Funny Story & Another List

 Linking up this week for writer's workshop. Check out all the details by clicking the box at the bottom of this post. 

First prompt I choose this week: Share the last photo you took and write about the back story.

So, funny story. We were in Oregon for a funeral over the weekend. Since we were there, we got a few friends together and had a pre-birthday get together for my sister on Sunday evening (her actually birthday was Tuesday). During the get together, my sister's boyfriend was the "mixologist" and made delicious but strong drinks for us all. Since I had imbibed the night before, I kept to one (maybe two) drinks for all afternoon. My best friend did not. She is the one "on top" in this picture. Here she decided that laying directly on top of me would be a great idea. It was, briefly but I was done quickly. Made for a few cute pics though. I sure do love this lady! 

And a second prompt, because why not? Create and share your holiday wish list.

I would love a couple more hair towels 

This book review book looks neat

My husband already gave me this calendar 

My sister's boyfriend got me some of this (seriously makes drinking too easy!) 

My sister got me an amazing "world's best bird mom" shirt

My dad and Zach got me (and Stephen) a food saver

We already had one great Christmas with my sister and family. Can't wait to see what the rest of the season brings us! 

This post inspired by: 

Miracle Baby!

I don't know how to even form the words I am looking for right now. It isn't a bad thing. In fact, this is a miracle story, all about this little guy right here:

This beautiful chunky monkey is Isaac Raymond Rogers. He was born on June 2 at 1:56 pm weighing in at 9 pounds 7 ounces and was 22 inches long. Isn't he just precious? 

The reason this little guy is a miracle? His parents had been trying since the birth of their last baby to have another. Did I mention that their youngest is now 11? 

Eleven years of trying. 

She had actually given up. Figured she was broken. 

God knew better. He had other plans. Just like he did for Abraham. If you don't know the bible story about Abraham, you can read it here. 

That bible story inspired her to name him Isaac.What a wonderful reminder that God has perfect timing. 

Sammie, I am so very happy for you. I can't wait for the baby snuggles! 

WW: Memorable Childhood Kitchen Mistake

Linking up with Mama Kat again this week for writers workshop. If you want to learn more about it, click the link at the bottom of this post. I am actually combining two of the prompts from this week:

• Tell the story of a mistake made in the kitchen. 
• Write about someone who made your childhood memorable.

This story has two important characters in it. The first is me (duh) and the other is my bff Sam. We met when I was in middle school. Ironically, I became friends with her because I figured she wouldn't hurt me if I were her friend. I was quite a wuss So, in middle school/high school we spent a LOT of time together. Didn't matter where we were, laughter would follow us.

I remember vividly this one time we decided to make cookies. To this day, I'm not sure what went wrong but those cookies did not end up being cookies. It was more like a warm dough crumble. We still ate it because it didn't taste bad, but it looked AWFUL!

There was another time that we decided with another friend to jump in mud puddles. We got completely soaked and so dirty that we had to hose off before we were allowed in the house. I have a few pictures from that day, somewhere...

Had Sam not been a part of my childhood, it wouldn't have been nearly as memorable. She was the "bad influence" to this goody girl. My mom loved her as much as one of her own and actually claimed her as a daughter. We were on each side of my mom, holding her hands when she went to be with Jesus. That meant more to me then you can possibly imagine.

I also want to say a little something about my best friend Sam. You and I have been through a lot. There have been some terrible times and some wonderful. Just know that no matter what happens. No matter how many days between phone calls or months between visits, I love that we can pick right up, just like we were never apart. Without you, I wouldn't be the person I am today.

This post inspired by:

Sibling Day

So, according to facebook, yesterday was sibling day. You all know that if it's on facebook it has to be true. To conform with the "in" crowd, I posted this picture:

So, belatedly I wish my brother Michael, sister Colleen, and sister by love, Sam a happy siblings day. I would not be the person I am today if it weren't for my siblings.

