As a Mom I can honestly say I am okay if I wear the same six suits to work for the rest of my life as long as my children have what they need. So I don't really feel sorry for her anymore, I just realize now how deeply she loved me.

Those are just the highlights of some things that have occurred to me lately as I wonder through this "Mom" time in my life. If you have not had a chance to meet my Mom, you need to. She has spent the first portion of her life raising her girls, and supporting my Dad in his business. Since we have all married and are out of the home, my Mom started a ministry at our church called Celebrate Recovery. This January they celebrated 7 years in Tulsa. She is the State Representative for Celebrate Recovery. This ministry has reached thousands of Oklahoman's and MY MOM started the first one in Oklahoma, seven years ago at our church. (This is a ministry started by Rick Warren).

To end it off, the following picture triggered me to write a post for my Mom. This evening we went to go look at lots of where we were going to build our new house. I was nursing Greyson, and David was supposed to be getting Ragon dressed. Unbenounced to me, SHE decided she was going to change clothes, and demanded that David comply. We typically let her pick between clothes, but today she wanted to pick on her own. Not a battle that needed fighting, David let her pick it out. Sister has NO taste. My mom's favorite story of me had to do with picking out something terrible to wear. I am sure it humiliated her to allow me in public like that. But she allowed me to be me. So here's to my Mom....I learned SO much from you.....and today, I let Ragon be Ragon......

________________________________________

On another note, something exciting has happened! A whole 22 days since our house has been listed and can you read the sign???? SALE PENDING!!!! YEAH - Praise the Lord!!! So - we hope to close on March 6th, 2009 if all goes well. My sister, Laura Grunewald has a rockin real estate team and they sold my house in no time. If you are looking to sell, look no further! They are the real deal! Pray everything goes well from here on out! And call the number on the sign if you need a realtor!

Tomorrow is the big day.....

2009-01-26T18:40:00.000-08:00

Well tomorrow is my first day back to work (well mabye). I am kind of sad. Not near as sad, or psycho, as I was with Ragon. That is probably because it is my second child. That and I am the luckiest gal in the world. My mother in law watches my kiddos while I am at work. So I don't have to worry about their safety. She totally respects our schedules and they LOVE spending time with their Mimi. It is good for me too to get out of the house. I am just sitting here stunned as I read this that my little man is THREE MONTHS OLD. I swear it was yesterday that we went running out of the house getting ready to have a baby!

Fortunately we had a great weekend before my first day back to work. On Friday we had dinner with Aunt Dee and Uncle Mike. Then I had a girls night with Kim where we went to see "Bride Wars"....but that is a whole different story that I do not plan to repeat. Lets just say we both slept until the movie ended....I know...we ROCK. Then Saturday we hopped out of bed, drove to OKC to meet the Shockleys at the Omniplex (we call it the OmniPlex, Kim calls it the Science Museum). Then off to Zios to meet Aunt Sarah. This was the first time the kids got to meet Aunt Sarah (David's Cousin) I could shoot myself that I didn't bring a camera - to take a pic of the kids with Sarah. On Sunday we did church and then home again. We had another showing, and I think we have a buyer people. A lot of details to hammer out, but I think we might have a buyer. I am so excited for our home to go to this woman. She is a single mom with a disabled child. So I would love for her to have this home, so I hope and pray it works!

Today - my last day of freedom I spent with my bloggie friend Kim. We went to Hobby Lobby and made drapes for her new baby. Kim hasn't picked a name for her child. So I think I will name the baby....lets call her.....Rebecca for now. (Kim likes old names - this is old right - 70's old - but old nonetheless!) Anyway - Kim and I made drapes for Rebecca's room. They ended up super cute. Hopefully she will post pics, but I have decided in the new house to redo Ragon's drapes...so they can be like hers!

All in all I am ready to go back to work, but it is sleeting. So who knows....

Soapbox....

2009-01-19T12:57:00.000-08:00

I feel it necessary with the status of today where our country will be swearing in a new President of the United States....to say a few things.

Racism is defined as a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule over others. I believe firmly that racism isn't exclusively a white thing. However, today that is what I chose to address.

Yesterday was a day celebrating a man, a Christian man, who took great steps to end segregation in our country. He did this using non-violent means. He did this by using his intelligence, by using methods of congregating people and standing up to those who wished to suppress him. He was the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. He did so much more than use his efforts to end segregation, he fought to end the Vietnam War, he fought the war against poverty. Martin Luther King fought for equality, for EVERYONE. Martin Luther King died in 1968 but it wasn't until 1986 that the National Holiday was created to celebrate his good works. Some people think that we should not celebrate the holiday, because it didn't really do anything for those other than "african americans". I disagree.

We have made tremendous steps to end racism in this country, but it still exists. I watched the news this morning, and I was so touched to see how many turned out for the start of the inauguration of our new president. Wether or not you agree with Barack Obama's political views, you should be proud that our country elected someone other than the "white man". I know I am. I don't know if Barack Obama will be a good president. No one can predict that. If he does poorly, it won't be because he is "african american". And if he does well, it won't be because he is "african american". That is only one small part of who he is. For some reason, we get so caught up on the color of someone's skin.

So today, I am so proud to be an American, where ANYONE can lead our country. For those of you who face racism, remember that ignorance should not be tolerated, but in dealing with the ignorance, use kind words to hopefully change the mind of that person. Anger will never end the racist thoughts....but hopefully with kind words, encouragement and good examples, we can end racism.

I will step down off my soap box.....

TAG....You are it!

2009-01-17T18:18:00.000-08:00

If I understand this right, I was to take the fourth picture from the fourth picture folder on my computer. This is of Ragon and my sweetie pie neice Lauren. They are riding Ragon's bike through the house. This was when Lauren and Anne Marie were spending two days a week during the summer with us. I am hoping we do it again this summer as you can see, they totally entertained Ragon, and hopefully Greyson this summer! I hope we will be in our new house and then they can have more fun with playground, pool and splash pad!

