Tinkled Pink for Pinkitzel

 

 Last weekend, my sweet friend Stacy had her baby shower at the cutest place in Oklahoma City...Pinkitzel. I attached the link so you could see it for yourself: http://www.pinkitzel.com

 

 They rented a room that was a circus theme. Even the invitations matched perfectly. I couldn't get over how cute the shower was. The cupcakes and chocolate milk were the perfect addition to the afternoon. I am heading back here soon.

 

Cheers to Stacy and baby Eve coming soon. You are already such a great mom! Thanks for having me to your special day.

Cruisin' Through the Memories

 

All in all, this was one of our all time favorite vacations. I thought I would talk about the main highlights. 

#1 - The food! As you may realize, we were on a boat that had 24 hour access to delicious food. Of course, I could not stop eating all the fresh fruit...and ice cream!

 

 #2 - My handsome husband. He is the best person to travel with. He always has such a great selection of music on his i-pod,  wonderful attitude, and thinks I am super funny (even though I know I'm not). I love being around this man.

 

 #3- The views. We would wake up each morning and hang out on our balcony. The views of the ocean and islands on the horizon were spectacular.

 

 #4 - Beating to our own drum. When we were in St. Martten we literally explored the island by ourselves.I'm glad we enjoyed each others company and did what we wanted.

 

#5 - Always scoping out strangers to take photos. Why not? When you return home, you are so glad you did. 

 

 #6- Night Life- Each evening the boat would have entertainment from the staff. One night we rented movies in our room, another we walked around the ship, regardless of what we did...we had fun.

 

#7- One of the biggest reasons we went on this trip was to hear and meet Dr. Wayne Dyer. He was on the ship and was able to speak a couple of times. We went to see him of course. He is one of Scott's favorite authors. The funniest thing happened during his talk (in front of 1,000 people). He was giving away his children's books and asked if anyone in the audience was pregnant. I didn't raise my hand of course since we had not told a soul except our parents. Well 30 seconds later no one had raised their hands either! Well I decided to share the great news with our closest strangers! He gave us 4 books, then signed them. We are able to say our first baby gift we received was from Dr. Wayne Dyer. The rest of the trip complete strangers touched my tummy and asked how I was feeling! : )

 

 #8- Dessert! If you know me, you know I have a sweet tooth. The picture above and below are cakes, fudge, candy...you name it. The whole top deck was dessert night (at mid-night) one evening. Scott and I wouldn't have missed it.

 

 #9 - The arrival home was bitter sweet. This is the morning we docked in Florida. It was such a gorgeous morning. I was so thankful to have made it home safe and sound.

 

#10- Once we made it to the airport, we realized Oklahoma had a snowstorm 4 out of 7 days that we were gone. Even though I still took them as vacation days, it was refreshing to know we didn't miss much! Cheers to our winter-get-away! We have always wanted to get away "someday" when it's bitter cold at home, but we could go lay in the tropics. 

Winter Vaca Part III

 

 The last stop was the Bahama Islands. It was by far and away our favorite spot. We could have stayed there for days. It was one of the most beautiful places we have ever seen. 

 

 We spent most of the day lounging around and walking the beach. Not to mention the fruit they had available. Thinking about the fresh cut watermelon and pineapple they would slice for you, makes my mouth water.

Winter Get-Away Part II

 

Our second stop was San Juan, Puerto Rico. Scott and I had never been to this island. It was such a fun day. We could definitely head back and stay for a vacation by itself.

 

The forts that were built in the 1500's were captivating. It is remarkable these people built these huge walls by hand. It was breathtaking. The fields were green, temperature just right, and ocean and sky were perfectly blue. 

 

 The cemetery located on the island is right by the ocean. It was fascinating. 

 

 

 Christopher Columbus landed on this island during his travels and explorations. He has a statue and town square dedicated to him. We hung out here and shopped around while the towns artists gathered their creative works for display. We hung out at an outdoor cafe and had some drinks. Don't worry, I had some refreshing sprite.

Cheers to San Juan! It was beautiful!

Winter Get Away Vaca

This past Christmas, Scott got me the ultimate gift...a cruise to the Caribbean during the winter. I have never been to a warm tropical beach while it was snowing in Oklahoma. We had the best time. I highly recommend getting away around January/February. It was great to sleep in, eat, lay out, then sleep some more! 

 

Our first stop was the island of St. Maarten. We rented a three wheeler and explored the island by ourselves. It was a great experience. We had lunch, hung out by the beach, and drove around the entire island.

Toward the end of the day we headed to the airport where we heard airplanes fly right over you. We heard it was a sight to see. We barely caught this plane coming in behind us. It was fun!

Scott was brave enough to let me drive...well for about 5 minutes, then my turn was over. : ) We loved St. Maarten. Even though we had been to this island 6 months before, it was a completely different trip with our fun 3 wheel friend.

