Colby Bear

I want to introduce you to our sweet little Colby Bear. He was made for us by a wonderful organization called MollyBears. They make custom teddy bears that represent angel babies. The give families the comfort of a cuddle. Like each baby, each bear is different. Some have symbols like butterflies or animals or initials, and some have accessories like blankets or bows or tutus. Each bear can also be weighted to the weight of your baby.

Colby Bear is two ounces. He has an elephant on his chest and initials on his foot. We have two symbols for Colby, elephants and feathers. When we opened the box and saw that Colby Bear had a winged elephant on it I cried. The MollyBear maker had no idea about the feathers, we just requested an elephant. What a wonderful little hello from our sweet boy.

I can't tell you what this bear means to our little family. I am so grateful to have him, to have something to cuddle when I'm having a bad day. It will be nice to have something to represent Colby in family photos as well. Colby Bear has brought such comfort and joy to us, and I hope to the rest of our family as well.

Wonders of His Love

This has been the hardest secret to keep, but the scariest one to tell too soon. We waited and tried and prayed for so long to finally get here, and now we are ready to share our news with you all.

That's right! Our little miracle will be joining us in July of 2017. We couldn't have asked for a better Christmas gift. I want to send a huge Thank You to everyone who prayed for us and supported us through all of the obstacles we faced getting here. And my heart goes out to those still on their journey to parenthood. You'll be in my prayers, always. 

Here's the story of the day we found out.

Even though I was experiencing some of the classic pregnancy symptoms, I was still very hesitant to take a test. I've been down this road so many times before to only get negative tests. But that day (11-11-16), I spontaneously decided to test. I had pushed the stick far away from me and slightly hidden behind the shower curtain for the duration of the wait time. I peaked only once and saw only one line from far away, and I steeled myself for the negative result. After 3 mins I tentatively slid the test closer. One dark line, and wait! Another lighter line!! Is this real?!?!

So I pulled out the ClearBlue Digital test and dipped it in the cup. I watched the blinking symbol for what seemed like hours until the result popped up. PREGNANT! A few mins later the weeks estimator indicated 2-3 weeks from conception. I couldn't believe it and burst into tears just thanking God for this miracle. 

It was only 11 am and I knew Philip would be home for lunch soon, so I texted him to make sure, when he informed me he'd be done for the day at 11:45. I had a more put together way of telling him planned in my head, but I didn't have the time to get it arranged in time, plus I had my nephew that day. So I pulled out all the little things we had purchased for this miracle child over the past year or so, and laid them out on the kitchen table with the tests and very impatiently waited. 

Grayson woke from a nap to eat just before Philip walked in. He walked into the kitchen as we made small talk and didn't even glance at the table. So I sent him back and told him to look around again. Then he saw it, said awww and then looked closer. "Are these yours?" I nodded. "Really?" I said really and started crying. He walked over to me and I saw his eyes getting misty. He kissed me and just couldn't stop smiling.

Merry Christmas!

Thankful Heart

Thanksgiving is already here and we have so much to be thankful (and grateful) for, despite all the hurdles we've had to jump and storms we've had to endure. In some ways I'm glad the year is over, so we can take a break and enjoy our families over the holidays, then make a fresh start in the New Year. This year has gone by faster than any other year of my life, it feels like that anyway, so lets pause a moment and take stock in the good.

:: If you follow me on Instagram, you'll know that we welcomed our nephew, Grayson, into the world in October. And we'll be welcoming our second nephew, Zane, in March. Our families are expanding, and all at once, it seems.

:: Little Grayson has opened up doors for a better relationship with my sister-in-law. Both for me, and for her and Hubs to repair some of the damage done in their childhoods and over the past several years.

:: We were able to purchase a more family sized vehicle. The first real thing we've bought for our future child.

:: After seven months, our bathroom is basically done! Just needs some small cosmetic things now.

:: School is going well, and I'm am very close to having enough credits to graduate!

:: My sweet cousin got married this year, and we were fortunate enough to be able to attend.

:: We got to visit the Biltmore estate on that trip to see my cousin get married. So I can cross that off my bucket list.

