Thoughts and happenings from Sarah's Life

The best things in life ... arent things.

2010-02-03T14:13:00.004-05:00

Life has been rushing by so fast I haven't had time to write on here .... i'm working 5 days a week right now, and still trying to get other things done in the meantime. Definitely keeps me busy tho! I can't say that anything too exciting has happened to me lol. I've kinda settled down to be the average boring person - but hey ... I think it suits me! LOL
We've got a few new Kids at the Daycare, which makes things even more busy and gives us more little faces to wash and kiss lol. A little girl that's fairly new is pretty fussy ... so i nicknamed her "my sunshine baby" I'm kinda hoping that it has a positive effect on her!!! Haha. I love spending time with all of the kids. They're all special in their own way.
Of course since it's New York there's a bunch of snow ... what else is new?! But hey - just can't wait til summer :D
Have a awesome week!

I'm Dreaming of a "Green" Christmas LOL

2009-12-10T17:27:00.013-05:00

Well it seems like the Christmas weather is finally here! Haha, the past few days have been full of cold windy snowy days :) Kinda interesting and fun to drive in lol. We put our Christmas tree and lights up and now I guess that we're just settling in for the season and long winter ahead of us!

Bri is getting bigger every day. She's such an adorable cutie! Waving now, jabbering, and just making our lives so much brighter and more joyful. What would life be like w/out little kids to make us remember the simple things in life?!

My job is going well, still loving it, and getting to know the kids better every time I work. Each of their own personalities, all the little smiles and tears lol. And of course the screaming tantrums, and kicking and so on! Dont forget that of course :D

God has just been good to me, and I'm thankful for it! I just cant wait for Christmas to be here, altho I still have most of my shopping to get done! Wishing u all a Merry Christmas!!

Our tree, and the pic actually turned out! yay haha

Lights on our window ...

Bri and me!

Bri smilin for the camera lol.

Another picture??? seriously aunt "rara"?

And my personal favorite! Bri and her love of lipgloss! LOL

Oh the weather outside is frightful! :P

2009-11-01T21:05:00.000-05:00

Well I haven't taken very many pictures lately. But I still wanted to keep up w/ this anyways! Today was a great day, I just hung out w/ my sister and bro-in-law - and had a wonderful day! I'd almost forgotten how COLD New York can be this time of year! WOW! Anyways, I'm pretty sure that there will be lots of snow to go with our Christmas this year. :D

So far my job has been going great. I really love spending time with the little kids, altho a few of them are a little bit mischievous! To say the very least :P LOL!

Bri is growing like crazy and is pulling herself up on furniture and everything now! My little baby all growed up! I'm so proud of her. She's definitely the cutest thing around!

Life has been going pretty great for me lately, and I've got some awesome people in it who make me smile! Hope that this November is an awesome month for you all!

Awesome times!

2009-10-15T21:14:00.010-04:00

Me and my friend abby ... fall is awesome :D

Another shot ... straight this time haha

Pumpkins make nice seats :P

A candid shot of Beth - LOL - She's laughing btw :P

Posing w/ the apple

Yummy!

fall is in the air ... maybe winter already hehe

Father, daughter bonding time ...

And of course ending w/ a pic of Bri :D

Its been a long time since I did a blog post! I feel kinda lazy! Anyways ... Life is always interesting around here! Thankfully things seem to be settling down around here, and getting cozy for winter! It was freeeeezing today! Definitely time to find the winter clothes, boots and coats! I love fall tho! Something about the smell in the air, the apples on the trees, and my breath going up in clouds puts an extra bounce in my step :D Here are some random pics, friends, family and stuff like that :)

The Little things in life ... ♥

2009-09-14T19:50:00.004-04:00

So I was inspired by Ena and Katie to write a list of 50 things that I'm thankful for. Just little things that we forget sometimes .....

1. Crickets

2. Fans

3. Peanut M&M's

4. Sleep

5. Cell phones

6. Email

7. Late nights

8. The Smoky Mountains

9. Streams

10. Christmas

11. Nicknames

12. Nieces

13. Books

14. Some good ol' laughter

15. Cars - especially my brand new one! hehe

16. Chocolate cookie dough ice cream!

17. Bobby pins

18. Fuzzy hoodies

19. Baby's smiles

20. Ipods

21. Dr Pepper

22. Teddy bears

23. Curling irons

24. Reese cups

25. Bonfires

26. Breeze coming in the windows

27. Contacts! - I love them ... so much better then glasses

28. Cute necklaces

29. My cat peaches - she's an interesting one :P

30. Running water (learned 2 be thankful for that one in Romania :D)

31. Books - duh lol.

32. Laptops

33. Plums

34. friends

35. Tearjerker movies ;)

36. Cameras

37. Dish soap

38. Microwaves (Whoever came up w/ them was a genius!!!)

39. Milkshakes

40. Tim Horton's Ice caps

41. Pictures in frames

42. Voices

43. Witty sayings

44. Nail polish

45. Chairs

46. Beds (when I have one lol)

47. Electricity

48. Lip gloss

49. Pillows

50. Head phones

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AIRE!!!!!!!

2009-09-08T22:01:00.001-04:00

My amazing, random, wonderful, talented, crazy, spontaneous, (and beautiful friend, I might add) turns 18 today!!! OH my GOSH! My little girl all growed up!! HAHA. I love u aire, Hope that 2day is one of the best days of your life that you will remember for years to come!

Wish that I could be there to make ur day soooooooo much better! :D Cause you know that life is soooooo boring there w/out me to trip up the stairs! Ikms! But just wanted to wish you an awesome day over there! Miss you girl, bunches and millions lol.

Go celebrate at the Italian restaurant or something!! hehe! Think of meeee! Sending a hug alllllll the way over there! Wish for something special when u blow out those candles lol :P

My all time favorist pic of aire .... just shows her

personality! :D

Sooo I started writing this awhile ago - tell me what ya'll think now :D

2009-09-06T20:27:00.000-04:00

Here's is a trial run of a short story that I started writing before I moved again lol. I've settled down again (supposedly hehe) So my writing state of mind seems to have returned for the moment. Just a warning to u wonderful writers out there who know so much more then me haha. But pleeeeaseee feel free to tell me whats messed up here and what should be fixed. Just dont expect too much lol.

No pics 2day - my normal subject is in ohio - so I can't capture her sweet smiling face! Sniff sniff. I miss her and sam so much! :D Anyways - thats all for now! Comment please :D ......

“Are you crazy!”

Courtney turned to face her friend, and mentally prepared herself for the tirade that was sure to follow. “What’s wrong Rach?”

“You’re going to waltz off to Africa, and still have the guts to ask me what’s wrong?” She flung her car keys on the table, and pulled her sun glasses off. “Court, do you realize how much pain you are putting everyone through?”

“This is what I have always wanted to do Rachel!“ Courtney ran a shaky hand through her hair, and tucked a strand behind one ear. “You know that I’ve always wanted to be a missionary.”

“Yeah, but not by yourself!” Rachel grabbed Courtney’s arm and propelled her towards the couch. “What are you thinking? Going on a whim again, trying to get yourself killed?”

“Ha, very funny!” Courtney playfully punched her friend on the arm, “Come on Rachel! You need to settle down, everything’s gonna be fine.”

