The Adventures of the Winfield Family

An extra day ...

2012-02-04T22:26:00.003-06:00

Since our last post, Pete was adopted by a woman and her 15-month-old son. He was going to have a life on a farm in our area with 160 acres to roam on. We are SO excited he found a forever home!
We now have a new foster pup. I tried really hard to lay off for a while, but it's so hard when these beautiful animals are in jeopardy. We took in a St. Bernard/Shepard mix we have dubbed Riggs (yes, like Lethal Weapon). Riggs has a shelter story that I just could not resist. A Friday was Riggs' last day. The animal control officer, Allen, got him out of his pen, took him in The Room, filled the needle but just couldn't give it to him. He said to him "I'll give you till Monday." Monday came along and he walked him to the room and again, just couldn't do it. Allen said "Tomorrow will be your day; there's no more room." Rachel comes in to take photos on Mondays and Allen told her the story. Of course, I get a phone call from her and can't resist. There is something special about this guy. So, obviously you know the ending to this story. Riggs now resides at the Winfield Animal Inn.
This big man is a young guy. He is a great listener and knows commands. He already knows his name. He's good in the house and getting used to the other furries in our family. I think Davinci enjoys the fosters coming through, someone new for him to play with. The others? They are old grumpy biddies that don't do well, but oh well. They'll have to deal with it. I hope my big teddy bear, as I call him, goes to nothing less than a great home. We'll certainly miss him!!!

Big Riggs ;)

I see red ...

2012-01-11T22:21:00.000-06:00

So, as most of you know the Winfields are quite the animal advocates. Recently my great friend Rachel began taking photos of the cats and dogs in the local animal shelter. She created a Facebook page, put the photos up and their cage #'s, allowing people to see the adoptable pets. These pets have 7 days, after that they are euthanized. It is incredibly sad. I used to drive by the shelter everyday when we lived at our other house. I would sometimes break into tears knowing those animals demise. Since Rachel started this page, adoption rates have skyrocketed! I knew I wanted to help in some way. So in conjunction with our local SPCA, I've been taking dogs in their last hours, if no one wants them and fostering them out. Then the SPCA either puts me on the waiting list to get them in or they are adopted out through the SPCA. It's wonderful! Unfortunately it's not safe to foster cats if you are already a cat owner so we can only foster dogs.
Right now we are fostering Pete, a red heeler. This little guy is incredibly smart. He knows "sit," "no" and minds very well. He's not a jumper like our girls and I love that! It's hard to believe he doesn't have a home or have someone worried about him. He is great! There is a woman in Fort Worth, Texas, currently interested in him. We're hoping everything works out and he gets to call her mom. Keep your fingers crossed he gets a forever home soon!

How can you resist a pound puppies face?!

On a Sunday morn ...

2012-01-09T17:11:00.001-06:00

Josh had some things to do this morning. So before church, Davinci and I watched Space Jam as I sipped on some blueberry coffee. I love my little man!

Shopping the beach ...

2012-01-05T20:22:00.000-06:00

Dominican Republic was BEAUTIFUL! Beautiful beaches are some of my favorite places on Earth. Combine that with one of my favorite hobbies, bargain shopping, and I get to have my cake and eat it too! Near our hotel there were a few vendors set up in spaces along the beaches. So as you walked along the water, you could shop! The water got pretty close but everyone was pretty prepared. Just another day on the beach for them!

Beautiful

This was one of the wandering vendor dogs. They said his name was Flu-fi.

Some time away ...

2012-01-03T20:05:00.001-06:00

So, if you look at our profile photo you will notice that we are somewhere other than Oklahoma. I know, you are thinking "What?! Are you sure that's not Oklahoma?!" But, seriously, that's not Oklahoma, that's our latest VACATION DESTINATION: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic!!! Yay!!! We were hoping to take one last awesome vacation before a break out of mini Winfields might begin. I LOVE tropical islands (Jamaica, Dominican Republic, DUH)! I'd love to be laying on a beach 24 hours a day.
We went from November 29 - December 6. Eight days and seven nights of relaxation. Joining us on our trip was my MIL and FIL (mother-in-law and father-in-law). We stayed at Iberostar Bavaro, an all inclusive resort in Punta Cana. And ... well ... here's what I'm going to do. Most often the Winfields leave pretty boring lives so there are some days I need stuff to write. As to not bombard you with 300 photos and one LONG story, I'll break up our trip into categories on different days.
Stay tuned all! And thanks for joining in on THE ADVENTURES OF THE WINFIELD FAMILY!!! (Corny, I know, but you'll be back!)

Cuddle time ...

2012-01-02T10:56:00.000-06:00

Me and my little man! Glad he likes to be squeezed and hugged like his sister. :)

Ringing in the new year ...

2012-01-01T22:33:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year everyone!

We had a great 2011 and we were so blessed with so much last year. Tragedy hit us hard in the end with our loss of Uggs but we know we were so blessed to have our grace our lives. She truly changed that and although her time was short, what an amazing touch!

We hope God continues to bless our friends and family as much as He has blessed us. These are only some of the great beginnings 2011 has held:

- a new home

- our Uggs and Davinci

- fostering and finding homes for homeless pets

- a visit from my family

- an amazing vacation (details soon!)

- off The Pill :)

and so much more!

Here's to an AMAZING 2012!!!

A new furry venture ...

2011-12-30T22:04:00.000-06:00

The morning I brought in our Ugger Bug to get spayed I wanted to take a gander on her brother. A bit of a background on him (and why he is still at the SPCA). We brought the three kittens in at the same time. Just originally wanted the orange one but once we found out it was a male, we decided we wanted our Uggs. But they had to be in quarantine and get nursed back to health by the staff. Uggs was the stronger of the 3. Unfortunately, one of the kittens didn't make it, leaving Uggs and her brother, who they named Davinci. He was having a bit of a difficult time making it through and they recommended to keep Uggs in there with him to help him pull through a bit. We took Uggers home when Davinici started to get a little better. He later developed ringworm, meaning quarantine for another 6 weeks. Then, once he was better they put him in a kitten room where he contracted ringworm once again. Back to quarantine for 6 weeks. Finally he was a free man and went into the adoption space. The SPCA staff and many others fell in love with Davinci we were told. Fie applications were filed for people to take hm home but they wanted to make sure he went to the PERFECT home. He was too awesome to go to just anyone, they said. So I wanted to just take a gander for myself after I had brought Uggs in. He was pretty amazing. SO lovable!

Obviously later that evening we found out our Uggs had passed away. Friday, somehow hoping to curb our pain, Josh wanted to just take a look at Davinci, to see what he had grown up to and such. We thought being out would take our minds off things as well. It was so hard to even be in the house . As soon as just and Davinci met, Davinci rubbed his face on Josh's face and neck, a quality Uggs did quite often. If we would have closed our eyes and had Davinci on our lap, we would have sworn it was Uggs. While we thought we could not even begin to fathom having another cat (none could be as awesome as Uggs), Josh wanted to begin thinking of the possibility of taking Davinci. We couldn't help but begin to think the oddest of things. Does everything really happen for a reason? Why were they holding off on the perfect family for so long? Ringworm and isolation TWICE? We couldn't help but think if this was somehow Uggs taking care of her brother. Giving him her family that she knew would be perfect? It was too quick after her passing to even begin thinking but that was her blood; the brother she helped nurse back to health.

After having a week to think about it and hearing test results on Davinci (they tested for the same blood condition; he is healthy), we decided we were going to take Ugger Bug's brother Davinci. We brought him home hoping he would be the lovable, awesome cat he was in the cat room. He is amazing! What a lovebug!!! As I said before, if we close our eyes it's almost like Uggs is right there! He is just like her.

Welcome to our family, Davinci!

My two favorite boys

The greatest loss ...

2011-12-26T22:30:00.002-06:00

Last Wednesday on December 22nd, our most precious Uggs passed away. It was just a few posts back I noticed we told her story, feeling beyond blessed to have her in our lives. And too quickly she was taken.
There didn't even seem to be a proper good bye, from any of us, as we had taken her in to get spayed. Doing our part to keep the population down as well as stop her from going into heat, which she already had and I was NOT happy about it. When arriving at the SPCA to pick her up after her surgery, they made me wait quite a while. I thought Cati, the vet tech and a friend of ours, was just finishing up a surgery (Tuesdays and Thursdays are spay/neuter days). Then she walked out into the waiting room, red faced and tears. A moment that is etched in my head for what I fear will be the rest of my life. While you might be thinking, "really, over a cat?" I am saying Yes. Over a cat. My pets are my children, and at that moment my world stopped and flipped upside down. In a second; the second Cati opened that door. It can't be described the halt on my life. I've lost pets but while we only had this cat a short four months, the impact she had on our lives was immense and incredible. This was the most loveable cat I've ever known and she LOVED her people. She was not your typical cat snob. She was a little loveable person in a cat body. I have yet to find the words for her and the joy she brought to our lives. That's a post for another day, I'm sure. After talking with Cati and trying to contain myself, I had to call Josh and let him know what happened. He came up to the SPCA where he was told and then we went to see Uggs for the last time. It wasn't the Uggs we knew but it was nice to talk to her and pet her for one last time. They took her to a cat veterinarian to do testing and find out what went wrong.
The next day we were told Uggs had a platelet disease, a blood disorder is how I understood it. After the surgery, her blood was supposed to clot after they sowed but didn't. Her blood was too thin and she basically bled out. It was the inevitable. Unless she would have went her whole life without having any surgeries or wounds, she would have survived. There was nothing we could have done to prevent it. She was born that way. A very special kitten indeed.
I still try to make sense of it. It still hurts like a pain I've never had before, one that I can't even describe. I still cry everyday and it's the little things that will spark it. I still feel like she will be coming around the corner prancing with her fluffy tail straight up in the air. I pray for this to get easier as I already know it's a smidge easier to handle day by day. But nothing will heal the pain. I miss her more than words will ever know. We love our other girls; they are our world. But Uggs was the best pet we could ask for. She was perfection. Too perfect. I know God has a plan and everything happens for a reason. It's been hard to stand by that these last few days but there is. I just hope God helps me to see what it is.

