Thank YOU For Your Feedback!

Holy smokes, ask and you shall receive!! Thank you all so very, very much for all the feed back... From emails to facebook messages to comments on the ol' blog, my inbox was hopping! I am so appreciative to hear everything you had to say - the good, the bad and the ugly! 

THANK YOU!

Pictures for today's post are my own personal shout out to the
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER and Playoffs 2012!!
Let's Go Thunder!!

I do want to clear a few things up... 

#1. I wanted to know your thoughts 

because there is always room for improvement.

When we beat Kobe and the Lakers... 

You know how you can write a resume and proof read it a hundred times, then you hand it to your friend and they glance at it for two seconds and point out that the first word after your name, "PROFESS8IONAL" has a random number in it? 

Sometimes, because you know what you meant to write, you can't read what is actually written. I wanted a second opinion on my blog, just like I want my friend to proof read my resume... YOU are my friend and you helped me see areas I need to improve on, things I could do better! Thank you!

#2. I am not discouraged about blogging. 

Thunder game with my pretty sister-in-laws!

I probably should have better explained myself before shooting out the request for feedback, oops! I am thoroughly enjoying writing down my thoughts, feelings and random stories... I have no intention to quit anytime soon.

If you don't know me personally, I am a talker. What? You aren't surprised? Weird... I LOVE to tell a story, especially if it is about my family, something I've learned and I think would help others or just something funny that has happened to me. Blogging allows me to tell my story to all that are willing to listen! That does nothing but make me happy.

#3. I am not the LEAST BIT frustrated with my readers!

When the Thunder beat the LeBron, DWade and the Heat!!

Whether you "follow" my blog or not. Whether you write a comment on every post, or never at all. Whether I have 20,000 views or just one (my mom)... I will continue writing! 

At the end of the day, this blog is for ME. It helps me think (instead of reacting, I stop and write), it helps me process things that sometimes I struggle with (ie forgiveness), it holds me accountable (ie adoption law), and it helps me remember (20 years from now, I'll still have the details of our love story in writing!). This blog is basically like my journal, except it isn't hidden under my mattress... 

On second thought, the above paragraph is partially a lie, I am one of those people that live under the false belief hope that someday my children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren will want to know me... So I'm also writing for them, I plan to print this bad boy so that when I'm long gone, they can read my story in my words. Because that's realistic, right? 

With that being said, I love, love, love hearing from YOU! I mean, I much prefer a conversation to a lecture. When you comment or respond, I get to know YOU! I WANT to get to know YOU! And by no means, was I trying to guilt trip you into "following" or commenting, although it was fun! 

#4. I swear I wasn't fishing for a compliment, but...

Thundering Up with my Hubby!

I'm not going to lie, you guys made me feel sooooooo good!! Thank you so much for your kind words! It was so awesome to hear from friends of all ages that have known me my entire life that are reading to keep up with my life in "the City" and equally awesome to hear from people I've never met but have found that they relate very well to a small town girl! Your kindness made my heart overflow with joy! 

#5. YOU make me better!

My daddy has always told me to surround myself with people that make me better... This week, YOU have all made me better! YOU gave me advice, YOU shared your wisdom, and YOU made some wonderful suggestions!! (Did you notice, no mega-paragraphs?! And lots of pictures?! See, I listened!!)

YOU gave me some great ideas and I plan on implementing lots of them, so get excited for some fun new things coming soon!

Oh, and last but certainly not least, Recipe Monday lives on! I probably won't be able to post this week's recipe until Wednesday but plan on some mouth-water pork chops!!

Be blessed and know that you are greatly appreciated by,

Raegan

A Few Questions For YOU!

Hey gang! As I'm sure you all are aware, I am still pretty new to this whole blogging gig. I'm trying to learn the ropes but there really isn't a Blogging for Dummies (at least that I know of). So, I read a lot of blogs (approx 25 a day) and try to learn from other bloggers. I experiment with posting things on Facebook and Twitter, but none of it really leads me to much feed back...

This is where YOU come in!!

I want to know what YOU think... YOU, after all, are the readers! YOU know what you like to read about and what you skip over. YOU know what keeps you coming back and what makes you "Delete" a blog from your favorites. So tell me what YOU think!!

I'll give you some open ended questions, but feel free to ditch those and just tell me anything and everything!! I truly value your opinion! So even if you think what you have to say is silly or maybe obvious or just common sense, SAY IT ANYWAY!!! You won't hurt my feelings, you will help me grow!


So here are some basic questions to think on...

What is your favorite thing to read about?

What topics do you instantly zone out on?

