We had a little visitor today ... this mama dog from somewhere in the neighborhood (we think) showed up while the neighbors were here with their dogs. She was limping and thirsty and also let herself in when the door was open. She stayed with us a while ... sniffed everything, gave plenty of kisses, slept at my feet, and just made herself at home until we could find someone who thinks they know where she belongs! Of course, we already miss her. Wah! 

The sunset last night was beautiful. While I was on the phone, I stepped out into the back yard. The clouds were becoming like cotton candy and I went to get my camera. At one point, I looked over my shoulder and saw these amazing clouds near the sun. They were like fire! 

Last night was baptism night at our new church. They do things a little different here ... and I am enjoying it! The pastor is very REAL (which I love) and has a way of approaching things that I really enjoy. I liked how the baptism service was held. There was no microphone in "the tank" and it wasn't a lot of pressure for those being baptized because the music kept going the whole time while people sang and cheered for each one. Like many things I'm finding here, it's relaxed. That's a VERY wonderful thing for all of us.

Look who got baptized (by her children's pastor at church)! She was the first one of the night and said she was nervous because no one else went ahead of her. But she did a GREAT job and was very composed. Tears came to my eyes, of course. Baptisms in general are one of my favorite things ... but when it's my little one? WOW. It's VERY special.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again ... Oklahoma has AMAZING skies! Now if I could just move that Wal-Mart! 

Things in my yard ... it's amazing how much is out there!  

I don't LIKE these types of things, but I am rather addicted to my camera and cannot seem to resist trying to get pictures!  

New Web Albums ...

I'm trying something new (because it's fairly easy) ... Since I always have so many more photos than I can ever post on my blog without wearing out my loved ones, I may put a web album online from time to time. I've become accustomed to using Picasa because it's free (WOOHOO!) and easy to post to my blog. Now they offer web albums, so it's easy for me to make albums!

Here's my first attempt! I thought I'd put a collection of favorites from Morton Arboretum (location of a photo shoot last May) online. It's just a bunch of flowers!

Arboretum

May 25, 2006 - 53 Photos

During a side trip to a little farm museum, I took a bunch of pictures of some very tiny chicken-type animals. They were quite cute! But I realized I didn't clear my card from the day before, so I "protected" the new ones and deleted ... but it took ALL the photos! I was so sad. I am trying to convince myself that this shot makes up for the ones I lost. I kept trying to catch this bee and my camera couldn't make up its mind to focus on these spindly blooms ... FINALLY, it snapped as the bee was leaving. 

During one trek through the forest, K saw this ... weird! By the way, I found out that mushrooms come in MANY colors. I saw purple, red, and yellow in this forest (along with the "usual" white and tan colors). They were VIBRANT and I was quite surprised!

The latest adventure brought us to the Smoky Mountains ... or as I have learned this weekend, the "GREAT SMOKIES" as locals call them. 

This is a more frightening moment of the recent TN/NC adventure ... Blue Ridge Parkway at night. It wasn't so bad when it was just dark, but when the fog factor was added? WOW. We were in the mountains after dark for some time and were SO THANKFUL when we were able to get off that thing!

This is one of the coolest things I've ever seen! It's called "Sliding Rock" and that's exactly what it is. You can pay $1 (free if you're 6 or under) and then slide down this rock in the river! It's like a natural water park in the Pisgah National Forest.

We had another special guest tonight (this makes 3 events at our house within 4 days)! Kevin's mom came for supper and brought a very sweet gift ... these are "O'Henry" peaches!

I may start a flag photo collection one day (this one from the football field). Sometimes it's too easy to overlook these symbols of freedom, bravery and spirit. 

A friend from Chicago was in town, so we had to treat her to a HUGE Oklahoma obsession ... FOOTBALL! Notice the Palm? She is SO connected. She puts me to shame! 

This is where my son can forget the things I told him ... keep your hands to yourself, be nice, don't push.  

We saw interesting things in the sky. This was only one of many! 

And ... three more! Planes, birds, and balloons!!! 

Little one showed her stuff on the sidelines. 

Today was the day of football in honor of my son's birthday. Yes, we're about two weeks off. But hey, we FINALLY did it! 

The haircut ... I think it has made her feel spunky! She hasn't stopped running or bouncing or flipping since the locks were cropped yesterday! 

Football is such a violent sport! Maybe it's a guy thing, but these two actually thought this was FUN! 

In case you didn't know ... cookies are one of the most amazing things on the planet. You just can't get enough of them! 

My cousin and her family came over today ... it was AWESOME to have a house full of voices that weren't just those of myself and my kids! Notice the TWINS? Hilarious ... both climbing the same way ... jeans rolled up? I have to laugh at that! (btw - photo credit goes to my wonderful K for this one, he played photo spy for me while I talked with my cousin. A big MWAH to him!)

Can you guess what this is? If any of you have been following my curiosity on the blog, you might actually have a pretty good idea!