Our gorgeous Ugger Bug :*)

All shook up (well, kinda) ...

2011-11-06T08:15:00.004-06:00

So, apparently I am not meant to handle excitement. Yesterday, Oklahoma had two earthquakes and I missed BOTH!!! As everyone is writing about them on Facebook, I am feeling quite left out with a hint of jealously. I mean seriously! How often do earthquakes happen in Oklahoma!?
The first one was at 2:15 a.m. Some were woke up by it or still awake (party animals). It was measured a 4.8. Quite large for Oklahoma, if you ask me. I was passed out in a drink-induced slumber. Normally I am a light sleeper and awake when the dog farts but I think the Amaretto Sours were to blame. All over Facebook people were posting about it. Grrr. I was jealous. I missed it. I've never felt an earthquake!
After an event we went to later in the evening, we stopped at the MILs house to chat for a bit and left before 11. At 10:53 p.m., a 5.6 earthquake, the strongest ever measured in Oklahoma, shook the state for about 10 seconds. Some might ask, "Wow, how did that feel!" But, nope, don't ask me because we were ON OUR WAY HOME IN THE FREAKIN' TRUCK!!!!!!! Didn't feel a thing!! I missed it again! A 2-minute drive home, during which I remember distinctly looking at the clock at 10:53; we're in the truck for 2 minutes and the sucker shakes up Enid and I didn't feel it! Home almost all day and not one rumble. On the road for 2 minutes and BAM! I feel robbed!

Had to post this photo I saw on a friend's Facebook. Strangely after posting it on mine, my college roommate said it was actually a friend of hers who was quoted. Priceless. Got to LOVE Oklahoma. :)

Popping the question (the mild one) ...

2011-11-03T08:02:00.001-05:00

Twelve years ago today, Josh asked me to be his girlfriend. I'm not sure where or how (if I recall right it was at my job at the pharmacy), he somehow remembers all the small details like that. Some of the reasons we picked November 1st for our wedding date was 1) you get discounts in November; 2) seemed like a reasonable length of time after our engagement, not too long not too short; 3) our "dating anniversary" date was November 3rd. As we tried to get it on the 3rd that was a Monday so we went for the closest: the 1st. Now, we've been together for so long and married now for 3 years. After you get married, do you stop counting the other years? I just can't seem to not count! 12 years! Isn't there some kind of a trophy for that length of time and still being so happy?! Oh yeah! It's 6'1, hazel eyes and makes me laugh! :) But when we hit 20 years, I think we should win a vacation or something!

Photogenic and furry ...

2011-11-02T07:55:00.000-05:00

This is one of my favorite photos of my family (sans cats). I love this photo! Justice isn't very photogenic, she's always running from the camera or has her ears down but it's rare we get a photo of them up, as well as smiles all around and no lighted up eyes. Victory!

Everything I dreamed ...

2011-11-01T23:09:00.001-05:00

Three years ago today, I married my best friend in the wedding of my dreams. After 8 years of being together, we finally tied the knot, the day I had waited for since I was a little girl. I am so blessed to be married to a man as wonderful as my husband. We've been together nearly 12 years and I love him more everyday. I will say I do wish we could celebrate every year like we did on our wedding day! Now THAT was a good time! Happy anniversary to us!

Happy Halloween ...

2011-10-31T21:26:00.005-05:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!! We had a ton of trick-or-treaters tonight. I love seeing all the little kids in their cute costumes. It makes me smile!
A couple of weeks ago, we had our annual Winfield Halloween party and I swear it just keeps getting better and better. We had so many compliments on what fun everyone had and what great parties we throw. But I have to say, I give it up to our friends and family. We just put out some tasty treats, liquor, beer and invite some awesomely great people. THEY are what makes the party fun. :) Hope you enjoy our pictures. I tried to post only the clean ones. :)

Mac attack ...

2011-10-30T21:46:00.000-05:00

For quite sometime, I've been telling my boss, Jack, how much I need a new computer. I've been using my personal laptop for work. He's offered me a PC but, nope, can't do it. I am a Mac user all the way. I'd be a total idiot if you handed me a PC and told me to use it.
So this past Thursday, I came to work and there was a brand new Mac mouse on my desk. I thought, "hey, its a start." Then Jack said "come in here for a sec."I said thank you for the mouse and he pointed to a chair in the corner and said "I think you need that to make it work." Low and behold, the light shined down and the angels began to sing! Sitting on the chair was a brand new 15-inch MacBook, a Mac keyboard and Microsoft Office!!! It was like Christmas and took my all not to cry! I was SO excited!
My PowerBook is getting slower and slower but she's still hanging in there after 7 years. I shall put her in the new beautiful office where she will live out her last days, helping me to create this blog for you wonderful folks. There's truly nothing like a Mac.

Finally got some yogurt love ...

2011-10-29T09:05:00.003-05:00

I have a slight obsession with self-serve frozen yogurt joints. Genius, if you ask me! In July, we had one finally open up here, a Cherry Berry! Josh had never tried before so this was our first visit. While I had about 10 ounces, he filled up his cup with 22 ounces of yogurt and candy junk. His bowl was like a peanut butter candy mess, a heart attack waiting to happen. But he loved it! We did not love the fact it cost $15! I guess sometimes you've got to go high class!

Saving Uggs ...

2011-10-28T08:24:00.000-05:00

Over the summer sometime in early August, we acquired another fur baby. Yep, putting our numbers of fur children at 4.
We had gone to Josh's aunt's house for dinner one Sunday and as I walked in, arriving a little late, was a box of 3 little kittens. Boy, am I a sucker for kittens. But I thought, we have to find these little guys a home. Josh didn't seem to be a big fan of Kai and I'll give it to him, she is a finicky cat. Then he asked if we could have one. Again, I'm a sucker for cats, especially kittens, so I agreed. They all seemed kind of off: shaky, lots of goop in their eyes, slow moving, being so small and left by their mom, I guess. I took them to the SPCA first thing in the morning to get them all back to good health. Josh initially wanted the little orange one but changed his mind when he found out it was a boy. Plus he heard orange cats are obnoxious and psychos. We can do without crazy around here. Sadly, of the three, one dies and the orange one (later named Davinci) was sick for a while. It was good for our little girl to keep her brother company while he was recovering from being sick so it was a month before we finally brought her home.
This is Josh's cat (he wanted one that was really friendly and lovable to him; Kai was not) so I tried to steer clear of her for a while. We went through a few names and Josh came up with the name Uggs (we also call her Uggers). He said her little feet looked like my Ugg boots. She is a crazy kitten who plays ALL the time. I tell her she is nothing but trouble but boy is she cute while doing it. Her and Kai sound like a heard of elephants upstairs when they play and there are times Kai just wants to relax but Uggs goes full pounce on her. But when it's time, she is a lover. And she loves everybody. We are so blessed to have this little kitten come and save us. :)

The day we brought her home!

Water babies ...

2011-10-24T09:17:00.000-05:00

During the spring and summer before it got disgustingly hot here in Oklahoma, we'd take the pups for a walk almost every day. We would often go with our neighbor Barbara Ann and her fur baby Callie. They'd run through the fields, run on the golf course (never on the greens, of course) but they wouldn't go close to the water. Callie was a water dog though. She LOVES the water. Finally, one day after all the times Justice and Libby watched Callie take a dip in all the ponds, they finally decided to give it a shot. "Let's see what all the fuss is about" I could just here them saying. In the past they wouldn't even go near the water. And here our babies were, going for their first voluntary swim! I was like a mom seeing her babies crawl for the first time! I was so excited I snapped a photo. Later, this excitement would turn disgust, realizing I'd have to hose them down every time. And because it got so dry here, the ponds built up all this nastiness and Libby would still run right into the pond like a little kid on a hot day. I know she didn't understand but boy was it a hassle. I try to get her back on the leash when we come to the pond. We went for a walk yesterday and it was pretty chilly. I thought, "Libby is smart enough not to go in" so I left her off her leash. HA! What was I thinking?! This was Libby we were talking about! Justice listens well and I know it was hard for her not to take a dive, but she refrained. I'm still proud after all these years our pups ventured out on their own to try something new. Thanks, Miss Callie for showing them the way (except on cold days)!

