The Spohrer Family

Down 6 LBS!!

2011-12-12T10:35:00.001-08:00

So, I weighed in this morning. I have lost 6 lbs since I started my healthier eating plan 2 Mondays ago. I haven't been perfect. I had a couple days where I didn't do so well but I am happy that the days that I have done well are paying off. I have also been on my monthly cycle and we all know how we retain water during this time. So maybe next week when I weigh in I'll see more progress. I'm hoping that once the holidays are over and I don't have to be at the store 24/7 I can start exercising again. At least walking. I need to get my girls and play Just Dance on the Wii with them. Great work out and lots of fun too. Wish me luck this week. Hoping for the scale to continue to go down!

It's time to get healthy-

2011-11-30T10:58:00.000-08:00

OK, NO MORE procrastinating!!!! I'm am so sick and tired of being overweight!!! I have decided that its time I put myself as a priority and get healthy. I have let myself go down a path I cannot do anymore. I have been stalking my friend Amy's- Land of Fluff- blog and I cannot believe how couragous she has been blogging about her weight loss journey. She has lost 60 lbs over the last year. She gives me hope that I can do it too. And with this out there for everyone to see maybe it will be an extra incentive to keep it up.

So, on Monday 11/28 I weighed and made a promise to myself that from here on out I will lose weight and start exercising again. UGH! Here goes, my starting weight was 218lbs. It is not my highest but not too far from it. My plan is to journal about my journey and I hope that just like Amy I have success. I have a goal of 160lbs for now. Once I reach that point I will know if I want to set a lower goal weight for myself or not. It's more about looking good and feeling better so a number on the scale isn't necessarily my main concern. 160 is the high end for my height and age.

If anyone hase any encouraging words, recipes anything in general that might be of help to me- I welcome them!!!

2011-11-26T08:38:00.000-08:00

This year in review.....

Santa brought....a Family Ski Trip to Taos, New Mexico for Christmas. We left the day after Christmas for skiing with my entire family. My parents, both my brothers and their families and us. We had a great time. Stayed in a huge house. Cousins loved having a slumber party every night! It was all of their first time skiing and they had a blast.

In February, Girls Trip- Santa Monica, California. With our 20 year reunion coming up this summer we planned a little girl time getaway. I grew up with these 3 beautiful ladies- Kristin, Julie and Brandi. They know all my secrets and I would trust them with my life. BFF's FOREVER!

2011 Rodeo Drive- Beverly Hills, CA

20 years ago.....

TEAM HOPE.... This spring we celebrated Hope's 4th "HAPPY HEART DAY" May 16th!!!! (Happy Heart Day= the day she had open heart surgery) We participated and raised money for the American Heart Association's Heart Walk again in Tulsa and OKC in April. Hope is the strongest little girl I know and she amazes me every day. I cannot wait to see all that she will accomplish in her life!

20 year High School Reunion this summer.... ugh! Where has the time gone? Got to see so many friends that I hadn't seen in years. Had so much fun. And of course our "Table of four" me and my besties!

Celebrated our 9th Birthday this year!!! The Tulip Tree-Norman, 24th Ave, Norman OK.

The Tulip Tree-Tulsa....Opened a new location in Plaza Del Sol Shopping Center, 101st and Mingo Tulsa OK in July!! So excited to see how this new venture turns out- Hoping for success!!!!

12 Years of Wedded Bliss! I married the most wonderful, loving, funny man on August 28, 1999. Couldn't imagine my life with anyone else by my side! LOVE YOU SCOTT!!!

Most of our spring and summer was spent playing, watching, living SOFTBALL! I helped coach Hadley's team, The Heart Breakers! She had a great spring and summer season. She started pitching during summer ball. Proud of her, she has a lot of talent if we can keep her focused. LOL!

Hannah also has come around so much this year with her team, The Hot Shots. She makes me super proud! She has improved so much this year. Playing against 12 and 13 year olds and she was only 9 years old. WOW!

Finally made it to Disney World!! Took the girls for a week in Disney the end of September. We had been planning it for a couple years waiting for everyone to get old enough. We went all out and did everything we could. The girls had a blast. Went to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Blizzard Beach and Hollywood Disney. I hope the memories we made will last my girls a lifetime!

This October makes 6 years remission! Blessed to be here still, living my life!

And yes, I'm still a super huge Twilight fan. My obsession has yet to wane... LOL! Have to post a pic of "Edward" in honor of the Breaking Dawn Part I premier!! The movie was so good and now I have to wait a whole year to see Part II.... Dear Summit, can you please just send me out a copy of the next one. I promise I won't leak it to everyone else. I just need to see the rest!!! NOW!!! LOL!

Very long time no see!

2011-11-26T08:00:00.001-08:00

OK, thinking I'm ready to try and get back to blogging. I've been a very busy girl the last year or two and now I want to start sharing again! Now let's see.... my girls are now 10, 8 and 5. They are blossoming into little ladies! I cannot believe how quickly they have grown. My store, The Tulip Tree, which I co-own with my momma is doing great! We just opened a new location in Tulsa, OK in July. Our original store is in Norman, OK. BOOMER SOONER!!! The land of OU! BTW, If you've never shopped them stop in sometime soon. We have super cute stuff! Hmmm... what else? I think other than school and softball thats about what my busy schedule has been about. I will post some random pics from the last year. Happy to be back on here and will try to be good and update often! :)

Hope is turning 2.... at OneTrueMedia.com

2010-11-22T09:36:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday Hope Abigail!!!! We love you and can't believe you are 4 years old today!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Edward's Eclipse

2010-07-08T11:34:00.000-07:00

This is why I love Edward Cullen!!! ***SWOON***

TEAM EDWARD!

2010-06-29T06:34:00.001-07:00

The long wait is over I will see my man up on the big screen tonight.... feels like its been a long time coming! I will have the pleasure of enjoying the Eclipse Midnight showing this evening!!! TEAM EDWARD!

Happy Memorial Weekend!!

2010-05-30T10:09:00.000-07:00

I would like to wish a very Happy Anniversary to my parents. Today marks 40 years of blissful marriage! Ha - not always but through many years of ups and downs they have done what most these days do not. They have stayed together and loved each all along the way. 3 children, 9 grandchildren and 1 beloved pooch later.....40 years! Love you Mom and Dad! Best Wishes on this Big day and to many, many more!

Gosh, they look soooo young in these pictures!

I must also give a shout out to my oldest nephew Christian Isaac! He graduated from High School Friday night. I cannot believe he is getting ready to embark on the next big stage in his life... COLLEGE! He has turned from this precious little boy into this handsome thoughtful young man. I cannot wait to see what big things he has in store. Congratulations dear Nephew!

Lastly, Happy Memorial Weekend everyone. Hope you have a fabulously fun holiday. Don't forget to pay tribute to all our service men and women who have fought for our freedom.

Heartbroken

2010-05-20T09:48:00.001-07:00

My precious pooch passed away this morning. My heart is absolutely broken. She has brought me so much love and joy these past 15 years. Although I am so sad that she will not be around anymore, I know she is in a better place and will suffer no longer. I will miss her dearly..........

RIP
Baylee Noel
November 9, 1995 - May 20, 2010

I love you Baylee-girl!

Hope's HAPPY HEART DAY! May 17th

2010-05-18T12:13:00.001-07:00

3 years ago (May 17th, 2007) Scott and I handed off our precious 5 month old baby girl to the cardiology team at Childrens Hospital at OU Medical Center in OKC. It nearly broke my heart handing her to strangers while she cried and held out her arms for me. I will never forget the feeling of complete helplessness, the understanding that possibly she might not make it through this surgery. We were surrounded with the love and support of our families while in the waiting room. The wait was for updates came very slowly. Around 9 that evening we got the phone call that they were closing her up and everything looked good so far, but the next 24 hours were critical. About an hour later Hope's surgeon Dr. Peter came into the waiting room to let us know everything went well and she looked good. Her bypass machine had malfunctioned but luckily not at a critical point during the surgery. Finally sometime after midnight she was moved to the PICU and we were able to see her. The image I saw will be forever burned in my memory. She looked like a pale lifeless doll. I stayed in the room with her until she woke up the next morning from the anesthesia around 8 am. She was extrememly fussy at first but once the groggyness seemed to wear off she recognized me and seemed excited to see me and her daddy. We spent 7 days in the PICU because of a few minor setbacks. By the end of our stay Hope was her happy active little self. It was unbelievable to me that after a major open heart surgery, (other than the healing wounds) 7 days later it was as if nothing had ever happened to her.

Hope is an amazing little girl. Her strength, tenacity, and love of life astound me everyday. She is truly my hero and I cannot imagine life without her in it! HAPPY HEART DAY HOPE!!!

