5.30.2011
5.27.2011
Happy Memorial Weekend!
Peonies. Roses. Lilacs. Fishing poles. Coolers. Baby Wipes. Bug spray. Candy...lots of candy. Water jugs, coffee cans, wire hangers. Grandma was always prepared for our yearly Memorial Day trip. God, I'm going to miss her on Sunday.
Dad would pull up in the driveway, and she would have everything on the front porch, ready to be loaded. Once we had the trunk packed, she would crawl in the backseat - she always had to sit between Steph and me (she got tired of breaking up fights in years past lol) - and I would give her a good 10 seconds to get settled before my head would plop down on her shoulder. :) Within seconds, I would be sleeping like a baby. I can still feel her pat my leg and lightly move her fingers across my arm and hand...that was some of the best relaxation I will ever experience in my life. *sigh* I MISS HER.
We were in for a long day...it's always so stinkin' hot and
humid. And, you know how I am in nasty weather like that...NOT a pleasant person. :) But, it didn't matter to her...she was always so happy, so excited to be there and be decorating the graves of her loved ones.
I remember listening to her giggle the time she watched "her baby" (my dad) jump up into the pine tree hovering over Grandpa's grave and swing from the dangling limb.
Right next to Grandpa's headstone, of course, was Grandma's headstone. Hers read, "Dorothy Marie Victory, June 6, 1920 - ." I can hear her expression of disgust and see her roll her eyes every time my dad would tell her to lay down there on the ground and act like she was dead. Then she would start laughing and slap his arm. :) I just can't believe she won't be with us this year. Unfortunately, that blank space will be filled in with "March 14, 2011."
What awesome memories I have to hold so close in my heart. Even just as simple and minute as these probably seem, they are what I have held onto the past 2 1/2 months...and I will continue to cherish them for the rest of my life until I see her again.
It was always funny. Once we had hit the second cemetery and gotten back into the car, we were all ready to dig in the snack bag. Undoubtedly, after the bag had been in the baking car for the previous hour, Grandma would pull out her Milky Ways. I could tell, just from looking at it, that it was more like a chocolate paint; but that didn't stop her...she would carefully pull away the wrapper and thoroughly enjoy every bite - usually getting some on her pants or blouse and then giggling about it. And, who cared if she made a mess? Nobody. We had enough baby wipes in the trunk to bathe a family of 18.
Friends & family ~
Whatever your Memorial weekend "gig" is, whether it's barbequeing, going to the lake, visiting relatives far away, , or simply enjoying the warm weather, please take some time to remember those beautiful, important people who are no longer with us. And last, but certainly not least, remember those beautiful, important people who have laid down - or are currently laying down - their own lives so that we can be with the people we love.
I love you,
Sarah
Dad would pull up in the driveway, and she would have everything on the front porch, ready to be loaded. Once we had the trunk packed, she would crawl in the backseat - she always had to sit between Steph and me (she got tired of breaking up fights in years past lol) - and I would give her a good 10 seconds to get settled before my head would plop down on her shoulder. :) Within seconds, I would be sleeping like a baby. I can still feel her pat my leg and lightly move her fingers across my arm and hand...that was some of the best relaxation I will ever experience in my life. *sigh* I MISS HER.
We were in for a long day...it's always so stinkin' hot and
humid. And, you know how I am in nasty weather like that...NOT a pleasant person. :) But, it didn't matter to her...she was always so happy, so excited to be there and be decorating the graves of her loved ones.
I remember listening to her giggle the time she watched "her baby" (my dad) jump up into the pine tree hovering over Grandpa's grave and swing from the dangling limb.
Right next to Grandpa's headstone, of course, was Grandma's headstone. Hers read, "Dorothy Marie Victory, June 6, 1920 - ." I can hear her expression of disgust and see her roll her eyes every time my dad would tell her to lay down there on the ground and act like she was dead. Then she would start laughing and slap his arm. :) I just can't believe she won't be with us this year. Unfortunately, that blank space will be filled in with "March 14, 2011."