Their first steps into the pond! Mom was so proud!

A long time coming ...

2011-10-23T21:49:00.000-05:00

No worries! Here I am! I know some of you probably thought I dropped off the face of the earth. But no, not so. Life has been so amazingly busy. I also has wanted to back log some of my blogs since there has been so much going on. But it's a long way from May to October and that's a lot of catching up. So I've decided to just jump back on and when I have time and not much to talk about I can update you on what you've missed. I hope that sounds good! I'll try to keep you all updated as best I can. Thank for your patience!

Truly a victory ...

2011-05-02T23:07:00.002-05:00

I am writing this a day later but, yes, I finished the half-marathon ALIVE! And I must say, I always knew I'd remember my first half-marathon but I didn't think it would be like this.
The girls and I got up at the crack of dawn, turned on the TV and cringed at the mass of storms headed our way. We thought maybe they will go around us, maybe they'll dissipate. So we headed downtown and let me tell you it was a bit chilly, we saw lightning and it was starting to rain. We parked and walked to a church, near the starting line, because it was way to cold to be standing outside. Ponchos in hand, we waited inside as they delayed the start due to the storms. Many people we heard were backing out but I was not about to, no matter what. I worked TOO long and TOO hard to back out now. So out the door we went through the pouring rain and the freezing cold to begin our 13.1-mile journey. And the entire 13.1 miles, the cold wind blew, the temperature stayed steady in the low-40s and the rain DID NOT stop. I ran the entire 13.1 miles. I walked through a couple of water stops but I trained to push my body as it had never been pushed before. Though I was SOOO not prepared for the weather conditions, my mindset was, if you can do this, you can do absolutely anything! The finish was not how I imagined: it was a proud moment but I lost my running buddies in the wrath of mother nature creating a frenzy among the crowd. No photos of us together and our proud selves displaying our metals. No photo of us with the memorial marathon backdrop. Just a quick photo of me near the finish line drenched and shaking like a hairless dog in the freezing cold, but one with a half-marathon medal I might add! Josh and I walked the long journey to the car in the rain and freezing cold (this was a lot more brutal since I no longer was warm from running) and made our way to my ultimate goal: The Cheesecake Factory! Josh parked the car and I grabbed our table. I sat shivering and chattering uncontrollably from being so cold. It felt like I would never be warm again. I didn't have any clothes to change into because I had to leave my luggage with the running buddies (longer story). A kind woman from another table offered her sweater to cover my legs (I was wearing shorts) to keep me warm. As much as I wanted to wrap myself up in it, I declined and thanked her for her kindness. The purple lips and shivering subsided after about 30 minutes, thank God. But it was all worth it when I saw that cheesecake I could devour without a lick of guilt. The average person burns 100 calories per mile and I just ran 13. Yeah, no guilt.
While the marathon wasn't quite how I had imagined it in my head with photos of the running buddies, a smiling husband right at the finish line (we conducted quite the search for each other), it was a victory I never imagined. I ran 13.1 miles in the cold, wind and rain. This race proved I can do ANYTHING! If I ever doubt myself about anything, I now can just think back to May 1st, 2011.

Vickie and Jimmy

We are running for Brittany! Wishing she was here (but I bed she's in her warm, dry bed unlike us)

I hope I don't look like this when I run!

Brrrrr!

There was a wedding party running right ahead of us!

Go Melissa!

Go Nicole!

Oh so cold!!!! But a half-marathoner!

My goal line!

A deserving bite!

YAY!!!

One of my most favortite things. :)

Anticipation, excitement, nervousness, OH MY!

2011-04-30T23:34:00.000-05:00

Today is the day before the run and I am so nervous and so excited! There are really no words. I'm so ready for this. We're hearing about rain but we're just going to pray that it stays away, is very light or very brief.
The girls (Melissa and Vickie) and I headed for OKC about noon. We have to pick up our running packets and the expo for the run the girls are telling me is awesome. Tons of running stuff. What they failed to tell me was tons of people. You could barely move but it wasn't going to dampen my day. After picking up our registration stuff, we headed to the hotel and out for our carb-loading. I'm not sure if this is just a runner's excuse to pig out by I will not argue one bit. We enjoyed one of my favorite places, Macaroni Grill. We decided to head to the mall and sports store because if we went back to the hotel we knew we'd fall asleep. It was only 6:00! So we had some fun at the mall, I scored a cute running skirt at the sports store and then of course we had to top off our evening at Pink Swirls Frozen Yogurt. Soooo tasty! We figured after all that it was ok to head back to the hotel. We are so tired but so excited, sleep is not coming easy. We also made a poster for our friend Brittany who wanted to be apart of the run but couldn't due to her accident in March. We've even got her head on a stick (I know, that sounds odd).
I am so thankful to have these ladies in my life. There is no way I'd be doing this run if it wasn't for them. They have helped encourage me and pushed me to limits I never thought possible. I have come to realize that I've been a runner all my life, I just needed my friends to help me realize my potential. Thank you, girls. I'm so excited to run beside you for 13.1 miles tomorrow!

In line for my registration packet!

Gettin' our grub on at Macaroni Grill!

Our photo booth pics at the expo

I need to run in these bad boys. I'm sure the news station would get me on TV in these!

Vickie swore this shell candle had ocean sounds. Yeah, we're worn out.

Melissa and Vickie
I LOVE these girls!

Our Pink Swirls pit stop

Making our poster for Brittany

Another run at it ...

2011-04-29T19:38:00.003-05:00

I'm so excited about running the half-marathon in 2 days!!! After all the training and working my butt off, excitement doesn't even describe what I'm feeling. Tomorrow I'm heading to Oklahoma City with the girls for pre-run fun day. Unfortunately, this means an early bed time. But it also means carb-overload at Macaroni Grill! YAY!
Recently I came across an upcoming 10K run in a town near OKC. The run is to benefit an animal sanctuary but was started in memory of an animal lover. Chris carried a bag of dog food in truck to feed any stray that needed a bite. He also worked to find any strays a home. He was killed in a motorcycle accident in 2008. After reading this man's story, I felt compelled to run in a race that was in his honor. So 2 weeks after my marathon, I will run my first 10K. Call me crazy but I'll do it for a fellow animal lover and for a good cause.

And it's all caught on tape ...

2011-04-26T15:54:00.003-05:00

Here's a video from the 2nd Chance Prom. What a blast! Keep your eye out for the sexy man in the mullet and denim suit when it's the 70s turn to dance. How could I have NOT married that! ;)

Awesome Flash Back ...

2011-04-22T11:52:00.005-05:00

This evening we had a BLAST at the 2nd Chance Dance prom! We found a last minute costume for Josh today and let me tell you, while we tried to go matching 80s, he could not have been as awesome as he was without his denim suit and mullet. He was a hit! Everybody loved him. And I swear it was a magic mullet. I've never seen him dance like that in our 12 years. Good times. He's the photos to prove. P.S. Josh won best dressed for the 70s!

Josh and Kelly; looks like she wants to take him home!

Josh and Dusty (Brittany's husband) pimpin' out the Delorean

Me and Brittany, my running bud!

Me and my smooth date

Love me some Rachel!

Me and Rob; we went together PERFECT!

The denim brothers

Ty the robot; he made this costume himself. His shoes: spray painted Tupperware containers

Marty and me breakin' it down

Bustin' a move!

We rocked the night!

Brittany, Jessica and me

Josh and Marty doing their best 70s dance. Get it, boys!

For the 168 ...

2011-04-19T21:31:00.001-05:00

Today as I watched the memorial service they do every year for the Oklahoma City bombing, it held so much more meaning. I watched them hold the moments of silence, read some of the names, showed the field of empty chairs. I've watched it in years past, but this year it really touched me.
I remember the day, even being long ago. Home sick with the stomach virus (or food poisoning), I watched the footage with our babysitter all day long. Scenes I'll never forget. I remember feeling helpless while these people went through this horrible tragedy. What could I do; I was a little 6th grader, 800 miles away.
The run I will be doing in a couple of weeks is the Oklahoma City Memorial Half Marathon. Years later, I now know what I can do. As I watched the memorial ceremony, I decided I will run for all 168 people who lost their lives and are not able to run. I feel incredibly blessed to be given he strength to do such a thing so I will run 13.1 miles for them. I will be honored to run for them.

Wine and a run = perfect ...

2011-04-18T21:51:00.004-05:00

What a great evening! Had my run fix for the night and came home and put my feet up and enjoyed a glass of wine on the patio. now mind you, I'm not a big wine fan but our good friends Ty and Kelly bought us a WONDERFUL wine for our housewarming party. I have found the one! The best part was it was a clear, beautiful blue skies and NO WIND! That is a rarity for us over on the course so I took full advantage. Living the life!

Running shoes and yogurt, oh yeah ...

