A Saturday Escape

For some ugly reason Blogger and I don't have an understanding... I have been running into picture moving problems nearly every time that I have posted. I was able to move one...and then the rest refuse to move. So, as in many of my recent posts...these pictures should have been at the end. *sigh*

Greyson, Cooper, me and Ella outside of Pops after the boys had raced

Phillip and Grey (notice Grey's dinner made a home on his face)
Cooper proudly showing us his beautifully colored menu
Ella enjoying the diner and her set of yogurt bites...yum-yum!
Greyson studiously coloring his menu...isn't he focused :)
The kiddos in front of a window that displays rows and rows of pop. They all have a funny expression on their face (as their mother, I find it humorous)

With the weather being infiltrated with hurricane rain it has been quite dreary around here. Saturday we were looking for a little bit of an escape. So, on the word of a couple of

friends we decided to take a little trip to Arcadia, Ok. There is a gas station that has been rejuvenated into something very modern and very fun. On Route 66 you can find a bigger-than-life pop bottle (straw included) and more kinds of pop than you could even imagine. That is the place that we came to see. When I told Cooper before we left that we were going somewhere fun, he tried to guess. Naturally, he didn't come even close. So, he asked for a hint and I said, "a gas station!". He was aghast and said that I was not telling the truth. I giggled and said that I was very serious...and it was going to be a lot of fun. Both of the boys were not optimistic about the whole deal. When they got there they definitely sang a different tune. It was so much fun and something you would never expect to run into right off of the interstate. On one side there is a diner, that we decided to eat at, and on the other side are rows and rows of pop. We each chose a pop to try and a couple extras. There was an area outside in the back where you can stretch your legs and even eat if the weather permits. The boys decided that they needed to race the stretch of grass. I was a little worried that Cooper would slip and fall because he was only wearing flip-flops and the grass was wet from the rain. But, he was determined that he was going to race...and win. It was hilarious watching him try to run. When he finally got back to us he was still wearing his sandal...sideways. I guess you gotta give him an "A" for his gumption.
After we ate we decided that it was time to go. It was a fun little getaway, and for me, it was fun to imagine what the gas station was before it was "Pops" back when Route 66 was in it's glory days.
Oh, I have to mention that we ran into Coty and her cutie, little family. It was on her word and another friend's recommendation, so it was fun to see them. Thanks Coty and Melissa for the idea!!

The boys racing outside

Thank You, Gustav!

It is an unlikely title, considering that Gustav was a hurricane and many people don't like storms, but for him, I am extremely thankful. He brought my sister and her little boys to Oklahoma. It was an extremely unexpected visit, even the day before she came I called my sister to see if there was a chance she was coming and she said it was unlikely. Then, lo and behold Gustav plays a little game of Chicken. He went east, then west and the forecasters were having a to play a little bit of a guessing game as to where exactly Gustav would hit the hardest (for that little game, I too am very grateful). Because of the little bit of uncertainty, and the Coast Guard wanting their families to be safe, they sent orders out for families where my sister lives to evacuate. So, up to Oklahoma my sis trekked (bravely, I might add) with her little munchkin boys. It was such a surprise to see them. It was a stolen week, if you will. I was able to introduce her boys to the Omniplex-every time I've been there I've thought of them and how they would love it. It was so fun. We were able to do a little bit of shopping at Target (my fav) down in the City and just enjoy each other's company. I miss her dearly and am trying to figure out how to really live today without her company. I guess, when you miss someone that much it just makes it that much better when you see them.

I have been kicking myself for not taking pictures when she was here. There were so many opportunities, I just didn't have my camera (kick, kick). So, to appease my conscience I have added a couple of pictures of my sweet little nephews from Grey's birthday last June. I love you, Lib, and your sweet little boys. Thank you for braving a 14+ hour trip to visit...and escape Gustav. Josiah, Greyson (who is eating some incredibly orange frosting), and CooperLib (who is washing off Gavin's hand), Ezra, my mom-in-law Wendy, Greyson, Cooper, Phillip and Josiah

Ella Does the Do and a New Seat, Too

Once again, Blogger has let me down and stopped letting me scoot my pics to where I want them...and with one left. Soooo frustrating! So, this should have been the last pic at the bottom.

