Sunday, May 31, 2009

Water Fun Country Style

I took the kids out to the Ranch on Saturday. What a good time we had! They played in the water ALL day with their new friends Brylee and Kyson. We are counting down the days until we can go back.

Who needs a pool when you have a horse tank?

They had fun in the little pool too.

I think this is the only time Paige sat all day!

Nana hanging out under the shade tree watching the fun.


Jake Slip and Slidin'

Brylee and Jake entertained eachother all day.

Me, Mom, Jay, and Dad checking out the oil.

Paige and Kyson cheezin' it up!

Brylee told Jake all about petting horses.

Thank you Uncle John and Papa Mitch for showing us a good time!

Friday, May 29, 2009

Planting flowers


Jake and Paige helped Papa plant flowers yesterday.

They were rewarded with a bomb pop from the icecream truck!

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Preschool Graduation

Jake smiled and waved at us the whole time.

The Proud Parents

Papa and Grammy came too!




The graduates walked in to pomp and circumstance, which made it feel "official." They sang two songs, counted to 50, said the Lord's Prayer, and we watched a slide show. They ended the program by getting a diploma and singing a goodbye song to their friends. We also received a scrapbook of every event they did throughout the year. What a great way to end preschool!  He's going to miss his teacher, Ms. Renee!

Kindergarten here we come!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Sharp Shooters

This is what couples do after they've been married 10 years....
Brad took me to shoot guns on our anniversary, and I actually enjoyed it!

We make a pretty dangerous couple!

Monday, May 25, 2009

50 things about me...well maybe 100

In honor of my 50th post.....I never imagined the fun I would have blogging. It's not something I ever thought I would do, but it has been eye opening. It's a great way to vent, keep family/friends updated, and believe it or not....I've learned a few things about myself. This season in my life will go by way too fast, and I want to have a record of all the fun we are having. So, enjoy my list.....grab a drink and a snack. It may take awhile...

P.S. I started by only doing 50, but I just couldn't seem to stop!

1. Last Friday, May 22, was my 10 year anniversary.

2. I married my college sweetheart in a beautiful Catholic ceremony.

3. I didn't grow up Catholic, but decided to convert.

4. I have 3 brothers... 2 older, one younger. We are very close.

5. I went to UCO my first year of college and have always regretted it.

6. I went to OSU my sophomore year and pledged a sorority.(Theta)

7. I was not really a sorority chick, but I did meet some great people because of it.

8. My mom was also a Theta at OSU and it was very special to have her at my initiation.

9. I love to go to Sonic happy hour!

10. My favorite place to eat is Outback Steakhouse.

11. I always thought we would have more children, but we are stopping at two.

12. I am very happy being the mother of two children.

13. I was a 3rd grade teacher for 7 years before staying home after Paige was born.

14. I loved teaching my first couple of years, but after I had Jake I wanted to stay home. Teaching was no longer a priority for me, but a necessity.

15. The first two years Brad was in med school were very rough on me, but I would do it again in a heartbeat.

16. I love newborn babies. I could hold a newborn all day, and I did with my two kids.

17. My first airplane ride was on my honeymoon. We went to Cancun.

18. I have always lived in Oklahoma and always will. ( I hope anyway)

19. I grew up in a small town and couldn't wait to get out. As I get older, I want to go back to a small town.

20. We will raise our kids in Ponca City when Brad is done with residency.

21. We were married 4 years before Brad started Med school, and 4 1/2 years before having kids. I will always cherish those 4 years that it was just us.

22. I miss the quiet of the country, and can't wait to be closer to my family on the Ranch.

23. I will miss Tulsa, but only because of the shopping, the restaurants, and my dear friends that I have made here.

24. I thought we would live here forever, but God had other plans.

25. I played high school basketball and hated every minute of it. I felt pressure to play because I was tall. I quit my senior year and it was awesome!