2011-04-17T21:28:00.002-05:00

Off I went to OKC AGAIN to exchange my feet killers. I hate that drive. 3 hours out of my day but I need a good pair of running shoes before my half marathon. Apparently, the first pair of shoes they gave me had too much support and was digging into my arches, causing the pain. These should be much more bearable and hopefully my feet will go back to not hurting.
While this drive is so incredibly boring and frustrating to me, I found it only fair to treat myself to a Pink Swirls yogurt cup. My office makes commercials for P.S. and that was how I found out about their tasty dessert. I am fully addicted and it is a must every time I'm in OKC. It's live culture frozen yogurt (healthy for you) and it's self serve so you put the toppings on. I always get cheesecake and birthday cake yogurt and top it with crushed graham crackers, brownies, marshmallows and chocolate syrup. Ah, it is heaven. Makes my drive so much better.

Let's hope these make me swift and pain-free!

Making my drive all worth while

New shoes already ...

2011-04-13T22:18:00.003-05:00

Went to a super special running store this past weekend to get some new running shoes. Now that I'm doing over 5 miles, it's times to get the right gear so I don't injury myself. Running shoe are EXTREMELY important in this case. So, went to OKC and got fitted and tested for some new shoes and unfortunately they are not the right kind of shoes for me. Since I've tried to run in them (3 separate runs, about 3 miles each) I am in pain all the time. I thought maybe I just needed to break them in but as I talk with folks this does not seem to be the case. So back to my Nikes until I exchange this pair for another. But right now I'm just praying for the constant pain to go away. My running buddies are telling me to take it easy. What?! I HAVE to run! This better get resolved quickly!

One decision I will regret ...

2011-04-12T13:35:00.000-05:00

After much debate and back and forth decision making I have decided that I will officially NOT be attending my 10-year high school reunion slated for July. Yes, this is true. And if you know me you know that this is a VERY difficult decision for me to make. I have been looking forward to my high school reunion for the past ... well, 10 years. I LOVED high school, enjoyed every minute and couldn't have asked for a better four years. It was great. So when I thought about the 10 year reunion rolling around I couldn't wait to see everyone again and catch up with everybody, especially since I've moved over 800 miles away. But the main reason for my decision is pure selfishness. I want to take a nice getaway vacation with my high school sweetheart, best friend and husband, Josh. We are still sans children and they will be coming in the near future. I just feel like this could be our last hoo-rah before my body morphs into something wild and the kids aren't sucking us dry. I know that children aren't the end of the world but the beginning, but we'd like to take one last go-around in the world we so love at this time. With us moving into our new lovely home, we just don't have the funds to do both. So, I've decided to forgo the festivities. I am very thankful for the technology (Facebook) that has allowed me to stalk those fellow classmates I've left behind. I've even made some new "high-school" friends. If it wasn't for social media my decision might be different. But there it is. One of the biggest decisions I know I will regret for the rest of my days. But it could be worth ... Costa Rica?

A great welcome ...

2011-04-09T23:57:00.001-05:00

Tonight we had our housewarming party and had a great turnout, not to mention an awesome time with friends and family! But, unfortunately, I am horrible at remembering to take photos. Yet there was 1 photo taken. My friend Keith and Josh had some twin action going on. No this was not planned. Yes, it is a little creepy. But all in good fun. Good times is putting it lightly!!!

Nerds

God's gift ...

2011-04-08T22:45:00.000-05:00

Why do I run? Because this makes it worth every step. :)

Ok. He might be right ...

2011-04-04T22:40:00.001-05:00

Now, normally I would be suffering with an allergy attack with this crazy wind but I must say that dang allergist might be the one to prove me wrong. This nasal spray junk is working quite well. I've only been using it a couple of days but I am not suffering and it feels wonderful!

DANGER: Cookie Pie ...

2011-04-03T23:57:00.000-05:00

Baked a new recipe FULL of heavenly goodness, Cookie Pie. Josh seems to think it is one of the best desserts I've ever made. This photo below is not mine but the woman's whose recipe I stole courtesy of her blog. Half of our tasty pie was gone by the time I decided to take a photo.This new recipe could be dangerous!

Nasal spray nonsense ...

2011-04-01T22:58:00.001-05:00

Ever since I moved to Oklahoma 8 years ago, allergies have destroyed me. At first I thought it was a bad cold accompanied with a bout of brain cancer. The headaches hurt so bad! When I went to the doctor he said it was just allergies. What?! You've got to be kidding me. This feels like a cold gone bad. And the headaches was just sinus pressure. Oh yay. They tried giving me all sorts of meds to try: Clartin, Zertec, something that started with an 'S', etc. Nothing helped. They tried to give me Nasonex but I can't do sprays. Nope.
So after many years of these wonderful allergies beat me year-round. This year seemed to be the worse. These headaches were turning into migraines everyday. I could take ibuprofen I was taking (4 pills twice a day) I knew was just killing my body so I decided to see an allergist. I thought he could be the cure all to my pain and misery. But I vowed not to take nasal spray.
Low and behold Doc prescribed me with nasal spray. OF ALL THINGS! Is this some kind of April Fool's joke, fool?! I said, "Good sir, I will give myself a shot everyday if I have to but not nasal spray!" This was not possible. Nasal spray is what I needed. Bastard. He gave me two samples for me to give it a try.
It took me 10 minutes to get the kahonas to spray the first dose. He says it will take a few days and a couple weeks to tell the difference. I see him in 3 weeks. I hope to prove him wrong about this nasal spray nonsense.

No one like Garth ...

2011-03-31T23:18:00.000-05:00

Tonight Josh and I took a stroll down memory lane. Yes, we're a bit nerdy but we watched some Garth Brooks concerts from back in the day. Actually, what am I thinking. This doesn't make us nerdy, this makes us awesome! Why, you say? Because I don't care who you are or what kind of music you like but it is well known Garth Brooks put on some bad ass concerts. Go ahead. It's just you and me. You can admit it. The man is a legend and can put on a show. I mean we spent a couple hours trying to find a flaw in a Garth performance and he is perfection. Nowadays lip syncing is the norm, but not in those days. Just take a gander at one of our favorites. Long live Garth!

GARTH BROOKS - FRIENDS IN LOW PLACES by rawestern

No turning back ...

2011-03-29T21:53:00.001-05:00

I have officially registered for the Oklahoma City Memorial Half-Marathon! There is no turning back now. On Sunday, May 1, I'll be running 13.1 miles. I NEVER would have thought I would ever be running a half-marathon but I love a challenge. I am so excited! I've heard such great things about this marathon and I think it is for such a great cause. Here's for giving it a shot! Wish me luck!

I am a runner ...

2011-03-27T16:41:00.002-05:00

Today I ran 10 miles! Yes, I WILL say it again ... 10 miles. I never would have thought this possible but it has happened. My goal with my girls, Melissa and Vickie, this morning was 8 miles. I was scared but I'm doing the OKC Memorial Marathon so this is part of my training. Melissa and Vickie were planning to run 10, but Vickie had to stop at 8 because she wasn't feeling well. Melissa didn't mind running the last 2 herself but I was not gonna let this happen. Those girls have helped me run the past few weeks, I felt good so what's another 2 miles. And off we went! I finished 10 miles and was alive to tell about it. what an accomplishment this was for me. Less than 4 months ago, I was struggling with 1 mile, dreading a run around the track but enjoying the company of workout buddy Brittany. And here I am today, running 10!
After our run, Melissa gave me a piece of Dove chocolate with the messages on the inside of the wrapper (heck yeah, I deserved it). The message was "Take this moment. Enjoy it." Why yes. I believe I will. :)

No more bullies ...

2011-03-26T23:31:00.003-05:00

Today the MIL and I headed to the city on a mission (Josh somehow got out of this one). Josh and I are attending the 2nd Chance Dance - Grown Up Prom. This is an event to raise money for the United Way, going to bullying and suicide prevention. I've been bullied (slapped one of the bastards on the school bus in 6th grade) and it is NO fun. So, I'm all about helping this cause. For 2nd Chance Dance, you can dress in one of the following eras: 20s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 2000s or the future. While I would have LOVED to sport our 20s gear again, Josh thought it inappropriate to be 20s again. Ok, fine. After getting into the spirit, Josh thought it would be fun to dress 80s (ewwww) so I let him take charge on this one. After an AWESOME experience at a vintage clothing store, I couldn't help but go back to her awesome shop and great expertise. As much as I hated to do 80s, we found the PERFECT dress for prom. It SCREAMS 80s! Wait till you get a gander! April 22 is Prom!

Golf ball: 1; Window: 0 ...

2011-03-23T22:34:00.000-05:00

Soooo, living on a golf course definitely has its downside. Like ... A BROKEN WINDOW! Yep. You heard it right. Haven't even lived in our home for a month and we get our first golf ball through the window. Unfortunately, we weren't home at the time and the idiot who sliced it right into our dining room window had the kahonas to come through our fence and retrieve his ball. Nice. Let me tell you, if I was home and this had occurred I would have full on tackled the bastard! And of all the windows, he had to be a pretty bad golfer to hit this one. So, put it on the tab. Let's hope there's no more to come. Or at least if there is, let it be an honest man (or woman).

A good update ...

2011-03-22T13:32:00.000-05:00

Workout buddy Brittany is doing better. She's having to go through some physical therapy and still in some pain but she is a tough girl and I know she'll get through it. Hang in there, Brit! You'll be up and running soon enough!

An evening stroll ...

