Spring is Here!

We always know when spring is here to stay because the dogwood trees bloom. Mike and I went riding on the 4 wheelers Saturday to look at the dogwoods and red buds in bloom.



The dogwood tree in the backyard usually blooms on Easter Sunday but since Easter was early this year it just started blooming along with the jasmine. The grass is turning green and the leaves are coming out on the trees. Spring is here!

Jessie's Creations

Jessie's creative streak has been shinning lately. She has made a cow, pig and a bird on a birdbath from clay. My favorite is the cow! What is yours?

Birdbath

Cow

Pig

Visit to State Capital

March 26th Caitlin, Jessie and I traveled to the State Capital in Oklahoma City to participate in the 14th annual Disability Awareness Day. We were there to talk with our legislators about funding for programs provided by the Department of Rehabilitation Services (the agency I work for.) After registering, picking up the information packet to give to the legislators, identification pins and attending a short training session we were off to the House of Representatives. We met with Representative Todd Thomsen, George Faught, Wes Hillard and Dale Turner's assistant. Our next stop was the Senate where we were able to spend some time with Senator Susan Paddock.


Caitlin, Senator Susan Paddock & Jessie

While we enjoyed lunch, provided by several Oklahoma City business, we were entertained by the Oklahoma School for the Blind Jazz Band, Oklahoma School for the Deaf Performing Arts Company and Singer/Songwriter Sarah Getto. We also enjoyed visiting with Department of Rehabilitation Director Linda Parker and Field Coordinator Susan Hawkins.



Caitlin, Director Linda Parker & Jessie


Caitlin, Susan Hawkins & Jessie

Hopefully when bills involving disability issues are presented our representatives and senators will remember our visit.

Memaw's 91's Birthday

On Saturday March 29th 48 members of the Sanders clan traveld to Anadarko, Oklahoma to celebrate Memwa's 91st birthday at the beautiful home of JayDee and Caroline Sanders. All eight of Memaw's children, Sonny, Jim, Gene, JayDee, Mike, Perry, Judy and Linda Kay were present along with 40 other family members. The 29 family members who were unable to attend were really missed.


Memaw and her eight children




Memaw and "some " of her great grandchildren

We spent several hours visiting and eating (the Sander's Family favorite pass time)then headed back home.

Caitlin the Cattle Baron

Caitlin has become a cattle baron! Actually she has two registered heifers. This year for FFA she decided to show cattle. She worked during the summer here on the ranch and bought a black limousine heifer from our neighbor Leroy. She worked a cattle sale at the ESSCO Ranch and the manager gave her a black Angus heifer to show.


Daisy - Black Limousine


Delilah - Black Angus

Caitlin started working with the heifers and after a few months decided that trying to show two heifers was going to be more than she could handle with school, church and managing the high school girl's basketball team, so she made a decision to only work with Delilah and turned Daisy out to graze with the other cattle. Every day-no matter what the weather- Caitlin rode the 4 wheeler up to the barn and fed, brushed and worked with Delilah for a couple of hours. On Wednesday February 28th Delilah was loaded up and taken to the Pontotoc FFA/4-H AG show. Once there she was settled in her stall and then she was bathed, blown dry and clipped so she would be ready to show the next day. Thursday morning bright and early Cailtin was back at the show barn to feed and water Delilah and finish clipping her for the show that afternoon.


Looking good in a new halter and lead

The next picture is a little blurry but it shows Cailtin and Delilah entering the show ring to be judged.



The next two pictures are Caitlin and Delilah in the show ring being judged.





Caitlin & Delilah in action!


Friday morning Delilah came back to the ranch sporting a red ribbon and ready to do some more work so she will be ready for next year. The judge said she needed to have some more weight on....so she will be eating good!

Valentine's Dinner

This year for Valentine's Day we celebrated a day late because Papa had to work on Valentine's night. Friday night we drove in to our favorite Italian resturant "Papa G's" where we were met by Cathlena and Michael. The food was great as usual and we had a good time relaxing and visiting. Hope all of you had a great Valentine's Day!



Michael, Cathlena, Nanny
Caitlin, Jessie, Papa

Forgotten Picture

As I was saving a picture I plan to use in a future blog I found this picture I took while I was in Aiken.


On one of our outings we visited the Hope Gardens, with beautiful landscaped walkways, ponds and fountains, a "Dollhouse", which was a playhouse for the children of the Islein family who owned the property before it became a park, and these great 100 year old trees perfect for climbing and sitting in. This is one of my favorite pictures of the Spencer family.

Eva, Danielle & Shaun