The wonderful life that I live

My two little Valentines

2010-02-09T11:35:00.000-08:00

These 2 little people keep me so busy. They are 3 and 5 months. Caleb is getting his 2 canine teeth and weighs about 18 lbs! Hannah keeps us laughing and she is 3 going on 23. She already bosses Caleb around, but he adores her.

BIG news

2009-10-09T14:01:00.000-07:00

Well...I about forgot about my blog. I have literally been so busy since my last post in April that I just could not sit down and write. If you really wanna know...a hawk flew in my house and took off with my computer and he must have given my computer a virus so bad that I could not access my blog at all.

And...if you believe that, I've got some swamp land to sell ya over yonder...Okay, Okay, I forgot...but I have been busy!

I had our second child on Sept. 1st...a boy, Caleb Scott, 8 lbs and 12 oz. He will be 6 weeks tomorrow...or so I hear. I cannot keep up. Between a whole lot of diapers, a ton of pee and even more poop, no sleep...and a 3 yr. old, there is not enough time in the day for anything else.

Anyway...I am in love again...not so much at 2 AM though! J/K

Snakes and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails

2009-04-22T11:58:00.000-07:00

We have found out that we are having a boy! He is due on September 6th. Although I knew it had to be a boy all along, I was still a bit surprised when she told us. I don't really know what to do with one of those, but I'll learn...just like I did with Hannah. I really didn't want to deal with the PI (penis issues). I hope I can write that word on here...
Well, we do not have a clue on the naming side of this, I already have my favorite, (Hannah). If anybody has any suggestions (other than Sally or Busty, which my daughter suggested), feel free to leave me a comment.

Just Following Directions-I want these!

2009-03-21T19:28:00.000-07:00

I'm back to list the prizes that I would like to win from the Ultimate Blogging Party. Here they are:

88. $40 gift certificate to Carrabba’s Italian Grill89 — $100 gift card to HomeGoods
36 — Copy of Belly Laughs103 — A Surprise Box Filled With Goodies
111 — Afternoon Tea in a Box16 — $20 gift certificate to Ladybug Limited
19 — $50 gift certificate to Target Stores
12 — $20 gift certificate to The Gift Closet
21 — $50 gift certificate to Target Stores22 — $50 gift certificate to Target Stores26 — $30 gift certificate to Target28 — Toddler Apron from LoLo Craft
30 — $25 gift certificate to weeBgreen43 — Two $25 gift certificate to eco Store USA45 – Ultra Chic Diaper Bag with matching Diaper Pocket!56 – Surprise Box of Art Supplies
68 – $30 gift certificate to Christian Book Distributors72 – $10 gift card to McDonalds75 – Original Baby Name Gift~$40 value 76 – A free place mat, melamine plate or lunchbox of your choice by
77 – Two $25.00 gift certificates to Tiny Tots with Style
91 — $25 gift card to Target106 — Melissa & Doug Role Play Dress Up Costume (prize value $50)114 — $10 Gift Certificate to Wendy’s Hamburgers118 — $25.00 Old Navy Gift Card123 — $20 Gift Card to Kohl’s

Time Well Spent..We all need it!

2009-03-21T07:46:00.000-07:00

I have not been blogging for a while, obviously. It seems to take up so much of my time and energy. I came across this "5 Minutes for Mom"-Ultimate Blogging Party and decided that it would be fun to see what it's all about! This is my first time doing this, but if I am understanding it, all you have to do practically is comment on at least 20 blogs and sign a "Mr. Linky" (I did not have a clue)!
So, basically, I am interested in reading some other blogs and winning prizes! I love presents and prizes of any kind, and I am always wanting some adult friendships (with other women) besides my two yr. old. So... there is a link to the Ultimate Blogging Party on the left side of my blog. Go check it out if you dare!

Scam, Scam, Scam

2009-01-30T19:35:00.000-08:00

Below is one of many emails that I get about these scams. Someone tell me, How can people do this?? It is illegal. At least, if they were true, I'd be some kind of honkin' millionare by now!

WE WRITE TO INFORM YOU THAT HAVE BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE WORLD BANK TO INVESTIGATE THE UNNECESSARY DELAY OF YOUR OUTSTANDING CONTRACT PAYMENT. WE HAVE ALSO BEEN EMPOWERED TO RECOMMEND AND APPROVE YOUR CLAIMS FOR PAYMENT IF CERTIFIED AS GENUINE. DURING THE COURSE OF OUR INVESTIGATION, WE DISCOVERED WITH DISMAY THAT YOUR PAYMENT HAS BEEN UNNECESSARILY DELAYED BY SOME CORRUPT OFFICIALS OF THE BANK WHO ARE TRYING TO DIVERT THE BENEFICIARIES' FUND INTO THEIR PRIVATE ACCOUNTS. TO FORESTALL THIS, SECURITY FOR YOUR FUNDS HAS BEEN ORGANIZED AND FOR THE SAFETY OF YOUR FUNDS WE HAVE BEEN SPECIFICALLY ADVISED TO RELEASE THIS PAYMENT TO YOU EITHER BY A TELEGRAPHIC TRANSFER INTO YOUR DESIGNATED ACCOUNT, BY A CERTIFIED BANK DRAFT OR THROUGH SPECIAL CASH DELIVERY. WE HAVE ALSO AGREED WITH THE PRESIDENCY THAT WE WILL MAKE THIS PAYMENT VIA THE UNITED NATIONS ACCREDITED BANK TO AVOID THE HOPELESS SITUATION CREATED BY THE OFFICIALS OF THE PREVIOUS BANK. WE ARE HAPPY TO INFORM YOU THAT BASED ON OUR RECOMMENDATION YOUR OUTSTANDING CONTRACT FUND OF THIRTY - TWO MILLION, SEVEN HUNDRED THOUSAND UNITED STATES DOLLARS ($US5.7M) HAS BEEN CREDITED IN YOUR FAVOR IN OUR ACCREDITED BANK'S ESCROW ACCOUNT. AFTER ALL VERIFICATIONS, I WILL THEN DIRECT YOU ON HOW YOU CAN CINTACT THE BELOW PERSON FOR YOUR FUND PAYMENT TO YOU. WE SHALL LATER ASK ADVISED YOU TO CONTACT DR. GRAY WASTSON OF BANK OF AMERICA AT THE REGIONAL AUDIT UNIT, UNITED NATIONS LIAISON OFFICE U.S.A TO INDICATE YOUR PREFERRED MODE OF PAYMENT. YOU ARE ADVISED TO FURNISH ME WITH THIS BELOW INFORMATION: 1.YOUR FULL NAME2.SHIPPING ADDRESS3.TELEPHONE NUMBER (CELL PHONE IF ANY)4.AGE AND MARITAL STATUS5.OCCUPATION

WE EXPECT YOUR URGENT RESPONSE TO THIS EMAIL: (I am not sure if I should give their email) TO ENABLE US MONITOR THIS PAYMENT
EFFECTIVELY.

(YEAH RIGHT!!)

CONGRATULATIONS!

MR. BAN KI-MOON,SECRETARY. UNITED NATIONS,NEW YORK.

Head Nurse here.......

2009-01-16T12:47:00.000-08:00

Ok, So the hubby had knee surgery this morning. He wanted so bad to get this surgery over with so bad! They went in, and cleaned up in there from his previous ACL surgeries. They removed one screw which was floating around in his knee just for fun, which they gave him to take home for a souvenir! He had to be in Greensboro by 6 AM in the freezing cold-poor baby! I spent all morning thinking about him and praying. He and his dad came home around 1, after stopping by Burger King...(that's a must-have). He came home on crutches and an immobilizer plus an ice pack on his big boo-boo. He is feeling really good at the moment! We have been trying to prepare Hannah for "Daddy's big boo-boo day" and she did very well with it all. I am so thankful that it went so well. Now, I need strength to deal with Hannah and plus to be Nick's nurse! On top of all of this, we have started potty training Hannah and this is the fourth day of no diapers whatsoever! She is doing really well with the #1 part-the *2 part she still prefers to NOT do it in the pot. Whatever...they say that "IT happens"...right...

MISS DIVA...

2009-01-08T11:33:00.000-08:00

Click on them to enlarge-she's got on my pearl neckalace...!

What do you think??

