Wow...A long Time!

Well, its been a month since the last time I posted and I apoligize for my delay.  Believe it or not, life for us Davenport's have been very busy.  But no excuse for not blogging about it.  Heck...if I want you all knowing about our journey then I need to stay up with the writing.  So, thank you mom for reminding me to get back on track! :)

Many things have happened in the month of Novemeber.  Our church lunched, James' 8th birthday, began a new women's Bible Study, playdates with Jackson, teacher conferences for my kiddios, Wednesday night Awana, Thanksgiving and decorating for the Christmas season.  Oh...haha, I didn't even mention work, but that has consumed most of my nights for the past 29 days. 

I'll write seperate blogs on most of these events so I can go into detail about them, but right at this moment, "HOME" has been on my heart these last few days.  Even though things are going really well here, I miss my family, friends, church and job.  I tend not to write about the struggles of me, but today I feel like if I write about then then I can have some closure and "move-on" so to speak. 

I think Thanksgiving was the topper of my emotions.  Realizing that this will be the first holiday season that our family will be away from the Mikels family has tugged on me a lot.  This has been a precious time that I look forward to yearly in celebrating and continuing traditions that have been set as apart of the Mikels Christmas Celebration.  The monkey bread and breakfast egg dish the my dad would make, the cousins playing ALL together, the laughter in the house, my brothers wrestling with James, the candles lite for precious Blake and Ethan, the stocking lined up along the mantle, the snacky foods that eventually one of the adults would put up higher than the reach of litte arms, and then playing the role of Santa as we enjoyed watching each person open their gifts one by one.  Yes, it took a long time, but it is always worth it.  I will miss that bonding extended family times.  Our family is so incredibly blessed to be apart of an AMAZING family unit that reaches far beyond just the five of us.

I have been making and meeting new friends and have enjoyed the connections and experiences that we have shared.  My prayer is that some of them will transition into the emptiness I have in my friendship circle and fulfill those friendship desires.  I miss my CA friends.  Not just friends, but my life line friends.  The ones that know me by just the sound of my voice or a look into my face. Facebook is an amazing tool and I use it more often now than ever, but it doesn't fill the void that I have.  I'm continuing to "be still, be patient" and rely on the Lord for these needs and He will provide.  I just hope it will happen sooner than later! :)

So Thanksgiving was a wonderful time spent with Nick's sister's family.  We had a fun time geting to know Heather's (Nick's sister) husband's parents and sister.  James, Tori and Jackson enjoyed playing with Preston (cousin). Jackson was fasinated with their cat, so I am sure that the cat was thrilled when we departed for the evening. :) The men watched the sports games and us girls did well...the girl talk.  All in all it was a great day!  I am so thankful for my husband God has given me and our 3 outstanding children.  This move is and has been in God's plan and for all that He has shown and provided for us I am very thankful. 

A highlight to our Thanksgiving day was "FaceTiming" with my family.  I don't know about you...but I am very thankful that technology has come so far.  Who would imagine that being 1000 miles away we could see and talk live?  Our kids were able to visit with Camryn, Wyatt, Riley, and Peighton, plus see their Uncles and Aunts and Grandparents.  They were so excited to see them and talk to them that in the moment of our FaceTime my kids just waved, smiled and said hi.  So, we will work on the idea of conversation.  haha!
God is so good.  We are fortunate to belong to two incredible families that I would never replace.  Our kids are blessed to be loved by their grandparents, uncles and aunts and their cousins!

It's funny how in six small paragraphs, I've laughed, smiled and cried.  I imagine that is a good thing and being able to express some personal emotions have helped, so thanks for listening. 

I am reminded that within an adventure there are smooth and rocky points.  Its the conquering through the rocky points and excelling that makes the adventure.  I look forward to excelling and excelling with JOY! 


I miss you all....

@stickyJesus

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This is the write up by @stickyJesus.  I hope that you will see this book as a tool to help you grow in your adventures of Christian living whether it be in your home, through your work enviroment, or within your social networking. 

Thank you Toni Birdsong for your incredible ability to share with us your passion for being Chirst-like and living out the gospel through the daily activities that consume us.

HIP HIP HOORAY!

