It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Blake and I don't have a LOT in the way of Christmas decorations, but what we do have, I love.  So, here is just a glimpse of what makes our house festive this time of year.

This is my newest Christmas decor- just a bundle of poinsettias for our dining area:)

Our stockings hang above the fireplace- Ellie and Gus's are more exciting as ours.  We hope to have Blake's grandma make us some next year.

Our tree was given to us by my parents, and it's decorated in silver, white, and Crimson (Boomer!).

My favorite decoration is our Willow Tree Nativity.  It was a gift from our wedding and I just love it.  I've even told Blake we could just put it up, place the presents around it and forget about the tree haha.

So there you have it, some of our Christmas decor.  We have a few other pieces, but it's definitely a process, collecting things we love.  What does Christmas at your house look like?

Caked

Just wanted to give everyone a heads up that there is a giveaway on one of my favorite blogs today: Caked!  Here's the link: http://bit.ly/gLJU60

Love this blog and all of the gorgeous cakes and goodies she creates!  Head on over and check out the eye candy! Yum!

Melt my heart

So, I'm pretty sure I win the bad sister/ aunt award this year.  I took photos at my niece's dedication back in June, and I just now got around to editing them.  Seriously, bad job me.  But, since I finally edited them, I thought I'd share some of my favorites, because she's just so darn cute.

Christmas Questions

Borrowed this from Glamlife Housewife!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both- gift bags are easier, but hard to transport.  I'm actually a very bad present wrapper (patience isn't one of my virtues), so I usually only wrap my neice's gifts.  They enjoy pulling the paper off more than getting into a bag.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial please!!!  I like the uniformity of an artificial tree.  I'm sure when we have kids we'll do a real tree at least for a few years.  But, for now, we put up the plastic tree, light a pine candle and call it good.

3. When do you put up the tree? After Thanksgiving.  When I was little it was always the weekend after Thanksgiving, but with Blake and I, it's usually sometime the week after, or whenever he can take a break from studying.

4. When do you take the tree down? Whenever Blake can take a break from studying:)  Usually the week after Christmas, but this year it will be after New Years since my family is coming to our house then to celebrate Davenport Christmas.

5. Do you like eggnog? Yes, yes, yes.  Mmmmm.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Barbie House my parents made for me out of a bookshelf.  They painted, and wallpapered, and cut rugs out of felt.  It had a kitchen, livingroom, bathroom, bedroom and attic.  Ah- mazing.  My parents still have it and my neices love playing with it now.  Best surprise EVER.

7. Hardest person to buy for? That would be my dad.  He never wants anything except peanut MnMs.

8. Easiest person to buy for? Jeni- she usually just sends me a link to whatever she's eyeing at the time.  But, when it doubt, size small in pink usually works:)

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, and I LOVE it.  Willlow Tree.  It was a wedding gift.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? One year my brother, Cory, gave me dog treats.  I was ticked!  A few minutes later, I figured I might as well give the dog a treat.  When I opened up the box, inside was a shiny blue belt I wanted (I was 9, don't judge).  So it wasn't really a bad gift, but I thought it was at first, that stinker!

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? White Christmas.  And Love Actually.  And Elf.  I love Christmas movies.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Black Friday with my in-laws!

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Nope!

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? My mom always made monkey bread cinnamon rolls and we get oranges in the bottom of our stockings.  We'd eat after opening presents on Christmas morning.  Other than that tradition, just all the yummy appetizers we have at my in-laws. 

16. Lights on the tree (colored or clear)? White lights! And, I'd like to get some white bubble lights for our tree for next year!

17. Favorite Christmas song? I love the traditional carols like Silent Night and Hark! How the Bells.  But, I also like some fun songs thrown in- Baby it's Cold Outside:)

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Travel normally.  This year we'll be at my in-laws for Christmas, then having my side come down New Years.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? No.

20. Angel, star or ribbon on top of tree? Star.  After all, that's what guided everyone to the manger.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Whenever anyone will let me!  With my in-laws it's always Christmas eve, after candlelight service.  At my parent's it's one gift Christmas Ever, and then the rest on Christmas morning after reading the story of Jesus' birth in Luke.  Blake and I usually try to exchange gifts sometime before traveling.

22. Favorite children's Christmas song? I didn't know there were songs specific to children?

23. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Feeling pulled in too many directions. 

24. Favorite ornament theme or color? Our tree has silver, white and Crimson (Boomer!)

25. Turkey or ham on Christmas day? Brisket

26. What do you want for Christmas this year? Most of what I want is for the house and too expensive to ask for.  Other than that, I want some brown boots that I happen to know are waiting for me under my in-laws tree!

27. Does anyone in your family dress up as Santa? No.  Thank goodness.

28. Age you discovered who Santa was? I never believed in Santa.  My parents didn't do Santa, and I don't really want to with any children we have either.  Gifts are given to symolize the gifts the wise men brought, and I'm not sure what Santa would have to do with that.