Larloo (aka Lauren) is one of Ragon's favorite people in this world! She always walks up to her and puts her arms up for Larloo to hold her! We love you Larloo!!!!

To keep the momentum going, I must tag...you guessed it, FOUR people. Okay - here goes, I tag Kim, Karissa, Dee and Fether!

When the Cat is away....

2009-01-14T19:59:00.000-08:00

The mice will play. What is with men? Why is it that we can't leave them alone with our children without something crazy happening to their hair! I know I am not the only blogger to leave the house only for short time to return to a neat doo done up by Daddy. I am only half kidding. I came home from Target, and David had put Ragon to bed. He is a silly Daddy....the camera was resting on the couch. He told me that he and Ragon had made some pictures for me.....attached is what I saw.

By the way, I think this is every single bow that she owns on her head....

Crazy Week....

2009-01-10T18:54:00.000-08:00

Big Week last week...and we had TONS to do, so here is the run down of what we did this week....

Bloggie Date

Kim, Molly, Laura, Terra and I all had a bloggie kid date at my parents. Attached are some pictures but with ELEVEN kids, I cannot really tell you what happened. I remember specifically a lesson on how to fix constipation in a baby, a wagon ran over Ella's leg, Cooper and Sutton wrestling, Ty using the humidifier to climb onto the pool table, Ragon squealing...and squealing...well you tell me, just look at the pictures. I didn't get all the kids, because they were constantly running. My favorite pic, which I did not post is of my mom's boot. It was supposed to be of Ty and Ragon, but they move so fast, I didn't get them in the picture.

House For Sale

Our House went on the market this week. We have had two showings. One couple is coming back for a second look. YEAH. They are coming back on Monday. I am trying to remember God has his timing, but I really want to start my new home...so I am trying to be patient and pray for Gods will and not mine....

Philbrook Kids Day

Saturday we went to Philbrook Museum of Art. I took Ragon for the family day. It was so much fun. Ragon and I had a girls morning. When you sign in, you get a free Art Kit. You see Ragon carrying it around in some pictures. She kept calling it her purse. But she loved it. She made a snowflake snowman. And then we walked around the museum. She was such a good girl at the museum. She kept telling me "shhhh Mommy" and "no touch"....I had obviously gone over the rules with her. She obeyed them quite well! She was so good and sweet. Each week you go to the Philbrook Kids Day, they add something to your Art Kit! So neat - and FREE!

Greyson is 10 Weeks Old

Grey man is 10 weeks old this week. He is still so sweet. As in the pictures, his sissy really loves him. She can't get enough of him. Obviously he just enjoys the LOVE! He is a good eater, sleeper and smiles at his momma! He is wearing 3-6 month clothes...YIKES...

Dinner at the Farris's House

We went to dinner at our good friend's the Farris' house. It was fun. We had London Broil (never had that!) Loved it. The girls played and Ragon discovered the glow stick. She LOVES these...I think she jumped up and down for twenty minutes straight! I am attaching a picture of Ragon and Payton reading a book together. These two are two peas in a pod...they are PRETENDING to be calm...trust me!

Wanna "pay in my fork"?

2009-01-05T16:17:00.000-08:00

Interpretation: Want to play in my fort? Today we copied Aunt Molly and made a fort. Apparently my fort making skills leave a lot to be desired. For starters, I made my fort way too small. I used our coffee table. What was I thinking? How in the world was I going to fit my post pregnancy butt UNDER a coffee table? As if I didn't need a little encouragement to lose weight, trying to squeeze under my coffee table did the job. Attached are some pictures. Needless to say, I had to lay flat on my stomach or on my back....I couldn't lay on my side or the coffee table rose up....I am laughing as I write this, because if I turned it scared her. (Just so you can understand how funny this is, jump up and climb under your coffee table) She kept clapping and yelling "fork fork". Which if you have heard her say this word.....well lets just say it doesn't sound like fork...and you figure it out.

Also attached are some pictures of Bubba...he is growing so fast. I think he weighs almost 13 pounds. He is flying through clothes. Tonight is his first night out of our room. We will see if he stays that way. I moved Ragon out of our room and right back in and didn't more her out until she was four months old.....But the house is for sale as of Wednesday and the baby bassinet and supplies weren't selling points! I have also concluded unfortunately that my son will become a lawyer. Mostly because in his short 10 weeks of life he has already been to the Court of Criminal Appeals in Oklahoma City and sat through 12 hours of Continuing Legal Education, both parents and one grandparent are lawyers.....tell me, does this kid have a chance?

Did I hear a Niner in there???

2009-01-03T19:38:00.000-08:00

Again - I quote Tommy Boy. I love that movie....We met with the builder's wife today to "lock in" some numbers. Pretty much what we expected...of course a little higher....hence the "niner" comment. After we met with her, we drove around to look at houses, colors and lots. Then we went to meet our friends Kim and Micah, who live around the corner from "the house". They were out in the "hood"....this is one of the main reasons why I want to move into this neighborhood. Ragon jumped out of the car, and was running around like crazy with the kids. She felt so at home, it made my heart jump. We ended up in Amy's (friend of a friend - now my friend) backyard, with the kids playing and the parents talking. It was so much fun. I kind of think it might have been an interview and they will be voting to see if we will be allowed to "move into" the neighborhood. Anyway - it was so much fun. Ragon had a meltdown when we tried to leave. Attached is a picture of Ragon and Ty, "driving" a car. They would NOT stop moving...one of them is always a blur in the picture...but if you know either of them, this should not surprise you. Keep us in your prayers this week as we try to sell our home and move into a neighborhood that better suits our family and a house that better suits our family (a playroom yeah!!). Enjoy the pics, I promise I will learn how to download pics from my new camera.

Zip....Nothin....Nada...

