A Birthday for a Princess

Maya celebrated her 2nd birthday on Sunday, December 28th.  After church, we went to McDonald's for lunch with Nana, Papa, Noo Noo, Aunt Nenie, Pastor Scott, Ronda, and Byron.  After lunch, we had a birthday party at GG Luna's where Bub, Stacy, and the kids had decorated like crazy with Abby Cadabby streamers, party hats, blow whistles, napkins, plates, centerpiece, table cloth, etc.!  It was awesome.  Maya's favorite gifts included new shoes (3 pairs), sparkly clothes, a puppy dog in a taxi, My Little Ponies, and a cooking set.  

Sorry these are all the pictures we captured...our camera was dead and papa's camera ran out of memory after these were taken. 

Maya had no trouble blowing out her candles!

We convinced Grady to wear a party hat for 2.5 seconds, just in time to snap a quick pic (he didn't want to be caught wearing PINK!)

Gabriel had a fun time with his cousins he had never met who were in town from Virginia, Katie & Yaw!

My baby girl...I can't believe she's already 2!!

Mmmm...birthday cake!

Christmas Morning

Gabriel's First Christmas

Opening Gifts @ Nana's

Christmas Eve

Gabriel and GGV

Sisters...

I swear, she's NOT a midget...he's just 8'4''!

I never thought posing for a picture could be so difficult...

Nicky Noo Noo w/ his mama...

Some Christmas Pics

Christmas Day @ GGV's house, sitting with Aunt Steph & Pooh...

Maya sporting her princess attire...

Mommy & Maya opening gifts Christmas evening @ Uncle Eddie's house...Maya and Gabriel racked up TONS of presents from the extended family!!

Maya wearing her new jeans from Grandma Carol

Gabriel spending some quality time with Uncle Eddie & Aunt Rosie

Merry Christmas!

Hope you all have a wonderfully blessed Christmas.  Sorry I haven't kept up with posts lately; I have been trying to stay home with the kids, therefore, I have no access to Internet.

We love you all and pray that the true meaning of Christmas will be very real to all of you this year.

Much love,

Sarah

Hey, everyone! Just a quick note to say hello to all of you. We, as everyone else in the world, are extremely busy with holiday parties, work, crazy kids, and everything else that comes along with this time of year.

A new exciting thing for us...our nephew, Dominic, aka "Nicky Noo Noo" will be starting school tomorrow! This is a HUGE answer to prayer, and we are so excited to see his development begin accelerating. Thank you ALL for your prayers and support. At this time, he is being diagnosed by school personnel as having a 2-3 year developmental delay; they cannot technically define his delays as "autism" until he is diagnosed by a medical doctor. He has an appointment in February for a diagnosis. Please continue to pray for him and for Stephanie, as the embrace these changes...they are also moving in a month or so, so we are super excited for them!!!

That's all for now. It's late, and I need to get kiddos home for baths & bed (and Sam, too lol).

Much love to you all,
Sarah

Thanksgiving...

Gus & Nana

Steph & Dom
Steph and the buck she shot with his tongue hangin' out
Gabriel's first thanksgiving dinner--mashed potatoes--being fed by great-grandpa Luna

*sigh*

didn't get the job @ Spirit...very frustrating and depressing.

so, on to more job apps & interviews, I guess.

hope you're all well~
Sarah

Bittersweet

Today I want to share something with all of you that is very near and dear to my heart. As you already know, I had to resign from my position at Agape'Care Cradle, Inc. Although I'm no longer physically present at the office, my heart and my mind are still there...every day. Had my mental health not been so unstable, I am sure I would have spent my next 40 years working for this remarkable organization. I'd like to share a bit about the organization with you.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Agape'Care Cradle, it is a non-profit, uniquely specialized funeral center that provides services for families who have lost a baby. The tragic loss of a baby is so often met with so many emotions that the thought of making funeral arrangements for this little one whom the parents had so many hopes and dreams for seems insurmountable. Agape'Care Cradle helps comfort the parents, family, and friends by making the last moments with their baby as special as possible. This is done by making precious memory items, capturing unforgettable pictures, and allowing the parents time to hold their sweet child as long as they need to say goodbye. The services provided are irreplacable and a vital resource to all communities...I promise you that one day, no matter where you are in the United States, there will be an Agape'Care Cradle, Inc. in a nearby city helping families in need.