29. Eggnog, hot chocolate, or apple cider? All three, thanks!  Not together, of course.

30. Traditional colors (red and green) or other colors? I love lots of greenery, and then accenting with white and pops of crimson.

31. Do you have any Christmas decorations on your roof? No.

32. How does Santa get into your house? Chimney or magic key? See 28.

33. Do you prefer gifts or gift cards? I love gifts, but gift cards are always awesome so I can try stuff on, or combine gift cards for bigger items.

34. Favorite children's Christmas Cartoon? We just watched regular Christmas movies.

The week after Thanksgiving

Our Thanksgiving holiday was fun and full!  We went up to Springfield, MO on Wednesday night and had dinner with my parents, then headed over to my aunt and uncle's house in Republic on Thursday for lunch with my Mom's family!  It was wonderful to see my grandparents, and aunts and uncle and cousins, some of whom I hadn't seen in over two years!  I also got to meet a sweet new member of our family, Miss Taryn, who I may or may not have snuggled with most of the day:)

I'm the youngest grandchild (thought there are now lots of great grandchildren) on both sides, and there's a bit of an age spread between my cousins and I.  So, growing up, I kind of felt a little behind- they were graduating college when I was starting middle school.  They were having babies when I was in high school.  Just not a ton in common.  Plus, I was also the annoying little cousin that asked lots of inappropriate questions such as "When are you getting married?" to my oldest cousin and her boyfriend, (who is now her husband, so I think I've been forgiven- sorry again, Amy and Steve).

But, it seems like as you get older, the age difference becomes less of an issue.  We're now the grownups- there are family recipes to share, babies to hold, and hunting stories to compare (I'll leave that part to Blake).  And, my cousin Amy is a blogger, which left us talking about our Internet friends and attempting to convince my aunt and mom that we're not crazy:) 

And so, this Thanksgiving left me especially thankful for my family, and for the opportunity to reconnect.

The week before Thanksgiving.

I adore Thanksgiving.  It is so wonderful to have a holiday set aside to spend time with family, eat amazing food, and remember all the blessings in our lives.  When I was little, right before eating we would always go around and name something for which we were thankful.  This was quite possibly my favorite part of the day- this and my Grandma's mac n cheese (Grandma makes a mean mac n cheese). 

The other day, I was checking out one of my favorite blogs: YoungHouseLove.com and found this post: http://www.younghouselove.com/2010/11/thanks-glassing/

I MUST DO THIS.  When I hit the Black Friday sale, a glass container and that etching stuff is on my list.  I could go beforehand, but I make it a rule to only step foot in stores when I have to:)

The Election

This past Tuesday was a big day for Blake and I.  He had a big test (which he did well on), and the election was Tuesday as well.  My boss was up for re-election, so there was a lot of nervous energy around the office.  I drove precincts that evening, calling in numbers, and then Blake and I went up to celebrate at the watch party.  My boss won by quite a bit, and it was a huge relief for Blake and I as we suspected my job was in jeopardy if it had gone the other way.  So glad it's over!

This weekend we're heading up to Lamar for the opening day of duck season.  Blake is hunting with his brother and dad, and we're also going to all attempt a family photo this weekend using the fabulousness that is a tripod.  We'll see how it goes.

I'm thinking of trying to make my own curtains in the dining room and my studio.  I found some material I loved for the dining room, but I think it's been discontinued.  The search continues!

Lori as a decorator: FAIL

Blake and I bought our lovely home in June 2009 (or July- maybe I should check my blog).  Before this we rented, and I was constantly thinking how excited I would be when we finally had a home I could decorate.  And here it is, a blank slate before me!  Our house is fairly new, built in 2005, and has a great layout, and wonderfully neutral walls.  I could do ANYTHING I want.  So what do I do?  Nothing.  Because I'm too stinkin' indecisive, and feel like a move in any direction will have me on this path I can't reverse in case I change my mind.  I'm afraid to decorate.

The way a home is decorated says so much about the people that live there.  I adore home decor and home improvement sites, and I come up with tons of ideas about what to do in our house.  Painted walls, interesting art, homey touches.  I'm a creative person, gosh darnit.  I love color, and shapes, and texture, and the way a perfectly placed image can make you cry (just me?).  And yet, my house is boring.  Neutral.

However, I will say that a bit of this neutrality and indecisiveness has come in rather handy lately.  We recently did a little switcheroo in our house.  Our former game room/ formal dining is now Blake's office.  Blake's former office is now our guest room, and our former guest room is now my photography studio!  We had talked since the day we moved in about buying a futon for Blake's office, but never got around to it.  Good thing as we now have no place for a futon.  We JUST purchased curtains for the guest room, but hadn't purchased anything for the office.  Good thing, as we just purchased the same curtain rod and moved the curtains into the new room and have a rod in my studio begging for curtains (won't that be a fun decision?)

