Born in the USA but Canada Was Nice

I travel. 

That may be an understatement.

I travel a lot.

Since the middle of May I have been to Italy, Jamaica, and Canada and that isn't even adding in the trips around the state and surrounding states. I might have missed my calling as a truck driver. My radio name could have been Diamonds and Diesel. These are the things going through my mind while burning up the highway.

Little Miss Small Town America
Top: Francesa's
Shoes: Madden Girl
Sunglasses: RayBan

After posting my last blog I realized I never posted anything about the Fourth of July and my family reunion. Fail. Way to go, Jones! So, since I just got back into the great Ole U.S of A, I thought this would be the perfect time to share some of the moments that make me proud I was Born in the USA but Canada was nice. 

Cheers,

C

GJ's turtle "Speedie" for the Terrapin Race at the Red Oak Independence Day Celebration

This gal is a beyond fabulous. She has only been in our family for a little over a year but I can tell you she fits right into our family of strong women. 

Love.

Wild Women

I wouldn't trade my family for the world.
 We take Kick Ass to another level.

Awkward Family Photo with Peyton and Shelley.

I love this picture for many reasons.
1) Reed's tongue hanging out while I cracked crab for him.
2) I didn't recognize myself at first.
3) My family knows how to eat.

What can I say about this young woman? Maggie might be the most kind hearted person I have ever and will ever know (with the exception of my mother). She radiates grace and beauty... with some witty remarks thrown in the mix. It still boggles my mind that she will be starting her sophomore year of college in a few weeks.
Delta Love.

This is what a Fourth of July Hangover looks like.
Until next year...

These are my grand littles, Madison and Heather. Let's just say the apple doesn't fall far from the fabulous tree.
Top: Gap
Shorts: J Crew

Bought the Dahlias at a Farmers Market in Tulsa.
They made Monday a little bit more tolerable.

Are these not perfection?
Brand: Seychelles
Not so much with these pants, but I can just see them paired with skinny jeans and a boyfriend blazer.
I am not sure if it is a sign, but I have been seeing poodles everywhere I go. I saw one in the Buffalo airport, all throughout my trip to Canada, in fashion and in my dreams. I know I do not need to have a pet right now, but this could be a sign of what is in my future.

 Super Prep. I can't help myself sometimes. It just happens. 
Oxford: Talbots
Pants: Lilly Pulitzer
Shoes: Gianni Binni
Watch: ToyWatch USA
Belt: Talbots (It is reversible)

What do we do while in Buffalo, New York?
EAT CHICKEN WINGS!
Anchor Bar is the originator of the chicken wing. Quincee is looking at Brian while he eats the suicidal wings on our first visit. Yes, we ate there more than once.

My brother's family take wings very seriously.

I love this picture.

You. Are. Welcome.

Queen's Clock

Love this kid.

Q and I Behind the Falls

Niagara Falls

Traditional English Tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel
Top: Banana Republic
Shorts: Vineyard Vines

Prince of Wales Hotel in Niagara on the Lake.
This was a ridiculously picture perfect town.

Starbucks and a Chandelier
Oxford: Banana Republic
Jeans: Banana Republic
Sunglasses: RayBan
Purse: Kate Spade

My family on the Hornblower right next to the falls.

Mom and I at the American Falls on the US side of Niagara Falls.

GJ was the bravest 4-year-old at the American Falls! There are about 5 different levels of decks at the base of the waterfall. After each level I would ask, "Do you want to go higher?" Each time he would say yes or no. Right before the last level, which is known as the Hurricane Deck because the water coming down is that of a level 1 hurricane, I said, "OK, GuyJack. This is the big on. Do you want to go up there?" He looked me straight in the eyes, smiled and just pointed up and said, "Let's do it!" He lasted about 3 minutes until the wind coming off the falls was a bit too much for he to keep his footing. My Aunt Kim took him to a walk way where the wind wasn't so intense. 

This is NOT the hurricane deck.

Buck and GJ at the American Falls.

My nephews are so freakin' cool. Oscar is about to start his first year of high school and GJ is going to Pre-K this year. 

When Mom and I got back to Tulsa we ate Thai food.
I can eat peanut sauce as my meal.
So good!

Today, July 30, 2014

I have to leave work early for a doctor's appointment in Tulsa and then I head to OKC for grant training. I basically came home just to unpack, do laundry and repack for my next adventure. 

Warning: I will be spending this weekend celebrating Sharry Mouss' Dirty Thirty. It will get a little wild.

Top: Gap

Skirt: Gap

Sandals: Kenneth Cole

Live While You Are Alive.