:: I got to visit my mom this summer, and while I was there, I got see my Llama for the first time in almost 2 years.

:: Hubs got transferred to day shift back in March and our schedule has been so much more "normal" since then.

:: So many of my blog friends got their prayers answered in the baby department (I'm looking at you Emily and Kathy!)

:: Hubs let me start putting up the Christmas decorations earlier than normal!


What are you thankful (and grateful) for this year?

Home

I mentioned earlier this month that my brother, C, is moving out of state. Well, that is happening this weekend. It's been especially hard on our mom, as that's two of her three children now living over 14 hours away. C has always lived fairly close to my mom after he moved out of the house, as did I. So "home" for us has always been our mom's house. We're all grown up now (I can't believe he's 26) and have started to make families of our own. And this got me thinking about how our definition of "home" evolves as we get older.

There are so many sayings surrounding what "home" is, and I can relate in some form or fashion to just about every one. 

Home is where your heart is.

Home is where your mom is.

Home is where your husband/wife is.

Home is where your dog/cat is.

Home is where the bra isn't.

Home is where the pants aren't.

Home is where you make it.

Home is wherever you are.

Home is where our story begins.

So I sat for a while trying to decide what "home" really means to me. My biggest challenge was deciding between Georgia and Missouri. That is exceptionally tough because most of my family, who I am very close to, live in Georgia. It is where I was born, where I lived for 27 years, 1 month, and 5 days. Yes, I counted. However, Missouri is where I have have lived for 2 years, 3 months, and 21 days. Missouri is where I became a wife (well legally it was Arkansas, but we're not being too technical here) and transformed Philip's bachelor pad into a grown up and well organized space. Missouri is where we adopted our furkids. 

How do I choose one place over the other when both have shaped who I am, both hold precious memories, both have important people, and both mean so very much to me. So you see me dilemma? 

But then I wondered why does home have to be only one specific place? Why can't we have more than one? I don't want to be so limited, do you? So I'm choosing both. I have a home in Georgia, where my Mom is, and I have a home, here in Missouri, where my own little family is. For me, home is where you are loved, and I am loved in more than once place. And so are you.

Where do you call home? Is it more than one place?

2015 Year in Review

Another year has flown by. We are another year older, another year wiser, and we've got another year's worth of experience under our belts. Lots of stuff happened, but I'm going to focus on the good stuff. That's what we do here at Knock on Wood, we stay positive.

January - We had a good bit of snow early in the year, and Bear just had such a great time playing in it. Winter is his favorite time of year, and he can spend hours outside just enjoying the chilly weather.
Most Viewed Blog Post: The Awesome Thing About Dogs

February- Philip got baptized! It was so emotional for me and his mom.
Most Viewed Blog Post: 9 Things You Should NOT Give Up For Lent

March - I got my first certificate for being on the Dean's List! #smartypants
Most Viewed Blog Post: 10 Steps for a Better Blog

April - We ventured down to Georgia to visit my mom and celebrate our first married anniversary. Everyone came over for Easter, and it was the first time we got to meet my little nephew.
Most Viewed Blog Post: F O U R

May - Robbie joined our little family. And it's been so great for Bear to have a playmate. Plus, Pumpkin has a new snuggle buddy.
Most Viewed Blog Post: Being Grateful

June - I chopped my hair off, and it made for some pretty awesome pictures.
Most Viewed Blog Post: 7 Things I Do That My Husband Thinks Are Weird

July - We went to Branson for the 4th. I had never been and it was really fun exploring the city and doing new things.
Most Viewed Blog Post: Count Your Blessings

August - I found these amazing and comfortable pants. Plus I turned a year older... boo. 
Most Viewed Blog Post: 8 Beauty Must Haves for ANY Girl

September - I recieved my letter that invited me to be a member of Alpha Sigma Lambda. Basically it's a nerd club for people who are in the top 20% of their class.
Most Viewed Blog Post: Lines in the Sand

October - I finally finished our gallery wall. And it's my absolute favorite corner in our house. So many memories and faces we love.
Most Viewed Blog Post: Currently October

November - Hubs and I got to meet Cassie and Matt when we had our first ever professional photo shoot. I am so pleased with the pictures! We had some printed to expand our gallery wall, and they made great Christmas gifts for our families.
Most Viewed Blog Post: 7 Christmas Decorating Tips and Tricks

December - Hubs let me glitter his beard!! He lost a bet you see. But isn't it pretty??
Most Viewed Blog Post: Depression is Like Cancer


2015 Most Viewed Blog Post: A TIE between 6 Tips for Better SEO on Blogger and Silver Linings 

How was your year?