What I'm saying is, it's been a good thing so far I wasn't super decisive.  But, seeing what a difference curtains in one room made, I'm motivated to move forward.  Plus, I'm pretty thrifty, so for the most part, decor decisions will not be breaking the bank in the Crockett casa.  If I change my mind, it's ok.  Explaining to Blake I've changed my mind... well, it's a good thing he loves me:)

Hi there!

I'm BA-ACK!  Yes, it's been a long time since I've blogged on here, but it has not been a long time since I've blogged:)  My blogging has simply been taking place over on LoriCrockett.com.  I started my photography venture just around a year ago this month, and by the grace of God, a lot of support from my hubby, and a lot of time and effort, it has become a successful little side venture.

And so, as much as I would love to tell you I was able to do it all, something had to give, and this little blog about our personal goings on has suffered.  But I missed it!  I love all of my blogging friends, and being able to keep up with them through their blogs, and also being able to keep our family and friends informed. So, hopefully, I'll be able to carve out some time to blog on here, even if it's just a quick little note!

So, to catch you all up, I was doing some posts on my wonderful family, and I may continue those sometime in the future, because I have some wonderful people to tell you about, but they will (obviously) not be tied to their birthdays.  A big thing that happened this summer that I haven't told you all about yet was adding a new member to our family in the form of my wonderful new sister-in-law, Jeni!  Brad did good, and I'm so happy to have another sister!

Blake is in his third year of pharmacy school and we are so excited to be halfway done, but we know we still have a long ways to go.  I'm so proud of him, he's doing a great job!

Well, I have some photos to edit, so I'll end it here, and hopefully be back soon!

May 14

Lets pretend today is May 14, because I'd like to introduce you to Darrel.  He's the father-in-law of one of the least consistent bloggers ever.

That would be me.

Darrel's a pretty interesting character, and a fantastic father-in-law.  He's pretty quiet most of the time, until he's thought of a good "Darrel Joke", which are usually random, and always good for a laugh, even if we're only laughing at how funny he thinks they are.  He can quote every Mel Brooks movie, loves his wife's cooking (as do I), is exceedingly proud of his boys, and makes the women they married feel loved and accepted.

He's also a busy, successful farmer, and awhile ago, I went and did chores with him.  And by did chores, I mean I took pictures of him doing chores and pestered him with questions about cows.

I love cows.  

I took lots of photos, and he answered lots of questions.  Did I mention that patience is another of his virtues?  It was a good day, and I'm thankful to have him for a father-in-law.

Happy (late) Birthday Darrel!

Here comes the bride!

As many of you know, Blake's brother, Brad, is getting married one month from today!  And so, Blake and I have been hitting the road for pre-wedding celebrations!  Jeni is a beautiful, smart, accomplished sweetheart and we are so excited to be welcoming her into the family.  And, her family is also pretty amazing and has been wonderful about welcoming all of us into their clan!  Here are some pictures from the last couple of months of showers and parties!

With all of her bridesmaids at her first shower, hosted by her matron of honor, Alexis

One of my favorite pictures from her bachelorette party- yes, that is a coonskin cap Sarah and I found at a gas station on the way to Springfield.  Welcome to the Crockett family.

The bride, our mother-in-law, and I at her Casey Family shower

Jeni, Sarah and I at her Tiffany's themed, Pampered Chef, Crockett Family shower hosted by Sarah and I (I'll do a more in depth post on this later)

Jamaica themed shower hosted by Brad's church family in Lamar

Saying goodbye

Sometimes, praying for God's will to be done means accepting that his will may not be your own.  Thank you all for your prayers regarding Blake's Granddad.  While I know we will see him again one day, please continue to pray for the loved ones left behind.

Bobby L. Crockett, age 79, of Lamar, died Saturday, April 17, 2010 at Freeman Hospital West after a short illness.

 

Bobby was born February 7, 1931 in Barton County to Barney and Hazel (Golden) Crockett.  He served his country as a soldier in the United States Army. On August 11, 1956, he married Velma Marie Loewe at Fair Play, MO.  Together they have four children. He was a member of Hopewell Cumberland Presbyterian Church, an Elder at Hopewell Cumberland Presbyterian Church, a 27 year member of the Barton County Rural Electric Authority, a member of the VFW, a member of the Doylesport Township Road Board, a Sunday School Teacher, a MFA Board Member and was a cattle & grain farmer.

 

Bobby  is survived by his wife of  53 years; two sons, Darrel  and Judy Crockett, of Lamar, and  Don and Wendy Crockett, Houston, MO; two daughters,  Marilyn and Andy Holloway of Vidor, TX, and Marla and Dave Shepherd, of Broken Arrow, OK; eleven grandchildren; Blake & his wife Lori Crockett, Brad Crockett, Michael and his wife Hope Holloway, Casey Holloway , Shabri Holloway, Kira Holloway, Kylan Holloway, Jacina Crockett, Aubrey Crockett, Joel Shepherd, and Brooke Shepherd; one sister, Carol and her husband Jerry Patterson, Golden City.

 

Bobby was preceded in death by one grandson, Barry Crockett, and one sister, Leta Borghardt.

