Wichita Wildlife Refuge

What a crazy week! 

We were on our way up to Wichita Wildlife Refuge

for a little camping trip when we heard about the Boston Bombing. 

When we reached our campground, we went out and sat by the lake, 

reading and reflecting on the world around us. 

It's shocking what we as humans are capable of. 

After spending time there without all of the fuss of the world

it made me want to run off to some remote location in the mountains

and live off the land, no distractions, just us. 

Would you do it? If the world got bad enough?

Let's create our own "village" shall we?

let the rain come down

Its been raining a lot here in Altus. 

Usually I'd open up the windows, light up some candles, 

and enjoy the dreary weather...

but instead it's making me a little crazy. 

I'm having a hard time not having a "home."

When we were getting ready to move here, I thought, 

three months? No problem. 

We've been here a month and I am feeling

very unmotivated and gloomy. 

Today I found this beautiful fashion illustrator via Pinterest. 

Looking at her work reminded me of how much I love to draw, 

so I think I'll bust out the water colors and get some art therapy.

Thanks for the inspiration, Paper Fashion!

See ya later

Looks like we've lost our favorite fated friends.

 Charlton and Melissa left us for the southern border today

and my heart broke a little when we drove away. 

I'll miss those quick trips to the city and the late nights watching The Following. 

Hopefully one day in a few years we'll be together again...

Military, can you arrange this please?

Until then, please enjoy a special shrine of our friendship. 

Sports and Stuff

Last week I watched the Super Bowl and a Thunder Game. 

That's a big deal. 

But it was all worth it to see Destiny's Child together again. 

We're glad to have met such great people here 

that want to do fun things with us!

We're going to miss every one of them. 

12 days until we leave... whhhaat?

Pumpkin Patch

Ohh I love pumpkins. Almost as much as I love Luke.

Are your eyes burning from all the orange? 

Probably.

Hope you are all having a lovely weekend!

I'm spending mine watching conference and making goodies.

A weekend at home is just what the doctor ordered.

Reba

Remember that little gelato place I told you about?

Well we went again. This time we took Rockin Red Reba.

We fit right in with the locals...it was amazing. 

I'll definitely be back for the pear and rhubarb

...and maybe tomorrow for the peach. 

Eleven years ago I was in an early morning piano class,

when my mom rushed in and broke the news to my teacher and I.

Our country was under attack. I sat in shock and awe that something like this 

could happen. Watching the attacks happen on tv seemed like some cruel joke.

It was unbelievable.

 At thirteen years old, I thought the world revolved around me

and my boy problems. That day, everything changed. 

I'm grateful for the firemen, policemen and soldiers

that fight every day to protect our freedom and safety,

and for the loved ones who stand beside them.

Rainy Days

Ten Things to do on a Rainy Day

1. Buy a pair of rain boots.

2. Jump in puddles with your rain boots.

(or drive through them in your heated car)

3. Open up your windows so you can really hear the rain.

(do not do this in your car)

4. Light a candle or two. 

5. Drink some tea or hot cocoa. 

6. Turn off all the lights and look at lightning.

7. Read a book and curl up in your heated blanket.
(don't forget your fluffy puppy)

8. Make Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies.

9. Collect some rain water for your hair. 

(a soft water rinse makes your hair soft and shiny)

10. Watch one of the following movies: Somewhere in Time, 

Steel Magnolias or Step Mom.

One Year Ago.

One year ago we arrived in Enid, Oklahoma to start our brand new

exciting life in the United States Air Force.

It's been a challenging year but I'm glad we took that huge leap together. 

Being on our own in OK has taught us:

1. How to be adults. It's a work in progress.

2. We took the beauty of Utah for granted. And the weather.

3.  Putting yourself out there and making friends can be hard. 

4. Non Mormons are awesome too.

5. How to lean on each other when life sucks.

 Before we left, I thought to myself... 

"Oh, I love to travel. This will be a piece of cake."

I had no idea how much I'd miss my family and friends back home.

I'm grateful to my Heavenly Father for bringing new friends into our

life who can relate to the hardships of serving in the military. 

We feel very blessed to be surrounded by such extraordinary people.

In case you missed it.

Click HERE to look back at our move!

I want my baby back.

The BAR-B-Q Joint, an Enid hotspot and home of the best Baby Back Ribs around. Its truly a local treasure. We're glad the Cruzans could try it out before they head up on north to Logan town. Lucky ducks. Hope you're having a lovely weekend!