Simply Sara

Well it's time. Time to start blogging again. I've been thinking about this moment for over a month now. I met with a dear friend, and with her help and guidance, started dreaming about the "vision" for my blog, along with new templet ideas and traffic generation. But none of it has taken off, obviously. Instead, I'm here today, writing once again, because of the regret I already feel for not documenting this special, challenging time in our lives. As much as I would love for this blog to be a place of encouragement and community and widespread readership, it's original purpose was to be a simple online journal of the amazing journey of motherhood that I'm on. So that's my focus now, the purpose behind this blog. Where do I even begin? I'm entering into the 8th month of my third (and final) pregnancy. I'm exhausted, joyful, emotional, irritable, and nostalgic. Our house is in chaos as we are trying to organize and prepare for our baby boy's...

We are in week 3 or 4 of Lucas not being in preschool anymore, and while the transition has gone well, there have been a few growing pains. As a parent, I want so badly to protect my children from ever feeling confused or insecure. Lucas is a creature of routine, thriving when the day is planned and feeling secure with set boundaries. Seriously, this kid loves to know the rules. If he would always follow them, well then my life would be even easier! So when Matt and I decided to keep Lucas home full time (he was in preschool 5 mornings a week), I knew we were taking away a sense of security for Lucas, and that worried me. One of the reasons behind our decision were comments Lucas kept saying to me, "Mommy, I want to be home with you and Ava" or "Do I have to go to school today?. After the first week of being home full time, I started hearing comments like "when do I get to see my friends again?" and "what day is it? Is it a school day?" Thankfully we ...

showing off Ava's bloomers! Thanks Aunt Melanie! Cutest little bottom I've ever seen! Speaking of bottoms, Ava asked her Daddy to put her on the potty yesterday! Her request caught us off guard, but I recovered quick enough to grab the camera! Check out my little bookworm! I hope she follows in my footsteps and loves to read too!

First, I have to tell you our exciting news! Baby number 3 is on the way! He/she's been turning my world upside down for 12 weeks now! #3 is due in August - yes, I know how hot it is, and no, I wouldn't wish any woman to go thru the hot summer in the South 9 months pregnant! But apparently, this is our time of year to birth babies! I appreciate all of you who still faithfully check back to see if I'm ever going to update my blog again! Below are my thoughts about it: This blog has been such a learning process for me. A journey of sorts. One that has been exciting at times and other times a chore. It's served as an baby update for family, a journal for my private thoughts, and a sharing opportunity of things that interest me. But I am uncertain about the future of my blog. I've been struggling for the past year, feeling discontent with my inability to focus the topic of what I'm writing about. I no longer want to write a "baby" blog. While yes, I'm ...

Since I cook most nights of the week, I'm always looking for yummy and easy meals to put together for my family. I love to watch cooking shows and read magazines, such as Cooking Light, but I most typically find my recipes online. However, tonight I tried a new recipe from January's Cooking Light and it was a hit with the entire family! Fettuccine Alfredo with Bacon 1 (9oz) package refrigerated fresh fettuccine **I think it was worth the extra $ to buy fresh, but it's up to you 2 slices bacon 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1 cup 1% low fat milk 2/3 cup grated Parmigiano-reggiano Cheese **I used the stuff in the green can 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley ** I used dried 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain in a colander over a bowl, reserving a 1/4 cup cooking liquid. While pasta cooks, cook bacon over medium high heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove bacon f...

Ava Grace turned 17 months just a few days ago. Can you believe it? Here's a little update on the busy life of Miss A. Language. It's exploding! Ava understands everything we say and we understand just about everything she's trying to say. Through words, gestures and facial expressions, Ava has learned to express her opinion! She always copying us, whether it's calling "Annie! Annie!" and clapping her hands when the dog is outside or saying "A-ba! A-ba!" in a deep growl like her big brother. She says "tank -u" when you hand her something, "I want milk" when she wants her milk, "I want nack or yummy" when she wants to eat. Ava has learned the word "No" and definitely knows how to use it! She's so adaptable, eager to be a part of anything that's going on, and really silly. This girl loves to dance and clap her hands to the beat. Ava finds joy in running away when she knows I'm calling her (especially ...

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.