Little Ell-Bell cheesin' it. She loves it when I take her picture. She breaks into the hugest smile/giggle. I love it.

My Little Miss Ella has decided to grow up just a little bit more. Her beautiful strawberry blond hair has been getting longer and longer everyday. I am one who likes my children's hair done and Ella had left me in a bit of a quandry. Her hair isn't long enough to do any girlish hair-dos that I am accustomed to and it has grown too long to just have a curl on top and the biggest problem is that she REFUSES to have a headband on. I figured it was just a matter of time before it happened (due to the overwhelming number of mothers that had came up to me, complimented Ella on her bow and then told me that their daughters had refused to keep them on...*collective sigh*). I had thought about putting a little "spout" pony in her hair...but let's just say that her cheeks are a little too healthy for that look to work right now. So, I decided to put a little gel in her hair and curl it all over. I had forgotten how curly her hair can get with a little help. It has seemed to work and I think has turned out pretty darn cute. The only problem is that I have a drawer full of ginormous bows that she isn't wearing (and won't work with this look). Sooo, drum roll please...I get to buy even more bows. To say that I like to do this is an understatement...I l.o.v.e. buying bows. So, I headed down to the boutique in town and was able to start the purchasing of small bows (not too small, after all I AM a Holyoak ;) It has been fun watching my sweet baby turn into a nearly toddler.

Isn't she a cutie-patootie?

Showing all sides of her "new do"

Now for the next big event, Phillip and I decided to upgrade Ella's ride. My little baby has put on some weight since she was born...that's a good thing...but she has become quite the load to pack around in her carrier. About this time for each of my kids we transitioned them into the bigger car seat. My boys were pretty hard on the seat that they both had, so we chucked it when Grey outgrew it. So, we were planned on purchasing a car seat when Ella needed one . They've changed the pattern since we bought Cooper's...and as the color sensitive girl that
I am--I was pretty excited (it looks great with Ella coloring). So, mostly for my sis' benefit, I took some pics of my little girl sittin' pretty.

Spicy!

I thought that I would take a quick break from the "travel logs" and post something a little fun and different. I'm not quite sure that I agree with everything that it says (mild temperament...have they met me?!) but I thought it was fun nonetheless. There is a link to do the quiz, if you want to...I would love to see how spicy you are.

You Are Basil

You are quite popular and loved by post people.
You have a mild temperament, but your style is definitely distinctive.
You are sweet, attractive, and you often smell good.

What Spice Are You?

Belated Summer Fun

For some reason Blogger isn't allowing me to scoot these swimming lesson pictures down to the bottom of the post...grrrr. I'll have to edit it later... So, when you are reading this these pictures should have been last.

Greyson playing in the pool on the last day of lessons

Cooper in the deep end after he got to go down the super-fun slide

My cutie-patootie Grey

Cooper after he had jumped off the diving board

Cooper swimming underwater

"Look Mom, no life jacket!" (wahoo!)

Greyson getting ready to go down the slide

As I mentioned in the previous post- I have a lot of catching-up to do. So, I am diving in head-first.

My kids had been asking us nearly all summer to go bowling. So, after a long month of Phillip going to Tulsa M-Th 'til around 9 p.m. we decided to treat our family to an afternoon of bowling. The boys were estatic. We all had a great time and as an added bonus Ella slept through about half of it and so I had my hands free. The boys did really well...you 'gotta love bumpers. I, on the other hand, did not do so well. I decided that you really do have to practice! I finally figured some things out-like I have to roll the ball a little more to the right or else I would gutter the ball. Overall, it was a lot of fun and a nice, air conditioned break.Cutie-Coop with his toothless grinGreyson looking very excited

Greyson's own way to roll the ball down the lane

Cooper getting ready to bowlElla taking a much-needed rest

Now, the next part is a very tardy post on the boys' swim lessons. This year I did something a bit different, and I was super glad that I did. I enrolled the boys in two swim lesson sessions back-to-back. They did really well in the first session and learned even that much more in the second. I was really pleased to see how much they progressed. Greyson got to Level One and Cooper progressed to Level Two. Cooper ended up swimming like a fish and Greyson was learning to swim a bit on his own. Both of the boys had the same teacher for Level One and she was great. It was nice to have a teacher that was competant and really cared. The boys looked forward to their lessons everyday and got a cute little tan out of the whole deal, too. I, on the other hand nearly melted. With temps over 100 degrees and the heat index higher, I have never wished that I could be in a pool more. Overall, it was fun to see the boys swim and progress...even through my sweat.

