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!

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens...bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens...I am often reminded of a treasured tune "Favorite Things" from "The Sound Of Music." When I was in the 9th grade we had to write our own lyrics to the song. Recently I have a truly cherished my very own favorite things.

The first favorite thing that comes to mind as of recent is seeing my parents as grandparents. It has been remarkable seeing how in love they are with their own sweet "dollies." Scott's parents have 5 sweet grandkids already...so I have been able to watch them for years with their grandchildren. So now be able to see how much she is loved by all her grandparents...is a joy. 

Izzy's "gal pals." top the list too! Izzy mommy wants you to know how many people love and adore you. I never knew I would have this much love inside...and you have made my life pure bliss. But to also see how many people love and care for you...is God's true blessing. You have so many "gal pals" already! Cait and Carley pretty much top your list. They text, call, and come see you all the time. Their mom Donna loves you too! Not to mention all your other extended family members who care for you so much!

All of your aunts and uncles love you so much! Uncle Doug and Aunt Sara are pictured above loving on you! 

Another favorite thing is seeing Scott as a father. He is incredible with you Iz. He enters a room and you are all smiles. He sings to you, plays with you, and best of all...loves you to pieces. 

Grandpa Bob is topping your list of #1 fans. He adores you sweet Izabelle. He is the first one to hold you and the last one to say goodbye. He is just like your mom...a baby hog! He sends you text and Tingie and him make facetime with you on the iphone an every other day must. 

Family gatherings have always been a favorite thing. We are so blessed by amazing family members.Your Aunt Sheila and Uncle Mike, Uncle Joe and Aunt Barb, Aunt Mary, Aunt Carol and Uncle Albert, and Uncle Mike have all showered you with so many gifts. My uncle and grandfather Harry joined us recently at Thanksgiving. Harry celebrated his 92nd turkey day.  

 Who would have thought this particular SOMEDAY would finally arrive...but I have always wanted to cook. I have finally finding the joys in preparing meals. Pictured above are just a couple masterpieces I have whipped up lately.

And finally I saved the best for last...my favorite thing is being a mom. No matter if I still have lots of pounds to lose, a messy house from time to time, and a schedule that won't allow check marks to appear beside all my "to do's" on my list....I wouldn't trade being a mom for the world. Hearing your little belly laugh is like doorbells and sleigh bells and crisp apple strudels. I LOVE you precious Izzy J. So when a dog bites, when a bee stings, or when I am feeling sad...I simply remember my favorite things...then I don't feel so bad! 



Golden 4 Month Birthday

Happy 4 month birthday sweet Izzy. It's your golden 4 since you were born on the 4th of August. Your 4th birthday will also be a special one.

You are the happiest baby mommy and daddy have ever met. You love to be held and talked to. You also love toys. We introduced toys that light up when you play. You love looking at all the bright colors and listening to music.

Mommy put you in 2 diapers this week. They seem so big for you, however, it was time! You are still in 3-6 month clothes and love your new fur coat pictured above. You really like your cuddly PJ's too.

The best part about this month has been YOU. You have found your voice...literally. You talk, coo, and scream. You giggle too! If mommy repeats the noise you make, you think it's so funny.The best part is the morning time when you roll over from your tummy to your back and talk to your birdies before getting up. It is the sweetest thing.

You are still sleeping through the entire night once we lay you down. You are just like your mommy and daddy and love getting lots of zzz's. You also love looking in the mirror. You have conversations with that baby that is looking straight at you!

We are blessed to be your parents. We adore you.