2009-01-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

For some reason, this picture of Hannah in my hat and scarf reminds me of Cousin It. I'm not so sure now that I see a picture of him.

Christmas

2008-12-31T09:47:00.000-08:00

Christmas this year was wonderful!!!

We got to go to Southport to see my family and my sis and her husband and little girl were able to be there. They live in Mass. so it was a little touch and go with the weather and all. Hannah tested positive for a mild case of strep throat a few days before we left for the beach, but I was thankful I caught it early, and the antibiotics did the trick. While I was taking care of Hannah, I could feel myself getting sickly but I would not let it win-I was determined to stay well to go see everybody. Well, those little Germ X cough drops I took did the trick because I did not get sick. We enjoyed our time at the beach and Hannah played so well with her 15 month old cousin.

Walmart

2008-12-15T12:37:00.001-08:00

Today Hannah and I had errands to do, and one of them was Walmart. I have gotten so I don't really mind going to Walmart, but who knew Asheboro had all these weird people...and 90% of them are shoppers at Walmart.

Before I go in to a story, I got the nicest compliment about Hannah. I was looking at something along with this other lady who was right beside me. Hannah was in the shopping cart waiting patiently for me. All of the sudden the lady said "You have such a well-behaved little girl...My kids used to give me a fit here when I needed to shop". I replied, "Yes, she is wonderful and she has a healthy fear of me. (I think she knows what I will do if she doesn't behave).
I am so glad others take note of Hannah and how obedient she is. I am so proud.

Anyway...on to my story... I was walking out to the car when I noticed this old lady parked right behind me and she appeared to be waiting so she could have my spot. Well, the parking lot was full, but not that full that she could not find a space of her own without holding up traffic to wait on me to pull out.
So I did what any one would do...I took my time and observed, not to mention I couldn't get out anyway. Cars were going around her probably fed up at her for not moving. I was getting my stuff in the car along with Hannah, which takes a while anyway. After I got my stuff in, I took the cart back and noticed she had her window rolled down. I politely told her that there was an open space practically right next to me and if she could take that one instead of holding up traffic for my space. She said okay and moved on.

Sometimes I wonder about people...

A quote from Hannah

2008-12-11T17:55:00.001-08:00

I have got to tell all you bloggers what Hannah told me at dinner tonight. I was telling her she needed to eat up her dinner before it got cold.

Without missing a beat, Hannah said "you can just put it in the microwave!"

She keeps us laughing.

Being reflective

2008-11-28T05:58:00.000-08:00

Well, I can surely say that I have had my fair share of turkey and it was so good! I am so thankful for God's faithfulness to me and all of my many blessings. I am so grateful that I have breath in my lungs and I am here to enjoy the many gifts that are mine every single day. God has given me a great husband who strives to be the best husband and father each and every day. This blog has me emotional because it has been a long, and sometimes hard road to get where I am today. I can confidently say that I would not be where I am now without the Lord. At times, He has carried me and other times He has walked beside me giving me the strength I need to get through. I am just thankful.

I am thankful for my Hannah, who never ceases to bring me joy and laughter. The other day when I told her she needed to get ready for her nap, she looked me square in the eyes and very seriously said, "Mommy, "maybe later." She is so funny sometimes and so loving and compassionate. She helps me to understand my Heavenly Fathers love for me... (and what my mom went through raising me.)

I am blessed beyond words. I am so thankful for all of my family and friends who are always there for me, and love me without question.

As quoted in one of my favorite movies,"My cup runneth over."

Ladybugs-they make Hannah smile...

2008-11-21T10:05:00.001-08:00

Every year around this time, we enjoy some little friends called ladybugs. They come to our home and make their home on our walls, on our ceiling, on our windows, and any where else they might like to live for several weeks. Hannah has recently found these little creatures very interesting and has even named them after some of her friends in our church. I have started telling her when I find them, and I let them crawl on my hand for her to see. She will pick them up every time she sees one within her reach and then ask me to let it go outside.
This has helped me come to like our ladybug infestation a little more!

Blessed

2008-11-19T10:22:00.000-08:00

Gosh! I haven't seen this page for a while. This will just make you enjoy reading my blogs that much more. I have missed keeping my blog friends up on my wonderful life, but as everyone knows...Life Happens and sometimes it seems these days are going by faster and faster. I cannot keep up. Anyway, I may try to do do better-I'll think about it. HAHA!

I am taking the 30 day challenge along with other's in my church. It makes you think about how you would spend your days if you only had 30 days to live. I have really benefited from this a lot and it makes me think, mainly about getting closer to Jesus and my family and friend's. So, I have come to conclude that I have been allowed to stay at home with the most precious gift God has given me for such a time as this and then it will be over. I have started really trying to enjoy her and to be patient-even though it seems impossible at times.

These last few days have seemed very redundant and boring because Hannah and I have been inside. She has a cold and with the freezing weather outside, we haven't gone anywhere. I have gotten some cute pictures though, and have been able to enjoy my daughter, ...and clean out the refrigerator!

("I'm sick and the remote is mine"!)

See if you can guess who this is from "The Grinch"

2008-11-06T12:11:00.000-08:00

I just had to share some Halloween Pics:

FRIDAY

2008-10-20T11:04:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, I was on my way to playgroup with a cake...not just any cake, a banana sour cream cake. I made it and I was so proud of it. I was bringing it to share with my playgroup moms. It looked scrumptious and I even made cream cheese icing for it...however it totally sank in the middle, and not a "dip" either...a totally huge pit. Oh well, guess I opened the oven one too many times!

As it turns out I did not get to share this cake with anyone else because the cake was in a wreck along with me and Hannah. OK, I guess wreck is too strong of a word... It was a total rear end collision...FOR REAL! Let me explain...
I had just gotten off 64 and I was passing the YMCA on this wet, rainy day. I had been thinking to myself, "What a messy day it is to get in an accident." Me being the obsequious and smart driver that I am, I was totally focused on my driving, the road, and what the morons around me were doing...Then WHAM!! Out of nowhere..that is because I was looking ahead and was oblivious to the car that was apparently on my butt. I had slowed down to approximately 3 mph for the car in front of me to turn when all of the sudden my poor car suffered an impact of no less than 35 mph...probably more.
Now I am a VERY good driver in good conditions, but I am a fabulous, defensive driver in rainy conditions, which were accurate of this day.
By now, those of you who know how I am would think that I panicked. No, no I did not...I pulled my car into the YMCA to check out the damage. Hannah had a big grin on her face and was laughing. The car that hit me pulled in too. I got out in the pouring rain reluctantly and found that they had already called the cop.
To make a long story short, yes, there was damage to my car, Hannah and I are fine...although I have incurred some medical bills for precautionary purposes, and my cake is without damage and I am enjoying a wonderful piece right now!
There was no playgroup that day! I will plan on next Friday...

WHAT A WEEKEND!

2008-10-07T13:27:00.000-07:00

Hey ya'll! I know what you are thinking..."Wow, I have not had anything new and exciting to read lately because Sarah has not posted."
I know, I know... I have been utterly exhausted after an amazing weekend that I will never forget. Nick and I had the privilege of volunteering at the Weekend to Remember marriage conference. We were on what's known as the Green Team (because the conference was in Greensboro) and we saw A LOT of marriages get restored and resurrected. So many were saved from divorce, healed and brought closer to eachother, and came to salvation. God is so faithful!! The whole weekend while the participants were in the conference, our team was behind the scenes and in the sessions praying that God would do a work in each couple and individual, AND HE DID!! I, the social butterfly, LOVED meeting all the new people and getting to let the Lord speak to them through me. I was so amazed to see what went on with our team because last November it was Nick and I out in those chairs. There are some God know'in, Bible read'in people who do NOTHING but intercede that at every conference. I am so thankful for that neat experience and I want to do it again! I am so grateful for the Family Life people also who lift marriages up on a daily basis, so that the enemy will not destroy.

I am a mother...Of a two year old!! Really?

2008-09-30T07:45:00.000-07:00

Saturday was our daughter's 2nd birthday. It is really hard for me to wrap my mind around the fact that I've been a mother for 2 years! Not to mention I am still sane...Sometimes I wonder! She is such a gift and a blessing to me and she teaches me so much. I think the biggest thing is how to live in the moment and PATIENCE! I need that daily... Sometimes, I really believe that my mind has been mushified and I will never get it back!