“Right.” Rachel shifted on the couch, and pulled on her shirt sleeve. “That’s easy for you to say. I’m the one who has to sit here and wait for you come home.”

“Come with me then!” Courtney stood up, “Seriously Rachel, I probably could get you a flight, why don’t you come on the trip?”

“Some people have jobs and a real life! Obviously I can’t go running off to Africa whenever I want to.” She stood up, and brushed at imaginary wrinkles in her skirt. “You are living in a world that doesn’t exist Court. All this “Jesus makes everything better stuff” just doesn’t work.” She slipped her sunglasses into place to hide the hurt in her eyes and gently squeezed her friend‘s arm. “See ya in a few weeks.”

***********

"Man, you'd think life would get better eventually!" Rachel kicked the table leg and grabbed her big toe, wincing at the pain that shot through her foot. Life never made any sense, and she was sick of trying to figure it out. "Why am I even alive?" She whispered, trying to choke back the sobs that threatened to surface. "My life has no meaning, I exist, and what for?"

She grabbed her pillow and hugged it against her chest, wishing that the ache in her heart would go away. The tinny sounds of Sweet Home Alabama filled the room and she groped around the bed for her cell phone. She flipped it open, and snapped "Rachel speaking." into the mouthpiece.

"Yes Rachel, this is your boss. Can I ask why you aren't at work?" She blew a strand of hair away from her eyes, and glanced up at the clock, her eyes widening when she saw the time. "Oh my gosh Adam! I'm so sorry! I didn't realize what time it was, I'll be right over." She ended the call and jumped up, her hands tearing wildly at the ponytail in her hair. The life she had planned since she was eleven just wasn't panning out. This was never how she pictured things, she was supposed to be a fashion designer who made money and didn't have a care in life. Now it just seemed that everyone was leaving her behind.

*************

"Glad to see that you finally showed up 'Your Highness'. We were starting to worry." The blonde flipped her hair over her shoulder and gave Rachel a haughty smile. "How important do u think you are?"

Rachel rubbed her aching forehead and tried to ignore the girl's jib. "Can you tell me where Adam is please?"

"Upstairs, where you were supposed to be right now."

Rachel ignored the comment and hurried up the stairs two at a time, hoping that she wasn't gonna get an earful from her boss.

"Hey Adam, I'm here!" She tapped on the door, and swung it open, trying to get her composure and act normal. "You want me to get that new model, she's in Bob's office."

"Just a sec Rachel." Adam closed his laptop, and came around the desk, his eyes taking in her messy hair and wrinkled shirt. "What's going on?"

"Nothing!" Her fingernails dug into her palm, and she made herself met his eyes. "I'm fine Adam, I've had a lot of stress lately."

"Well please don't bring your personal life to work Rachel. We have enough problems as it is." He gave her a cold, professional smile, and nodded toward the door. "Please bring in the model now."

She closed the door with a slam before she got the urge to slap the nitwit across the face. It seemed like no one understood her anymore, and where was Courtney when she needed her?

Pepperoni, Van rides, and Photo Shoot! :D

2009-08-24T22:12:00.001-04:00

Well HEY everyone! U know that your so proud of me for posting again so soon!!! I had some random pictures that I haven't posted, so I thought that you all might like to see them :D Brianna at her cutest, and us at our oddest LOL!

We are offically moved into our new apartment and yesterday was a day of unloading and more unloading - ekk that can be rather stressful at times. Im just glad to finally have our own place now and hopefully stay here for awhile! Ahhh, can u tell that moving isn't my favorite thing? hehe!

Love ya'll!! And miss most of ya :P

Sar

Bri - rather aggravated at her Aunt "Rara" For making her

stay still for the photo shoot :P

She LOVES pepporani - this is a pic of the 1st time she ate it!

She cracks me up! :D

My litt' angel baby!

The flag - I'm proud to be an american!

Bri w/ her favorite aunt :)

My New CAR!!!!!! :D

2009-08-18T10:14:00.000-04:00

Well as most of you know I got my new car 2 weeks ago!!! I finally got time to do a post - so I figured that ya'll would like to see some pics. Its a Hydunai Accent 2009 :) Its pretty sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!!!! Let me know what u think!!! I loooove it! :D

Sorry that I haven't posted in such a long time - but things have been rather intersting around here lol. Pray that my dad gets a job soon and that we can get our own house! Bri is growing up faster and faster, my little baby is almost 6 months old already. Wow time sure flies by when ur not watching. There's a few pics of her on the bottom of this post ... she is soooo adorable!

The interior - I love how my tassel matches! :D

I love how small it is - I can zoom just about anywhere.

From the front ....

And the side - and all paid for!!!

She's so grown up already!!!! I love my baby!

And here's her typical "BRI" face - she does it all the time :)

Back in Good old Dixie!

2009-07-12T15:19:00.001-04:00

Hey ya'll!!!! Wow its been a long time since I did a post! I know that some certain people are dying without my wonderful posts, so I had to do this just for them! LOL. Alabama has been awesome so far. The Gloryland campmeeting was probably the best meeting that I've been in. Its was wonderful, amazing, so full of God, and not just about people. I loved it! Goshhh, gloryland is such an awesome church - i really missed it! It's so nice to be back with some old friends and stuff too. We're doing a sleep over 2nite, which Im really looking forward too! yay!!!

I'm seriously missing my woodwind buddy tho! I was only home for two days in between Romania and Alabama, so im still a little bit confused! haha, always on the move, busy and running around about something! it can be pretty interesting! Me and my sis are staying here for another 2 weeks tho - so we have plenty of time to just hang out and have fun 2gether.

Well I'll see ya all later! Don't miss me too much now! I love u guys! I'll try to put some more pics and videos up when i get the chance! Love ya'll!!!!!

SAR

A bad pic of the fireworks haha

a sign that was right in back of us during the fireworks ....

hmm a sign from God?? LOL

Some guys playing before the service ..

The Gloryland Singers

Last day here! :(

2009-06-29T14:03:00.001-04:00

Well all I can say is that Romania has been completely amazing! What an awesome experience, and what an opportunity for me! I'll be so glad to have running water and a toilet again! See we just don't know what we have until we dont have it anymore LOL.

It's gonna be kinda sad to leave all the little kids and sweet people behind. They are so friendly and accepting over here. Church on Sunday was pretty awesome ... they had 86 people which fills up the church building and makes it pretty stuffed! :D

I'll be glad to see my fam and niece again tho!! All of us have gotten along so good that it'll be kinda sad to have that over with too. Me and Anna are chums now ... keeping everyone straight and outa trouble! And Pat and Dan welll ... they are still busy stealing stuff and being mean!! HAHA, naw they're both realy nice .... uh sometimessssss.

K ... ttyl later! Here's some pictures from Sunday and the past few days.

Me and a little baby named Adam ... after Adam Zander :)

An ADORABLE little girl ... awww she's sooo sweet!!!

Some really sweet girls in sunday school class

More kids ... there were soooooo many this week!

Church packed out .. I couldnt even get in the door!!!

Me on the train going home at like 12am ...

Kentucky fried chicken!!! YAY!

Mrs. Zander's birthday cake :D

Romanian ice cream ... isnt it weird?!!

Some pics from Sunday etc ...

2009-06-23T03:00:00.001-04:00

Mr Zander ... sunday morning :)

The fence that the guys have been working on ...

it looks pretty good!!

