Goodbye, 2010

As another year comes to a close, I've been reflecting all day on what 2010 brought to our lives. I have SO MUCH to be thankful, yet I'm so grateful for another fresh start. For some reason, being able to "start over" gets me excited. I have come up with 5 goals that I want to accomplish in 2011, and I'll be framing those in my living room. I challenge you to not just come up with new goals, but to write them down; 90% of WRITTEN goals result in accomplishment. :)

After battling the nasty flu, Maya, Gabriel, and myself will be staying at home tonight. Hopefully, Sam will be able to join us just in the knick of time to give me a Happy New Year kiss. :) Those of you going out--be safe and stay warm. Those of you staying home--be safe and stay warm. Here's to an incredible 2011...Cheers!

From our hearts to yours,
Happy New Year!

Happy Birthday To My Sweet Pea

I can't believe my itsy-bitsy, alligator-rollin', 5-pounder is now a 4-year-old, tip-toein' 40 pounder! :) This child is somethin' else, let me tell ya. She is by far the most compassionate, sensitive little soul I've ever known. And in the blink of an eye, she can also be the most roughest, toughest cookie in town.

Thank you, Jesus, for blessing my life far beyond anything I could ever imagine with this beautiful, baby girl. I don't know what I would ever do without her. Please continue to keep her shielded in your loving arms, protected from all harm. Thank you for trusting me with her life, and revealing your love, mercy, and forgiveness in a precious bundle of joy on December 28, 2006. And when she's grown and we all are gone, we pray Your name she'll carry on. And by Your will, oh Lord let it be, that she'll live with us for Eternity. God, keep your hands upon my little Maya. Love and guide her. Jesus, walk beside her. Lord, keep your hands upon our little baby, our most precious gift from Above.

Happy birthday, happy birthday, how old are you, how old are you, light the candles on the cake, smear your name for good luck's sake, we want cake, we want cake!

Happy, happy birthday to my princess!

Merry Christmas!

Dearest Family & Friends, near, far, & up above:

2010 is almost gone
We can't believe how fast time flies
So many things occured this year
Don't let your memories go by.

Play some Spoons and eat some goodies
Be sure to get a good laugh in
Then sit down and reflect awhile
On what a year that this has been.

Don't forget to say a prayer
To Him whose birth we celebrate
No other Life, no other Way
Will get us thru the Pearly Gate!

Continue to be strong in faith
And give thanks to our God above
Here's to you--our hearts to yours
For healthy blessings and big love!

Merry, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

All our love,
Sam, Sarah, Maya & Gus

Teary Eyes

Today I'm thankful for teary eyes. For the ones that kinda sneak up on you when nothing hurtful or sad has happened, but they just kinda end with a trickle down your cheek when something happy really hits your heart. You know exactly what I'm talking about.

I have many, many family, friends, and acquaintances who are trudging through personal struggles right now. Some are without a job and have no clue where their next meal is coming from. Others are overcoming the nasty flu. Old school buddies in for the fight of their lives against cancer attacking their babies. A friend dealing with the consequences of driving under the influence. Cousins remembering the anniversary of their dad dying last year on Christmas. Another cousin grieving the recent loss of his very sweet, precious little guy to a brain tumor. And me, just learning through another blog, that a special friend from high school will be spending her Christmas in the hospital with her oldest boy who has CF and is trying to fight off a lung infection while her husband keeps the younger boys at home.

All this sadness and heartache...and Christmas just keeps coming. The clock keeps ticking. No matter that people are hitting rock bottom. Stores continue advertising. Bells continue ringing. Songs continue playing. Life goes on. And for those tears, I'm thankful, as well. It's those tears that grow our faith and ripen our lives.

I know it's not Thursday, but I think it's a good day to ask anyway, what are you thankful for, today?

Lots of love,
Sarah

SANTA! SANTA'S COMING! I KNOW HIM! I KNOW HIM!

Preparing for another tradition tonight...our annual Elf Party! The older we get, the earlier we keep starting so we don't have to keep our eyelids peeled open at midnight. :) We'll be heading to my uncle's in about an hour to enjoy lots of fun, laughter and snacks as we watch Christmas Vacation and Elf. :)

Christmas is officially 1 week away!

Love to you all,
Sarah

Keep Praying

Do y'all have holes in your knees, yet? :)

While your hustling and bustling with cooking, shopping, wrapping, and giving, please continue to think of my dear friends who just had their world rocked with the devastating news that their sweet baby girl has leukemia. I'm quite certain they never planned to be spending their baby's first Christmas in a hospital, watching her suffer the ramifications of chemotherapy.

Please add these families to your routine prayer list, as their painful journey is just beginning. Feel free to check in on their blog updates, and leave some encouraging words for them.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/paxtenpearson/journal/1

Merry Christmas,
Sarah

Let the Traditions Begin!

#1: Popcorn Balls! :) Pics will be coming soon.

Hey, everyone. Hope you are well, today. As we rush through these holiday months, let's not forget to stop and be thankful that we still have our fun traditions to take part in--and all the family around to help! Please pray for those mamas and dadddys who are spending their first Christmas without their sweet baby girl or baby boy. I would imagine this is a devastating time for them.

Big Love,
Sarah

PS--I've added new pics to the slide show and some new music...so if you have a few minutes to spare, sit back, relax & enjoy! :)