Happy Mother's Day, 3rd Grade Spelling Bee & LLA Spring Program

2010-05-09T18:56:00.001-07:00

One more crazy week down. 2 weeks left to go before school lets out and things SLOW down! Whew! My Mother's Day was a super awesome day!!! It started with breakfast in bed (Cinnamon/sugar and butter/jelly toast) made by my girls and overseen by daddy. I know, not the breakfast of champions but at ages 3, 7 and 8 what else could you expect??? We lounged around for a couple hours, snuggled and got lots of hugs and kisses. Gosh, wish everyday was Mother's day!! Finally got around and had lunch at Los Cabos. Did a little car shopping while all the car salesmen were off today. I think we may have actually found something... keep you posted. Momma needs a new ride!! Then we headed to the movie theater and watched Disney's OCEANS. Once we got home Hannah and Hope decided I needed a foot massage. Love my girls and Hubby so much. They made me feel truly special today! Wishing my mom and grandmother Happy Mother's Day! Sorry I wasn't able to spend some of it with you!

Hannah had the honor of participating in the 3rd grade Spelling Bee at school on Friday. So proud of her and her accomplishments this year. She is such a smart girl. She did so well lasting many rounds. Finally she got stumped on the word "NAUGHTY" hmmm.... coincidence?? Kidding!!! So proud of her!

Cannot believe that Hope is about to finish her 2nd year at Lord's Little Army Preschool. She performed in LLA Spring program/Graduation. We have been going here now for 6 years now... Hannah and Hadley started at ages 1 1/2 and 3. What a precious group of ladies that have taught and loved my girls. Thanks to Mrs. Colleen and Mrs. Traci for the love you have shown my precious Hope! Love you all Orange Tigers! Looking forward to becoming a Purple Penguin next year!

Looking forward to getting through next week. We have 3 games scheduled, batting practice, Dance practice/rehearsal/Dance Recital all this week. We can do this! Only 2 more weeks and we can slow down! Happy Mother's day to all of the special mothers out there. Hope your day was as special as mine!

Hadley turns 7!! 4/30/10 at OneTrueMedia.com

2010-04-30T20:40:00.001-07:00

Make an on-line slide

So have to say how proud I am of my little Hadley girl.... After picking her up from school I was looking through her homework. I find an envelope made out to the parents of Hadley Spohrer. I open it to find her test scores for B.A. Gifted Student Education Program. OMG, She tested highest in the range of percentile ranks (96 and above). That means only 96% of the kids tested for this program score this high. I am just absolutely beaming with pride right now. I knew she was super smart but to get this kind of confirmation- WOW!! **Tears of pride rolling down my cheeks**

On another note, Hannah was one of the students picked to represent 3rd grade at her school in the spelling bee!! I cannot wipe this goofy grin off my face. I am SO PROUD of my girls!!!!!

Happy Birthday Hadley! We love you sooooo much! at www.OneTrueMedia.com

MUST show off my little pretties!!

2010-04-29T12:17:00.000-07:00

Got the girls all dolled up for dance recital pictures. Hair, make-up, dress-up X 3 girls = worn out mamma!!!! Scott flew in from a business trip right after I got everybody ready and to the dance studio- talk about good timing! Must be nice to show up once all the hard work is already done.;) All kidding aside it makes it worth all my troubles to see them dance their little hearts out across the stage in May every year. I'm trying to enjoy this, Hannah and Hadley do not want to dance next year... looks like this is the last year to see them do it. Hannah's been dancing for 6 years, Hadley 4 and I guess they are ready to move on. At least I have Hope to continue to watch for the next few years.

My Little Orange Flower

Growing out of her pot...

Hip-Hop... not a fan out the outfits!

Haddie-BUG

Hannah

Softball, softball, softball......

2010-04-25T18:49:00.000-07:00

Crazy week and weekend. Seems like we have had ball games every night for the past few weeks. Have to say how proud I am of both my big girls. They are coming along. They are batting so much better and seems that it is finally starting to click. Their skills are much improved and I think I can see them starting to love the game. I was so hoping they would love to play as much as I did growing up- Gosh I miss it!

Hannah's team pulled out an awesome win on Tuesday night. They played one of the best teams in the league and won. What an exciting game to watch! Hannah hit like a champ- so proud of her. We had played this team (The Twisters) a couple weeks ago and they killed us like 15-2. Our girls played their best performance of the season and won 12-11. What a game! Hope to see them continue their streak.

Hadley's team is doing great too. Have only lost 2 of their regular season games. We played in a tournament this weekend and unfortunately finished 4th. They hit really well the entire tournament but their fielding wasn't quite good enough to hang. We played 4 games yesterday, winning 3 out of the 4. Went back to play today and it just wasn't meant to be. We lost in the last inning by 1 run. Still so proud of them.

Crazy week coming up again this week. Between Hannah and Hadley we have games Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Ugh, and Scott will be out of town on business Monday-Wednesday. I'm hoping to keep my cool. We also have dance recital pictures scheduled for Wednesday. OMG, if I make it through the week it will be a miracle! Wish me luck..... Oh yeah, and I have my PET scan tomorrow. Wayyyyyy to much on my plate- praying for my sanity!

What a difference 5 years makes....

2010-04-23T09:04:00.000-07:00

My brother Zack, me and my dad. I shaved my head the day this picture was taken. They shaved theirs too to show their support. I love them!!! (My younger brother, Patrick, shaved his too but is not in this picture)

5 years ago at this time I was battling cancer. I was diagnosed just before my 32nd birthday. Talk about being thrown for a loop. I never dreamed I would get cancer. As we all know, cancer doesn't care who you are, what color, what race, what age. It can strike any of us at any time. I was lucky. Mine was found early enough (Stage II) that with chemo and radiation I was able to beat it. My family and friends were truely amazing during my treatment. I couldn't have gotten through it with out their help.

I am participating in my home town's Relay For Life this year again. Would love for anyone interested to join us there or if you would like to show your support with a donation that would be great too. Click here to join Laura's Angels or make a donation.

Weekend in OKC

2010-04-19T07:17:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the weather, our weekend didn't go quite as planned. Nevertheless, we made the best of it! Saturday morning we participated in the OKC Heart walk. Surprisingly several of our friends still showed up to walk with us. To all of you who braved the yucky weather.... YOU ROCK! We love you all!!

It's all about HOPE! Our little survivor!

Our awesome family and friends who came out

Survivor Breakfast

Warming up!

Playing in the rain....

Our new friends Drama Queen and Diva

Our family and Gaga (my mom)

Sunday... hanging out in Bricktown

OKC Bombing Memorial

We took the girls to the OKC Bombing Memorial and Museum. Today marks the 15 year anniversary. We had never taken the girls to see this and since we were in OKC we thought it would be a good thing for them to experience. It has been several years since I had been and it was so beautiful and peaceful. It was my first time through the museum and to see it was quite sobering.

We had a great weekend away. Enjoyed time with our friends and family. Celebrating the life of our precious daughter Hope. Honoring her and all the other heart survivors as well as remembering those we have lost. And for all of the families affected by the OKC Bombing, we remember.......

OKC Bound

2010-04-15T20:07:00.000-07:00

We leave for OKC tomorrow. Heading down for the OKC Heart Walk in Bricktown for the 3rd year now. The girls are super excited to see family and friends and meet a few new ones this year too. We plan to stay the weekend and "play" a little while we are down too (Movies, riverwalk, shopping, bombing memorial, etc.). There is rain in the forecast and we are hoping it holds off. Wish we could have another beautiful weekend like last week to enjoy our weekend away. Heart Walk starts at 8am Saturday morning if anyone wants to join us! Would love to see you there!

2010 Tulsa Heart Walk!

2010-04-10T16:38:00.000-07:00

This morning we participated in the Tulsa Heart walk. We enjoyed the most beautiful day to honor our daughter Hope along with all the other families affected by heart disease. We had a few friends join us and the girls all had so much fun. Face painting, a jupiter jump, obstacle courses, snacking, etc..... We even ran into a few of our fellow heart families. We miss them all so much! On to Oklahoma City next weekend for the OKC Heart Walk. We are so excited! This will be out 3rd year to participate. We have many friends and family joining us coming up on Saturday. We welcome anyone interested to come on up and walk with us!

My little Heart Hero!

The Spohrer girls and friends Katlyn and Kayla

Hannah, Hope & Hadley

Our Family

Little Miss Sassy

Easter 2010

2010-04-04T18:52:00.001-07:00

What a beautiful Easter Sunday we enjoyed today. The girls looked so cute in the Easter dresses. I cannot believe how much they have grown up since last year. We made the long trek down to my grandparents house in Wewoka. As usual we enjoyed Grandma's all out lunch- sooooo good! I think I gained like 5 lbs today! UGH- I will pay for it this week at the gym. Why does everything that taste so good have to be fattening?? So UNFAIR!

Why can't they all just look at the camera and smile for like 5 secs without making a face ???? Is it too much to ask? LOL!

My dad (Papa) crazy about his girls!!! Mom (Gaga) skipped Easter this year to go to the Final Four OU Women's BB game in San Antonio- we sure missed her.

Hope & Hannah hunting Easter eggs.

Hope & Hadley

Wishing everyone as Happy an Easter as we had!

Chic Galleria's article on Team Hope and AHA!

2010-03-24T11:55:00.000-07:00

Beth Anderson from Chic Galleria posted an article about Team Hope and the American Heart Association's Oklahoma heart walks in OKC and Tulsa. We are so excited to have the opportunity to tell Hope's story and raise awareness to the #1 birth defect in babies. Please check it out and if you would like to donate on behalf of Team Hope we would so appreciate it!

http://chicgalleria.com/2010/03/help-support-team-hope-the-american-heart-association/

TEAM HOPE FUNDRAISER!

