Christmas Skiing at Winter Park, CO

Kaitlyn loaded this picture on Facebook last night. They took this picture right on the street outside their condo. A mama moose and her baby.

Kaitlyn posted this beautiful scene this morning. Christmas skiing at Winter Park, CO.

Kaitlyn's Christmas Party at Bison Witches

Kaitlyn went to her Christmas Party last weekend at Bison Witches Bar & Grill. These pictures I "borrowed" from Facebook. Kaitlyn and Michael.

Kaitlyn and Lindsey, her best friend. Lindsey was the one that got Kaitlyn the job at the bar. They work together quite a bit.

Another Prayer Shawl

I recently finished another prayer shawl. This one was done with leftover purples. I also used some fun-fur to give it some texture too.

Micheal Buble

The 2nd week in December, Joe got us tickets to Michael Buble. So, Kristen, Kaitlyn, Michael, me and Joe all went to the concert. Sorry I don't have a very good zoom on my camera. Good concert. Michael Buble is a very funny guy, told some funny and off-color jokes while onstage.

Big 12 Title Game, Dallas, TX

The weekend after Thanksgiving, Joe and I rode the train down to Fort Worth for the Big 12 Championship game between OU and Nebraska. There is a lot of meaning behind this since Nebraska and OU have a long-standing rivalry AND because Nebraska is leaving the Big 12 this year to join the Pac10 conference. Kristen and one of her sorority sisters sat with us and stayed at the same hotel so we rode home with them. We had a great weekend. We also had great tickets -- we were about 9 rows up from the field in the Dallas Cowboys stadium.

The Sooner Schooner

Drew and Steven drove up from McAllen and then our other friends were at the game too. Here's Mark Sewell, Joe, Steven, Drew, and Randy Sewell, Mark's brother. The boys were kids in a candy shop. What can be better than being in Cowboys stadium watching your favorite team, winning, and being with your friends!

Advent Festival at Church

As you may or may not know, I usually work a craft table or two during my church's Advent Festival each year. I normally work with middle school children. This year I worked one table with the middle schoolers and one table for adults. I was lucky in that my 2nd table was right beside the combo playing in the atrium. I filmed part of one song and then one of the people began playing the spoons during one of the songs so I had to film it. It reminded me of my dad and how he used to play the "hambone" and cut up when we were children.

Trying to Catch up - Thanksgiving

We had 8 total for Thanksgiving. Here are pictures when we went skating after dinner. Joe got us in the Cox Center (where our CHL team plays). Sorry these pictures are sideways, I don't know how to get them to turn around unless I load them on the computer first, which I didn't do since I still don't have my own computer. Here's Michael and Kaitlyn. Michael skates pretty good as he used to play roller hockey when he was younger. He was wearing Joe's skates, however, which fortunately fit him.

Kristen, being her sassy self as usual and wearing one of her Chesapeake fleece jackets. They get all kinds of "free" stuff at their jobs.

Kaitlyn, with me, Kristen, and Michael in the background.

Steven, wearing his full hockey gear. He plays college hockey for University of Texas - Pan American.

Me, skating around (barely).

A short video of Kaitlyn skating. She's still "got" it and can do most of her jumps.

Sorry no postings lately

Sorry I haven't had any postings lately. My computer crashed a week or two ago and Michael is working on it. He did get it to boot up and we're trying to save all my pictures/videos/itunes before he totally wipes it out and I can start over. I have several videos to post, etc., I just don't have my computer to do it. I'm posting this from work! Hopefully soon I'll be back up and running.



We did have a nice Thanksgiving - we had 8 for dinner. The 4 of us, plus Michael, Drew (Joe's brother), Steven (Joe's nephew), and Jason (Joe's half-brother). We went to see the OKC Thunder play and we went ice skating.



This weekend we are going to Fort Worth for the Big 12 Championship, OU v. Nebraska. Joe and I are taking the train with the free tickets he won this summer at a golf tournament.



Kristen broke up with the dentist. She just wasn't feeling it and said the age difference was really starting to bother her. She wanted someone who was "on the same page as her" and was going through the same things she was. So she's off to new dating arenas.



Anyway, like I said before, hopefully I'll have some pictures and videos to post soon.