2009-01-02T19:25:00.000-08:00

I have nothing to say. I just don't want to drop to the bottom of the list of updated blogs. I think this is cheating....so...whatcha going to do?

Precious Moments....

2008-12-28T19:08:00.000-08:00

I am always looking for "moments" in my life. Especially during the Christmas Season and with the blessing of my two children, I feel that life is going to hand me these beautiful moments that leave me and my husband teary eyed and feeling blessed. This year God had a sense of humor.

1) We went to the "Bethlehem Walk" at a church. Another "free" thing and of course something I love. So as a family we went, and walked with Greyson and Ragon on a "search" to find the Messiah. I was so excited to get to Jesus. I just knew that Ragon would say something sweet, like say "Baby Desus" (this is what she calls Jesus)....what did I get? DONKEY and then what I believe to be the "hee haw" sound a donkey makes.....no sweet moments that night.

2) We go to church on Christmas Eve. The children are going to do an impromptu of the Christmas Story. So as the lady sits to read and the children get up to act, I hear a weird sound. I shrug it off and continue to listen. The children then move closer to our row....and again, I hear a sound. Feeling like a fifth grader for thinking that I heard someone fart, I snickered a little and shut it down fearing a scowling look from the elders. And then again, and this time it was unmistakable....that kid farted and it was loud....right in the middle of the pageant. This time my brother in law and I absolutely lost it. I had tears rolling down my face....no friends, there would not be a special moment at church either....just me, laughing at a six year old who farted....I will grow up one day.

3) I had been looking forward to Ragon getting a special "Barbie" ride on car. It is battery operated, and I just knew she would love it. Nope...scared to death....I had to settle for her pushing the button and running along side of it. I know...she is weird.

4) My final moment, my son's baby dedication. It was supposed to be today. Notice I said "supposed" ...that would be because at about 5:30 last night. Ragon got super cuddly, and stopped her running and playing and wanted me to "Hold You" and it wasn't for five seconds, it was for twenty minutes. I knew this was going bad, we got home, within minutes, she barfed all over David. We divided, I don't know that we conquered. But she was fine this morning, problem? Greyson decided he needed to eat every two hours....I felt like someone had kicked me in the head....but so far, we haven't spread the stomach flu....we are praying it sticks to one member of the fam!

So here's to hoping you all made some precious memories and had precious moments with your family. I did....but those were the funniest!

________________________________________________________________
Update on the Essure: In case you were wondering. Not a dadgum thing. Still doesn't hurt, never did, only slight bleeding after procedure. Never even took another alieve after I left the office. This procedure rocked!

Just like Dora says, "I DID IT, I DID IT!!!"

2008-12-24T10:50:00.000-08:00

I told you if you voted then I would do as the vote. So check out the pic! I cut it off girls, and I am one happy momma. It is a brush and go doo. I love it. I love my hairdresser Molly, she is at Marily Ihloff on Memorial. We call this cut, "the molly". If you want to go, tell her I sent you. She is fab!

On another note, Greyson had his two month check up today. Sweet boy, he is 11 lbs. 15 oz. Chunk a Monk! He is in the 76% in heighth. And he is 65% in weight. But he is healthy and that is what matters. Gotta get going. Having the in laws over for Christmas eve, and going to see my fam tomorrow....and somewhere in between Sanka Claws is coming to town....yes, we call him "sanka claws".......

Merry Christmas.

The Francy's

ESSURE???.....YES!!! I am sure!!!

2008-12-22T13:39:00.000-08:00

Okay so my procedure is done. So many of you have asked me about this or to give a follow up. So I decided to do a play by play to let you know all that is involved in the process.

1. Start a Z-pack the night after dinner.

2. Have a snack and take three advil and a valium 45 minutes before bed.

3. Wake up eat breakfast at 8:30 and take valium, three advil and one lortab.

4. At 10:30 am eat snack, take one valium, three advil and one lortab.

5. Arrive at Dr's Office, they take blood pressure, give one shot of toradol (lowers heart rate and is muscle relaxer). And pay $25 co-pay!

6. Go into room, get Pregnancy Test to confirm no pregnancy.

7. Enter sterile room, remove bottoms, doctor inserts speculum, puts a local anesthetic (sp?) on cervix.

8. Wait 15 minutes

9. Doctor comes back in, inserts "camera" and inserts a coil into each tube that contains fibers that cause scar tissue to grow around the tube and cause the tube to be permenantly blocked.

10. Leave....Take three advil with lunch, dinner and before bed.

This procedure was not only not painful, there was no uncomfortableness whatsoever. The toradol made my mouth dry and the anesthetic on my cervix made me shaky. It lasted probably 20 minutes. The actual procedure probably lasted 10 minutes.

I have read a ton on Essure after my doctor recommended. Of course, as with anything you hear a lot of negatives, as people who are mad are generally the ones to post. But I will say this. I think it is very important to have a good physician preform the procedure. My physician, Dr. John R. Thompson, 494-9558 is one of the best OB's in town in my opinion. He educated me on the process, gave me the exact dosages of medicine so that I would not feel discomfort and was able to answer all my questions I had about the procedure. They have only been doing ESSURE in the US for about 5 Years, but it is the only FDA approved female sterilization procedure. It has been preformed in Europe for over 30 years. It is safe and the most effective method of female sterilization on the market, more than tubal ligation. So - if you are considering this, I would recommend Dr. Thompson. I will say this, I have recommended him to numerous friends, and I have never regretted it. EVERYONE of them loved him and his knowledge as a clinician.

It has been about four hours after the procedure, and I don't feel a thing. And the last lortab I had was literally six hours ago. Again - I would highly recommend this. In addition, in case you were going to let your hubby take the hit on this one, Dr. Thompson informed us that they are beginning to find a link between vasectomy's and prostate cancer.

Just Checking In...

2008-12-22T05:20:00.000-08:00

Started the drug regimen last night. Just wanted you to know....I like Valium. I sure wish I didn't, but it makes me happy. Procedure at 12:30, should take about 13 minutes. Will update you on what happens. So far, Greyson doesn't mind the bottle. Got that fancy shmancy breast feeding bottle that acts like a breast and has a let down. You all probably don't care about any of this, but this morning...well I feel SPECIAL...gotta go take some more Valium :)

Frady Cat....

2008-12-19T20:02:00.001-08:00

I am such a frady cat. I really don't know why. I am going to have my tubes "tied" on Monday. I am not concerned this is the wrong decision. We have two beautiful children. I do not KNOW that we are done having children, but what I DO know is that I am done birthing them. I am always open to adoption. So I am having the ESSURE process done. I am doing it Monday around 11:30 a.m. I just don't like taking the drugs, and then all the pumping and dumping I have to do, I don't know, it just kind of freaks me out. But I can do this. For some reason, all the drugs just freak me out. And I want to make sure they are out of my system before I nurse Greyson again. I don't want my little man on Valium.....Pray for me starting Sunday night, that is when I start drugging myself for the procedure, and pumping and dumping. If you are interested I will post more later on what it is. Just know I won't be knocked out and it is outpatient. It takes a whole 13 minutes for my doctor preform, and to top it off....it costs $25. Hope you all have a good weekend.

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord....

2008-12-18T10:32:00.000-08:00

I am not going to call this weird, just funny how God works. I hope that I don't make a fool of myself, but neat things happened this last week. As you know, we have been trying to sell our house. Somewhere around September 12th, 2008 we put our house on the market. My sister and her rockin' team worked their hiney's off for a whole 45 days before my little man decided to make a surprise entrance! We quickly pulled it off the market and decided to put it on the market January 1. When Laura listed the house, I put a link to her website on Craigslist. I don't know why I did this. Not that I felt Laura didn't do a good job. I just felt compelled to do EVERYTHING I could to help her sell the house. We did, this house was immaculate for 45 days straight, you could eat off my floors! ANYWHO- after one stinky offer (it was so bad we didn't even counteroffer, but to say, "we are glad you liked our house") Anyway - the craigslist expired and I somehow re-posted the listing. (Neat thing #1) All of the sudden, people started e-mailing me about the house (no one had EVER responded before). Anyway - long story short, yesterday we showed the house to a young couple who loved it. Why is this weird?

#2 (already did #1) My house is not in "showing condition" right now, but they decided to come on a day I am home alone with Grey, so I had already made significant progress cleaning out my house.

#3 I JUST (on Saturday) had the floors in our house re-sealed (I hadn't done this in the 2 years we lived here)

#4 They wanted to see the house at 6:30 pm, Ragon goes to bed at 7:00....oddly enough, my mother in law had asked if she could spend the night that night, so I didn't have to worry about her.

#5 I hadn't finished Grey's nursery, so it looked a little WT, I had been cleaning it all morning, and I had been waiting for drapes for his room for TWO WEEKS, they came in two hours before the couple arrived.

#6 TWO more couples are coming by to see the house.

#7 We had this hanger in our shower for towels that David had been trying to fix for ages, you guessed it, he somehow was able to get the screw fixed YESTERDAY.

#8 I had prayed so hard for our house to sell, but it didn't. I couldn't figure out what God was doing. You tell me....the interest rates when we put the house on the market are 6.5%, they are now at 5%, and if we sell it FSBO we will stand to make more (Although we plan on a significant TIP for our realtor's for the ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS job they did.) I told Laura I was embarrassed with how hard they worked to sell the house and it didn't sell....

Anyway it occurred to me, with the more money that we might make, and with the drop in interest.....we might just buy the bigger house.....with room for....a pool table...you thought I was going to say more kids, didn't you? Anyway - I really feel like God is all over this....I don't believe in jinxing things, so if it doesn't work out, I still know God had a plan...but how crazy was that day? Just kept making me think in my head, "But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15

Vote 2008

2008-12-14T18:29:00.000-08:00

Okay - so maybe you are a little bitter about the way the election turned out. Maybe you wanted Obama to win - I don't know...frankly I don't care. I have more pressing issues.....My hair. If you know me, I am a real "hair freak". I have had long hair, short hair, brown hair, red hair, blond hair, lesbian hair, hippy hair, curly hair, straight hair, blond hair with red (this one was BAD), and I am in need for a change. I guess that I wanted to grow my hair out to look younger. I do feel like that has backfired and now I look like I have a mushroom stuck on my head, along with a 45 minute ritual of washing, blow drying and flat ironing my hair. You guessed it peeps - I DON'T WASH MY HAIR EVERY DAY....sometimes I don't even do it every other day. Save your gasps for someone who cares!!! I love a good dirty hair day...the hair is straighter! Anyway - so today you get a say. I want to cut it...at least I think I do, but I feel that I have too many hormones running throughout my body to decide. I asked my husband, his response, "I won't divorce you if you cut it". I am not sure what that means except permission to do what I want. So you vote. I am leaving it blond...for now. But do I leave it long and keep growing it or do I cut it? I am going to attach a pole. But here are the pictures....you decide. By the way, I will do as the votes say....so there will be a follow up blog with pictures to confirm I followed your vote....

How much would you give???

2008-12-11T07:28:00.000-08:00

I am a pretty passionate person if you know me. I feel EVERYTHING very strongly. I have an opinion on EVERYTHING. One thing I feel strongly about is helping those in need. I know, another post during Christmas telling you to help out in a recession. Well, this won't cost you anything!

My sister Molly's adoption agency Deaconess is an amazing MINISTRY. Yes, this is a not for profit ministry to birth parents. I have personally met with one of the directors and their heart for parents who place their children for adoption is amazing. They follow up with these birth parents, they help educate them, house them, counsel them, etc. Anyway - whatever your opinions on adoption are, imagine this. You find out you are pregnant, and you have decided to place your baby in a home because at this time you are not able to care for your child. After doing that you spend nine months, watching your body grow, distort, stretch in order to carry a child for someone else to raise. All the while knowing the pain you will feel when the time comes for you to hand your child over for the last time. Laura and I felt the need last year to donate some maternity clothes. We did this because we both remember the frustration of trying to look "good" while pregnant, along with the frustration of the rising cost of maternity clothes! GAG! Can you imagine, being in that situation and having to buy maternity clothes, because you sure as heck can't wear your normal clothes? If you have maternity clothes that you will no longer wear, please call me and I will personally come pick them up and donate them to Deaconess. If you plan on getting pregnant again, at least look through the clothes that you probably would not wear again and give me a call! (e-mail me beckifrancy@aol.com)

In addition, and I hope this helps her donate more, there is actually ONE maternity consignment store in the Tulsa Area. It is called All Things Maternity - it is on 1525 S. Main St. in Broken Arrow, OK. Her phone number is 251-1333. If you go there, tell her I sent you. She promised me some clothes at the end of the season for Deaconess. So I hope by giving out her info, she will do it! By the way, I bought a TON of clothes there, she carries some great labels for a good price!

So the question How much would you give? Attached is a picture of Ragon. In the picture, she has given the most precious thing she has...Bunny. She gave it to her brother. You have to know how much she loves him to give him Bunny, this is huge people. So remember, the women who place their children - they are our sisters in Christ.....please don't judge their situation, because we are not called to do that. What we are called to do is minister to them and take care of them, and by doing so, showing them the love of Christ.

One last thing in this special season. Mandy and Mommy G - thank you so much. I know the words don't do justice the gift you have given my family. This Christmas might bring a little sting of not having Sadie, Cooper and Owen with you, but please know, our family is forever grateful for your sacrifice....for it made our family whole. I hope you know how much we love you two....

My Son......

2008-12-05T19:03:00.000-08:00

A promise is a promise....

2008-12-05T12:20:00.000-08:00

Okay - so I promised a couple of weeks ago I would try to put fun things to do in Tulsa that are free, I didn't do it last Friday, but here goes for this weekend:

1. Bethleham Walk - Date : December 4 - 7, 2008. Location : Christview Christian Church - 2525 S. GarnettWeb : http://www.christveiwchristian.com December 4th & 5th - 6:30 to 8:30 P.M. December 6th & 7th - 5:30 to 8:30 P.M. Please call the Reservation Hotline at 918-407-9195 . This is the live nativity scene, with real animals and real people. We used to go to this when we were little, and I loved it!

2. Festival of Lights Christmas Parade, December 5th, 7 pm, downtown Sand Springs.

3. Skiatook Christmas Parade and Santa Shop - December 6th, I can't find out when this one starts but looks fun!

4. Winterfest Christmas Parade - December 6th, 6 pm, Downtown Sapulpa (Taft Street - Dewey Avenue).

5. Civitans Annual Christmas Parade - December 6th, 10 am. Main Street Broken Arrow - if you want to go to this, I think David might be taking Ragon. You can e-mail me and possibly sit in David's Law Office (right on Main) and watch the parade while sipping hot cocoa and staying warm!

That should keep you busy this weekend. Remember the best website for events in Tulsa. http://www.visittulsa.com/events.asp?id=11

Another thing I promised to do, and that was pray. Just wanted you to know that those of you who have asked me to pray, I have continually prayed for you since I promised. That is not to say that I have NEVER fallen asleep while talking to God, but I get the prayers in at least four times a night! Please keep me up to date on your requests!

Red Rover.....Red Rover........

2008-12-02T09:45:00.000-08:00

Okay - a blog game. Never have played one, but I am up for the task. Kim Bevins challenged me to list my five favorite things, so here it goes:

1. Mornings: When Greyson gets up to nurse, David goes and gets Ragon and her "miwk" (milk) and we all lie in our bed and watch Toons.
2. Summers by the Pool: I love it in the summers when my sissy's and I just hang out at the pool, it is fun to watch the kids play, but more fun when we put them down for naps and then line up the monitors and catch some rays!
3. Blogging: Duh...you had to know I would say this. I have met wonderful new friends and actually become friends with my sister's friends, and then I have gotten (not a word but I like it) back in touch with old friends, like Jen and Val.
4. Consignment Shopping: I don't know what is wrong with me. I started learning to save money really well by my sister Laura, and then some Type A part of me took it psycho, where I can't buy anything new...unless it is WAY marked down. I do e-bay, craigslist, I even found a maternity consignment store, that ROCKED! I get so excited to purchase clothes cheap! I even bought a Christmas present for Ragon - USED!
5. Cooking: I love to cook. I don't really do anything fancy, however Laura says it is. If I give her a recipe with more than five ingredients then she calls it gourmet!

So there it is. Now I must challenge five people to do their fav five! So here it goes:

1. Molly - my only sister who is seriously committed to blogging (however, with Lukes arrival, I think Laura is going to make a come back).
2. Jen - My old friend a suite mate from OBU. Don't believe anything she says about me, especially if I end up being naked in the story.....
3. Dee - My sweet sister in law, who started a blog about my cutie patootie niece and hasn't updated in two weeks...shamey shamey!
4. Karissa - My oldest and dearest friend. Who also started a blog. You will notice her...she is ALWAYS at the bottom of the list. I am leaning on her to update!
5. Terra - Actually my little sister Molly's friend, but who I now consider my friend too. Except for the fact that she had a baby AFTER me and is a skinny penny....

While I am at it, get to know me....

WHO'S WHO?

What is your husband's name? David

How long have you been married? 5 1/2 years.

How long did you date? Well in total we dated about two years, but one of those we were engaged!

How old is he? 33, what? Say it...I know - I robbed the cradle...but only by 18 months!

Who is taller? He is by a bunch!

Who can sing best? I wouldn't know...he refuses to sing....in church, if he starts to sing and I stop to hear him...he stops...he whistles real well though!