I've Got You Babe

I'm a bit of a blogger-looser lately. I am extremly behind on my posting, so...I'm trying to catch up bit by bit. So...here goes.

Phillip and I celebrated our eighth anniversary on August 4th. I wanted to let him know that I love him deeper today than I ever dreamed possible eight years ago. I knew I would love him more...I just didn't realize how. He is a wonderful man that supports me in everything that I do. He is an exceptional father. He has the kindest heart that I have ever seen. I was such a lucky girl to find him. He has the foundation to hold my family steady and I am eternally grateful for that. Phillip is a hard worker and is very family conscientous. I found my other half and I couldn't be luckier. Here's to eight years and so many, many more. I love you, Babe.

Me and Phillip in Branson. (this picture is at a bad angle...phillip's chin is not that big and he isn't that bald...he wanted me to add that...and it's true!)

Growing, Learning and Living

Today I sent my babies...or rather my big boys, off to school. I am so very proud of both of them. Cooper, who can be a bit anxious about new situations, was such a pro. He tried to help Grey feel at ease and was such a wonderful big brother. Greyson was nervous but ended up doing really well. They are such wonderful boys and being away from them for a bit makes me even more grateful to be their mother. There really isn't many things that make my heart swell more than seeing my children waiting with excited eyes to see me after school. I love you boys, and I am so excited for you. Keep on growing, learning and living up to the wonderful princes you are.

Quirks?? Yep, I Got 'Em

I (Stephanie) have been tagged! Here are the rules:
1. Link the person who tagged you...Julie(my super-cute and very trendy aunt, whom I adore)
2. Post these rules.
3. Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours. (yikes!!)
4. Tag 6 fellow bloggers by linking them.

Alrighty, here goes nothun'...or everything in my case.
1. I love vacuum lines in the carpet. I know, I know, I'm a nut. It must have come from growing up in a house where we vacuumed sometimes twice a day. I haven't continued the twice a day vacuuming in my house, a bit of an overwhelming thought, but I still get all warm and fuzzy inside when I see them.

2. I need my children's hair done for my mental health. Okay, that might be an overstatement...but still nearly true. I feel like my life is in a bit more control when we all look presentable. I think they look better, too. I love their hair newly cut and done. Mmmm, makes me smile right now thinking about it.

3. I hate, hate, hate the feeling of wet cotton. Ewww, it makes me shudder. I also hate to wear nylons around the house. As long as I am wearing shoes, I'm okay, but when the shoes come off so do the nylons. I can't stand touching the ceiling of a car while I'm at it. Shudder, shudder.

4. I have a hard time finishing projects. I love starting them, but once I get going I loose intrest. The best project for me can be done in one day or...well, just ask my mother about a wooden scarecrow that has been sitting in her garage for the last two autumns.

5. I have to have the kids' and my bed made before I leave the house. Also, I need the dishes cleared into the sink (at least...into the dishwasher is best). The kitchen counters cleared or at least organized, the kitchen chair cushions put back onto the chairs (they are regularly pushed off), the living room floor picked up, the couch cushions fluffed (not have the sit-on look) and the t.v. armiore closed all before I leave. If I don't, then I hate coming home and facing it. If all of that is done I breathe a lot easier.