Video of Mini Dresses for Crystal

Pictures from Dad's Dad at AOII

I couldn't get my pictures to straighten up when I was scanning them. It was like a slight breeze was blowing one corner down. Anyway, this is Kaitlyn and her roommate Joan. Joan is from Colleyville, TX (outside of Dallas).
Kaitlyn and her grandmother Muzzy (Joe's mother).

Our group at the sorority house.

Just us girls.
Kaitlyn and Joe.

Busy Weekend

We had a really busy weekend. Friday night, the Muskogee "Roughers" played Norman HS at our stadium. Joe went to the game (I stayed at home cleaning the house). Joe graduated from Muskogee HS. Good thing he wore his Norman High colors to the game. Norman High beat Muskogee 70-3.


Saturday morning, Joe's mother arrived and we went to the sorority house for Dad's Day. We got to see Kaitlyn's room, meet her roomate Joan again, and we had lunch. I took the clip board I made for the silent auction and at final tally, I think it sold for $20.00.

Since the OU game didn't start until 8:15 PM (yes you read that right), we went to the ATO tailgate party. Joe's pledge class (PC'77) sponsored the party, so we headed there around 5:00 and stayed for a couple of hours catching up with some of his old fraternity brothers. As we were walking toward the stadium we stopped and had a burger at Mr. Bill's a campus dive that's been there since I've lived in Norman. We stayed at the game until the end of 3rd quarter, the score was Oklahoma 43, Colorado 10.

This morning, Kaitlyn and Michael, Kristen, Joe's mom and Joe and I went to eat breakfast at Cracker Barrel. Of course every parent here for parents weekend did too. So instead of waiting, we drove over to Cheddar's and walked right in and got served. We decided to skip breakfast and go for an early lunch. Joe's mom left right after and Joe went down to the lake to winterize our boat. I've got my Halloween shirt on, went and bought some candy (1 bag of 87 pieces, which I plan to give all out so I won't have any left) and I'm ready for my trick-or-treaters here in about an hour and a half. I'm tired and ready to wind down for the evening right now. I hope I can keep my eyes open to see the little goblins when they come by. I hope every one had a happy halloween!

More Random Pictures

Kaitlyn and Michael before the date party a couple of weeks ago. Kaitlyn's wearing the toga costume I made for Kristen a few years back and Michael is wearing his toga costume I made for him. He took his head wreath off and put it on his costume.

Kaitlyn and her roommate Joan before "Big-Lil" began.

Kaitlyn and her friend Gloriana before the OU-TX game.

Kaitlyn's family in the house. It's Kaitlyn, her grand-big, Desiree, her big, Andrea, and her new litle, Taylor, leaning down.

Kaitlyn and her little sis, Taylor.

Kaitlyn and her best friend from high school, Lindsey.

Kaitlyn and Michael at one of the OU football games.

Kaitlyn and Michael's little brother, Mackenzie. He is a senior in high school and will be coming to OU next fall.

Kaitlyn and Gloriana before the OU/TX game at their hotel.

Kaitlyn with her big, Andrea, and her new little, Taylor.
Kaitlyn and Andrea goofing around.

Sooner Dance Company 2010 "What's Love"

Kaitlyn is in the middle of this dance. They danced during halftime at the OU volleyball game last night.

Carrie Underwood and New Lil Sis

Last night I went to see Carrie Underwood in concert. Joe had to work so I brought a friend with me. We didn't have good seats in the respect that we were sitting far away from the stage but we DID have good seats since we were in the "Terrace Club" box seats (which adjust and roll - they are desk chairs) with a table top in front of us and we could spread out if we wanted to and had our very own waitress to bring us glasses of wine. Very comfy. Carrie gave a good concert and I especially liked it when she was riding in a pickup truck (with Carrie spelled out on the tailgate in sparkly lettering) out over the audience. I did NOT bring my camera for once (what an idiot) so I didn't get any pictures. I'm hoping Janna will post hers on Facebook and I can grab them and put them on here.

Last night was also Big-Little at the sorority house so Kaitlyn has a new lil' sis. Her name is Taylor. It was on Facebook this morning so I grabbed it to use here. Kaitlyn's been making "gifts" all week to give her. She made her some AOII pretty painted letters, a paddle with AOII on it. I made her a fleece blanket. I'm almost out of fleece. When Kristen pledged AOII, I went to Hancocks and they were currently selling fleece with the sorority names on it. I bought the WHOLE BOLT of AOII fleece (I'm glad I did, you can't get it anymore) and every lil' and big' sis in Kristen's family got a blanket and now they will in Kaitlyn's too. I have enough fleece for a pillow next year and we're done.

