MYSTERY GIVE AWAY!

I have seen this on both of my sister-in-laws blogs. I decided to bite the bullet (so to speak) and take the challenge.

The first 5 people to comment on this post will recieve something made by me...but there is a catch;here are the rules:

1. It's my choice what to make...and you won't know know what it will be until you get it!

2. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make, but I hope you do!

3. What I create will be just for you.

4. I will be done this year. (hopefully well before that) :)

The catch is that you must re-post and offer the same giveaway to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. It's all about sharing the love!

(If you don't have a blog you can choose a few people to send something fun and homemade too, and then hope that they do the same).

14

14 years ago we got a phone call, I know this does not happen to most newly expecting parents, but we were told our daughter had been born. I can't even explain the excitement that went through me at that moment. My thoughts were a little jumbled, I wondered how the Birth Mom and her family were doing, what I needed to do to prepare to have a new born baby in my home the next day. 

I remember not sleeping very well that night, and on the ride to go and see her, the thing I remember most was when we got there our Social Worker told us that if this is not your child, don't take her. My brain was screaming "you have got to be kidding me" I have waited 5 years for her, there is no way we are not taking her. I remember walking into a room and seeing her placed on a table, they told us to redress her. She had long skinny feet, bright red lips and rosy checks, but the most important thing on her body was a small birthmark. My grandpa has passed away shortly before she was born, I asked him to please make sure when our baby came to us I would know that she was ours. I saw that birthmark, (in the same place my sister Liz's is) and new without a shadow of a doubt that she had been sent to the right home. (I think grandpa J. may have helped kick her out.)

My favorite memories are, bike rides up the hill to grandma and grandpa's, eating strawberries out of the swimming pool, eating tomatoes straight from the garden,  her great love for her Uncle Dean and Aunt Char, her love for her cousins, (excpecially the one who calls her Mataila) long talks, helping her understand that girlfriends will get better. Her constant love for those who are different that her, and her tolerance and understanding for change, and so many more that makes her who she is today. She is a lovely young woman and I am proud to call her my daughter. I love you Makaila. Happy Birthday.................

Char

When I married into Shane's family I was lucky to have some great sister-in-law's. I was however even more fortunate to have one very special sister-in-law. She was married to Shane's oldest brother Dean. Shane has two brother's, one lives in Germany and Dean and Char lived close to us. Char and I became very close, I have been able to tell Char things that I could not tell anyone else. She very quickly became my best friend.
Last night at 12:35 we got the phone call that no one wants. Char had hit a patch of black ice 5 miles from home, she did not survive the accident. I can't even put into words the heartache our family is going through. There is a hole inside where Char use to be, and it won't be filled until I am able to see her again.
I am so grateful for the gospel and the plan of salvation, the blessings that we have through eternal marriage.
I can just see Char smiling down on us, comforting us in her way and being grateful she doesn't have to wear uncomfortable shoes.

Char this one is for you......
"When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure."

Mom and Dad

My dad is a great man. He has always been my strength. I have always been able to call him when ever I needed him for anything. I like it now to be able to think that maybe we can all be a strength to him. I have always thought of him as dignified and handsome. My mom thinks he is cute. I will also agree with that.

Sorry it is such a dark picture. I am just beginning to realize how short I am. This is mom and I. My mom is an amazing woman. She does so much service for people. I need to look to her and be more like her. She carries herself with great dignity. I think she is beautiful.

Some early Birthday cake for my dad thanks to Lindsay. It was delicious. She had home made chocolate syrup to put on top. Always a winner.

My parents are on their way to visit my dad's mission. He served in the gulf states mission. He wants to head to Shreveport, Louisiana. He said he had some addresses he wanted to look up. I am excited for them. He has talked about doing this for so long. Hopefully they don't cook to death in the heat. It was so much fun to have them come and stay for a night. They look great, and I know they are going to have so much fun.

We had a late dinner with Lindsay, Jon and Calvin. We cooked Hamburger dinners and corn on the cob. It tasted so good.

My dad

Shane and I went to Idaho to pick up Makaila who had spent a week with my parents. I walked in my childhood home and was told my dad had prostate cancer. (My dad is the handsome devil sitting on the far right, next to my grandma Johnson) Our family is holding up pretty well. It was a shock, and not something you ever want to hear them say about your dad. My family is amazing. We are all strong. We will make it though this. My dad is amazing he is the type of person you wish everyone knew. He always says the right thing at the right time. Whenever there is a crisis, we would always call dad. I love my dad more than anything and can't even begin to imagine what it would be like for him to have to go through this. The Lord is going to take care of him. There have been fasts and prayers said for him that I am sure we are not even aware of. I love you dad and right now I feel calm about things, everything will work out. We love you and I am proud to call you Dad.