True, we’ve traded my buddy Etan Thomas, but I’m still a Thunder fan.  Although, I’ll always be an Etan Thomas fan for reasons that y’all just have no idea of.  : )  We’ve definitely got more in common than what meets the eye and I’m thankful I had the chance I had to meet this amazing player.  He’s now with the Hawks and I must say his stats look somewhat stunning (compared to his season here in OK).

Meet Petey.  My extra special bear that I love taking naps with, sleeping with & dragging everywhere.  He’s been through some extra special events and I’m sure he’ll experience a few extra more.  But, for now I sure hope he’ll settle for being my cuddle buddy.

My extended family playing video games….love Zipper Buddy — he’s the coolest!

Hanging out with Mini Me.  She’s the bestest Mini Me I’ve ever had!

My adopted Sis.  She’s the greatest!!

Kisses.  She took hers, now I got mine.

My MINI ME!!  She’s extremely onery and can be quite the handful at times, but it amazes me as just how far she’s come.

No idea where this came from….oh wait, yes I do…Starbucks!! …but totally before I found out I was allergic to Gluten.

Chatting away with some of the Mom’s of the group.

My ahmazing cousin, Mia.  Love her to pieces.

The BEST pic of the group, we’re pretty awesome if I do say so myself.

My awesome cousins after they got their faces painted.

Kiddos!!  Yes, we’re all considered to be kids, even by some of the Moms who are our age or younger.  Gotta love them!

The group with everyone.  Sorta spectacular if you ask me.  We’ve made it a long ways!

Oldest & youngest kiddos at the party.  We’re uber cool!

Just for funzies!

Who would’ve ever guessed that these two college Freshmen would even make it to the college level?  Yeah, I’m pretty sure a majority of our friends & some of our family never thought this day would come….let alone those who got us “here”.

See…just a couple of “Kids” celebrating something that ties them all together.  Who knew something as crazy as what we went through at all ages would bond us forever?

It’s so hard to believe that this photo was taken 7 years ago.  Both kiddos are now well above my height and one of them is even pushing the 6 foot mark.  I’m amazed at how far they’ve both come in the past 7 years, amazed at how much they’ve accomplished….how much we’ve all accomplished.

 One year, I met Charlie the Monkey.  I was a dear ole’ 5th grader.  A 12 year old with blonde hair and a love for swimming.  A real. live. monkey.  I still can’t wrap my head around that fact.  Just wow. 15 years later and I still remember my meeting with the monkey.

 Flash forward a few more years.  A different hair cut, style and color.  Another party.  Another year.

Still a 5th grader with a love for face painting…and body art?  This would be my best friend.  We’ve known each other since we were months old and have stayed fairly close growing up.  Facebook helps with that and I see her occasionally.

 Hanging out with more of my special friends.  You have no idea what these kids mean to me.  It puts a huge smile on my face having them all in my life.  How’d I ever get so luck?

And yet another photo op from a different year.  Note the hair color — it changes all to often.

This summer I was lucky enough to be invited to Dream Night at the OKC Zoo.  I had a blast running through the zoo, working on getting rid of tan lines, and hanging with some of my Littles.  I’m looking forward to doing it again this year and in the future as well.

Our MLH leader, Kim and I on the slide at the OKC Zoo.  Proof we can have just as much fun as the wee ones who attended our trip to the OKC Zoo.  Along with all the whoopin’ and hollarin’ that goes along with racing down the slide as fast as we could go!

One of my Littles and I enjoying the cool refreshing stream running through the new addition of the Zoo.  It was fabulous to be able to experience the zoo all over again, the last time I had been was eons ago and it was good to get a glimpse at all the things that had changed since I was a kiddo.

Ready to leave the Zoo after a long hot adventure.  I didn’t see everything I wanted to, but it was just too hot to be on the hot pavement.  I was glad when I got to my car & felt the cool A/C blowing through my hair.

More Littles.  I love them!  Boys are difficult to take pictures with, so I made a deal that’d I’d only snap one if they’d  take a good one.  Luckily they cooperated and I didn’t make them take another one.

A semi-group photo of the Littles who attended Dream Night at the Zoo this Summer.  I can’t wait to go back and do it again — although I’m hoping it’s not so hot this time around.

Official photo of Dream Night at the Zoo for 2010.  Each family took a photo, so I made my Littles take one with me.

One of the best photos of another Little.  He’s always talking about how one day he’ll be taller than I am or he’s gaining on me.  Oh the things the kids aspire to do these days!  Being taller than I am is quite an aspiration and I can’t wait to see each of them fulfill it.

