Music to my ears!

Aidan and Ethan had a little band going last night, and I took a few quick snap shots of the fun. I am consistently amazed at how well each of them keep a rhythm and believe it is quite possible they have a future with much more music playing and singing ahead of them. Oh and we were singing! Ethan especially, really knows how to use his lungs. I'm sure my neighbors were aware of Aidan and Ethan's music festival as well. :)

Because of the one syllable words, Ethan sings "Doe,ray,me,fa,so,la,ti,doe" really well and REALLY loud. On the last "doe" he holds out his arms and holds out the note like an Opera singer! It's too cute!

Josh Turner - Firecracker

Yes Sir-ee! I'm a fan of Joshy boy and that amazing deep voice of his! This here is one of my favorite songs he sings. Makes you want to be the firecracker if ya know what I mean! :)

Fun Girls!

My VERY COOL coworkers!

And they are very cool- all 13 assistants, treatment/finance coordinators, front desk assistants and even the doctors are hard to beat! I love these people- and it's a good thing I do because we have to put up with each other every day! =) Not everyone was up for pictures today, but a few of the girls from work let me snap some pictures and even gave me a flash of their beautiful pearly whites! =)

Some amazing people!

Good friends are not hard to find at Living Hope and getting to know the people in my small group has been a blessing. I wish everyone could have made it to Katie's birthday party, but here are some of the people from our small group. We'll have to do a group picture with the whole gang next time the moon and stars align and everyone makes it in one night to group! HAAH! :)

Hide me in Your arms Jesus

You are my hiding place,
You always fill my heart with songs of deliverance.
Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.
I will trust in You.
Let the weak say I am strong in the strength of my Lord.

Too Much Tatt

I read an article this morning about an 18 year old girl in Kortrijk Belgium, named kimberley Vlaeminck, who walked into a tattoo parlor wanting 3 small stars put on her forehead, and walked out with a whopping 56 stars covering one whole side of her face! The artist, Rouslan Toumaniantz, who has his own face covered in tattoos and piercings, said the girl agreed to all 56 stars, but complained that it wasn't what she asked for when her dad saw it for the first time. Kimberley claims that she fell asleep during the procedure and woke up in pain when he was tattooing her nose. There are several things that stand out to me in this story... First of all, I have a tattoo myself. It was done a few years ago on my left hip... and I can tell you, there is no way I could have slept through any of it! The pain was so intense I had to ask the artist to keep talking to me so I could get my mind off of the needle jabs, and still had tears for the entire 16 minutes of the procedure. I do think it could be possible for one to pass out due to pain, and it is possible this is what happened to Kimberley. Second thing, I can not help but notice, the artist himself is covered in tattoos, so what he may see as "subtle" is really, NOT SO SUBTLE! I am not wanting to sound judgemental here- his idea of art and beauty is different from mine, but in my opinion, he over-did-it big time, on himself and on this young girl. She obviously regrets the decision to get a tattoo, or at least her pick of tattoo artists. The artist at the office I went to, was very professional, sanitary, and conservative on his own body art. He went over the procedure and my choice of art several times to make sure we were both on the same page, and offered to do a "trial tattoo" with the tattoo that I wanted in a non-permanent form that would wash off within a couple of weeks. He does this so people can get used to the idea, and be sure they want it to be a permanent part of their body. I guess what I am saying here is that tattoos are a big deal, and to be careful, because even with the research and advancement in tattoo removal procedures- it's a big ordeal to go through, and it might not come all the way off. Any person considering getting a tattoo needs to be confident in their choice of tattoo, placement of tattoo, and most definitely, choice of the artist who will be doing the work! I think it is sad that this girl ended up with something she (nor her family) wanted on such a visible place of her body and hope that she will be able to get it removed. If it can't be removed, I hope she will learn to love the stars and make the most out of her new face... because either way, she is precious to God.

Failure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently!

splish, splash, snacks, ... and then a nap!

Summer and John

Today I want to salute two dear people in my life, Summer Stovall, and John Lee... soon to be married! They've been engaged for a while now, so this post really isn't any sort of announcement or even a congratulations, but more of a tribute. I am so thankful to have met John and Summer and over the past year have grown to love them like family. Summer has a heart of gold and is always thinking of others and truly cares about those around her. John is the same way, with added humor, which makes everyone smile. :) I have watched both of them grow this past year, especially John and it has been quite a thrill to see him open up where he's been planted at our home church, Living Hope. Several months ago Summer, John, his family, and I celebrated and watched with happy tears and camera in hand as he was baptised for the first time. I love Summer so much and remain moved by her love and support for John. Our friendship comes so natural and we've been able to help each other out on several occasions with life circumstances. That's what friends are for, and it is a joy to give and receive so freely with loved ones like these. I can honestly say that I hope to know John and Summer for the rest of my life and I pray our friendship blossoms even more as we grow older. This August I have the privilege of being one of several ladies to stand by Summer as she and John say their wedding vows. Summer will be wearing my former wedding gown, as it is still beautiful and even more so with her in it! We don't have a lot of money for the wedding, but it seems that details are coming together one by one and God is providing for them through several others as well and I know He will continue to do so up to the wedding and after... which is when it's really needed! I don't know of a couple more deserving. If you're reading Summer, John, know that I love you and hope for such a bright future, you'll have to wear shades! ;) ... I also hope for the pitter patter of little baby feet coming from your direction... later of course. :)

An unavoidable ride on the E.R.C.