Anyway, we made it to two, and we both are still here and loving it. I know there are many more years to come, but I am trying to live each day and not worry about the tomorrow's. My Lord is faithful through each one of them.

Vacation

2008-09-22T11:13:00.000-07:00

This past week we were at the beach and we had such a great time. These are a few of my favorite pictures!

A "DEE DAH DAY"

2008-09-11T13:03:00.000-07:00

You might be wondering what I mean by this. Well, I am in a small group study at my church and we are using the book, The Life You've Always Wanted by John Ortberg. Last night was the first night, and we discussed the first 3 chapters. My friend, Kay introduced me to chapter 4 because I hadn't read it yet. She actually emailed me to tell me that I was her "DEE DAH" friend!!! I either felt special, or I thought she completely lost it, until I read Chapter 4 of this book.

The author explained that his daughter was doing a dance one day which was known around their home as the "DEE DAH DAY" dance. She did this dance on occasion's when she was so happy that she couldn't hold it in any longer! Well, as I kept reading, he wrote that he became irritated with her and told her to hurry up (She did this dance even faster because he told her to hurry)! She asked him why she needed to hurry and he could not give her a reason. He was so used to doing everything so hurriedly that he couldn't stop and let his daughter do a happy dance.

Well, that jumped off the page as I was reading it! It really made me think, think, think, as the super sleuths say, (if you happen to watch Winnie the Pooh like me.) Too often, I get too caught up in the usual and mundane routine of being so hurried that I miss the joy that is all too often right in front of my face!

Hannah is teaching me so much about joy. I tend to become irritated when something isn't done fast enough and up to my standards. I find myself saying "HURRY" a lot. Well, who am I to interrupt her "DEE DAH DAY" moments? I might need to sit back and take a few hints. As John Ortberg says some of us tend to divide up our life minutes into 2 categories, Living and Waiting to live. I would like to learn to "LIVE"...Really Live. I have realized that there is no way I can find my "DEE DAH DAY" moments in living if I am so hurried all of the time.

Eventually, John Ortberg did do the "DEE DAH DAY" dance with his daughter.
I mentioned that my friend, Kay called me her "DEE DAH DAY" friend. In his book, he encourages us to find a "Joy Carrier" person. This person makes a deliberate decision to have joy and it is contagious.

I am very flattered, and that is my prayer that others can see joy and Jesus in me no matter what is going on in my life at the time. This quote comes from C.S. Lewis, and it says, "Joy is the serious business of Heaven."
Something to think about...for all of my "DEE DAH" friends, I am very thankful! I need you.

I Just HAD To Show Her Off!! (AGAIN)

2008-09-10T10:49:00.000-07:00

I....

2008-09-08T12:37:00.000-07:00

I borrowed this from my friend Caroline over at Pocket Change, Since you already wrote about it Caroline, there's no need to give it back, but thanks for giving me the neat idea.

I love Jesus, my husband, my daughter, my family, my friends.

I am a crier-Don't be alarmed when I break down. It's just me, I am quite sensitive.
I enjoy watching 48 hours Murder Mystery, Till Death, The Adventures of Old Christine, Reality TV, Criminal Minds, CSI, and Bones.
I have or have HAD a crush on Shemar Moore from Criminal Minds, Ed Harris(past crush-He looks OLD now) Michael Phelps (Just recently), Michael Bolton (VERY PAST), Apollo(From dancing with the Stars)...
I know there's no chance of me ever seeing these celebrities. I'm fine with my life without them in it
I have a crush on my hubby (yes, still...everyday!) I am so blessed
I am very determined, persistent, and stubborn. All of those are good qualities.

I am a very loyal friend. I love my friends. I get attached very easily.

I am an encourager and an exhorter. I love to be able to make people feel good.

I don't like conflict, I don't like people to be mad, or mad at me. (I am working on this)

I am a very high strung person. That's not always good.

I am a people person.

I am outgoing and an extrovert.

I am trying to be ok with the fact that not everybody is going to like me.

I am happy with my life (see the title of my blog) although I wish I could snort when I laugh. It's cute, even though it can be annoying.

I break or lose every pair of sunglasses I get (They are only a dollar at the dollar store...who knew??

There is more to come...Hope you enjoyed reading this.

Random Talk

2008-09-05T12:25:00.000-07:00

Hey People,I am writing this as a gnat is attacking me at the computer. On a side note, why don't you spell gnat NAT? I think it is a waste of the letter G. Poor letter G. Somethin' to think about...
Thank goodness Hurricane Hanna may not hit as hard as they thought. (Gosh this G-Nat is about to make me lose it!) Hurricane Ike is one that we are kinda worried about because we have a vacation to the beach planned. I am always game for some excitement...
Oh I guess I could tell everyone that the Weekend to Remember Family Life marriage conference is coming up Oct. 3-5 and my hubby and I will be there. I am so excited!! This conference is not the only one. They are all over the country. All you need to do is go to http://www.familylife.com/ and check it out. They are great! It helped save my marriage. Trust me when I say, my marriage is way better now than ever.
Well, what else, let's see... I think I hear Hannah waking up, or either the voices in my head are getting WAY out of hand. I gotta go cook a YOUNG chicken anyway. I like young ones rather than old ones:)

Thankful Thursday

2008-09-04T11:35:00.000-07:00

Today I started back my Bible Study. It is a Priscilla Shirer one again on Discerning God's Voice. I am so Thankful for that and the great group of girls I am in there with. I am also thankful that Hurricane Hanna seems to have moved away from us, and I hope it keeps moving so no one will get hit. (my Hannah likes hearing her name on the TV every night). I have a lot to be thankful for. I am very blessed.

Special Day...

2008-09-02T12:26:00.000-07:00

Caroline from Pocket Change loves me and my blog!!!!!!!!!! She is a wonderful person who is there for me when I need her. It seem's like I don't see her enough-Life alway's gets in the way! Hopefully, I'll do better Caro! See ya this morning!

The rules of this award are:1. The winner can put the logo on his/her blog.2. Link the person you received your award from.3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.4. Put links of those blogs on yours.5. Leave a message on the blogs of the people you’ve nominate

And the award goes to:

Beth Moore from her Living Proof Ministries blog. Her and her dear daughters manage to lift me up a little each day! She is hilarious too, and that helps!

Heather at CSAHM(Christian Stay At Home Mom's) blog. Thanks for providing a blog for me to read and get in touch with other mom's like me!

Courtney (my fellow playgroup mom) for writing about such fun things. I love your blog!

Tracy at Thirsty for Him blog for providing me with great devotions to lift me up every day!

Christian Women Online for each writer that writes devotions on the blog. I love to read them.

Eve's blog for being so fun to read, and for her comments for me on my blog.

Motherhood for Dummies for having a funny side to motherhood!

Devotion from "Thirsty for Him"

2008-09-02T09:43:00.000-07:00

I did not write this. This is one of the daily devotions that I get. I thought it was so good, I had to share!