One thing I didn't mention on facebook is how happy I am that my girls have siblings. Not only the two that their dad and I gave them, but now more siblings from their dad's side. Someday when my girls talk about their childhood, I hope they feel as lucky as I do. They are more blessed then they realize.

Embrace

First of all, I want to wish my very best friend, in the whole world a very, very happy birthday! Sam you have been the most amazing person. You were there with me at my darkest moment. Even though we have had our difficult moments, we have stuck together. Our friendship is worth so much to me. I love you so much! Hope you have the most amazing of birthdays. You are in my thoughts and prayers constantly.

via GIPHY

Moving on, here is my free write for today. Prompt word: Embrace.

An embrace can be so many things. It can be a mother comforting her child. It can be a husband, showing his love to his wife. It can be friends reconnecting. I love that embrace is such a diverse word. Even in my job as a mother, there are so many embraces and they all mean so many different things to me. The way that I embrace my children is much different then the way I embrace a friend or my husband. All are loving, but very different kinds of love. It's amazing how God created us to be creatures who need so much touch. There have been studies on children who haven't been in homes where they receive affection. The differences between them and children who have been in affectionate homes, just stunning. I remember working at summer camp. Usually a few weeks were spent with underprivileged children. The way they reacted to simple acts of love was astounding. I could have cried to see how many of them craved that attention, the embrace of a simple hug from someone who cared about them. I only knew most of these children for five days and they still gained such emotional attachment to the staff, just because they had never had people around them who cared like the staff did. An embrace is a simple thing, but a hug might be the difference in a persons life.

This post is a part of my 31-days of free writes.

1000 Gifts: 3 gifts returned

• it is a gift to be able to return the gift that my mom gave so many kids. I now take two extra to church every Sunday. 
• it is a gift that one of our grandma's has returned to church. The girls sure love seeing her. 
• it is a gift to be able to return time and time again home and still have it feel just like home. 

Thankful Tuesday

I am beyond blessed. I also think it's important for people to share the things they are thankful for. That is why I do Thankful Tuesday. It's one day a week where I specifically think about five things I am thankful for. If you are interested in joining in, just leave me a link in the comments so I can read yours. =) Here are five things I am thankful for this week:

1. I am thankful for the hard work and planning that Stephen put into his proposal. It was an unforgettable day and I am so grateful to have that memory. I also appreciate that he was thoughtful of my taste and what I liked when choosing the ring. It is just perfect and I am enjoying showing it off. 
2. I am thankful for my best friend. She was a big part of helping Stephen plan my engagement. I love that she was able to be a part of it. Made it that much more special. The fact that she kept it secret was amazing (if you knew her, you would be amazed too!). 
3. I am thankful for my family's acceptance. Stephen was able to meet a few family members (aunts) and also spend some time with my mom, dad and siblings. It is amazing to have them all get along and like being around each other. Stephen and my brother have actually become friends so that's nice. I am also thankful that my parents were willing to let us stay at their house and invade all their space. The girls, myself and Stephen all stayed the entire week with them and never once did they complain. 
4. I am thankful to have two wonderful church families. Not only do I have my church family in Idaho, but my "home" church family is still very supportive of me and the girls. I love it! 
5. I am thankful for the time I got to spend with my family. This is the first time in years I have had a sit down conversation with my brother in years and it was wonderful! I also got to know his sweet daughter a bit more, she is beyond fun, 15 months old and non stop! 

What is one thing you are thankful for?

Thankful Tuesday

I have so very much to be thankful for. Here are just five things I am thankful for right now:

1. I am thankful for my time on the beach. I really can't get enough of that place. 
2. I am thankful for my time with my family. As much as I love Boise, I really do miss my family and  cherish this time I get to spend with them. 
3. I am thankful for my amazing man Stephen. He planned the engagement just perfectly for me. I couldn't have been happier and now I can't stop looking at my beautiful ring. 
4. I am thankful for the safe driving we have had during this trip. Not only was my drive over safe, but our drives to the beach were all uneventful. 
5. I am thankful for my best friend Sam. She helped Stephen out getting this all planned and executed. It was everything I dreamed about!