Finger Caprese

Isn't it dainty? It is my moment of Italy and self indulgence before an attempt to be productive. The scent of fresh basil can transport me to the Italian Riveria. I love it!
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My Not-So-Little Dancer

At the BYOU2 event, another staff member noticed that my daughter's "Dance" shorts that were planned ended up being "Cheer" sweats (that are still a bit short). Why? She is growing SO FAST! I began to think about how much this "little" one has grown. In less than a year ... 8, 10, 12, and now 14. She is becoming quite a young lady ... and quite a good dancer, I might add. There is nothing like seeing her let loose and have fun dancing.

The Princess and the Queen

Well ... The Princess and Miss Tulsa! At today's Girl Scout BYOU2 event, my little one had her photo taken with Miss Tulsa, Damaris Pierce. She talked to the girls about having a healthy self image and never letting anything stop them from pursuing their dreams. After that? DANCE TIME! Those girls danced and danced and danced!

A Mother's Moment

Looking through old photos of my firstborn ... how I love that smile.

Rockin' with Disney!

She's inspired. And who woudn't be with Radio Disney in the house?
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Swinging and Singing

It's a favorite and a classic ... SWINGING! My little one LOVES to spend time out on her massive swing ... swinging and singing and swinging and singing. Today I came outside to take photos and once she realized I was there, she turned off her music and was rather inhibited while I negotiated a few high swings and then gladly returned to belting out tunes once I was safely inside. Of course, I laugh at how she's shy when she can see me but the whole neighborhood can hear her when she thinks she's alone.

Surprise ... SNOW!

With his little Easter bandana blowing in the wind, Hank took several trips outside today to explore the sudden snow. While it was supposed to be a very hectic day, the weather "interfered" and turned it into an unexpected and wonderful day.

For the first time in a long time, I felt like I was really AT home! Little M had a Girl Scout overnight that cut its activities short because of the snow that greeted them, so we all came home. She had a friend overnight with another friend from across the street filling the house with girly giggles (and screams - while making a VERY exciting video, I'm told ... I was banished to another room so my daughter could be fully silly). But for me, it was special because it was actually a relaxed day and I didn't fall asleep!

It has begun!

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Pistol Pete

Well, I am not a fan (of sports in general) but a photo at OSU by Pistol Pete was a must! It was time for a day of engineering inspiration with the Society of Women Engineers.
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HSM here we come!

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Feaky Moment

I came home to a pair of unfamiliar shoes at my back door. What do I do with this? Certainly, there must be some kind of rational story behind it, but I am stumped and rather freaked at the moment!
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Fashion Girl ...

We indulged in a rare shopping trip (with a mega coupon and clearance sale, of course) ... And $10 has her looking very hip!
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Thinking Day!

It's Girl Scout Thinking Day ... Time for an International focus and learning about communicable diseases. Yes, diseases!
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Valentine's Day

What better way to celebrate love than a boxing match? We had to introduce Grandpa Byrne to the exciting world of Wii.

Thirsty!

The waiter has already removed two empties. She downed the third and he brought two more! And she is drinking from big adult glasses? Wow ... Thirsty girl!
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Smart Girl Scouts!

It's Chess Tournament time! True to form, Girl Scouts have a strong presence. Even within out own little troop, it only took minutes for 3 of them to find each other ... And we are still looking for a 4th who was here last year.

My own little one has been trying to figure out how to beat the "castling move" and I don't even know what that is. These little girls are so smart!
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Life Blows By ...

It all happens so quickly ... life happens. Good things. Hard things. Important things. Beautiful things. Really HARD things. No matter how long the unfavorable circumstances seem to drag on and on, looking back feels like the wind. I can only pray that I can look back on moments like this and feel the same way.

Today I am lamenting. I am angry, too. And I wish I had the words to explain in ways that the world opposite from me could understand. But it would take a book. I have searched my brain for a suitable summary but can find none that is adequate beyond a diatribe.

I try to step back and realize that most of us never intended to be where we are today. I try to accept the fact that every individual has his or her own sense of reality. But when the past, present, and future collide and perspectives are imbalanced ... it all jams up in the middle like an old typewriter. No one's story is seen or heard. Well, I take that back. The loudest, angriest and most selfish voices get heard. And unfortunately, it is the ones who try the hardest to lessen the hurt who are hammered on the most.

The jam up seems so unfair. It's not uncommon. Just unfair. As the years roll by, I begin to understand how people can be bitter. But I understand it anew ... it's not just by being wronged. We have all been wronged. It comes (and feels rightly so) when having to have prolonged dealings with those people who are completely unyielding and cannot see a perspective other than their own hurt.

There was a time when I was extremely compassionate towards people locked in such a quandry ... hurt and hurting others. Down deep, I know I still do, but I think I have started to "qualify" it first. I am finding that it does no good to be understanding when it is a one-way street. In fact, I am shocked by how often the one who offers understanding not only does not receive it in reciprocation but rather like an inmate, those things that could have been a constructive instrument have been fashioned into a weapon and used against the one who held out his or her hand in the first place.