2011-03-21T22:23:00.003-05:00

What a gorgeous evening! After eating some dinner, Josh and I took the girls for a walk on the course (we only walk our loop which is 5 holes). If we go late enough, all the golfers are gone and we can let the girls off of their leashes and run through the field, which they absolutely LOVE! and they get so tuckered out for the night. It is so great to see them run and wander. They definitely have selective hearing on these walks. We hope to resolve this in the future but who knows with those two.
I will say the sunsets in Oklahoma are amazing and our evening walks on the course make me thank God and remind me how I have been so blessed by everything in my life. No if the dogs would just listen ...

Josh with the girls

Back with the baking skills ...

2011-03-20T22:56:00.002-05:00

After all the goodies the neighbors brought over, I thought it was time to give back. This was the first time Chef Winfield was putting her baking skills to use in the new kitchen. Ah, glorious. I put out 3 cookie racks on the counter top ALL AT ONE TIME!!! It was great. As were the cookies. :)
After baking cookies, I cleaned the mighty messy kitchen and headed out to the back porch to enjoy the beautiful weather on our back patio. We are so blessed!

All 3 racks at once! Pinch me!

A new personal record (PR) ...

2011-03-19T22:46:00.000-05:00

Yes, I have achieved victory!!! The longest I have ever run was a 5K and that is 3.2 miles. Go me! Today: 5.05 miles!!!!!!!!! What a great feeling! The girls I ran with, Melissa and Vickie, were such a great inspiration and motivation to me. I honestly could not have done it without them. They have run half-marathons and marathons and I am so grateful to be running by their side. They were cheering me on the way, talked with me to keep my mind of the mileage. My goal was to hit 4 miles. I was even nervous about that. But after the 4 I felt so good I wanted to just keep going! So 5.05 it was! It is amazing what you can achieve with others helping you along the way. Thanks, ladies! Here's to more runs!

Official or not ...

2011-03-18T22:40:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I purchased my first piece of running gear! Does this make me an official runner now? I think maybe so! I bought something called a CamelBak. It is a hydration system for when I run. In that groovy little bag is a water pack. There is a hose that you bite on and suck to get the water out so you don't dehydrate on those long runs. Tomorrow is my first long run for this is perfect timing for my new toy!

CamelBak similar to mine!

Welcome, spring ...

2011-03-17T20:01:00.000-05:00

Yep, it's spring. My allergies have officially taken over my life. I never had them until I moved to Oklahoma and let me tell you it is miserable. Lucky for Josh, he gets nothing. I'm jealous. So jealous I want to whoop him in the head with a pan so he feels my pain. Just kidding. I love him. I'd never do that to him. ;)

My musical turtle ...

2011-03-16T22:49:00.001-05:00

Josh is in deep concentration. He's learning how to play songs from watching videos on YouTube. I kinda want to draw a turtle shell on his back though.

Hitting the 2-0 ...

2011-03-15T22:53:00.000-05:00

Happy birthday to my little brother man, Joshua! He has hit 20 and made me feel WAY old. Sad I can't be with him to celebrate but I'll get him down here one of these days. Happy birthday, Joshua! Love you much!

The welcome food ...

2011-03-14T23:15:00.000-05:00

Came home to some WARM homemade brownies from a new neighbor. Brownies are my weakness. I hold grudges but bring me brownies and all will be right with the world. During our big Saturday move, another neighbor brought us some amazing cups cupcakes. These folks are so great!!! They are gonna make me fat but I can't turn down these great snacks. :)

Prayers please ...

2011-03-10T23:12:00.000-06:00

My workout buddy, Brittany, was hit by a car this afternoon. Don't know many details but she is okay. Please pray for her recovery. She was just getting started running and declared she was going to do the half marathon in May. I can't imagine going from being a runner to being injured (I believe her knee, back and neck). Prayers please!

Sweet taste of victory ...

2011-03-07T23:08:00.001-06:00

Scored some Paczkis today for Paczki Day!!! YAY!!! Thought I was going to have some trouble this year but a local grocery store came though! Thanks, United!

Where'd all this s#%t come from ...

2011-03-05T23:02:00.001-06:00

Moving day sucks! All week long we've slowly been treking our small stuff, making many trips back and forth. After tons of trips, I've come to the conclusion someone broke into our house and put a bunch of crap in there for us to move. I bet they are down the street watching us through binoculars load it all up and laughing hysterically at our frustration. Bastards.
Today was they day to move the big stuff and we are spending our first night in the new place. YAY! I'm so excited! The MIL is in charge of organizing the kitchen (while this is my haven, I do NOT want the responsibility of organizing all the goods). Aunt Dawn was just a cleaning machine and I was in charge of the odds and ends. While the house was quite clean when we moved in, there was little things that needed taking care of and in this large of a house, those little things certainly add up to a full day of cleaning. What I dread most is going through all the stuff packed in boxes and such. UGH! Moving sucks!
I'm so excited to spend our first night in the house! I've been bugging Josh all night to just man up and lets sleep in the new place but he was persistent in telling me no. Not until Saturday. Welcome, Saturday!

It's closing day ...

2011-02-28T23:15:00.000-06:00

Today is the day! Couldn't sleep last night; so much to do and so excited to move into our new home. It's closing day and I didn't get cold feet until we were about to get out of the truck to sign our life away. But hey, God brought me this far; He knows what He's doing so off I went and we signed for a good 45 minutes this, that and the other thing and was finally handed our keys to OUR NEW HOME!!! It was ours. We've waited for this home since the end of December and it was now ours. And boy is it big! This means a lot of cleaning for Nicole but it is going to be well worth it. Quick my job and clean my house for the rest of my days, you say? As great of idea like that may sound, we've got a nice, shiny mortgage to pay so ... not so much. This is where kids will soon sound like a great idea. Regardless of the mortgage or cleaning, we are SO excited to begin this new Winfield adventure!

In front of our new home!
(Photo by Sunshine Photography)

Nothing like a half century ...

2011-02-27T12:07:00.000-06:00

Happy birthday to dad up in the big city! He celebrate the big 5-0 on Wednesday the 23rd. I was in Las Vegas keeping busy but they had a small celebration to welcome him into the half century point.
Happy 50th birthday, Dad!

My old man ...

2011-02-26T22:46:00.000-06:00

Happy birthday to my best friend and husband! I arrived home from Vegas just in time to celebrate the husband's 27th. I invited some of the family over, cooked him one of his favorite meals and topped it all off with some ice cream cake. This years gift was something he'd been asking for for a while. A guitar! With our new home (and nice shiny mortgage) coming soon, I'll be sending him downtown to play for change after he gets off work! Rock on, babe! Happy birthday and I love you SO much!

It's so hard to say goodbye ...

2011-02-25T21:39:00.000-06:00

Today we headed home from Las Vegas. I was sad to go but glad to go back to my husband, pups and kitty. I sadly only put in 15 gambling dollars to Vegas, but I WILL return with Josh and I'm sure he'll make up for the money I didn't gamble with. Oh, and I forgot to mention in earlier posts: I was a good girl and ran about 2 miles on the strip each day. Yes, sir. That's dedication.

So, Vegas, until next time. I WILL return with bad intentions! ;)

Showing some Enid love in Vegas!

One last tour ...

2011-02-24T23:11:00.000-06:00

Today is our last day for our digital signage expo and our last full day in Sin City. We learned so much about digital signage and how technology is lending its hand to such a medium. I was pretty blown away.
Of course the last night means you have to do all that you've missed. Getting all what you haven't done in the schedule. After our expo, we headed to eat some German food which was quite appetizing. We grubbed on a pretzel for an appetizer and I had a half a chicken for dinner. And of course you have to drink when eating German food! Nothing like an Amaretto Sour to top off the trip! After our dinner, Lisa had to make a must-stop at Ghirardelli's for a chocolate soda. Who was I to stop her? So I helped my self to some goodies as well. Then we headed to the top of the Stratosphere to take in the beautiful view of this gorgeous city. You can jump off the top, too. With a safety harness of course. We watched some folks take the leap, something you could not pay me enough money to do. I like my feet on the ground at all times, thank you.

Sportin' the digital signage

In front of the convention center

DS was EVERYWHERE!

Outside the German place

Jack with our gigantic pretzel

Our musical entertainment. I think they were drunk but isn't that what being part of a German band is all about?

From the top of the Stratosphere

Rockin' out on Fremont Street ...

2011-02-23T23:48:00.000-06:00

Another day at the digital signage expo, but of course there's always time to have a good time in the evening hours. We headed to Fremont Street, which I had never heard of before. If you are like me, Fremont Street is a long street with some great outside entertainment, shops, old hotels and casinos, all under a giant canopy that, every hour, plays basically a montage of digital signage with some great music. It was pretty awesome! Below at the very bottom is a video of some of the show I recorded. Tilted to the side of course.

Fremont Street music show

Got me some beads! I'd love these for Mardi Gras!

Homer looks lost

Another show

Rockin' out!

Never a dull moment ...