I think it’s a fair to say my hair color changes quite frequently.  Although, it’d been years since I had dyed it bleach blonde.  I definitely enjoyed the funkyness of my color(s) and welcomed the change of something new to my lifestyle.  My parents on the other hand were not as thrilled as I was for my new color.

I LOVE Petey.  He’s my favorite & goes everywhere I go, especially on my big adventures.

Today I’ll be speaking about what’s it’s like to grow up.  Grow up.  I bet my parents never thought they’d see the day I’d be grown and out of the house – well on my way to GRADUATING college from the University of Oklahoma.  I mean, how freakin’ exciting!!!  I talked to my Auntie M today and even she was taken aback by the mention – I’m a Senior this year –  I’m graduating from OU next year – Will you come see me walk across the stage with the million other OU Grads?  Mom & Dad will have 2 OU Grads months apart – I’m sure they’re looking forward to us vacating their payroll.  Ha!

Today I’ll be speaking about what it’s like to grow up.  What it’s like to stand out from the rest of the group.  What it’s like to be different.  I can’t fathom growing up any other way.  I had the best childhood and did everything I could’ve dreamed of doing.  Heck, I’m still doing all the things I dreamed of doing as a kid and more.  Although, my newest dreams may be a bit more dangerous and adrenaline junkie-ish, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.  I’m out to conquer the world – out to set examples – out to show my awesome littles that you can do anything you want to and more!!

I’ve got quite the weekend to prepare myself for this event….photos to find, a speech to write and critique and of course a dozen run through’s of it.  Not quite sure what direction I’ll be going in with it, but I’m sure the words will flow when I sit down to type it out later.  I’m thrilled and honored to be able to stand in front 1,000 students and give my story and how our group could benefit from this HUGE fund-raiser they put on.

Cross your fingers y’all, we’re in the Top 3!

A few months ago I was invited to attend something special with the Mended Little Hearts chapter out of Oklahoma.  I’ve been apart of this group since I was born, which would mean a very long time.  The only event our group had when I was growing up was the annual Christmas party, complete with Santa Clause and presents!  I was never too old to sit on Santa’s lap and I continued this trend all the way up until a few years ago.  Now, the times have changed and the group has added many more activities to its list.  Now the group goes Bowling, to the local Zoo, and will literally think up any excuse to get together.   I’ve started to look forward to attending these events with MLH more than anything in the world.  It’s definitely a great feeling to share a common bond with a 6 or 7 year old and it’s hard to believe I have some of the same things in common as a child, but I love it and wouldn’t change how my life has turned out.

One very cool activity I was able to participate in was an OKC Thunder game.  Actually, my first Thunder game.  Let me just say it was amazing! Being able to ring in my first Thunder game from a Suite was one of the coolest things I’ve experienced with this group.  I had no idea what to expect, but was very touched to be invited as one of the two adults in our group and the oldest of the group as well.  The woman who organizes our activities loves to mention I’m the oldest too and I’ve grown to appreciate that.  I don’t mind being the oldest, to this group my age actually means something and isn’t just a number.

Back to the highlights of attending the game with the MLH group though.  I was told we’d be meeting Etan Thomas; a fellow heart patient.  Although, he had his surgery a few years ago and not as a child, it’s still heart warming to see someone give back to the community or say to other heart kids “I’ve been there, you can do this.”  What actually happened at our meet and greet greatly surpassed my expectations.  Not only did our group get to sit on the floor and watch the players warm up.  Yes, I spent some time gazing around the inside of the stadium thinking “Wow”  and taking photos of everything too.  Gabbi & I were talking about the game and taking photos of everything when Kevin Durant walked by.  Gabbi was speechless and I had no idea who he was, so I spoke up asking him if we could get his signature.  I thought, no big deal, he’s  just a NBA player.  Little did I know just what a big deal he actually is.  My cousins, uncle, Pops, and even Papaw were all speechless I met him.  Hello! I didn’t think it was that big of a deal, my thoughts on that have changed just a little over the past few months.

Meeting Kevin Durant was a surprise to all of us, our group was told later that Kevin had asked why we were there and decided to come over and say hi.  Yeah, I couldn’t believe it.  I had to call Pops and tell him the news on who I had met.  I think he was starting to think he had gone with me to the game after that.  Just as soon as I updated Twitter and Facebook the news went viral and everyone had to know how I got so lucky.  Me, lucky?  I am lucky, but for other reasons.  Reasons that don’t involve meeting celebrities or attending special events just like this one.