2010-03-22T10:01:00.000-07:00

Team Hope t-shirts for sale! They are 3/4 baseball style shirts available in youth and adult sizes. $16 each and $4 from each sale goes to American Heart Association on behalf of Team Hope. Please order your shirt today to help raise awareness to Congenital Heart Defects.

To make a donation in honor of Hope please check out her donation page at:
http://heartwalk.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=315631&lis=0&kntae315631=914B9E038D5D4FA2A3C292F508604F4C&supId=197685490

I've been gone so long....

2010-03-22T08:09:00.001-07:00

I have been sooooo MIA. Life has just been so crazy with the girls, their school, soccer, softball, dance, the store, and on, and on and on.................... Well so I'm going to try and get back to updating our family status again. I was hoping things would slow down but I'm not sure that will ever happen! My plan is to just try and update once a week and not let so much time go by between updates.

So first off I would like to show off my most recent pics of the girls. These were taken in November but the most recent I have..... My plan is to just try and update once a week and not let so much time go by between updates.

My beautiful girls!

Hannah

Hadley

Hope

2009-12-09T14:59:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

2009-12-09T14:27:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Dance Fever

2009-12-08T19:35:00.000-08:00

SO I came home Sunday afternoon from grocery shopping at Walmart to find this..... Hope said, "I candycane dancer momma! Look at me.... LOOK AT ME MOMMA- WATCH ME MOMMA!!!" With Hannah's help they had gone through her drawers and closet to get her all dressed up. Lord do we have a little diva on our hands. (Sorry- the video is sideways but I couldn't figure out how to flip it- will have to work on that and get it fixed.)

The girl likes to shake her bootie... And look who is teaching her everything she knows?? UGH! We are in serious trouble!

Heart Walk 2009 at OneTrueMedia.com

2009-12-04T12:18:00.001-08:00

Team Hope is gearing up for the OKC Heart Walk. It's set for April 17, 2010. If you would like to join our team or make a donation please contact me.

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

We Give Thanks!

2009-12-03T20:57:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving post comes a little late.... We are so blessed with this life we live. Great Family and great friends!! The blessings that God has bestowed on our family are endless. To my husband and girls- you are my life and I am so thankful everyday that God chose you all for me! I am a lucky wife and mother!

We went to my grandparents house Thanksgiving Day and had Grandma's famous lunch- BEST FOOD EVER!! The girls enjoyed getting to play outside with all the cousins. We missed seeing you Christian, Kyan, Kagan and Gracie! I tried and tried to get all the kids together for a photo and as you can see it never happened. We had a great time catching up with everyone and most of all seeing my grandma and grandpa! -- We don't see them near enough. Hope everyone else had as special a day as we did!

Thankful for Great-Gaga Campbell!

Thankful for wishes.... even if she didn't get the bigger end of the wishbone! (Hadley and cousin Jack)

Thankful for this little miracle, spitfire baby girl!

Thankful for the love of sisters! Hannah, Hadley & cousin Ryan

My Montage 11/22/09 at OneTrueMedia.com

2009-11-22T18:14:00.001-08:00

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Halloween/Pumpkin Run

2009-11-21T17:53:00.000-08:00

Every year Leisure Park does a Pumpkin Run. All the students who wish to participate run a 1 mile course around the neighborhood surrounding the school. The girls have done it every year and have a lot of fun doing it. Last year I missed going and Hadley won first place. So this year I was determined to be there and she won again. Hannah doesn't really care about doing it to win but just for fun. Scott ran with Hadley too and he said he tried to stay with her but she left him in the dust. His words..."that girl is fast!!" We finished the day trick or treating for Halloween. The girls love dressing up.

Daddy & Hadley before the run

Hannah and her friend Rileah

Hope enjoying herself on the playground...

Hadley won first place girl for her grade!!

First Grade Winners.... 1st Place girl and boy- Hadley & Jake

Trick-Or-Treat

Little Red Riding Hood

Wicked Witch

Kitty-Kitty

Wildcats Soccer

2009-11-21T17:39:00.000-08:00

Hadley just finished up her fall soccer season. She is really turning into a little sporty spice. She is super competitive, and wants to win at everything. Scott coached her team and I think he has really enjoyed being with all the girls.

Holiday Dance Recital

2009-11-21T16:16:00.000-08:00

The girls had a little holiday recital at the Jenks Riverwalk last night. They all looked so cute. It has really been fun watching Hope dance this year too. She loves it! She has been waiting patiently these last few years watching her big sisters and wanting to be out there so bad. Her first recital and she did so good. Makes a mommy and daddy very proud. Hannah and Hadley are getting so good too. We were on the side of the stage so I didn't get any pics of them dancing, just a few of them watching the others classes.

NEW MOON!!!!

2009-11-18T20:23:00.001-08:00

It's Time! It's Time! Finally all this waiting is coming to an end. Tomorrow after picking up the girls from school I will be driving down to Norman to meet my bestie Julie for dinner/drinks. Shortly after we will be heading to the Warren Theater to watch NEW MOON! Hello People?? Do you know how long I've been waiting for this? I am freaking out.... totally freaking!!! ANd, yes, to answer your question I am a little old to be acting like a teenager but all I can say is read the series and you will probably being acting as silly as I am. I <3 EDWARD!!

**SWOON** Hello!!! Is this not one of the sexiest guys you've ever seen?

Happy Birthday Baylee Noel!

2009-11-09T08:29:00.000-08:00

Today my little Baylee-Girl is 14!!! Mom and dad got her for me for Christmas in 1995 when I was in college at Southeastern. She is my oldest baby! I love you Baylee-Girl!

Obsessed

2009-11-05T21:22:00.000-08:00

OK, so here is the real reason I have been MIA. I have a couple new obsessions. OK- so first off, I will blame my friend/hairstylist/workout buddy Shana for both of these newly acquired obsessions. So I'm sure you have all heard of the Twilight series. Well so had I and had ignored it pretty well thinking it must be a new teenage thing. So Shana starts talking one day about it while I'm getting my hair done. She is going on and on about how good it is and tells me all about it. I'm thinking, yeah, whatever- not for me. Somehow she gets me curious. So I pick up Twilight at Walmart one day. A few days later I read a little bit, then a few days later a little bit more. This goes on for a couple weeks. I really hadn't got into it too much at this point. Then all of a sudden I can't put it down. Literally, I did not put it down until I finished the whole thing. OK, so immediately I call my friend Julie and borrow her Twilight movie. So the movie was a bit "B". But still I loved it!! I was at Walmart the next morning buying my own movie, which I must say I have now watched about 15 times- I know so bad! I also bought the next 3 books in the series. And read each one in about 24 hours. I am now an official Twilight crazed Mom. I know, I know its really a little ridiculous to be married with kids and in love with a fictional vampire. I can't help it I am! So I have been reading/watching anything Twilight/Rob Pattison! This is seriously a sickness. I cannot get enough! LOL! SO for all of you Twilight/RPatz lovers hope you enjoy this.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndTVITKnbV8

My other new found addiction is working out. Who-would-a-thunk-it?? LOL! I have been talking about trying to lose weight for like- EVER and my friend Shana again to the rescue. She invited me to her gym to do some classes with her, which at first I HATED! Well, I decided to join and now I love it! I have lost about 25lbs since I started (still have so much more to go), but its a start. Spin is my FAV!!! Scott has also joined and I think its been great for both of us. SO hopefully all this work is eventually going to pay off and I will be one Hot Mama!

All addictions aside, I am going to try and stay here in Broken Arrow instead of Forks with Edward and document our lives. Don't expect me not to share all my enthusiam about my beloved Edward/RPatz and the Twilight saga though..... Ha!

My break is over!

2009-11-04T21:20:00.000-08:00

I've been gone for a while now, but am ready to get back to my little blog. I have much to catch up on and over the next few weeks hope to fill in all that I have not posted over the last few months..... along with tons of pictures. Feels good to get back to it. See you all very soon!

We've been busy- Let's catch up

2009-06-10T20:30:00.000-07:00

The girls just had their TAP/BALLET/HIP-HOP recital. All the rushing around getting them to class and spending a small fortune paid off. It's all worth it in the end when you see them in their performances. They each had 3 different dances and they both did so great. Scott and I were proud parents. I only got pics of them in 2 of their outfits. I will post more once I get their dance pics back.

SISTERS

Here kitty-kitty!

Miss Sassy!

My very own Hannah Montana's... aren't they cute! (their hip-hop outfit)

T-Ball and softball finally rapped up. The girls both had a great year. It was so exciting to see them playing ball. It is my absolute favorite past time growing up so I have always hoped my girls would play it too. Hadley did so good this year. She played 2nd base. Scott and I worried that she wouldn't find interest, but she surprised us. She is very competitive! Hmmmm.... wonder were she got that???

Hannah also played very well this year. She played mostly in the out field. She stopped lots of balls from going way out and holding girls on base. Her hitting has come a long way too. By the end of the season she was getting good solid hits. She got several doubles. Can't wait to see her hit her first home run. Hopefully next year.

We are so proud of both of them!

My lil' BALLERS!

Blue Lightning!