It is 10:25 in the evening. I remember seeing this same clock earlier this morning at 6:12 am- the moment I woke up and for some reason I remember this clearly. A whole lot has happened between now and this morning. At 6:30am the emotional roller coaster started clicking it's way up the tracks. I knew it would start because last week Sam reminded me that today he was picking the boys up to take them to Seaside for a week. I am thrilled that they get to see the ocean again, though I have never enjoyed this experience with them (vacations are expensive) Sam and his family take them to Seaside, FL each year. They will have fun, they will be loved, but they will also be missed... which started at 6:30 when I watched them drive off. My morning was peaceful. Laundry, picked up toys, made the beds, took a shower. Talked to Adam for a bit... he was at work but suggested I go spend the day in the sunny out doors. He has already learned that I get a bit depressed when cooped up for days. Off to Shelby farms I went, totally unsuspecting of anything but joggers and families with kites. However, when I arrived there were signs everywhere saying "Memphis friends of Israel festival!" My heart leaped inside my chest! I was so excited because the nation of Israel has a special place in my heart and so do it's people. There was Jewish music, food, and dancing! I had an absolute blast! Bought a flag, the T-shirt and signed up on the mailing list. My enthusiasm was apparently noticed, when a Jewish family there started talking to me. A man named David Kirsch said he was shocked to find out that I wasn't Jewish at the end of our conversation. He said, "Your name is Sarah, you are tan with brown hair, you seem to know a lot about Israel's history, and you looked so moved by the music and dancing." I told him that being mistaken for a Jew was a compliment. I spent the entire afternoon enjoying the atmosphere and teared up as the Rabbi said words of Thankfulness to Memphians for coming out to support Israel. He lives there and said that when the Jewish people go out in public they always look around for "shelter spots" they could run to if needed in time of attack, bombing or shooting. In fact, so happened, the Shelby County Bomb squad and fire trucks were there at the park today. He spoke words of hope, love, joy, and peace. Then we sang and danced- it was like how I picture heaven would be, if I could picture anything close. The older women dancing tickled me pink and we cheered them on. After the festival I went to the Mall to eat and people watch- don't laugh, but I love to people watch. However, today in my observations I witnessed a side of humanity I hate. There were some kids in the food court snickering and making fun of a young man in charge of cleaning tables who clearly had downs syndrome. He was walking slowly around and kept his head down. I sat there for a minute while tears formed in my eyes and asked God why He allows this shit (yes, I used that word in prayer) to happen to innocent people- why he allows people to be disabled, but more so why he allows them to be disabled and humiliated, rejected, and shamed is beyond belief. I thought of my boys growing older and with one more comment from those rich spoiled-ass brats, I was up on my feet. Tears and all, I walked over to them with full intention of yanking the hair out of every head at that table. When I got over there they all looked up at me and I was speechless. High school. I just stared at them for a minute and breathed, then I walked over to the young man cleaning tables. He kept his head down and shrunk back for a second as I approached, but then perked up a bit when I told him he was doing a great job cleaning and that I was proud of him. He looked at me and smiled. His eyes looked like little rainbows. I walked away and cried when I turned the corner... (no, I am not on my period, just haven't cried in a long time and it finally caught up with me all in one day.)But the E.R.C. wasn't over. Momma called at 6:44pm to tell me that my Grandma just died. That's my Momma's Mom and though she was old and getting weaker, it was unexpected and very sad news. I asked Momma if she wanted me to come over and she said not to, she had some things she needed to do and it was getting late. Honestly, I don't believe she wanted to handle it tonight, but she will have to face the memories and this loss again in the morning. I'll miss Grandma Howard, I miss my children, I'm sad for my Mom and I don't see how it's possible to feel so many emotions in one day. To go from happy good morning cuddles, to sad, to content, to thrilled, to angry, to grieved, to lost, and now numb- all in one day. It's 11:00 and I don't really know where I am on the E.R.C. but I know I feel better after writing this and I hope to sleep and wake up ready for tomorrow. Goodnight.