When I see someone wielding that weapon or hear someone squawking about all the things that others have done to them, instead of immediate compassion, I now feel suspicion. I don't take it at face value. I've seen too many things too closely that make me wonder what the REAL story is. I'm more tempted to examine the squawker! Does anyone see the years they caused heartache or sucked the life out of the one they claims hurt them? Does anyone know about all of the attempts toward healing that the squawker thwarted? Does anyone ever realize that the one playing the victim is simply doing what they do best - making sure everyone else is at fault? Never has the thought been more poigniant: When you point a finger at someone, you have three more pointing back at you.

Yes, I have been hurt ... extremely so. So in many ways I understand. I have my own squawking moments, too. I'm sure everyone does. But one thing I can say for myself that I can't always say for others is that I do actually try and understand. In fact, what has hurt me more than anything is understanding too much. And my greatest regret at times is that I haven't tossed it aside and been the first one to the squawking block. But you know what? I don't WANT to live like that. I crave truth. I crave harmony. I crave peace. I crave understanding. I crave transparency. And I crave it to my own hurt.

So on it goes ... selfish people consuming others and blaming them for it.

Whether I am the audience or the target, I can say that my heart aches most when I can do nothing to stop the cycle and the pain oozes through the ones I love. And I pray for it to end, knowing that it might take a miracle. And I plead with invisible voices, "Hasn't there been enough hurt already?" And I know that the toll will be felt by all, and probably the most innocent among us will hurt the most.

But at the same time, it strengthens my resolve to not let myself fall to circumstance. It shakes me enough to snap me out of whatever pity party may have been trying to cloak my shoulders. And I see how fortunate I am even amidst my own challenging circumstances. Yes, there has been enough hurt already. And tomorrow, I hope I can mark it with joy and appreciation and love. Instead of wind rushing through ... I will be looking for the breath of fresh air.

My Radio Star Girl Scout

School is closed (weather*) so my daughter got to be a radio personality today! She joined our PR Stars (a program I have for a group of top cookie-selling Girl Scouts) for an interview and ROCKED IT! They had each girl "knock" and try to sell them cookies. She was first and had a tough question: "I already bought 20 boxes, why should I buy any more?" Little M didn't hesitate a bit and told them how they could donate their cookies to troops or Broken Arrow Neighbors (our troop's "Gift of Caring" recipient). My heart swelled with pride. It's one of our little-hyped Cookie Sale elements, but my favorite. She likes making a difference in her world ... and so do I!

Click here to listen to the interview!

*To those who worry ... yes, the weather was fine once we got past our neighborhood.

The Girl LOVES Her Swing!

Ice and snow mean nothing more than a day away from school to enjoy her favorite things ... The swing and her music! She said last night (with a dramatic, gushing voice) that her swing was the best birthday present she has EVER had. I can attest that barely a day goes by when she isn't out there with her iPod singing and swinging!
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Fire Extingiusher ... In a car?

I guess so! First time I have seen this.
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Back To The 50's!

We are about to see if Tahlequah has the best diner ever!
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Interesting Delay ...

Today? Fire!
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Power Dancer

She's electric! Yes, my daughter is the one with metallic legs. How did you guess? This is the advanced class she just started ... And LOVES!
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Wild New Year

Bringing it in at the auction with some pretty wild things! I have to say that this is one of our favorite places ... Even if we never buy anything, the people are entertaining!
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Chin up and fly out!

Get a million things done. Hurry up and wait. Keep the tears at bay and say "I love you." Be strong and smile as much as possible while trying to curb the motherly advice just a tad. Send them off and go find a place to cry. I am a mom.
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My Two Brothers

This is one of the few times I feel short. They are both 6' 5" and make me feel just a bit dwarfish!
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Uncles ...

Other than gifts, I think uncles are the next biggest highlight of Christmas for my little one.
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Happiness by ice!

I wish you could see the big huge smile as she gleefully scrapes the first ice of winter. Funny kid!
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Look who we found!

This is one way to see family ... community parades!
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Cheesecake, glorious cheesecake!

The birthday boy FINALLY has cake!
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You can learn the Charmin dance at the big Holiday bathroom event!
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40 Minutes Until He's 40

And in the meantime, we've got a Thanksgiving meal AND football. How about that?
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The jock when the bands play at the parade.
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This is so funny ... People cheer for balloons like crazy!
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For the kids ...

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Watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade!

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Balloons and Cell Phones and Shows ... Oh my!

After a little hike to go see the parade balloons being inflated (massive!), we found the Hummus Place (mint sweet tea even ... My Greek people! My Greek people!) and are now waiting for Spamalot! Woohoo!
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Long Johns

Haven't seen these forever! I really love the button up poo chute. Hehehe!
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A New York Tradition

What could be more traditional than seeing the Rockettes Christmas show? This was my first time to see the legendary legs. We enjoyed a WONDERFUL show (believe it or not, I cried during the Christmas story) and the freedom to take photos without a flash. I LOVED THAT!

Radio City Music Hall

We wait for tickets and take in the city. It's my first time to see the Rockettes!
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Run, Forrest, RUN!!

First night in NYC!
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Flying Up!

I am glad I have a camera phone ... I can share things like this in an instant! My little Brownie became a Junior tonight!
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Family Fun Night!

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Happy Birthday!

My little girl is 9!
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