The Magic of Christmas

When I was young, Christmas was such a magical time of year. I got lost in twinkle lights, candy canes, and ornaments. My brothers and I couldn't wait for Christmas morning. Did Santa like the cookies we made? What was in our stockings? What's in that box with the blue paper and the silver bow? As I grew up, the wonder of Christmas waned. 

I mentioned in my post last Monday that one of our advent activities this year was to purchase toys to donate. What I didn't mention was the other half of the activity; to reminisce about favorite gifts and memories of Christmas when we were little. We took turns sharing special moments, but when Hubs asked me what my favorite toy I ever received was I couldn't remember one. 

The only thing I could remember was spending time with my family. You see, this is the only time of year that my WHOLE family would get together in one place. And what I enjoyed most was seeing them all together, listening to them tell stories about their lives. This is the time of year that I really felt apart of something amazing, full of warm smiles, cozy hugs, and genuine laughter. 

At first I felt bad that I couldn't remember specific gifts because my mom worked very hard to give them to us. So I texted my mom to ask her, and she couldn't remember either. You know what she remembered? Our excitement and curiosity leading up to Christmas and the look of pure joy on our faces when we saw the tree and our stockings filled with goodies on Christmas morning. Funny what really sticks with us over the years. 

What is your favorite childhood Christmas memory?

Halloween

This was always one of my favorite holidays when I was little. I mean, what kid doesn't want free candy?? (hint: the answer is none). My mom would always decorate our house with spiderwebs, pumpkins, and other random "scary" things. She even bought a CD of spooky sounds and would put the stereo speaker in the window so kids coming to the door could hear it. #BestMomEver

When I was about 6 years old, we moved to our brand new house in a lovely community. Our neighborhood was awesome, and back then, it was safer for kids to trick-or-treat without their parents tagging along. My mom still went through our candy when we dragged our pillowcases stuffed with treats back home, but she didn't really worry about us walking around our neighborhood by ourselves. Those were the days. 

I was supposed to be a cat (you can't see the ears or furry tail in this picture, but they were there!) and my bother... well, he was a clown. C didn't want to be a clown, can't you tell?

Ok. Here's the story. Mom asked us early on what we wanted to be for Halloween. I had successfully been a cat for the past three years and decided, why quit a good thing? C said he wanted to be a pirate. We had all the stuff for my cat costume and mom bought C his pirate costume. Come Halloween afternoon, C decided he no longer wanted to be a pirate. He wanted to be a superhero. It was kinda late to find him a superhero costume, and he refused to wear the pirate stuff my mom had already bought. He had two options: wear the clown costume from last year or stay home and hand out candy with Mom. There was no way he was giving up the handfuls of tooth decaying sweets our neighbors gave out, and begrudgingly donned the clown suit. Despite Mom's best efforts to make him a happy clown, his heartbreaking disappointment at not being a superhero still shines through. He was happily a pirate for the next year, and I finally exchanged the cat ears for a witch hat.

A couple years ago Mom's husband made us calendars for Christmas. Each one was personalized with photos of our family and funny captions. This photo was in mine for the month of October. I showed this page to C and we just laughed at the documentation of one of the few times he was overly dramatic as a child (I was a very dramatic preteen).

What was your go-to costume as a kid?

Talk Therapy

Last week I called my mom and it started out as just a gossip fest, cause you know we have to keep each other up to date on the goings on of our family. It slowly turned into something deeper.

My relationship with my mom hasn't always been the best. There were times we weren't even on speaking terms with each other. We do much better when we aren't living together, that's for sure, but we've always lived close enough to visit often. That was the hardest part for me when I made the decision to move to Missouri, was leaving my family behind.