The joys of children's voices echoing through the house once again as their Grandpa and Grandma Mikels returned to spend a couple more special days with our family was heard within the neighborhood. God is soooooo Good!  We had so much fun just simply being together!  Whether it was reading books, snuggling up on Papa's tummy, coloring, or sitting together on the couch, it was wonderful.  I had the opportunity to go shopping with my parents (just me) and have dinner with them.  It didnt matter that it was in a food court of our outlet malls because it was such a special time to just BE with them.  We havent done that in a long time and it was wonderful to talk, smile, and laugh together.  Mom and I enjoyed walking around the shops together and what fun we did have.  Dad and Nick played golf together again and I know that was a special time of bonding with them.  All in all, I couldn't ask for anything more than the happening of this weekend.  Well...I could, but that would be for them to just stay!  :)

Here are some fun highlights of a beautiful time TOGETHER! For me it not in all the doings and goings that we could of done, but rather in the special moments of togetherness!

 

Old Mcdonald Had a Farm...

Ee i ee i oh!

And on that farm he had some chickens,

Ee i ee i oh!

With a cluck-cluck here,

And a cluck-cluck there

Here a cluck, there a cluck,

Everywhere a cluck-cluck

Old MacDonald had a farm

Ee i ee i oh!

James' 2nd grade field trip reminder me on that song.  I went with James' class as a supervisor to the Lowell Ranch for a program entitled, “Food From the Farm” presented by The Colorado Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF)

Ever Wonder What Part of the Plant You Are Eating? Where Does Your Hamburger Come From? The Earth gives us many resources, which provide all the food we eat.

Many students struggle with these concepts as they see food in the grocery store and lack the connection of how the food got there. This program provided students Authentic Experiences for understanding the Connections between the Natural Resources on a farm and the Food They Eat. And, boy did we experience!  I have NEVER been to such an amazing farm! 

These 2nd graders learned facts about different animals and were able to pet the chickens, roosters, goats, cows, horses, and sheeps.  They were taken into an old barn and discussed what the barn was used for and then talked about the many different products that are made from the farm, animal parts or have animal parts in them.  Such as...footballs, helmets, wheat, lotions, toothbrushes, and LEGOS!  Yes, legos.  There are animal parts in plastic which comes from the farm. Crazy!

 

 Next, the children visited another barn where they played a game and learned about eggs and chickens. 

Did you know how eggs get their color? 

Answer - Its determined by the chicken's ear lobes. 

Moving along, the children then visited a garden. They learned and talked about the differences between fruits and vegetables, were able to sample many different kinds, and experienced pulling carrots out of the ground. 

Next they ventured to an outside green house where they talked about argiculture and how to distinguish between foods that are roots, stems, flowers, branches, leaves, or fruits.  

Did you know a tomatoe is a fruit? 

Any piece of food that has seeds are considered a fruit. Interesting, huh? 

The final two stops were just as informational and fun for the kids.  The first stop was learning about milk and the children together participated in making ice cream.  After each child had a chance to shake the ice cream bowl that the ingredience were lock into, they then got to taste the cold, fresh ice cream.  Yummy!

The last stop was listening to a lady who owned a dairy farm.  She talked to the kids about cows and the importance of the dairy farm.  James was shocked to hear that this particular dairy farm owner had over 4,000 dairy cows.  She showed them the types of grain they eat, about how cows have four stomachs, and how each cow gets branded.  My two most favorite lines that James said throughout the day happened to be at the very end as we were at our last stop.  

Here they are:

• After the discussion about the cows begin branded and the reason for it, James raised his hand and when called on say.  "This reminds me about a Bible story I know about a time when one sheep got lost and the shephard went out to find that sheep because it was very important to him.  You must brand your cows beacause they are very important to you and if just one got lost, you would know which one it was by the branding number." Yes, I admit it, I was smiling from ear to ear!

• The dairy lady ask this question to the kids. "Does anyone know the phrase when a cow chews his food many times over?" James says, "Yes, that's called, chewing your cuddlies (suppose to be cud)."  We all laughed. 

How in a matter of moments, James has my heart warmed by his NO FEAR personality to share the Good News and then have the whole group rolling in laughter by a mistaken statement.  I just love him to pieces!

I'm extremely impressed with James' school and the way in which classroom teaching corresponds to hands-on activities that reinforce the education and learning that is taking place.  Thank you Clear Sky Elementary!

The Flower Girl!

Tori was asked to be a flower girl in a wedding that took place in California before we had realized that our family would be moving to Colorado. It was a wonderful privilege to fly back to California to not only be apart of Alyssa's wedding, but to also visit family and friends that we have missed and hold close to our hearts. So on October 9th, Tori transformed into a beautiful flower girl for Alyssa and Robert Castle's wedding that was held in Malibu at the Calamingos Ranch. It was a beautiful wedding under the dusk night sky. The trees were light up as the wedding party marched down the ail. Tori, along with Nina, the other flower girl strolled up the long ail tossing a combination of red rose petals and red feathers. The crowd oohed and ahhed as the two brought forth great anticipation for the soon to be bride. Alyssa was beautiful in her wedding gown and as Robert and her met hands there was a sure sense of commitment and love.