Perspective

I was thinking about our economy again today... we've been a little slow at work, not seeing near as many new exams as we had hoped for this quarter, and my boss had asked us to draw names to see who would be off work one day of the week for the past three weeks. No body wanted their name in the hat because all of us need to work to pay the bills. I heard rumors that we might be required to be put on rotation and everyone gets cut to a 4 day work week instead of 5, if business doesn't pick up. I was thinking about how "terrible" this would be and quietly flipped out just thinking about it. I went to the bathroom to pull myself together, as I could already picture my checking account digits dropping and my parents giving the "I told you so" speech over my decision to move out during a poor economic status. I let this rumor bother me for the rest of the day, and though I kept my smile on, my boss asked me to his office to see how I was doing. He has never asked me that so I knew my smile wasn't big enough... or maybe it was so big he saw right through it. Either way, I quickly told him I was fine and just feeling a little stressed, but nothing major. I went home that night and let my imagination run wild- in the wrong direction. I pictured our whole city outside in long lines waiting to buy food rations, and handing over my last dollar so that the boys could eat one more time... it was pathetic. Then, right as a tight knot was building in my throat at the thought of my kids going hungry, another emotion much stronger rose up on the inside of me like a good slap in the face. The feeling was basically, "OVER MY DEAD BODY!" I will not let it get that bad! I started forcing my imagination in the other direction. From that spot- spending my last dollar, I pictured what to do from there. Step by step I worked my way back to having something, then having enough and then having plenty, and then realizing that I can not spend precious time fretting over the "what if's" THERE WILL ALWAYS BE TERRIBLE WHAT IF'S! I know about today and I do what needs to be done for today, and when tomorrow comes, I'll do what needs to be done tomorrow, and if I need to adjust or do more, I'll do it. If all the "what if's" beat on the door, I'll beat them back, (there are scriptures to beat them with, aren't there?) and if some "what if's" turn into "what is" then I'll face it head on with all the strength I can muster. One day at a time, one step at a time, one mountain, then the next... And with that good thought in my head, another good one came right after: GIVE! Right now I have enough. Right now I can give of what I have. It might not be much, but I can give what I can when I can. The Lord knows what my kids and I need and He can sustain us if He wants to. I'm hoping and believing that He wants to.


p.s. I found out that rumor came from someone other than the boss.

All Moved!

Aidan, Ethan, and I are all moved in and all unpacked! I am really pleased with the layout of the apartment and it's plenty of room for us and all of their toys- haha! I had to do some shopping (which is usually not something I enjoy) but I have to say it was fun shopping for this place- especially finding a good vacuum cleaner for only $39 and a really cute monkey bathroom shower curtain and decor for the boys bathroom was a pretty good price at Target. Their bathroom trash can is a smiling monkey holding a banana. And the rug is a huge monkey face. When Aidan saw it for the first time he laughed and said, "George!" I don't think it's meant to be Curious George, but since he was thrilled by the idea, I am too.
My parents came over for Pizza and salad last night. Guess what! My oven works! Everything works in this place! (knock on wood) It's great. I gave the boys the master bed/bath, and I took the second room, which is a little smaller, but has a beautiful vaulted ceiling (hey! Another benefit to a 3rd floor!) and a huge window. The pool opens on Memorial Day and I'm looking forward to taking the kids. I haven't actually showed them the pool yet because we can't get in it.
This weekend I won't have the boys, so I'm getting a few more things organized, and then I'm getting all dolled up (something I definitely haven't done this week) and going out with Adam for our date night!
Yippy Skippy! :)

I'm Moving!

Well folks, I'm moving to Cordova next week. This is a huge step for me because I have actually never lived on my own before. I married right after high school and then, as most of you know, moved back in with my parents after the divorce to go back to school and get on my feet. My parents have been a huge blessing and though I pay rent here to help out, I feel that the best thing for me to do at this stage of life is to live on my own with the boys for a while, especially before I get married- IF I ever get married... and if I don't, then I need to embrace this eventually anyway. I have no doubt things will be tight financially, but I have always been frugal with money and I believe that the boys and I will make it on our own with God's help. I think the biggest challenge will not be the financial budget challenge however. I think the biggest challenge is being by myself- which is exactly why I need to face it. I have the boys half of the week but the other half I don't. There is work during the day and plenty of work to do at home to keep me busy, but I will be on my own for a good amount of the time. One great thing about the Registry apartments is that they are SO close to Aidan and Ethan's school and daycare. I still have a little ways to drive to work but I would have that drive either way. Oh... and I'm on the third floor (ahhh!) ... that was all that was available. Looks like Ethan is going to get lots of practice going up and down the stairs (he's had trouble with that). Aidan will fly up and down them, and I will be telling him to wait for us, and getting a little more exercise myself- I'm sure. :) Anyway, it seems like a safe apartment complex and our apartment building (see picture above) is close to the pool and playground which is great! Please say a prayer for us as we move and make life's next transition. I have a few praise reports too. A couple of friends have offered to help me move, and Gib, one of our pastors at Living Hope, is giving the boys and I a table and 4 chairs. We didn't have a kitchen table and now we will so that is a big blessing! Well, I'm going to stop typing and go do some much needed packing... I actually enjoy packing. Enjoy your weekend, because the weather is supposed to be really nice. Cheers! ;)

Saturday Morning Pics...a little blurry but still sweet :)