As I've gotten older, I've realized that I had a part to play in the relationship issues with my mom as well. It wasn't just her, or the not so great circumstances of my childhood that are to blame. Talking to my mom about these things have been so much help to me, and I'm hoping to her as well. We've been able to explain more in depth about feelings, situations, and intentions that we weren't able to understand when it we were going through it. Hindsight is 20/20 you know.

I am grateful that my mom and I are at a place where we can talk openly about the hard things. I feel like we get closer each time we are able to work things out better. It's not always easy, but in the end we both benefit from these little talks. There's a level of trust and love that we have developed over the past six or so years through talks like these, and I wouldn't have it any other way.


What are you grateful for?

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Grateful Heart for the Holidays

Welcome back to bogland! I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday and that Santa brought you at least one thing you really really wanted this year. I kinda took a little blog vacay this Christmas #SorryNotSorry, so I will be extending my sponsors' time on my sidebar for a week. If you'd like to see your face on my sidebar too use the code CHRISTMAS to get 30% off the Mahogany Ad spot until December 31st. #ShamelessPlug (You can also get 50% off all Blog Designs using the code HOLIDAYS here --> Amanda Wood Designs)

I have so much to be grateful for today. Hubs was able to be home A LOT over the past week and I was relishing that time to spend with him. Yesterday, we literally just lounged on the couch all day watching TV or playing our new video game. It. Was. Awesome. He took me to Jefferson City to go shopping TWICE, and I got to eat Chipolte and Chick-fil-a while we were up there.

Teaching my parents how to Skype has really been fun. Now they want to do it all the time, which is so great! I don't feel quite as homesick when I can see their faces.

Hubs found out he's getting a raise at the start of the year.
I'm going to have several school friends in my classes next session.
I have an eye appointment today, so I won't be all squinty anymore.

TOMORROW is the next day to link up and share your Conversations! I know you guys had some good ones over the Holiday!

We had a wonderful time and got many things on our wish lists. Including a possible shed for our back yard, which means I'll be able to finish the guest bedroom!

What are you grateful for today?

Linking up with

{Grateful Heart} List 25

Today I am grateful for my life, but more so for the things that make me want to wake up each day and be a better person than I was the day before. This list prompt from my List Yourself Challenge was perfect for today's Grateful Heart post.

25. List the real reasons you are inspired to stay alive.

My husband. He's a huge part of why I keep going every day. I have no idea how I made it before meeting him, and I have no desire to find out what life would be like without him now. (Lord knows what he'd do without me!)

My Family. I love them so much and knowing that they will always be there for me is such a great comfort. Plus, they have to love me. Haha!

My furkids. They are like real kids for me and Hubs. They are as much apart of our family as a tiny human would be. 

Pumpkin // Bear // Misty

My Friends. They are the family you get to choose for yourself. 

Chocolate. Hi, My name is Amanda and I'm a Chocoholic.

Music. It makes you feel. It makes you dance. It makes you grow.

Writing. It's such a wonderful expression. I always feel lighter when I complete a post, finish a paper, or sign a Thank You note. 

What makes you get out of bed each morning? What are you grateful for each day?

Linking up with

Grateful Heart Monday

Grateful Heart Monday is one of my absolute favorite link-ups here in Blogland. I am so glad Emily decided to make this a thing, cause it's a pretty awesome thing. We have so much to be grateful for, big and small, and this link-up helps us remember that. Today I am grateful for something simple, and quite possibly you'll think it's silly to be grateful for it.

Texting. Yep. You know why? Of course not, that's why you're still reading. Okay, I'll get to it. If you've been around these part for a while, you'll know that my family lives in Georgia and Hubs and I live in Missouri. That's a 14 hour drive, so we don't get to visit them very often. Texting has helped keep my mom and I close, and lets us talk every day, even if it's just a simple "Love you big" text in the evenings.

But texting also helps Hubs and I connect while we're away from each other too. To be able to check in with each other is so nice, cause I'm a huge worrier. Honestly, so is Hubs. Like today, he texts me this morning to say that he's not sure I should go to school today because the roads will be super icy. And I can text him things like "we have to get this dog!" and it totally happens! #truestory

What are you grateful for today?