Like I said, Kevin Durant wasn’t the reason we were all invited to the game.  Turns out the OKC Thunder PR had set up something special for our group.  Everyone (well the kids at least) went wild when Etan came out.  I mean we had one kid flash Etan.  That was my favorite moment.  After that incident, the other moms wanted me to flash Etan.  Yeah, that just was not going to happen.  I didn’t want to get us all kicked out of the game, so I kept my shirt down and in place.  Etan Thomas was amazing.  Turns out we have more things in common than I thought.  To have something in common with a NBA player that doesn’t involve basketball is really something.  It was great taking photos with someone who is 6 ’10 because being 4 ’10 he really is a tower, I’m just lucky enough to get to prove how tall he really is.

After we met Etan our group was privileged enough to sit in the Suites at the Ford Center.  That in itself was a treat.  It was definitely a great way to experience the game and definitely gave me a great first experience to this Thunder game.  I honestly didn’t watch much of the game.  I was up and down, chasing my Mini-Me around, chatting with other moms and taking everything in from the game.  I didn’t get to meet Rumble the mascot, but I’m hopeful I’ll be able to accomplish that.  I did, however, meet two of the cheerleaders for the team.  The game alone was definitely one of the best experiences I have had in awhile, aside from Motorcycle Man, and I’m thrilled I got to experience it all with a great group of Mom’s and their awesome kiddos!

How is it that you get to the floor, you ask?  Take the elevators!  Our entire group of 20 and the Thunder PR team were all able to fit into one of those elevators.  Hard to believe isn’t it?  Well maybe not so much.  They were extremely large elevators, probably the biggest ones I’ve ever been in.

A side joke.  Gatorade.  Not only is this an addiction of mine, but Pepsi holds a very special place in my heart.  They go above and beyond their jobs to accomplish tasks and for that I’ll be forever grateful for them and what they have done for my family and I.

Just a little shock with what we’re experiencing.  Gabbi nor I had ever had these experiences growing up in this group, it definitely was something that we couldn’t believe what was happening.  I don’t think either one of us can still believe we’ve experienced with MLH.

I didn’t know it at the time, but here’s a shot of Kevin Durant.  I wish I would’ve watched a game or two on TV before I saw this one live, but I didn’t.  Instead I saw them play live first instead of on TV.  I must say you don’t get the full experience on TV, but I’ve grown to really love our Oklahoma team!

Gabbi in panic mode and I’m thinking “Who is this guy?”  Yeah, I bet that’s what everyone would want to hear.  This Okie has no idea who Kevin Durant is.  Well people, I do now!  I even met him.

I love this photo!!  Kevin Durant and Zach.  It was adorable how Zach was shaking his hand and telling him who he was – too cute!!

I handed dear ole’ Kevin my hat and this is what I got.  I was sort of leaving that space open for Etan, but oh well.    My cousins can freak out later over my newly acquired signature, oh wait, they already have.  It is now hanging off my mirror in my room, along with my other Thunder hat.  You know, the other one I needed because I can’t wear this one to games anymore.

This would be the flasher.  Not to worry ya’ll, there is a reason for this he isn’t just doing it randomly.  Caleb had a plan, but since the plan didn’t work, the new plan was to get me to flash him.  Yeah, I’m sure that would’ve went over well.

Etan Thomas.  I wasn’t nervous, I did have my “list” of questions to ask him going in my head though.  I had already done my research on him before I met him.  I was curious about his connection to us.

Turns out, he not only had one of the greatest connections to us, but an even bigger and greater one to me.  I’m not sure if he was flattered at all the questions I had for him or not, but once he realized why I was asking him, then he lightened up and answered them.  I think he thought it was pretty cool at the things we had in common too, it wasn’t just me.  At least that’s what I’d like to hope for.

View of the floor from our seats.  Oh yes, we were close.  So very very close to our seats.  Well at least it was a great experience for all of us to have.

You can’t go to a Thunder game and not get your face painted.  It just simply doesn’t work that way.  Luckily for us adults, we had an even bigger reason to get our faces painted.  We got to act like kids again, actually we both were able to be kids again.

I absolutely had a blast Saturday.  Not only did I get creamed by everyone on my team/lane, I did it while looking HOT!  4″ metallic peep toe pumps and a strapless dress.  Talk about perfection!  The Mom’s thought I definitely was living out on the edge and really wanted to see me bowl in my heels.  I bet I would’ve broken an ankle or two if I had done that.  They all got a kick out of my outfit though, even the kiddos did too!  Just in case any of you were wondering, I had shorts under my dress.  I don’t think I could’ve bowled in that dress otherwise.

