The Latest Buzz

Never thought I'd have bees...on purpose lol.

Any of you interested in some homegrown honey? Just let me know...harvest will be in August. All I ask is for your empty honey bear bottles. :)





This is just a quick glance off of our front porch...


...the southwest end of our property

Happy! Happy! Joy! Joy!

Our previos Pastor and "Pastorette," Bob & Becki, were in town so we had a fun bbq last nite at my sister's place. AND, GUESS WHAT? She brought her laptop to show us some pics of their new church, grandbabies, etc. We had tons of fun, and it's always awesome to be able to spend time with great friends.

So after she finished, she told me she had looked everywhere for the pictures of Gabriel's big entry into this world; at the time, we didn't have a working camera, so Becki stayed in the room with me to get pictures. My heart was completely broken when after she moved she revealed to me that she had downloaded all the pics, but somehow they had gotten lost, and she had no idea what happened. Most of you know what happened with the childbirth pics of Maya...and I just wanted to stomp and scream and pull my hair out when I realized I wouldn't have pictures of either of my kids from the hospital.

Well, I'm thrilled to be able to end this post on a good note...I FOUND ALL THE PICS LAST NIGHT ON HER COMPUTER!!!! :) :) :)

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Big Love,
Sarah

PS--Happy Birthday, Courtney!!

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful for laughter. I'm thankful that something as simple as a cow standing in my front yard, which by the way actually happened yesterday, can make me bust out laughing and just for a few split minutes, allow me to be goofy, forget all the worries I have, and have fun.

I'm thankful for people with contagious laughs...it tends to rub off on those around them.

I'm thankful that laughter really is an awesome medicine...to help reduce anxiety, stress, and tension...Lord knows I need to laugh as much as I possibly can!! :)

What are you thankful for today?


Big Love,
Sarah

Happy Memorial Day

A special shout out and much thanks to all soldiers, past and present, for the freedom we have today.

Sam~
ily. tp4dhblof!

Carly~
I just told Sam that I'm having Carly withdrawals...we need to get together very soon, PLEASE?!?!?! :)

Courtney~
thanks for the comments...and I need you to leave me the link to your blog so I can add it to my favorites...somewhere along the line I deleted the email you sent with the link.

Katie & Yaw~
always happy to have you home, even though time is always limited. love you tons, and looking forward to seeing you back in August!

Ronda~
thanks for being you.

J~
thanks for always reading and all of your prayers & support...hope you've had a fun weekend!

Carol~
ready to come visit yet? you're missing out on some gorgeous grandbabies & lots of laughing! :)


Pics to come soon...hopefully I will make it to my sister's today to get the camera cord!

Big Love,
Sarah

Isn't He Sweet? :)

Thankful Thursday

WARNING: EXTRA LONG POST (I'M NOT EVEN SURE WHERE I'M HEADED WITH THIS POST, BUT I NEED TO VENT SOMEWHERE ALONG THE WAY.)

What a big day for Gabriel! He had a fantastic birthday filled with lots and lots of clothes, toys, cake, ice cream, family and love.

And as for me, well, I'll just say I've been holding back the tears all day long. One of those days where any little thing makes me want to just sit down, throw my hands in the air, and cry. My baby is a year old; and while it's certainly a happy occasion, it's also been a little sad and a big eye-opener, realizing just how fast the days pass by...at least for mama.

*BIG SIGH*

Today I'm thankful for the very person who completes me; my total strength when I am weak; my rescuer from mean people and unwanted thoughts; my avenue of fresh air and ventilation when the world weighs a ton and smothers me to tears; my very best friend and companion, I'm thankful today for Sam.

This has been a really hard day for me. No matter how hard I've tried to just be happy and celebrate, I've had to try even harder to keep the water works from flowing. It didn't matter that I had a dentist appointment to distract me. It didn't matter that I had a great time running errands with my aunt. It didn't matter that I spent the day with my precious babies. My heart was just heavy and my mood was sharp.

Gabriel's party was wonderful. Dinner was delicious, and the cake was amazing. We even had an end-of-the-evening-surprise announcement that my cousin, Katie, is expecting her first little bundle of sweetness who is due in December. But for some reason, none of that was able to cut through the feeling of sadness I've carried with me all day long...and the closing remarks of the evening certainly didn't help.

