3...2...1...Happy New Year

Happy 2012! We had such a lovely evening with family and friends this new years eve. Scott's parents (Nana and Papa) came to Norman so Scott and I could enjoy an evening with friends at one of our favorite Norman spots. We enjoyed time with great friends, fun stories, and cheers to the new year.

Our favorite part of the night was coming home to count it down with our sweet girl Iz. Then we all danced to "This is going to be a good life..." What great blessings to come this year.

Sweet Lord..thanks for Izzy and such a blessed 2011. We can't imagine what you have in store for 2012. 

We Need A Little Christmas Right This Very Minute

This year Christmas was filled with special excitement because of our sweet Izzy J. 

We celebrated Christmas in Clinton...then Piedmont...then at Uncle Doug and Aunt Sara's house. Boy oh boy...did we have a ball. What a joyful time of year. Scott spoiled his girls! And Bernie too. Ho Ho Ho to another fun filled holiday.

Squashy Face

Did I mention how much you love your squash and sweet potatoes? You are such a happy girl, but glow at the mention of food. You seem to talk and talk too! When we ask you what you are eating you jabber right back. We adore you sweet girl. Happy eating! 

Five Months With Izzy J

Izabelle! You are 5 months old. The real question is...how did time go by so quickly? You are growing so big and strong. Right now you really like to stand up on your legs while we hold you in our lap. Just this weekend you rolled from one side of the living room to the other. We lay out big quilts all over the floor for you to roll around and have fun.

For Christmas you got so many new books and toys. Right now you are fascinated by Baby Einstein DVD's and your hard back books.

You are still in 2 size diapers and 3-6 month clothes. I put away all your NB and 0-3 months clothes this past weekend. It made mommy a little said to see how tiny you truly were.

You aren't quite sitting up just yet. You really want to! You are eating rice cereal and love squash and sweet potato. You make the funniest faces not to mention a huge mess when you eat. It makes us laugh.

You never turn down milky, turn your head at the sound of your daddy's voice, stare at Bernie, blow bubbles and laugh, and more than ANYTHING you are the HAPPIEST baby we have ever known. You are all smiles the second we walk in your room in the morning until your eyes close at night.

We love you more than anything...from the moon and back.

Jingle All The Way

 Oh...it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Izzy has been festive recently getting ready for Christmas day. She joined us out our annual office outing.

 You know what "they" say (who is they anyway). It is known to be true...do what you love; what you are passionate about. It couldn't be further from the truth. I really enjoy what I do, but more importantly the people I get to be with each day. We work awesome as a team!

 The students and staff  I work with are truly the lights of my life. I am in great company! They are inspirational leaders, friends, and hard workers. We laugh each day! Even though we are sometimes swamped we never forget how lucky we are to work at such a great institution.

 Our newest team member is Ms Ashley. She has been a wonderful addition to the LD&V family. Bria (on the far right) and I have worked together since her freshman year. What will I do without her come May?

Do what you love...and love what you do! It is God's grace I get to work and be a mom...and a wife! I am thankful for His plan. And cheers to a successful office outing including dropping off toys at the Children's Hospital, Nonna's, Target 15 for 15, and the Barker Bungalow. Cheers to a wonderful boss...students I love...and a magical place to call home!

Turkey Twice

This year the Dawkins' celebrated Thanksgiving the weekend after the official Turkey Day. It was awesome to spend the evening with everyone in Piedmont. We ate yummy food, told fun stories, and got ready for a particular game that we don't need to discuss in detail. Izzy....mommy and daddy love the Sooners. But this year was not their very best. Therefore we are thankful this particular holiday you are too small to remember this horrible loss! We still love OU... and think you will look best in Crimson and Creme too.

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours. 

O Come All Ye Faithful

Each year my parents and their sweet friends "The Ya Ya's" gather for a festive ornament exchange. The night is full of merriment. This year was Izzy's very first celebration exchange. We received our fun tree decor from the Rother family...a purse and a stiletto to match. What a special time. Merry Merry!