Internet Cafe Devotions
Fear VS. Faith
Posted: 02 Sep 2008 12:15 AM CDT
We are intrigued by fear, aren’t we? We tune into TV shows like “Fear Factor,” ride the most thrilling roller coasters, and watch scary movies. We cheer the prospect of being victorious in overcoming our fears.But real life fears can be different, seizing us and consuming our lives. I have a friend who confessed that she is gripped by fear, afraid of making mistakes as a mom and things happening to her children. Although she didn’t like the feelings of fear, it was apparent that she had come to a place of “living in it.” And, as she shared these feelings with a group of women, they drew the conclusion that fear is just a “normal” part of life and something we just have to live with.Or is it?What if……What if it is NOT God’s plan for us to be afraid? What if fear is a ploy of the enemy to keep us in bondage, preventing us from experiencing true faith?Fear is a choice. Are we going to live in it? Are we going to be in bondage to it?The Bible tells of people who stood on faith, even when the most “logical” reaction to their circumstances would have been fear. Moses, Esther, Daniel, David, Jesus! Usually, life didn’t improve immediately when they chose faith over fear, but instead got worse! When our circumstances go from “bad to worse,” we need to continue to look to God, trusting in His plan, even if it “looks” different than we expect.You may be wondering, “How do I CHOOSE faith or fear? I don’t have control over fear. I can’t help what I feel!”First, we have to understand that God doesn’t want us to fear. He commands us continually to “fear not.” So, if fear isn’t from God, then what IS fear and where does it come from?Webster’s defines “fear” as “a painful emotion excited by apprehension of impending danger; dread.” Fear is an emotion. We can control our emotions without THEM controlling us. Maybe you doubt that you have any say when it comes to your emotions. But, you control emotions all the time. Have you ever felt like crying in a public place, but you held back the tears? You know, biting your cheeks, breathing deeply until the tears subsided? You restrained the emotional feeling. Or have you ever felt like laughing but it wasn’t an appropriate time, so you pushed away the desire? We “rein in” our emotions all the time in daily life, often without even thinking about it. Self-control is a fruit of the spirit that comes with a relationship with God.It helps to know where most fear comes from. There is Godly fear that is good if it is keeping us from harm. But, most times fear is a tool used by the enemy to weaken our faith. If you believe that you don’t have any control over your fear, the enemy can keep you in bondage to it. If I believe that I can’t do anything about fear, then I sink deeper into a pit of desperation, feeling like there is no way out. How do I replace fear with faith?The first step to overcoming fear is to cry out to the Lord for help. “Perfect love casts out fear.” Who is perfect love? God is love! When we put our trust in God, He will help us to break through the fear, doing what He has called us to do. I don’t have the power to overcome my fear on my own, but “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
“I sought the Lord and He answered me. He delivered me from all of my fears.”Psalm 34:4The next step to conquering fear is take authority over the enemy. Claim the power and authority you have in the name and the blood of Jesus as a child of God. The devil loves to prey on us when we are weak- tired, discouraged, sick, or emotional- imprisoning us to fear. We need to tell him to get lost!
“The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is thestronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid? Though an army besiege me, myheart will not fear. Though war break out against me, even then will I beconfident.” Psalm 27:1-3We also need to replace lies with Truth. So often we build up circumstances in our minds until we have blown them up into imaginary monsters. Instead, we need to believe, speak, and live God’s Truth. When Jesus was tested in the wilderness, He battled Satan with the Word, quoting scripture. We need to do the same!Name the fear. Don’t allow feelings of fear to remain hidden in secret places.Replace the fear with truth. Speak out loud what God says about you and your circumstances.Get an arsenal of scripture to meditate on and use to strengthen you. Here are a few:
“I am strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.”“He that is in me (Jesus)is greater than he that is in the world (Satan).”“I am more than aconqueror in Christ Jesus.”“If God is for me, than who dare be against me?”“No weapon formed against me shall prosper.”“Fear of man will prove tobe a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.”“In God whose nameI praise, I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”If we are going to choose faith over fear, then, as we put off fear, we must put ON faith. Romans tells us that ALL of us, every one has been “given a measure of faith.” All believers have been given faith by God. Romans also tells us that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. When we meditate on God’s Word, it increases our faith! Finally, we need to continue to ask God to increase our faith and then to practice putting our trust in Him.
Father God, thank You for the incredible gift of Jesus! Thank You that because You are on m side, I have nothing to fear! Lord, help me to take courage in You. Help me to face all of mu fears, becoming fearless. Forgive m lack of faith. Fill me with more faith. In Christ's Name I pray. Amen.
Questions to Ponder
1. What is it that you fear? Name your fear, asking the Holy Spirit to bring any hidden fears to your mind.
2. Do you believe that God can overcome all of these fears, any obstacle you may be facing in life?
3. What does God's Word say about your personal circumstance? Find at least 2 bible verses that address your fear. If you are battling fears about being a good mother, what are God's promises to you as a parent?

Love is in the bloggerspere...

2008-08-30T18:54:00.000-07:00

My friend Caroline loves my blog! She gave me an award, but it may take some time for me to get it on here because I am slow and my back is hurting tonight, so I will type another post when I figure out what I'm doing and show it to you. Goodnight for now, I know everyone can't wait to see it. Thanks Caro!! I *heart* your blog too!!

My 3rd post today

2008-08-29T13:19:00.000-07:00

I know this is my 3rd post today, but on a more serious note, this is an excerpt from the Christian Women's Devotional that I read often.

Celebrating the Life of Little Christian "Dozer" Drews

A Sweet Little Man of God!Let's face it - Marsha and David have some handsome little boys and Dozer is no exception. That bright eyed "Korean with blonde hair" sure knew how to make his mama's heart melt whether he was talking about his "two foreheads" or outgrowing his lost blanky. Marsha is such a good mama and boy did she ever dote over this little one. And who could blame her? The little cutie was so musically inclined that he could play a guitar AND an egg slicer. I guarantee that he is making some sweet music up in heaven tonight!Yes, Jesus has one more sweet little angel to bounce on his knee. Christian, whom Marsha lovingly referred to as Dozer, passed away on Tuesday evening. He was a three year old boy wonder who was so excited to begin school in the coming weeks. He had only been a spectator to his brother's lessons so far but he was a quick learner..."one, two, fwee, foh, fiiive, sixteen, benineteen, fowteen, nineteen. I count fo you mommy!!!"I know his mama, daddy, and his two brothers miss him deeply. They know he is in God's loving arms but that doesn't stop the pain they are feeling. I ask that you please, please pray for our friends. Marsha and David are amazing people and my heart is simply broken because this happened to them. Your prayers are coveted.Cards or Correspondence can be mailed to:
David and Marsha Drewsc/o Rachel Harris
12830 N. Cypress Lane
Tomball, TX 77377

She will be sure to get them all to Marsha and David.Father,I pray that you would bless my dear sweet friend and comfort her and her husband and those little boys as they go through what is certainly the worst time of their lives. God I ask that you would keep your eyes fixed on them and your arms around them. I ask that you send thousands of angels to be there with them in their grief and comfort them. God, give them peace, the kind that surpasses all understanding. Give them joy. I know that only you know why these things happen but it just feels so unfair. Still we trust you. Please help us when we fail. And Father, give Christian a big hug and a kiss from each and every one of us. Thank you, Father. In Jesus' name. Amen.
And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.1 Corinthians 12:26Marsha and David we love you and will be here praying with you through this. We can't even begin to fathom your thoughts or emotions right now but please know that we are here, whatever you may need. We love you.Dozer, we'll see you soon, sweetheart!

Just being creative...or so I thought!

2008-08-29T12:40:00.000-07:00

Okay, I need help. I like to experiment with different background's on my blog. Well, I lost my links and my friend's links to their blog's. I thought I saved them...really! Now, I am having to resort to the boring old templates that e-blogger provides. Not to be mean to the e-blogger men and women, but your backgrounds are boring and you really need to kick it up a notch. I even have lost my layout button, which made it possible for me to add to my link list, HTML's, and such. It just vanished and I know it's out there somewhere...If anyone has it, please return it promptly. I just received an award from my friend Caroline, and I want to put it on my blog, but I can't! That's frustrating.

PLEASE, FOR THE LOVE OF BLOGS EVERYWHERE-I AM JUST ASKING FOR SOME HELP GETTING MY BLOG BACK THE WAY IT USED TO BE. I MISS YOU "LAYOUT" BUTTON!!!

Zebra's, Bears, and Puffin's...Oh My!

2008-08-26T07:30:00.000-07:00

Saturday, we went to the zoo. I guess Nick and I walked about 5 or 6 miles all in all, while pushing a stroller which makes it even more of a feat. We were going to walk the whole thing, but we told Hannah we could ride the "bus" (as she calls it, the tram as we call it). Here are some pictures-She is crinkling up her nose now in them, which makes them even cuter:

"Night-Night"

Tatoo Parlor

2008-08-26T07:16:00.001-07:00

Look at what we have done to our child! We thought it was time. You have to be at least one to get a tattoo. She was on her best behavior though while she was in the chair.

She really likes tattoo's and would like to have a few more.

Actually her tat is of a dog, Dollar Dog that is, and he is allergic to soap and water!

