Finally Friday!

It is gloomy and cold outdoors, and I'm having a bit of a Nancy day (Negative Nancy, that is), but the thought of the weekend ahead has me smiling!  First up, my parents are coming to town!  For Christmas, all of us kiddos went in together to buy them Cirque du Soleil Allegria tickets here in Tulsa.  When I went to purchase their tickets, it was Cyber Monday, and tickets were half price, so of course, I snatched some up for hubby and me as well.  The big event is tomorrow evening, but tonight we have Cultural Night at Blake's school!  We attended last year and it was a lot of fun to see different performances, and especially to taste different foods.  I had tabouleh for the first time (yum), and I'm excited to see what this year's evening has to offer. 

What are your plans for the weekend?

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Briley

Here are some pictures I took of Briley over the weekend. I've always had a passion for photography, but I'm thinking of taking some classes. If you know anyone having a baby or getting married etc, I'd love some practice- they can have full resolution copies of all the pictures!

Briley Dianne

She's here!!!

We got the call at 2 this morning that baby Briley arrived at 1:07am weighing 6lbs 9oz. Mom and Baby are doing great! And not that I'm biased or anything, but she's absolutely gorgeous!

Our new niece is on her way!

Blake and I got a call last night that they were going to induce our sister-in-law, Kristina, due to some concerns with high blood pressure. They started her on Pitocin this morning and the latest update is that things are progressing, but no baby yet. Please keep my brother, Cory, Kristina, and Baby Girl Davenport in your prayers for a safe arrival and health for all!

So excited!!!!

Madera's Visit

"Auntie Lori?"

"Yes, Madera?"

"How much further?"

"Auntie Lori?"

"Yess, Madera?"

"Why do you wear makeups?"

"Auntie Lori?

"Yesss, Madera?"

"Why are you doing that?"

"Auntie Lori?"

"Yessss, Madera?"

"I love you."

I love you too.

More pictures!

Kristina's Baby Shower

Here are pictures from the baby shower Carrie & I cohosted for the newest addition to the family: baby shower.

Update on Jeni

Jeni was release from the hospital on Friday. She is in a brace and expects to have to wear that for the next 4 months. Her first checkup is August 21 (I think). She's still in a lot of pain and is having trouble sleeping. We had a birthday celebration for her Saturday night, which was great, but it was obvious she was pretty uncomfortable. Please continue praying for a swift recovery.