Linking up with

Wishes Do Come True: Meet Bear

I have been working on Philip for a few months now to get a dog. I love dogs, he's not a huge dog fan, but he said that IF we got a dog it would be a big dog. So I would periodically look at craigslist, petfinder, and the local shelters websites to see what was out there and occasionally I would send a picture of one to Hubs. It wasn't working on him. He doesn't get the same warm and fuzzies from looking at doggie pictures like most people. Until yesterday.

I was Snapchatting with my friend Kaity and we ended up talking about pets. She just recently had to put her dog down because she got cancer and has been kind down about it, but her sister has promised to get her a new pup once she finishes Med-School (yeah, I have really smart friends). And I told her that I keep asking for a doggie, but Philip keeps saying "no" or "not right now."

Inspired, I checked craigslist. Where I found an ad for a "Free Great Pyrenees." I was Shocked. FREE? Curious, I clicked the ad and there he was.

I fell in love instantly. He was so big and a child was laying on him, and just look at that happy face!! I took a screenshot and sent it right over to Hubs saying "Pleeeeeaaaassssseeeeeeeeeeeeee," then I proceeded to email with the owner of this beautiful dog. They call him Brutus, he is completely house trained, he's calm, shy around cats, and good with other dogs and kids. The more she told me about Brutus, the more I just knew he was the perfect dog for our family.  When Hubs finally responded to the plethora of text I was sending him about this gorgeous dog, all he could say was "wow." Once Hubs got home and I talked to him about it more, he agreed that we could go meet Brutus since he was located in the same town we live in.

We got to their house and I was a goner. Brutus was so gentle and sweet. We talked to the family and discovered they were having to re-home Brutus because they were going to be given a service dog for their 3 year old son who has Type 1 Diabetes and due to the rules with service dogs, you cannot have another dog in the house. Such a blessing for them, but it was bittersweet. I was so touched by their story, I knew we were doing the right thing in adopting Brutus from them because we live so close and their son could come visit Brutus whenever he wants. The emotion from them when we were walking out the door with Brutus and all his things was evident. They loved him and would miss him dearly, but they were also happy that Brutus was going to such a good home.

We got Brutus home and I was looking at him and thinking about his name. It didn't suit him. I said something to Philip about it, and we decided we could change it, but it needed to be something similar to Brutus. That's when I remembered that his previous family called him a big snuggled polar bear. Bear. That was it, the perfect name for this ginormous, sweet, fluffy dog.

Our cats were not very happy with us at first, but towards the end of the night Pumpkin was getting braver, but they both were keeping a very watchful eye on Bear. This morning, Pumpkin seems like her normal self, but Misty is still weary and cautious. I don't think it will take long for them to get acclimated to each other since Bear doesn't bother them at all. Like, he has absolutely ZERO interest in them, and I think it's helped so much.

I simply adore Bear and I just know that Philip will fall in love with him soon, just like I did. And since today is Wednesday, and since I got my wish, I have a wish for you. I wish that if you haven't already found the perfect furbabies for your family, that you do soon. They add so much love and cuddles and happiness into the home, how could you not want one?!

What's the adoption story behind your pet?

linking up with

Georgia Vs. Missouri

Moving to Middle-of-Nowhere, Missouri from Atlanta, Georgia has been a huge culture shock for me. And slightly frustrating. There are so many great things about living in and around a big city, and I miss it. Let's make a list (cause we all know how much I like lists) of things I miss from Georgia.

1. Chick-fil-A
They are everywhere in Georgia. It's my absolute fave fast food place, and they always have amazing service and clean bathrooms. I know there are some here in Missouri, but we have to travel at least 30 mins away to get to one, huge bummer.

2. Moe's 
This place is like heaven in a red plastic food basket. Its a less healthy version of Chipolte (aka they have amazing white cheese sauce). They've got burritos, nachos, and salads. Ah-may-zing.

3. The Mall of Georgia
The largest mall in the state (duh) that has almost every store you could think of in one place. AND a movie theater.