MM came to bowl in the fund-raiser.  I wasn’t expecting him to.  Actually, I was kind of in shock that he actually came.  The Mom’s kept telling me “He’s a Keeper”, “He’s Hot!”, “You did Good” and a few even asked when we were getting married. Yeah, I haven’t made it to that step yet.  There’s still a million I need to step on before I decide to make that sort of commitment.  I found myself saying we’re just dating, I’ll keep you posted on what happens.  They all loved him though.  On a funny note; Jill, one of the Mom’s put his name in the drawing with all the other bowlers, instead of putting down his name, she decided to actually jot down “Motorcycle Man”.  I kid you not.  So, when Kim called out “Motorcycle Man” our lane and the other Mom’s started laughing because they knew exactly who that was.  I finally turned around to him and said “That’s You” with a huge smile on my face.  Ohhhh it was priceless!

I did get to see Mini-Me.  I was thrilled.  She’s having surgery in a little over a month and I won’t see her before then, so I was very happy I got to see her at the fund-raiser.  Let me tell you, she’s quite the bowler too!  I think a 21 month old can out bowl me.  Sad huh?  MM’s cousin kept asking if he was going to let me win, MM’s response; No.  One day I’ll kick his tail and gloat for the next 20 years.  Oh yes, that will happen one day – but until then I’ll just keep having fun.

All in all I had a blast with the kiddos & MM.

Next Saturday I’m sure I’ll be making a fool of myself.  Why, you ask?  I’m going bowling – again.  This time I’m participating in the Mended Little Hearts Bowling Fundraiser.  I can’t wait.  I’m ready to dote on my heart kiddos.  I’ve missed them.  I’m sure there will be plenty of laughs directed at me for my bowling skills.  Hopefully, our lane will get to bowl with the gutters up because if not, I’m sure my score will be 0.  Oh yes, I’m just that good.  If they’d just change the rules of bowling I’m sure I could win.

I played last weekend – my first time since I was a kid.  I didn’t do so hot either.  Actually my score was a bit pathetic.  I didn’t even break into the 100′s.  Believe me, I tried.  I actually blame my ball.  First, I had no idea they come in finger sizes.  Really, had no idea.  Then, to complicate things even further, there are actual ball weights.  Again, this sport is complex.  I’d rather just play Wii Bowling or Golf or maybe even Laser Tag.  Now Laser Tag wouldn’t be a bad fundraiser.  I like that idea.

I think I’ll be ready when the fundraiser rolls around.  I know what to ask for and how to get there.  Plus, I’ve talked someone amazing into tagging along.  It’s sure to be a blast with everyone there and I can’t wait to see all of my little buddies.

I had a complete blast today with my newfound friends.  I met some amazing mom’s and their youngsters today at one of the ultra-fab events that the local Mended Little Hearts puts on every year.  I was able to hang out with some old friends and more importantly, I was able to act like a little kid again.  Anyone know a 25 year old college student who can get away with jumping in a moon bounce or playing playstation with a 7 year old?  I know where to find one if you don’t.

I’m glad I went to the party and I’m even happier that I was able to talk Gabbi into tagging along with me.  It never ceases to amaze me at the obstacles kids can overcome and come out on the other side just like a normal kid.  No one would’ve realized the hell some of these kids have been through just by seeing them all today, it’s truly amazing seeing all of this in person.

I can actually say I’ve known a particular CHD boy since he was knee high to a grasshopper or more importantly, since he was shorter than I was/am.  Yulp, that’s right, I actually knew someone shorter than I am.  I used to piggy back him all over this camp we went to growing up, but that was long before he was 6 inches taller than I am.  He now towers over me and always make sure I know this….he’s only 15, so I have to deal with these short comments for the rest of my life.

Dear ole’ Gabbi, my 15 year old buddy and I took a few photos, just because we were some of the oldest CHD Kids at the party.  My “little” buddy said it was like taking a picture as the AT&T Bars.  Tallest to shortest { Gabbi, “little Buddy” & Me}.  Thanks, Bud for that comment!  Remember you may need a ride somewhere in the next 10 months…

…..as for the highlight of the party….

I finally cashed in on all those piggy back rides I gave “little Buddy” as a kid.  It was short lived, but nonetheless – I cashed in.

Gabbi & I said goodbye to the girls and made our way to the Library.  The running joke in my family always pertains to this particular drinking establishment.  Dad has always said he expects the Roomie & I to go to the Library when we need to.  He makes sure to make the comment that he means the one with books.  …well Dad, this Library has books too!