I'm continuously amazed at the lessons I learn about this so-called social structure called a "family." And I must admit that it tears me up every single time I see actions or hear words from my "family" that are anything less than encouraging, uplifting, and supportive. I mean, really, that's what "family" is for, right? I'm learning that's not the case. I'm learning, the hard way, that "family" isn't always there for you...and they certainly don't treat everyone...nevermind. I can't go there right now, or I'll get ugly.

Sam, on the other hand, has never, ever hurt me. He has never raised his voice. He has made a conscious effort to always be encouraging, uplifting, and supportive. And, he never complains when I don't take a spare second to just stop and smell the roses while I vent about family gatherings. :)

So, I'm deciding to follow suit with my favorite co-blogger, Carly. Two days ago, on May 19, unbeknownst to many, Sam turned 32! Here are 32 reasons why I love my best friend:

1. For loving me even when I am unlovable.
2. For never making me get up at night to make a bottle or change a diaper.
3. For letting me take Sunday naps!
4. For working from sun up 'til sun down, and every minute in between.
5. For spoiling me on a regular basis with awesome gifts when I very least expect it.
6. For never once making me touch a toilet brush.
7. For cleaning, doing laundry, taking out the trash, and making the bed.
8. For my 2 beautiful babies.
9. For taking care of me when I can't take care of myself.
10. For loving Jesus with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength.
11. For being someone I can have fun with.
12. For watching chick flicks with me.
13. For calling me every single day, even when I'm short and curt with him on the phone.
14. For scrambling through my purse to find medicine when I'm having a panic attack.
15. For waiting up for me even when it's late and he's super tired.
16. For telling me I'm beautiful.
17. For cuddling on the couch.
18. For cooking supper.
19. For the best French toast & meatballs in the world!
20. For being perfectionist when I only strive to meet the requirement.
21. For 2-hour massages any time I have a migraine--or just because I ask for it.
22. For always putting his wife and children above everything else.
23. For playing outside with Maya.
24. For putting up with my family when they are less than likable--and sticking around when it would be easier to just walk away.
25. For playing his guitar and singing to me even though I laugh.
26. For talking in secret code with me.
27. For over-dressing pretty much everywhere we go.
28. For cutting his hair the way EYE love it.
29. For controlling his temper and never raising his voice.
30. For keeping out thermostat on 60!!!
31. For encouraging me to be the best I can be.
32. For looking beyond my pretenses, my annoying habits, and loving me just the way I am.

ilysaicwfytrt!! ;)

Big, cryful love & hugs,

Sarah

Whisper A Prayer

An email from a very special friend:

Dear Friends and Family,

As most of you may know, we are 6 months pregnant with our first baby! We are having a boy and his name is Dylan Mitchell. We have had some difficult news this week and we need all of you to pray for us. Through ultrasound, the doctors discovered Dylan has a heart condition called hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Basically, for some unknown reason the left side of his heart is underdeveloped. Because of this, Dylan will require at least 3 open heart surgeries starting the week he is born. This is one of the most complicated heart problems a baby can be born with. We have met with a pediatric cardiologist who will be referring us to Atlanta where they will be taking care of him. We are very fortunate to be close to one of the top pediatric cardiac hospitals where they can perform the necessary procedures with much expertise and exceptional outcomes. Also, we plan on delivering Dylan early in Atlanta so he will be close to Sibley Heart Hospital. Please pray for all we have to prepare for. Mitchell was supposed to deploy a few months after Dylan's birth. This looks to be unlikely due to our situation, please pray that it will all work out. Also, pray that our insurance will cooperate with all we need. Pray for Dylan's health and also for Sammy's. We also need prayer for emotional sanity...this has been a tough week. We are trusting in God for our little miracle baby.