Hannah holding her trophy and 2nd place award for fastest base runner

WILDCATS!

Hadley running off with her trophy

Timed base running.... Hannah won 2nd place for her age group!

We took the girls to Sam Noble Museum on OU's campus in Norman. Hannah's class had been studying dinosaurs so we thought it would be cool to take the girls to see the real deal. They were amazed at how big some of the dinosaurs really were. I think they had a really good time.

My Girls!

SOOOO STRONGGGGGGG!

Hope & Hannah

Hadley playing palientologist

We finally got to see the long awaited Lion King. Gaga & Papa bought all of us and all the grandkids tickets to see LION KING as part of our Christmas gifts this year. We spent the day in OKC and saw the show at the Civic Center. We had a great time. The kids loved it! They loved it so much they asked if we could go see it again. Maybe one day they will come back around.

Hannah and Haldey showing off their Nala dolls.

Gaga with all the grandkids (except Hope- she wasn't old enough to sit through it)
Kagan, Hadley, Gracie, Hannah, Gaga, Kyan, Ryan and Jack

The girls with their LION KING tickets.

I am a Loser too

2009-05-18T20:20:00.000-07:00

A great friend of mine from college has started a website about his journey to losing weight. I frequent his wife's blog (www.mowineplease.blogspot.com) and thats where I first heard about it. He has inspired me to join him. I have completely let go of myself too in the weight department and I cannot stand it anymore. I am putting it all out there and am not hiding behind it anymore. My hope is that by writing about it where everyone can see it will help me to work harder to achieve and lose the weight. Come visit and leave comments on ways to help motivate me, offer advice, or just tell it like it is. I am accountable not only to myself but all who visit this site. If you are like me maybe this will inspire you.

http://www.kennyisaloser.com

click on allies to see my page

HAPPY HEART DAY!

2009-05-17T20:33:00.001-07:00

Today, it has been 2 years since our little princess Hope had open-heart surgery. We have lots to celebrate today. So much to be thankful for. God has truely blessed us in so many ways but today one of our most precious gifts is healthy and thriving. 2 years ago we handed our sweet little 5 month old baby girl off to the doctors and nurses at Children's Hospital not knowing what was to come for our precious girl. I have always thought of myself as a very strong person but handing her off not knowing if she would come back to us alive brought me to my knees. The absolute hardest thing I have ever done. Scott and I were so scared. From the day that we found out about her condition we knew this day would come, but never had we anticipated the feelings of helplessness we would feel. Just thinking about it now makes my heart ache. After 5 1/2 long hours waiting we finally got the news she was out of surgery and doing well. The first time we got to see her I was terrified. She looked like a little baby doll. No movement and on a ventilator. Slowly she started to move the following day and finally woke up. She suprised us all right off kicking around and moving...crying for me to hold her. The memories are so fresh in my mind. 6 days after her surgery she was released to come home. Everyday since she has continued to get strong and grow so much. We are so thankful for Dr. Peter and the staff for fixing our sweet girls heart. We don't know what the future holds as far as more surgeries, but for now she is healthy and happy and flourishing. Thank you God for our blessing... our HOPE! We love you so much Hope Abigail. Happy <3 Day!

The day of surgery.... Daddy & Mimi

Waiting...... Hope & Gaga

More waiting.... Hope and Mommy

The night following surgery

Finally I can hold my precious girl!

"Why are we here again???"

"Let's blow this joint"

Home at last....

Hadley's Birthday Party

2009-05-04T19:09:00.000-07:00

We had Hadley's 6th birthday party on Friday. It was at Miller's Swim School in Tulsa. The girls all had a great time. We had originally planned it for this next Saturday, but I found out that her t-ball team was to be in a tournament so we had to switch the date at the last minute. A lot of her classmates didn't get the info in time and missed the party. She didn't notice though. They all had a really fun time. We had pizza and a cupcake cake. She got lots of really fun presents from her friends and then they got to swim for quite a while. We gave Hadley her present the day before on her real birthday. She got a Nintendo DS. She loves it... I had to go to Norman to work at the store this weekend and Scott said she played it the whole time I was gone. Looks like we're going to have to limit her play time. I am glad she likes it though. Our girl is growing up. I cannot believe she is 6. Fells like just yesterday she was a little baby. Man, how time flies.

THE BIRTHDAY GIRL!!

Hadley is 6 today!!

2009-04-30T20:56:00.000-07:00

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Blue Lightning/Wildcats

2009-04-26T14:06:00.000-07:00

Hadley playing 2nd base

Hadley at the T with her coach

Hannah playing catcher

Hannah- in the hole

Thought I'd post a few picks of the girls playing softball. They are so cute at this age. Hannah is playing on a 7-Under team. It is coach pitch and she finally got 2 really great hits this week. I was a proud- proud Momma!! She is also doing great in the field. She has been playing catcher and left field mainly. I can see her skills improving every day.

Hadley is also doing great. She is playing t-ball. This girl is all about winning.... she is the one with the competitive spirit. She figured out pretty quickly how to run and tag her base to get the runner out. She runs all over the in field trying to get the ball thats been hit so she can be the one to get the out. She cracks me up!! It is really fun to watch her play. I soooo want one of my girls to love softball the way I used too.

The Tulip Tree.... Open for business

2009-04-23T08:52:00.000-07:00

After 2 very long weekends and the week in between.... we finally got the store ready to open. We re-opened Monday of this week. The store turned out sooo good. I am proud to say that I am a part of this, that my mom and I together made this happen. I hope and pray that things continue on the path that they have been on and sales continue to go up. Some day I will be able to pass this on to my girls if they so choose to be a part of it. Dreams really do come true. I'm sure we have some tough journeys ahead of us but right now I just want to enjoy our accomplishment!! Friends... come on in and spend your money!! For those of you who don't know where the store is located- it's in Norman, OK on the corner of 24th St and Hemphill. Come visit us soon!

Update on Gavin

2009-04-22T13:39:00.000-07:00

Gavin is out of surgery and everything went really well. They will be sending him to PICU in an hour or so. Thanks for all the prayers, but keep them coming. The next 24 hrs are critical. We love you Gavin and hope for a very speedy recovery!!!

Pray For Gavin

2009-04-22T08:17:00.000-07:00

Gavin is one of Hope's little heart friends. He is having his 3rd open heart surgery this morning. Please keep Gavin and his family in your thoughts and prayers today. If you want to know more about Gavin, click on "Gavin's Journey" under my blog list. Thanks for helping out with prayers. They will be needing lots today and the days to follow.

OKC Heart Walk 2009

2009-04-20T09:04:00.000-07:00

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

We had an awesome time at the heart walk in OKC. Many of our family and friends met us to walk in honor of our sweet little girl Hope. We also were walking for all our heart friends that we have met over the past 2 + years. I would like to say "Thanks" to everyone who participated in the walk, donated money to the American Heart Association in Hope's honor and everyone who purchased Hope's heart walk tees. You are all awesome and we soooo appreciate your love and support. Enjoy the montag of photos we took!

Prayers for Haileah

2009-04-08T20:30:00.000-07:00

We met The Hedricks a few months back. They had just had a baby girl, Haileah. She was diagnosed with Tetrology of Fallot shortly after birth just like our daughter Hope. Haileah had open heart surgery today at Childrens in Tulsa. Hope and I took a gift up to her parents this afternoon and they had just taken Haileah back to the OR. The surgery lasted 6 plus hours... a little longer than expected due to some closing complications. At this time Haileah isn't doing so well and needs your prayers. Please pray for baby Haileah and her family tonight. I will update when I have more news.

Order 2009 Team Hope Heart Walk T-shirts!

2009-04-06T19:15:00.001-07:00

Saturday, April 18th we will be participating in the Bricktown Oklahoma City Heart Walk. We have designed another super cute shirt this year. You can order one of these adorable shirts AND support the American Heart Association's research and awareness for Congenital Heart Defects. Woo Hoo! Thanks for your support!

Wear your new "Team Hope" tees and join us for the walk!!

*Pink short-sleeved t-shirt with brown and pink logo $12

To order- contact me: lauraspohrer@yahoo.com

Crazy Weekend!

2009-03-31T12:16:00.000-07:00

Miss Hope...strike'n a pose

Little Miss Sassy!

What a crazy weekend we had. Thunderstorms and snow all mixed together. It stormed all evening Friday and over night early morning turned to snow. We got like 5-7 inches. Unfortunately, I wouldn't let the kids play in b/c there was so much water underneath. The would have gotten soooo wet. BUMMER! Anyway, it was beautiful. And of course, Sunday was much warmer and melted all the snow. Only in Oklahoma do we have weather like this.

My weekend consisted of making bows, bows and more hairbows. I made 200+. The store was running low and I needed to get them all stocked up for the move. We will have a much larger area for them in the new location. Speaking of, Hope and I made a trek down to Norman yesterday. We had to deliver our pretty bows and check on progress with the contractor. Our floors are finally complete and they were putting in the ceiling tiles and light fixtures. The bathroom fixtures were also installed. They are saying they should be done on Wednesday. We'll see. They have a lot of touching up to do as well as just completing all the projects. All in all it looks great. I cannot wait to start moving all our stuff in.