Gabbi said this was her favorite of all the pubs we hopped.  Could’ve been the crazy people we were surrounded by…the crazy conversations we heard….or the things we witnessed.  We sat at the bar instead of the tables and heard some of the craziest conversations about male strippers, shots, tattoos, and beer.  Even coming from the guy sitting next to us : we needed to branch out our alcohol taste.  I had the typical Framboise.  It was super yummy…while Gabbi proceeded to try a majority of the Light House Beers.  Some were suggestions from the guy sitting next to us who had an incredible amount of art work on his arms that we both found mesmerizing.

On a few funny notes, Gabbi & I both wore pants on our night out.  No way was I opting for a dress.  We both would feel this air from under the bar, sort of like some one had turned on the A/C.  After a few episodes of this Gabbi turns to me and says do you feel that, just wanted to make sure I’m not imagining things.  I said yes and a few moments later the door to the Library opens and in comes the A/C air that we had been feeling.  This entire time, the door was creating this A/C feeling under the bar.  We’re a bit loony.

the Guys at the Library taking some random shot with Pineapple Juice or Red Bull…something funky…I had never seen it before and didn’t want to even attempt to try it.

All of their shots lined up along the bar.  The guy in the white hat laughed when I took his picture – I told him he was going on my blog…sure he thought I was crazy after that.

My drink of choice at the Library : Framboise – it’s ahhhmazing

Me & Gabbi at the Library…this was the 3rd “take” ….still at the Library

Finally after the crowd died down at the Library we headed to my favorite place.  The Mont. Yeah Buddy!  We went directly to the bar and ordered our drinks.  Found a table next to a lot of older ladies and their husbands and people watched.  One of the ladies next to us asked me what my drink was called.  Any guesses on what I got?  It’s BLUE.

My famous Blue Hawaiian drink : the photo I took makes the drink look white & it just didn’t do the drink enough justice, but it’s blue like the Blue Lagoon…yes, that kind of blue.

After I told the ladies what I ordered they tried to order them from the bar, but were turned away and told to order from their waitress.  I said that’s the way I ordered mine, through the bartender.  The ladies said something along the lines if my rack still looked like it did in my twenties I could do anything.  As I was wearing a super low cut shirt – I used a safety pin to pin my bra to my shirt so it wouldn’t go any lower. Oh yes, genius idea of the night.  Finally the waitress came over & took the drink orders for the Blue Hawaiian, when the drinks came for them I think they discovered just how delicious it really is.

When a spot opened up we moved to the bar and we chatted up the bartenders.  I think my chatting did some good, cause I wound up ordering a shot and got one free and of course I had to make Gabbi take the other one.  Ahhh, good shot taking times.  My drinks finally came to a close around 1am and I drank water from then on out.  Gabbi kept with her Bud Light drinking and we chatted about all the crazy things we did growing up, including some I believe I suppressed from my memory.

No idea what’s in them – but they’re Kamikaze’s. It’s the only shot I’ll do that a.won’t burn as it goes down & b.won’t feel like it has to come up later on.

2 very very empty Kamikaze’s, my shot of choice and yes :: I did both of them

We wound out staying out til’ very very late….or very very early.  It’s all how you look at it.  I have never in my life had this much fun on 2.5 drinks in 8 hours – really.  Gabbi & I plan on doing this whenever she comes to town, which won’t be as often as some of you might think.

I have gone to the LifeLine Party off & on for the past 25 years….25.  That’s an insane number.  I’ve met some new friends in all the years I’ve gone to this event and I’ve even hung out with some old ones, well old as in my age. We’re considered old to the Congenital Heart Defect world.  25 is the new old, marvelous.  I have on friend in particular that I have taken a photo with every year we both went for the past 25 years, the oldest one I know of is around the time we were 1, before I had any type of thoracic surgery.

We’re all going out Friday evening – no clubs or bars for us ya’ll.  BJs for dinner because neither one of the girls has ever tried What a Peach and we all know, I must break that spell.  Then I will be taking them to try The Mont & The Library. I am not having a drink at all these places, just one drink for me & that will be at The Mont.

Gabbi made a comment earlier tonight about how we used to go to this CHD party every year growing up and now, we’re having a girls night before the party the next day – we must really be grown now.  You know, I do wonder if anyone thought we’d make it to our mid-20′s growing up….crap….mid-twenties….I am seriously going to lose my mind.  Now, I just have to make it through the week & I’ll be home free.  I’m sooooo ready to see these girls.

This is my Little Buddy when I could still manage to piggy back him.  Now he’s a tower and I can’t even manage to pick him up.  Sad huh?