4. The Georgia Aquarium
Let me just tell you how much I love watching the Beluga whales. They are so graceful in the water, it's like ballet. Plus the dolphin show, the whale sharks, and of course the cutest penguins ever!

5. Quick Trip
Only the best gas station in the world. I have yet to see one here in our area. The Hy-vee fuel center is a pretty close comparison though.

6. My Family
Seriously, guys, this is the thing I miss most. Especially my mom.


While I still refer to Georgia as my "home," I am beginning to love some little things about this tiny town in Missouri where I currently reside.

1. No Traffic!
Like, ever. It's amazing!

2. Snow!
We hardly ever got snow in Georgia, and I think it is so beautiful.

3. Cheaper Gas
I brag to my mom all the time cause our gas prices are lower than theirs.

4. The slower pace of life.
It's nice that everyone isn't always in such a hurry here. It helps me to relax and actually enjoy my experiences more.

5. Our House
It's nice to live in a real house, with a yard, and no roommates. I can decorate how I want. I can walk around naked if I want (Hubs would love this!)

6. My Hubs
He's the whole reason I moved here to begin with. He's done his best to make this place feel like home for me, but in all reality, home is not a physical place. It's where your heart is, and my heart is with him.

What do you like best about your town?

Linking up with

Spoiled

I am spoiled. But not in the sense that I have diamonds dripping off of me or fancy cars or am able to get Starbucks coffee every day. I prefer silver jewelry and wear only the minimum, I have a 2010 Nissan Versa that I adore, and I'm only allowed to get Starbucks maybe once a week on school days.

What I am spoiled with are the little things in my everyday life. I am so lucky to have an amazing family and to have finally met and married an equally amazing man. I have never wanted for anything and I usually get my way when it comes to what I want. And usually what I want are simple things.

Food
If I don't feel like cooking, Hubs will take me out (this happened last night). I usually get to choose the restaurant and have final say on what I make for dinner.

My mommy makes me whatever foods I want when I visit.

When I was in high school I had braces, so I couldn't eat a few things like corn on the cob. So when we did have that for dinner, my dad always cut the corn off the cob for me so I would eat it. Still does to this day when we eat together.

Home
Mom also gives me first dibs on her home decor when she's decided to change things up, or just doesn't want them anymore. And when I lived in Georgia, I don't think I ever really had to buy paper towels, toilet paper, toothpaste, and body wash because I just raided her stockpile whenever I visited.

My husband puts most of the laundry away because he knows I hate doing it and if it were left up to me, we'd live out of laundry baskets instead of dressers and closets. I never have to change the cat box or take the trash out either.

I have been given free reign when it comes to re-decorating our house (within a budget of course).

Car
Hubs washes my car for me. He also makes sure my tires are properly aired up and that my oil is changed on time.

And if we had a garage (and when we get one) mine will be the one that gets to sleep in there at night (if it's only a one car garage).

During long road trips, Hubs lets me listen to my music more than half the time.

Other
During the long distance portion of our relationship Philip always came to Georgia. The first time I had ever been to Missouri was when I decided to move here.

We changed sleeping sides of the bed because it makes me more comfortable.

I always get to push the cart when we're shopping.


I am truly blessed and very grateful to that the people in my life Love me this much. And I Love them right back and do my best to reciprocate all their kind actions. I just hope and wish that everyone could be this spoiled, all day, every day.

How do the people in your life spoil you?

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A Grateful List

Linking up with Ember Grey for #GratefulHeart Monday

Since it's Monday and none of us really want to think too hard on a Monday, also because lists are awesome, I'm going to do this post in list form.

Things I'm grateful for:

1. I am pretty sure I have successfully passed both classes I took during the summer session. Definitely an A in Western Civ I and I'm pretty sure I got a high B or a low A in Psychology 101. I haven't gotten my final grades yet, but from the grade I've already received on my assignments and my feelings on my performance on the finals those are my estimated grades.

2. I have three weeks off until the early fall session begins. Hopefully I'll get my new Psychology book soon so I can get a head start on my reading for my next class.