Wanted to give props to my big bro Zachary. Man, you did a great job on the display stage and also on the columns you made for us. Mr. Talent! Watch out, we'll be calling you for everything now.... cheap labor too. Thank God for family.

My Sunshine

2009-03-28T11:08:00.000-07:00

Please excuse my singing... but you are sure to enjoy Hope's. We have sung this song for Hope ever since she was born and just lately she has started to sing for us. It is absolutely adorable. My sweet little 2 year old is growing up.

A quick post...

2009-03-27T10:39:00.000-07:00

It has been crazy around here as you can imagine. School, softball, dance, the store.... Honestly, I'm ready for summer so things can slow down for a while. No extra activities. My poor house has been suffering. At this point I am contemplating hiring a cleaning lady to get me back some control of this filthy house. Its so bad I don't know where to begin.

Spring break was last week and the girls and I stayed with my parents all week. Mom and I had lots to do. We are still trying to get everything together for the store move. It's really going to be crazy. We have ordered tons of new merchandise and are hoping to move in end of next week sometime. They have been staining the floors this week and should do all the finish work next week. Hopefully final inspections will happen mid-end of next week.

The girls and I had a good time with Gaga and Papa. It ws nice not having to rush around everywhere. Hannah and Hadley got to go hang out with their favorite cousins some and spent the night one night. Scott and I wanted to take them somewhere and do something fun but it wasn't in the cards. Maybe next year. Sott and I had a great time in Dallas the weekend before spring break. The girls all stayed with my parents. It was nice to get away for a couple of days. We have never both been together away from all the girls at the same time...can you believe it? He as a good sport at Market too. I think he secretly enjoyed it.

I will try and post some pictures soon. If I can find the time!

Spring Break, here we come! WooHoo!

2009-03-12T09:07:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness its time to take a break from the last few weeks of craziness! Our 2 big girls started t-ball and coach pitch softball last week. They will both be practicing twice a week. They both have practice on Tuesdays, Hannah @ 5:30 and Hadley @ 6:00 and across town from each other I might add..... Then Hadley again on Thursday and Hannah again on Friday. They are also both in dance (tap/ballet/hip hop) on Wednesdays. Makes me tired just thinking about it. Every night we having something going except Mondays. Anyway, so far they both are looking pretty good. Last year was the first year either of they had ever played. Hadley, of course, broke her arm right before their 2nd practice so basically this is her first year to really play. She has been doing soooo good. She's not scared of the ball. She fields the ball really well, hitting pretty good, and her throwing is coming along. Hannah is also doing great. I think both of them will end up being pretty good. Must be in the genes!! Just kidding! I loved softball and I hope they will to.

Today is the last day of school for this week. The girls get to start spring break a little early (Parent/Teacher Conferences). Luckily I am meeting with their teachers today. I'm sure they will go well, but will update later. First thing in the morning we are ALL (yes, Scott too) heading to Purcell. The girls are all staying with Gaga & Papa and Scott and I are heading down to Dallas for Market. Yes, can you believe it?? Scott is coming with me. Mom and I always go, but she is OU crazy and the Sooner girls are playing in the BIG 12 tourney in the city all weekend. So this time its me and Scott going. Wow, this will be the first time we have been away from the girls at the same time together... other than Hadley and Hope's births and Hope's heart surgery. I guess we'll see if we still like each other...haha. We won't know how to talk w/out constantly being interrupted by one of the girls. It should be fun. Scott and Market, hmmmmm wonder how he'll do. He'll either like it or hate it, but at least he'll see what its all about. Wish us luck!

We will be home Sunday late. Scott is going back home Monday morning to work. Bummer, he doesn't get a spring break. The girls and I are staying all week to finish getting things ready for the grand opening of the new store. We are looking at April 6th as opening day. That is if all things go according to plan. The floors are scheduled to be stained next week.. it will take all week. And then the last week in March they will finish up the lighting, ceiling, all electrical, and plumbing and install all fixtures! Yea!!! It's just around the corner. I will post when we know for sure on the OPENING DAY of THE TULIP TREE! Hope you will all get a chance to come and visit! We're in Norman.

Future Delta Gamma Girls!

2009-03-09T18:58:00.001-07:00

My little future sorority girls had a super fun Saturday night. My Aunt Peggy is the house mom for the Delta Gamma sorority at OU. She invited Hannah and Hadley to come spend the night at the house Saturday night. My cousin, Shawn, was a Delta Gamma a few years back when she was going to school at OU . Hannah and Hadley got to meet some of the girls. They were made honorary Delta Gamma girls for the weekend. They got t-shirts and all. Boy are we in trouble when these to get to college. Anyway, Thanks Peggy and Shawn for taking the girls in and showing them such a great time. I'm sure they will want to come again and again.

Anchor Girls

Hannah, Aunt Peggy and Hadley

The girls & Shawn

The Tulip Tree is progressing

2009-03-09T18:41:00.000-07:00

The girls and I were all down again in Norman this weekend to check on things with the store build. Things are coming along pretty quickly at this point. The contractor has completed all the walls and textured them. They started painting this weekend and should be complete by Wednesday. As you can see we picked a really bright green for the walls, white wood trim and pink doors. I cannot wait to see the finished product. They will be staining the floors starting next week. After that it is just some finishing touches and it will be ready to move in.

Sweet Dreams Gracie....

2009-03-02T07:58:00.001-08:00

Gacie girl will get her wings today. I have been keeping up with The Gledhill family for about a year. They have a daughter Gracie that was born with HLHS, a heart defect. She has been fighting for almost a year now. She received a new heart last week, but for whatever reason the transplant did not take. They have been waiting to see if she would improve so they could re-list her for another heart. The doctors have decided she is too weak to endure another surgery. They have run out of options. Last night her family made the decision to let her go. Today they will be saying their goodbyes. They are donating her other organs to help save another childs life. So selfless. Please keep the Gledhill's in your prayers. May God surround them with love and comfort. My heart braks for them.

To see their story, click on The Gledhill Family on my bloglist

It's been a crazy week!

2009-02-28T09:54:00.000-08:00

The Tahoe loaded and ready to go

Hope helping with moral support

What a crazy week we've had here at the Spohrer household. Actually the last several weeks have been crazy. We have so much going on right now in our lives. Hopefully we will survive. I have been trying to get all the girls spring/summer clothes ready for the Tulsa JBF sale that I do every year. Most of Hope's clothes I already had together but it took a while to go through Hannah and Haddie's. Trying to decided what I wanted to keep to pass down. In the end I only kept a few things. I always end up wanting to buy the new clothes lines that come in to my favorite stores. And of course when I go to Market for THE TULIP TREE I always pick out and order lots too. Can't help myself. Anyway after 2-3 days I got them ready and took them over to the Fair grounds. Hopefully I will sell most of what I took. It makes it all worth my time when I get that check in a couples of weeks. Helps pay for a lot of the new clothes I will have to purchase.

Tuesday night we went to Hannah's softball meeting. As many of you know from my facebook page I am not happy about the team placement situation. Last year Hannah and Hadley were on the same t-ball team. Long story but T-ball is ages 4-6 which is how I was able to put them on the same team. Anywho.... Hannah would have to move up this year so I requested for her to move up with some of her same team-mates that would also be moving up. Needless to say when we walked in I didn't recognize a soul. Not only do we not know anyone, but the practices are all the way across town, they will be practicing on Tues. and Fri. (Friday I do not like), and on and on and on..... This is what I don't like about being in a large town. There are soooo many kids. They're all just a number. Hadley on the other hand is on the same team as last year. At least I can be happy about that and practices will be on Tues and Thurs. and closer to home. The girls do Dance on Weds. So now we will be gone every evening except Mondays for the next few weeks. Who knows once the games actually start. Scott and I are going to have to be running kids all around. Whew... don't know what we'll do when Hope gets involved with extra activities.

Update on the store.... Well its coming along. We were down in Norman all last weekend. I would have taken pictures but most of what they have done doesn't look much different from the pictures I have posted. They have finished up all the drywall and they started taping/mudding the seams. They are also working on the ceiling grid. Most of the plumbing and electrical is done until the ceiling, walls and paint are done. Once that stuff is done they will put in the lighing and plumbing fixtures, etc. I talked to our contractor this week and he is confindent that it will be ready for move in the end of March. So thats only 3-4 more weeks. I have been racking up the miles on the old Tahoe. And the gas is killing me. But it will be worth it in the end. I cannot wait to see how it all turns out. And I hope all of you will get a chance to come and see it..... and of course spend your hard earned money!!

Here's to the next few weeks. May I make it through with my sanity intact.

Pwitty! (Pretty)

2009-02-20T11:41:00.000-08:00

OK, seriously I was out of the room for a few seconds and this is what I found....

The girls all dancing and shaking their booties and theres Hope.... She had completely stripped down to her diaper and somehow got a hold of Hannah's pink lip gloss. She is such a corker! She thought she had done a fine job with the lip gloss. It was all over her lips and face. "pwitty" as she would say. Have to also add her new favorite saying is "oh gosh". Not sure where she heard that......