Interesting appetizers at the resturant

Aire and a little girl from the church

I forget her name ... but she's soo adorable :)

Andrea

A group of happy little kids!

Wohoo ... castles 'n pizza and fun times!!!!

2009-06-17T17:46:00.001-04:00

Today was a blast, so I just had to post some pictures of our awesome hilarious moments!!! We went to Braun Castle which is right near Brasov 2day. And of course we had a tailgate party. And bowling was the absolute best ever!!! (Even tho I completely stink! I was the worst in the group!) Hey but the 1st shall be last and the last shall be 1st right??? LOL.
Anyways, here's pictures from 2day :) Hope that u all like them :) Let me know what you think. We still have almost 2 weeks in Romania, so we're making the best of it. Tomorrow is the mid week service, or Bible study over here. And the Zanders are getting their visa's redone in the morning - pray that everything goes smooth for them! more later alligators haha!

All our shoes ...!

Me bowling ... I really stink - but it was still loads of fun :D

Me and Ena ... the best bowling people! HAHAAAA

A pretty cool castle that we drove by ... :)

Mee .. duh! Love ya'll!!! Be good now :D

We've been here a week!!!

2009-06-08T09:22:00.001-04:00

Me and Andrea ... one of the really sweet little girls! awww

Kids from the Zanders church :)

Andrea again :D

They All love us here! It's so sweet

Adelina and Andrea - sisters coloring

Mr Zander and some of the kids ...

Mihai - one of Bro. Zander's faithful guys streetpreaching ...

Well we've already been here for 7 days! Gosh time sure does fly by when you're having fun! :D We have had some awesome times since I got here - and I'm sure there's time for a whole lot more! The gyspy village, all the little kids, church, hanging out 2gether, random -really random talks LOL - at 2 am, shopping, playing games, making disgusting cookies! HAHAHAA.
The weather has been pretty nice too lol, yesterday it was 98 wohoooo! :)
Love ya'll ... keep praying for us!
Sar

Awesome times in Romania!

2009-06-06T05:11:00.001-04:00

Well here I am in Romania!! I still have a hard time believing that I'm another country sometimes. It's such an awesome experience so far! And just to see the Zander's again is amazing and soo much fun! Aire and Ena crack me up, haha - spending time with them is a blast!
So far I especially loved going to the gypsy village that's right w/in walking distance of the house. All the kids run up to give you hugs, grab your hand and hold on to it the whole time your there. The ladies come out to give you a kiss on both cheeks and then they all stand around trying to communicate with you. The kids are so trusting and adorable you before they even know you! LOL .... there's no words to describe the feeling you have when you leave :)
Welll as most of you know we lost our luggage on the way here - thankfully we got it all back only a few days later. It didnt end up in any crazy country like South africa or anything!!! (Uh hum!!!)
Yesterday we climbed up a huge castle that was pretty neat!! Even tho we were completely exhausted from climbing so much. haha, I slept like a TON of hours last night ... hmmmm felt good!!!
Anyways, here's a few pics from my trip so far :)
Love ya'll!
And be good!!!!
SAR

Me and a little girl, Andrea - she is sooo sweet!

Anna and me, & a group of kids from the Gyspy Village

Aire talking to some people from the village ...

Me in the castle!

Here's the outside of another castle we went to.

The view from inside the castle ... pretty awesome!

Sunset in Racos

And of courseeeeee ... a picture of me and bre :)
Love her shades!

Graduation day!! FINALLY! LOL

2009-05-31T01:26:00.001-04:00

Here are some random pics from my graduation 2day! I'm really
tired so Im not gonna do a long post right now lol ... but thanks
soooo much to everyone who was there for me today!
I love you all soo much!

2 more days ...

2009-05-10T20:55:00.000-04:00

Well since Abby and Lydia are leaving in 2 days ... I figured that I should put some pictures up of us and our adventures lol. Its has been AWESOME to have them here!! We laughed and talked, and watched movies tell crazy hours of the morning. It's hard to let family go ... but hey life goes one right?? I THINK! :P We love you lyd and abby! You have been soo much fun to have around - i love you! And of course the 1st picture is of Bre :) I took it this morning.

She's growing up so much already. Im her favorist aunt :P

Haha, me and abby jumping :)

Our shadows, isnt that awesome!!

Aww, im gonna miss them when they leave!! :(

♥

Maid of the midst :)

Abby and I getting soaked. :)

Abby and lyd .. LOL! haha, they're crazy southerners!

Abby!! Haha, she cracks me up sooo bad!!! LOL

Dressing "HIM" and the most adorable person on earth!!♥

2009-04-27T14:54:00.000-04:00

Well life's a climb .... You just never know where you're gonna end up! Someday I'll look back and understand it all ♥ (Well at least I really hope soo!! lol) Right now, nothing really makes complete sense ... but hey - the future is still ahead of me right?? Please keep praying that we'll get a house soon! Here some pics of my baby and pumpkin lol.

She's getting so big!!! Ahh I love my little teddy bear!!

She was sleeping while I was holding her ...
its so nice when she's not crying!! lol

Getting ready to leave church and not wanting
to be the carseat ... poor baby!

Aww, she loves me lol.
I just got her a bib from Niagara falls Canada that said:
"If you think i'm cute ... you should see my aunt"
I couldnt say it better :P

Beth and Lyd dressing up our BOY cat lol ... poor thing!!

He really did look "sweet" tho!!!
Love ya'll!
Be good :)

Special prayer for my fam ....

2009-04-19T18:13:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone, I have a special prayer requests for my mom and my family. Things are getting kind of stressful where we're living right now, and its getting really hard for my mom. Please please pray that something opens up for us. We don't need a place to live, but goodnight ... it would be sooooo great to have a semi - normal life back again. With our own house, our own family ... yeah, anyways. Please pray that we get a place of our own to live!
Here some pics from Friday in Niagara falls!!! We are having a great time w/ lyd ... life just wont be the same when she leaves :( I'm still thinking about kidnapping her lol! She looks like my sis right? lol Love ya'll .... be good now! ♥

Haha, gotta love the sign over our heads! :)

Me in front of the rapids in Niagara Falls

THIS IS MY FAVORITE PICTURE OF LYD!!!!!
Haha, this just completely shows her personality!!

Me sitting on some rocks in the rapids!!!

Beth and Lyd ... Lord help them lol

My mom and dad ... awwwwwwwwww!!!! :P

Me, Lyd and Boof ... having a greeeatttt time!!!

Another pic ... don't u love my shirt?? lol :)
Lyd is a blast!

Haha, teeth?? lol

2009-04-14T15:37:00.000-04:00

Well as most of you know, my friend Lydia is here from Alabama!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Man - so far we've been having the time of our lives!!!! It's sooo nice to feel like I can just relax with someone again, hang out, have a good time ... and not have to say anything entertaining or exciting lol.
We haven't seen her in almost five months, so you can only imagine how great it was to see her getting out of the car last week. Ahhh, there's no words to express how wonderful it is to see a long lost friend!!! And to hear the accent again ... man i missed it! There's just something about the south lol :)
Here are some pics of us just goofing off and having a great time! Yeahhh, I can be immature sometimes lol. (Are you in shock????!!! haha) It's still aloud, Im only 18 :) Lyd means a lot to us .... and we love having her here. The empty part in our life just seems filled when she's with us. love ya'll ♥ And as always .... be good.