One thing that makes me happy

2008-08-22T10:59:00.000-07:00

Does anybody love a good set of coupons?? I do! It really makes my day when I save big. Like yesterday, I got $5 off my bill because I had a BOGOF(That's coupon lingo-Buy One Get One Free) coupon for makeup!! Also, the other day, I got to redeem 6,000 some greenpoints at Lowe's for $5 off my bill!
I can't wait for the days that I get the paper so I can just go back home and cut them out. It really is relaxing. I put Hannah to bed, put on music, or just listen to the QUIET (yea baby) and go crazy with my scissors! Hannah actually has gotten into the art as well!
If any of my blog reader's had any coupon advice, I want it. I am close to being obsessed.

An Attitude of Gratitude

2008-08-21T05:18:00.000-07:00

I have decided to write about things that I am truly thankful for on Thursday's. It is called "Thankful Thursday's," and if you'll go over to Christian Women Online you'll see that they copied my idea! (No, I really copied their idea, but I thought that instead of writing some random blog everyday...or every other week in my case...I could at least designate one day a week to being thankful.) I am thankful everyday...and I am trying to concentrate on the things I have rather than complain about the things I don't. If you really think about it, nobody wants to be around an old sour puss anyway...right? I was watching a T. V. show this morning and it was on being positive and the influence of the words we speak. One thing that was mentioned was if you wanted a positive life, stop being negative. It's simple, but true. In Proverbs, it says "The power of life and death is in the tongue." What that means to me is that I can either build other's up or tear them down with my words, and/or what I do or do not say. That also goes for myself: I tend to believe what I say about myself...you get the picture.
God has blessed me with so much: a loving husband that is such a hard worker and good provider so I can be a stay at home mom like I've always wanted, a restored marriage and home that God has raised up to be what He designed it to be, a precious little girl who is growing in the knowledge of the Lord, a wonderful family and extended family who loves me no matter what, great friend's who love and encourage me, my health, my gifts and talents...and so much more. With all of this, I don't have an excuse to complain and gripe about my life. When you really think about it, do you?
The name of my blog is true: I do live a wonderful life!

I'm Back!

2008-08-18T06:47:00.000-07:00

I have been on a blogging hiatus and actually I have missed it. I needed some time off, and now I'm back. Last week, we went and got Hannah's two year old pictures taken. They are adorable! It reminded me of how fast our little girl is growing up. I was also reminded that the purpose of parenthood is to raise them up so they can be on their own one day. It was like God was, and has been saying to me, "You know, Sarah, you only get Hannah for a little while and I have entrusted her to you-please cherish these times that may be difficult because they won't last forever and someday you will wish you had them back." These recent weeks have been very challenging (teething, potty training, tantrums, clinginess, behavior issues...,) but it rings over and over in my ears that my time with God is SO important if I don't want to totally lose it during the day. I have come to realize that God has made it so I can do what I have always wanted, which is stay at home with my child, and I need to do that job to the best of my ability. God doesn't want me to lose my cool or get stressed out, He wants me to enjoy this time He has given me to enjoy Hannah and to be the mother He wants me to be. After all, I am doing it ultimately for Jesus. I want to make Him proud.

2008-08-08T16:26:00.000-07:00

JEEPERS! WHAT A WEEK! I'm so glad it's over. We have been getting some new teeth and it's been very touch and go. I say "we" because it feels like we all have. It is like Hannah has had bad PMS or something. She can be so angelic at times and then turn on us when we don't even see it coming. She is such a blessing to us and we adore her.

Maybe next week I will be back to the blogging board!

Gotta go!! Hannahs on the dining room table!

2008-08-04T12:16:00.000-07:00

To my wonderful husband,

What a day!

2008-07-30T12:16:00.000-07:00

Today was a day that I was planning on getting some errands done. Well, I got them done, but with kinda a cranky, tired baby.
Here is my day: Hannah wakes up at 6:45 crying and saying "Bunny, Bunny"(She was screaming for the bunny that we saw outside last night, I think she dreamed about him? maybe...) then we said our goodbyes to Nick, and he left for work (We always have to get a group hug in), then we got breakfast and got ready for the day and were ready to leave by 9:45. By this time Hannah was rubbing her eyes and doing her tired grunts. I had to mail off a box so I did that, then went to drop off a letter, then went to the local food pantry to drop bags (they are always in need of bags and we always have tons of them). Well, here comes the hook, line, and sinker...I ended up spending about 20 minutes trying to find a optometrist that would take a prescription that I had, and put it in my glasses that I have to wear to drive. This wasn't any regular prescription, this was a special prescription that I am in critical need of. Well, come to find out my local eye doctor here would not do it because they don't take any outside prescription (like their doctor's are the best or something...jeesh! Well I drive clear across town to someone else and they tell me at the last minute that my insurance won't cover it...I am getting kind of aggravated and also by this point in the day it is blistering hot and I have a aggravated baby as well. These people tell me the name of yet another eye doctor who will do it and they do take my insurance. Yay!! I go over there. I tell the lady at the front what I need and I sit down. She comes and takes my glasses, prescription, and insurance card and she tells me that it will be NO problem...(Sigh of relief) BIG problem...They have everything in the computer, but my insurance won't pay!
That was a waste of $4.00 gas. There's always tomorrow.

POOP, POOP, and MORE POOP

2008-07-28T10:55:00.000-07:00

Hannah and I spent part of last week at the beach and the day we got back home I was looking forward to putting her down for a long nap...Well, that didn't happen. Let me tell you what did though:
I had finished bringing our luggage and stuff in the house and I had layed Hannah in her bed. I closed the door and she was talking and playing when I left. I didn't think anything because she always talks a little and plays before going to sleep. About 15-20 minutes later, I hear the words "potty, potty, potty", (That's a good sign...we are trying to potty train her and she is becoming more aware...) That's an understatement. I went in there to find out that she had pooped in her diaper and then had taken it off. It was everywhere! She was standing in her crib brushing her hands together crying and saying "Potty."

We have only just begun.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH"

2008-07-22T10:52:00.000-07:00

Today is one of those days that you just want to shake the livin' daylights outta someone. First of all, a bee stung me (little jerk didn't know who he was messin' with), then my child threw a fit, and it went down from there. If I wasn't the God fearin' woman that I am , I think I woul haul off and knock someboody's block off, and I know who I would start with too. Of course, I'm not naming names and I would never do ANYTHING of the sort...I have watched enough 48 hours to know better. After all, I can dream, can't I?? I used to be very aware and kinda worried about what people thought of me, what a joke...I finally got a life! You gotta buck up and be yourself sooner or later-I'm not livin' like that. The devil is so on my back today...and if I didn't know better, I'd say he is doing a number with my child too. I am so having a "I just need to hit something or someone, feelin' sorry for myself" moment! But Hannah, myself, and my husband belong to Jesus Christ and bless our hearts we are going through one of life's little (well, can I say politely, Farts?) Life has them and they will go away sooner or later. Let's just say, my child is a precious gift, but honestly...SOMETIMES!! You mom's and dads know.

It is so odd and mysterious how our little gifts from God turn into aliens from a land far, far away sometimes. They can turn your day upside down if you let them...(Gosh, they really need to turn this stay at home mom business into a fortune 800 job) Whoever THEY are...that is. I need to get away...yes again Nick if you're listening! I am employed by a 22 month old, and by a house where there is ALWAYS something that needs done, and I have to say that some days I feel like quitting, but when I come back to reality and my child gives me a slobbery kiss...I am all better.

Well, this blog is really about my new link on my page called Saucy Eats. They have all sorts of yummy recipes that I would love to try. My favorite that I have read about is the Pumpkin Cupcakes with cream cheese frosting...! They sound scrumptious and they are bound to lighten your mood. Something to try when your day cannot get any worse. I am really wanting to win a 50 dollar William's Sonoma gift card. Talk about a mood brightener! Go on over there and check 'em out and put in a word for me.

Well, I feel much better.

Today will go down in history:

2008-07-20T19:31:00.000-07:00

Well, My goodness!!! I am the proud owner of a blog listed on the SIT'S blog page. I am under a lot of blog pressure here.
First, let me explain: I am a PRACTICING blogger. My wonderful life is a work in progress (Can I get a AMEN?) I am a simple woman with simple things to say: sometimes I'm speechless! What can I say? Toddlerhood has overtaken me and I am beckoned to my 22 month olds needs several times a day and I am trying to enjoy every second of it!
So, I'll just come right out and say it: I know other blog's are much better than mine, but give me a chance. The blog world as I know it is being shared with an active (VERY ACTIVE) toddler, and she is winning right now. It will not alway's be like this.
Thank you for listing my blog and I will do my best to make my SISTA'S proud!