2011-02-22T23:36:00.000-06:00

So today was the first day of our digital signage expo. And of course there was a smidgen of time after to squeeze in some more shopping! After a bit of credit card swiping, we headed over to the Bellagio. What a gorgeous place to be! It is amazing in there! There was sculptures made of flowers, the famous blown glass ceiling the mirrored horse and we had to see the Fountains of Bellagio, which plays to music. I could have stood there and watched all night. But it was a bit chilly. Let me tell you, if you don't already know, there is never a boring moment in Vegas. I love this place!

My mountain view in the morning. There was more off to the left as well. Beautiful!

Flowerness in the Bellagio

Lisa and the bossman Jack

Waiting for the Fountains of Bellagio

And off they dance ...

The blown glass ceiling. I've seen photos but it is even more gorgeous in person.

Beautiful Vegas from the sidewalk at Bellagio

The mirrored horse (and some weird guy standing with his arms open in my way)

Vegas, baby!

2011-02-21T23:52:00.001-06:00

Despite our move coming soon, I headed up to Las Vegas today!!! It was all business of course, but there is always fun to be had in Vegas. No, really, I was there on business. We headed to a conference on digital signage, something that's really taking off in the production business and a great addition to our list of services at KJ. Well, I'm not going to pass up a great learning opportunity. Would you? And especially in Las Vegas. I've never been to Sin City so this is my first go round.
Jack, the bossman, and Lisa, his wife, have been to Las Vegas many times so they knew all the great places to eat (and shop). We arrived a day early to get settled and just take a gander around the city. We did some shopping at one of the outlet malls, which was right up my alley. Love me some shopping! And of course I built up an appetite after all that walking, so off we headed to a restaurant in our hotel for the biggest hot dog I've ever seen.
After our dinner, I had about zero energy left and headed up to my comfy room for some R&R. We are staying at the Stratosphere Hotel, which I am loving! My jacuzzi awaits me! Until tomorrow!

Looking quite nice and comfy! And it's all MINE!!!!

This bathroom all to myself!

My view; so loving the mountains!

Biggest hot dog ever!

We ran. We conquered ...

2011-02-19T23:41:00.000-06:00

In the past couple of months, I have become quite the runner. I never thought I would utter these words from my lips (or type the words from my fingers) but I LOVE TO RUN!!! It is something I look forward to all day long. While I'm still starting out small, I have gone farther than I ever thought possible. Me? A runner? It's still hard for me to grasp the concept. But it is so. I feel amazing and so fit. I believe this is the most fit (and confident) I have ever been and I'm loving every minute!
So with my new found love, I completed a 5K in under my last time (32:56). The time is not what makes me want to shout from the roof tops. I ran the ENTIRE 5K without having to walk!!! That is 3.1 miles without having to take a walk break. I have NEVER been able to do 3 miles without walking. And I did it!!! And I probably could've gone longer. I couldn't have done it without my running buddies who keep me going, Brittany and Melissa. I can not stress enough how much more motivating it is to have others to run with. I'm not going to stop until they stop so they keep me going. It's a wonderful partnership! So thanks, ladies! Here's to us: We ran. We conquered!!!!

Brittany, Melissa and me after our race!

Another candle to the cake ...

2011-02-18T23:37:00.000-06:00

Happy birthday to Tim! I cooked a fine feast for his birthday and you can't have a birthday without some cake and ice cream! Unfortunately Chef Winfield did not have time to make a cake so I had to purchase one (as much as it pains me to say) but all is still good with the world. Happy birthday, Tim!!!

Conquering the court (and some food) ...

2011-02-17T23:10:00.000-06:00

Had lunch with one of my favorite little people, Miss Halli. Rachel, her beautiful momma, joined us, too. We tried a new place here in town that serves sandwiches. Very tasty! Their bread was so good!
Ran again today, enjoying our beautiful 70+ weather, with my workout buddy Brittany. Then we headed to our first volleyball game! It was so much fun! We didn't win any games but we had fun all the same. I think some practices are in order but either way we conquered the court!

Miss Halli and I!

Me and Brittany following our non-victorious but unbelievably fun volleyball game!

Running for a good thing ...

2011-02-16T10:55:00.004-06:00

Today I signed up to run a 5K in our little village here on Saturday, February 19. It's for a good cause: the proceeds go to help donate AmTryke therapeutic tricycles. I have become quite the little runner so I'm hoping to beat my last time of 33:26. Cross your fingers for me!

Look out Forrest Gump ...

2011-02-15T20:35:00.001-06:00

Guess what Nicole's gonna do. I am running my very first half-marathon on Saturday, May 1st! I plan to run in the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon; I will be running the half marathon, which is 13.1 miles. Yep. I said it 13.1 miles. I NEVER would have thought this is possible, but it is. While I obviously might not get to run all 13.1 miles, I will certainly try my best. After our run today I just thought to myself, "Self, you can so do this!"

I have been running with some workout buddies this past couple of months. Just recently with our beautiful weather, I have began running outside. I have run more than I could inside on the track and felt as though I could keep on going. One of the big differences is when we run on the track we have to keep track of our laps. 19 to a mile; you just count down and it seems to take forever. Outside you just enjoy the scenery, and ... run. I love it! I think I have officially become a runner. I look forward to running all day. I'm even looking forward to doing this half marathon. Who would have thought? Not me!

The day of love ...

2011-02-14T23:12:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day!!! This evening we headed out to a fine dining restaurant here in our little village. It's one of our favorite spots. Josh gets the duck, I get the filet. It's just too good to try something else! We enjoyed our V-day dinner; we have never really spent a V-day together, it was always work or school, so this was kind of nice. We put a cap on our Valentine's day gifts this year: $20. So this was going to be a challenge.

I was last minute on getting Josh's gift. I thought of the perfect item of course on Valentines Day and no one in town carries it. Where's the easy button?! So, I bought him a nice zip-up sweater and a phone protector case. And my gift: BRILLIANT! He bought me a cat palm!!! I was so excited! I always wanted houseplants but we don't have much natural light or direct light in our house. With this new home there is so much natural light in the living room he thought it would be a perfect gift for the new house! I immediately knew where I was going to put it (he was thinking the same place). This makes me want to move even quicker!

Wide eyed and bushy tailed ...

2011-02-13T22:42:00.000-06:00

I LOVE ME SOME KITTY KAI!!!
(NOTE: This kitty was not harmed in the making of this photo)

The chef strikes again ...

2011-02-12T22:31:00.000-06:00

Another masterpiece meal once again! This evening I made chicken brushetta topped with balsamic vinaigrette and fresh mozzarella cheese. The side was steamed asparagus tossed in a garlic butter sauce topped with feta cheese and bacon.
For dessert I tried strawberries hand-dipped in chocolate and Oreos done the same way. This is my first time dipping anything and chocolate. How did I go 28 years without doing such a wonderful dessert?!

Ah, the beauty of home ownership ...

2011-02-10T21:15:00.000-06:00

So we move in a few weeks and we couldn't get out of our home before having a hefty expense added to our list. That would be too easy! Long story short: we are leaking 19 gallons of water an hour and it is between the house and the meter (leaving the bill up to us, not the city) and due to the absurd amount of snow we have to wait a whole week to get it fixed for a mere $1,400. Nothing like the beauty of homeownership. I should've been a plumber!

Now THAT'S a winter storm ...

2011-02-09T22:03:00.001-06:00

So it came and it got us pretty good! We received 14 inches of snow!!! Now that's my kind of winter storm. No one can seem to remember the last time our little village had this much snow! The dogs enjoyed every minute; Libby thinks the snow is a yard full of treats for her to gaze on and Justice loves to run and frolic in it. It wears her out, which I love!
Another snow day, working from home (I could get used to this) was no big deal to me. Not bad working in your pj's.

Putting the husband to work!

Something has grabbed Libby's attention but I'm not worried; the snow is too deep for her to run quickly!

Justice looking for her ball her dad threw!

The backyard had some pretty wicked drifts!

Bring it on ...

2011-02-08T23:01:00.004-06:00

Round 2 of the winter storm surge is headed our way! Although there seems to be talk of more snowfall with this one, there doesn't seem to be quite the panic. While leaving the workplace, there was some wicked wind with the snow smacking me in my head. But I say ... BRING IT ON!!!
The evening was a busy one for me, snowstorm and all. First I attended a board meeting for one of the organizations I am a part of. Then it was time for some Zumba Toning with my workout buddy, Brittany! This is a newer strength training class, where it is a tiny bit of a toned down Zumba but you use shaker weights as you strut your stuff. We do some awesome exercises, some really tough ones on the abs and the bum. I love it!
Right after Z.T., Brittany and I headed to our first practice with my church volleyball team!!! Oh yeah. We are pretty freakin' pumped! I played my freshman year in high school but they made it a little too complicated for me: offense, defense; what's wrong with just hitting the ball?! Despite the wild snow, we made it there to practice 3 games. It was too much fun! The other team (it was practice so we all just meshed together) was a little too competitive for my taste but I (and Brittany) played it like a couple of champs. I did have an ultimate scare due to my absurdly annoying phobia. In an attempt to save the ball from hitting the dreaded floor, I tried to hit it and it bounced back hitting me right in my kisser with puckered lips and all! Might as well have just licked the ground! If you know not of my phobia, I am severely afraid of the stomach virus and the vomiting that comes along with it. Our town has been overcome with it this season. What better way to catch it than by kissing a volleyball that has come in contact with a floor stepped on by many shoes. I will try to fight this battle but in the meantime I had a great time and will not dwell on the predicted sickness. Bring on the game!!! Out first game is the 17th. Wish us luck!