Haha, just gotta love those teeth!!

Us all ... smilin for the camera!

Yikes, lyd and boof ... Lord help 'em lol

Best buds ♥

And nooo Bre doesnt have anything to do w/ this post ....

But i couldnt resist!!! Isn't she a dollll?????

I'm such a lucky aunt!

I've given it up ....

2009-04-06T13:08:00.000-04:00

Well Hey everyone!!
As some of ya'll know the past few weeks have been especially rough for me. I guess thats what happens when you think and worry about stuff too much!!! lol. You get to wondering "Why me God? Why is this happening? Why couldnt I be normal like everyone else? Why, why why??"
You end up feeling jealous of the people around you who seem to have "relitavely problem free lives" and wonder why life is soooo unfair. Yup .... of course their problems seem big to them but compared to mine, most of them seem pretty small. Soooo by then you are feeling slighted and hurt, worried and completely miserable!! Pretty pathetic huh??? Yup I agree.
Finally last night, I just sat down and gave it all up. Worrying and getting sick over my problems really isnt gonna change anything!! I mean honestly, its natural to be worried about something like this ... but I cant let it take over my life and make my future seem hopeless.
I dont have a clue what the future holds, or what will happen to me .. but somewhere I really need to start trusting God. Please pray for meee!! I can use all prayers you all wanna pray lol. Also can u please pray that'd we'd get our own house soon. I really want to take long showers, run around looking like a scarecrow and make a mess w/out feeling bad lol!!!
Love ya'll, thanks for all the support you've given my fam :)

A month old TODAY!!!

2009-03-28T15:01:00.000-04:00

My Little Baby's already a month old!! Wow times flies by so fast!!

It seems like yesterday when Samantha and I were playing house

and dressing up lol!! Dragging dolls around by their hair, and feeding

them dirt!! :) Haha, and yes - i actually did that! lol

Goodnight I can't believe that she's married

and a Mommy!!!!

Bre suckin away, man I love that kid!!

Isn't she a doll???

Looking up at Grandma ...!

She's growing up sooo fast!

Haha, I love this pic!

There's my sweet cuddle bug!

Bre has so much personality already!!!

I just cant describe how beautiful she is!!

Already married for a year!!!

2009-03-23T14:15:00.000-04:00

Sam and Rick have been married for more then a year now!!! Can you believe that??? I can't! Honestly I was thinkin back to the wedding, and tearing up. Sniff, sniff! why do people have to leave me all the time?!

Well anyways ... I'm really happy for them. With Bre being born and all. I love you guys! You are the most awesome people around. Rick is the best bro-in-law anyone could ask for, and Sam and I go way back lol! So many memories with growing up together. Even if she never did forgive me for trying to poke her eye out with that rake!! lol!!

I hope that they're lives just keep on getting better. Here are some pics from their wedding, March 15th, 2008.

They're so cute together!! :)

Aww, I miss her sooo much!!

The beautiful bride!!

I look sooo young here, (at least I think so lol!)

Mr. and Mrs. McCarthy!!!

And so .. they fell in love lol!

2009-03-17T10:20:00.000-04:00

I am convinced that my kitty Peach and

Mrs. Hance's cat Buddy, are in love lol!

They seriously sit there and stare at each other all day long!

It's hilarious!! :)

Haha buddy star gazing :D

Peach! She's such a pretty cat!

And here's my random sis Beth - I love her lol!

Here I yam , after church on Sunday - experimenting w/ my new camera!

hmm, opinions ...?

2009-03-11T10:28:00.000-04:00

Ok, i've been inspired (by a certian friend of mine uhhmm!) to post some writing on my blog ... this is the beginning of my assignment for the writing course im doin! nooowww - nobody laugh!!! :) I know im not a great writer like arianna, or a someone who can make you crack up ... but!!! Im trying lol! Love ya all. And tell me what you think! Be good now :)

"Are you crazy!”
Courtney turned to face her friend, and mentally prepared herself for the tirade that was sure to follow. “What’s wrong Rach?”
“You’re going to waltz off to Africa, and still have the guts to ask me what’s wrong?” She flung her car keys on the table, and pulled her sun glasses off. “Court, do you realize how much pain you are putting everyone through?”
“This is what I have always wanted to do Rachel!“ Courtney ran a shaky hand through her ash blonde hair, and tucked a strand behind one ear. “You know that I’ve always wanted to be a missionary.”
“Yeah, but not by yourself!” Rachel grabbed Courtney’s arm and propelled her towards the couch. “What are you thinking? Going on a whim again, trying to get yourself killed?”
“Ha, very funny!” Courtney playfully punched her friend on the arm, “Come on Rachel! You need to settle down, everything’s gonna be fine.”
“Right.” Rachel shifted on the couch, and pulled on the sleeve of her striped shirt. “That’s easy for you to say. I’m the one who has to sit here and wait for you come home.” '

To be continued ..... lol :)

Awesome necklace giveaway!!

2009-03-06T11:27:00.000-05:00

I'm letting you all know that Arianna is having a necklace giveaway for her celebration of a 100 posts!!! yay ena! haha i'm not even close to that yet :)
These necklaces are pretty awesome so check em out! Maybe i'll get one lol! although with my luck - not a chance lol!! so anyways ... check it out!!
http://arianna-elizabeth.blogspot.com/

My niece BRE!!!!

2009-03-01T20:06:00.000-05:00

Here she is!!!!

All the details .. loooong baby! :)

She's such a doll ...

My parents say that she looks like Rick ... hmm
I'm not sure!! What'd you think???

Lots of dark brown hair ... :)

Proud Parents!!!!

Grandma 7 times over!! :) :)

Rick's mom ... 1st Grandbaby :)

And here's me and bre ... i'm soo glad she's finally here!!

Haha! Really Random Post!!

2009-02-22T19:53:00.000-05:00

Ok - One of my random friends wanted

me to do a post on my cookies!! Haha - so here

it is :) : )

Yum - I baked them this afternoon ...

Ohh, a close-up lol!

They tasted even better then they look lol!!
Had to test one :)

Every tear I cried, You hold in your hand

2009-02-12T13:12:00.000-05:00

I was sure by now

God you would have reached down

And wiped my tears away.

Stepped in and saved the day ...

But once again, I say amen

And it's still raining.

And as the thunder rolls,

I barely hear you whisper through the storm

I'm with you.

As your mercy falls, I raise my hand

And praise the God who gives and takes away.

And I will praise you in this storm.

And I will lift my hand

For you are who you are, no matter where I am.

And every tear I cried, you hold in your hand.

You never left my side

And though my heart is torn.

I will praise you in this storm.

I remember when,

I stumbled in the wind.

You heard my cry, you raised my up again

And my strength is almost gone,

How can I carry on? If I can't find you?

And as the thunder rolls,

I barely hear you whisper through the rain

I'm with you.

And as your mercy falls, I raise my hands

And praise the God who gives and takes away.

Please pray for me and my family .. it's looks like our share of "storms" aren't over yet .. We're trying to stay strong. Thanks so much for your prayers and support. The future is vague and scary, please pray that they let my dad come back to new york. Love you all.

I SAW GROUND TODAY!!!

