For Arthur, that personal development has made a lifelong impact, and she’s enjoying watching her kids follow in her footsteps. “When they work on their speeches or are prepping for demonstrations or livestock events, it’s very rewarding for me,” said Arthur. “That is my greatest joy, seeing my kids have those successes.” Community champion Along with her dad David Spencer and sisters Rosslyn Biggs and Chelsea Evans, Arthur has been purposeful in keeping her mom’s memory alive, especially for the grandchildren who never met their grandmother. “Everyone handles loss in different ways, and for our family we
her opportunities to pursue her dreams. And she’s intent on passing it forward, creating the first Ag Youth Council, through which 20 high school seniors spend a year as interns at the Department of Agriculture, learning about state government and agribusiness. Mom life While both Arthur and husband Jerrod have demanding careers, they are purposeful in declaring their faith and family come first. Sometimes that intentionality takes daily realignment as the Arthurs hit the ground running every morning. Arthur has learned to focus on individual 24-hour periods rather than getting overwhelmed by what the week or month
“We’re not going to let that tragedy and people who negatively
have always tried to talk about her, how fortunate we were as children to have
may bring, which has brought some peace into an often chaotic schedule. The family’s first priority each morning is feeding and caring for their livestock. That work is coveted family
her for our mom, how she impacted the community and the work she did as a veterinarian,” said Arthur. Her mom’s influence is with her constantly, Arthur especially remembering her steadfastness and
impact our world write the story.”
time, with some of Arthur’s favorite family memories involving cleaning up the pens in the barn or putting out feed. “That doesn’t mean I’m always excited about it,” laughs Arthur. “But the barn can be therapeutic for me. I can put everything else away, focus on the sounds and smells of the barn and being outside.” The benefits her kids have received from family chores to their endeavors in 4-H have been innumerable. “I’m glad our children have the opportunity to see from the ag world you have to stay with it until the job is done for the day,” said Arthur of one of her favorite lessons. Even with differing personalities and interests, Kelton, 11, and Kennedy, 7, have each found a niche in 4-H, which offers more than 70 project areas for kids across the state. Besides agriculture and showing livestock, kids can pursue photography, robotics and public speaking. “There’s not a certain mold for kids to fit into, which I think is the best part,” said Arthur. “Through leadership, goal setting and teamwork, kids can find something they are passionate about.”
CAMPS BEGIN JUNE 8 THROUGH JULY 30 Nerf Camp Giving Back Camp: Animal Shelter VR eSports Minecraft Challenges Bowling Cake Decorating Cyber Security Sign Language Pokémon Trainer’s Academy Archery
work ethic. Clark wasn’t deterred from pursuing her professional dreams, and Arthur draws from that.
AND MUCH MORE…
ARTHUR, CENTER, WITH SISTER ROSSLYN BIGGS, LEFT, AND CHELSEA EVANS, RIGHT, HOLD AN OKC THUNDER JERSEY DEDICATED TO THEIR MOM.
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28 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2020
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