I am moved beyond words to be involved with such an organization--one that has, without hesitation, stepped into the lives of a broken mother or struggling young couple who could not afford even the least expensive traditional funeral service and created a setting of such love, dignity, and closure. In the brief time I worked at ACC, I cannot count the number of times I heard people say, "I couldn't do that, Sarah." Or, "Why don't you work somewhere less depressing?" Or, "Ew, that's gross! I can't believe you're working in a mortuary!" But, let me tell you, it was the most meaningful job I've ever had. Yes, it was sad; yes, it was heartbreaking; yes, it was depressing; yes, it was uncomfortable at times; but, it was so rewarding...so heartwarming to visit with the families, so humbling to be a part of an opportunity to serve such precious creations of our Almighty Creator!

All this said to say this:
Yes, I want to find a way to prevent infant deaths, prenatal problems, and SIDS; yes, I want to raise funds; yes, ...but I want to do it to somehow make it right for these babies...for the moms and dads...for the brothers & sisters. I want people to know who those babies were and that they mattered. I want people to know that when I think of what these mamas and daddys had and what they lost it makes me ill...there were moments in the midst of the business of the organization that I would just have to walk away from it all and cry. I was so overcome by raw emotion for what these parents had gone through that I just had to stop. I didn't want anyone to think for a minute that their little baby was going to get lost and become some brand name. Not as long as Agape'Care Cradle is around. We're in it to win it, and we're in it for those gorgeous baby girls and handsome baby boys who were not here nearly long enough.

If you feel so inclined to help a worthy organization, please consider helping Agape'Care Cradle, Inc. For more information, please visit the website, www.agapecarecradle.org

Big Love,
Sarah

Take A Look

Okay, I don't care if you're into church or not, PLEASE click on the You Tube video that I have saved (to your right) and watch this little girl...I hope Maya will do this some day soon!

Much love to you all,
Sarah

Serenity

"Dios concedeme serenidad para aceptar lo que no puedo cambiar, valor para cambiar lo que puedo, y buen juicio para reconocer la diferencia."

I had to break out my Spanish on this one, lol. It's so much prettier that way. This has been and always will be a foundational philosophy of how I think of life. It's encouraging, it's motivating, and it's so simple...

I think somtimes I try too hard to change the things which I have no ability to control. I'm attempting to stop doing that and to just sit back, see the broad picture, and accept that some things just are what they are, and no matter how hard I try, I can't possibly change them.

Much love,
Sarah

For Katie & Yaw (and the rest of you, too!)

It's Monday...again!

For those of you wondering, my interview @ Spirit went great this morning. They're supposed to call me by Friday to let me know if they are hiring me. It wasn't even really an "interview;" it was more like a 10 minute chat/laugh session, which was really neat. I'm really excited about it! The bad news: due to the recent strike issues, they can't hire for my position until January 1, 2009. But, that's okay with me...more time to spend with my precious babies!!

And, when I got home, guess what?! I got a phone call from The Ark Valley News saying I took first place in the Spooktacular Contest, which was basically just a drawing for cash...so I picked up my $110!! :)

Hope you all have had a great Monday!

Big love,
Sarah

Pumpkin Pics

Punkin Time!

Howdy, everyone! Hope your week is going well.

Tonight, Sam, the kids, and I will be carving pumpkins, or "punkins" as Maya likes to call them, with Steph and Dom at mom's house. Dad has been out of town for a few days, so it will be fun to have him in the mix with us, too!