Some of you may be wondering; who's Alyssa? and whats the connection between her and Tori? Alyssa Boyd was a graduate of Village Christian Schools, Nick and myself taught her in Middle School at Village Church and Alyssa was one of Tori's preschool teachers at the Infant/Toddler Center and Preschool a few years back. So, we have a bit of history with Alyssa. Tori connected with Alyssa right away and it seemed from the very get go that Alyssa had a special connection to Tori as well.

Tori, also had a special connection with a friend who happened to be Ayden. Ayden was from the preschool and Tori and Ayden were always together. Whether it was riding bikes, sitting for story time, or playing on the jungle gym, they were found together. Ayden is Robert's son and now Alyssa's step son, so they were super excited to see each other. Tori was very excited and looking forward to being a flower girl!

The dress came at a bit of a surprise to Tori and I as we pulled it from the box. From the picture when ordering, one would never know what we had come to find out. Having another flower girl's mom involved was so helpful and the brainstorming began. The dress was a red crochet bodice with a red satin halter tie. The tutu was made of 100 + yards of red soft tulle. The catch was that the tulle was cut in 3 1/2 width individual pieces and tied in groups around the crochet bodice. Therefore, allowing the see through tutu to be open in any given area. So Alyssa, myself and the other mom began to try alternatives in covering our two little girls. What a time we had! We tried slips, bloomers, thin tights, leggings, nothing, and finally came to the wonderful conclusion of red winter tights. It provided warmth for the Malibu night air and coverage! Hallelujah...it was perfect. Tori was comfortable, confident, and was excited to wear her dress.

After the wedding, the party began! Most of the evening Tori spent with Ayden and they had a blast together. They laughed, hugged, talked, played, a danced the night away. Ayden was such a gentleman and even tied Tori's ballet shoes when needed.   Oh...little Miss Cinderella and her Prince Charming!

It was nice to see familiar faces and to be able to see how happy and in love both Alyssa and Robert were. Congrats to you both!

I also have to say that Tori and I had a little fun ourselves!

Happy Times continues...

I can't tell you enough about the amazing visits we shared with our friends.  Tori wanted to visit her preschool, teachers, and friends, so we surprised the Village Infant/Toddler Center and Preschool with her arrival.  Tori was excited to give hugs to her many teachers that meant so much to her over the last 4 1/2 years of her developing into who she is.  The big smiles on her face appeared as she saw her friends.  But one friend in particular was Tori's target.  Little Alyssa (as Tori calls her) was a very special friend and as they found each other, big hugs were exchanged, along with jumping up and down and Alyssa saying, "Its Tori, Its you!"

Oh, how my heart ached and was touched at the same time. 

The experiences of The Village Infant/Toddler Center and Preschool will always be a special place in Tori's heart and also mine as well. 

Another very special friend to Tori is Mason.  Its amazing in seeing a friendship begin and watching it blossom over only a couple of years.  I can't imagine what's to come with their friendship over many years, but they are two peas in a pod.  They had so much fun talking, laughing, hugging, a kiss (on the check) here and there, playing, and being together.  The words that come out of those two at times are the funniest and yet can also be the most compassionate.  Mason, you are by far the most charming little boy to Tori and I know Tori would agree too.

Having a wedding on a weekend means for us the opportunity to visit our church, Village Church!  Tori had a wonderful time seeing her friends and teachers.  Being able to catch up on Village life and be surrounded by lots of people who love and care for her was exactly what she needed.  I can't express the amount of gratitude for a few individuals who invested time into Tori while we were there.  Another blessing was the love shown to Tori from Lorena and Connie.  You two brightened Tori's trip and what a special treat she received.  Thank you doesn't come close, but Thank you so much! 

The Village Church body is absolute, hands-down incredible.  I can't tell you how loved I felt by so many.  It was great to be back "home" and see everyone.  My heart is overflowing with happiness to those of you that I spent some time with.  I know I missed many of you on this trip, but you are missed and I look forward to seeing you all during this Christmas season.  God is very much alive at Village and I am very blessed to feel a part of it.  I have to say though, the best part of being at church was seeing all the kids.  CSI, I love all of you and you guys looked AWESOME!  It was so nice to spend Sunday school with you and chat about whats happening in your lives.  There is not a day that goes by where I am not thinking about you all.