Thoughts on Recipe Monday? Love it? Hate it? Wish it was less desserts? Wish it was more desserts?

What do you wish I wrote more of?

Do you love pictures or are you sick of looking at us?

Do you like seeing random craft projects or are you already overwhelmed because you have Pinterest?

Do you follow my blog? Why or why not? Have you hit the little blue button on the right that says "JOIN THIS SITE?" (Because in case you didn't know, that's how you "follow" a blog.)

What prevents you from commenting? Do you not know how or do I not pose questions that make you want to respond?

Are you mad at me for not writing Part IV to Meeting My Match (I know one of my coworkers is...) or are you throwing up in your mouth over our little mushy love story?

If you were writing this blog, what would you do to make it better?!


Please, please, please tell me what you really think!! I want to be a better blogger, but I need your input to know where and how to improve. I am sooooo appreciative of your kind words, but I also need your constructive criticism. I have always been a true believer in this quote:

True friends stab you in the front.

                                                                                                 ~Oscar Wilde



Please feel free to stab away people! I have to know in order to grow!! Thank you all so very much for reading! If you don't feel comfortable posting on my facebook or in the comments section, please feel free to email me directly at raegankrogers@gmail.com 

Be Blessed!
Raegan

Introducing Our First Nephew: Baby Brooks!

I'm pretty positive last weekend took the cake for the "Best Weekend Award." We had the most wonderful weekend! It started off with Levi, Callie and Baby Blake driving in early Saturday morning... I got to play with Blake while her momma took a test and her daddy had a little nap after turkey hunting earrrrly that morning. Blake and I had so much fun - she laughed at Rylee (first time I've ever heard her laugh), she downed a couple of bottles, she helped me fold laundry and then we rocked a really long time as I soaked in her precious little face as she napped. That pretty girl has me wrapped around her finger!

When Callie got back from her test and Brandon got home from work, we got cleaned up and headed to meet Ryan, Jaime, Blythe and Zoe for some dinner. It makes me so happy when I get to spend time with my cousins! I am so blessed that they are not just my family, but also my wonderful friends. We had a great time laughing over yummy food...

That same evening we got a text from Brandon's mom saying our sister-in-law, Ashlee, was finally going into labor! YIPPEE!! We all have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of our first nephew, Brooks Caleb. Well, that sweet baby decided we all needed a lesson in patience so he refused to come until Sunday morning! Brandon and I asked that we be called as soon as any change occurred... at 4:30am we got the call and we BOLTED out of bed! (If only I had that burst of adrenaline every morning, I am positive I'd make it to work on time!) We talked to B's mom as we drove, she beat us back to the hospital and reported that all was well so we decided we'd grab everyone some Starbucks and donuts. We had to go to two donut stores because my favorite one (Daylight Donuts) wasn't opened... Seriously? You know you are up early when the donut shops are still closed. Then we were on the hunt for Starbucks... FIVE closed Starbucks cafes later we waited at the door until one opened. Geeze Louise, I just knew we were going to miss it while trying to find a cup of decent coffee! But no, Baby Brooks was still making us all wait...

We all had a great time waiting on Baby Brooks... Well, all of us except poor Ashlee whose epidural had unfortunately started to wear off. She was such a trooper!! When it was close to go-time we all gathered around the door, waiting to hear that joyful little cry of our sweet nephew.

Below are two pictures that I think are so precious... Ashlee's dad quietly paced outside the door waiting. We barely heard a sound from Ash as she brought Brooks into this world, she was super tough, but once or twice we heard a little crying sound and Ashlee's sweet daddy instantly quit his pacing and went to sit away from our little group standing around the door. I think it's so true that a daddy never stops being your daddy regardless of how old you are... You could tell hearing her pain, left him worried about his little girl...

And then we heard that sound we'd all been waiting for: Baby Brooks!! I was watching Terry's face and it instantly switched from stress to joy! Isn't that the cutest picture ever!?

On April 22, 2012

at exactly 8:47 in the morning 

our lives changed forever as

BROOKS CALEB

made our world a little sweeter.

He was welcomed with great joy by:

His momma Ashlee and daddy Caleb

Gramma Karen and Nana Judy

Papa Terry and Grandpa Larry

Uncle Brandon and Uncle Chris

Great-Grandparents Helen and Jerry

one verrrrry proud Aunt Raegan... (But I was too busy taking pictures to get in one!)

and many, many, MANY other friends and family from near and far.

He is already one blessed little boy!

Mr. Brooks had a full set of dark brown, almost black hair.

He weighed a healthy 7 pounds, 5 ounces and was 19.5 inches long.

There is no doubt that he is perfect in every way imaginable!

And already so handsome!!

