Simply Sara

We went out of town to visit my family for Christmas. The kids loved being with their cousins and we loved being with family. It was truly a special time. But Ava had a few hard nights after we got back. For whatever reason, she keeps waking up around 10:00 and crying. Both Matt and I took turns consoling her, but with little success. One night, I was already in bed (I'm an early sleeper now), so Matt finally brought Ava into our room and put her in bed with me. The little girl was so surprised she didn't know what to do. (We are anti-family-bed people.) She laid her head on my chest so tenderly and calmed down immediately. Another moment of countless moments that I will treasure in my heart. After snuggling for 10 minutes, I gingerly carried Ava into her room and put her to bed. The Lord quietly spoke to my heart in that moment. All Ava needed was to be near me to calm down. She found peace being with me. How often do I find myself consumed with worry or fear, distracted by th...

We went to see a Christmas light show here in town this week. Both of the kids were pretty amazed. Lucas, my ever practical boy, wasn't too impressed with my enthusiasm. "Look buddy at the reindeer!" "Mama, that's not a real reindeer. It's only lights!" Lucas had asked me last week if he could see Santa again because he "needed to tell him one more thing!" So after we drove through the lights, we went into Santa's workshop so Lucas could tell him about a pirate ship he really wants. As kids can be, Lucas was more excited about the balloon sword an elf made him, then sitting with Santa. Ava wanted no part in Mr. Claus, so the man in red asked Matt to hold Ava and sit on his lap. Matt was really caught off guard by the request! It was too funny to watch! Last night the kids dressed up and we went to a family Christmas party. I tried to get them to pose by the tree before we left, but as you can see Ava was not impressed by my efforts one bit....

Baby girl asked to sit on the piano bench by herself and play for us! She's growing so fast! The kids are fascinated by the Christmas tree. So far, only two ornaments have broken and I am responsible for both! Clumsy me! Getting them both to smile normally for the camera is getting harder and harder! I always wear my snazzy apron when we have company! Makes me feel like a 1950s housewife!

Sing with me, "Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus right down Santa Claus lane..." It's been in my head all night! Last night, we made an improptu decision to attend the tree lighting service downtown. I say it was impromptu because we rushed on to arrive 1 minute after the tree was lit. Suddenly, we're walking up a side street, when two fire trucks come racing by. Knowing "the man in red" would be on board, Lucas and I took of running, giggling like two school girls, just to catch a glimpse. The crowd was waiting in anticpation, children (and me) jumping up and down with glee. But just as quickly as they came, the fire trucks left. No Santa! We were thoroughly confused. So we decided to have our picture made by some nice lady. Do you like my red coat? I do. I feel rather glamorous when I wear it. We waited for what felt like forever, when we heard the fire trucks coming down the road again. This time, we were not disappointed! We rushed across th...

Remember a while back ago when I was so excited about the new chore chart I was trying out with the Lucas? Well, the excitement wore off pretty quickly for the both of us. Lucas was not motivated by the stickers or rewards and I felt like the chart took away from my passion to teach my children biblical principles. The chart was forgotten by the both of us during the second week and I finally tossed it out this week. Amazingly, Lucas is still and even more willing to help around the house. This morning I asked him to water the dog before we left for school,which he did without a question or complaint. Here's what I realized this morning; I feel pretty passionate about the idea of modeling and teaching the concept of biblical servanthood. I want our children to understand what it means to help and serve the people around them without personal gain. I want this to come naturally for them one day, so that means, I need to invest my time and energy in them today. Lucas and I had three ...

They looked so cute this morning, I had to snap a picture before school! Notice the hair bow on Ava - she finally has enough hair to wear the bows I ordered over 2 years ago! Captain Hook and Peter Pan showed up for dinner last night! Funny girl. For three days Ava kept crossing her two fingers at the oddest times. Matt thought she was making a gang symbol.

I'm in the middle of reading the famous "Baxter" books by Karen Kingsbury . This is at least the third time I've read them. I love the new things I notice each time I read one. The stories in these books are so real and personable. I was particularly touched by the last book, Reunion, which tackled the subject of losing a parent. The anniversary of my Daddy's death is coming up this January. Since my Daddy died six months before Matt and I got married, I feel such sadness when I think about all we've missed not having him here. I like to think back over the past almost 7 years and imagine him as a part of those memories. Walking me down the aisle, praying for me as I endured the heartache of endometriosis, welcoming his first grandchild, encouraging Matt as he started his business, praying for us during the difficult times, cherishing little Ava, and overall being a constant source of love in our lives. But the lesson I learned from the book Reunion is that we...

I read some verses a few days ago that I think are very fitting in light of the holiday season. And I want to share them with you! "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all the wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." --- Colossians 3:15-17 Happy Turkey Day!