OU Homecoming

This weekend is OU Homecoming (and my anniversary). Last night Kaitlyn was performing again with some of her AOII sorority sisters and two fraternities (Sigma Chi and Pike Zeta). As usual they make the parents sit in the back of the gym so I have to film from the back/side. Kaitlyn starts out toward the back, when they lift the girls up, Kaitlyn is the only blonde flyer. Then she runs up to the front and performs at the VERY front of the girls, moves over to the left side and then to the back again where she ends up last one standing in the air. It's surprising that she can still "fly" since 1) she is MUCH bigger than she was in middle school, 2) she's one of the few girls that age (who is NOT a cheerleader/gymnast) that still has great balance and the ability to fly, and 3) she has big guys holding her up. I scanned the crowd a couple of times filming (I won't post here tho) and it is VERY HIGH ENERGY. I love going to this. A disc jockey is playing loud music before they start getting the crowd revved up and the kids just love it. All the sororities and fraternities surround the gym rooting for their group's routine. It's lots of fun.

The Big Earthquake

Yesterday morning about 9:00, Jann and I were going about our business doing our own thing when a loud noise happened. It felt like a huge 16-wheeler rammed into the side of our building. I looked at Jann and said "What the hell??" Then we both started shaking in our chairs, which were kind of rolling by themselves. It took a few seconds to register what was happening. It was pretty frightening with all the creaking noises and the whole building was swaying around. We've had some "small" earthquakes in Oklahoma over the past year or so, but I've never felt them. There was also an earthquake in Californa when we were there about 4 years ago but we were in the car so we didn't feel it then either. This earthquake registered 5.1 and was the 2nd largest in Oklahoma history. The epicenter was about 6 miles east of Norman. Wow, that was the craziest thing I've ever felt. It really does "shake" you up. I grabbed my purse and went and stood in a doorframe. All in all, it probably only lasted about 30 seconds to a minute but it felt like 5 minutes. Nothing fell off the walls, no glass broke, nor did we see any cracks. It was just really strange. I think I'd rather have the tornados - at least you get somewhat of a warning, or know to prepare for severe weather sometime in the next few hours. There was no preparation for the earthquake and besides, where do you go? I don't want to go outside and fall into a crack in the earth!!! Scary stuff......

Bobo's 80th Birthday Celebration

I went home to South Carolina last weekend to surprise my father for his 80th birthday. Everyone kept mum about it so he didn't have a clue UNTIL he started questioning my mother about why they were going to the airport. She told him there might be someone coming in that they might know. My sister, Lorna and her husband, Randy, got to the airport first and were sitting out on the sidewalk. When my parents drove by, my father said, "That sort of looks like Lorna" (who was waving as they drove by). So my mother told him who was coming in.

Here's a site you don't see in Oklahoma - KUDZU. It grows wild in Spartanburg, everywhere.

These are pictures from Bobo's birthday celebration that we had at Billy D's. Merry and Kimberly.
Danny, Crystal, Ben and Owen (hiding behind Crystal). And of course, Audrey, who won't be making her debut until December.

Here's the guest of honor, Bobo, on his 80th birthday.

Lorna and her husband, Randy Carter.

On Saturday we went to North Carolina to attend Crystal's baby shower. She gots lots of stuff for baby Audrey. One of the hostesses was Julie Wunder who is the meteorologist at the television station where Danny works (Channel 13 ??? in Asheville). She recently won an Emmy for her story called "Wild Mountain Weather." Since I worked at a television station before, and know what the Emmy means to a "journalist," I asked if I could take her picture with her Emmy. So here she is...

Here's a picture of the 4 women in our family. (Lorna, Mom, Merry and me)

I have a couple of videos that I will post later.

OU/TX Game

Joe and I went down to Dallas this weekend for our annual trek to the OU/TX game. The girls rode down with their various sorority friends. Some of our other adult couple friends couldn't go this year. They still have younger children so one couple had a soccer tournament in Kansas City AND a state cheerleading competition they had to attend, the other man is a district manager for Texas Roadhouse so he had a grand opening of a new store he had to attend. Others drift in and out depending on the year. I shopped on Friday but didn't really buy anything. Friday night we went out to dinner to a new place. Wonderful food!!