I'm still debating on what to carve with Maya...thinking of maybe a cross, or maybe just a silly face. And Sam insisted that Gabriel needed a pumpkin too, so I'm guessing he'll probably carve that one--who knows how that will turn out! ;)

At any rate, I'm hoping to keep this pumpkin prayer in mind as the night unfolds:

Cut off the top:
Lord, open my mind and fill me
with Your wisdom and guidance

Scoop out the yuckies:
Lord, take out all my fussies and
frownies and fill me with your love

Carve out the eyes:
Lord, open my eyes to see all of the
beautiful things You have made

Carve out the nose:
Lord, help me to be a sweet
fragrance for You

Carve out the mouth:
Lord, help me to always speak
Your words of love and kindness

Place in a candle:
Lord, let me be a light to others
for You have filled me with Your light

Happy Carving~
Sarah

Happy Monday!

Just a post here to update you on the latest Shaffer happenings...but before I begin, where in the heck are all of you readers' comments??????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!????????????????

Sam:
Continues to be the best husband ever and take care of his crazy wife and chillin's! ;) Still working at Nordam...recently got a promotion...searching for a part-time job until I can start working again. Needs a new truck...his broke down last weekend on his way to play paintball...and in the midst of everything going on, he NEVER complains.

Sarah:
Doing well, thanks again for all of prayers!! Drugs are AMAZING!!! I am seeing a therapist on a regular basis now, and I love her! Currently putting in applications...had an interview this morning @ 7 am with Spirit AeroSystems!

Claudia & Camile:
Doing great in school! Every conversation seems to include a list of Christmas wishes...Lord, help us! The girls are very excited about Halloween...Claudia will be prancing around as a princess, and Camile will be flying around as an angel. So sweet!

Maya:
Speaking in complete sentences now...the latest being, "Don't worry about it!" "What's wrong with bubby?" "Where'd dee-dee go?" (dee-dee=pacifier) She has been off of her "doddle" for 3 days now...way to go, Maya!!! We made a visit to the pumpkin patch, and she had no problem at all choosing her favorite pumpkin. Maya is going to be a matching ladybug with her older cousin, Morgan. They are super excited about trick-or-treating!

Gabriel:
Still as sweet as he was the day he was born. Mommy's little cuddlebug was super sick last week with a 102 degree fever for about 3 days, and horrible congestion. Again, drugs are amazing--amoxicillin cleared it right up, and he is back to his giggly self. "Gus" is now rolling over and beginning to sit up on his own. His latest weigh in last week was 19 lbs. Our "gentle giant" is going to be dressed in a costume sent by his Pap in PA--The Incredible Hulk.

Loving the cool weather,
Sarah

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful for individual characteristics that really make us who we are. I'm thankful that my 2nd toe is longer than my big toe, hence the nickname Sarah Long Toe.

I'm thankful that Sam, who by the way, is the most incredibly strong person I've ever known (both physically AND mentally), has crooked toes, too, but his are all completely out of order, so I can't even think of a good nickname for that! ;) (Love you!)

I'm thankful for my "gentle giant" who cries at any little noise.

And, I'm thankful for...

Maya-isms. Now, let name a few.

1. Doddle=bottle

2. Daddoo Pammy=Daddoo Sammy (one that totally cracks me up!)

3. "Don't worry about it." (and she's not even 2 yet!)

4. Her OCD about constantly having a shoe on her left foot, and so crazy about it that she goes into a full-fledged, horrible, screaming tantrum if we take it off before she is completely asleep...so if you've ever wondered where we came up with the name of our blog address, now ya know!

5. Her OCD about ears. Anytime she's sitting next to anyone, she's always gotta hold at least one ear. This is also a ritual for going to sleep...no need for a blankie or teddy when you've got an ear to hold!

6. Her precious obsession with flowers. Any flowers she sees, whether it be on a wall, in a book, or on her shirt, she's smelling them and "ahhh's" just like it's some Heaven-sent fragrance. (And of course Nana now wears a specific shirt wardrobe, all with flowers, during the week just for Maya's pleasure!)

7. The sweet prayers she whispers before meals and bedtime. Sounds a little something like, "Deaw Jejus, peas hap me be a good gul. Amen!!" Or, "Deaw Jejus, tan too fo dis food, Amen!!"