Who is smarter? Hands down he is. Must be all that fancy Holland Hall edumacation (yes I meant to spell it wrong).

Who does the laundry? I think David believes that his hands would fall off if he actually attempted to FOLD the laundry. But he will take seven pieces, throw it in the washer and dryer and then leave it in a laundry basket for me....do I sound bitter?

Who pays the bills? Big Daddy does....

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? When you are looking at the bed I am on the right. I don't know how it got that way, we just crawled into bed when we got married, and that is where I landed.

Who mows the lawn? David's Brother Mike....

Who cooks the meals? Mamacita! He does some, and he does all the grilling. But for the most part, big mama does the cooking.

Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? Probably me, but it is because I am wrong more often. So David has a rough time admitting when he is wrong.

Who kissed who first? He did, at the Grey Snail...real romantic, huh?

Who wears the pants? Ummmm...probably David. We are more like partners, but when it comes down to a tie, usually he makes the call. But he doesn't really ever make me feel like he is "the boss". He is definitely the financial provider, the calm one. I am more the dreamer....

If you haven't already participated, give it a whirl!

Yeah......Kind of....

2008-11-30T17:51:00.000-08:00

Ragon has been in love with Elmo lately. Especially Elmo's Potty Time. We watch it all the time...she also has a potty. (See Picture) The potty shows up all over my house. I am not sure why, but she likes to carry it around, store toys in it, cleans it...but she doesn't seem to want to go potty in it.....UNTIL tonight. Tonight, I was in the bathroom getting ready and I simply said "Ragon, can you pee pee in your potty?"...she hopped right on, sat down, put her little knees together and concentrated real hard. And then it happened.....PEEPEE!!!!! Only one minor problem and I am not quite sure how this happened....the peepee went forward and not down. So the peepee didn't quite go in the potty, more like on the floor in a puddle in front of her. I was trying to hard not to laugh and attempted to cheer (I should have cheered right? I mean she didn't mean for it to come out that way!). Anyway - she was very excited, and we gave her a little toy (neat idea: keep all the toys from drive through happy meals etc. in a box, use them as rewards for potty training - I never stop being cheap people!)

____________________________________________________________________

Next, I have a bone to pick with some of you. Yes - I am on maternity leave, I have no life, my blog is my outreach to you who still have lives....I run into people and they comment how funny they thought something was or how sweet something was...but you know what? NO COMMENT. I am sick of it! So you are busted....I put a counter on my blog...just so I know you were there! So Clint Patterson - leave a comment! Christy Bergman - I know you are reading this! Kim Wilson - what you didn't think I would say your name did you? What about you Dad - you keep cheating and sending me e-mails. Last but not least - DAVID (my hubby) and faithful blog reader has NOT ONCE left a comment....Well - I won't tolerate it...leave a comment. You don't have to have a blog account, just leave an anonymous comment and sign your name. So there you have it. Do I have to give away a prize to get you people to say something?

One Month Old....

2008-11-29T19:10:00.001-08:00

On Thanksgiving, how fitting, my little man was one month old. Funny, really he should have been one week old. At his appointment this week he weighed 9 lbs. 11 oz. I told you my breastmilk was good stuff this time! Anywho, my awesome nurse from Saint Francis took family pictures last week too. As you can see they are posted all over my site (someone tell me how to fix the picture so it is in the middle). Her blog is on the left and her website is also under my "favorites". She is an amazing nurse, and photographer. Check her stuff out! So here is a picture of Grey Man....he is so very sweet. He is an all around good baby. You can take him anywhere...but you can't nurse him anywhere, he sounds like a little pig stuck under a blanket...it is really quite funny. We also got our Christmas stuff up today....so exciting..will post those pictures later. Wanted this to mostly be about Greyson and how thankful we are for his arrival into our family.

Greyson - you are all I ever hoped you would be. Your the sweetest little boy. You are so calm and relaxed. You are so sweet when sissy wants to hold you...even though it is by your head....you just sit there and enjoy the love. You are so flexible. You just hang out with the family, and rarely make a peep. You have the most beautiful blue eyes. You are a good eater and just look around when you decide to take five minutes and wake up. You are rather gassy, but I figure it comes with the "boy" territory. Son - always know your Mommy loves you.

Shocker....I'm Thankful....

2008-11-27T19:00:00.000-08:00

I know, big stinking deal, I am thankful for some things. I am thankful for a lot....but am I thankful for the right things? For this to make more sense, click here (read Redeemed).

Would I be thankful if bad things had happened to me? My life has been easy. Sure I struggled with infertility - but come on...it was only three years, and I have two kids now. Big whoop. I read a blog today about being thank FOR everything, not just IN everything. I thought to myself, that was easy....My life has been relatively easy. But can I just be honest for a second? Do I really want to know? I don't....not because I don't want God's will. I do. I look back on the tough times my life...rough marriage times, David's burns, our infertility....but that is kind of it. They were rough at the time....but as I sit here tonight, I really don't have anything that was so bad, that I have to work at thanking God for it....so why am I writing this? Because I am scared.....I don't want to be tested. I don't want God to "check and see" if I will be faithful, thankful, loyal, praise him, etc. And that makes me ashamed....I don't want to be tested, not because I don't think I will be faithful, but because I don't want to feel the pain of growth. I am weak....

I also recognize that Satan doesn't attack the weak...he attacks the strong....How sad for me to have snuggled into a safe place of being luke warm...where I won't and cannot grow. I recognize I have let the fear take over and am not trusting God, but I am being honest at the feelings I was having tonight as I read the blog. Yes I am thankful, but could I sit here and say to God I would be thankful if he had taken my son at his birth, instead of letting me take him home?.....I hope so...but I just don't know that I could get to thankful....