Hi blog world, it's me, Lori

What have the Crocketts been up to lately?  For Blake, a lot of studying, of course.  All of this studying must be paying off though, as he recently got his first 100% on a Pharmacy school test!  He's been doing really well this semester, only missing one or two questions on a lot of tests, but that perfect score was being very elusive, and I know he was happy to finally reach a goal!  Good job Blake!

We have also been traveling a bit, we went up to Branson/ Springfield in mid March for Brad and Jeni's Bachelor/ Bachelorette parties, and visited Lamar for Easter and a wedding of one of Blake's friends from high school.  While these were happy occasions, we've also traveled for less pleasant circumstances.  Blake's granddad Bobby has been in the hospital in Joplin for a few weeks now.  Prayers for his recovery and return home would be much appreciated.

While nowhere close to as severe as Granddad, I also haven't been feeling well.  I had a bad head cold, and now seem to be suffering from allergies, something I never had a problem with until we moved to Oklahoma.  Blake has always dealt with them, so I guess at least now I know what he's gone through.  Didn't really need to know.

Tonight I'm having my small group girls over for dinner, fixing Marchetti,  and this weekend Blake has an event with the school for a few hours, then I think we'll be working on our first ever (together) garden!  Blake has a pretty green thumb, but I do not, so any suggestions about hard to kill things I can be in charge of would be welcome!

April 1

Happy April 1!  Most people know this day as April Fools, but a few years back this day took on special meaning to me- it is the day the woman who gave birth to my husband was born.

Judy is not only a wonderful mother and mother-in-law, she is also a wonderful friend.  I can remember the first time I met her- Blake and I had been together for just a few weeks and his parents came to take some things of his that had been in storage back to their house.  I was so incredibly nervous.  As I stated in my previous post, all it had taken was just a few weeks for me to be completely crazy about Blake, and I really wanted his parents to like me.  Thank goodness Judy is a hugger!  When she smiled at me and wrapped me in her arms I was immediately at ease.  A few months later, when we were talking about Blake and I getting married, she wrapped me up again and told me she knew I was the one for him that first day we met. 

As Blake and I's relationship has deepened so has my relationship with his mom.  We love to spend weekends with Judy and Darrel at their farm, or at the lake on their houseboat  Judy's job often brings her to Tulsa, so we get to do fun things here in town as well.  She's always up for the latest chick flick, the ballet, and this month we'll be attending our first cooking class together!  And while we have a lot in common, there is one big area we're different- shopping.  Unlike Judy and my soon to be sister-in-law Jeni,  I'm not a store shopper.  I like clothes, and I love shoes, but I've never been big on going and looking at stuff, trying lots on, etc.  I'm not a browser.  And so, we compromise.  We go a few times throughout the year when we're looking for something specific.  They have introduced me to Black Friday shopping, and this year I showed Judy how to search for awesome deals online the night before:)  I was so proud the day she told me she bought something off ebay!  Judy has a unique ability to embrace not only our similarities, but also our differences. 

A huge part of what I love about Judy is what a great mom she is to Blake.  Remember that I said he's never once asked me to iron?  It's because his momma made sure he knew how to do his own and not expect someone else to do it for him.  When I've had a rough day and flowers show up in front of a bubble bath?  It's because his momma made sure he knew how to treat someone he loved.  And when I see him excel in pharmacy school and still be a fantastic husband?  It's because his momma made sure he knew how to work hard for what he wants but not forget what he has.  Blake and his brother are strong, smart, and successful because of the efforts of their parents.  Jeni and I are lucky girls.  And I am so thankful.

Thank you Judy, for welcoming me into your family.  For being a great example of marriage and motherhood, yet still allowing Blake and I to figure things out on our own.  For making me feel loved and supported.

Happy Birthday Judy.  I love you.

Rewind to March 17...

I've been a bad, bad blogger!  I just realized my last post was March 3, which means I have not yet blogged for my hubby's birthday!  While I’m guessing all of the people that read my blog, all two of you that is (Hi Mom, Hi Grandma Laura!) know and love my hubby, I still think he deserves a birthday post!

Of course, the way I view Blake is a little differently than either of my readers, so this will give you insight into how crazy I am about this amazing guy.  Blake is my favorite person in the entire world, so this could be a long one, and it will definitely be mushy.  I’ll start at the very beginning, a very good place to start (bonus points if you can name that song).

The idea of Blake has been with me for as long as I can remember.  From the very beginning, God placed a desire in my heart, head and every other part, for a brilliant, Christian husband, who would love and cherish me, and give me butterflies.  One that would sweep me off my feet and carry me off into the sunset.  Raise children by my side, and of course, help with ironing and moping- my two least favorite household chores.

I can remember my bff, Jessica, and I, sitting in my parents house, dreaming about our amazing future husbands, making our “lists” of must-haves, wants, and absolutely nots (yes, I know nots is not a word).  Christian and wants kids was a must, doctor and blue or green- eyed was a want, and smoking was an absolutely not.  It wasn’t until after Blake and I were engaged that I stumbled upon a high school graduation card from that same bff, reminding me of that list, and I was amazed at how God provided.