What Super Bowl is really about ...

2011-02-06T21:28:00.000-06:00

I'm a nerd. I'll say it now. I LOVE ADS! But I'm not as ashamed to say this during the Super Bowl because everyone waits for and watches the ads. While every year it seems a bit overhyped and no one has made the most awesomely amazing ad ever, there are some good ones. I enjoy the funny ones; ones that make me laugh. This Super Bowl, an ad for the VW beetle made my favorite list. Take a gander:

This calls for a snow day ...

2011-02-04T07:07:00.001-06:00

As a Chicagoan for 20 years, this is one of the most eerie photos I've ever seen so of course I'm going to share it. If you have been to Chicago or are from Chicago, you know Lake Shore Drive is always hopping. Never a dull moment right along the Lake, hence the name. The photo below is of this past Tuesday in Chicago after a record setting snowstorm hit. Nearly 1,000 cars were stranded, along with their owners, on LSD due to the storm and it's winds creating crazy drifts. People even were stranded overnight.
I was just amazed by this photo and couldn't help but share since this was so close to my old stomping ground.

(Courtesy of the Associated Press)

The big 70 ...

2011-02-03T21:57:00.001-06:00

Happy birthday to Grandma today!!! She's all the way up in Wisconsin getting her birthday on, being the party animal that she is. After talking to her, she explained she spent her day on the living room floor watching a giant icicle melt from the top of the house to the ground and form another icicle attaching itself to the icicle above. What, Grandma?! Oh, to live the retired life! It won't come quick enough!
HAPPY 70th BIRTHDAY!!! WE LOVE YOU!

Puppy love ...

2011-02-02T16:03:00.001-06:00

Couldn't help but share this photo I stole from mom. I love my fur babies!!! Here they are at our trip in Branson over the summer.

Taking in my snow day ...

2011-02-01T11:34:00.001-06:00

So our winter storm has arrived and it is now a full blown blizzard. The winds are pretty wild out there. Me, being the animal fanatic I am, can't help but think of the poor little homeless furries trying to take in these nasty winds and chilling cold. The good thing about my day is I'm working from home due to the hazardous weather and Josh is home as well (although he is not working like I am). He did get an itch to clean the house which is wondrous! Go Josh!!! I do plan to play a little Wii on my lunch break though since the YMCA is closed. Boo!
It's hard to tell if it's snowing or just blowing snow. I am a bit jealous of our friends in the eastern part of the state who are predicted to get 20 inches of the white fluff! Lucky bastards!

Finally an understanding ...

2011-01-31T22:58:00.003-06:00

The snow is coming! The snow is coming! A full on snow-pocylpse is expected. There are times I think things are fully exaggerated. I wouldn't even think about stepping foot in a grocery store right now. I hear it is madness. But, while watching all this hoopla, I've finally figured out the reasoning behind the over-exaggerated rush.
Back in 2002, there was an ice storm that has been imprinted into our town's history. From all I have heard, it was basically an ice-pocylpse. People were without of power for up to 28 days. Everywhere was basically shut down. And so on. But I begin to think this evening: What would that have been like? There was no power, no stores open for days because of no power. Ice was 3 inches thick, bringing trees down in streets, on vehicles, allowing no one to leave their homes, unless they wanted to walk, of course. People were stranded in their homes for quite a while. I would only imagine a situation like that would cause people to prepare anytime the words "snow" or "ice" were uttered out of any state meteorologist's mouth.
So from now on, I will try not to be so harsh to Oklahomans and the crazed frenzy they go into the moment "snow" or "ice" is in the forecast. I will just think back to the storm of 2002 and what that must have been like.
Here's hoping for a blizzard but not another 2002 storm!

Ice storm of 2002
Try driving though this!
(Photo by Associated Press)

A healthly sweet treat ...

2011-01-30T18:46:00.004-06:00

Sundays are my day to cook! The MIL cooks on Saturdays and always cooks some off-the-wall delicious meal with a wondrous dessert to follow. So I had to add a little to the competition. I made a dessert, quite healthy as well, that tasted like ... summertime. It consisted of vanilla pudding, angel food cake cubes tossed in orange juice and covered with more pudding and strawberries topped with chocolate shavings and a dollop of whip cream (not even 15 calories for the whip). Chef Winfield is victorious once again.

Buyers etiquette ...

2011-01-27T22:44:00.004-06:00

I am one who loves to entertain: dinners, parties, get-togethers. All sorts. Of course when we move into the new place, I can't wait to have our first shin-dig. I'm already wondering what I'm going to cook, what appetizers, main dish, dessert. Everyone asks me as well when we'll have a party, too. It's only normal to have family and friends over, showing how you spruced up the new digs. Housewarming parties they've always been called. There's always been the debate on the house-warming parties: bring a gift or not? I never knew. Still don't. But one question I've had a flock of friends ask is, where are you registered? Registered? Well, the engagement thing is done. No "bun in the oven" (yes folks, I'm child-free this month). Registered for buying a new home? Do you register when you buy a new car now too? While I thought I was quite up to date on this type of thing, somewhere I must've flown out of the loop. Don't get me wrong, our wedding shower was like Christmas times 10, I'd feel kind of guilty registering for ... new stuff to fill my new house. Sure, we need things here and there but it just seems odd.

So after much debate from some friends and as odd as it feels we'll head out and make "a wish list." More of a suggestion list, I suppose. Just some little things here and there. And I've had many ask me where I'm registered; I don't want to let anyone down. ;)

My question is to anyone out there reading this, what do you think about registering when you buy a new home and have a housewarming party? Is this normal? Do I look greedy? Or am I the oddball if I don't get a barcode scanner and start clickin' at our nearest Walmart? Any thoughts please?

Back on track ...

2011-01-23T22:52:00.001-06:00

Tonight was the night I updated our blog. Oh sure, there was plenty missed but I hope to stay back on track from here on. Obviously things have been busy with the house and such. So back track a little and catch up on our blog. Thanks for hanging in there!

Tub of toys ...

2011-01-09T10:43:00.002-06:00

Couldn't help but share this photo.
Headed to the MIL's house for dinner last night and she pulled out a tub full to the brim of Happy Meal toys from her boys. It was an extreme trip down memory lane. I couldn't help but snap a photo of the mountain of tiny toys that surrounded them.
But get the sanitizer out after that trip down memory lane!

The cookbook cabinet cometh ...

2011-01-08T10:40:00.001-06:00

Today I have come to the realization I will have a cabinet designated for all of my cookbooks. Oh, how glorious it shall be! This really tickles my fancy. There's nothing like the little things in life to make me smile.

A REAL Winfield adventure ...

2011-01-03T22:21:00.001-06:00

I suppose it's a good time to share so ... WE ARE GETTING A NEW HOME!!! Yep! It was hard to keep it in, but I wanted to make sure our offer was accepted. We're hopefully good to go on the bank approval but after talking to the bank and our mortgage lender looks like we are very likely good to go.
So, we've been looking for a while now. Hoping to find the perfect home; one to raise a family in. I've been frustrated with no luck, checking out open houses and just not finding what we want. Sure, we might be a bit picky but you need to when you are looking for a home you want to be in for a way. House Hunters was a show that would suck us in for hours and hours.
One Sunday, Josh was away on a job. I went to church that morning (I always go, not just because Josh was gone) and prayed for God's help. I asked that he put a home in front of us, the perfect home so we can start a family. I headed to Walgreens for a gift and spotted a local paper. Just for giggles I figured I'd see what open houses there were today. Not like I had much else to do. The husband was gone so I was a bit restless. There was a house I had seen once before. A beautiful house we searched on the web but since it was on a golf course, we figured it didn't have much of a yard (one of Josh's requirements was a large yard). Ah, heck, what else is there for me to do; why not check it out. I scoped out this house that seemingly had no flaws. Fit our criteria, but was the yard big enough. The Realtor took me outside and WOW! The yard was huge! This house boasted the largest yard in our subdivision. I couldn't wait to tell Josh. I sent him a video (previously made) of the home and we headed over as soon as he returned from his job a few days later. After a lot of this, that and the other, our offer has been ACCEPTED!!!!!
I've been a big believer in the power of prayer. It has truly opened my eyes this past year. And let me tell you: God was working quick that day!

Our new home!!!

Ringing in the new year ...

2011-01-01T22:15:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year, everybody! Welcome 2011!
2010 proved to be a tremendous year for us, but we are quite excited about what 2011 will bring.
Being the old fogies we are, for New Year's eve we watched a movie, munched on some really tasty dip and rang in the new year with wine in our plastic champagne glasses from Gma and Gpa! Ah, to not be young. Haven't figured out if that's a good thing or a bad thing.
Happy New Year!

New dip recipe. My was it tasty!

Our high class champagne flutes! Got these from Gma and Gpa about 3 years ago and still going strong. We'll upgrade one day.

A good read ...

