Category Archives: The Senator’s Wife

Oklahoma Proud

933950_10200753688157611_950925166_nDevastated.  Stunned. Paralyzed by the horrific storm that blew through my great state yesterday afternoon.

I will never forget this day, May 20th, 2013.

I will never forget what I saw unfold.

I will never forget watching the massive tornado from the calm of my parent’s basement with both children and our dog by my side.  Grateful to have shelter from the storm.

Thankful to be able to text back and forth with my Senator who was watching live from the Capitol.  I am sure my mom felt the same, knowing my dad was safe at the major hospital where he works.  Friends from far away who had the news on began to call, email and text.

This storm was different. It was quick to appear yet determined. It was destructive and deadly.

The Senator was closer to it than we were.  Some of his colleagues had family and friends in its path. We did not.  There are no words to describe how blessed we feel yet so, so heartsick for those who have suffered.  It is as if the dark clouds are still hovering overhead.

Yet, so many Oklahomans are stepping up to help. That is the Oklahoma way.  The Oklahoma standard. We are good neighbors and friends.  Kindness and compassion for one another is abundant.  The stories that will unfold from this tragedy will be nothing short of heroic and we are already hearing about them.  Helping them….The teachers who saved children by laying on top of them as the tornado passed overhead, neighbors pulling each other from the wreckage or the abundance of good Samaritans being turned away so the first responders could respond… so many good Samaritans offering their boots on the ground and their skilled assistance having to be re-directed.  Consequently, trucks of supplies are being loaded and reloaded and necessities delivered to those suffering and those displaced. These trucks will be full as long as needed.  People are donating their dollars, supplies and prayers.  Lots and lots of prayers.

Rest assured, Oklahomans will re-build.  They are a strong people…a resilient people, a faithful people…a proud people. And, I feel oh so blessed to call Oklahoma home.

A few weeks ago…

So much has happened this legislative session!  It is amazing how much can happen in a few short months.  Some good, some bad and some ugly all mixed together.  One of the happy highlights for me is when my Senator invites his colleagues over for a casual home-cooked dinner.  He has done it twice this session and he did it again a few weeks ago. I think this last time was one of the best.  Although, I always say that.

A few weeks ago, the guest list was a little longer.  A little broader (meaning not all Senators).  I think we had a few from the House, a staffer from the Governor’s office and a Corporation Commissioner. So, basically almost all branches of government were represented! And, a little bipartisan.  Always bipartisan. That is the fun part.

This time, they stayed until 12:30 a.m.  The sign of a good party, right?

They stayed until 12:30 a.m. sitting and talking about legislation, party politics, each other.   Good things probably come from these discussions and friendships are most likely strengthened.

Our elected officials in Washington D.C. should try this some time.

Dinner

state-flag-oklahomaI am cooking for the Senator and his friends tomorrow night which means that I am cooking and cleaning for the Senator and his friends today.

This is really one of my favorite things that the Senator has done throughout his tenure and I have written about it before HERE.  Always a different group and bipartisan of course, so naturally they are always messing with each other and goofing around.  Sometimes they play a game or two of pool, other times they watch a basketball game.  Tomorrow night will be full of entertainment options as there is a Thunder game and the State of the Union address and a weather report forecasting snow.  Couldn’t have planned it any better myself!

The menu, back by popular demand, remains the same as the year before and the year before.  Although, Shhhh!  I have switched up the dessert just a little bit so don’t tell. These are really, really, really good and easy to make which is key when cooking for a hungry crowd!

Can’t wait to be a fly on their wall for a brief moment in time.  But, above all else, I think this provides a great opportunity for members to get to know one another in a very casual and hospitable setting, especially for those who don’t get to go home during the week.  Something those politicians in Washington DC should take note of and replicate often! It couldn’t hurt.