What awesome memories I have to hold so close in my heart. Even just as simple and minute as these probably seem, they are what I have held onto the past 2 1/2 months...and I will continue to cherish them for the rest of my life until I see her again.
It was always funny. Once we had hit the second cemetery and gotten back into the car, we were all ready to dig in the snack bag. Undoubtedly, after the bag had been in the baking car for the previous hour, Grandma would pull out her Milky Ways. I could tell, just from looking at it, that it was more like a chocolate paint; but that didn't stop her...she would carefully pull away the wrapper and thoroughly enjoy every bite - usually getting some on her pants or blouse and then giggling about it. And, who cared if she made a mess? Nobody. We had enough baby wipes in the trunk to bathe a family of 18.
Friends & family ~
Whatever your Memorial weekend "gig" is, whether it's barbequeing, going to the lake, visiting relatives far away, , or simply enjoying the warm weather, please take some time to remember those beautiful, important people who are no longer with us. And last, but certainly not least, remember those beautiful, important people who have laid down - or are currently laying down - their own lives so that we can be with the people we love.
I love you,
Sarah
5.26.2011
Thankful Thursday
Today, I'm thankful for olfaction. I'm so very thankful that I can feel, touch, taste, hear, and....... *deeeeep whiff*....smell. :) Obviously, there are some things in this world we all would rather never experience with that particular sense, but here are some of my nose's favorite redolences:
- My pillow
- The first time the AC comes on for the summer
- My bathed babies :)
- My parents' house
- Gasoline
- Sweet Pea
- An Avon book
- Dad's truck
- Play Doh
- Armani cologne
- Shepler's Western Store
- Plumeria
- Rain
- Sun-ripened Raspberry
- My clean laundry
- Cucumber-Melon
- Estee Lauder's Pleasures
- Christmastime
- Century II Convention Hall
- Libraries
- New shower curtain
- Pumpkin guts
- Cotton candy
- The Fair
- Lilacs
What is your favorite smell?
xoxo,
Sarah
5.24.2011
My Thoughts Are In Neutral
Sharing a "2nd cup of coffee" with you today...until my own thoughts make their way back into drive.
Love you, Dan - keeping Nate & the rest of you in our prayers.
Good morning, friend. Well, at least it was morning when I started.
How about a refill of some Newman's Own Extra Bold?
It's hard to see. It reads, "What we think we become."
You know that's true. Hold that thought for a few minutes while we visit over some great coffee.
I found myself sliding into pastor/chaplain role, answering his question as I've done to distraught surviving spouses across many years: "Do only what is necessary; just the things that have to be done. Find comfort in the familiar. Leave the rest of it alone until you are ready for it - and don't let anybody, even me, pressure you into doing anything more until YOU are ready. And if anyone does try to push you, refer them to me."
I tried for hours this morning to generate something beyond self that would lift and encourage you. I was quiet. Quiet time was special - but still too quiet. Being a man who refuses to stay 'under the circumstances' any longer than it takes to kick 'em off and get out from under them, my request turned into a chorus of praise I often sing with a fabulously talented group of musicians and singers...yeah, once including her----
Love you, Dan - keeping Nate & the rest of you in our prayers.Good morning, friend. Well, at least it was morning when I started.
How about a refill of some Newman's Own Extra Bold?
It's hard to see. It reads, "What we think we become."
You know that's true. Hold that thought for a few minutes while we visit over some great coffee.
I found myself sliding into pastor/chaplain role, answering his question as I've done to distraught surviving spouses across many years: "Do only what is necessary; just the things that have to be done. Find comfort in the familiar. Leave the rest of it alone until you are ready for it - and don't let anybody, even me, pressure you into doing anything more until YOU are ready. And if anyone does try to push you, refer them to me."