Blake and I met in June, the summer before my senior year of college.  After dating quite a bit in college, I had learned a lot about relationships, and myself.  The previous year, I had decided I was not settling anymore.  If at anytime I dated someone with whom I knew there was no future, I was going to break it off, and just be friends.  You see, I’m a rather emotional person.  I cry during Hallmark commercials.  While I was not in a hurry to find “the one”, I was done dating with no expectations, getting my heart involved and getting hurt.  Hence my notorious 50th date questions on 2nd dates.  Politics, religion, plans for children- all that stuff you’re not supposed to talk about until you really know someone, I talked about.  And while that may sound like an awkward 2nd date, it’s not awkward when you realize you agree on all of the important stuff.  And when it takes place near fountains and fireworks go off at the end (literally), it goes from not awkward to amazing.

That was our 2nd date.  Under fireworks at the 4th of July celebration we exchanged “I love you” for the first time (he said it first).  In August I started my senior year of college and the next few months were a flurry of school, working 25-30 hours a week, sorority stuff, and Blake.  By September I knew he was “the one”.  We spent Thanksgiving and Christmas together (my first spent with a boyfriend).  We started talking about getting married and looking at rings (so much fun!). On March 4, 2007, Blake proposed in the most romantic, sweep me off my feet, way possible.  I graduated in May, and we were married September 22, 2007.  You would think that would have been the best day of my life, and it was up until that point, but thankfully, both Blake and I knew that the real fun would be in the days to come.


And so it has.  The past 2.5 years have been a whirlwind of changes.  We moved from Missouri to Oklahoma, where Blake attends Pharmacy school (covering the brilliant, doctor part of my list).  Between school, work, church and life in general we are crazy busy, but I can honestly say I love him more everyday.  One look from those gorgeous blue-green eyes still gives me butterflies, and when life is swirling, he’s my constant.  He exceeds my expectations.  We are not perfect, we have disagreements, and we get frustrated with each other.  Usually at inopportune times, and almost always when we’ve not gotten to spend much time together (be sure to catch my future post entitled “I hate pharmacy school”).  But we work through it, and overall I’m amazed at how easy the transition to married life has been.

I know Blake is the reason for that.  He is steady when I am struggling; he is calm when I am panicked.  He is a leader, an example, and a faithful, trustworthy man of God.  He is my sounding board, my encourager, my best friend.  And while I like to think that I am all those good things for him as well, I know I got the better end of the deal.

He is the person I want to wake up next to for the rest of my life.  I can’t wait to see what our future together holds.  Over the past four years our faith has grown, our lives have blended, and we’ve fallen more in love.

And he’s never once asked me to iron.

Happy 26th birthday Blake.  I love you.  Always.

March 3

Happy birthday to my Momma!  How can I explain how amazing my mom is?  Growing up as a military family, we moved (on average) every three years, and my mom was the person that made every new town, every new house... a home.  As the places changed, friends changed, churches changed, mom was our constant.  Milk and cookies every first day of school, homemade chicken noodle soup when we were sick, favorite meals on the "You Are Special" plate for our birthdays.  Mom is an awesome cook, I still call her up for recipes on a regular basis:)

When mom cooks it's her way of showing love.  She's always loved people, especially kids.  This is why she became a teacher, and I have not only been fortunate enough to see her teach, but also be taught by her.  She home schooled me for 3rd-5th grade, but was also always there to help me with schoolwork even when I was back in public school.  I have no doubt that the reason I did well in school and continue to enjoy learning is because my mom was my first, and forever teacher.

She's also been me and my brothers biggest supporter.  I think we explored every activity available while growing up.  Cheerleading, basketball, wrestling, tap dancing, piano lessons, ballet, art classes, 4-H, drama, choir, swimming, debate, math club, baseball, mission trips, through it all, mom was always there.  Our successes were, in a large part, due to her encouragement.

My mom is not only a great mother to us, but is also a great wife to my dad.  Their example of love and commitment is something I strive for in my marriage.  I know they sacrificed a lot so my brothers and I could have the life they wanted for us and I'm so thankful for their efforts.  There's just not enough room to explain how much my mom has done and continues to do for her kids, her kids-in-law, and now, her grandbabies.

I remember...
Watching the baby chicks hatch, and naming them after the alphabet. 
"It only takes a spark, to get a fire going..."
Reading Little House in the Big Woods, a chapter every night.
Waking up Christmas morning to my new Barbie house.
Tea parties with your fancy china.
Dressing up in your old clothes- your pink prom dress was my favorite.
Penny flash cards.
Sound of Music and Anne of Green Gables.
The Schoolhouse B & B.
Surprise Sweet 16 birthday party.
Trips to visit different colleges.
Your excitement at meeting Blake.
Your continuing love and support as I started a new life with him and a home of our own.


Happy birthday.  I love you Mom.