There are some amazing individuals who I miss greatly and have influenced my life as being a mom and that is the Village MOPs group.  What a crazy Friday night we had!  Thank you so much for those of you who could stop over.  It was wonderful to see you and catch up on where you are in your journeys.  Lisa, thank you for the yummy treats and hospitality.  You are always amazing with that.
So, are you wondering what is the craziness?  Well, during our time together, I became sick. 
So embarrassing, but these ladies came to my rescue.  I owe a big thanks to Lisa, Mary, and Dawn for being there with me.  But, all in all, I am so thankful that I was able to spend some time with them. 

Everyone has at least one best friend. An individual who is there for you always, through the good and the bad, someone to laugh with and cry with, a friend who keeps you accountable, and one who you probably talk with daily.  I cant imagine not having one, therefore, I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to spend some time with Dawn.  Even though we talk daily, to talk face to face was refreshing.  Thanks for being a part of our weekend and planting yourself within us in all that do.  I love ya bestie!

Its these amazing trips that are helping me get through the beginnings of a new journey.  Its the connections of individuals who encourage, cheerlead, and pray for me that allows me to build the new foundations of my "new Colorado tower." A tower that will illistrate a new building, a new adventure, a new life.

I am so blessed to have you all in my life!

 

Happy Times!

It was great to be back visiting family and friends in California.  Tori and I flew back October 6th through October 11th.  It was a short trip back, but a trip full of blessings.  The main reason returning to California was that Tori was in Alyssa Boyd's wedding.  So being back we were also able to visit with many people who we love dearly. 

It was good to be "home".  I know that one day Colorado will be home for me, but at this present moment "home" is still in California.  I guess because my roots are there, my family, and my dear church friends.  Once I find some of those longings here, then home will begin to take on a new destination.  I will never completely replace my admiration, love, and the ways in which individuals have touched my life, but I am looking forward to feeling complete and content in my new journey. 

So to be back home was refreshing.  We were picked up from LAX by my very dear best friend, Dawn, and Mason presented Tori with a bundle of pink roses.  Their faces when they saw each other were priceless.  I know they are only 5, but growing up together and seeing each other daily has bonded them and created a deep friendship.  They both exchanged pictures that they had colored and had a blast chatting and laughing in the back seats of the car.  It was wonderful to receive a "real" hug from Dawn.  We've talked daily for the last two month, but being able to sit and talk face to face was a blessing. 

I didn't realize how much I had missed my brothers and their families until I was with them.  Living in California, we didn't communicate with each other all the time, but knowing that they were just around the corner and there for us at any moment was the best feeling.  Many families don't have the unbelievable privilege to be living close to their siblings and I have been blessed to be able to spend that much time with my brothers over the last 34 years.  So, my time during our California visit with precious to me, and I know Tori would agree too.  My eyes tear up thinking about how much I miss them already. 

Our first stop was having lunch with Ali.  It was so nice to catch up and chat with her.  On our way back, we met up with Travis and it was great to see him too.  They were leaving for Pennsylvania the next day, so I hope that they had a great little vacation.  The amazing thing with me and my brothers is time can pass, but when we are together it is as if we haven't been apart.  I love them for that!

So Jason, Dana, Camryn and Wyatt were our next family visit.  It was wonderful to spend some time with them.  Tori, Camryn and Wyatt had so much fun playing together.  I think the dress up was Tori's favorite part and singing Hanna Montana with Camryn made her day. God is so good and seeing the ways He continually blesses them, brings peace to my heart.  Just sitting on the couch with Jason and Dana and sharing the new happening within each of our families helped me to feel so much more connected to them. 

Oh, P.S. Camryn... we told James and Jackson your message and they also love and miss you and Wyatt lots.  They cant wait to have the sleepover with all their cousins! :)  shh...we will tell Grandma later!  

Having such a close relationship with my brothers is one of my favorite things.  I don't know what I would do without them being such an important part of my life.  They have been my cheerleader, comforter, defender, and great examples throughout my many adventures.  I can pretty much say the same feelings came across my heart as we spent time visiting with Rob, Devon, Riley and Peighton.  What an amazing time we shared together.  Again, to be able to share with one another about life and see so many blessings is a true joy.  Holding Peighton was heavenly and seeing Riley and Tori smile, giggly, and playing brought smiles to me too.  Being able to have dinner with them was a treat and rekindled those feelings of the "Mikels Family" dinners.  Its the little things that bring so much joy. 

So to Travis and Ali, Jason, Dana, Camryn and Wyatt, and Rob, Devon, Riley and Peighton thank you for being you!  We love you all very much and loved our visits with each of you. 

 To my brothers, your the best any sister could ever want or have! 

Looking forward to Christmas with all of you!