Five Minute Friday: PROPOSE

This post is part of the weekly Five Minute Friday series. Five minutes of free-flow writing shared with whoever wants to read it. This week’s prompt is: PROPOSE.  

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I had spent the day in the lab, researching liver cancer, by harvesting cells from rodents.  I was so gross, but I was tired.  We had plans that night to go to UMHB's Homecoming Pep Rally.  I was going with friends instead of Jeff, but that didn't seem weird because he had to work the event.  My roommate Jan convinced me to shower. 

Jeff came over for a few minutes before we left for some reason, but I can't remember why.  I remember seeing that a friends sister got engaged, and I exclaimed "EVERYONE is getting engaged!".  I didn't even really care, but for some reason I said it anyway.

We headed over to Taco Cabana for dinner then headed to the soccer field where the fireworks show would be.  We loved fireworks, and we loved UMHB.  This was the first Homecoming since we graduated, so it made since to me that all our friends would be there.  

The pep rally was great, I'm sure, but I was really there for fireworks.  

We had a front row seat, but moved to the front to get a better look once the fireworks started.  

Jeff came over to watch with us, and I remember saying "My dad would love this".  

Once the show was done, the MC (Jeremy Williams) said, "But wait.  There's one more thing."  And Jeff turned me back toward the field, and I saw fireworks written out, "Jen Marry Me? Jeff"  

I looked back and my sweet boyfriend was down on one knee.  He said, "Jen I love you.  Will you marry me?" 

I was so surprised that I kept asking, "Wait, is this a joke?  Are you serious?" because he hadn't even told me he loved me yet... just the 'thank you' after I would tell him each time.

Alas, it wasn't a joke and after I said yes, to a crowd full of people cheering, I was turned around and all of our families were there.

It was the most special surprise I've ever gotten, and the best YES!  I've ever uttered. 

Five Minute Friday: TWENTY

 This post is part of the weekly Five Minute Friday series. Five minutes of free-flow writing shared with whoever wants to read it. This (last's) week’s prompt is: TWENTY.  

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We are a large group.  Twenty plus me.  Four I birthed, one I married, and 15 that were, or have become, a part of my new family.  In 2009 when I became a part of the group, there were only 9 of us, but we have been quite prolific.

I've never been a part of a large family.  In fact, my side of the family consists of a mom, dad, sister, and a few cousins.  Before my grandma died, there were more that would gather, but it was nothing like the Suttons.

When we are all together, we are quite the sight.  Boisterous, hilarious, and to outsiders, overwhelming.  I remember walking into the room for the first time and being so taken aback at the size of the 'family is coming over'. 

Twenty plus me.  I'm so thankful to be a piece of the puzzle. 

30A Vacay 2022

Five Minute Friday: TRUST

This post is part of the weekly Five Minute Friday series. Five minutes of free-flow writing shared with whoever wants to read it. This (last's) week’s prompt is: TRUST.  

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My kids love their daddy.  In a way that is totally different from me.  And it is so sweet to see.  One of my favorite things is how much they trust him.  As soon as he gets on the floor, they know they are about to have a good time!  Whether it's a tickle war, pillow fight or flying lesson, they are always game.

I, of course, always look on from the sidelines, fearing for a broken bone or concussion, as there are so many people in such a little space, but that has yet to happen.  In fact, most injuries are under my watch!

I can't believe the things my babies are able to do at such an early age.  Before they were able to stand on their own, they were able to stand in Daddy's hands.  Before the could walk, they could fly in the air, in a way that left me unable to look.

Jude on the left (20mo)

Millie (7mos)

Ellie and Lucy (7mos)

It is always scary, but looking back, after the danger has passed, it is one of my favorite things they do. 

STOP.

Five Minute Friday: AWARE

  This post is part of the weekly Five Minute Friday series. Five minutes of free-flow writing shared with whoever wants to read it. This (last's) week’s prompt is: AWARE.  

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The bigs and I were in an accident in February.  Read about it HERE.

We were smashed into from the back while sitting at a stoplight.  So, I guess my sense of security is broken.  Ever since, I have had anxiety with driving.  It's not all of the time, but at certain situations.  

I am acutely aware of anyone behind me.  I make sure we have an adequate distance, and that I have plenty of room in front of me to escape.

Any time we have to quickly slow down on a road, I immediately glance at our back mirrors and see how close the person behind us is.  Are they going to fast?  Will they be able to stop in time?  Are all four cars seats tight enough?

I didn't realize it was as bad as it was until we went on a longer trip (not just around town) and Jeff was driving on the highway, on a trip to IKEA.  Every slight touch of the break sent my heart into my throat, my eyes to the mirrors, and a crushing grip on the door.

I'm sure the more I am in the car, the better it will get. But right now, all I see in the rearview mirror are the headlights that hit us and ran. 

STOP.