God bless,

Mitch and Sammy Finnesgard

Thankful Thursday

*sigh*

wow, what a long day...nothing bad, not too stressful, just long. and boy, does it feel good to be home! :) And Sam & I just had an awesome, cute, "awwwww" moment, one of those moments that will either bring a smile to your face or a smack on a little hiny: Maya was taking her bath, and Gabriel was in the bathroom, as he usually is, standing at the tub anxiously awaiting his turn. I was just sitting down here to bring up my blog site, and Sam walked out and said, "Sarah, you gotta go look." I peeked in and saw the happiest little boy...jumping and splashing, IN the tub, clothes, diaper, and all...just having hayday. If only life could be so playful in our later years...*sigh*

Ok, on to what I'm really supposed to be posting about today lol.

Today I'm thankful for disposable diapers. I just finished doing a load of white laundry, and the thought crossed my mind, "ewww, what if these 'burp rags' were really loaded with poop?!?!" heh...can't you just smell it? ;) take a big ol' whiff...and be thankful with me (at least those of you who can relate). I'm so thankful it's just some spit up n a few green boogers I gotta wash out, and not the fragrant brown paste. rofl

ok, ok...I'll stop. ;)

What are you thankful for today???

Big Love,
Sarah

Roll Call

My Blogger Traffic Report is telling me I have an average of 14 visits per day.

So, it's time for me to take roll and find out who of my good ol' faithful blog readers are out there...

Carly B?

SL?

Katie?

Courtney?

J?

I'm expecting to get a 'here' out of all of you I just mentioned...as for the rest of you, well, just be kind enough to leave a stinkin' comment and say hi!!

Big Love,
Mrs. Shaffer ;)

Begging your pardon...

To those of you awaiting your "special something" for sponsoring me in the Autism CareWalk, I have good news...

I now have the "special somethings" in hand! :) The order has arrived, and I will be shipping them on Friday.

Big Love,
Sarah

Thankful Thursday

Praying. Selfless. Loving. Devoted. Caring. Defending. Teaching. Preaching. Encouraging. Laughing. Hard-working.

Just a few words that quickly come to mind when thinking of one of my biggest heros in life, my mama.

I remember coming home from kindergarten to find my PB&J with milk all ready to be devoured by a hungry 5-year-old. (And, just let me stick something in here real quick--my mom makes THE best PB&J; just ask any one of her 50+ babysittin' kids, or any of my high school classmates who used to PAY me to TRADE them a nutty bar for my PB&J.) Then, with a full belly, I'd curl up on the couch with her for a quiet nap. Ah...I had it made...

I remember the day I was walking home from kindergarten with my new Shera lunch bucket when a stupid bully pushed me down and kicked my lunch bucket way down the sidewalk...little did he know, my mom was right there, watching me from the front door...poor kid! lol I bet he isn't a bully anymore.

I remember always coming home to a decorated home around every single holiday throughout the year.

I remember hot, summer days at the pool, followed by an ice cream cone from Mike's Bionic Burger. Unbeknownst to me, she had scraped the bottom of the piggy bank to get those 91 pennies.

I remember mom at every single tennis match, always with a cooler full of snacks and drinks, just for me...and my partner. And she watched, and kept quiet, which was totally against her nature. :)

I remember her giving me a bath when I was too weak following my wisdom teeth extraction.

I remember her holding me on the couch at 3 a.m. just 5 years ago while I sobbed with a broken heart.

I remember her driving me to school, going back home, picking me up, taking me to work, going back home, picking me up, taking me back to school, going home, picking me up, then taking me home...every day for 2 years.

I remember her holding my feet and telling me, "everything is going to be okay," on October 6, 2008 when my world had completely stopped.

I remember how bad I hurt her--and I never, ever want to do it again.

Yes, along with the good and fun memories, I can recall times of hurt, pain, and sadness--and that's okay. Those times have made our relationship what it is today. And for that, I'm most thankful. I wanna take the time I have now, while she's here, to love on her and be thankful for her. To honor her now, rather than wait 'til she's gone, for putting up with me :), for being a faithful wife, mother, woman, for loving Dad, being a prayer warrior, and staying strong when the rest of us can't. For withstanding all the bumps and bruises along her journey, from her days of growing up to now, that have shaped her.

I love you, Mom!

If your mom is still here, this is a perfect time to go love on her. May shock her, but do it anyway.