2010-12-30T22:12:00.000-06:00

I finished a book today called "Amazing Grace." I was about a great dane that was deaf and her inspirational story. The owner of the dog, also the author of the book, is the founder of Three Dogs Bakery. Definitely worth a read if you're an animal lover. Made me cry and everything. Book don't make me cry, but this one pulled at my strings.

The power of Rachel Ray ...

2010-12-27T21:56:00.004-06:00

I love the Food Network and sometimes there are recipes that I watch them make that I just have to try. This was the case with the one and only Rachel Ray "30-Minute Meals." First off, how I lived without cable for 20 years I'll never know. The Food Network is amazing so many different ideas, flavors. It amazes me. And when those ideas can be done in 30 minutes or less, BRING IT ON. I am a busy girl. So as I watched Rachel create this masterpiece of a sandwich, I couldn't help but want to give it a whirl as well. So I searched the recipe on the Web (found it through another blogger, oddly enough) and got to work. Josh was pretty pumped about this so he helped as well.
The finished product was AMAZING!!! I have to share this recipe with you and this is something you have to try. It took the two of us working together about 30+ minutes to complete but SO worth it. Just make it a weekend meal.
Click the blog title to direct you to the recipe. I believe my only adjustment was instead of 4 hoagie rolls I used one large french loaf.
ENJOY!!! We did!

Merry Christmas, of course!

2010-12-25T21:52:00.000-06:00

We just want to wish a Merry Christmas to everyone, from the Winfields! Have a very blessed holiday and cherish every moment with your family.

In front of our Christmas tree!

Wedding bells are ringing ...

2010-12-18T19:42:00.000-06:00

A big congratulations goes out to my friend Kellie and her new husband Chris! They were married today in a short (YAY!) ceremony surrounded by friends. Chris and Kellie are such great people and make the perfect couple. They truely love each other. I love seeing them together.
Not only did this marriage bring two people together but actually six people together! Chris has four children and Kellie LOVES kids. Though they live in Ohio, I know Kellie will make a wonderful stepmom.
Congrats you two!

Ah, the vows.

Such a beautiful couple!

Me, Kellie and a random small child! A friend of Kellie's really, but I didn't know him.

One more candle ...

2010-12-17T19:27:00.001-06:00

And HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MOM!!!! Wish I could be up there to celebrate. I'd take her bar hopping. It'd be some good times. ;)
We love you and hope you have a great day. Happy birthday, Mom!

Welcome to the world ...

2010-12-16T23:14:00.001-06:00

And we'd like to welcome ... Miss Chloe Madison to the family! EASY THERE! Not ours! But Chloe was born to cousin Michelle early this morning. What a trooper Michelle was! I hope mine (when the time comes) goes so smooth. Maybe a little shorter though; Michelle was 20 hours, NO THANK YOU. So here's a big welcome to the world!
I didn't get to hold her due to a nasty cold but when I get over it, she better look out! Can't wait to hold her!

Josh and little Chloe

He looks good holding one of those!

Lighting up the Plains (and me) ...

2010-11-27T19:04:00.001-06:00

Every year, our quaint little town does an event the day after Thanksgiving. It's called Lights Up the Plains. There is fireworks, carriage rides, hot chocolate; just a big get together , I suppose. It is a very big event and is attended by all. Of my nearly eight years here, I've never had the chance to go; always had to work, or was at school. There was always something. But not this year! After our tiring shopping extravaganza yesterday, I took a nap and met Rachel and her fam out a few hours later. I have to say, it was a great start to a beautiful season.

Rachel and I downtown

Ah, the beautiful fireworks. It was pretty good. Better than our 4th of July.

Little Miss Hallie! Rachel says every year for Lights Up the Plains they take a photo of her in front of this tree. Great idea!

It's cold! We're waiting patiently for some hot chocolate.

And so the season begins ...

2010-11-26T22:50:00.000-06:00

Black Friday! Here it is! The reason I am most excited about this wonderous day is not only am I super pumped about the Christmas shopping season officially beginning but I have a partner in crime who could quite possibly be even more excited than myself. We have been planning for months about our game plan and couldn't wait to wake in the wee hours of the morn to fight with other Crazies for the cheap stuff. But this year seemed a little different than previous years.
First off, Walmart fudged up my schedule. Apparently to sway any trampling deaths like last year, they switched things up a bit. Majority of their sales started at midnight. I wanted some sleep so I skipped out on that which was a mistake, but you live and learn. Not Rachel. She was there, fighting off the Crazies for a Barbie car and standing in line for 2 hours. When I called her at 3:15 as a "wake up call" she whispered, "Sleep? I never went to sleep! Let's go, girl!" Ah, the sweet words of a fellow Crazy.
We hit our destinations and stood in lines that were nothing compared to what I've battled before. Walmart, believe it or not, 2-minute wait! I spotted that register and ran like the wind! If only they were all that easy. We were headed home by 10:30 and thank God my work place was closed for the day. A nap was calling my name. I don't know if my bed was ever so comfortable. Until next year!!!

Black Friday with the BF!

Turkey day ...

2010-11-24T23:02:00.001-06:00

Thanksgiving has arrived! And it is full of yummy food! There are some goodies that we only see once a year and so I am thankful for Thanksgiving!
Of course I'm not only thankful for the food (it ranks pretty high up there though) but thankful for all that I have been blessed with in my life. I have an amazing family, great friends (one of which I am ecstatic to conquer Black Friday with), a beautiful home and a super sweet job. Thankful is putting it lightly!
I hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving. No photos due to the business of preparing for dinner. Now it's off to bed. Just a few hours until I shall awaken to a shopping frenzy with Ms. Rachel!

Happy half-a-century ...

2010-11-20T21:56:00.004-06:00

Happy 50th birthday to the MIL! We had a little shin-dig at the house with some homemade manicotti (courtesy of me, of course!) and a birthday cake I decorated myself. Ah, how I'd love to get crafty with the cakes but that would not be good. Not good at all. I'd have to move in to the gym!
So, anywho, happy birthday MIL! No worries; we hear 50 is the new 30!

The power of prayer ...

2010-11-16T21:57:00.000-06:00

This past weekend a couple of people I worked with at a restaurant a couple years back were in a car accident. Michelle and Bob were in a car that was hit from behind by a drunk driver while they waited for a train. This happened early Saturday morning and this afternoon Bob, who was in the passengers seat, passed away. He was only 31 years old and had 2 children. Michelle, who was driving, is still in the hospital. From what I have heard (no visitors except family) she has no recollection of the accident, she doesn't know her last name or remember some of the people who have come to see her and she is going to have to learn how to walk again, as well as relearn other day to day tasks we take for granted. Michelle also has a young daughter.
While I believe everything happens for a reason, this is one of those things I don't understand. Why was a young father taken? Why does a young mother who is trying to raise a daughter on her own in a hospital trying to remember her own name? How does the drunk driver who is the cause of this come out of such a horrific accident uninjured? This is when I don't understand. I am so angry at this idiot who irresponsibly got in his car DRUNK and killed one and critically injured another. I would like him to see what he has just done to these two families that he destroyed in such a quick instant. We all make mistakes, I know, but what a selfish move. How very selfish. No words can express what I feel for this man. While I've read in the paper about how remorseful he is, it still helps none. I still want to beat him over the head over and over again. I don't know how some people can forgive after a tragedy. I hope to have that ability.
So, I ask that you pray for Bob's family and for a speedy recovery for Michelle. Pray for her young daughter to understand and be patient in her mother's recovery. Michelle is a strong person and she'll get through this but there's nothing like the power of prayer.

"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalm 118:24

Still our babies ...

2010-11-15T21:54:00.001-06:00

Happy birthday to our fur babies, Justice and Libby! Today they turned 8, but they are still puppies at heart. We love our girls!

Waiting for their birthday cookies from dad!

Say my name ...

2010-11-10T18:27:00.000-06:00

Arrived at my office this morning and found this on my door. I think they like me here. :)

The perfect flop ...

2010-11-05T23:47:00.001-05:00

Scored some new flops at a sale event downtown! Wish it wasn't so cold cause I'd be sportin' them everywhere!

In a happy place ...

2010-11-04T11:41:00.001-05:00

Last week I was asked by a friend who owns a cute little gift shop on our downtown square if they could sell my jewelry! Well, of course I'm going to say yes! I was SO very excited! While I've been too busy to make anything new, I gave her what I had in stock. It looks oh so great in their store! My jewelry has gone to a happy place! I'm so excited! They are such great people and their store is really awesome. They sell some clothing, shoes and other very unique gifts! If you're ever in the area you have to check it out!

The wonderful Felt Bird folks, Riley, Stela and their pup Dexter!

Girly golden birthdays ...

2010-11-03T23:34:00.000-05:00

Happy 3rd birthday to my beautiful goddaughter, Gracie!!! She's getting so big! Thank got for social media like blogging and Facebook so I can see her grow up! Happy birthday, Gracie!
Today also marks 11 years Josh and I have been together. I hear you're supposed to stop counting after you get married but I'm so proud we've toughed it out for so long! YAY!

Two is better than one ...

2010-11-01T23:24:00.000-05:00

It's been 2 years since I married my best friend! I think I'm ready for another party as awesome as that one!