Muffins for Moms & Wacky Wednesday

2009-02-20T11:28:00.000-08:00

Wednesday was also Wacky Wednesday for the kindergarten classes. They were reading the book "Wacky Wednesday" by Dr. Suess. All the kids got to dress as wacky as they could. Hadley wasn't so into dressing silly. She decided to wear her pj's b/c all the other girls were going to and I pulled her hair up in pony-roll piggies w/ different color bows.... that is as wacky as she wanted to be. She looked cute though. The kids had a lot of fun.

Wednesday morning we all got up a little earlier than usual. The PTA put on a morning breakfast thing for moms and the kids called "MUFFINS FOR MOMS". The girls and I got to school about 8:15 am and had muffins and juice in the library. We read a couple of books together and enjoyed hanging out with some of the girls friends and their moms. It was fun to hang out and enjoy my girls.... and Hope got to come along too.

Progress on the new "Tulip Tree" location

2009-02-17T10:54:00.000-08:00

Just thought I'd update on the progress for the new store. Things are coming a long finally it seems. It took a while to pick a contractor and get permits, but things are moving ahead now. The electicians and plumbers have been out installing all their line and all. Most of the walls are up now and are they starting to sheet rock. Mom and I have been working like crazy to get all fixtures, materials, colors, etc.. all picked out. We are looking at end of March or early April for move in day. We are so excited. Cannot wait to see the finished product.

CHD Awareness Week February 7 -14th

2009-02-09T08:12:00.000-08:00

February is CHD (Congenital Heart Defect) Awareness month. 1 out of 100 babies are born with a congenital heart defect. It's so important for us to get the word out about CHD so that we can help fund research and medical advances for this disease. Our daughter, Hope, was born with heart defects and it has become a very improtant cause for our family. Please give where you can. Donate money, time, or give blood. You just might help save a life! Hope Abigail is our HEART WARRIOR!

Hotel For Dogs....

2009-02-09T07:52:00.000-08:00

The girls got to wear 1 of their new spring outfits- they looked soooo cute!

Scott and I took the girls to see Hotel For Dogs yesterday. It's 4th movie we've taken Hope to see. She went to 2 movies when she was a little baby (they don't count), but last summer my parents took all of our family to see WALL-E and she DID NOT do well at all. She was up and down out of her seat talking loud, whining loud, trying to walk up and down the stairs/aisles etc. Just really a bad experience. SO when we took her with us yesterday we were a little worried. Hope did awesome though! She sat in her booster seat and watched the whole thing. She had M & M's and a sucker to keep her occupied. The movie was really cute. We all enjoyed it and it was so much fun being out as a family with no major issues. We followed the movie with a trip to the park. It was a really nice day for February. 73 degrees I think, little windy but nice.

School Carnival...

2009-02-09T07:40:00.001-08:00

The girls had a great time at the school carnival Friday night. They got to hang out with the buddies. They played games, had pizza, ate popcorn and cotton candy, won prizes, got tattoos, etc. Mom and Dad- not so much fun, but we do what we can do to make our girls happy. Needless to say everyone was worn out by the time we got home about 9pm. Thank goodness its over until next year.

Hadley and Makenzie

Hannah and McKenzie

* How weird that both of my girls best friends would be McKenzie/Makenzie

Hat Day

2009-02-09T07:32:00.001-08:00

Hope wanted to join in the fun too, so she wore Hannah's hat from last year- Kitty

Hadley as a Unicorn

Hannah as a Giraffe

Celine Dion Concert

2009-02-05T11:31:00.001-08:00

Mom and I went to the Celine Dion concert on Monday evening. We had a great time. Took forever for it to actually get here. My dad bought the tickets backin November 2007. He gave them to my mom as a Christmas gift and we finally got to go after 2 years of waiting for it. It was a lot of fun. Celine has the most beautiful voice. She acts a little bit silly- all those facial expressions. But the girl can sing. She sounded just as good if not better live than on a recorded CD. AMAZING! Thanks mom for taking me with you... even though I was your second choice. My dad did not want to go.... he is not a Celine fan. Here are a few pics. We had great seats but my camera sucks so not the best pictures.

GOD IS GOOD!!!!

2009-02-05T11:21:00.000-08:00

Hope had her cardiologist appointment this morning. She did awesome, no anxiety. She did great getting all her tests. Dr. Lundt said everything looks perfect. Her repairs are holding great. Her pulmonary vavle had been leaking but it is no longer. And her pulomnary stenosis (narrowing) is not a problem at this time. Dr. Lundt said she couldn't be doing any better at this point. We are so happy, it definately takes a load off my mind. She was released for a year. Woo Hoo!! 'Thank you' everyone for your love and support.

Big cardiology appt tomorrow...

2009-02-04T14:28:00.000-08:00

OK, it is finally time for Hope's 1 year check-up to her cardiologist. It was originally scheduled for the first of January, as most of you have read about my "Very Bad Day!!" Went on the wrong day, got a speeding ticket, blah, blah , blah. Anyway it was rescheduled and tomorrow is the BIG day. I am very nervous about how Hope will do for her echocardiogram and EKG. Last time it was soooo not pretty. It was so bad they really couldn't get much of a reading. Hoping for better results this time for the echo and from her. Poor thing just thinks everyone wants to hurt her. Please say a quick prayer that everything looks good with her heart. Also might say one for me... not to run behind, and speed, go on the right day, etc... haha. Thanks for all your love an support for our sweet precious girl. We just want her to be heathly and happy!!

We have a stripper....

2009-02-03T20:56:00.000-08:00

the naked girl......

the evidence left behind.....

LOVE THOSE BOOTS!

Well at least she's starting to think about wearing painies.

Well it seems a mischievous little girl has figured out how to get her clothes off. All of a sudden every time I turn around Hope's got everything off except her diaper. God Lord, hopefully this is not a sign of what's to come. Today alone I have probably re-dressed her 4-5 times. I also have to add that on Saturday I was on a phone call and Hope comes tromping in my room with her black 'Santa Rocks' shirt, a diaper covered by a pair of pink striped panties and pink kitty-cat rain boots. She went in her closet and started rumaging around and found herself something to put on. Boy are we in trouble. I already have 1 clothes Diva and a second close behind..... I guess Hope's going to make it 3 little Divas. God Lord help, boy are we in for it.

Hope in the Snow...

2009-01-29T12:22:00.000-08:00

Had to put a couple pics of Hope out enjoying herself in the snow. It was finally warm enough outside to let her check things out. She loved it!

Woo Hoo!! Cancer Free!!

2009-01-29T11:53:00.000-08:00

I just got my results in of my PET scan from Monday. The radiologist report showed a Benign reading. Yeh!!! Good news. There are some areas that are still showing up on scan but I guess they are what they consider within "normal limits" and at this time are believed to be benign. Hopefully they will stay that way. I will continue to have these scans every 6 months. They will watch these areas of concern closely. I pray they do not start to grow. I need to get back on my diet and stop eating so much sugar. That is what cancer feeds on so I'm going to try and do better with my eating..... no more pop. That's the hardest one for me. And Lord knows I need to lose some weight. Thanks everyone for your well wishes and prayers. Love you all!

Snow Day....

2009-01-27T13:52:00.000-08:00

The girls are home for a snow day today. They have been making lots of messes and complaining when I tell them to pick up after themsleves. They had been bugging me all day to let them go out and play in the snow/sleet. So finally I said ok but only if dad would go out with them. Too cold for me. Thank goodness for dad's, huh? They're good for something- just kidding! Anyway, they weren't out for long but they got to have a little fun. Poor Hope was left out of the loop...napping. I wouldn't have let her anyway she's still trying to get over a really bad cold. Doing much better though. Here's those crazy girls out playing.

PET scan tomorrow & Hope Udate

2009-01-25T20:38:00.000-08:00

I'm scheduled for my 6 month PET scan tomorrow. Can't believe its already time again. I am so nervous and I am sooooo hoping its negative. PLease say a little prayer for me tomorrow that everything comes back negative for recurrence. It's been 3 yrs remission and I want it to stay that way!! I will update once I have the results.

** Update on Hope... she is doing a little better. I have seen glimpses of her here and there. She is still sleeping a lot and has a nasty little cough. Her drainage and snotty nose seem to be a little better too. Poor baby, I think this is the worst cold she has had in her short little life. Please continue to pray she feels better soon.

Hope's not feeling so hot....

2009-01-23T09:05:00.000-08:00

Tuesday night Hope was restless all through the night. She continually cried. The next morning her nose was crusted over with dried snot and she was starting to cough. It has gradually gotten worse and she has been running low grade fevers off and on. I finally took her in to her pediatrician yesterday morning and of course its a viral cold with cough.... nothing we can really do for her. I have been giving her tylenol for her fever and once it kicks in she is a little more like herslef but otherwise she has been whiney and wanting to be held every second. I am not complaining though because as most of you know 2 year olds aren't much for just sitting around and cuddling. That part, I have to admit, I LOVE! Anyway, please say a little prayer for Hopey that she may start feeling better soon.

Pray for Natalie

2009-01-21T18:55:00.000-08:00

My friend Natalie is going in for surgery tomorrow morning. Please pray for a successful surgery and that she has a speedy recover. We love you Natalie and hope everything goes well.

Happy Birthday Scott!

2009-01-21T07:01:00.000-08:00

Happy 37th Birthday Honey! We love you!