Are you thankful for your mom today?

Congratulations, Andy & Alicia!

Preston Andrew Luna was born this evening at 5:40 p.m.

5 lbs, 13 oz.

18 1/2''

His mama's eyes and his daddy's nose & mouth...another miracle right before our very eyes.

Monday Madness

1. Maya back to Dr. this morning--still running a fever and crying during the night. She has ear infection in both ears. Now on antibiotics, so hopefully will be back to her normal self very soon--I've realized I depend on her just as much as she depends on me!! :)

2. I had to go to the dentist today for 3 fillings--and you all know how much I LOVE going to the dentist...NOT!! As a matter of fact, I've said this before, and I'll say it again, I'd rather go to the gynecologist than go to the dentist--ok ok, t.m.i., but seriously, that's how I feel. So Dr. comes in and says, "alrighty Sarah, this is gonna be quick and painless so let's get started." I knew right then I was jinxed. I must admit that he was correct in saying painless--I didn't feel a thing, praise the Lord! However, quick, not so much. I started bleeding for some unknown reason in the process, and it just kept getting worse. Ended up having to stop doing the fillings and just concentrate on getting the bleeding stopped. Several rolls of gauze, lots of time, and one hundred fifty-eight dollars later, I walked out with my 3 fillings.

(Thank you, Sam, for keeping our angels and getting them down for naps!!)

3. Stopped by the hospital to see Andy. Alicia was dilated to 4 and was getting ready to have her epidurral--again--as the first try wasn't successful. Hopefully when I get off work, she'll be out of pain, and that tiny baby will be ready to meet his birthday buddy, Sarah!! :)

hmmm...nothing else that I can think of right now. gotta start gettin' ready for work!

Big Love,
Sarah

oh yeah! I knew I was forgetting something--pastor Bill Koons is official...the vote passed! :)

Just Pray

A really long day yesterday, an even longer night...and a really, REALLY long day today...

I'm tired.

Just pray.

Big love,
Sarah

Happy May Day!!!

Wow...May 1st. Can you believe it?



May Day will always have a special place in my heart. Mom instilled a special tradition in us, and I'm anxiously awaiting the day when I can instill the tradition in my kiddos: May Day Baskets!!!



As soon as Steph & I arrived home from school, mom would be in the kitchen, already beginning to fill the green strawberry baskets with lilacs & tulips. I can smell it now just typing this. :) Steph would usually go outside and start cutting more flowers, and I would head straight for the good stuff--the smarties, tootsie rolls, snickers, and bubble gum--and start loading up the baskets. Soon after, I would begin making name tags for each basket: Grandma L., Grandma V., Brad, Lou, Amy, Sis, Bub, Aunt Rosie, Katie, Andy, Lita, Mrs. Palmer, Max, and the list went on...
And when all the green baskets we had were full with goodies...we made more baskets out of construction paper.

Then we loaded everything up into the car, picking up the ones we dropped along the way, and off we went. Mom drove, and of course, Steph & I delivered. We'd have the basket in hand, throw open the car door, dash up to the porch, throw the basket down (we never cared about everything spilling out we had worked so hard to put in), ring the doorbell or knock, and RUN FOR OUR LIVES!!!!!!! lol...man, what a sight to see if you were just a car passing by!

I remember one year The Ark Valley News wrote an article on the Victory girls making May Baskets. Even when it rained...the Victorys were still doing May Baskets. Even when the babysittin' kids hadn't been picked up yet...they came along with us. Even when we thought we were 'too old' or didn't feel well...the Victorys still did May Baskets. Even when we were 23 & 25...the Victorys were still doing May Baskets.

Two days ago I told Sam, "I'm thinking about doing May Day baskets with Grady, Dom, and Maya on Friday." His response: "You're thinking about doing what? What in the world is THAT?" It totally broke my heart that he didn't even know what it was...how sad is that?!?!? lol

To save my sanity for the weekend, I'm holding off just for about 2 more years, and then we will begin the fun, and May Day will be a religious holiday for my kids, too...keep a close eye on your front porch on May 1st...you never know what you might find!!!!! :)

Big Love,
Sarah