3. My school has a textbook buy back program. They don't give me what I paid for it, but they do give me a portion of it back when I return my books.

4. The county fair is OVER. No more noise. No more traffic. No more lights (the fairgrounds are behind our house and we have an access road on one side of our property).

5. My cousin found out she is having a baby boy!! So I have started making a couple of baby blankets to give to her when we are in Georgia in September.

What are you grateful for?

Happy Birthday to my Mommy!!

Today is my mom's birthday!! I'm not gonna tell you how old she is, because she would kill me a lady never reveals her age.

She hasn't been one to celebrate this occasion in some years now, and always scolds us if we spend any money on her. The scolding also happens around Mother's Day and Christmas as well. But that's mom's for ya, amiright?

My mom is a pretty smart lady. I mean she shared some awesome tips and words of wisdom when I visited her for Mother's Day a few months ago (you can read that post here). She took care of three kids on a single mom salary. And she's always got a cool craft idea up her sleeve. So today we celebrate her, and all the wonderful things she has given to the world.

Ok I have to share TWO funny stories about this photo.

1. When we were getting ready for our Mother's Day outing, I had already come down stairs wearing my blue shirt before my mom had gotten dressed. So while I'm sitting in the living room (probably instagraming this picture and taking a selfie to send to Philip) she comes rushing out of her bedroom only half ready to excitedly show me she's gonna wear the same color shirt! She stood there for a second smiling like the goober she is and then went running back into her room to finish putting her makeup on. *side note: my grandmother wore the same color shirt as well.*

2. While trying to take the picture above, we could not stop laughing. It took us several attempts to even be abel to hold a pose long enough to take one. After about ten minutes we finally got a good picture. Why so long? My mom was more fascinated with looking at herself on my phone. She kept making faces and adjusting her pose, and her eyes were never looking at the camera, but at the screen. And when I'd point it out, we'd just laugh so hard. How do you explain that to your family in the other room? You can't. You laugh through your attempted explanation, and then they give up trying to figure it out.

So Happy Birthday Mom. I love you big.

Linking up with The Grits Blog.

Happy Birthday to my Bubs!

Today is the day that my bubs (my brother, C) was born... 25 years ago. And I'm partly responsible for it (you can read about that here). You're welcome world! He's a pretty amazing dude and I'm so grateful I lucked out and got him as a brother.

Thanks, Bubs, for making me feel old today. Happy Birthday!! Enjoy it, but not too much... Hangovers are no fun.

I love you.

TBT: Family Vacation

My bad you guys. I didn't show up yesterday, even after I promised a tutorial on Instagram. Don't worry! I'm gonna get that tutorial up for you tomorrow. But on to today's post.

Family Vacations, your first one, your favorite one.

I've been on two family vacations in my whole life. One to Biloxi, Mississippi when I was eight and one to Hilton Head, South Carolina in 2010.

I don't think I appreciated that first family vacation as much as I should have. I don't remember a whole lot from that trip, mostly snap shot in my memory of things we did. I was just me, C, Mom, and her husband at the time. F was too little to bring along, so he stayed the week at my Nanna's house.

While in Biloxi, we got to see how a shrimp boat operates, went to a dolphin show, and swam at the beach once. Why only once? It was a public beach and I remember it being kinda gross. Most of the time we were pool side at our hotel, where I learned to do a back flip into the water. #momwassoproud

Hilton Head was a very different experience. I had so much fun on this trip, even though I was only able to take half the week off from work. ALL the kids (on my mom's side) went, so there was seven of us total. Hilton Head, South Carolina is a beautiful laid back vacation spot. We enjoyed multiple beach days this time, good food, and fun activities. My favorite activity was parasailing. Seriously, if you ever get the chance to go, do it!

One of the days we rented a boat and went cursing around the island. There are dolphins and lighthouses and sailboats everywhere. So picturesque. And for your viewing pleasure (or not) a sweet little video/slideshow I made back in 2010 with some pictures from the boat trip. It was the first "video" I ever made using the iMovie software on my Macbook, so go easy on me.

What was your first/favorite family vacation?

Next week on TBT: 4th of July Celebrations

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