Thinkin' About You

Twelve years ago today, Russ and I were married in Parker, Colorado. We had a lovely ceremony, catered buffet line and a dance. We weren't sure what song was our song, and at the time went with Shania Twain and Bryan White's From This Moment On for our wedding dance.

But almost immediately after our wedding, we realized that if we had a song it would be Trisha Yearwood's Thinkin' About You. That Christmas before, I had hand wrote the lyrics and sent them alone in a letter to him. He had gone home for the holidays and for his sister's wedding. I'll always remember hugging him goodbye before he left. I knew at that moment, standing in the breezeway by my parents front door, that I loved him. (And unfortunately, I now realized that I'd be missing my future sister-in-law's wedding).

Twelve years later, and I am still thinkin' about you Russ! You are a blessing beyond measure to me. I love you!

Gramps and Grams

At any given time, I have this little square note by the computer with my to do list. Part of that list are my blog entries. I would like to keep things in order of occurrence, and maybe that is why some events get backlogged - they are the special ones with lots of pictures to upload, or ones I wish I could articulate better.

At present, my blog idea list has storm chasing (a May event), family camping (a May event), baseball (May and June), Gramps and Grams, Mom in Makeup and Piano. There was no way that I was going to get all of those entries on here before posting about Sam's piano experience. In fact, I've all but given up already on ever getting another storm chasing and camping up here. But tonight, I quickly want to put up some special pictures of our time a couple of weeks ago with Gramps and Grams. I should be packing as I write these words, but alas, here I am.

We are leaving early in the morning for our trip to Kansas for a visit with them. Russ is directing Junior Camp (4th through 6th grade) camp for our church district. The boys and I have always gone up there at the same time and enjoyed time with Gramps and Grams while Daddy is busy directing away. He has been working so hard; preparing for the counselors and campers.

We have a super fun day ahead of us. We are going to Abilene to ride a train and then visiting a candy factory! I can't wait. I hope to have fun experiences to share here. First though....

We want to say thank you to them for coming to stay with us and watch Sam and Dellen play baseball. Due to a make up game, we had two home games on consecutive nights. We packed a lot into those two days. Gramps and Grams arrived just after the Mohawks were given! We then flew kites in the field across from our house. Two nights of ball games. Swimming. Card games. Overall, loads of fun.

First Piano Recital at Corn Heritage Village Nursing Home

Mema invited Sam to play the piano as part of the June Birthday Party entertainment at Corn Heritage Village, our town's nursing home, this morning. Sam did a wonderful job! He picked out his own songs, and practiced several times within the last 24 hours. He chose Little Bird; A Funny, Sunny Day; God Is So Good; The B.I.B.L.E.; and Deep and Wide. The last one he played once by himself and then Mema joined him for a duet. Sam said he was a little nervous, but he handled himself very well.

We are proud of you Sam!

I've tried most of the day to upload a video of this morning's performance with no success. A disappointment, indeed.

Summer Mohawks

Both boys needed haircuts, and we casually mentioned that Sam could do a Mohawk for week. Before we knew it, he and Dellen really had their hearts set on Mohawks. What more can I say? The pictures below tell the story. We've decided to let the boys keep their new 'dos for awhile. Besides the worry of what people in church will say, the biggest thing I've had to process is saying goodbye to Dellen's beautiful blond hair. As Sam is older, he has already had different and much shorter hair and I know his curls come back. But this haircut is Dellen's first major change. I am finding it a little hard to see him grow up. I really feel how quickly it is all happening. They are adorable boys though and we are having fun together.

Western Oklahoma Wheat Harvest

On Saturday night, we were invited to ride combine and participate in harvest with a friend of ours. We always look forward to this yearly tradition and quickly got ready for the evening out in the fields.

Sam and Dellen rode together while I had fun playing with my camera in the field. I really enjoy taking pictures of nature and scenery. I prefer that over taking pictures of people. I find it relaxing and peaceful.

Meanwhile, Russ enjoys taking photos of me.

This year's wheat crop looks tons better than last year for our area. Unfortunately, while Western Oklahoma hardly had wheat last year, the rest of the nation had bumper crops. As a result, this year the demand for wheat is much lower and the market price is very low. I heard $3.30 the other day.

My grandparents, great grandparents, and (many other extended family members now), were wheat farmers in Western Kansas. It was a summer ritual to visit my grandparents and be part of harvest. I have enjoyed wheat harvest ever since. The country music group Alabama has a song called Forty Hour Week (For a Livin'). I love this song! When it comes on the radio, I turn the radio up loud and sing along! It reminds me of my family and so many friends and I feel proud of them. I just listened to it now and it brings tears to my eyes and a smile to my face. You can click on the link and enjoy Alabama's music video, or right click and open the link in another tab and return here in order to hear the music and look through this blog entry again while listening to the song.

I appreciate all the hard working farmers that provide for us! Thank you.