Surprise!

Hello, friends (if I still have any left after my LONG break away)!

Yes, I have the ol' blog burnout. I just can't find the time to blog AND keep up with commenting on other blogs. I feel guilty if I blog and then don't have the time to visit all my friends as well.

I am still blogging over at The RHOK ~ The Real Housewives of Oklahoma. They won't let me quit. LOL!
Honestly, they just keep me around to poke fun at me. That's okay, they're a pretty fun group of ladies.

I have a post up over there talking about my latest wild hair. Would love for you to check it out and leave me some advice. Doing the Impossible.

I had a great Mother's Day. We celebrated with my family at my Aunt's house here in town. I'm blessed with some pretty terrific women in my life. We will celebrate Brett's mom this next weekend when they are here for Camryn's dance recital.

Here are a few pictures from Mother's Day.

I can't get over how grown up my daughter is looking. 

My brother and I with our beautiful mom. 

My Auntie and my daughter Courtney 

My bonus Dad and Nana 

Court and Chloe 

Ahh.... that wasn't too painful. Maybe I'll be back to post again soon. Ha! 

Mini-Vacay

I love when at the last minute we decide to take a mini-vacay. My girls were out of school on Friday and Monday so on Thursday around noon we decided to take a short trip to Branson, MO.

I had high hopes that our little one would sleep on the way there. No such luck!

My mom's best friend owns a vacation home there and allows us to use it when it's not in use from time-to-time. It's gorgeous. It's nicer than my non-vacation home. Just look at the view from the balcony...

My mom and aunt, along with my husband's sister, her husband and son, went along as well. We had plenty of room with five bedrooms. We didn't really have plans to do anything but relax and play games.  But, my mom and aunt ended up taking the kids to the Titanic Museum on Saturday morning. 

My little techies sitting on the balcony playing games. 

Saturday afternoon we spent shopping at Tanger Outlet Mall in Branson. Even during the off-season of Branson shows, it was still very crowded at the outlet mall. Have I mentioned how much I hate crowds?! Camryn and her daddy found ways to have fun shopping.

And, you can't go to Branson without visiting Branson Landing either during the day or for some night life fun.

But, more than anything, we enjoyed just hanging out visiting and playing games. And, Mimi had fun playing with Courtney's hair.

By Saturday evening we had one very worn out little girl...

Sunday morning we got up and cleaned the house back to the way we found it and then headed out to the old main street area of Branson to look through the shops. There are several flea markets and a Five and Dime store. In some of the booths at the flea market there were antique dolls. Those dolls freaked Camryn out. They looked a little like these (picture from The Doll Showcase)...

I can't say that I blamed her. They do look a little like they might wink or say something when you walk bye. However, that didn't keep us from teasing Camryn. Here is a picture of her daddy trying his best to scare her. Ha! 

So what have I been doing today after getting back home?!  Unpacking and putting all this away.

It's was worth it though. I love getting the chance to get away with my precious family. 

P.S.

Be sure to check The RHOK tomorrow when I share about an upcoming Instagram Meetup. I'll also be sharing some of my favorite photo editing apps. 

One for the Money

How many of you have read the Janet Evanovich books about Stephanie Plum? I've read through Finger Lickin' Fifteen. I still have three more to go to be caught up. If you've read the books or not, have you seen the new One for the Money movie?!  I've seen it twice now. Loved it!  Of course there was so much that was left out because there is just no way for them to get all the little funny things in ONE movie. What would have been more brilliant is if the powers that be made it into a television series. Yes, THAT would have been a much better idea.

I'm always uncertain about the cast when books are made into movies. Typically the actors aren't who I would have pictured in my own mind. For example, I would have NEVER, EVER, EVER chosen Rob Pattinson for Edward on Twilight. I can think of 101 better actors for that part. I know I'm probably in the minority, that's okay.  But, I'll tell you, I was quite impressed with the actors chosen for this movie. The only exception being Debbie Reynolds as Grandma Mazur. She just isn't at all who I pictured in my mind.

You tell me.... Debbie Reynolds or Estelle Getty. Yes, I know. Estelle is dead so it wouldn't work. But, that's who I had pictured in my mind when reading the books. Who do you think would have made a better Grandma Mazur? Or are you happy with Debbie Reynolds? She did a fine job, just not my pick. I think someone a little more old-lady looking would have been better.

The actors for Morelli and Ranger were both good picks in my book. Hubba Hubba!!

 I loved Katherine Heigl as Stephanie and Sherrie Shepperd as Lula. They both did a fantastic job. Sherrie was hysterical. 

I really, really, really hope there will be a Two for the Dough. 

But, in the meantime, I'm anxiously awaiting the release of The Hunger Games on March 23! WooHoo! I'm thinking midnight movie for this one. I liked it just as much as Twilight and it seems to be just as popular. Thoughts? 

What have you been reading, watching, or wanting to watch?! I'd love to hear about it. 