Birthdays, Birthdays.... and more Birthdays!!

2009-01-19T10:46:00.000-08:00

It's January, which means BIG birthday month for our family. Me included! I just turned 36 on Thursday, January 15th. I cannot believe I am 36 years old now.... Where has all the time gone? I am on the downward slope to 40. OH MY GOSH!!! AGHHHH!!! Better to keep getting older than the alternative though. So hope those birthdays keep a comin!

I would like to send out "HAPPY BIRTHDAY"S" to.... my cousin Georgeann (Jan 2), my Nephew Jack (Jan 3), Uncle Joel (Jan 4), my other Uncle Joe (Jan 10 or 12-can't remember), my friend Faith (Jan 16), my nephew Ryan (Jan 18), my brother Zachary (Jan 19), my Mom (Jan 20), my loving hubby Scott (Jan 21), and my friend Brandi (Jan 24)..... and Happy Anniversary Cy & Natalie (Jan 30).

Hope you all have wonderful birthdays. Love you all!!

Bad Day.....

2009-01-07T09:13:00.000-08:00

Ok, so yesterday turned out to be a very bad day. It was, I thought, Hope's cardiologist appt. My morning started out just fine. Got Hannah and Hadley off to school. Came home put Hope in the tub, got her cleaned up and dressed. Then got myself ready. I thought the appt was at 10:30 I just happened to think -maybe I should check the time and make sure. The calender said 10am. So of course it was 10 mins to 10. I grabbed my stuff and Hope and took off. Of course as I'm 2 miles away from the dr's office I look in my review mirror and their is a cop with his lights on. CRAP! So yes I got pulled over for going 54 in a 40 and he wrote me $130 ticket. So I called the dr's office to let them know I am coming just running late and she told me Hope's appt was the day before (Monday) Aggghhhhhh!!!! SO I running around like crazy for NOTHING, I got a ticket for NOTHING! So now her appt has been rescheduled for Next Friday January 16th, it is the day after my birthday. So I am hoping for a late birthday present- that she gets a clean bill of health! Hopefully my week gets better.... can't get much worse.

Cardiologist Appt.

2009-01-05T20:42:00.001-08:00

It is time for Hope's cardiologist appointment tomorrow. I am a little anxious. I hope everything goes well and that Hope's heart is functioning as it should. When I made the appointment back in November I asked if they had something I could give her to help her stay a little calmer. They don't give heart children medication for anxiety. Last time we went in for an echocardiogram and EKG it was NOT pleasant to say the least. They had a very hard time getting a good read of how her heart was functioning. Please keep Hope in your prayers, that everything with her heart repair still looks great and that she has no other problems to address. Would love to be released and not have to come back but for an annual check-up.

Christmas 2008

2008-12-31T11:38:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

2008-12-23T18:44:00.001-08:00

We wanted to wish everyone a VERY Merry Christmas! Hope everyone has safe travels and enjoys their time with families. We are off to visit the Harris clan tomorrow. Can't wait to see evryone. Happy Holidays to everyone.

Scott, Laura, Hannah, Hadley & Hope

TEAM HOPE - OKC Heartwalk 2009

2008-12-21T08:34:00.000-08:00

It's that time again. I just signed "TEAM HOPE" up for the OKC Heartwalk. It will be Saturday, April 18, 2009 in Bricktown Oklahoma City, OK. As most of you all know, Hope was born with Congenital Heart Defects, Tetrology of Fallot(TOF) and Atrial Septal Defect(ASD). She had open heart surgery in May of 2007 to repair her defects. Because of our life changing experience with Hope's diagnosis we wanted to find a way to help out. Last year we formed our first team, TEAM HOPE, and had a great time. So we are again participating and asking for your help in our efforts to raise money for the American Heart Association. Our HOPE is that we will help bring awareness of heart disease, fund research and new technology that saves lives. Thanks to everyone for your love and support. GO TEAM HOPE!!!

If you would like to donate or join our team please see links. Click on TEAM HOPE.

Quality time with the FAMILY

2008-12-15T06:06:00.001-08:00

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

We took the girls to Rhema Bible School to see their Christmas light display. The girls loved running around all the winding sidewalks looking at the lights. We also took them to Utica Square to walk around. They even saw Santa and got their picture taken with him..... Hope wanted nothing to do with him once again. She didn't dare let me get her even remotely close to him. Hannah and Hadley plopped right down smiled for the picture and told him what they wanted. Good times! The girls helped me make brownies one evening last week. There are a few pictures of them "stirring/playing" with the brownie mix. And then of course, injoying the end result.

Prayer Request

2008-12-10T19:17:00.001-08:00

I came across a person I met a couple years ago playing Bunco on Facebook this week. She is about to deliver her 1st baby, Logan. He has been diagnosed with HLHS. Please pray for a safe delivery for Amy. Pray for Logan and his family as he endures his first surgery within a few days of birth. I have added their blog to my blog links.... http://.ourmiracelogan.blogspot.com

Bye-Bye BB's (Binkies)

2008-12-10T11:44:00.000-08:00

Pictures of Hope and her BELOVED BB's....

Awe, so sad. We packed up all the BB's today in a zip-lock baggie. I told Hope that she is a big girl now and it was time to give her BB's to all the babies who need them. She helped me look around the house for any laying around. We put all the BB's in the bag and I put them away. Of course for being such a "BIG GIRL" I gave her a dum dum sucker to ease the pain a little. All was well until nap time. Of course she asked... "Momma- BB??" I said "No Hopey, mommy gave your BB's to the babies. You are a big girl and big girls don't need BB's anymore" The crying started. I layed her down with her blankies (which she is almost as attached to as her BB's) and walked out and shut the door. She cried for about 15 minutes and then silence... Hopefully it will be a little easier at bed time tonight. It definately went better than expected. Yeh!!!

MLH- Holiday Party

2008-12-10T11:13:00.000-08:00

Trying to get a photo with Santa... Mommy had to sit on Santa's lap. Poor Santa!! Hope wants NOTHING to do with Santa!

"I promise, Santa, I've been a very good girl this year....PLEASE don't bring me switches and coal." Just kidding Hadley has been a very good girl this year and I'm sure will be happy to see all the goodies Santa is bringing.

"Uuummmm....I want a pool in my back yard, a new bike, another American Girl doll...and on and on" Yes, she has a swimming pool on her list for Santa. Good luck with that! Hopefully all the other great gifts she gets will help ease the pain of not getting that soooo much wanted swimming pool.

Hope holding on for dear life...Santa got a little too close.

My 1 millionth attempt for a Christmas card photo.... once again- Failure!

We all went to the Mended Little Hearts Christmas party on Monday. It was very nice. We had yummy food catered by Rib Crib. Dr. Kimberling (he did Hope's Heart Cath back in May '07) came and spoke to our heart group about all the exciting happenings at Pediatric Cardiologists of Tulsa and St. Francis Children's Hospital. They now have a world renowned Pediatric Cardio-Thorasic surgeon here in Tulsa. -Can't remember his name. Great news for Tulsa. As most of you know at the time of Hope's diagnosis and surgery Tulsa didn't have a surgeon strictly related to cardiology on staff. That's why we went to OKC- Childrens Hospital at OU Medical Center. Anyway, such great news for all the families of children newly diagnosed and future diagnosed. So much easier to have the ability to be in your home town surrounded by family and friends for support.

We also received a visit from Santa. The girls were so excited. They got to get their picture with Santa, tell him what they wanted and they each got a gift from him. Wow- saves me a trip to the mall to see him. Hope on the other hand wanted nothing to do with Santa. Maybe next year she'll warm up to him. We had a great time visiting will all our fellow heart friends.

It's beginning to look at lot like Christmas...

2008-12-03T18:44:00.001-08:00

Hope's little tree in her room

Hannah & Hadley's room- they are so proud to have a tree in their room

This is my favorite time of year. I got all my christmas decoration out last week. I think it makes everything look so pretty. The girls helped me decorate the big tree and then they also decorated their fancy little pink feather trees. They are also so excited to see all the christmas toys come out of the box. Maybe I should do that with all their regular toys- put them up and rotate them out throughout the year. Maybe they would actually like playing with everything that way. Anyway we all had a good time getting everything all festive. I plan on enjoying it as much as I can. Enjoy the Christmas music and new blog background.

Still best friends after all these years....

2008-11-30T20:19:00.000-08:00

left-right: Brandi, Kristin, Julie and me

Brandi, Julie, me & Kristin

Kristin, Brandi, Julie & me.....Look at our BIG HAIR!!

Top-Bottom: Brandi, Julie and Kristin....me on the left!

These are my best friends from my home town growing up. We have all been friends FOREVER it seems like. Brandi, Julie and I all have known each other since kindergarten and Kristin moved to town in, I think, 4th grade. We all got together for dinner Saturday night. I had so much fun catching up. It's great that after all these years we still stay in touch and try and see each other every once in a while. Remember when?? I just had to put these pictures up. WOW!! Look at those bangs....haha! Believe it or not, these were all the pictures I could find of all 4 of us together. Remember prom? And I think another one of those was from a sleep over at my house?? I just wanted you girls to know how much you all mean to me. I love you all dearly. You have alway been there for me. Even now when we see each other its like we were never apart. Its so easy to just pick up where we left off. You girls have all turned into great women and moms. You all mean the world to me! Cheers- to always being close and always being there for each other. I love you all!!

