As I sit here, with wet hair from teaching my last swimming lessons class of the summer, I am calmed by the thought that this time next week, I will be in the midst of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado.

I was born in Denver, and believe the mountains were imprinted on my heart and soul. 

My favorite time of the year...Oh how the mountains are calling my name.

Just me and the wild flowers on The Continental Divide near Aspen, CO <3  My Zen place~

Heaven just opened it's gates to a heck of a song writer.

God's speed J.J. Cale~

I only made it around the block once this morning, but it was already sweltering so I went to plan B.  Laps in the swimming pool with hot coffee...I was a little confused. 

I also implemented my rule of, "Always swim with a buddy," (or two.)

My little adorable sidekick, Zeus was very supportive and gave me kisses between laps.  My cat Carmex, on the other hand, just shot me sarcastic looks as I splashed and kicked.  

I just finished up with swimming lessons.  I had 26 children total today.  Just a reminder to those who work in the water, you still sweat and need lots of fluids.  It's a hot, hot day in Oklahoma.  Stay hydrated everybody, and make sure your outdoor pets have plenty of fresh water and a shaded area as well! 

My swimming buddies this morning.  Zeus, the god of fluffy, and Carmex the cat.

Carmex sticking her tongue out at me while I swam laps.

My precious pup getting ready to give me encouraging kisses.

My first sunflower of the summer---flowers make me very happy~

"Can You Run"  --Steeldriver's Cover song performed by Forrest

Here's a little clip of Forrest playing at a July 4th celebration.

"Pretty Little Lie," a Blackberry Smoke cover~

I haven't seen this is a while and it made my day happier.  Forrest's good bud, Rick Curtis re-posted it on his f/b site today, so I thought I'd share.  

I love the "asset-ion to Heaven" at the end--lol

"He saved a wretch like me!"  Can I get an amen?

Clara Jane's 2nd birthday bash was a big hit on Sunday.  We rented a huge inflatable bouncy/water-slide house from Joyful Jumps in Coweta.  The children loved it, and it kept them nice and cool while they slipped around and bounced, and jetted down the wet slide.

I even got in it for a while, but quickly realized that I don't quite have the duration for jumping up and down that I used to.  I had to make sure that I didn't fall down and break a hip (insert self deprecating ha-ha here.)

Thanks Joyful Jumps for the awesome, aired-up fun!

Good old Uncle Forrest was a great supervisor in the middle of all the wet and wild jumping craziness!  Clara Jane's smile tells the story of just how much the children all enjoyed the day~

Eddie Jett is obsessed with all that is basketball.  Special needs Child?? Nahh, more like Super Child!  I need to sew him a cape~

Clara Jane's big/little brother Landon loving life in the bouncy house---children's smiles...one of my favorite things in life.

Forrest saw Eddie Jett struggling to throw his little basketball in the hoop and came to his rescue---slam dunk successful, big giggles followed~

Want to improve the quality of your life?  Spend some time tickling a child.  Live, laugh and love (a child.) 

Baby Annabelle eating a giraffe in her natural habitat (said in a Marlin Perkins voice.)

"Mom---I can't find a pic...do you know where one is?"

Yep, I always know where at least two of those clean and shiny little jewels are!  Mom secret number 122  ;)

Our local newspaper, The Coweta American, came out to swimming lessons to take some photos for the paper this week.  Christy Wheeland even put together a short video. 

I appreciate them coming out and working up an article.  Swimming lessons are so important, especially to children in places like Green Country, here in Oklahoma, where there are so many pools, lakes and rivers.

Teaching children a love for the water, how to swim, and most of all how to be safe and respect it has been the most rewarding job I've ever had.

His boss caught him enjoying his job!

Forrest taking some time to play at Guitar House of Tulsa.

Ok mom's (well, dad's, meme's, nana's, or anybody that loves art supplies) I am obsessed with these Crayola Crystal Effects Window Markers!

I was shopping for Clara Jane's B-day and found them at Wal-mart in the children's art supply section. You can color a design on any window or glass surface and the colors slowly, magically crystallize before your eyes! They go on almost transparent and then start crackling and become more opaque (almost like a stained glass effect.)

They are less than $4.00 for a pkg of 8 different colors, and they are washable. Boy am I gonna have fun with these---I got 2 packs---one for me and one for Clara.  Don't tell her, it's a secret.

Go get some!!! Your kids will love them--and so will you!

(You're welcome Crayola---I'm off to go doodle.)

Someone came by to see Ga-Ga after swimming lessons today on her second birthday...of course I had to improvise and make her a cotton candy-cupcake-bubble gum-cake!  Her big blow out celebration is set for Sunday.  

                   HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY SWEET CLARA JANE!

                              Aww, the perks of sibling's Birthdays!

It was a gorgeous night in Coweta, Oklahoma for a finale of fireworks.

Thanks Great Scott Fireworks for the amazing show!  And the music was kickin' too by Forrest French! 

It had to be the most intense fireworks show I've ever been to.

Fun night---happy summer!

Forrest playing at The Great Scott Fireworks Party--

Big boom--beautiful skies

SALUTE!!

Ahhhhhh---ooohhhh!

Great Scott fireworks--Coweta, Oklahoma

Life with a musician---I feel like a rogue roadie is constantly scattering gear around my house.  I guess no one ever said music to the ears involved eye candy.

I had just cleaned the kitchen and dining room.---left the room for five minutes...yep, Forrest is home!  And I wouldn't have it any other way~

Cables on top of the pedal board that Forrest made this year---Custom Mesa Boogie amp hanging out by the door. 

Our 4th of July included, swimming, burgers and hot links on the grill, potato salad, fireworks, cute babies and live music---another one for the Holiday memory books. 

RED WHITE AND CUTE--ANNABELL'S FIRST 4TH OF JULY

CLARA JANE--ONE WOMAN TRAVELING BAND~ I love how she even has a back up guitar under the seat--

I had an "Easter" moment today on the 4th of July! I was making potato salad and found this cross in the middle of a spud. The Potato Shrine will be open from 10:00 to midnight today...admission is two sparklers and a pack of Black Cats...free potato salad (for the first 5 visitors ) HAPPY AND BLESSED 4TH OF JULY TO ALL!!

Just returned back home from a weekend road trip with my sister to see my mother in Albuquerque, New Mexico...beautiful landscape, and lots to do in the city and surrounding areas.

We were able to ride the tram up to Sandia Peak and spend some time admiring the view from the top.  The High Finance Restaurant on the peak is such a cool establishment with great food and breathtaking views.  If you find yourself in Albuquerque, I would definitely recommend the trip to the top.  It's 20 degrees cooler on the mountain than at the base, which worked to our advantage as it was in the high 90's while we were in town...so worth the price of a lift ticket for the cool off!

The view on Sandia Peak, NM with my sweet nieces, Ella and Avery ~

The Sandia Peak Tram--at one point in the ride up, you are as high as the Empire State Building in New York City!! Just breath taking--

Me and my sis's "Thelma and Louise" pic.  We were sharing headphones and listening to old school music.  Gap Band anyone??  Great memories!