And Then There Were Four

Pickles and ice cream have been at the top of our grocery list. In addition to "One Born Every Minute", "A Baby Story", and "Bringing Home Baby" have been frequently watched tv shows on our DVR for weeks now. I have been reading  pregnancy books, discovering mommy websites, and phone baby applications like they are going out of style. All this to say...we are expecting our little bundle of joy this August.

Anyone who knows me well can attest to my loving heart for our sweet dog Bernie. He truly came into my life as a complete surprise. He has brightened our days and continues to warm our hearts. At this point it is true to ask "why is she bringing up their dog when she is talking about a baby?" Because Bernie has changed our lives in ways we couldn't imagine and there is no doubt how much Scott and my life will change for the better again. God is always several steps ahead of us.

I was at lunch today with a girlfriend who has a one year old. As I was holding her little boy, I couldn't help but think this will be my little one soon. I got so excited I could hardly breathe in that moment. I would be lying if I told you the nursery is ready, furniture is in place, and paint samples are selected. We are waiting to find out if we are having a little boy or girl. Once that is discovered (in two weeks but who is counting?) I am sure we will get busy. Well let me say...I will be obsessed and Scott will have to tell me to slow down a time or two.

All my energy and excitement can't be put down in words. My thoughts and prayers can...I pray that this little angel knows how much it is loved. It will come into this world and come home to a house filled with happiness, peace, and joy. It will be cared for by two parents who are in love with each other and the Lord our God. Our hope is this child is a true ambassador for Christ. Scott and I continue to grow as people and life partners...that is our conditional hope for baby Dawkins; always moving forward and growing. I know there will be good times and hardships just like a marriage. Scott and I have so much more fun that we ever do heartache. I know that is what Team Dawkins will continue to take life with a grain of salt and be a light for others. So baby Dawkins cheers to you....we are cheering with skim milk of course....we can't wait to meet you, hold you, and love you forever.

Happiest New Year & Merriest Christmas

I have to admit, I was horrible with my camera over the Holidays. I completely forgot to take pictures on Christmas morning, night, and New Years Eve. To be honest, sometimes I am in the moment treasuring the people around me, I forget to pause and take snapshots of moments. Scott is great at pausing and making sure we are taking pictures! I am glad he is around.

This Christmas ranks at the top of my 27 before it. I am pretty sure it's because age offers you many gifts including wisdom and experience. I now know Christmas is so much more than what we are getting one another. It's about walking in our home (the same one we have grown up in) and smelling candles, warm rolls baking in the oven, and greeted with hugs and kisses from mom and dad. It's about sitting around the bar/island and laughing and eating mom's famous queso. Later that evening going to church, sing "Silent Night," then head home to mom's delicious potato soup and butter rolls. Traditionally we head over to the Rother's for some bubbly, M&M's, and Caitlin's yummy dessert. After exchanging gifts and lots of laughs we head back home to our snuggling pj's and watch what else but "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation." No matter how old we are, I don't think we can get enough of Clark, Cousin Eddie, and Aunt Bethany. We still giggle just as loud as the very first time we watched it.

The next morning we wake up to morning casserole that was prepared the night before by mom. Then we open presents. Grandpa normally heads over about this time to exchange with us. Scott and I gather everything and start loading up and head to Piedmont to the Dawkins' Family Christmas. We are greeted with warm hellos and five little children running up and giving us big hugs. After a yummy dinner we let the kids have Christmas followed by the adults. It is typically after 10:00 p.m. once we wrap everything up.I typically can never make it all the way back to Norman without falling asleep.

Christmas offers so much joy and love. It's about a family 2,000 years ago listening directly to God's plan and following his commands not exactly knowing where it would lead. By his grace and goodness, a son was born. A perfect baby came into this world offering us freedom and forgiveness. What true and beautiful blessings he has given us.

Unlike Christmas, Scott and I don't necessarily have New Year's Eve traditions. Each year varies but continues to be fun. Our favorite thing to do is head to an early movie, fun dinner, and count down the seconds with our beloved Bernie. New Year's Eve is one of Bern's favorite holidays because he is allowed to jump all over the place at mid-night. (Who are we kidding...he jumps all the time). 

This year was extremely special. A group of us headed down the the Paseo Art District in Oklahoma City. The restaurant didn't take reservations, so we knew we were in for a LONG New Year's wait. However, the stars aligned and saved us a cozy large table in the corner...the perfect amount of seats for all. The night led to lots of laughter and fun memories. Scott and I are still talking about what a delight we had. Perhaps this will be our new tradition!

We can't begin to tell you our excitement and joy for the great things that will happen in 2011. We know God always finishes what he starts. There are still many gifts, people, and experiences left to enjoy. We look forward to spending time with our amazing families, awesome friends, and each other. Cheers to a happy and healthy new year. There will be lots of "somedays" fulfilled....so here we come!