2009-02-08T15:07:00.000-05:00

Ok, I am seriously jumping up and down!!!!! Yay!!!! I saw ground today for the 1st time in like a LONG TIME! So I am having a party right now :) :) I know that it's pretty pathetic huh?? Like goodnight - I can see mud so I'm happy - kinda weird I know!
Let me see ... what else is new?? Well my dad has a job!!! Praise the Lord for that, we're still at the Hances house, hope that they aren't completely sick of us lol!!! Yikes, we can be annoying!
Keep praying for Rick's job ... he finds out tomorrow if he got it or not. Please pray about that!!!
As always I'm missing the south, my friends and the warm weather! I could be sitting on my porch in 72 degree weather right now! Ohhh! how sad :)
Ok, later people. Be good!

Samantha and Bre's Baby Shower :)

2009-02-01T15:37:00.000-05:00

The mommy-to-be!!!!

The cake that Anna and Liz made ... it turned out soo cute!

Unwrapping presents ...

Took forever lol!

My niece anna - making a funny face :)

Hollie eating cake!

My Grandma, and Ruth

The shower went great!! Thanks so much to everyone who came and helped out w/ everything!

I can't wait until Brianna is born, please pray for a safe delivery and a healthy baby! Be good ya'll. And hope that this month brings you much happiness :)

Ever been afraid of what comes next?

2009-01-22T19:06:00.000-05:00

Hmm, have you ever sat around and wondered where life was gonna take you? Where you would be next week, next month, next year? If your life would ever really matter, or if you would just become another blob on this earth? Will things that happened in your life ever make sense?

Well if you haven't - heaven bless ya! I wish I could say that I haven't, but the truth is ... I think those questions almost everyday!! It can actually be kind of annoying! I just feel so uncertian about life right now, scared about the future, wondering what will happen, what my life will be like in 10 years. Where will I be? Will I be happy? Will I be safe? A crazy amount of questions fly through my mind everyday, and I just can't seem to stop them!

Just please pray for me okay?!
I love you all, and thanks for your support :)

Memories from 2008

2009-01-16T19:06:00.000-05:00

I've been tagged by Arianna :)

The rules are:
1. Fill in your memories of 2008
2. Link my blog to yours
3. Tag others and comment on their blogs so they know they've been tagged.

Remembering 2008 - Wow 2008 has a lot or memories for me! Talk about my life completely changing! Thanks for all your prayers everyone - I really appreciate it :)

A good book I read: hmm, wow - I read so much that this could be hard! I would have to say "The Ultimate Gift" Great book, almost exactly like the movie!

A great film/movie I watched: Hmm, I like Princess Diaries :)

A new place I visited: Lets see, don't know if I've been to any new places lately ... a whole ton of repeats though!!!!!!

An inspiring verse or quote I read: Trust in the Lord w/ all thine heart, and lean not to thy own understanding.

A new skill I acquired: hmm, smiling even when your world is spinning around you!

A lesson I learned: Never trust anyone - you don't really know who people are! Yikes!

A moment I will always remember: Getting the phone call from my mother - telling me that we were moving back to New York.

Hmm, I tag: Rose, Amy and Arielle ...

New York? Yuck!!!

2009-01-08T13:55:00.000-05:00

I turned 18 on Monday - so my offical days as an "adult" have started. Hmm, should be interesting I guess! I had a great day with some friends, and my parents threw me a small birthday party. We all had a great time, even though there was snow everywhere!

I would have never dreamed that we'd all be back in New York for my birthday ... yuck! Who in the world would want to live in new york???!!! Not ME!!! Anyway, I'd better not even get started, or there won't be a end to this post! :)

I finally mailed out my writing assignment that was due three months ago. With the confusion, moving, and holidays, I haven't been writing very much! I'm still not really back into the swing of things - but I had to get the assignment done before my instructor had a cow!

My dad had another interview at Harris, and they asked him to come back again! I don't know if they are going to ever make up their minds!! Just keep on praying about that situation please. He really needs to get a job, and so far all the northern folks are takin' their time! :)

Here are a few pics from my birthday party ....

Eating is always a good thing!

Sitting around talking :)

My cute Ice cream cake - isn't he cute? :)

My parents gave my a NY hoodie, I hate NY!!!!

Hmmm, self-pity?

2009-01-02T18:45:00.000-05:00

I was sitting on my bed today when I looked around me and thought,
"You know what Sarah? Your a real jerk!" (Yup, no kidding people! Everyone still alive??!) Has anyone ever felt like that? You just "woke" up one day, and realized that you weren't what you used to be? That you've forgot about all the good things that have happened in your life?

The past month has been really, really, really, REALLY hard for me ... but I was just realizing that I still have sooo much that I could be thankful for. I mean come on - I still have both my parents, Samantha still lives in the same state with me. I have a wonderful brother-in-law who puts up with me all the time - grin, grin! Beth and I are good friends, even though I'm such a grump sometimes. And thanks to the Hances - a place to live!

So I'm resolving to try and be more thankful. No matter how hard my life is ... there is always someone out there is has it worse then I do. Even if I do miss the South, my friends, my church, a state that isn't full of nuts :) I still live in America where we can all be together ...

I love ya all, thanks for all your prayers through this hard time in my life ...
Be good ya'll!
Sar

So ... only two days??!!

2008-12-23T12:56:00.000-05:00

Wow, only two day 'till Christmas!! Everybody ready!!

Christmas is so much different this year, getting ready for a big holiday without baking 20 pies, and cooking 10 hams :) No big rush to get parents to a good hotel, no huge packages for the boys from relatives. No howling boys singing Christmas songs (Ouch! ... ) And no huge Christmas tree decorated by ranch boys! You just never know when your life can drastically change, and I can definitely say that from personal experience!

It was a month ago yesterday, that I left my house for the last time - not even knowing that I wouldn't be coming back! It seems like longer to me, like forever ago! Almost like a different person, different time. I can't really describe it ...

Here are some pictures from last year at Christmas. We made so many memories when we lived down there. Please continue to pray for all the guys that went through the program. They need your prayers to stay strong!

Ben, Adam, and Shane decorating cookies ...

John having a good time!

Roman and the guys making a mess :)

Eating the frosting - the best part :)

Opening presents on Christmas Day.

Our '07 giant Christmas tree - so pretty!

Samantha and Rick, recently engaged. Awwww :)

My family and I in Gatlinburg, Tn - December 2007

A special post .... to my friends Abby and Lydia!

2008-12-19T11:10:00.000-05:00

Abby and Lyd!!!

We miss you both SO MUCH!

This post is remind you that we love you TONS!

Here are some pictures - random ones - like you wanted :)

Getting ready to sing at the Christmas Concert

Yikes!

See our beautiful mini tree :)

Bethany trying to be a ballerina!

Peach, "My book protector" sleeping w/ a blanket over her .

All lit up :)

Decorating the Christmas Tree!!

2008-12-13T21:38:00.000-05:00

Christmas is only 12 days away!!!

Time flies, are you ready :)

My Dad and Michael putting the lights on ...

Boof stringing beads

Decorations come next, it looks so pretty!

Beth carefully adjusting a ornament

Me :)

And here's the finished product!!! So pretty!

What'd ya think of the Hance's cat? He's absolutely HUGE!!!

Sometimes problems seem so big ...

2008-12-09T10:02:00.000-05:00

They hide the light of day,

Sometimes pain cuts so deep, I can't find the words to pray.