Random thoughts

2008-07-18T11:48:00.000-07:00

Today was an okay day. We had playgroup at the church and that was fun for the kids and moms I guess...

I would like to make playgroup into a place where the moms can have some interaction and not have to chase their kids constantly because we do enough of that during the week. I would welcome any ideas if their are those creative minds that happen to wander across my page.

I get to go out on a coffee date with my hubby tonight and get a much needed break from the munchkin!! YAY

Give me a T-A-R-G-E-T...What!??

2008-07-12T11:05:00.000-07:00

For all those non SITS girls, it's time to join(The link is on this page...The pretty pink and leopard print one). I have enjoyed this site tremendously. These girls take blogging to a whole new level and they are very fun to read. Also they have these contest's from week to week that you can participate in if you are a member.
Contest's...Contest's...What Contest's??? Well, I am so glad you asked. The most recent contest is a Target gift card giveaway. There is only 3 to be had and they are in the amount of 50 dollars each. Mind you, I have reserved one of these for me, so I would hop on the boat if I was you. If you are not a SISTA, please sign up and say that I referred you. You will not be sorry.

Fourth of July '08

2008-07-07T09:14:00.000-07:00

Friday we celebrated the Fourth at the Burlington City Park. Nick's parents went with us. At 11:32 (to be exact) we all piled in our Toyota Corolla. It is fine for the three of us and it gets great gas mileage, but when you put four adults plus the car seat in there, it gets a little tight.

So began our trek to the park along with a stop at Subway to eat and then to buy me a pair of sunglasses (yes momma, Hannah so lovingly broke the pair that you got me.) By the way, let me just say while we're on the topic of sunglasses, that they don't have a very good long term success rate with me...Dollar Store's the way to go.

Well, we finally got to the park and by this time Vicki, myself, and Hannah are long overdue to get out of the car where we have been squished for a very long time in the back seat.

Our journey begins at the carousel where Hannah rode with Nick. She enjoyed it I think, but she kept glaring at the music box I guess because it is really loud and after the ride was over Hannah said "WHAT?". I guess she thought it was lame and that she is way too mature for such foolishness. Then came the beloved choo choo. She LOVED it-more with each ride. She went on to the cars. Well, we weren't sure that she would ride them alone, but she did! She now can drive a firetruck all by her self. Granted...it was hooked to other cars and trucks for kids to ride. I think Hannah thought she was driving all of them. She is such a pro now and she looks so pretty driving a firetruck! Well, by now we all were hot and sweaty, so we went over to get some shade under the boat ride. Hannah did this all by herself too and she enjoyed ringing the bell too. We decided to get some slushies to drink and by then we all needed them. We still had tickets left so we rode all the rides over again, but I think it is between the train and the firetruck for Hannah.

Here are just a few pictures that captures the day pretty well:

(I love the last one!) I am quite a photographer!!

Going to the chapel...I mean castle!

2008-06-30T10:52:00.000-07:00

Saturday Nick and I had a wedding to attend at Castle McCoulough. It was so pretty and it was also semiformal so we got to dress up. I like getting all prissyfied and going out on the town. It's only on occassion that I have a reason to dress up, so when the occassion presents itself, I really enjoy it. Here are a few pictures of Nick and I and of the royal affair...

New link

2008-06-25T09:40:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Hannah is sleeping so I have been on here for a while and found this daily devotional blog. It looks good, and I hope you will click on my link on the left and check it out!

Goings on around the McNeill house

2008-06-24T12:45:00.001-07:00

In case anyone is wondering where another rockin' post from mwa is, well here's the reason:

Hannah has an ear infection and she has been really fussy. She sleeps a lot when she can get comfortable enough to go to sleep. While she is sleeping, I either have a million things I could be doing around the house or I am taking a nap too.

I have recently discovered my new friend-Vitamin Water(I mean miracle water)! It is so refreshing and it gives me lots of energy or whatever I am needing at the time(I would have to say mainly energy.) For those of you who haven't tried it, go gulp it down now. You will fall in love: I did.

SITS...What's that you ask?

2008-06-21T10:41:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone out there in blogger land! As you know if you've seen my wonderful blog, I have gotten involved in reading the SITS blog. It stands for the Secret is in the Sauce and I put a link on my page. I have chosen to get wild and enter a contest to win a fun inflatable play thingamajig to go outside in my huge yard. I am woman enough to face the reality that I might not win this, but it is still kinda fun to do in my spare time. So, in order for me to enter this and other contests, I have to follow the directions and post about this wonderful sight. If you want to enter this or other contests or just read hilarious blogs(yes...even better than my own) just follow my SITS link and get started. I don't think you will be disappointed!
http://thesecretisinthesauce.blogspot.com/

Oh, I almost forgot to tell everyone that reads my wonderful blog and who wants to enter this contest to give a shout out to me and my blog when you post your comment! http://www.joyfulmommy906.blogspot.com/

Hannah

2008-06-18T10:02:00.000-07:00

I decided to put Hannah in this new jean skirt. Well, this girl has hips already and I don't think I will be putting her in it again! The thing doesn't stay down-she is too curvy.

It made for a cute picture though!

Family Pictures-May '08

2008-06-14T17:00:00.000-07:00

Our family got pictures done on Mother's Day and I thought I'd share them with you.

Double the fun!

2008-06-11T16:23:00.000-07:00

Hannah and I recently got to go to the beach to see my family. My sister and her family drove down from the Boston. They have a baby and it was our first time meeting her. Hannah was a huge help with her cousin and I got a dose of taking care of two kids under 2. Whew! It was fun though.

Toddler's Vocabulary

2008-06-11T11:23:00.001-07:00

Well, Hannah's vocabulary has multiplied recently, and it is so exciting to hear her sound out and say new words. Hannah has a new word that she has learned, and it is sit. She even knows the past tense of it which is sat. Well, very unfortunately, it sounds like another word that is not suppose to be in her vocabulary, which is s**t.

The other day we were all sitting down to dinner when we noticed a fly in the house. Nick got up to get the fly swatter and was after it. After he missed the first time, the fly flew by us and Nick was waiting for it to sit still so he could kill the thing. When this fly kept flying around Hannah and I, we became so frustrated that this fly would not land. Well, Nick was sitting down by this time continuing on with his meal when Hannah finally yelled "SIT!"

You can just imagine the laughter around our house when Nick and I looked at each other (Nick was drinking coffee, which didn't fare well for him) and Hannah just looking at us like we were completely off our rockers!

The other day in the church nursery she felt like she should say this word again (Notice in both instances, she uses it in the right context.)
She and another nursery worker were in the room playing and the door to the bathroom was open. Hannah pointed to the potty and said "SIT."

That's all for now, Thank goodness...Oh, how I just love this season of our lives!

Still in love...

2008-06-08T14:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Nick's and my anniversary. We have been married 5 whole years! A whole hand! We went to a movie and to one of our favorite places to eat-Carraba's. We had fun and some much needed time without the munchkin. She also had lots of fun with her beloved babysitters, (Nick's parents).

I was just reminded of how much I love Nick and even though it has been hard at times, it all has been worth every single day of these 5 years. God has been so faithful to us and has been the "master gardener" of our marriage. God has and continues to bind my family together and for that I am so thankful.

Potty picture

2008-06-06T17:56:00.000-07:00

Here is a hillarious pic of Hannah. We recently got her a new potty seat. She loves to sit on it, but has yet to actually use it.

Beach Trip

2008-05-31T19:54:00.000-07:00

I thought I should post a new blog- I am so bad at this, I alway's find other things to do. This week I have been visiting my family at the beach along with my sis, her hubby, and baby who drove down from Boston. We are soaking up the sun and relaxing. This was my first time meeting my neice, and she is adorable. Hannah loves her cousin too. I will post pictures when I get home.
I just thought I would let those of you who happen to be interested in my wonderful life know where I have been and why I haven't posted lately.

