Simply Sara

Let me not to the marriage of true minds Admit impediments. Love is not love Which alters when it alteration finds, Or bends with the remover to remove. O, no! it is an ever-fixed mark That looks on tempests and is never shaken; It is the star to every wandering bark, Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken. Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks Within his bending sickle's compass come; Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks, But bears it out even to the edge of doom. William Shakespeare Sonnet 116 I haven't read this since high school, but I think I finally understand it.

I need a really good recipe for lemon squares - I know I've seen one online recently, but I can't seem to find it now. Can anyone help me??

So last night got me thinking; how would we manage if our lives were put on display for millions of people to watch? Could we handle the pressures of fame? I understand the mindset behind having your family on reality t.v - document your child's life and give your children opportunities they would have never had in their "ordinary" life. But is the money worth it? Where do you draw the line and say that you've had enough. How do you separate your t.v. life from your real life? As our world becomes more and more connected, I think we will only see an increase in families who are willing to take on the risks of public exposure in their pursuit for fame and money. There are many who's motives are innocent and good, but sadly we live in a world that only takes advantage of the innocence and goodness. Why do people have to give up their privacy for the price of fame? Why are we so desperate to know what a movie star bought at the grocery store or wore to the gym? Why d...

I have extremely been bothered by the rumors spreading about TLC's Jon and Kate Plus 8 over the past month. I've watched the show since the beginning including the documentary that started it all. I passionately believe in marriage, so tonight's season premiere saddens me deeply. When a husband and wife put their entire focus on the kids and not on each other, things always fall apart. I pray that they will find healing and restoration and love again. Our God works miracles all the time!

Part of my role as COO (Chief Operating Officer) in our home, is to plan the meals each week. I typically do this Sunday night or like today, Monday morning. It takes me about an hour to clip, organize and arrange my coupons for the maximum money saving advantage. I like to sit down with the sales ad from my favorite grocery store Ingles (they double coupons there!) and plan my meals with sales in mind. I also make sure to scour the pantry for forgotten ingredients that can cut my costs. Because I like to keep spontenaity in my life, I make a list of dinners for the week, but I allow my tastes to dictate which day we eat each meal. By following store ads and clipping coupons, I typically save anywhere from $25-$75 a week! That is totally worth the hour of planning it takes me! I love contributing this way to our family! I may not bring in any income, but I can help keep Matt's paycheck around a little longer! So here's my money saving tip of the day: buy meat in bulk! I love t...

Isn't it funny how being away from home makes you appreciate home so much more? My goodness, I was glad to head back to the Upstate after our soggy week at the beach. But now that we're back, I've been catching up on laundry and cleaning the floors. And I've been doing some thinking. We've lived in our new house for almost 10 months now and I'm still struggling to make it feel like "home". I seem to have commitment issues because I haven't hung anything on the walls yet. We moved into our home in such a whirlwind and all of a sudden I was wading through deep waters of a new baby, new house and a temperamental 3 year old. But I'm kind of getting tired of that excuse. I'm over it. It's time to decorate. I have no budget (meaning no money) and lots of ideas swirling around in my head. First, I need to get my sewing machine fixed. I am determined to learn to sew this year, so I can make window treatments and pillows. Our den has been beige ...

Yesterday was cold, windy, and frustrating. BUT there were a couple special moments. First, I ate the largest cheeseburger I've ever attempted from a hole-in-the-wall place called Harold's Diner. It's a well-hidden, local joint that is easy to pass by when you see the dumpy exterior. I found it online after doing a search for local diners. I've been watching Diners-Drive ins -and Dives on Food Network lately, so I'm driven to find those creative and yummy places that only the locals know about. Harold's was crude, simple, and greasy, but the food was totally worth it! For $6.25, I ordered a half-pound burger with cheese, sauteed mushrooms, onions, lettuce, and bacon. And massive amount of shoe-string fries are included. Last night Matt and I got out for a couple hours to enjoy a casual date night at Barnes and Noble. It felt good to do something like home. We split a piece of Godiva Double Chocolate Cheesecake that was to die for. Writing this, I now realize j...

I fully anticipated our week at the beach to be filled with sand, sun, and surf. Instead, it's day 4 and I've been in my swimsuit approximately 45 minutes. The kids have gone "swimming" in the garden tub a couple times; I even put their sand toys in with them just to up the fun factor. Here are the highlights of our not so beachy week at the beach: Watching the kids see the ocean when we first arrived. Lucas stripped down to his undies and t-shirt to dance wildly in the waves. It was a beautiful moment. That kid is not scared to let go. We've been some really good fish at the Salty Dog Cafe. We've been cooped up in the condo since Sunday afternoon, so that's all I can come up with for now. I'll try to post some pictures of Lucas and Ava in the ocean soon!

I was just watching the Oprah interview with Elizabeth Edwards. Lucas has just gotten up from his not-taking a nap and has been flying around the room with his airplane. Mrs. Edwards had just told Oprah how her husband's affair had started. I didn't think Lucas was paying attention to the interview until he said this to me: "Mommy, when a person is "so hot" you shouldn't touch them. It's dangerous." I couldn't help but laugh at his simple, wise logic. It must come from watching so much Noggin .

I finally stored up enough inner strength to watch Ava's delivery. I know it's been 9 months since that blessed day, but our camera has been broken and we didn't get it fixed until tonight. She was so beautiful. Still is, but there is something so amazing about seeing your child for the first time. Thankfully the birth took less than 10 minutes, so my squeamishness was over quickly. I did have quite a few reflexive chills as I remembered the pain. Yeah, I'm pretty sure I will be getting the epidural next time. Moving on to more pleasant topics.... What are you getting your Mom for Mother's Day? Here's some great ideas: Personalized Pink Apron from Williams Sonoma These Cake Stands are Gorgeous!! Love these! Seriously I do! Anything by this awesome seller! And this one, feel free to forward to Matt for me!