26. I was a cheerleader in high school and loved it. I loved to tumble and was pretty good at it.

27. The last back-hand-spring that I did was 4 years ago for my students. My back hurt for a week.

28. My dream vacation is Hawaii. Brad has promised to take me there on our 15 year anniversary.

29. My favorite vacation was to St. Lucia that we took last year with 3 other couples. I will always remember that trip. It was by far the prettiest place I've been to.

30. I can't wait to take my kids to Disney World.

31. I love going to the lake, and hope to someday have a boat.

32. I love going to the movies.

33. I can't go to the movies without getting popcorn and a diet coke.

34. We are going to Canada this summer for my little brother's wedding. We will be gone 10 days. I am nervous about the plane ride with two small children.

35. I believe in miracles.

36. I love the radio and certain songs bring back memories.....good or bad.

37. I don't like being the center of attention.

38. I am definitely more of a follower than a leader. But, I have to believe in what I'm following.

39. I am doing my dream job...I'm a domestic engineer.

40. I love to cook, but hate the mess it makes.

41. I wish my house were clean all the time, but it's impossible. I do my best.

42. I loved Strawberry Shortcake, Cabbage Patch dolls, and Care bears growing up. I love that it's all come back and now Paige likes those things too.

43. I love to watch Brad play with the kids. I could sit and watch it all day. The horsie back rides are the best.

44. My hair color has always been blonde. Naturally until I was 17 then the bottle took over...every 6-8 weeks!

45. I am learning to play golf.

46. My dream is that we will play golf every Sunday afternoon as a family. Jake is taking lessons with me. Then Paige will in a few years.

47. I love nice purses. Coach is my favorite.

48. I love to outlet shop.

49. I have a sweet tooth. Brownies, cookies, cakes, ice cream....you name it.

50. I hate tomatoes, coconut, sometimes onions, black olives, and seafood.

51. My favorite thing to wear is jeans, a tank top, and flip flops.

52. I would like to cut my long hair, but probably never will.

53. I love giving people nicknames.

54. The only thing I drink are water and diet coke.

55. I hope to take a family vacation every year.

56. I would rather have one nice outfit then 3 cheap ones that I don't like as much.

57. I worry a lot.

58. I am a good girlfriend. I treat people like I want to be treated.

59. I still have a crush on my husband.

60. The first thing I noticed about him was his backside. I still notice it.

61. We talked on the phone for 3 hours one night and then had our first date. We've been inseparable ever since.

62. Brad is in the same fraternity as my dad was in college.

63. My little brother, Jay, also joined the AGR house 5 years later.

64. My favorite piece of jewelry, other than my wedding ring, is a diamond cross necklace that Brad bought me the day we found out I was pregnant with Paige. I will give it to her someday.

65. I sing and dance with my kids daily. We mostly jam to country.

66. I DVR all my TV shows. I don't know how I survived all those years without it.

67. My favorite shows are Desperate Housewives, Brothers and Sisters, The Hills, Grey's Anatomy, and Private Practice.

68. I never liked to study, but I loved college.

69. My favorite snack is a granola bar.

70. I love to hang out with my mom. She's a great shopping partner and a easy person to talk to.

71. My dad is the best advice giver I know.

72. I can't wait to have a toy room in our new house.

73. I love Carrie Underwood. I voted for her every week on Idol.

74. I want to lead a life without regrets.

75. I don't like to take risks.

76. I love to take pictures, especially of my kids.

77. My ideal alone time is getting a pedicure while sipping a Sonic diet coke and reading my US weekly magazine. This does happen, but not often enough.

78. I will never have an iphone. I am on the computer enough as it is. I don't need access all the time. That could be dangerous.

79. I haven't mowed a lawn since I married Brad. He wants to do it.

80. I hate working out at the Gym. I like to take walks instead.

81. I have read the entire Twilight series. There are 4 books.

82. I do not like to camp. Sleeping on the grass with mosquitoes buzzing is not my idea of a good time.

83. I miss my little brother who lives in Canada. I sometimes still think of him as a little boy because he was 13 years old when I left for college.