What I Saw From Behind the Lens

For my birthday my dad spoiled me - ROTTEN! Seriously, it was completely unexpected and totally made my day. First he took me to Camera Gallery in Tulsa and bought me a new Tamron 28-75mm 2.8 lens along with filter, diffuser and remote flash. Then he bought me a Keurig with a whole bunch of coffees, teas, cocoa and cider. Yep, I'm pretty sure he loves me. ;)

But, I'm not here to brag about my gifts. I really wanted to show you the pictures that were taken with my new lens. Some of the pictures I took myself with it and some my brother-in-law took with it. My husband's family was here over Christmas break and we went out took some family photos. I cherish family photos as I know they will tell our story long, long after we are gone.

Brett's parents, sister and family along with our family

My nephew, Dalton

Cousins

My daughter, Courtney

Brett's parents laughing because my youngest said a curse word.

(Which she overheard her Pepa say!) 

I really wanted to post our Christmas card, but I'm going to have to scan it first! I guess I'll have to do that soon. You know, like before next Christmas. Ha!

Lastly, it's hard to believe but I'm now a mom to a 14 year old! Where, oh where has the time gone? 

Courtney and her cousin, Dalton

How can this be that same little girl?! 

Happy birthday, baby! 

My Christmas Blessings

I do realize I'm a little later than most with sharing about Christmas. But considering my little ol' blog hasn't gotten any attention since November 21, it's no surprise. I'm posting pictures of my family for my family, but you are more than welcome to enjoy them as well. I *bigsquishyheart* my family!

Every year we spend Christmas Eve at my mom's house. This year was no different. We had such a great time visiting, eating some JL's BBQ, opening gifts and sharing about how we helped someone in need during the year/holiday. My mom and bonus dad started something quite special years ago. You see, they don't need anything and the things they want they are able to buy. All they ask of the kids and grandkids is for us to do something for someone else and then write it in a Christmas card and share it with everyone Christmas Eve. It's been such a blessing of a tradition, even the younger children enjoy sharing how they've helped someone. 

Christmas Eve morning was spent with my dad, brother, sister-in-law and niece. Poppy spoils his girls immensely! 

Christmas day was spent with Brett's family at our home. Yes, more spoiled was going on.

I know how blessed we are and never want to take that for granted. Our girls have such wonderfully giving grandparents. They truly do not know what it's like to do without. We can never thank them enough for all they do for us.

Hopefully I'll find time to do another blog post in the next day or two. I'd love to share the family pictures we did for Christmas.

I sincerely hope you all had a blessed Christmas and enjoyed time with those you love most. 

They'll Let Anyone on T.V.

Hello, friends! Long time no see. Yes, it's my fault as I'm sure you all have just been blogging away and long forgotten about me. I hope not, though. ;)

I wanted to share something exciting that has happened. As most of you may know, I am one of the writers on The RHOK ~ Real Housewives of Oklahoma. Well, we were featured on one of our local news channels, KTUL News Channel 8, Thursday evening.

I'd love for you to head over to The RHOK and read all about it. I've even shared the video of the news segment. We had such fun being interviewed. I absolutely love the ladies that I am blessed to work with on The RHOK. They are smart, beautiful, kind, and did I mention smart?!? They have some serious talent.

Also, while you're there be sure to check out the holiday t-shirts we have for sale. We will be placing the order for them on Wednesday, so if you want one be sure to order it before then! You can order via Paypal on our side bar of www.therhok.com. They come in red or green. Here's the red one:

We are also getting ready to host another fun event on November 29th. If you are local to Tulsa and would like to attend, you can purchase your ticket as well on the side bar. We would love to see you! 

Breaking Dawn ~ What I'm Missing

My sweet friend, Jenny Kate, usually throws the best Twilight movie parties. But, this year she's been traveling to places like FORKS and Twilight conventions and ran out of time to throw the kind of party she'd only put her stamp of approval on. Yes, I'm going to miss getting to go to a premier Breaking Dawn party this year.Since I'm not going to any party, I'm also NOT going to a midnight showing of the movie. GASP! I'm really getting too old for midnight showings. There! I said it!

I still love my friend, even though she will not be throwing a big party this time. I'm confident she will host one more awesome party for Breaking Dawn Pt. 2! Isn't that right, Jenny?! ;)

Here are a few pictures from previous parties that Jenny and her cousin, Allison hosted:

Jenny Kate & Allison - The hostesses with the mostesses (yes, I made that word up!) 

Edward and Jacob made special appearances at the party and insisted I take a picture with them!

My friend got a little out of control. Bless her heart. 

Nothing better than seeing the Twilight movies with friends. 

Okay, maybe I got a little out of control as well. Bless my heart. 

Will you be seeing the midnight showing of Breaking Dawn or will you choose to see it at another time or not at all?! I can't wait to see it. I love the excitement that these books/movies bring. Nothing better than seeing a lot of crazy women having a great time.