Tornado Season

Growing up in Oklahoma, you learn about tornadoes early. Usually you can find a friend of a friend of a friend who has been through this devastating natural event. Today was one of those days where the weathermen weren't right on - they didn't take this lightly.

I left work early for several reasons. 1 - I had no idea what was going on. I knew an outbreak would most likely occur today between 3 and 5, but as 3:00 pm approached, I needed more information. I needed a TV. 2 - Jordan and Hanieh were both dismissed from their employers to take shelter. This tipped me off as well; people had a reason to seek shelter. 3 - Duncan Dog was safe in his crate in the laundry room, but not knowing what was going on made my heart hurt. 4 - I heard that these storms were going to be similar to May 3 tornadoes (which was a horrible tornado that struck Moore in 1999).

Once home, Duncan and I started getting important things together. It's time like this that truly make you think what is important and what isn't. My short list included: Bibles, passports, SS cards, marriage license, wedding video, wedding pictures, computers, camera, video camera (which I spent 4 minutes videoing the house for any documentation purposes), external hard drive, bottle water, food for Duncan, books (Jack's MBA books and our small group book).  Also, somewhat surprisingly, rainboots, umbrella, hammer and batteries made it into the closet with us.

We watched the weather on the TV until we lost power for a brief second and as the sirens sounded, we headed into the closet. We were in there for about 10, maybe 15 minutes. I was able to text my mom pretty easily. We turned on the radio (which also made the list) and listened. Praise the Lord, we are safe and unharmed. The tornado took a spin north and I believe let up significantly as it approached our area. The sirens stopped and Jack emerged from closet to turn the TV back on. Duncan was certainly the guard dog for those minutes; he snuggled up to me and even sat all 70lbs of him on my lap.

This was when Jack was watching TV, post sirens. He kept his cool.

Whoa, big tounge giving me kisses.

talking. wearing ski goggles.

Once we had the all clear, we sat on our bed watching the weather on the TV and the rain come down. Just heavy rain, strong winds, and some tiny, tiny hail.

We are so thankful to be safe, but our hearts are hurting for those in El Reno, Guthrie, Piedmont, Goldsby, and Joplin.

We are also thankful my sister and family are safe. They took shelter when the storms reached the Tulsa area. My 3 year old niece even packed backpacks for herself and brother. I'm not sure what was in the backpacks, but I'd imagine it's their favorite toys.

What a night. We are tired and ready for bed. Goodnight.

-J&K

Thunder Up!

Jack and I thundered up on Monday night for game 4 of the western conference finals. The Thunder played great, but lost in overtime. We were so happy attend and experience the excitement!

Thunder!

I think this is the video of a pretty awesome dunk by Westbrook. If you look super close, you can kind of tell.

Thunder Up, boys and girls - it's been a fun playoff season.

-J&K

Wedding Season!

It's official! Wedding season is here - Cara and Cole are Mr and Mrs!! Our season started with a bang in Dallas celebrating my friend Cara's last week as a miss!

Sweet Laura came from DC for the weekend. I miss this girl.

The guy making Cara blush.

It was a quick trip to Dallas, but it was lots of fun. The very next weekend, we celebrated her wedding and  marriage! It was so fun seeing kappa friends. As I get older, I appreciate my kappa days more and more. The wedding was perfect; Congrats Cara and Cole!

Simply beautiful.

I love seeing this name.

Such a fun night!

We had loads of fun. We continued the celebration on Campus Corner. As we were leaving, I run into my favorite grandlittle, Melissa. This girls rules and totally makes my day when I see her. She currently lives in LA making her dreams come true.

I must preface, this picture was taken well into the evening. Mel - you look beautiful.

I was spoiled again by seeing her at church the next morning. I love running into friends randomly.

-J&K

Waterford Birds

I love watching these waterford birds (they are really canadian geese, but they are usually hanging around the waterford hotel, therefore - waterford birds; however they can also be found at the OU duck pond). I do occassionally see them at my office, about 2 miles west of the waterford. I thought this family was just the sweetest.

those baby birds sure look darling, with their fuzzy feathers.

I hear these geese aren't the kindest of birds. My dear friend Katie has a horrific childhood memory of these birds. I have yet experience such. I will probably just enjoy them from a distance.

-J&K

ps - sorry for that horrible punctuation of the sentence in the paranthesis. I'm sure that isn't my first error; it also won't be my last.

Mothers Day

Happy Mothers Day, Mom! You are simply the best. Thanks for putting up with me for all these years.

I love you!
-J&K

How does your garden grow?

It's with a sad heart to announce our cilantro is gone. It was knocked over by the one and only Duncan.

 Feel free to stop by a view his master piece, displayed on our concrete. Cilantro and Basil donations will be accepted at the door.

Cute Duncan, real cute.

Good luck tomotoes. We are counting on you. It's in your favor to grow as you are in a giant pot.

grow baby grow.



-J&K

The Garden

I'm sure some of you are constantly wondering "How is the garden?!". We find ourselves asking the same question to each other. You just never know what could happen when Duncan is in charge.

I'm happy to say the tomatoes are looking good!

keep growing tomaters.

And, also happy to saw the cilantro is looking great!

some of you will be in my dinner tonight.

I regret to inform you the basil did not make the Duncan Uprooting and Playing with the Pot Scandal. 

I'm sorry basil. We tried. You must smell good to Duncan Dog.

I'd imagine we will plant more basil. Probably this weekend. We will probably also clean the pot from evidence of abuse (so the new basil doesn't get scared).

We will miss you basil... until we plant more this weekend.

again, we are sorry.

-Jack and Kayla