Photography Class

I started a new photography class last night.  I cannot explain how much I enjoy these classes.  I come home from each one so excited about the art, so inspired to try new things, and constantly learning about my camera and how to use it to its fullest.  I love being around people that have the same interest as me and pushing each other to figure out what their style is and how it works for them.

I hope that as I grow up I keep learning for the sake of learning.  Our God created a beautiful, complex, intersting world, and the he gifted us with curious minds to discover new things.  When I take my camera out I am not only amazed by the workings of the machine, but also the world and people it captures.  Looking through the lens makes me seek details I may have otherwise missed. 

I'm thankful for the opportunity God (and my hubby) has given me to explore this interest and can't wait to show the blogging world my results:)

February 28

Today is someone special's birthday!!!  And so, I'd like to take this opportunity to tell you all about my other amazing sister-in-law, Carrie.

I met Carrie when I was just 12 years old- she and my brother Shane started dating their first weekend in college.  I didn't see her really often for the next few years, as she and Shane went to school in Springfield, but I do remember her making special efforts to make sure I was included when they would visit.  I remember spending the night at her apartment when I was 15, just getting to bond, always having someone to turn to for advice.  I remember spending weekends with her and Shane at her parents house, going out on their boat, having a blast tubing and water skiing.

When I was 17, Shane made the best decision of his life, and asked Carried to be his wife.  Their wedding in Florida was so beautiful and fun, and my first experience being a bridesmaid.  I was so excited to welcome Carrie to our family and have a wonderful big sister!  I can still remember a night or two before the wedding, Carrie and I went looking for seashells to use for the reception and just talked for hours.  I am so blessed to have two sister-in-laws who are not only family, but also close friends.

When I graduated from high school a year later, my favorite graduation gift was from them and Cory and Kristina- a trip to Florida for a week.  My bff Jessica and I had an amazing week staying with them, hanging out on the beach, relaxing at their home, and trying new things (sushi for the first time!).

I was a freshman in college when I heard I was going to be an auntie for the first time.  I was so excited for Carrie and Shane (and myself), and even from far away, Carrie made sure to include all of us in that exciting time- pictures, ultrasounds, and weekly emails about progress.  And, to make sure we were all able to be a part of their growing family, they made the decision to leave the home they loved in Florida and move back to Missouri.

So many great memories have been made since then.  Carrie was also a bridesmaid in my wedding to Blake and I was so thankful for her support and love during planning and on that day.  Carrie and Shane made me an auntie again, and I spent hours on the phone with Carrie looking at baby bedding online:)  We've gotten to spend weekends at Carrie and Shane's house, I've road tripped down to Texas with her and Madera (singing Disney songs at the top of our lungs the whole way down) and here recently, we traveled to Colorado for an amazing ski vacation.

Carrie, I have known you for over half my life, and I love that we have become closer every year.  As I've grown up I've been grateful to have such a wonderful example from which to learn.  For almost eight years I have been so happy to call you my sister, but I'm even more thankful to be able to call you my friend.

Happy Birthday Carrie.  I love you.

Five hours later...

I realized today that my photography website, loricrockett.com, has been unable to receive comments the entire time it's been active.  After a lot of investigating and trying everything I could think of, the only possible solution left was to update my theme to the newest version.  And so, I did.  My comments worked, but, unfortunately, I lost pretty much ALL of the edits I had done on my site style-wise, over the last two months.  Hours, upon hours of work, gone.

When I first started the website, I had about two minutes of programming knowledge- just enough to know I didn't know anything about it, and really had no desire to learn.  However, in an attempt to be cost effective, I attempted to educate myself.  So, what did I learn? 

Everything works together, and it's easy to screw it all up.


Fortunately, the more you do something, the faster you get at it, and the more you understand about how things work together.  Tonight I was able to fix (for the most part) in five hours what took me two weeks to do initially.  And, I actually have some understanding of what I did, rather than just trying 363538 things, finding something I thought worked,  never being able to figure out what I did, and realizing two months later I did it wrong.  I'm not an expert, but more and more, I think I'm learning.


Now if I could just figure out how to program my house to clean itself:)

Our weekend trip to Texas

This past weekend, after the incident, Blake and I ventured down to Texas to visit my brother & sister-in-law and of course, our adorable neice.  We had a few things in mind we wanted to get done besides the obvious (visiting and cuddling). 

1. Get our taxes done (we'd be lost without Kristina)
2. Take Briley's 6 Month Pictures
3. Install Windows 7 on my computer (I've had the update discs since December)

Taxes are done!  Kristina found every possible deduction and qualification and all those other things accountants find and we will be getting a great refund.  This will be very helpful in remedying the incident.  Thank you Kristina!

Briley's pictures went really well.  Cory and Kristina turned out one gorgeous kiddo!  She was in such a good mood all weekend and is so much fun.  She's growing up way too fast, but it's neat to see her progress everytime we see her. 

More pictures here.

