The kids and I just returned from a trip to Oklahoma to visit my brother and sister in law. Another chance for us to make memories and take the trip we have wanted to take for a while -- but the season just hadn't been right. Life is full of ups and downs. But when the opportunity arises, I hope you take the trip, too. The following originally ran … [Read more...]
Archives for March 2019
How are you, really?
We sat down for lunch. She looked at me and said, "So, how are you? And don't say 'fine,' because we both know that isn't true." Goodness. She knows me. I have been beyond blessed with friends who have been by my side through the past several years. Of making no-win decisions regarding my dad's healthcare. Of working to raise three kids … [Read more...]
The heifer at the window: connecting a grandson and the terminally ill grandpa he loved
My dad passed away in November, after a long, hard-fought battle with multiple sclerosis. Throughout it all, he maintained a strong relationship with his grandchildren. This story originally ran in the September issue of Hereford World. We had been planning it for weeks. And boy, was it a great plan. My dad – who has spent his … [Read more...]
Refuge in the storm
I used to be much more fearless. For several years, I lived in the heart of tornado alley -- Oklahoma. When I was a senior at Oklahoma State, my mom may have tracked me down at the Wormy Dog Saloon, calling the bartender to let me know to find shelter. (Yes, it was 1999. Cell phones weren't an extension of our hands, as they are … [Read more...]
The house that built me
It’s the front porch where we would sit and watch neighbors pass; where friends would stop by and visit; where we would share the news of great grandbabies to be born and share tears of worry for loved ones. It’s the old farmhouse kitchen sink, where my toddler self would once fit to have my hair washed by my grandma, while I studied the hanging … [Read more...]
Be the Jesus
Who knew I would see Jesus at the H&R Block office? There I was -- about five years ago in my living room, surrounded by piles upon piles of papers and receipts and scribbles on pieces of paper. From that, a tax return must somehow be born. And I had no. clue. where to begin. Anyone who has known me for, oh, 32 seconds knows … [Read more...]
Yes, women are strong. We all can be.
Maybe it's because I was raised on a farm, by a hard-working dad and an equally hard-working mom. My mom, as a child? When given the choice of helping her mom cook or her dad farm? She always chose the farming. She could drive a tractor. She loves to get her hands dirty. Give her a burn pile, and she's happy for hours. She seems something … [Read more...]
This one’s for you, dad
My dad passed away just shy of four months ago, after a long, hard-fought battle with multiple sclerosis. He was 67. He was known for his dry sense of humor and his knowledge of the cattle industry. This tribute was originally published in the January 2019 issue of Hereford World magazine. He chose show day of the North … [Read more...]
Be scared. Do it anyway.
I'm a mom of three. A wife of one. A photographer. A writer. A Jesus lover. A wanna-be runner. And I've been playing with the idea of a blog for a long, long time. What if no one cares what I have to say? What if my words aren't taken as they're meant? What if I'm a big-ol' failure? Well, so be it. I'll never know if I don't try. I'll share … [Read more...]