Ragon's Big Girl Room

2008-11-25T13:52:00.000-08:00

This is Ragon's Big Girl Room. I love it. I made the drapes, ordered the bedspread from WalMart of all places (for a whopping $51.00). I made the letters from stuff at Hobby Lobby (total $14.89) The bed, dresser and table by rocker are from my Grandmother JoJo's house. I had them painted black and distressed (Free). The end tables I bought from a garage sale for $25 total!!!!

On a different note, if you are wondering why the weird spelling on Ragon's name, here is the scoop. Ragon is Ragon Joslin Francy. Ragon is from David's family. It is David's grandfather's, Dick Lane, grandmother's maiden name. They say everyone loved Grandma Ragon. Dick passed away a year before Ragon was born, but he was a good man, with a very gentle spirit. He played the trumpet at our wedding and it was beautiful.

Joslin is her middle name. This is my mother's maiden name. My maternal grandfather, Josh Joslin, was my "Paco". He passed away when I was a kiddo. He was a giant Santa Clause looking man with a kindness that reminds me of my husband! My Paco was a wonderful man, whom I loved dearly. I love hearing my mom tell stories of him, she still calls him Daddy....

Cool Cool Cool Tricks......

2008-11-23T17:24:00.000-08:00

Well if you are cool, and I know you are, you watch Yo Gabba Gabba....and on Yo Gabba, they have a portion of the show called "Cool Tricks". Ragon loves this part. If you can see on both video's the girl is named Rebecca, she does Tai Kwan Doe...apparently so does Ragon. Watch the second video, not such good Tai Kwan Doe, but she does get the bow in. What is so funny is that she knows when it is coming, watch the TV in the background, she bows when the girl does....This might not be as funny to you....And no...we don't live in PJ's...

Here is the one with the timely bow...

On an entirely separate note, we went to the Jenks Holiday Parade this weekend. Apparently the Parade was for Ragon....to her, a huge group of people came down Main street in Jenks to waive at her....oh to be an only child...she was on her way to realizing the world didn't rotate around her...and then we took her to the parade...

Free Crap.....

2008-11-21T12:41:00.000-08:00

Isn't that a nice title? Well, I am always looking for free crap. Ever since I quit my full time job to stay at home, and then added another addition, I look for free and/or cheap crap. I don't really mean crap, so I will stop saying that...but free stuff to do with my kids, with myself, etc. So here is a list of stuff to do this weekend if you are in town, and all of it is no to low cost. I am going to try to start doing this on Fridays and would love some e-mails that have ideas of other "free" things going on in town. So here goes:

1. Until January 1 (I think - but double check) Bass Pro Shop has a "Christmas" exhibit. And by exhibit I mean an entire area devoted to kids. Not only can you look at the fish, ride the glass elevator up to the "shooting range". They have an area where you can draw pictures for Santa and his elves, make a wish list, sit on Santa's lap and have a picture made and a couple of tables of trains that are low and move around. It is free (I don't know if the pic is free) WARNING: there is also tons of stuff to buy strategically placed for your children to have a melt down about. Have the talk before hand....

2. Saturday: 10 AM Jenks has it's annual Holiday Parade. Free - yet again. You can go the the Kiwana's Pancake Breakfast $4 each.

3. The Mall - always my last resort, because I can spot those booger kids a mile away, but it is free, just bring hand sanitizer....

Another idea: This one costs, but well worth it - Pump It Up and Bounce U have open play times. You can go and only pay for one kiddo $6-7 each kid. Babies that don't walk are free. Pump It Up says you have to be two, but you don't, Ragon went, they leave it to the parent's discretion. We went on Thursday, and it was sooooo stinking worth the $7.
This is the link to Bounce U with times and costs:
http://www.bounceu.com/cities/tulsa.ok/open-bounce.htm
This is the link to Pump It Up with times and costs:
http://www.pumpitupparty.com/ok/broken-arrow/tulsa-ok/calendar-p8q120.htm

One last thing, if you are looking for an events calender for Tulsa, this is the best one that I have found that is online. The Spot with the TW is good, but this online one is pretty nice, and when you click on the "+" sign, it gives you TONS of info.
http://www.visittulsa.com/events.asp?id=11

Please send me your ideas on things to do this winter with the kids that are "cost effective". I am about to go bonkers in my house and need some good play ideas. It is just me and a 21 month old, I can only color and watch Yo Gabba so many times before I lose my mind! If you e-mail me ideas for this weekend or post them in the comments, I will edit and update so everyone can get the info! Beckifrancy@aol.com

History 101

2008-11-20T10:42:00.000-08:00

I realized yesterday as I sat down and read through the history of my blog that I left out one very important thing in my blog. Some history. (grab a drink and sit back - it will take a while). I have no idea why I had the need to post it, but here goes...

On May 17th, 2003 David and I got married. I graduated law school May 11, 2003 and we were married not even a week later. We were married at our church by our pastor and my high school youth minister. I took the bar in July, passed and was sworn in on September 29th, 2003. It was on that date I stopped taking birth control, and we decided to start trying to have a baby.

For six months we tried to no avail. I had googled just about everything trying to diagnose myself. We quickly went to my OB, Dr. John Thompson. He agreed that I should be pregnant by now, prescribed Clomid and ordered a laprascopic surgery to determine if something was causing a problem. I had told him, I was 29 and didn't want to "keep trying" I wanted to be proactive. So he picked up the ball and ran. Not three weeks later I had surgery. When they rolled me in, I knew the "procedure" should last about 45 minutes. When I woke up in recovery a significantly longer period of time had passed. I knew the news couldn't be good. Dr. T came in and broke the news gently to David and I. Both my tubes were blocked by what appeared to be scar tissue. I had quite a bit of endometriosis....but the tube blockage was what was causing the main problem. He then referred us to Dr. Judith Blackwell.