I don't have time this morning to play catch-up, but I will ask for your prayers. I'm headed out in about 15 minutes to go to an interview. My first in 5 years! I'm hoping to become a substitute teacher at Lucas's preschool! The Lord has truly made this possible, and He is clearly leading me down this path, so I feel pretty confidant going into the interview! November has been a very challenging month, but has also been a month of great hope and growth. I am constantly being reminded that His ways are not our ways and that He has a plan for me. And I can trust Him. So please pray! I'll let you know how it goes! love!

Here are some photos from our exciting night of trick-or-treating. Lucas asked me 3 weeks before Halloween if he could be Peter Pan. His class had watched the disney classic on a rainy day at school. I loved the idea, but I did not want to invest any money into it. Sorry, but I'm cheap and especially when it comes to an outfit only worn once or twice. So with frugality in mind, I put his costume together for only $3.50! Thanks to Aunt Amy, Ava dressed up as a Lovebug and looked quite adorable! After walking a friend's neighborhood, we ended up at Matt's parent's house where Lucas got to pass out candy to kids who came to the door. He loved that!

I am so inspired by the scene outside my window. Leaves in an array of colors have blanketed our lawn, courtyard and cars. We hear their crunch as we play outside (which we've been doing a lot more of!) and we've marveled as the leaves seemingly float off their branches as we lay under the Oaks. It is truly a breathtaking season. But, as you know, this season is simply the intro before a season of dark grays are ushered in. Winter can be so harsh on the soul. As much as the crispness in the air energizes me, I am never too distracted to forget the possibility of a melancholy season ahead. In early January of 2003, my Daddy passed away unexpectedly. January 2004, Matt and I embarked on our long and painful journey with endometriosis. In fall/winter of 2005, I was rejoicing over the tiny infant in my arms, while at the same time wrestling with the tangles of post-partum depression. The short days of light and the gray skies have a way of reminding us of our vulnerability. But tak...

Can you see why I can't get enough of this girl? Oh my, she's a cutie!

Check out the loot we scored last night! It pays off to have a baby old enough to "trick-or treat' but not old enough to eat the candy! :) Granted, my marshmallow belly says otherwise.

If you haven't made it to Payless today, you should drop what you're doing, click on this link for a 50% off coupon, and drive to your nearest Payless Shoe Source. Prepare yourself for no available parking spaces and a long line, but as you can see in the photo above, it is totally worth it! Three pairs of shoes for $25! Now, that's what I call savings! The coupon is for today only! Have fun!

The past two nights, Lucas has woken me up, several times, for the most seemingly random conversations. The first time, I woke up to a couple pats on my arm and the face of my sweet Lucas hovering nearby. "I'm scared, Mommy," he said. "My room is too dark". I stumbled out of bed, bleary eyed and drowsy to find a nightlight; after all, Mommy can fix any problem. Once the soft glow calmed Lucas fears and I had him tucked safely back in bed, I reminded him that when he is scared, he can pray to Jesus, who always hears him. Lucas then asked me where Jesus lives. Then he said, "Why did Jesus have to die on a cross?" I did my best, at 3:30 in the morning, to explain our need for salvation in a way his 4 year old mind could understand. Lucas then asked me if we will die one day, to which I replied, yes. Lucas had a look of fear in his eyes, and then said, "but we won't be together anymore". I was touched by his love for our family. Again, I told...

I guess I didn't cook it long enough.

The week has been full of fun and family! My Mom, sister Melanie and her baby Anna came for a visit! We had a great time taking the kids to the Fall Festival at Lucas's preschool! Friday we were a part of a baby shower for dear friends, Ben and Skye.

I am still trying to get myself back on track after being sick a couple weeks ago. I'm struggling to get my thoughts into words and onto paper, or the blog. So instead, I will bombard you with photos of the busy-ness of our lives the past couple weeks. It's been wonderful to be so busy! Over the weekend, we attended a birthday party for a girl in Lucas's preschool class. The party was at Callaham's Orchard - a wonderful, family owned place in Belton, SC. Great place to visit!

On this cool, rainy fall afternoon, I'm craving something warm and savory for dinner. So tonight we're having Chicken soft tacos! This super easy and yummy recipe comes from my friend Kathryn . Thanks girl! Chicken Tacos: Chicken (I'm using 1.25lbs of chicken tenders still frozen!) 1 Packet Taco Seasoning Mix 1 Cup Water 1 Can Chopped Green Chilies Throw chicken in your crock pot. Don't worry about thawing it if frozen! Mix together taco seasoning and water. Pour over chicken. Pour in can of chilies. (These are not spicy) and stir to mix. Cook on low for 6 hours. Serve in taco shells (soft or hard) with all the fixin's! We're having yellow rice with corn on the side!

Being sick can't stop the silliness.