I tried for hours this morning to generate something beyond self that would lift and encourage you. I was quiet. Quiet time was special - but still too quiet. Being a man who refuses to stay 'under the circumstances' any longer than it takes to kick 'em off and get out from under them, my request turned into a chorus of praise I often sing with a fabulously talented group of musicians and singers...yeah, once including her----
Draw me close to You
Never let me go
I lay it all down again
To hear you say that I'm Your friend
You are my desire
No one else will do
'Cause nothing else could take Your place
To feel the warmth of Your embrace
Help me find the way
Bring me back to You
You're all I want
You're all I've ever needed
You're all I want
Help me know You are near
I understand what many of you are doing: you're singing along with me and more than one of you is wiping away tears, too. See, ours isn't the only family grieving. While we're wiping away tears and swallowing grief-stunned raw emotions, we're reaching out to others who are working and walking through their own Valleys. To that end, I'd like to offer a resource from my files.
This may seem a bit airy, too chirpy for somebody wounded by death's Fence between Here and There. Let me share it with you first, then I'll explain why I include it here.
Life Is An Experience, So...
by William Arthur Ward
- Sing a new song; dance a new step; take a new path.
- Think a new thought; accept a new responsibility; memorize a new poem.
- Try a new recipe; plan a new adventure; entertain a new idea.
- Learn a new language; blaze a new trail; enjoy a new experience.
- Make a new friend; read a new book; see a new movie.
- Climb a new hill; scale a new mountain; launch a new career.
- Find new purpose; fill a new need; light a new lamp.
- Exercise a new strength; grasp a new truth; practice a new awareness.
- Add a new dimension; encourage a new growth; affirm a new beginning.
- Discover a new answer; envision a new image; conceive a new system.
- Dream a new dream; chart a new course; build a new life.
- Open a new door; explore a new possibility; capture a new vision.
- Start a new chapter; seek a new challenge; express a new confidence.
- Write a new plan; turn a new page; follow a new direction.
- Watch a new program; be a new person; radiate a new enthusiasm.
"Wait. Didn't you just say NOT to do anything I didn't just have to do? I can't do all that stuff..."
I know. I can't, either. This week's challenge is to accept that just maybe you're trying to cram too much into your life right now. It's possible you have a whole lot of well-meaning folks pushing all sorts of ideas and agendas and things to do into your life until you're ready to lash out.
You don't want to do that. They sure don't want you to do that.
You know I don't give advice. I do ask questions, and offer a suggestion or two. The one I'm offering right now is the same one I'm taking myself up on: The Elephant Rule. How do you eat an elephant? All together, now - especially if you're like me and in no mood for this childish junk: "ONE BITE AT A TIME!"
The first thing is to sing a new song. I'm not quite there, yet, either--so I went with one I already know that says where my spirit is right now. The lyrics are above...
But the day will come when you feel like maybe smiling again. Your humor won't be forced any more just to make other people happy (and don't you wish they'd just STOP this, "Oooh, come on and smile. You know there's a smile in there..." Or, "Well, God just loves you and is working all things for your good. Blessings are on their way...") Hey, Ace. Somebody I love just died suddenly and my world's at a screeching, tire-smoking halt for awhile, here. Show a little common sense, will ya? Could a little reality kick in, here?
There. I said it for you. But healing will come, joy will eventually work its way out and the Son will shine through the emotional overcast again. In other words, you'll eventually get your fill of feeling numb and empty and alone. When it does, please know: everyone who's where she is today, would if they could, encourage you to get to work on the rest of that list.
Life here really is to be experienced, not to sit and watch. I'll tell you while I'm telling me: don't let grief sideline you any longer than it needs to.
I love you, and I believe in you."
5.22.2011
Gabriel - Three Years Old!
Feeling well enough to open his gifts that Daddy brought home from his party...
Our only 2 - but most important - birthday party guests...lol
Gabriel's & Amy's "Tiego" cake :)
Happy Birthday, dear Gabriel!
Can we say, "spoiled?"
Nana & Papa definitely scored with this!
Bub definitely scored with this! (And, Sis scored too, with the watch!)
And of course, Mommy & Daddy scored highest. ;)
These boots are made for runnin'!
*sigh* My baby's THREE YEARS OLD!
So thankful he feels better!
Cowboy & cowgirl
Gus - what a blessing.
