summer fun with cousins

This summer I was able to watch my cousin's kiddos once a week for about three months. It was so much fun playing outside, doing crafts, reading books, playing dress-up, and all the other games their little minds could come up with! I was so thankful for the time I got to spend with them this summer... memories I will cherish forever! Naomi and Gabe hold a very special place in mine and Jeremy's hearts. We love them so much! Here's a few pictures from our summer together...

a little taste of the Davis life

Obviously, blogging has fallen down quite a few slots on my lists of priorities, but I do intend to get back into the swing of things soon! Life has been one crazy day to the next crazy day for the last few months, and I am exhausted! Between constant homework, work, church activities, and family time, we are constantly on the go. We are in a VERY busy season of life right now, and most of the times I feel like I'm barely floating above water.

However, with all of that said, we are so blessed and God has been so faithful.  His grace is always sufficient, and somehow we get all of our little "to-do's" checked off our lists.  Jeremy and I have really been focusing on priorities, and the Lord has been showing us that we have two choices... Do alot of things really poorly or do a few things really well.  I have had to learn to say no, and opt out of certain things that just can't be a priority right now.  I have learned that I am more of a people pleaser than I ever thought I was.  Saying no is hard.  Especially when you're saying no to things that you really want to do.  God has graciously shown me that I can resist this season of life or embrace it by prioritizing our time and being faithful with the tasks He has given us.  T.V. is rarely watched in our house, casual reading is almost non-existent, and I don't even remember if we have friends anymore because it has been ages since we have done any real "hanging out"-- at this point, bed time is seriously our favorite part of the day! Although most nights, it's just not long enough.

I don't mean for this to be one big complaining post.  Please do not get me wrong... We are loving life. God is teaching us new things, our faith is being tested, our marriage is being strengthened, and we are learning more and more each day just how dependent we are upon the glorious grace of God.  Life is good.

We will be traveling to New York in just a few weeks to visit the campus Jeremy will be attending next Fall, and get a look around Albany for the first time.  We are thrilled! Jeremy and I would both appreciate your prayers as we get a small glimpse of our soon to be new home town.  It is so very exciting to finally get to see where we will be living and drive around a city we have already fallen in love with.

Eventually I will post the rest of the pictures from our summer, because we had an excellent summer and I want to be able to look back and remember all we did during our last summer in Oklahoma. Check back soon and have a wonderful week!

here's to 730 days of love

Today, I celebrate 2 years of wedded bliss to best man I know. When I think back over the last two years, I'm amazed at how fast they have flown by and all that we have seen and experienced.  I think back to September 3, 2011 and see a 20 year old girl who thought she had love all figured out-- little did she know how much she had left to learn.  I knew I was jumping into the ride of my life, but I didn't know that ride would be so exciting and frustrating, joyous and painful, lively and exhausting.  Marriage is hard work and don't let anyone try to tell you otherwise.  This love that you've never felt for another person before takes lots of nurturing and protecting, and sometimes it just wears you out.

But with all of that said, these have been the best 2 years of my life.  I truly didn't know my heart could love this much.  I didn't know I was capable of caring for someone so deeply.  I had no idea I could literally fall more in love with the same man day after day after day.  Jeremy Davis rocks my world.

As we've been approaching this anniversary, I sort of had this idea that this year wasn't really that special. You know its just 2 years right? Like your first anniversary is so special, and then 5 years, 10 years, and so on.  But 2? No big deal... just another year.  However, as I woke up this morning (late as usual) I was reminded during the rush of both of us tripping over each other trying to get out the door on time, that 2 years is a big deal. 730 days. Why do we only choose to celebrate "big" or "important" milestones? You always hear about people's firsts and lasts, but how often do you hear about the in-between?

So this year I'm committing to living and loving each and every new day that God gives me and Jeremy to its absolute fullest. I want to appreciate and treasure the every day sameness.  I want to cherish all the "unimportant" moments that I so easily forget.  I want to pause a little longer to listen to Jeremy when he shares his dreams with me. I want to live in the moment even if that means getting behind on my ever-so-important to do list. I want to laugh a little harder when Jeremy teases me, even when I really "need" him to hurry. I want to intentionally smile when I'm going around picking up all of the things he's left out throughout the day. I want to "stop and smell the roses" a little more this year than I did the last.  I heard a quote the other day that said life only passes us by because we let it.  I think thats true.  We get so wrapped up into our routines and schedules and chores and obligations that life's little moments just fly right on past us.

So Jeremy, this year I vow to love you more intentionally, more passionately, and more thoughtfully than I did last year.  Every day that I wake up with you by my side is going to be a good day, regardless of what it may hold.  Together we are going to make it through the hard days, and we're going to share the laughs of all the wonderful days. Keep holding my hand as we walk this crazy journey and tackle whatever comes our way.

I love you MORE.

happy birthday, america Part 2

On July 4th, Jeremy and I slept in (which was wonderful) and then got up and dressed in our red, white, and blue and headed to my parents house! We spent the day there making festive desserts for the cookout later in the day.

^^I love anything cheesy on a holiday, and these star spangled sugar cookies and American flag cake just made my day! A big shout out to my mom and sister for a fun day of baking!^^

^^He is such a good sport with all of my holiday celebrating, and I think he even enjoys it at times but shhh he won't admit that to anyone!^^ 

^^my little old Papa grilling for the family. He's cute.^^

^^this little guy turned 3 that day! Happy Birthday, Aden!^^

^^we played outside after dinner. They were crazy, hyper, and couldn't wait for fireworks!^^

^^Jeremy brought his fishing gear and had a little help from two cute mini fishermen after dinner.^^

Another fourth of July in the books! Lots of fun was had by all.  Thankful for a wonderful country to celebrate, and praying we never take our freedoms for granted! 

Happy Birthday, America

I love to celebrate and I love holidays! Here's a few photos of how we celebrated the good 'ole USA...

^^This year we had an entire week of Fourth of July celebrations starting with the annual Mustang Firework show! We went to Jeremy's little hometown of Mustang, Oklahoma and headed out to the the park with his parents.^^

^^The band Super Freak played and they were so fun! They kind of have a 70's disco sound which apparently I really like because I couldn't get enough of it! You can check them out here and find out where you can see them play around OKC.^^

^^he's my favorite.^^

A wonderful firework show and an all-around fantastic night! Part 2 coming soon...

fishing weekend fun

Jeremy and I kicked off our summer with a short weekend trip to Arkansas to see my Grandpa and do a little fishing! We had a great time even though we didn't catch anything. Here's a few pics to enjoy from our little get away.... 

We loved this little jump-start to our summer, and can't wait to get back for another visit soon!