Over the past few weeks I have had time to think about life. What do I really want out of it? How do I want to live? Do I live each day without regrets?

My Grandpa Guy is in the middle of this picture.

I know a lot of this stems from the unexpected passing of my grandmother and the declining health of my grandfather. Some people are consumed with the fear of death. I refuse to live this way. If we are so scared of death and dying everyday of our lives, are we really living life to the fullest?

L and I. He is my favorite and I am his.

L's theory in life: Buy the shoes.

Yesterday, my family met at Pete's Place in Krebs, OK for a Going Away Meal for my cousin Lane. For those of you who do not know, L is a professional baseball player and is in the Kansas City Royals Organization. He is still in the minor league, but was recently placed on the 40 man roster. This is a huge step! At lunch, my aunt Shelley (L's mom) thanked everyone for coming. She expressed that this year will be a lot of firsts in our family and she didn't want to throw a big going away party because such a big part of our lives was missing. L never liked being in the center of attention, but Ginny always wanted to do something and celebrate him. If L gets called up to the show, she will have the best seat in the house. My grandmother was L's biggest fan and loved bragging about his accomplishments. 

There are a few things I have learned over the past few weeks. I am not sure why it took me so long to learn these simple lessons, but they will stay with me forever.

Teagan gave me my first Valentine.

So glad I bought this statement necklace!

1) Tell people you love them. You never know when it is the last time you will see them. Tell them and tell them often.
2) Take the chance. Don't ever look back and think, "What if..."

Teagan wears what she wants. Girl after my own heart!

3) Buy the statement necklace 
and the shoes. 
They will come in handy.
4) Don't save an outfit for a special occasion. Every day is a special occasion. 
5) Family is the greatest gift. Spend as much time with them.
6) Work puzzles.
7) Take pictures. Lots of pictures.
8) Do what is best for you. You are stronger than you think.
9) Eat. You can eat like a bird and go on every gluten free, Paleo, only organic, Vegan, cabbage soup diet out there, but you will never be happier than that bird with a french fry. My cousin Jade says, "You have to have a cheat day."

I ate the Reese Cup heart.

10) Live While You Are Alive. Do all of the above and more. Bungee Jump, Sky Dive, Travel, Take Risks, Quit Your Job, Fall in Love, Get Divorced, Have a Baby If You Want A Baby, Watch Movies, Go To Concerts, Be Daring, Be Happy. Do whatever you want. Just Live.

I can't remember what day this was last week. Clothes have been ordered. 

Shirt: Gap

Jeans: Kenneth Cole Reaction

Boots: Naturalizer

 Today, January 27, 2014
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Woke up to it freezing outside. Didn't wash my hair and didn't care. Hot rollers fix everything.
Top and Leggings: Miss Behaven's Stigler, OK boutique.
Vest:JouJou
Boots: Naturalizer

There is a baby in the sink and paint on my hands.



You never really know where I am going to end up on a given weekend. One weekend I could be in Chicago, the next I could be cheering on the Oklahoma State Cowboys in Stillwater or taking in a concert at Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa.

You just never know where I might end up.

This weekend I spent the weekend at my aunt and uncle's lake house on Tenkiller Lake in northeast Oklahoma near Tahlequah. It is a little gem. Many members of my family enjoyed the weekend. The cooler weather and much needed rain didn't damper our moods.

Here are a few pictures of the weekend.

<<<<<<<< What is a weekend without a drive with the windows down

and craft paint on your hands?

>>>>>>>>>>

 Driving with the windows down on a cool evening, Red Dirt on the radio and hair flying all around is possibly one of my favorite things in this world. Driving down Indian Road this weekend was just what I needed to escape from the clutter of the week.

 <<<<<<< This is Miss Teagan Tate Jaymes Adams. I just so happened to snap this while she was given a bath by her grandmother "Silly." (my Aunt Shelley)

Teagan is one of the sweetest babies I have ever been around. She is a snuggle bug and makes my heart melt. She will be turning one-year-old in September.

 I still wonder how that is even possible?

 Her older sister, Lakyn, is the biggest priss on the planet and I LOVE IT! Their mother, Jade, swears she is having my children. I would happily take either on or both of them:)

    

<<<<< This is my uniform on the weekends. Nike shorts, pocket tee, Polo hat and sandles. I try to not have to wear make-up on the weekends. Give the ol'face a breather. This is at a resort not far from the lake house called Fin & Feather. The resturant there is called Soda Steve's.

Monday, August 20>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Back in the office. Wonderful weekend and the few coming weekends will be just as fabulous. Cooler weather is in the air, pistols will soon be firing in Stillwater and weekends at the lake house will consist of camp fires, family and smores.