I still have more to edit, but #3 on our list is causing a delay.  We got Windows 7 installed on my computer, but we did a fresh install which means I have to reinstall all my software...  Office, Blurb, CS4 etc... then I have to reinstall all of my add-ins for Photoshop- brushes, fonts, actions, patterns- about 35 in all.  Quite the task!  I knew I would have to do this to do a clean install, but I'm ready to have it all done and have a fully functioning computer again. 

What did you do this weekend?

Sometimes I Do Dumb Stuff.

I did something really dumb this morning.  And it's going to cost a lot of money to fix.  It invloved my car, and Blake's truck.  No one is hurt, but my car is pretty smashed.  So is my pride.

I highly reccomend always checking behind you before backing your car out of the garage.

Lesson Learned.

Day of love...

Blake and I don't usually celebrate Valentines, but for fun this year we took this quiz I found at Glamlife Housewife.

What couple from a movie or TV show are you most like?:

Blake: I don't watch enough tv to know.

Lori: Chandler and Monica from Friends. 

What is your song?

Blake:  Don't really have a song.  If I had to pick one, I'd say the song I sang at our reception.

Lori: The song Blake wrote and sang to me at our wedding.  Or "My Everything" by Michael Buble.

First movie you saw together in the theater:
Blake: I think it was Da Vinci Code.

Lori: Da Vinci Code? Pirates of the Caribbean 2?  Whichever one came out first.

Who said I Love You first?

Blake: Me. Fourth of July.

Lori: Blake did. Fourth of July, under the stars and fireworks.

Where do you eat out at most as a couple?
Blake: Wherever there's sushi.

Lori: Any sushi restaurant.

Who is better at handling money?

Blake: Lori does the budgeting, but also the spending.  I'm more conservative.

Lori: Me, until I want something.

What was the first meal that your spouse ever cooked for you?
Blake:  I don't remember what it was, but it was when you lived in that apartment with all those girls.  (Lori- This really narrows it down, as I lived there for a year.  For the record, it was baked salmon.)

Lori: Probably Chicken Bacon Ranch.  Or Hamburger Helper.

How many boyfriends/girlfriends did your spouse have before you?
Blake: 5?

Lori: Blake had about 3 or 4 girlfriends, but dated quite a few others.

What is your idea of a perfect date?
Blake: Fixing a dinner together, having someone else clean up, then going out to a good movie.

Lori: Being surprised, eating good food, and doing something fun together- exploring a new place,  seeing a cool show, or learning something new together.

What physical feature first attracted you to your spouse?
Blake:  Smile

Lori: Eyes, and face overall

Where was your first date?
Blake: Nakato

Lori: Sushi at Nakato.  Pretty much love at first bite.

What is your spouse’s favorite show?
Blake: Biggest Loser, Lost, the Olympics when it's on

Lori: Grey's Anatomy

What is your favorite show?
Blake: Hunting shows

Lori: Grey's Anatomy, Friends

What is your dating anniversary?
Blake: June 6

Lori: June 6

If you could go anywhere on a second honeymoon, where would you go?
Blake: Europe, lots of places in Europe

Lori: Europe or Hawaii

What surprised you about your spouse after marriage?
Blake: That she got prettier every day.

Lori: That he forgot how to open mail.  This is why I pay the bills.

What's the best thing about being married to your spouse?

Blake:  I love having my best friend to do everything with or just nothing at all.  I feel very lucky to have her support through difficult times such as now with pharmacy school.  Because of Lori, my life is full and happy! 

Lori: Having a best friend that also gives me butterflies.  Having someone to dream with, do fun things with, and share the hard times too.  We like a lot of the same things, but also have our own interests and that's ok with both of us.  I love having a true partner.

Cows say...

"I'm kind of shy."

"Excuse me, you're not getting my best side."

"I don't have a best side."

I love cows.

Turning 25...

This past Monday I hit the quarter century mark.  Blake spoiled me the weekend before with breakfast in bed, ice cream, and lots of snuggle time.  I got one of my birthday presents on Thursday night, since we discovered I would be off work the next day.  Blake wanted me to have it early so we could play...

 

Monday night we went out to sushi with friends, so much fun and yummmmy.

 

But my big present, OUR big present, is still to come.  Instead of big presents this year, we're going to...

 

MEXICO!!!

For more birthday dinner pics click here!

Snow

Gus man loved playing in the snow with his new toy.  However, he was very confused about why his toy so cold and disappeared.  Adorable.

Missouri vs Oklahoma

The difference between Oklahoma & Missouri-

In Missouri, the weathermen usually predict less than what's coming.
In Oklahoma they tell you the apocalypse is coming and the only way to save yourself is a generator and flashlights.

In Missouri, there will be 6 inches of snow on the ground with more coming and Hallsville High School will still hold classes until noon so they can count the whole day.
In Oklahoma all of the public schools are closed for the next two days before a drop of precipitation has fallen.

In Missouri, the colleges only close when 95% of Springfield has lost power and one of the buildings is being used as a shelter.
In Oklahoma, classes are cancelled for the next two days BEFORE A DROP OF PRECIPITATION HAS FALLEN.

