Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Mission Tour 'o Fun, Part One

Aside from the occasional judging stare, (no, District meeting was NOT just an excuse for a double date) it's really fun being married to someone from my mission. We share a lot of memories and friends, and know the same areas. It seemed a great idea, therefore, to visit our old mission haunts on this, the 10th anniversary of our service. The fact that BYU was playing a game in the very city to which we were called sealed the deal.

After a not-so-bad seven hour drive, where we were even prepared with quarters for the many toll roads (and realized that Dallas is WAY less crowded than Houston), we arrived in Tulsa at our hotel. Unfortunately, the hotel I had reserved was not up to my standards (I'm not a snob, I just don't want to bring cockroaches home with me). Fortunately, one of the little perks of Brad's job is that we have access to a travel discount site, which meant that we got our room at the Comfort Inn next door to the yucky place for about half of what the BYU fan in front of us got it for!

As you can see, the University of Tulsa has a very pretty campus and the game was very exciting, even though we ended up losing. We had second row seats, and Ty LOVED seeing the players up close, and loved the band, and the fireworks going off every time they scored, etc. Now every time we see a football game on TV he thinks it's at Tulsa. He screams all excitedly, "Tulsa! Tulsa! Football in Tulsa! Remember Tulsa?"

Sunday morning came too early after our late night, but we got up anyway and drove about 40 minutes to attend church in my beloved Cleveland Ward. (It was a branch ten years ago. Also Home of the Cleveland Cut of '97) I served in Clevie-Land twice on my mission: my second area and my last area, so a big chunk of time was spent there. It was so great to see people I hadn't seen for so long--many of whom were people I taught or new converts when I was there, now serving in Bishopbrics and Relief Society. What an AWESOME place!

We stayed with the S****** family Sunday night, and had such fun. Their three little girls, Ashland, Savannah, and Courtland, aren't so little anymore. They're in 12th, 11th, and 10th grades now, respectively. Savannah especially took to little Ty and he adored her. So crazy that when I was there, she wasn't much older than he is now!


After Charlotte's FAMOUS chocolate chess pie, some great recipe sharing, talking, laughing, and more Cleveland Highlights (Bishop Jeff doing a little dance for us!) we took our Homemade Loaf of Bread (yes, I meant to capitalize it, it is that good!) on the road through Northern Arkansas up to Branson, MO.


They make this bread every Saturday night so that they'll have homemade yumminess for the Sacrament.


We found this big chair at a store called "Oops!" It has a bunch of factory seconds and other odd and interesting items for really cheap. It has TONS of holiday decorations, along with anything else you can think of. I was bummed when they said there aren't any other Oops stores. I don't think I'll make it up to Springdale, AR very often.


We found some great deals on this trip! We managed to get a bagful of stuff at this Oops store for under $20. We also ran across an Old Navy Outlet store that was closing, so everything was 60% off already marked down prices! And we seemed to hit it at just the right time because there was a lot of selection still. We majorly hauled on clothes for Tyler! There were also random yard sales all along the way, and we stopped at a couple, picking up toys and random things, as well as talking with the locals. I love Southern people. So very very friendly.
This entry is getting long, and I'm getting tired, so stay tuned for Part Two, Branson: Land of Senior Citizens.

6 comments:

  1. You. and. I. were. at. the. same. football. game.

    Seriously.

    And Springdale! My mom works there, I go there often, the Oops store, I love it!

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  2. Sounds like you had a blast. That game was a little hard on BYU fans, but it was a high flyin' game. I'm glad you had a blast.

    And good deals . . . that's the Holy Grail!

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  3. You're finally back!! I've been waiting for you. 60% off already marked-down prices at Old Navy? Sounds like a haul to me. Love the picture of Ty in the big chair!

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  4. How exciting to return TOGETHER to your mission! How fun to go to the game; how sad for BYU. We made an attempt to go to Austin two weeks ago and got only as far as the Old Navy outlet in San Marcos with their 60% off sale. Can't beat that. (They're converting soon to a real Old Navy). We're excited to come spend the weekend with you guys in Houston! (I've set the DVR to record both the Oregon game and the BYU game, just in case A; you don't get ESPN or CSTV, or B: We don't want to waste the Saturday watching football instead of seeing the sites in Houston! You guys are going to love watching General Conference on the big screen! (Who's it gonna be? Elder....)
    -Spencer

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  5. What a neat experience! Sorry, I hope you do not mind me enjoying your blog, I found it on the LDS link. As an adoptive mother too I love to hear others experiences-it is such a blessing. :)

    I look forward to getting to know you better. Victoria http://eachdayablessing.blogspot.com/

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  6. Hey darling, I am so jealous you got to go back to the old OTM home ground. I miss so you, and remember the great times we shared as sis comp. and friends.

    You are right, the bread is ...let's say legendary. Just looking at, I can almost remember what it tasted like.

    Can't wait to hear of your adventure in Branson. :)

    Love ya!!!

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