Good Friday

John 19:30

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Tulsa ~ Sequoyah State Park ~ Camp Wannasew

We had a delightful morning in Tulsa with JD, Janel, and Blizzard before Janel and I left the boys to travel to Camp Wannasew. We visited the Tulsa Zoo, which is a great little zoo! Blizzard was enthralled with the animals. And we got the best front row view of Tigers that I've ever had in my life. They are just magnificent.

By the way... we also found Nemo there!

After the zoo, Janel and I departed for Wagner Oklahoma to antique shop before heading to the lake for the stitching retreat. Unfortunately, this is the sight that greeted us when we arrived:

One side of Main Street had burned down last year. It was sad to see such beautiful buildings in such a state of ruin. We went through the one small shop we could find and then headed to the lake.

The lake was huge. It's been 40 years since I've lived in the mid-west and I've gotten used to lakes that are really ponds or man-made. I made the comment to someone that I can guarantee you that two of my children have never seen a body of water like this except the ocean! It went on for miles and miles. It was quite windy while we were there so the water was usually choppy.

We arrived on Thursday afternoon, threw our bags into our room and started stitching. Most of the campers arrived on Thursday and by that evening the room was pretty lively!

On Friday we took a mid-morning break and drove to the nearby town of Tahlequah to antique shop and eat lunch. Tahlequah has been the capitol of the Cherokee Nation since 1839. It was a very pretty little town with a bustling downtown area. After one more stop at an Antique store in Hulburt we headed back to stitching.

JD, Dan, and Blizzard drove down Friday afternoon and stayed at one of the "cabins". They had a great deck facing the lake. I told Dan if I was staying there I would just spend my entire day on the deck looking at the water! 

As part of the retreat, Lindy "brings" The Silver Needle to us. There was a wide variety of patterns, kits, accessories, fabrics, and notions to "shop". 

 

Me and Janel - I can't tell you how thrilled I am that she invited me to join her at this retreat. We had a great time and I would definitely do it again!

Thank you, Janel!!

Our table

Me, Lindy (The Silver Needle owner), Janel

Donna, Virginia, Lynn

I was apprehensive about several elements of attending a stitching retreat. Could I really sit and stitch for three days? Community showers ~ are you kidding me? Just being in a new place with new people and a new experience?

It was wonderful. I can sit and stitch for long periods of time AND as an added bonus, I'm completely motivated to tackle my stitching with renewed energy. I enjoyed the flow of conversation at our table and around the room in general. It was such fun to walk the room and see what each lady was working on. It was fascinating to see what products they used, what lighting system worked for them, and to hear how many years they'd been attending the retreat.

The bunk beds and community shower? Um, not so much. But, I survived! hahaha

All in all it was an awesome experience. I'm looking forward to our next opportunity for a stitching retreat!

Illustrations of Faith: Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

O~K~L~A~H~O~M~A!

Our trip to Oklahoma: spending time with Blizzard, JD & Janel, shopping at The Mercantile in Pawhuska, at The Silver Needle in Tulsa, visiting the Tulsa Zoo, and stitching at Camp Wannasew (hosted by the Silver Needle) at Sequoyah State Park - Awesome!

Our plan to visit Oklahoma began with an invitation from Janel to attend Camp Wannasew stitching retreat with her. I was thrilled to be invited and of course I said yes.

We began to plan the trip last Fall. I knew right away that if we were going to be that close to Pawhuska I definitely wanted to stop in at The Mercantile. I have to admit that I've never watched The Pioneer Woman on the Food Network (I think that's where her show is). She wrote an autobiography years ago which I read. Then I began following her blog. I did buy one of her cookbooks, but I've since passed it on to my daughter. I've been so interested in her renovation of The Mercantile and her current renovation of the building next door into a hotel.

The Mercantile was such fun. We arrived around 9:30 am and met JD, Janel, and Blizzard upstairs in the Bakery. We agreed that we'd eat lunch rather than a snack so we went downstairs to shop. Lunch is served at 11:00 am, so the boys went out around 10:30 and got in line. Fortunately, we were third in line so we got in right at 11:00. Janel and I kept shopping while they waited in line and also walked down the street to a couple of other shops in town.

The store has a large variety of items and I could have spent more money there, but was saving some for The Silver Needle. As it was I came home with gifts for both of my daughters and three small items for myself. As they opened the doors for lunch a couple walked up and asked the manager how long the wait was. At that time he estimated it to be 1 1/2 hours plus. We were so glad we got in line early! We each tried a different entree for lunch. Dan had the tomato soup and a sandwich (delicious). I had the Grilled Cheese Sandwich and a side salad (awesome). Janel had the Lasagna (fabulous). And JD had the French Dip Sandwich (Yummy).

Upstairs in the bakery area

Pretty bird's eye view of Pawhuska.

The buildings there are just gorgeous. 

Lots of renovation going on in town. 

In line for lunch 

Ready for lunch... yum!!

I kept my purchases to a minimum because I knew I wanted to spend money at The Silver Needle. I bought the cow platter for Katie, the pig platter for Jessica and the juice cup, tiny mug and ornament were for me.

Next up: Camp Wannasew

Illustrations of Faith: Jeremiah 32:17, 27

"Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you."

"I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?"

Jeremiah 32:17, 27 NIV

Seven

We can't believe it, but Skye is seven years old! She is growing into such a caring, creative, smart, loving, precious little girl. Actually she's been all of those things all along, but they're definitely becoming more defined in her personality and character.

This year she had a family only party. She loves being with the cousins, especially the younger cousins whom she can care for and, yes, boss around.

Happy Birthday, precious girl! Grampsy and I love you and are so proud of you.

Official Seven Year Old photo

Katie curled the girls hair for the party

Aren't they cute?

This child actually read every word of every card 

Cousins! 

Thunder and Storm are best buddies

Tio Zach and Snow

He's not shy about proclaiming that she's his favorite niece!

Sunny paying close attention to Skye's presents

Ready for the big reveal

She loved her new bike

Happy Birthday to you!

Illustrations of Faith: Romans 12:2

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2 NIV