Laura

What I am thankful for....

2008-11-26T07:33:00.000-08:00

With Thanksgiving tomorrow I have been thinking of all I am thankful for. Hardly ever do I take the time to appreciate what blessings I have been lucky enough to recieve in my life. I have had many ups and downs, even so there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. For that I am so thankful. It is what continues to give me hope and strength to get through the tough times and enjoy all of the wonderful. So today I thought I would make a list of the very most special ones I could think of.

-My Husband, Scott. I am so thankful to have found such a wonderful husband and father. The girls and I are so blessed to call him "OURS". He works hard to make sure we are well taken care of. I love you very much Honey!

-My daughters, Hannah, Hadley & Hope. You girls are the light of my life. You are my reasons to get up in the mornings. I can't wait to see what you all come up with next. You keep my heart happy always. I am so proud of all of you. I am so happy God intrusted you to me and I hope I can always be the mommy you need me to be. XOXOXO!

-My Parents. I am so grateful that I have you as my parents. What a wonderful example you have always set for me. I have never wanted for anything and have always felt safe and protected. Thank you for always loving me no matter what. I Love you both!

-My Brothers, Zachary and Patrick. You guys are awesome. I love you both very much. I am proud to be you sister. You have both married great girls and a made beautiful families.

-My friends, you all know who you are. Thank you for always being there for me. I am so lucky to have so many friends. Some of you I have had forever and some just the last little while. You all hold a special place in my heart. Love you all!

-My health. I am so thankful to have my health. I have had some struggles but I have made it through. I hope my cancer never comes back. I have learned to appreciate the things I have more. I am so thankful to be alive and get to do the things I love and be with all the people I love.

-GOD. I have been so blessed by God. He has given me all these wonderful things in my life. He gave me wonderful parents, a beautiful family and so much more. He healed me and he healed my precious Hope. I have faith that no matter what comes my way, God will be here to lead me through.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Happy Birthday Hope!

2008-11-23T18:46:00.001-08:00

I love my daddy!

A Throne of Her very own!

Our little Princess offically turned two yesterday. WOW! Before we know it she's going to be off to college. We had a little family celebration today. I tried putting Hope down early for her nap so when everyone started coming over she would be up and ready to go. As usual things don't work out quite as planned. I had to wake her up. She wasn't up for seeing everyone at first. She took a little time to warm up. Once we started opening presents she got into it. We sang "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" and I helped her blow her candles out. Mmmmmm... the cake was delicious - THANKS PEGGY!!! Hope got lots of fun stuff. Thanks everyone for coming and for all the great gifts. Hope is our precious little miracle and we enjoyed celebrating her today. Happy birthday big girl!
Love you- Mommy and Daddy

Hope's Preschool B-Day Party....

2008-11-20T12:43:00.001-08:00

Hope had her birthday party at preschool today. She had a special lunch of chicken nuggets, apple fries and of course, followed up with a big birthday cookie. She enjoyed being the center of attention. She recieved a special balloon from her teachers with her favorite candy- M&M's.....YUM! She had a fabulous time.

2008-11-17T20:46:00.000-08:00

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Hope is turning 2 on Saturday, November 22. Looking back over these last 2 years, my how she has grown. She is our little miracle girl. Happy Birthday Hope!

Christmas at The Tulip Tree.....

2008-11-12T12:16:00.001-08:00

I spent Saturday and Sunday following Halloween at the store getting all the holiday merchandise out. I think it turned out looking really cute. Makes me want to get all my Christams decorations out at home.... I can wait a couple more weeks. Our Holiday Open House starts this Thursday, November 13th - Sunday, November 16th....15%off store wide. We also participated in the Holiday Market for the Norman Junior League last night at the new Embassy Hotel in Norman. Very swanky place. We had a lot of business, saw a lot of our customers and made some new ones. It was definately worth our trouble.

Happy Birthday Baylee Noel!

2008-11-12T12:11:00.000-08:00

Our Yorkie, Baylee, turned 13 years old Sunday, November 9th. She is my oldest child. We all call her granny grumps- she hates the girls..... jealous ever since they came along and stole her spotlight. We love her dearly though.

High School Musical - Senior Year

2008-11-07T20:49:00.000-08:00

I took Hannah, Hadley and a couple of their friends to see High School Musical, Senior Year tonight. The girls loved it. Hannah is in LOVE with Troy (Zack Efron-spelling??)!! It is hard to believe that she is starting to have crushes in 2nd grade. I don't know what we are going to do once she really starts thinking those stinky boys are cute..... Lord help us!! Hadley enjoyed the movie too but I think she was a little more into her popcorn, candy and sprite. They are of course asking for the soundtrack now. Maybe Santa might bring it when he drops off his presents this year. It was fun getting a little girl fun in. Daddy stayed home with Hopey tonight she isn't quite ready for 2 hours of sitting still in the dark. Thanks daddy for watching Hopey so we could have some big girl bonding time. Enjoyed it!

Happy Halloween!!!!

2008-10-31T21:06:00.000-07:00

Our little Trick-or-Treaters..... Hannah as the Witch, Hadley the Princess and little Miss Hope a Ladybug. They could not be any cuter! This was Hope's first "REAL" Halloween where she sort of figured out the name of the game. After a slow start ... pretty quickly she figured out each time she went to another house they gave her candy. YUMMY!! The girls had a great time. And the weather was perfect! No coats this year to cover up their cute little costumes. Hope everyone had as happy a Halloween as we did!

The Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-31T21:01:00.001-07:00

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

It's Chilly out....

2008-10-27T13:25:00.000-07:00

Had to take a few pictures of Hope today in her new coat. Isn't it just too cute?? Finally we see the cold air coming. I'm not sure if I'm ready for it or not!

Mended Little Hearts- Spaghetti Dinner

2008-10-27T13:15:00.000-07:00

We had our first Mended Little Hearts Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday evening. We had a great turn out. Lots of family and friends turned out to support MLH. I'm proud to be a part of this little group of people. The heart kids are such a blessing to us as well as their families. It has been great getting to know them all. It helps to know other families who have been through the same trials we have with Hope and actually understand and know what it feels like.

Cheer.....

2008-10-27T12:52:00.000-07:00

Hannah had her final game Saturday. As you can see they dressed up in their Halloween Costumes. It was their coaches idea. And didn't they look so cute. Hannah wanted to be a witch so I made her as cute a witch as possible.

Hadley & Madi

Hannah, McKenzie and Regan...her best buddies

Hannah & McKenzie

The Tulip Tree.....MOVING!!

2008-10-25T14:43:00.000-07:00

We are going for it!!! Mom and I just received the lease paperwork on our new retail space. 3292 square feet of space!!! We've been thinking about it for the last few months. We looked at the space several months ago and we weren't sure if we could afford such a big, nice, new place. After lots of looking, discussions and thinking things over we're just going to take the risk. It's time. We are busting out of the seams at our current location. We will sign the lease over the weekend and hopefully meet with the contractor this next week to talk about the interior build-in. We have a tentative open date of January 15th. It will give us time to get through our busy holiday season and also give us time to get the store ready to go. Wish us luck on our new adventure. We are so excited!!

*Come and visit our store if your ever in Norman OK- we are on NW 24th Street between Main and Robinson

*The new location will be just south of where we are now- Corner of NW 24th St/Hemphill

1 more month and Hope will be 2

2008-10-25T11:14:00.000-07:00

Well only a month away and our precious baby Hope will be turning 2. Baby, she is not so much anymore....BIG GIRL is more like it. Wow! Hope turned 23 months Wednesday October 22nd. Where has all the time gone? I'm just starting to get her party planning going. Can't decide if I should have a big to-do or just a small family thing. There will be lots of black, white and pink and of course, tutus all around. Happy 23 months baby girl!!

3 Years of REMISSION!! Yeah!

2008-10-14T20:40:00.000-07:00

Well, it has now been 3 years since I found out my cancer was in remission. THANK YOU GOD!! It feels like just yesterday Scott and I were sitting in the surgeon's office hearing that terrible dreaded word- CANCER. It hit like a ton of bricks. I immediately thought I was going to die. My sweet little babies(Hannah-3 & Hadley-1) were going to grow up with-out me. I would miss their first day of kindergarten. I wouldn't be around to help them with homework, to wipe their tears when they fell down or if someone made fun of them at school, give advice on friends, meet their first boyfriend, see them all dressed up for prom, help plan their wedding, and on and on......

And my sweet baby Hope, who was never supposed to be. I was told the chemo would make me infertile. Against all odds I got pregnant- ACCIDENTLY! She is my miracle girl in more ways than one. She is my hero. She is a fighter! Enduring her broken heart. I am so thankful that her heart has been repaired and I pray that it will hold out. I do not want her to suffer any more pain or any more surgeries.

Thank you God for allowing me to beat this thing. I hope to be around for a long long time! To watch the girls grow, to be there for all their firsts. They are my life, my precious angels- they are what I live for..... to make sure they grow up to be strong, happy and healthy young women!

Hope for a cure!! And in honor of breast cancer awareness month.....Save the tata's!