84. OSU homecoming is my favorite weekend of the year.

85. I like Thanksgiving better than Christmas. Lots of food and family, but no pressure of gifts.

86. I love to cook out and have people over for dinner.

87. Fall is my favorite season.

88. I will never drive a minivan. Nothing against people who do. It's just not me.

89. I am excited to get a new sister-in-law when Jay marries Steph.

90. I have one nephew, Grant, who is only 2 months older than Paige. Love him!!

91. I am still waiting on a niece/nephew from my brothers.

92. I would rather load the dishwasher than unload it.

93. I am looking forward to getting season tickets for OSU football and basketball....someday.

94. I get a tingly feeling when I pull into Stillwater.

95. My dad was Pistol Pete.

96. I have a hardworking husband who I appreciate every day.

97. I still rock my baby girl even though she's 2. When she gets tired she says, "Mama, rock."

98. I am obsessed with lotion. I must use it every time I wash my hands or after swimming. I have been that way ever since I was a kid.

99. My childhood pets were a cat named Tiger and a horse named Buddy.

100. I HAVE to brush my teeth and wash my face at night or I can't go to sleep.

There you have it folks. Hope you enjoyed learning all the random facts about me! Did I really just come up with 100 facts? I thought I wouldn't be able to come up with 50.

Friday, May 22, 2009

10 years and counting

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres......
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Happy 10 year anniversary Brad!

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

The Big Graduate

Jake will graduate from preschool next Thursday. I know it's only preschool graduation, but I couldn't help feeling a little weepy when he brought home this picture. A cap and gown....really? I wasn't prepared for my 5 year old to look so grown up. I had a flash forward 13 years and thought about his high school graduation. How will I deal with my baby going off to college? How will I deal with not seeing him everyday? OK. Breath. Katie. Stop. You are waaay ahead of yourself. Who knew so many emotions could come from "just" a preschool graduation picture.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Diet Coke Tower

Who needs toys when you can play with cans of Diet Coke?

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Our Father



A little prayer for your Sunday afternoon courtesy of Jake.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Friday Fun

I took these two little monkeys to the zoo this afternoon.

Miss Priss loved her shades!

I took this little guy on a date this evening. We went to the park
and then to eat dinner at Ron's Hamburgers. I love having alone time with him!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Great Day

Brad has a pretty easy schedule this month, so we were able to go see a movie together this afternoon. We saw State of Play with Ben Affleck and Russell Crow. It was our typical kind of movie that we always see together. Full of action with a twist at the end. I save the chick flicks for my girls' night out! (Which I need to schedule. It's been a while.)

Brad did have to go to work tonight, so I took the kids to eat at Pizza Shoppe. Neither one of them ate very well, but they sure did enjoy the games.
Car racing is always a bit hit!

The best part about this game is that you don't even have to put in a quarter for the kids to think they are playing. HA!!...the secrets we never tell. "Sure kids, play that game as much as you want to! Mommy will just sit down and enjoy a Diet Coke!!"
I had to throw in this picture of Paige that I took yesterday, because it's so cute! That smile just makes me melt!
 

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Rock A Bye Baby

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Happy Mother's Day

These 3 little amigos would like to wish Grammy
a Happy Mother's Day!!

AND...

Jake and Paige also want to wish Nana
a Happy Mother's Day!

I had a great day too! I slept in, Brad brought me breakfast in bed, took a nap this afternoon, and dinner at Ted's Mexican. Thank you Brad for making my day special. Love you!

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Thank you Mom

Thank you Mom for always being there for me. Thank you Mom for always knowing just what to say when I have a bad day. Thank you Mom for writing me encouraging letters when I need them. Thank you Mom for teaching me to love OSU. Thank you Mom for teaching me how to love with my entire being. Thank you Mom for giving me a shoulder to lean on. Thank you Mom for staying with me after my babies were born. Thank you Mom for never doubting the choices I make. Thank you Mom for being a great friend. Thank you Mom for praying for me daily. Thank you Mom for being here anytime I need you. Thank you Mom for being YOU!

I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
as long as I'm living,
my mommy you'll be.