Our only 2 - but most important - birthday party guests...lol
Gabriel's & Amy's "Tiego" cake :)
Happy Birthday, dear Gabriel!
Can we say, "spoiled?"
Nana & Papa definitely scored with this!
Bub definitely scored with this! (And, Sis scored too, with the watch!)
And of course, Mommy & Daddy scored highest. ;)
These boots are made for runnin'!
*sigh* My baby's THREE YEARS OLD!
So thankful he feels better!
Cowboy & cowgirl
Gus - what a blessing.
5.21.2011
Birthday Pukes
I had SO much to get done this morning...birthday errands, graduation errands, household errands...
So we left the house at 9:30, a half hour later than planned. First stop was Shoe Carnival...priorities, right? ;) On our way there, Gabriel threw up. :(
Next stop was Family Christian. I ran inside, grabbed what I needed, and left. In the meantime, Gabriel threw up, again. :(
Next stop was going to be Walmart to pick up the birthday cake and decorations...but we only made it another mile before he threw up...again. So at that point, I called everyone and let them know the birthday boy wouldn't be at his own party lol...poor baby. :(
Sam and Maya went on over for the party, and I stayed home with Bubby. He slept for about 2 hours, and finally woke up when Sam came home, feeling better. So we called Nana and Papa to come over and watch him open his presents. He got LOADS of clothes, a shotgun that he LOVES, a watch that he LOVES, cowboy boots that he LOVES, and a bubble gun that he LOVES! lol :)
We're staying right here at home the rest of the weekend...and Gabriel will be going in on Monday to have some blood work done. Please keep our family, especially him, in your prayers.
Happy Happy 3rd Birthday, Goobie!!
xoxo,
Sarah
So we left the house at 9:30, a half hour later than planned. First stop was Shoe Carnival...priorities, right? ;) On our way there, Gabriel threw up. :(
Next stop was Family Christian. I ran inside, grabbed what I needed, and left. In the meantime, Gabriel threw up, again. :(
Next stop was going to be Walmart to pick up the birthday cake and decorations...but we only made it another mile before he threw up...again. So at that point, I called everyone and let them know the birthday boy wouldn't be at his own party lol...poor baby. :(
Sam and Maya went on over for the party, and I stayed home with Bubby. He slept for about 2 hours, and finally woke up when Sam came home, feeling better. So we called Nana and Papa to come over and watch him open his presents. He got LOADS of clothes, a shotgun that he LOVES, a watch that he LOVES, cowboy boots that he LOVES, and a bubble gun that he LOVES! lol :)
We're staying right here at home the rest of the weekend...and Gabriel will be going in on Monday to have some blood work done. Please keep our family, especially him, in your prayers.
Happy Happy 3rd Birthday, Goobie!!
xoxo,
Sarah
5.19.2011
In a funky mood, today...not sure why. This has kinda been a crazy week. In the midst of heart-breaking, stomach-churning, Satan-caused, lizard puke, God allowed me to be a part of something unique and special. A good friend of mine contacted me on Tuesday, and she was in a full-blown panic attack, freaking out because she had heard that Jesus is coming back to get His people this Saturday, May 21, 2011! :) Probably a silly thought to many of us, but to her it's very, very real. I feel so blessed to be a part in guiding her to the Truth.
Last night, a big storm passed thru...a much needed storm, to be exact! It was wonderful. I was in the living room with my nose in a good book while the kids were laying in my bed watching Tom & Jerry. Completely out of nowhere, a MASSIVE clash of thunder literally left the walls shaking, my heart racing, and my babies screaming! lol And...total silence followed, as it had knocked out the power. Eventually, I got the kids settled down & the power was restored within an hour.
All week long, and especially today, I have been thankful for God's power. I'm thankful that His power is ALWAYS on line - it never, ever, (not even momentarily) gets knocked out. I'm thankful that His power is made perfect through my weakness...and your weakness. And, I'm thankful that I can KNOW - and you can, too - that when my will aligns with God's will, power instantly flows. Instantly. If there is ever a problem occuring, I can rest well assured that it's never God--it's always ME, and chances are, it's a heart problem.
Wow...Power. Instantly. Flowing. Isn't that awesome?!
Are you thankful, today?
xoxo,
Sarah
Last night, a big storm passed thru...a much needed storm, to be exact! It was wonderful. I was in the living room with my nose in a good book while the kids were laying in my bed watching Tom & Jerry. Completely out of nowhere, a MASSIVE clash of thunder literally left the walls shaking, my heart racing, and my babies screaming! lol And...total silence followed, as it had knocked out the power. Eventually, I got the kids settled down & the power was restored within an hour.
All week long, and especially today, I have been thankful for God's power. I'm thankful that His power is ALWAYS on line - it never, ever, (not even momentarily) gets knocked out. I'm thankful that His power is made perfect through my weakness...and your weakness. And, I'm thankful that I can KNOW - and you can, too - that when my will aligns with God's will, power instantly flows. Instantly. If there is ever a problem occuring, I can rest well assured that it's never God--it's always ME, and chances are, it's a heart problem.
Wow...Power. Instantly. Flowing. Isn't that awesome?!
Are you thankful, today?
xoxo,
Sarah
5.13.2011
Thankful Thursday on Friday
You know those days that occur once in a while when you've only been out of bed for a half-hour and you're already wishin' for 10:00 p.m.? Well, yesterday was one of those days for me. And today, the migraine is trying to settle in as a result of stress-overload.
As I stepped into the courthouse elevator, a super cheerful lady smiled and asked, "What floor?" My immediate desire--which is my typical attitude on any day prior to 8 a.m. and a swig of Pepsi--was to glare at her and simply push the button myself. But, I chose to be cordial, instead. "Eight, please." And, up we went.
As my mind wandered far, far away, the next thing I knew, she was staring at me, holding the elevator door open and saying, "Ma'am - this is the eight floor...are you getting off here?" LOL Derrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...so that was the start to my lovely day. (insert extreme sarcasm somewhere in that sentence lol)
Up until yesterday, I have to admit that I have absolutely loved my job. But, yesterday, I came face-to-face with one of the biggest obstacles at my place of employment, and it is something that I do NOT handle well: egos.
For the life of me, I canNOT understand why some individuals honestly believe that they are worth more than someone else. My mind just doesn't comprehend it. I can't grasp the idea that a doctor...or a lawyer...or a judge...or a Mike...or a Joe...or a Meagan...has any favor over a mechanic...or a custodian...or a teacher...or a Sam...or a Jeff...or a Nikki. Now, with that said, I CAN apprehend positions and authorities. But, position & authority do NOT eradicate kindness and respect. Is anyone with me on this? I thought so.
Anyway, enough's enough. I got to come home to my sweet babies who make me smile and turn my hellish days into heavenly blessings. So today, I'm thankful for those transformations.
xoxo,
Sarah
As I stepped into the courthouse elevator, a super cheerful lady smiled and asked, "What floor?" My immediate desire--which is my typical attitude on any day prior to 8 a.m. and a swig of Pepsi--was to glare at her and simply push the button myself. But, I chose to be cordial, instead. "Eight, please." And, up we went.
As my mind wandered far, far away, the next thing I knew, she was staring at me, holding the elevator door open and saying, "Ma'am - this is the eight floor...are you getting off here?" LOL Derrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...so that was the start to my lovely day. (insert extreme sarcasm somewhere in that sentence lol)
Up until yesterday, I have to admit that I have absolutely loved my job. But, yesterday, I came face-to-face with one of the biggest obstacles at my place of employment, and it is something that I do NOT handle well: egos.
For the life of me, I canNOT understand why some individuals honestly believe that they are worth more than someone else. My mind just doesn't comprehend it. I can't grasp the idea that a doctor...or a lawyer...or a judge...or a Mike...or a Joe...or a Meagan...has any favor over a mechanic...or a custodian...or a teacher...or a Sam...or a Jeff...or a Nikki. Now, with that said, I CAN apprehend positions and authorities. But, position & authority do NOT eradicate kindness and respect. Is anyone with me on this? I thought so.