Sometimes heartaches seem to be much more than I can stand,

That's when grace seems to take me by the hand.

He gives grace, in the midst of every storm,

God gives grace that carries the weary and worn.

He's everything we ever need, for everything we face

So remember when it seems you can't go on,

God gives grace.

I know every pain I feel becomes His very own,

God knows the weakness of my heart that I can't make it all alone.

For He knows what I can handle and He never gives me more,

When my strength comes to it's end, He has more grace in store!

He gives grace, in the midst of every storm,

God gives grace that carries the weary and worn.

He's everything we ever need, for everything we face

So remember when it seems you can't go on,

God gives grace.

Grace will help you stand when problems seem so tall,

And grace will pick you up, every time you fall!

So remember when it seems you can't go on,

God gives grace.

I'm in Love!!!

2008-12-05T20:32:00.000-05:00

And who wouldn't be???!

Isn't she the cutest thing you ever saw?

She's such a happy little girl! Always ready with a giant smile,

and some "blow" kisses.

Grinning for the camera

Having fun, jumping on my lap ...

She loves having her picture taken. Conceited little thing!

"Aww, Cute!" Is what Hollie said about this picture -
I told you that she's conceited!!

She was trying to dodge the camera, but Bethany got her anyway

My little cutie-pie ...

Thanksgiving ....

2008-11-27T11:00:00.000-05:00

Well here it is - Thankgiving already.

You know how hard it is to be thankful, really thankful when your world is crashing down around your ears?? Believe me, it's hard. And so far, I'm not doing a very good job. :) We are supposed to move back to New York tomorrow w/ no job, no car, no money, and best of a all - no place to live! Oh yah! Plus leaving everything behind in Alabama, the last time I left my house, I had no idea that I wouldn't be coming back. (And yes, I'm one of those weird people who says "goodbye" to their old house.) I have been crying way more then I thought was possible for me!!

Just pray for us please!!!
Love you all, and have a great Thanksgiving.
Sar

http://www.reclamationranch.com/

2008-11-24T12:49:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone,
Please keep on praying for the ranch. The past few days have been so so so hard. I don't think that I have never cried so much in my whole life. Talk about my whole life turning upside down in a second. Watching all of our boys being taken away without a moments notice was soooo hard. They only let us say goodbye to one guy - Roman who was one of the 18 year olds and a leader. I couldn't help but cry when he hugged me goodbye, and thought that is might be the last time we would see him. Just keep us in your prayers please!

Bethany and I are in Tennessee now, we are staying with the Lansing for a few days, just to stay out of harms way. Thankfully we have a very faithful friend Lydia, who has stuck with us through thick and thin. She came with us for moral support, thanks goodness. Just keep on praying please! I love you all.
And as always, be good,
Sar

URGENT - PLEASE PRAY!!!!

2008-11-22T12:49:00.001-05:00

I have a very urgent prayer request for the Boys Home. One of the former ranch boys filed a complaint against the ranch for child abuse and the police came this morning and took custody of all the boys. We REALLY, REALLY need prayer.
I'm not sure what is going to happen .... the future is very uncertain, and we need some support. Pray that everything works out, and the home doesn't get shut down. Please pray for us ....
Sar

A new addition to the family :)

2008-11-09T23:50:00.003-05:00

Well ... we have another kitty!!! Can you believe it!! So cute and cuddly, Pumpkin is about 13 weeks old, and as cute as ever! Peaches hasn't decided if she really likes him or not, but I think that they will become best buddies pretty fast.

The first day she decided to take refuge on top of our cupboards (like way high up over every one's heads!!!) But I think that she is getting used to the idea and starting to enjoy the playtime with him :) Poor cat, she went through a traumatic experience being dethroned after 2 years!

The "Come and See Jubilee" starts a week from tomorrow, and I am personally dreading it!! Way too much stress, way too many people, way too many late nights!! I think that I might like to disappear for a week or two. Oh well, I'll brave through somehow.

The weather has been pretty nice here, a little chilly today but not too bad. And gas is down to $2.10!!! Miracles never cease huh?! Maybe you all should move to the south - every things cheaper down here, and I could use some good company :)

We also have a bunch of puppies right now!! Both of our dogs decided to go within a few weeks of each other - oh boy it should be interesting as they get bigger. Well I should head off to bed before I fall asleep at the computer. Be good ya'll!

Pictures Of Samantha!!!

2008-10-29T23:28:00.001-04:00

What a cute tummy!!

Already so hard and round. Little Brianna is gaining some weight!

Here I am, with my happy sister!

Well here are a few pictures of Samantha! People have been begging me for some pregnant pics - so here they are. Rick and her are sooo happy, as you can tell - she's still beaming :) It's gonna be so much fun living right next door to my little niece.

The Boys home has been giving my Dad a lot of problems lately ... so they have been doing a lot of running and cals. What a happy bunch. Umm, yeah right! Well bless their hearts, but they really do need some serious help! We got another new kid in yesterday, so that makes number 16. So far no problems from him. What a huge relief!

So are you all freezing up there yet? Goodnight, it has been pretty chilly down here. There was even a frost this morning! I can't wait for Christmas and New Years. My youth leader informed us all the other day, that Christmas is only 9 weeks away. Time sure does fly when we aren't paying attention. Well enjoy the pictures everyone. And to keep up tradition Rose ... :)

Be good!

Sar

Well I just went to the doctor ...

2008-10-24T23:15:00.000-04:00

And found out absolutely nothing!!!
I have had a sore throat for about 4 months - off and on. So my mom finally made me go to the doctor tonight. Well they tested me for mono and strep throat - and both of them came back negative!! I knew that they would, but we had to make sure I wasn't dying from some dreadful disease. :) So they squeezed blood out of me, and stuck a swab down my throat ... just to find out that I'm "healthy".
They told me that it could be allergies, or there's also a small possibility that it's the air conditioning. The doctor was like, "Both of the tests came back negative, and as for your chronic sore throat. I'm really not sure what's wrong." Of course that's exactly what I wanted to hear!! There has to be a solution! Anybody have some good ideas??
Well anyway ... I thought that I should inform you all how annoying it is to be sick - and not know why!!!!
I should be heading off to bed,
Be good,
Sar
Oh, and by the way - please pray that my sore throat goes away soon :)

Ranch life continues ...

2008-10-22T22:47:00.000-04:00

Well life at the ranch continues ... and ranch boys seem to come and go like the revolving doors at a hotel. I was looking at all the old files the other day, and realized that at least 25 guys have come and gone since we moved here! I was thinking of all those guys - and hoping that they appreciated all that my Dad has done for them. Goodnight, if they only thought about how much he has prayed for and loved them!

Fall is definitely here, temperatures are dropping down to the 60's at night, and all the leaves are starting to change. Nothing spectular like New York or Ohio, but there is quite a bit of red and yellow around. Time to eat apples, bake pies, and drink cider!! I can't wait to for Thanksgiving and Christmas to get here, only a few more months to wait. Wohoo :)

Yesterday Bethany and I were playing a game outside, and I suddenly had the urge to sing "I'm dreaming of a White Christmas". We were half-way through the song, when Will - who is one of the boys - stuck his head out the door and asked who was drowning the cat!! How mean can you get?? All we were doing was singing for goodness sake. :) Your life is always under a microscope around here.