8. Walking on the very tips of her toes like she's wearing 5'' stilettos...everywhere she goes!

9. Answering the telephone and saying, "Hola!"

10. The way she puckers up to give a kiss--what big, beautiful lips!!!

These are just a few of my favorites...there's way too many to list them all.

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful for so many things. First and foremost, I'm thankful for the love and comfort of my Heavenly Father who has been with me through every moment of this emotional roller coaster I have been riding these last 2 weeks.

For the unconditional love, strength, and support of my amazing husband and incredible family, all of whom have spent sleepless nights staying awake with me to hold my hands and sing to me.

For the powerful prayer warriors who have wrapped their arms around me and called me every single day--not to mention the holes that now exist from so faithfully being on their knees!

To all of you, near and far, THANK YOU, from the very bottom of my heart.

Big Love,
Sarah

from the heart...

I know most of you have probably heard what's going on...please know that I truly covet your prayers.

I will be blogging again as soon as I the gain the strength to do so.

Big Love,
Sarah

Fill in the Blank

I know it's Thankful Thursday, but I'm actually going to wait and post my Thankful Thursday post on Friday...makes sense, doesn't it? Okay, well neither does anything else in my world so go figure! :)

I just got this email from a friend, and I thought, "hey, that would be fun to put on the blog!" So, here it is...

you guys are supposed to fill this out ABOUT ME. And then when I see your comment, I'm going to include it in my next post and fill it out about YOU! :) So don't be shy...copy and paste away!! And since I received this from Ronda (friend/pastor's wife), I'm going to fill it out about her. :)


Where did we meet: Church--I'm guessing around 2004 when Scott was our fill-in.

Take a stab at my middle name: Oh geez, I can't believe I've never asked you this!--Louise?

Do I smoke: Uhhh...maybe in Scott's eyes ;)

Color of my eyes: I'm horrible at this--hazel?

Do I have any siblings: Again, I'm horrible at this...1 sister.

What's one of my favorite things to do: SHOP TIL YOU DROP

What's my favorite type of music: Contemporary Christian...Sanctus Real lol

Am I shy or outgoing: Both.

Am I a rebel or do I follow the rules: heh! totally a rebel.

Any special talents: yeah, singing, making taco salad, playing with kids, and raising an adult child of your own! ;)

How many children do I have: depends who you're spending the weekend with...if it's with me, you have 4!

If you and I were stranded on a desert island, what is one thing that I would bring: chocolate


Now, see how easy that is? Get busy!!!
Sarah

I've Learned...

...that money does not bring happiness.

...that no matter how much your heart is broken, the world does not stop for your grief.

...that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

...that some people just don't love back.

...that people who think they are hot snots are really just cold boogers.

...that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

...that I'm most happy when I'm with my husband and kids.

...that there are many ways of falling--and staying--in love.

...that somewhere in the world, someone else is having issues way worse than mine.

...that pictures are priceless.

...nobody loves me, wants me, cares for me, protects me, laughs with me, cries with me, rescues me, teaches me, or provides for me more than my Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ.

...that even though friends change, you don't have to change friends.

...that it takes YEARS to build trust and only SECONDS to destroy it.

...that you either control your attitude, or it controls you.

...that some people love me more than life itself--they just don't know how to show it.

...that the very people you expect to kick you while you're down can be the very ones to help you get back up.

...that your family won't always be there for you.

...that it isn't enough just to forgive others; you must forgive yourself.

...that I was EXTREMELY spoiled when I was little...okay, maybe I still am! :)

Love and miss you all!
Sarah

*sigh*

well, this has been a long, hard day, to say the very least. so, since I find blogging to be a stress relief for me, I'm just going to chill out and post a few pics. I'm sure none of you will mind that. :)

Much love to you all,

Sarah

Here is Maya and me having some fun before the parade Saturday morning:

Maya's first carousel ride:

The Luna corner at the parade on Saturday morning:
Gabriel's first Fall Festival:


My dad trying to make me sick on the tilt-a-whirl: