Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful that I am not a victim of domestic violence.

Today I am thankful that, as a child, and even still today, I have never witnessed my mom (or my dad) being battered, threatened, abused, intimidated, or isolated by some coward who felt the need to maintain some sort of gross power and control over another individual.

I am thankful that, for those who are not as fortunate as I am, there are shelters, case management, counseling, and support groups available to offer help and provide safe environments.

I am thankful for Project SAFE. I am thankful for the Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center, and I am thankful for Harbor House.

What are you thankful for today?

Big Love,
Sarah

PS...Today, I am also thankful for pumpkin seeds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Sunday Snooze

Seems as though I'm not gonna get my Nazarene nap, today. I have the oldest little booger konked out, but my little cowboy is still going strong...does it ever calm down?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

Yesterday we took an adventure to the pumpkin patch. When Sam saw the pumpkins on the porch, he was a little irritated that I didn't wait for him to go along with us...but I assured him that he didn't miss a thing...both Maya and Gabriel were completely uninterested in anything there, other than digging their shoes into the wet sand. Maybe in a few more years...

Not much going on, other than that. They continue to grow like weeds and learn new words every day that I could actually live without hearing lol...but, I guess that's the life with children. :)

Love you all and hope ur enjoying the fabulous, cool weather!!

Big Love,
Sarah

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for people and organizations who continuously and tirelessly "do good." Here are just a few of my favorites that quickly come to mind:

Agape'Care Cradle, Inc.

The Kyrie Foundation

My aunt & uncle

Oprah

Nazarene Compassionate Ministries

Shannon Barnes

Sharon Price

Debbie Mullen

Make a Wish

Kyrie's Gift

Wouldn't it just be awesome if every single one of us could, for just 24 hours, put all of our 'umph' and 'gusto' into doing good? I think we should pick a day and do it collectively, then sit back and watch what happens.

Any takers?

Big Love,
Sarah

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful for healing that comes along with time. One year ago at this very moment, I was totally and completely drained from head to toe after battling consecutive, ferocious panic attacks for what seemed years in itself. Although 48 hours had passed, I still felt like I had been hit by a semi and splattered in the road by thousands more.

I'm thankful that on October 6, 2008, my life changed. It hasn't been easy by any means, but it has built strength, endurance, love, and closer relationships.

I'm thankful for my dad, who was with me from the moment I melted until the moment I was able to return home.

I'm thankful for Sam, who never quit praying for me.

I'm thankful for my mom, who was the person who was able to snap me back into reality by simply stating, "Sarah, you are fine. You are going to get out of this bed, you are going to walk out of here, and we are going home to have spaghetti for supper."

I'm thankful for my babies. Thank God they didn't have to experience their mama in such a crazy state of mind. And although they weren't there, their presence in pictures covering my hospital bed brought me comfort and peace.

I'm thankful for my pastor at the time, who sat by my hospital bed and held my hand.

I'm thankful for you, Carly, Chris, Jerry, Katie, and Ronda...for all of your love and encouragement, over the past 365 days.

I'm just thankful. So thankful.

What are you thankful for today? (Don't be afraid to actually leave a comment and tell me!)

Big Love,
Sarah

Steph's Shower

I can't believe I'm actually posting for the 2nd time in 24 hours! :) Well, here are a few pics from Steph's wedding shower...more will come in the future.

What an absolutely beautiful wedding my sister had! Thank you all so much for your prayers...and please do continue praying for the new Clopton household. :) For those of you who didn't make it to the wedding, the song you are hearing right now is the song Steph walked down the aisle to; after a few tears were shed and a few deep breaths were taken, all went well. She was gorgeous, and very, very happy. My very best to you, Steph, for a long, happy, life together with Mike. You so deserve it. I love you.

Sam was off last night, and we had somewhat of a long night; first, Maya was stung by a bee in the van on our way home. Not really a big deal, but you know how it is for a 2-year-old...a REALLY big deal! :) Then, Gabriel came down with a nasty fever and was obviously not feeling well at all. So I was awake the majority of the night with a sick baby...and those of you who are parents know how those nights seem to never end! Thankfully, his fever broke this morning, and he's doing better, although still very cranky from lack of zzzz's.

One more little sweet thing before I sign off...I was laying in bed this morning, and Maya and Gabriel had been awake for about 10 minutes. They had both been running back and forth from my bedroom to the kitchen. Both came back into the room, and Maya hopped up on the bed with me, and Gus was getting into something on the floor. So, curiously, I asked her,
"Maya, what's your brother doing?" She just acted as if I didn't even exist, so a little louder I asked,
"Hey, what's bubby doing down there?" Again, she totally ignored me as she is so good at doing when she's in her own little world. So for the 3rd time, I whispered,
"Maya Jane Shaffer, what is Gabriel getting into down there on the floor?"
Agitated and obviously sick of her mom's redundancy, she gritted her teeth and firmly stated,
"I don't KNOW Margo!!!"

If you get bored today, grab a good Chevy Chase movie and have a few laughs. ;)

Big Love,
Sarah

I need a favor...

When you kneel by your bed tonight or quietly whisper at your breakfast table, please pray for our cousin, Christian.

www.caringbridge.org/visit/christianshaffer

Big Love,

Sarah