Friday, May 8, 2009

A tribute to my Grandma Dobson

Today I am remembering my Grandma Dobson as it is her birthday. She would be 102 if she were alive. I was going through some of my old pictures so that I could post one of her, and I found a paper that I had written in grade school about her. I was 13 years old when I wrote it.



She was an amazing lady! In the picture above I was about 15 and we were standing in her kitchen, which is were she spent most of her time. She was the best little country wife around. She was an amazing cook! Her specialties were chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, and banana creme pie.

One summer she taught me how to make those banana creme pies, and I will never forgot all her little tips. She used Dream Whip instead of cool whip. Who knows why, but that's just what she always did. She would make 5 or 6 pie crust at a time and freeze them. Then she would tell me, "That way I always have a crust ready when the men want a pie." She believed in taking care of the men (my grandpa, my dad, brothers, and hired hands) that worked hard in the fields. She always had iced tea and a slice of pie when they came in for a break from the heat. She was the old fashioned wife that I aspire to be. I have a long way to go to be as attentive as she was. She told me time and time again, "Katie, take care of the men and they will take care of you." That is so true!

Not only was she a pro at cooking and baking, she was an awesome checker player. I spent many days sitting at her kitchen table playing checkers with her. She would ALWAYS beat me. One time I thought I could outsmart her and I said, "Grandma, let's play the opposite way. Whoever loses actually wins." Well, she figured out a way to lose the game so that she actually won! When she passed away I got to keep that checker set, and someday I will use it to teach my kids how to play.

Grandma Dobson brought everyone so much joy! She is truly missed. I can see her in heaven making pies and giving everyone tips about how to take care of "the men!"

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Light at the end of the tunnel


It's official! Today Brad signed on to work for Ponca City Medical Center. It's so exciting to finally know where we will raise our family. After 4 years of medical school and 3 years of residency we will settle down and enjoy the small town lifestyle.

I am so proud of my hubby and all his hard work. It's been a long road and many years of wondering, wishing, hoping, and dreaming. And, now to see all his accomplishments pay off is heart warming.


Now, let's take a stroll down memory lane....


The picture to the right is Brad and his sister, Jamie, at his college graduation.
The picture at the top is Brad's first day of medical school.
The picture at the bottom is Brad and baby Jake studying during med school.

Medical School Graduation. What a glorious day!!!
I will never forget the feeling of pride I had
for him walking across that stage.

The family

The cake was super yummy!

Dr. Liston--Brad's first day of residency

Even though we still have one more year of residency I feel like there is light at the end of the tunnel. We've come so far since applying for medical school....

By the way, did I mention that my super hot hubby is Chief Resident starting in July??? So proud of him!!!

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Travelin' Made Easy


Traveling with kids sure has changed since they put DVD players in cars. It's a far cry from the days of me and my brothers crawling around in the back of a station wagon without seat belts. My parents used to drag me to every wrestling tournament in the state to watch my brothers wrestle, and I sure didn't have a DVD player or anything else to keep me busy while we were in the car for hours!! Fighting with my little brother was the only source of entertainment I had.

Nowadays, it's just so easy. I pop in a video, give them a snack, grab a diet coke for myself, and we are on the road. I can jam to the radio and have some peace and quiet while driving. That's the life...

I don't know how my parents survived all those road trips with FOUR kids!


Friday, May 1, 2009

Interview with Jake

What does Mommy do? She gets me milk and makes me food.
Who is your best friend? Karsten, Charlie, and Hayes. (I guess he couldn't pick just one!)
What is your favorite toy? Star Wars toys
What does Daddy do? He plays video games with me.
Where does Daddy work? He works at OSU....the hospital.
What do you want to be when you grow up? A doctor because Dad's a doctor.
How much does Mommy weigh? I don't know.
Can you guess? NO!!! (Smart boy. He knows not to discuss a woman's weight!)
Where is your favorite place to go? Hayes' house because he has Batman and Robin.
What is your favorite thing to eat? Pickle sandwich
What is your favorite thing about your sister? Playing with her hair

Dr. Jake at 6 months old

Dr. Jake wearing his OSU scrubs at 2 1/2 years old.