Well people were telling me that I should put more pictures up of me on the blog ... so here's one of me and Peach :) She's one of my best buddies. Talk to ya later, and be good!

Samantha's Ultrasound

2008-10-07T23:52:00.000-04:00

Well! Samantha went to the doctor today, and got her first ultrasound! Look at the pictures, isn't the baby soooo cute?? Well I might be a little bit prejudice. :) You really can't tell here, but I'm sure that it's a doll. The baby had her legs crossed during the ultrasound, so the doctor's aren't positive ... but they do think that it's a girl!!! Wohoo!! I so cannot wait for another niece to be born! Just thought that I'd give you all the good news, and some adorable pics before I went to bed.

Here's her cute little profile, say cheese!

I think this is her back ...

Don't ask me ... the head? :)

Samantha is very proud of her little girl's feet!

If you look close you can make out a foot, right in the middle :)

Fall coming to the South :)

2008-10-03T23:27:00.000-04:00

Well it seems like fall is finally coming to the south!
We have some trees outside the window that are turning red, and the mornings are getting down right chilly! Yay, I love this time of year. I always anxious to get outside, breath in deep, and just sniff. Yeah, kind of strange - but I love it!
Today was a field trip for our school, so we went to some kind of Old fashioned, craft fair thing, that was pretty neat. People dressed up all over the place, making lye soap, candles, weaving, and all kinds of neat stuff. Bethany loved it, because she got out of school for the day :) I love to wander around and see all the 1800's cabins and everything too. Abby (a friend from church) and I both love that kind of thing, so we had a good time exploring the past times.
A new kid came in from Mexico on Tuesday. He only speaks very broken English, so that should be a interesting challenge that we don't have everyday! Is there anybody who speaks Spanish, who wants to come down here and interpret for awhile?? So far there have been no problems - thank goodness!
Be good everyone, okay! Miss you all bunches :)
"til next time.
Your southern Sar :)

Reminiscing!

2008-09-24T21:59:00.000-04:00

Well, I am here to reminisce about the past! I was looking through some pictures on my computer today, and came across the one's from Tennessee - oh how much I miss it! There was so many beautiful things about that place. (Of course along with the ticks, fleas, and roaches!) But it was a wonderful place to live and nothing will ever replace it. I will always remember the wild freedom that seemed to surround the Boy's home, all the horses roaming through the pasture, living on a dead end road :) seeming to be far away from everything and everybody .. and those beautiful mountians! Everywhere I looked, beauty seemed to be around me! I just wanted to share some pictures with you all - so you can oh and ah with me! It really was a beautiful place to live.

The Boys home is back from Florida and school is in full swing again. So far everything has been pretty calm, so I'm hoping that it stays that way! Please pray for a few of our guys that have some hard decisions coming up. Josh, a boy that just left the program a few weeks ago - is doing well living in Ohio and attending a Christian School there. Please also pray that he will do well with the new surroundings. We all just have to remember that you never know when God will work in someone's life.

I miss you all, and hope that everyone is doing okay :) As always, I miss the Reynolds and have had a fleeting thought or two .. of just showing up on their doorstep someday! Wow, wouldn't that be a surprise! Well watch out Amy and Juli - scary Sarah might come back :)

Love ya all!

Oh how much I miss those beautiful mountians!

The sunset in our back yard.

Bethany riding our horse Stormy, w/ Victor leading.

Our pond in the winter time.

Wow, what a busy life :)

2008-09-14T22:39:00.001-04:00

Well hello everyone!

Life has been extremely busy lately ... but hey what else is new right?!
My family and I went to Florida for a few days and actually got to relax a little bit!!! (Are you dieing of a heart attack yet?!) It was a lot of fun, we went to the beach, shopping, resting, sleeping in late, and watching Andy Griffith - which always makes everything better. :)

Bethany turned 13 on Friday, and we are bemoaning the fact that we are all now in our teenage years and older. What is this world coming too?? I can't believe that my boof is already so grown-up ... well, in years anyway! I'm not so sure about the rest of her - the crazy child, I love her to pieces though. :)

Two boys went home this past week, Josh and Sergio. Pray for them if you think of it, they'll definitely need all the prayer that they can get. Yikes! Josh had been here a full year and graduated with honors. Sergio on the other hand - weeellllll, lets just say he left :) Anyways, Josh is being missed by just about everyone -don't ask me why, since he was such a grump all the time, but hey if you spend a year with somebody, you do tend to get somewhat attached. My mom and dad were both really close to him. So just pray for both of the guys, okay? :)

There are rumors of going to Florida again on Wednesday for the blowout in Pensacola - so far I am hoping and hoping, that they are only rumors! I am ready to stay home for awhile! But I do tend to get yanked along with everyone else, bohoo! Well whatever happens, hopefully I come out on the other side ... still alive :)

Sarah, we've got a runner

2008-09-05T00:24:00.000-04:00

Well today was very interesting to say the least!

My Dad has been sick with a 102 fever the past week, so today we finally put our feet down and made him stay in bed and rest! (Believe me, it is not a easy thing to do!) Anyways, he did manage to rest quite a bit of day, and I was just starting to pat myself on the back for being a good nurse when there was a loud bang on the door and I went to answer it.

"Sarah, we've got a hot foot" Bro. Daniel was at the door, and my heart beat picked up just hearing that!

"You mean like a runner?" I asked, just to make sure. :) Hey I was trying to be a optimist! Yeah, the new boy ran away and immediate chaos reigned! People running everywhere and boys spreading in twenty different directions. Sorry make that 15, but close enough.

My Dad, (who don't forget - has a 102 fever) of course jumps off the couch and hops into one of the vans and takes off down the road. Everyone was gone for about 20 minutes and then the van pulls back into the driveway, with a kicking and fiting ranch boy!!

Come to find out that my Dad had saw him coming out of the woods, jumped out of the van and football tackled him!!! Yeah, now that's what I'm talking about, go Dad!

My wonderful kitty, Peaches!

2008-09-01T22:34:00.001-04:00

This post is dedicated to my wonderful and adorable cat ... Peaches. I missed her soooo much on my six week trip that it was unbelievable!! So much that we have been through together! Some people claim that she's a "devil cat" and lets just put it this way ... umm - they have walked away with a sore leg before. (Grin and more grins!) Just ask any of the ranch guys and some of the Reynolds for example! They have all experienced my defensive side a little bit :) :)

Anyway, she really is the sweetest and cutest kitty that you will find for miles around. And these pictures are evidence to that! Tonight while I was sitting at my computer desk trying to get a letter wrote, she jumped up on my lap, purring away and nozzling at my hand just wanting to be pet. And of course you can guess ... the letter didn't get written and the cat got pet, she's so spoiled rotten! And the best part of it all is - she's mine!

Okay, I know by now that you all have got bored out of your minds - so I'll stop blabbering on and on. Sorry about that, but if you had a cat as cute as mine, you would blabber on too.

We got home on Thursday night and the past few days I have just been soaking up the feeling of FINALLY being home, I love it! Just being able to have your own bathroom, your own bedroom, your own house! It's a wonderful feeling believe me :) I can run around the house looking like a hurricane just hit me and nobody cares!! Wohoo! Completely a awesome feeling!

