Our Life in the Yellow Brick House

Well winter weather has definitely found its way to Stillwater, and it was just in time for the big game last weekend. Who knew you could stand outside for 4+ hours in freezing temperatures, teeth chattering, feet numbing, nose running, and actually enjoy yourself?! Kyle and I had a great time at the game, and I’m so glad we were there to witness the record-breaking BPS sellout!   While it was a great night, I found myself feeling a little sorry for the Baylor fans surrounding us in the stadium. The feeling of having a national championship shot so close to reach only to have it snatched away by one bad game is still a little too familiar after 2011. Luckily teams bounce back, and I’m sure there will be plenty of wins in Baylor’s future (but hopefully not against Oklahoma State).   But football wasn't the only thing on our weekend agenda. We headed to Hennessey the next morning for Stacy’s baby shower. It is so hard to believe the baby will be there in a little o...

It is really hard to believe, but Zach's time in California is coming to a close. He'll graduate in February and head to Texas for the next stop on his journey. While we always planned to see him over Christmas, I was happy to hear he could make a trip over Presidents' Day Weekend as well. He was very clear about the purpose of his trip - deer hunting. Luckily for us, the time had changed, so even though he went out nearly every morning and night, we still had plenty of time in the afternoon and evening to spend with him. Saying goodbye this time was much easier knowing that we'd see him in one month vs. five.  Uncle and Grandpa needed to stop by Bass Pro after we got done at the airport. Asher LOVED that store and kept pretending to shoot the stuffed/mounted animal with a pop gun we found in one of the aisles.   Then he WAS the animal and Zach got to practice his hunting skills.  On the way to the City Asher decided that we were going to make su...

One week ago today Kyle and I celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary. Fifth! How did that happen? I'm not exactly sure, but all I know is that these kids are looking younger and younger with each passing year. I can't imagine how young they'll look when we're (gulp) 30! Oh the horror. It's been a wonderful ride, and Kyle and I have been blessed with so many great things over the years. It's exciting to think we're still just starting out! I was talking with some girlfriends the other day and while we all had plenty of trivial complaints about our husbands, we agreed that marriage was well worth it. I am so incredibly fortunate to have a partner in life who is there for me through the good and bad, holding my hand and showing me love. Kyle's Dad says that behind every successful man is a woman rolling her eyes. And there's no one I'd rather roll my eyes at for the rest of my life. I love you, Babe! Happy anniversary.  ...

The trees have been turning in Stillwater for a few weeks, and as more and more of them fall, I'm reminded how short my favorite season really is. Much like life, it goes by way too fast. I can't decide if knowing my time is limited is a good thing or a bad thing. It makes me appreciate it more but every time I truly sit back and enjoy the sight, I'm reminded that it won't last and a little sadness creeps in. It's so bittersweet. But fortunately, the great things of today are often overshadowed by the even better things of tomorrow. I know the wonders of this life can't compare to what's waiting for me in Heaven and likewise, my precious fall ushers in the joy of the Christmas season. So instead of being melancholy, I'll embrace the season I'm in and live to fullest. The weekend before Halloween, Kyle and I went to Hennessey because my Grandma and Grandpa Donahue were coming for a visit. Kyle was able to take off early, so we got to enjoy a lit...

No matter how great your job is, everyone experiences frustration, exhaustion and days of 'is it all worth it.' I'd be lying if I said I've never experienced those things in my 5+ years of working with the Foundation. But fortunately for me, those days are a rarity. Most days, I'm reminded how fortunate I am to work for my alma mater doing my part to advance our university by making an impact on countless lives. It's an incredibly rewarding job, and I get to do it with an incredible group of people! These things made Homecoming and Halloween even more special this year. Homecoming has an entirely different meaning when you work for your university. You still get nostalgic and excited about all the festivities, but you also feel the strain of the added events and demands that come along them. Luckily for me, this year's Homecoming was pretty much all play. A lot of the responsibilities I used to have during the week didn't follow me to my new position, ...