Simply Sara

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.