Baby blue's

2008-05-22T13:15:00.000-07:00

This morning started out good and then we started going downhill. I don't know if any of you other mom's experience this, but Hannah does anything but use a quiet voice these days! She has become a loud and boisterous little girl. She is almost 20 month's and we are just awaiting the two's. I have now heard that three's are even worse than two's! Thing's were very frustrating at home today, so I told her if she took a good nap we would go to see the choo-choo at the library. Well, we did and we left 10 minutes later because she kept yelling. Well, if we were not in a quiet library, I would choose my battles very wisely, but this had to be stopped. I told her what kind of voice we use and told her to quiet down. To make a long story short we left.
I told her in the car that mommy was frustrated because she could not obey and that I needed quiet or else! Guess she knew what that meant because she was quiet most of the trip home.

Me

2008-05-17T11:01:00.000-07:00

So, I decided to write some stuff about myself that whoever reads this might be interested to find out:

I am 31 and it is hard for me to believe. Not only am I growing up, I am a very good wife and a mother of a delightful girl named Hannah who is 19 months. I love being a mommy and she makes it easy most of the time. She and I both are growing up so fast! I try to make the most of every day even when it is hard because I'll never get that day back.

That precious little girl who I blog about all the time and consumes most of my world, well... I locked her in the car the other day...BY ACCIDENT! (All I can say is when you become a mommy, you're brain turns to mush sometimes...(I think it's that way for dad's too).

Did I mention I have a precious baby girl?? (I did, didn't I) O.K I'll write about me.

I was born with cerebral ataxia of the vermis. I didn't walk alone till 3rd grade. My sis has it too, but none of my family. I went through some tests to see if it was safe for me to be pregnant. I was fine and Hannah is too. No biggie!

I got my driver's license May 5th 2004! This was a huge goal of mine because of my disability, but I accomplished it! (Just keep your distance if you see me on the road). I am a good and defensive driver.

I had a C-Section on September 27, 2006 with Hannah, which we got to schedule on my mother 'n law's birthday.

I am directionally challenged, but now that I am a driver, I am learning my way around.

I had to get my gall bladder out right after Hannah was born. I can eat almost anything I want now without pain...Kinda nice.

My sister's name is Emily and Nick's sister is a Emily, My name is Sarah Louise and Nick's sister is Sarah Louise.

I once bought a dress and the tag with the brand name on it was Nick and Sarah!

I have no arch in my foot...Yes I have extremely flat and wide feet.

I am a social butterfly.

I have been married almost 5 years to a wonderful, caring, loving, kind, hardworking, adorable, funny, handsome, man named Nick or Nicholas. God has been tenderly nurturing our marriage and it is better now than ever.

I love to have flowers around. They are so pretty to look at and smell, but I don't like the work involved. I just "forget" to water them and they die. I keep thinking I can do better...one day I will.

I have given up ever being skinny. I am not fat and unhealthy, so I am happy

That is all I can type right now...off to plant flowers...(and I will water them!)

More to come later.

I can't believe I did that!

2008-05-08T11:10:00.000-07:00

Today was a busy day. I woke up with a splitting headache which fortunately has gone away by now. It was a rainy morning and at 9:00 I decided that I couldn't make it all day on the diaper's that we had left for Hannah, (only 2 left) so I quickly got ready and left for Nick's work to pick up a case. By the way, there is no such thing as me getting ready "quickly" nowadays. Anyway, I left to go do that and also a few errands at the one stop shop...Walmart. Well I got there about 11:30, I parked and we got out. As I was getting Hannah out of her seat, I noticed that I needed to get something in the front seat. Without thinking (You moms know what I mean) I closed Hannah's door to open up the front door (don't ask.) Well everything was going along just fine until I realized that all of the doors had been locked previously (by me) and I locked my baby in the car.
Well those who know me would be proud-I didn't panic. I remembered what Handy Manny says, "Whenever you have a problem, calm down and don't panic." (Hannah loves that show!) Fortunately, I had my purse and cell, so I called Nick to tell him what I did and that I needed him to come unlock the car. While I was waiting, Hannah was singing in her car seat and playing with her shoes and my coat. She didn't even know what I had done. Thank goodness it was a cool day or I would have been tempted to panic.

This too shall pass...

2008-04-30T08:24:00.000-07:00

Hannah's modeling pictures!

Hannah has really blossomed this past week. She is pouting over not getting her way, having temper tantrums ( I mean the kind where you lay on the floor and bawl) , and in a bad mood. I must say I really don't know what to do. I am learning and she is teaching me. All I know is what I don't want, and that's a bratty, whiny, child so I am determined to do anything I can not to let that happen.

She really is a good child. She is very smart and intelligent, we think, beyond her years (We kid with each other that she has a radioactive smart chip floating in her because I got a lung scan when I was pregnant.) I must say Nick and I are doing very well with her I think, and she shows it too.

She is definitely a little drama queen and I guess I am too, or so I'm told. This house is either filled with drama and emotion at all times it seems like. I can cry at the drop of a hat and I think Hannah has been able to outcry me many times.

Anyway, I am going to wrap this up because I have been telling myself I need to vacuum all week and I haven't because Hannah has been screaming, and it sounds like she tells me off at times. Oh, and her new thing is she hates bath time. I don't understand...she used to love it. So I have to force her because I will not let her go around looking like that. I am so frustrated, and did I mention she doesn't go to sleep without screaming very loudly! She is finally asleep now, so I am going to clean.

Potty training 101

2008-04-29T11:14:00.000-07:00

This is what I found my little munchkin doing today in the bathroom

We have been introducing Hannah to the potty off and on for a few month's now, but very recently she's taken quite an interest to it and likes to sit on her new seat. Every so often she will take one of our hands and lead us in there with her. She will say "PP-PP" which I am guessing means anything you could possibly do on the potty. It is so funny when she scrunches up her nose and looks down towards her diaper and makes blowing noises like she smells something foul.

So, when we take her to the potty, she does not do anything. She is very pleased just to sit and read her Elmo book.

Today, we watched a video that my mom got her entitled "Once Upon a Potty" and it came with a little girl doll named Prudence and her little potty. Well the movie explains how when Prudence was a baby, her mommy and daddy would change her diaper, and now that she is big she is going figure out this potty thing. She gets a present from her grandmother, and it's her very own potty. Well, after a few tries, she is able to go to the potty like a big girl.

I am soooooooooooo hoping that Hannah will catch on to this. One thing the movie taught us was a potty song which we will adopt as our very own. It goes like this:

When I was a baby I had a diaper round my little tummy, that was that. Everything was easy when I had a diaper, didn't have to do much, that was enough. Wee-wee went there, Poo-poo went there, Mommy changed the diaper when dirty or wet. Now that I am bigger, No more diaper's. I got a potty. Gonna figure it out. Yes, I 'm going to my potty, potty. Now, I'm going to my potty, potty. Yeah, I'm going to my potty, potty. It's not a hat. It's not a cat. It's not a bird bath. It's only for me! I just sit on it. Sit, think, and sing on it. How wonderful! I'm so proud and glad. Wee-wee goes there, Poo-poo goes there. Then Daddy wipes behind me and that is that! Everything is easy now that I am bigger, I just got a potty...if my friends could see me now!

Then you go to the chorus.

Is that not hilarious-I started singing it and Hannah pointed to the T.V as if to say turn the movie on and stop your singing!

Well we are on our way-We will see how it goes.

Outside

2008-04-12T16:37:00.000-07:00

Today we went outside and blew bubbles and played around the house. Hannah loves to play outside. Her favorite is the flowers (weeds) in the yard. Here are some pictures:

Our little golfer

2008-04-07T12:03:00.000-07:00

Hannah recently got her first set of golf clubs. She has been playing with them ever since, even in the house. She doesn't get the idea of hitting the ball yet, but every so often the club makes contact with the ball. She gets so excited when she accidentally hits it, but mostly she likes to put one of the flags in the hole.

Here is our little "Tigress Woods."

Memories

2008-04-02T11:59:00.000-07:00

Thought this picture was cute. This is the day after Hannah was born. I miss that day and I did not know the work that was to come either!

Fun, Fun!

2008-04-02T11:47:00.001-07:00

Last Friday, Hannah and I went to Lake Lucas with some friends and their children. Hannah absolutely loved it and had so much fun. We brought a picnic(which is not easy to eat with toddlers) but we had lots of fun playing and walking on the docks.