In Missouri my mom calls every 5 hours to make sure we're still alive and well and not doing anything risky like setting a foot outdoors.
In Oklahoma, this happens every four hours, or every time I put something on facebook.  Mom, if I'm posting on facebook, I'm still alive. 

January 18

My 25th birthday is a few days away, and thinking about this made me remember someone else's birthday was a couple of weeks ago.  Now, I didn't forget this person's birthday, but I did forget that for some time I had been planning on blogging about some special people in my life and had decided their birthdays would be a good time to share.  And so, since I really want to do that I'm going to pretend today is...

January 18, 2010
Today is my sister-in-law Kristina's 30th birthday.  I have known her for 14 years- more than half my life, and almost half of hers.  When she and I first met, I wasn't really a fan.  I chalk this up to the fact that I was 11 years old and kind of a brat to anyone my brothers dated, because even then, she was pretty special. 

I know this because even though I was not always kind, and not always welcoming to her, she was to me.  She and Cory would invite me to do things with them, and she even invited just me to do things with her.  Even more so than that, as the years went by and I started becoming less of a brat, she didn't hold it against me.  As years went by we became friends.  And when she and my brother got married in August 2003 she asked me to be a bridesmaid.  Their wedding day, and my other brother and sister-in-laws wedding day, were two of the happiest of my life.  I finally had sisters.

When I went away to college in the fall of 2003, Kristina and Cory lived in Springfield.  I always felt welcome in their home, even though they were newlyweds, and many weekends I would spend the whole weekend with them.  I don't know if I have ever told her or my brother how thankful I was and am that I had family so close, and so willing to be there when I needed them.  To take it a step further, I lived with them for part of my time in college.  And I was welcomed.  Never made to feel like an imposition or a third wheel (even though I'm sure there were times I was).   When I would go through an especially bad week at school, or was having trouble with friends, or guys, Kristina and Cory were the first people I would call.  Even if it was 2 am (sorry about that).  Their constant support got me through some really difficult times.  Thank you for your friendship.

While I was figuring things out at school, Kristina was working full time, getting her masters, and still being an amazing wife to my crazy brother.  When Blake and I got married in September of 2007, Kristina was my matron on honor.  She walked me through wedding planning, she helped me understand how to be an encouraging spouse to someone applying to and attending a medical graduate program.  Thank you for your example.

There is no better wife for my brother, Cory.  There is no better mother to my precious niece, Briley.  There is no better sister to Carrie and I. 

Happy 30th, Kristina.  I love you.

*Non- embarrassing pictures have been chosen based on the fact that birthday girl has enough dirt on me to constitute a small mountain.

Mondays always come too soon.

Blake and I had a pretty relaxing weekend.  Friday night I made Malboro Man's Favorite Sandwich from The Pioneer Woman's cookbook and it definitely started the weekend off right.  You can find that recipe here.  Just fyi, very important to cut against the grain- I didn't do this the first time I made it and it made a big difference in the eat-ability (don't think that's a real word), of the sandwich.

Saturday just hung out around the house, played some Wii Mario Kart, watched part of Dances with Wolves, then headed to a bbq/housewarming for our friends Heather and James.

Sunday headed to church, ate some delicious sushi, then watched the rest of Dances with Wolves.  I couldn't believe that this movie is what Blake calls one of the greatest movies of all time with THAT ending.  I won't ruin it for you if you haven't seen it, but pretty anticlimactic.  We had small group Sunday night, and that was just about the entire extent of our weekend.  This much down time is pretty rare for us, so it was reallly nice to not have 287363 places to be and things to do.  Not really much to share, just trying to keep everyone updated!

Trip to Colorado

Shortly after Christmas, Blake and I went on a trip to Colorado with my siblings. Ah. Mazing.


The group was myself and Blake, my brother Shane and his wife Carrie and their 5 yr old, Madera, my brother Cory and his wife Kristina, their baby, Briley, and Kristina's brother Mike and his gf, Katrina. We each took a night to cook, bought food for sandwiches and breakfast stuff, went out a few times, and skiied, skiied, skiied.

I was very nervous about this trip. Blake loves to ski, and the last time I went I was 5 and NOT a fan. I just remember being realllly cold, my feet hurting and not wanting to be there (sorry mom and dad). However, this was a totally different experience and I LOVED it! The weather was great, not too cold, there weren't too many people, and Blake said I took to skiiing like a fish to water. Wonderful, wonderful trip. Great to spend time with family, great to relax and play games, and just great to get away and enjoy the beauty God created. Here are some pics!

If you feel like seeing all the pics I took on our trip (there are 377), click here!

Christmas

Christmas 2009 has come and gone and it was wonderful!  It was such a great time to relax with family and see special friends (Jessica & her hubs!)  I've posted some pics on my website loricrockett.com of a photo session I did with Blake and some of his fam, and below are some other photos from our Christmas!

I'm having some issues uploading more pictures, but I'll try to do more on facebook and post a link.