(Ashlee, Annia and I all agree that those Kings make some pretty boys!)

" Blessed Grandmother"

Did I mention he has a VERY healthy set of lungs?

That boy knows how to get some attention!

Uncle Brandon is excited about his new fishing buddy.

Sweet Baby Brooks,

I don't know what your little future holds but I know this... You come from a long line of very good men and you have the responsibility of carrying on their good name. There are few things more important than a good name little Brooks, you'll understand this someday. You will see for yourself how you were given this good name... See, it comes from your Daddy, your Uncle Brandon, your Uncle Christopher and your Grandpa - they all have this amazing gift. It is uncommon, it is rare, it is precious and because you will grow up with these wonderful men as your role models, you will have it too... Each of these men are special because they have generous hearts. They are givers. They devote their time and money and talents and THEMSELVES to helping others. Your Daddy and your Grandpa are firefighters - they volunteered to run INTO the burning building to help others. Your Uncles are doctors - they sacrificed years of their lives to learn medicine so they could help others. These men are givers and it's not just in their job descriptions, they give when nobody is looking... I've caught them! When your Uncle Brandon was studying for his Boards, I saw your daddy sneak over to mow the yard in the middle of the hottest summer in Oklahoma history. When they see a need, they try their hardest to meet it, regardless of the self-sacrifice it takes. Little Brooks, you have very big shoes to fill.

We all have very high expectations for you, little guy. You were blessed before you even arrived because your mom and dad are some of the most wonderful people in the world. They are going to teach you many important lessons and you will grow to be a great man - full of strength, wisdom, integrity and love. You have the opportunity to see first hand what it's like to love God first and your family second... Those two things above all else... Your mom and dad are really good at that, they will show you.

Sweet little Brooks, know this above all else, from the moment we learned that you were joining our family, you were immensely loved. Our love for you is one thing that no matter what, will never, ever change. Your Uncle Brandon and I will cover your sweet little life in prayer daily. We are going to try our hardest to be the best Uncle and Aunt in the whole wide world... We'll probably jack that up some time down the road, but know that we love you and we're doing our best!

Happy Birthday Precious Brooks...

You are hugely loved by,

Aunt Raegan

Easter Overload Part 4

This is the last of the Easter posts... which is good since Easter was weeks ago! But I didn't want to do every day leading up to Easter but then never post the actual day itself... I'm going to knock this out pretty quick because we had a super exciting weekend and I realllllllly want to introduce you all to my first ever NEPHEW! So let's do this Easter things so we can talk baby...

Are these roses not a-mazing?! My sweet and super talented mom has been arranging flowers for the front of the church for about as long as I can remember. In the dead of winter, she can arrange twigs of nothing and it turns out fabulous! She very sweetly says that God blesses her flower beds each week by making things bloom so she'll have something to work with. This Easter God gave her some of the most magnificant roses ever - their colors were so beautiful! She had a small arrangement sitting on the lobby table and I honest to goodness thought they were fake! Thanks mom for so selflessly sharing your beautiful flowers with Crossings Church each week!

Okay, so yes we might be in our late twenties... and yes, we have real jobs... and yes, we are definitely married... and yes, the Easter Bunny still visits our house!! I am so not ashamed or embarrassed. The Easter Bunny is awesome! Instead of dolls, he now brings cute clothes! I LOVE THE EASTER BUNNY!

Easter picture with my handsome hubby.

Brother was having none of it, some things never change.

We had Easter lunch at the Ranch house with all the cousins! Unfortunately I some how failed to get my camera in the mix when we took the group shot, so you only get to see Mr. Kason! One day I was playing with Kason at his "Gpa's" office and I ended up taking him over to the park. We were having soooo much fun running from the swings to the slide, back to the swings, back to the slide... Then I had this genius idea! I taught Kason this fun little cheer where I said, "Kason, who is your favorite?" and he jumped up and down and yelled, "Raegan is! Raegan is!!" It was a really fun cheer and I made him say it everytime he got on the slide or the swings (shameless, I know!). Well, go figure, here we are MONTHS later and I see the little squirt and say, "Kason, who is your favorite?" and he remembered!! And therefore, little Kason got whatever he wanted from me for the day. His requests were pretty easy - the rock he has in his hand, ride in the back of the truck and go fishing. Done, done and done!

Fishing got old pretty quick so Kason and I ended up throwing rocks, sticks, whatever we could find in the pond and he was adequately pleased. Finally Levi caught a fish and Kason just grabbed it and went down and threw him back in! What a little cutie! The look on his face completely cracks me up!

