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!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

This past weekend Scott and I were thrilled to head out to Clinton for the annual and famous ornament exchange. Each year it's hosted at a different home. It was my parents turn to host...and the house looked gorgeous. There are several families that we have been close with since I was born. We are blessed to have such great families surrounding us. Above is my dad and I before the party began!

Everyone brought their favorite snack to share. The food was yummy!

Poor Carley, this little pink blow fish got taken from her in less than 5 minutes (since we play dirty Santa). She never gets to hold on to the ornaments she loves! At least she had it first!

My father is like the character George Banks off the movie Father of The Bride. He had no clue the ornament he chose was actually brought by my mom and "him." He liked it because it was in the shape of the letter J. Come to find out, he was the one who brought it. He didn't have a clue since my mom always makes the purchase. At the end of the game, we go around and say who brought what. After he sat there in silence when no one responded, my mom shouted "Bob...we brought that one dear!" The room was full of laughter, just as it should be.

Cheers to the Ya Ya's! I love our extended family. Merry Merry!

Tis The Season

Scott and I had some of our favorite OU students and office leaders over for food and fun. I am sad I did not get any pictures of the food I prepared but thought I could mention it! I made chili, rolls, queso, french dip, and Reese's peanut butter bars for dessert. I want leftovers just thinking about it.

 The celebration was hosted by Bernie. He bought a Christmas sweater for the occasion. Alex and Ashley brought him a bone. Kaleigh and Bria bought him a stuffed reindeer. He loves Christmas time! He also has a huge crush on Ash.

Taylor and Ashley enjoying Christmas Wassail. It is a famous Jacobson tradition.

 Bria and Corbin will be spending time in France next spring. They will not return until May. Cheers C and B!

Merry Christmas and Yuletide Cheer! We love you. Thanks for coming to our fun "Pinecrest Fest."

So Much To Be Thankful For

 

Scott and I have so much to be thankful for this season: the health of our parents and sweet Gramps Harry, the relationship and love we have with our siblings and their wives, the honor and luxury we have as Americans, and yummy food on Thanksgiving of course!

I am thankful for my handsome Scott. He helps me grow each day. His spirit, generosity, and motivation to become a better person are some of the many qualities I love about him most. I have no idea how I got so lucky.

We are thankful for our sweet Bernie. We honestly don't know what in the world we would do without him. He means the world to DSD and me. He brings so much joy to our lives.

Thanksgiving Eve some of my favorite OU young men stopped by our Clinton home to hang out. We had so much fun. I heart Alex, Sam, and Christopher!

Happy Thanksgiving 2010. We can't say it enough...we are blessed. Thank you gracious God for our family, friends, and prosperity.

Imagination

Willy Wonka once said:

Hold your breath

Make a wish

Count to three

Come with me

And you'll be

In a world of

Pure imagination

Take a look

And you'll see

Into your imagination

We'll begin

With a spin

Traveling in

The world of my creation

What we'll see

Will defy

Explanation

If you want to view paradise

Simply look around and view it

Anything you want to, do it

Wanta change the world?

There's nothing

To it

This past week me and my two pals Kristen and Allison ventured to the World Creativity Forum. It has never been hosted in the United States. Oklahoma is the first to host this conference in North America.

The conference was full of innovative speakers, inspirational singers, one of a kind artistic creations (balloon sculptures pictured above) and a look into the future.

One of our OU outstanding students (pictured above) Rachel.

Sandi Patti and the Oklahoma Gospel Choir sang as local students walked on stage bare foot ending their walk throughout the city. They are walking for clean pure water to be available throughout the world.

Blake, the creator of Tom Shoes, shared his remarkable story of how he came up with the idea of 'give and get'.

Mmmbop! How cool was it to  see Hanson live! When I was 12 I would have waited for hours to see a glimpse of Isaac, Taylor, or Zach. At lunch they sat at the table beside ours. No pictures for proof, but they were exceptionally nice.

More pictures of the larger than life balloon sculptures found throughout the conference site.

Two of my favorites...Corbin and Sarah.

This was my favorite part of the two day venture. The young man pictured in the middle (Mr. Mistry) is at the verge of changing our technology as we know it. For example, one day there will be no need for computer screens, key boards, or cameras. In fact, he has already made the invisible computer mouse. It is an exceptional journey he is going on. In less than two years his ideas have advanced so strategically, he thinks his ideas will be on the market for purchase in three years. Some "imaginative" ideas I listed below:

no computer screens: your computer will be a mere projection from your "necklace" device

hold out your airline ticket: your computer gadget will automatically show your delays, gates, and other airline information:

no need for cameras: hold up your hands to show your computer what you want to take a picture of; it will snap the moment for you to view later

These are only a FEW of many ideas he was able to share and demonstrate live. I look forward to seeing more of his creativity at work for years to come.

You are an Ogre

"Do you know the muffin man, the one that lives of dreary lane?" Cait and I ventured off to Far Far Away last week to check out the Shrek Musical. We loved it! It was clever, fun, and a perfect night in Oklahoma City. Love you Cait.