There was a man that had just pulled up by the dock with a bucket of fish. He let Hannah see in the bucket, and I thought it was funny when she stuck her hand in the bucket with the fish. Well, the fish splattered her with water! We had a close call when we were on the other dock and I turned around to see Hannah screaming because her foot had gotten stuck in the railing. We would have lost her shoe if it wasn't for my quick thinking! Her foot was saved, shoe and all!

One of my favorite things...

2008-04-02T11:28:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things to do sometimes is to watch Hannah sleep. It is so peaceful in her room. She has so many positions that she sleeps in. I went into her room yesterday at her nap time and this is what I found!

Sssssssssssssssssssssssssss!!! RUN!!

2008-03-26T11:18:00.000-07:00

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just saw a snake. It had big ferocious teeth and it was fat and long with a bright red tail. It was hissing at me. I really did not know I could run that fast! Whew! I was rolling the trash can in when I heard slithering like 100 miles per hour over towards me. Turns out he wanted the garden hose not me, but I was terrified in the worst possible sense of the word. I scared it away though (Well, not exactly, because I acted like a wimp and called my neighbors). I would not leave the house and I even kept the doors locked, as if the snake could turn the knob or something.

Boy, that snake was about 20 feet and uuuuuuuuuuuuuugly!! It gave me a mean look, like I did something to him. Can you believe that.

Turns out, it was a HARMLESS black snake.
I am thinking about buying stock in moth balls!

I would like to think that I am a hero for spotting the wild beast so my family wouldn't get hurt.

The pictures above illustrate how distressed I was today at about 2:00.

I guess I exagerated some...(okay, A LOT) on the snakes description. I had to make it worth reading!

Easter Eggs

2008-03-21T14:21:00.000-07:00

This afternoon we decided to have a Easter Egg Hunt. Nick hid some of those little plastic eggs for Hannah to find and put in her Easter basket. Hiding them was not that hard because we wanted Hannah actually to be able to find them since this was her first time. She really did good and had a lot of fun. She also had fun hunting the little yellow flowers that are growing all over the yard.
She did really good finding all the eggs the first time. We hid them again and it was soon that she had a handful of yellow flowers. Our little "weed eater!"

Vote please!

2008-03-19T11:35:00.000-07:00

I just entered Hannah in the Great American Baby photo Contest. She needs you to vote for her. Here is the link. You might have to type it in your address bar and then go to it that way. We need your votes!!

https://www.greatamericanphotocontest.com/voter1/index.aspx?referid=EmailFriends&p=415520&x=.JPG

OKAY, just realized that I did a very bad computer thing! DO NOT VOTE!! If you do or you did already, you will be spammed! I know our hannah is beautiful, but I don't need you to tell me that. I am just trying to protect you. Call me a spammer-I don't care, I won't do it again.
Consider yourself warned!!

March Maddness

2008-03-15T10:40:00.000-07:00

Recently, we have been watching the ACC Tournament . This house is full of Duke fans and we have been rooting for them. As I am not much of a sports enthusiast myself, I can't sit still long enough to watch a full game from beginning to end, I really just am interested in who wins. I really don't understand all this sports talk like who's in the top seed and why when it says 7 minutes left on the clock, it ends up lasting 20. I am really trying hard to understand and to make it through a whole game.
All I really know is that Duke is the 2nd seed, although I have always thought that a seed is something someone plants. I understand that this type of seed is different, but it's still confusing.
Today, Carolina is playing Virginia Tech and I am for Virginia Tech myself. As you can see, someone else is too!

Baby powder Fun

2008-03-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

This afternoon I decided to vacuum my house. (These days it is a rare thing). I sent Hannah to her room to play while I was doing it. She obediently went to play and I started up the vacuum. I was going about my business when I glanced in her room and all I could see was her sitting in the corner of her room surrounded by white powder of some sort. (Now, this would not have been a bit funny to me any other time, but this time I had the vacuum in my hands.)

Well, I stopped the vacuum and looked in her room and there she was with the thing of baby powder upside down shaking it with a vengeance. (We keep her powder closed up in a cabinet, but somebody left it out...it was me now that I think of it.)

I looked at her and she looked at me and we both smiled and laughed(please remember I am not usually so patient with these little messes...I'm getting better.) As I ran for the camera, Hannah hurried to get her burp cloth to clean it up with. After I got some cute pictures, I turned on the vacuum and cleaned it up!

The dentist

2008-03-11T08:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Hannah's very first trip to the dentist! (If she was writing this, she would not put an exclamation point on the end...trust me.) Don't get me wrong...she didn't cry or anything, she was very brave. Let me just start at the very beginning...

I had been trying my best to talk this dentist thing up to her ever since we made the appointment. Every time we would brush her teeth, we would practice what we were going to do at the dentist and she would do great.

Well, the big day came and when we arrived at the dentist, she walked with me like a very good girl up to the door and I opened it. Well, she would not go in. After I got her in and she could not get out, she started looking around and she spotted books so she got one and we started to look at it. About that time, Nick walked in and she felt much better. He started playing with her and I asked her to show him what she was going to do when she got to go back to see the dentist which was to open up and say "ah". I knew there may be a problem when she sat there tight lipped.

Soon they called us back. Hannah walked right back to the room and got on my lap in the big chair. Everything was okay because there is a personal sink right beside the chair with water that is continually running. Hannah was quite amused by it and thought it was fun to feel the water. Soon the hygienist came in and asked to see her teeth. Well, needless to say she forgot all about the sink.

It is important for you to know that this really wasn't an appointment...it only lasted about 10 minutes, and if you count the time it took for her to kick and push the hygienist away, it probably took even less than that. Grant it, she did kick and push her very nicely. She is very polite.

The hygienist did get to see 8 teeth and commented that they were very healthy. She gave kudos to Nick and I for the grand job we are doing with her. That is about the end of my story, although Hannah did give the hygienist a hug before she left and let her hold her. Told you, she is very polite! Next time, she wants to try to paint fluoride on Hannah's teeth. (I am just hoping and praying for the best...whatever outcome that may be).

Funny Hannah

2008-03-07T18:21:00.000-08:00

Tonight after supper, Nick and I built a fort for Hannah. (Okay...it was our dining room table covered with two long sheets so you could not see under the table). Hannah absolutely loved it and had a ball. We got in with her and we had so much fun.
She is so cute. She is getting where she understands more and more of what we say. (By the way, don't ask her to put your nose in her mouth...because she really will.) The other night she closed herself up in our end table!

Yesterday

2008-03-07T18:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we started our Bible Study back. It is called, He Speaks To Me by Priscilla Shirer. I really enjoy it. The first session was about having faith like a child and having a child-like relationship with Jesus. She was talking about Samuel, and the fact that God bypassed the priest, Eli, in order to talk to Samuel. Point being that Samuel was only a child and God still spoke to him.
Priscilla Shirer was talking about us coming to God as children would, and depending fully on Him. We need to be willing to listen when He speaks, and stop acting so grown up and like we know it all for a moment. We also learned that when we ask God for something, we need to expect Him to come through for us. She used the example of children and how they ask us for something that they cannot do for themselves, and then expect that their mom or dad will come through for them. They fully depend on us...just like the way we should be with Jesus.

Love

2008-03-05T11:16:00.000-08:00

I write this as Hannah is taking her nap. We took a walk and played outside and she loved it. I was rolling the trashcan in and she was behind it pushing while I was in front pulling. She is such a doll!! I am so glad that God gave her to us to raise. She teaches me so much about Him every day. She takes one day at a time and she has no worries. I need to be more like that.....
I love my Hannah banana!!

Busy

2008-03-04T06:47:00.000-08:00

I have not been in blogging mode in a while because my life has been pretty much non-stop recently. My little Hannah is on the verge of getting a whole lot of chompers. She has not been happy, which makes our life busy. Thank goodness for Motrin, because we have been using it when there was nothing left to do to help her feel better. We were at the beach last week for my 31st birthday and it was relaxing, but very challenging. Hannah was very fussy, and being away from Daddy did'nt make it any easier. The week before, she had just gotten over a little bug that rose her temperature to 103.4 degree's. We managed to get that down slowly, but she is left with a persistent cough and congestion that has been around since Christmas. The week we were gone, Nick got that same bug and he is still recovering.
Hannah is still teething, but it is much better. We are consumed with drool over here.
Nick is doing better, but still trying to get his strength back. I am just hoping this bug that was going around our home is dead for good.