Saturday we went to the fair before the game. Here's a guy twirling a lariat.

Here's a couple of pictures at the game on Saturday. Of course, I don't have any of Kristen and Ryan.

Kaitlyn looked so cute in her dress and cowboy boots. Texas started this look and Oklahoma girls now do it too. This is Kaitlyn and Gloriana, one of her sorority sisters and really good friends. The dress Kristen had made looked more like Gloriana's with a white ruffle on the bottom. Kristen doesn't wear cowboy boots - not her style!

Joe and I came home after the game on Saturday evening. It made for a long day, but it was nice to wake up this morning in our own bed. We can actually get some stuff done today before heading to work tomorrow.

Newest Prayer Shawl

This is the latest prayer shawl I've completed. It is actually a gold color but looks more yellow in this picture. It took me FOREVER to finish. I swear I started this one back last spring. Knitting really bothers my elbow. The doctor says it's tennis elbow so I occasionally wear a brace but I can't knit more than a couple of rows and I have to put it down. Anyway, I think I'm going to start a scarf next (the church gives them out in November to the college students we feed each Sunday after church). Then I'll start a new shawl. Not sure if I'm going to donate this to the church or if I'll give it to someone myself. I know of several people who could probably use one.

Two Websites

Here are two websites you can visit: The first one is our office website, http://www.jannknotts.com/ and the second one is Jann's husband's website for his winery http://redbudridgewinery.com/. I've also added them under my "links."

Kristen's Diploma

The other day, Joe and I went up and took Kristen to lunch. We got to see her office. She has a nice office, big, with a window and a door. Her name is outside the door. We are so proud of her. I had her diploma framed a few weeks ago so she could put it on her wall. I took a close up here. With Distinction means she had a 3.5 or better overall GPA when she graduated.
This is a view of the matting around the diploma. Sooner red of course!

Harvest at Redbud Ridge Winery & Vineyard

Every year, my boss, Jann and her husband, Tom, invite all their friends and customers to come and participate in the grape harvest at their vineyard, Redbud Ridge. You go out about 8:30 in the morning and pick grapes, then you eat breakfast and you get to take some free wine home with you. It's not hard work, but it's a lot of fun. You get to meet lots of people, some students from OU, even some international students from other countries. Depending on how many pickers you have it takes 2-3 hours. I haven't been able to participate the last couple of years because I worked at Kohl's but I was glad to be able to go again. I got there around 8:30 this morning. This is what the vineyard looks like from the driveway.

The netting has to be removed first before the picking can begin. Some of the grapes at the lower part of the leaves (the picking zone) were already eaten by all the turkeys that come up to Jann's property from the surrounding woods. The bags are there so we can go down the rows first and remove the netting, stuffing it into the bags.
The workers are arriving and starting to take down the netting.

This area was set up for people to get coffee, muffins, sausage biscuits, and rest in the shade.

Here's two people taking the netting off.

The lady I was working with is a member in the University Women's Association, of which Jann is the president this year. We stopped every now and then to take pictures of the luscious grapes on the vines.
The next door property has an old dilapidated barn on it. It thought this was neat with the flowers in the growth around it.
Tom (in the red shirt) is giving the pickers instructions on how to properly use the cutters, etc.

Jann (in the white t-shirt and black pants) is bring more food out and pouring coffee for some of the workers.

More vine pictures with grapes.

Looking down the row I'm working on.
My bucket is almost full. They fill up quickly.

Men on 4-wheelers with trailers behind them pull down the rows so you can empty your buckets into them. Then they take the grapes to the winery to the crusher/stemmer machine.

Here's a picture of the front of Jann's house. It faces the vineyard and sits way off the highway.

Here's the side of the house. This is a wing and deck they had built on after they purchased the old farm house.

This is down in front of the winery building. Tom is talking about the process of crushing and stemming the grapes.

They have this table set up showing the 5 kinds of wine they produce at the winery.

The tag on the front of Tom's truck.

The stems that are left over from the grapes.

This is looking into the wine-tasting room.

Time to go home. We all got 2 free bottles of wine from their inventory to take home with us. Here's looking down the drive way where all the workers parked their cars. Vines are on both sides of the road.