Within two weeks we met with Dr. Blackwell (I said I wasn't playing around). We were told in vitro was the only way we could conceive. I struggled with doing fertility treatment because there are so many children to adopt. But to be honest, my insurance from work was going to cover a significant portion of the treatment, so we decided to give it a shot. During the first round, I did not create enough eggs to "harvest". More tests were ordered and we were "canceled" from the cycle. It was during that time we got bad news times two. First - my FSH levels were low, google it if interested, but lessens the likelihood of one getting pregnant. Second - we met Dr. Prough....the partner of Dr. Blackwell. He told us, with no warning and with great confidence, that I would never conceive a biological child and to look into donor eggs. He was so brash, that we actually left laughing, thinking, did that guy really smash our dreams with such ease? He actually suggested donor eggs, which I didn't want to do. I didn't care about having a biological child, but frankly, if I was going to have a child that was biologically someone else's child, I sure as heck wasn't hip to carrying it. I never had a need to be pregnant...just a need to have a child....(not opposed to donor eggs, to make it clear!)

Dr. Blackwell called and said Dr. Prough was incorrect and in her opinion we could conceive if we still wanted to do a in vitro cycle. I had come so far, I decided to do an entire cycle. Cycle 2 - same song - second verse. Still very few eggs. I had six eggs, five were able to be harvested and four were able to fertilize and four grew. I put three in...and waited. Three weeks later, a positive pregnancy test...but low levels. They were very honest, it appeared I was going to miscarry because the levels were low. The next day I started spotting, and it never stopped. My sweet friends Dionne and Carole came to my house to sit with me as I went through this. Once I had fully miscarried - we went to Senior Tequilas and had some much needed margaritas....This was in August of 2005.

After that I was done. I didn't even want to think about having children. I poured myself into my work, neglected my marriage, we bought a boat, I think another car...and David and I lived parallel lives. We decided to take a cruise with our friends the Ducatos. We went on a one week cruise, secretly I hoped to get pregnant - who was I kidding...but I "started" on the cruise. That was April 2006.

Also in April we were contacted by a family who had a young daughter, Rachael, who was pregnant. They were looking for a family. We communicated every week and decided to fly to Texas to meet them in July 2006. I fell in love with Rachael and her family. We sent pictures back and forth. We even convinced them to have an open adoption so that the family could follow up on the baby girl and maybe meet her one day if they chose. They finally decided that an open adoption wasn't so bad. I had saved the ultrasound to my desktop at work. I booked the hotel, flight and car....we were going to get a baby! But we didn't tell anyone, to this day, I am not sure why....

In May of 2006 we (my sisters and I) were asked to speak at a mother's day breakfast. That is really what I needed. To talk about my mom, with my sisters, who were all mom's at a mother's day breakfast....HELLO - all I wanted to do was be a mom!!!!! I digress.....so I wrote my speech on how much I admired my mother. But ended with how my mom had continued to remind me that through my infertility that I would have a family. That is right girls - I stood up in front of all the women in our church, balled my eyes out and told them that I couldn't get pregnant. Our pastor saw it and asked me to speak in church the next day. I thought - what the heck....so I did. And I balled again. But I was painfully honest about my inability to have a family.

Not even a month later......I was pregnant....

You guessed it.....tears. To be honest - they were tears of sorrow. I had a baby, it was in Texas, to be born in September. I couldn't do both...I was devastated. I thought we figured out God's plan, it was Rachael's baby. I was so confused and hurt. The only person in my family I would admit my misery to was my baby sister, Molly. I knew she would understand and not judge me for being sad that I was pregnant. She understood, didn't judge me and helped me through my feelings and helped me to get back around to happy. I killed me to tell Rachael and her mom that we got pregnant....she cried, I cried again....but eventually she found another family, had her beautiful baby girl, (she sent me pictures) and they had an open adoption....

Ragon was born Feburary 20th, 2007....My doctor asked me if I wanted birth control...I thought he was crazy, I told him after all the fertility money I spent, was he on crack? He said "if" I was to get pregnant again, it would be in the first year. Ragon's first year flew by and no baby...On her first birthday....I was sick as a dog....and guess what? Greyson Michael Francy....Picture is David after Greyson's birth. Look closely. Scrubs has both their feet print from their births...

So that is my scoop....that is how my family became a family. I am very open to fertility questions, and anything you might want to know. I love to pray for those trying to have a family, and I am open to telling you all the nitty gritty about fertility treatments. But please hear this....Dr. Thompson, Dr. Blackwell and Dr. Prough are excellent physicians. I do not blame them that "they" could not get me pregnant....If I had gotten pregnant, I would not give them the credit either...You see I believe God had a plan for my family. And the best or worst doctors in the world can't and won't change that plan. If you call me wanting a better physician or a different referral, you will get complete honesty from me. If you want a physician to fix your problem, you are looking to the wrong healer.....

Enough about me....

2008-11-17T13:02:00.000-08:00

I used to think it was funny to say, "Enough talking about me, let's talk about you...what do YOU think about me?"....Cute, huh? Well these past few nights have been rough...my man apparently believes that growth spurts should be a night only issue...so we have been waking for full feedings every two hours at night...sometimes during the day...but mostly at night he is trying to increase the flow...nice huh?

So I decided after weeks of reading through my fellow blogger's blogs....what can I do for you? Well, I can pray. So there it is. I am up 3-4 times a night and trust me, there isn't a lot to watch in the early a.m. I will admit, I will watch Scrubs, Murphy Brown, Family Matters, but could I be doing something better with my time? Sure - I could pray. Why don't I do some growing of my own while I am up breastfeeding my little dude.

So please, post a comment and let me know how I can pray for you over the next few weeks. I know some might be personal, so feel free to e-mail me instead at beckifrancy@aol.com I don't have to know you. And I assure you I will keep your request confidential if you wish. I am a lawyer, I can keep secrets like no one's business! More importantly - I commit to praying specifically for your need until Jan. 1, 2009. And then I will check in with you. If you are not a believer, I will still pray for you, all you have to do is ask....