The only bad thing about being home is missing the Reynolds house ... I can't stop thinking about and reliving it over and over in my mind! It was such a great and awesome time that I will always remember! All the escapades and late nights, great talks and crazy water wars :) Just everything I did there was a blast - even feeding and milking the cows!! If only the boys knew that I could carry so much stuff around, they wouldn't be so helpful anymore :)

Well for this post I just wanted to brag on my Peaches, isn't she a doll???!

2008-08-27T12:23:00.000-04:00

Anna Mae grinning for the camera

I miss Hollie so much, she is completely ADORABLE!!!

Us and some of the kids looking at a video.

Grandma reading a story!

And there is my old house!!! We drove by it the other while we were up in NY and I just had to take a picture. Such wonderful memories! So many things came to mind when I saw it- I lived there for 14 years, so you can only imagine how many things I did there!

All the years growing up in that yard, cousins coming over, running in the yard, shoveling snow in the driveway (thats not such a pleasent memory!) mowing grass, climbing trees, playing capture the flag in the backyard, all the bonfires, - I can't even start to remember it all but there was definitely some great times there!

Right now we are in North Carolina for our last meeting and then tomorrow we are supposed to head home! I just can't wait to step into my bedroom again, and see my cat, live in my own kitchen again and have a house again! One more day :) :)

At the Amslers :)

2008-08-22T12:14:00.000-04:00

Adorable Anna, smiling at the world!

Aunt Bethany with Anna

A very thoughtful Hollie!

So cute that you just have to take pictures!

Chilling - and in style!

Milking in the barn

A very dirty Silas

Boys in the barn talking to Chad

Well I just found out that we should be home by next Friday!!! Until 6 more days until I get to see Peaches again, my house, bed, state! and have the comfortable homey feeling again.

It has been fun to travel (especially the Reynolds house, I miss it so much!) But there is just something about going home. Here are some pictures of the kids etc, they all grow up so fast! More later ;)

Boohoo!

2008-08-19T23:26:00.000-04:00

Okay, just in case anyone wants to know - I am missing the Reynolds really bad right now!!! We had such a wonderful time together that I can't believe it is all over! All of the good times just keep on flashing into my memory and I am about ready to ball my eyes out. :(
The last few nights Amy, Juli and I really had a great time. I guess just realizing that our time was coming to a close - was sad and made us all more thoughtful. There's the stories of staying up late, the "serious talks" and the "laugh until your sides ache" talks. They were just so awesome. Thank you Amy and Juli both!
Before I start blubbering I should go to bed. But it was one of the best two weeks of my life! I miss them so much already and they just left this morning!
I'm still trying to convince them to move to Alabama :) :) Well there's life ... there's hope!

A wonderful time!

2008-08-17T15:17:00.000-04:00

Well this past week has been a complete blast! I can't believe that I am already leaving tomorrow morning - time just seemed to fly by so fast!! I do have to say that I will miss them all a whole ton. I had such a good time w/ Amy and Juli, that I don't even know where to start. They have just been a huge blessing to me, all of our late night talks, births with Amy, the discussions we have got into, hugs, and smiles, walks and milking times together - I have loved and will miss them all. Sometimes its hard to remember what "girl company" is like, believe me ... talking to a girl face to face is real treat for me. I do miss it :) I just can't say how much it has meant to me to be here these two weeks, and I hope that the Reynolds aren't too sick of me! I can tell that Amy is on the edge!! Good night, what the poor girl has put up with! I am off to New York in the morning - back to the Boys home, loud guys, stuffy vans and tons of driving. Somehow I just might decide to stay here!!

Amy and I had two births this week, one a English mom that had a little boy named Jesse and the other a Amish mom that had her eighth baby. The last one I actually helped to deliver! Talk about really scary! Its a unforgetable experience, and I loved it! I really am going to miss hanging out with Amy, going to births and check-ups, the neat and incredible world of a midwife - so awesome. :)

I do hope that Amy will let me come back someday though. For now - I'll be in Alabama! Here are some pictures from the last week.

Hanging out in the barn w/ the cows

Amy and I got bored with watching the cows all day -
so we brought some nail polish along!

Busy busy :)

Kayla and I resting our legs and waiting for a show to begin.

Me, Kayla, Juli and Amy

Juli and I, waiting for her to be called in the ring.

Amy and I in another discussion :) This "discussion"

started after Amy dumped a cup of water down my back - she's unbelievable sometimes!

Husking a BUNCH of corn!

Little Jesse Lane, 8lbs 11oz

Hair cutting time - yikes!

Life at the Reynolds

2008-08-11T17:02:00.000-04:00

Amy the midwife - being very proffesional!

Taking Juli's iron.
(Amy told me I need to get over the fear of poking people!)

So I experimented on her too! It was actually kind of neat :)

Mine was 12.5 - not too bad, but not as good as the Reynolds either.
It must be because they live on a farm or something!

Hair cutting time, Juli's a pro!

Snip, snip :)

Milking time w/ Amy

Please don't kick me!!

Amy pushing a Turkey to the milk house to be washed! Believe me it was extremely amusing!!
By the way - she doesn't know that I put this picture up here :)

Life has been so busy the past week, and so full of memories and fun times! Living with the Reynolds has been such a great experience!! Running around with Amy and just seeing what her life as a midwife has been wonderful. It's just so neat to see her make house calls - check on the moms, and babies - it a really neat and awesome life.

I do feel bad for the little babies that have to have their tiny feet poked for blood samples! I held at least 4 of them so far - while they sobbed against my shirt. How heartbreaking! You just have to remember that its for their own safety. :)

The fair here started today, so we went and watched the kids show for awhile. Then Amy and I wandered around eating ice cream while I reminiced about the Orleans County fair that I used to go to! How much I miss the old times as a kid, all the animals, bright lights, and cozy families - watching fireworks, horse races, and the list goes on!

Anyway back to the Reynolds. The family setting here, everyone together - eating at a big dinner table, sewing, taking pictures, the food fights, blogging on the computer together. It has been so fun and relaxing! I have even gone out with Amy and milked a few times, what a interesting life! I actually enjoy it :) Don't tell anyone though, I am NOT a farm girl, but for a change it is great!

Here are a few pictures from this week. I think that Amy stole some for her blog .. but I'll forgive her ... this time. Sar

At the Reynolds

2008-08-09T11:29:00.000-04:00

Mahlon Hersherger, I was there when he was born!!!

The parents were hoping for a boy,

so poor Elsie had to be wrapped up in blue blankets!!

Amy listening to Elsie's heartbeat

Amy weighing Elsie, while I took down the measurements

Hi!

Glad to be on the blog :) I'm at the Reynolds House and I've been persuaded

to make a blog. Life here has been extremely fun! Amy is a crazy girl - but we all

love her for it! I've been to a birth w/ her so far and missed one too! You never know

what is going on, when you're with a midwife! It's pretty neat to be with her,

I learn so much all the time!

I actually got to count someones pulse the other day, listen to a baby's heartbeat

and feel one in the mommy's belly. Awesome!

Gotta run!

Sar

The two proffesionals playing the piano!!

Making yummy cookies :)

Amy trying to get dirty - and managing quite well!

(I did start it though!)

Looking busy :)

(I did pose for this pic because Amy wanted to take a picture)

Mmm, smellin' good!

No, we weren't dancing! Juli was trying to smear blue paint on me.

Watering the smelly animals