Anyway, enough's enough. I got to come home to my sweet babies who make me smile and turn my hellish days into heavenly blessings. So today, I'm thankful for those transformations.
xoxo,
Sarah
5.09.2011
Clopton News
It's official...the papers are signed, and Mike is in for the time of his life! :) lol
It's not every day that someone comes into a family (especially one like ours lol), steps up to the plate and takes responsibility like this, so kudos to my awesome brother-in-law. I am so happy for Steph & Dom.
You know those prayers you've been throwin' up? ... They're getting answered...this is a prime example. Don't quit.
xoxo,
Sarah
5.08.2011
Beautiful Mom
If ever there was a mom
who was strong
and loving
and always took good care
of her family...
she would be my mom.
And if ever there was
a daughter
who loved her mom
more than anything
in the world...
she would be me.
Mom ~
You're the best. Thank you for being the best example I could possibly have for raising my own sweet babies. I love you!
Everyone Else~
Happy Mother's Day! If your mama is alive, go hug her, kiss her, call her, tell her you love her, and take a picture with her. Don't wait until it's too late to make sure that she knows she is one of the most important people in your life.
To be quite honest, this second Sunday of the month is just another day...UNLESS someone else goes out of their way to make it special for you. So to those individuals who go out of their way to make Mother's Day a special day ~ waking her up with a love-filled breakfast, laying down towels to make a "red" carpet, planting the flowers in the front yard, pampering her from head to toe, doing the dishes, having kids make homemade cards, buying a corsage ~ thank you! You are much, much appreciated.
xoxo,
Sarah
who was strong
and loving
and always took good care
of her family...
she would be my mom.
And if ever there was
a daughter
who loved her mom
more than anything
in the world...
she would be me.
Mom ~
You're the best. Thank you for being the best example I could possibly have for raising my own sweet babies. I love you!
Everyone Else~
Happy Mother's Day! If your mama is alive, go hug her, kiss her, call her, tell her you love her, and take a picture with her. Don't wait until it's too late to make sure that she knows she is one of the most important people in your life.
To be quite honest, this second Sunday of the month is just another day...UNLESS someone else goes out of their way to make it special for you. So to those individuals who go out of their way to make Mother's Day a special day ~ waking her up with a love-filled breakfast, laying down towels to make a "red" carpet, planting the flowers in the front yard, pampering her from head to toe, doing the dishes, having kids make homemade cards, buying a corsage ~ thank you! You are much, much appreciated.
xoxo,
Sarah
5.05.2011
Thankful Thursday
Today I'm thankful that the Mexicans beat the French in 1862. :0) lol jk jk...but I AM glad for an excuse to have party every year on May 5! It always makes my already special day, well...special! :)
I'm thankful for the girls at work...it's so much easier to get up every morning and leave my babies when I truly enjoy the people I have to work with. And, of course, they surprised me with some birthday gifts...a framed piece of art with my name and adjectives - NICE adjectives lol, a wall flower & shower gel - Sweet Pea, of course, AND beautiful, matching, pink jewelry - earrings, necklace, & ring - a BIG ring, just like I love!! Thank you, thank you, thank you, girls!
We had a fun little get-together/party last night at Uncle Eddie's...and will be having another one tomorrow night at Bub's...I'm so thankful for a big family with lots and lots and lots and lots and lots...and LOTS of parties - and love.
And, I'm thankful for Facebook; I got birthday wishes today from some people who I haven't talked to in over 10 years! lol And, for all the other special people in my life who stopped for a moment to say Happy Birthday, thank you. I love you!
You know I mentioned last week that a family acquaintance, Meagan, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 28. I'm signing out today with a little excerpt from her father-in-love, Dan:
This week's challenge: Time offers you no guarantees. Find the number and make the call. Send that email. Write that card. If they're near, go meet them for lunch. Go find that special person, wrap them in a hug and tell them you love them. And then go find another one. Always, always tell them you love them -- and mean it. That way, when the news comes they're gone, the things they'll last remember you saying will be, "I love you." And that goes a long, long way.
Loving you,
Sarah
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