One of my favorite things to do at the start of Spring is pick flowers from the meadow. The high meadow at the Ranch is always COVERED in jonquils (also known as daffodils or buttercups) and paperwhites. Unfortunately I missed all the bright yellow jonquils this year but the paperwhites were still in bloom, so I grabbed up a quick bouquet before heading back to the city. They brought me such joy in the few days after I got back... It's always nice to bring a little small town home with me!

Be Blessed!
Raegan

Easter Overload Part 3

This is the next to last day of Easter, I told you... I took a lot of pictures!

After the whole gigantic-soaking-wet-dog-in-truck episode, we gave up on catching any fish and headed to the very best, most amazing, crazy delicious, hole in the wall EVER... If you are ever completely lost and stumble upon Cookson, Oklahoma you MUSTTTTTTT stop at the little convenient store that is home to the Cookson Diner. There is only one room with maybe five tables and you have to walk through the kitchen to get from the front door to the seating area. During any hunting season, there will be a wait but it'll be worth it. Many times I am the only person in the place NOT wearing camo. It's been redecorated a bit since last time I was home, they have cute little antiques sitting on a tall shelf. It's almost guaranteed that the waitress will call you "honey." And I'm not positive (because I always go with my dad and he buys) but I'm betting you better have cash...

It is so ridiculously delicious! We go there every single time we head to the Ranch. They are only opened for breakfast and lunch and to be perfectly honest with you I've never ordered anything except breakfast because it's so stinkin' amazing. (But I have seen other people order gigantic juicy burgers!) I fully intended to take a picture of our food but then I was starving by the time we got the Duncan situation under control and I didn't think of it again until my plate had been completely cleaned. Sorry about that, you'll just have to trust me.

I always order the ham and cheese omelet and it comes with hashbrowns and toast. The omelet itself is pretty big and it's oozing with melted cheese and about a pound of ham. It. Is. Heavenly. Brandon always gets pancakes, so we split both our orders in half and share with each other. My dad is particularly fond of their biscuits and gravy and my mom ordered their new breakfast scrambler and it looked awe-some! It had scrambled eggs, bacon, ham, sausage, potatoes and cheese all mixed up. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. It's located in the middle of nowhere but it's definitely worth the drive!

This would be my brother in a pond. Remember that time I wrote a really sweet post to Zac on his birthday and I tried to sneak in the fact that at times he can be a little bit redneck? This would be one of those times. Here's what happened: We were fishing after breakfast and he cast out in the pond and the fishing line went over a tree branch but still landed in the water on the other side. Zac somehow managed to catch a fish and then while reeling it in, got the line stuck in the tree, which in turn left the fish dangling in the air. Somehow the fish squirmed around until it fell out of the tree but left Zac's favorite lure even more stuck. So my precious little redneck got the bright idea to wade out in the water, grab the part of the limb that was hanging down and break it so that the he could save his favorite lure. (In case you aren't up to speed on how much a lure cost... well it differs, but this particular lure couldn't cost more than $2.50... In other words, not near enough to wade out in a pond over.) His plan was working decently... he rolled his shorts up so they weren't getting wet, he had on flip flops so nothing too disgusting was on his feet, I'm not sure why he needed to take his shirt off but he did... The thing he hadn't calculated was how hard he'd need to pull the limb to break it. Apparently it was a little less attached then he expected, so he pulled as hard as he could and it snapped like a twig (Technically, I guess it was a twig) and Zac went flying backwards into the water! Soaked from head to toe! That, my friend, was really fun to watch.

That would be my dad fishing. If dad doesn't catch something in the first five casts, prepare to switch ponds immediately... Patience is not a virtue he finds important when it comes to fishing.

While the boys were catching fish, mom and I caught some sun in the back of the truck. I guess Zac isn't the only one with a little touch of redneck... I took this picture while we were driving from one pond to another. I wouldn't recommend riding in lawn chairs in the bed of a truck, but we were staying on the Ranch so there wasn't any risk of wrecking.

Mom and Dad had to head into town for the afternoon and B wanted to stay so while he continued to fish his little heart out, I played with... 

Baby Blake!! She and Callie came and sweetly sat with me and talked for hours on end! It was so good to catch up with Callie and Miss Blake was a completely content baby the entire time. We talked about everything under the sun and it was great fun!

Saturday evening we joined my parents at my mom's parents' house for some delicious pre-Easter dinner. My Grandma is a fabulous cook and dinner was great, but dessert... oh, dessert was even extra delicious! I'm not even really sure what it was - light and airy angel food cake with some type of wonderful sauce and whipped cream! We had a great time sitting around the table visiting with my sweet grandparents... I so wish I got to see them more often!

Be Blessed!
Raegan