6. I have bad-day food. I am listing this not to make my mother feel bad ('cause I know she does about this) but because I think I'm wierd. I have this term "spaghetti in the green pot" and that means bad-day food. You know, when you make something when you don't want to cook, and the family is feeling a bit grumpy (or maybe it was just me and that was my take as a eight year old girl) and you just throw dinner together. That is my definition of "bad-day food". And so, there are just some foods that have that negative conotation. Such as, spaghetti and the sauce all mixed together (they have to be seperate for it to be "good-day" food), Sloppy Joes, and french-cut green beans (ewww). I do need to put a disclamer in here (I love you, Mom and thank you for making us dinner even when your stinky daughter groaned and complained and you probably wanted to do a million other things besides that).
Alright, well that about wraps it up. As I have thought about it, I have about a million others and I am glad that the tag only asked us to list six. If I had continued you may have wondered about my mental health. ;)

I tag: Holly, Melissa, Carrie, LeAnn, Brooke, and Melanie!

Family Home Evening Fun

I have been having quite the "cooped-uped" feeling this month and this past Monday presented a wonderful excuse to get out of the house. Phillip and I decided to get out for FHE. There is this place in Stillwater called White Barn Estates...I think. I didn't know much about it, so we decided to check it out. Come to find out, it has paddle boats, putt-putt, a water-balloon area, inflatable jumpy-things, regular golf and more. It looked like a lot of fun, but a bit much for FHE. We found out that you could pay just to get into the water-balloon area, sand pit, and inflatables for 5 bucks a head. It was worth every penny. I was able to play-play with my kids and I had a blast. We all started out dry and clean and ended up sweaty and wet from the water-balloon fights. It was great. Even little Ella ended up getting wet during the water fighting. She would gasp when the water got her and then she would cheese-it. We all laughed so hard and really connected to eachother on a silly, giggly level. I think it was exactly what we all needed.
Cooper, Phillip and Ella in the water-balloon launch area.

Slip-slidin' down the inflatable obstacle course.

Phillip and Ella all wet after the playing was over.

All wet, tired and so satisfied with our fun.

Memories

Here is a totally different game of tag. A good friend of mine, Holly, had this on her blog and it looks like fun!
1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew us a little or a lot, anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Mack Daddy

My youngest brother, Mack, recently graduated from Stillwater High School and I have been so behind in my posting that I haven't gotten around to posting about it. His graduation was a wonderful accomplishment that we are all so proud of him for. Not only did Mackie (what his family affectionately calls him) earn his High School dipolma but he took a semester(+) at Meridian Tech and recieved certificate in CAD. Way to go, Mackie! He is now working full-time building fence, and what not, and working for Cold Stone Creamery (yummy) on the weekend. He is also preparing to become a full-time missionary for our church. Yay for Mackie...can ya' see I'm just a bit proud of him? ;) I recently took some pictures of Mack, and thought that I would show him off a bit. I just had to say what a cutie-patootie he is! Mackie also is such a wonderful help with my boys. They have so much fun plaing with their "Uncle Mackie". Mackie and my fam will often go to lunch or dinner just to hang-out. What a guy! What 18 yr. old likes to hang out with his older sister?? But he humors me enough to say that he does. :) We have had great talks over dinner or just at my house and I know that we won't be living close for forever so, I have come to cherish that time.

I love you, Mackie!!

You Say Good-Bye and I Say Hello!

Today my baby decided he just wasn't a baby anymore. I've been recently noticing indications of that. Such as, he has decided to use the phrase "that's just a figure of speech, Mom", what?!! Where did he pick that up? And, he doen't fit the same way in my arms as he used to...he's, I guess, just gotten bigger. He's reading and likes to leave messages on the phone...I'm still nervous when I hear somebody's answering machine click on. He will go around and pick up toys and make beds...even when he's not asked and today...he lost his first tooth. Normally a person wouldn't get all misty about a tooth falling out, but it signifies to me that my little boy just isn't little anymore. He's going to go to 1st grade...I remember 1st grade. How can my little boy be going to 1st grade when I remember going like it was yesterday? So, today we say good-bye. Good-bye to a little piece of my baby and hello to a bigger and just as wonderful Cooper.
We are also saying hello to little teethies in my little Ella's mouth!! She has sprouted two on the bottom and they have fully grown in and she cut one on top and is about to cut the other. This has been fun to watch, as we haven't had a baby in our home for nearly three years. It has been so fun watching her sweet personality develop. We are all very excited to see what she looks like with all four teeth. So, if you look at the picture, you'll be able to see us saying good-bye and hello, hello, hello.

I'm in Love

So. I'm in love. Yes, yes, you all say, you're in love with Phillip. Yep, you're right, I am...but that's not what I am referring to. I'm in love with a bag...a diaper bag to be exact. Wait!! Not just any diaper bag...the best diaper bag...ever! I've fallen in love with Ju Ju Be diaper bags. You can check 'em out and fall in love, too. The features are super cool, if I must say. I've been flirting with this bag. Don't ya love a good, ol' fashioned crush?

My Little Mugs

Phillip pointed out that I hadn't posted pictures of my little ones lately. I have to admit, I hate posting pictures. I only have a little bit of time to myself everyday and when I finally get around to my blog, posting pictures takes me forever. I don't know why, it just does. But, I recently took my kids to the OSU Botanical Gardens to take a few pictures of them for Father's Day and to update their pictures have on my wall in an arrangement. Now, I love taking their pictures, I really do, but after this time I swore I would NEVER do it again. It was a nightmare. Cooper has come to the age where he can't figure out how to smile on cue. After me nearly pulling out my hair over is half-crooked, not really smiles, he told me that he lost his smile. I felt horrible. I explained that he didn't loose his beautiful smile (he has one of the best that I have ever seen), that it's still there, he was just trying too hard. He did eventually figure it out (horray!). Now Greyson, as opposed to Coop, didn't really care all that much. He did give it an effort...kinda...but then when he didn't care, he just didn't try. Then there was Ella. I took my kids in the evening, when there was shade. A great idea, if it isn't bedtime. Ella loudly let me know she hates grass and would much rather play with the blanket I put her on then look up and smile on cue (go figure). I looked like a three-ringed-circus out there trying to get all three of my children to actually look at me and smile all at once. A HUGE feat, I have decided. I have gone to the Botanical Garden nearly every year since Cooper was 18 mos. old and I have always walked away with some beautiful pictures. This year wasn't an exception, but I was beat and I really don't know if I can do it again. We'll see, I may have to come up with another gameplan. Well, here you go...the good, the bad and the ugly...there was quite a few more...but I thought I would spare you. ;)

Can I say, pull my hair out??!!

Ditto!!

My sweet sister made her way (bravely by herself and her three boys) back to Alabama. Sad for me and my family, but a happy thing for her and her hubby. To be away from my husband for a month would be so difficult!! So....thank you Kit, I loved spending time with your family!!
I decided that Lib leaving is still too sad to post, but I had to say that we had a great time. We went to the Zoo, Leonardo's Discovery, Mack graduated, Grey had his 4th birthday (another post I have to catch up on!), the Cushing pool (love it!!), and just had a blast being together. It is so much to write, and so I decided that I would just say, DITTO!! My sis posted about it and so I thought that I would refer you to her post to get a little bit more detail. I had a great time and it was so sad to see one of my very bestest friends leave. I was talking to Lib the day after she got home and I said, it's not fair that I always have to say good-bye to one of my very best friends. Best friends are supposed to share life together, and I guess we do, mostly, just over the phone. :) Anyway, I love you Lib!
On a different note, I thought that I would share what my family and I did this morning. A soldier from Stillwater died recently and his funeral was today. He was 41 and left his wife and two sons. The community asked our church to help hold American flags while the procession drove to the cemetary. As far I understand it, the First Ward held flags at the funeral home and my ward was responsible for the flags at the cemetary. Phillip and I decided that it would be a good thing for us to do, and to help Cooper and Greyson understand what a high price that some people pay for our freedom. We went to the cemetary and Phillip and I each got a flag and later Cooper decided that he also wanted to hold his own flag. We let him, and for the most part, did a fantastic job. It really made an impact on me when I saw the procession drive by and the casket covered with the American flag. I am truly proud to be an American, I know it sounds cliche, but I really am. I am grateful that I live in a country that allows me all of the freedoms and luxeries that I enjoy. I am especially grateful for the men and women that fight for that freedom and the very high price that they and their families pay. So, especially in light of today's events, thank you to anyone that helps me and my family live the life that I get to enjoy, thank you.