The Start Of A New Journey Together



Well now.  Isn't this fun?!?!  I've waited a long time to be able to do a post about this topic and here we are!  I met Danny back in 2009 when I was living with is sister down in Alabama.  He came to visit a few times, and I visited her back at her house in IN a few times and got to know him a little through that.  And Cassie talked about him constantly so even though I didn't personally know him well, I knew a lot about him.  I guess for me, I've been feeling for about a year now that I should be married.  The desire was always there, but recently it's been more of a burden.  And when I say burden, I don't mean that in a bad way.  I just mean I felt in my heart that God was saying it was time.  However, nothing was happening.  This next part I'm purposely going to be vague just for the sake of all involved...  I felt pretty strongly that I was supposed to marry someone and had gone so far as to pursue that.  Since I did feel like I was supposed to be getting married.  I had let that person know how I felt and was waiting for a response when I found out I had a different proposal.  Now, I had never had a proposal before in my life, so the timing of it all blew me away.  I couldn't decide if I thought it was God saying "No, this is what I want for you", or if it was a test of faith, or if it was just a big inconvenience.  At this point, I didn't know who the proposal was from, and for the first couple days after finding out about it, I was not wavering from the original marriage pursuit.  But after almost a week, I felt pretty strongly that I should pray about the proposal.  I was so confused though, and begged God to make things perfectly clear.  I talked with the other person who, for various reasons, told me I should move on.  I was actually really happy to hear that because it took away all the confusion and I was able to confidently move forward without questioning things.  Regardless of what had happened with the other situation, the fact remained that I still felt like I should be married, and without even knowing who the proposal was from, I was pretty sure I was going to say yes.  Thanks to his sister, I suspected it could be Danny, but I wasn't sure.  Obviously, it was:)  When I heard his name it was kind of just a matter of letting it sink in and waiting to see if the peace that had settled in my heart remained.  I did want a little confirmation from God because, you know, it's a pretty big deal to get married and because that's just how I roll.  I was driving home from church on a Wednesday night and the radio preacher (who was someone I had never even heard of before) was talking all about marriage, speaking directly to the women, and was quoting scripture after scripture about marriage.  That was good enough for me and I gave my answer back the next day!

 

 

 

 

For Danny, well, he always thought he would marry someone from his home church, and he for sure never thought he would marry me!  He also had been praying about getting married for about a year (I think...) and one day God spoke very clearly and directly to his heart saying that I was the person he should marry.  Just as I was blindsided by his proposal, he was completely blindsided by that thought.  He spent some time praying about it and then decided to bring it up to Cassie (his sister).  They had never ever talked about me in that way before, which makes me love the conversation they had even more.  Basically, Cassie knew that Danny was praying about marriage and before he even said my name she said something like "You've been thinking about Sarah, haven't you?"  Turns out God had spoken to her about stuff too:)  So, he asked, and that's where my story takes off. 

There is no doubt in my mind that this is completely a work of God!  It was pretty unexpected for both of us, but it's been awesome to move forward knowing that it's so right.  And I'm really excited!!!  So, there you have it.  If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment and I can talk about that in another blog post.

Odds-n-Ends

To say life is busy is a little bit of an understatement right now.  All in thanks to clinicals.  I wouldn't say it's hard, but they do add a whole nother level of busyness to the life of a student.  But since school just really isn't my favorite thing in the whole world I usually manage to squeeze in as much social stuff in as I can without completely neglecting my studies!

 

First up: a pumpkin carving party!  My team did the one second from the left, inspired by the CVE sweatshirt one team member was wearing.  The judges deemed it "most inspirational" but in our hearts we knew we took first place;)

 

 

A couple weekends ago was a much anticipated trip to Alabama.  I hadn't been to Athens since May so it was high time.  Saturday I had some quality time with Devin, who, much to my surprise, still likes to hang out!  I'm convinced that one of these days he's going to realize that I'm kind of getting to be an old fuddy duddy and won't want to do stuff anymore but until that day comes, I'll take him!

 

Aaaannnnd last but certainly not least, some really cute trick or treaters came to our house on Halloween!  I sure do love them:) 

 

Well one of the reasons I decided to blog right now is to avoid studying but I can see that it might be time to face reality.... always something to do, huh?  I do like my clinical, by the way.  I was pretty unsure of it before I started but the clients are all really sweet and fun to talk to.  So aside from the extra busywork, no worries there!  But that doesn't mean I'm not counting down the days until Christmas break, or at least Thanksgiving:)

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!

The last few weeks my life have consisted of working at the elevator and loving it, along with still juggling school and not so much loving it.  The days I've been in class I find myself wondering how foolish it would be to quit school for a job that lasts just six or seven weeks out of the year.  Cause that's how much I love working at the elevator during harvest:)  But then I start thinking more "big picture" and come to terms with the fact that it probably would not be the wisest of decisions.  But really- I've been loving it!  (Harvest, that is)

 

 

However, except for one, possibly two more Saturdays, it has come to an end because I start my clinicals tomorrow.  I was excited about it at one point in time and I'm pretty sure I'll get excited for it again once I start, but until then, I'm not sure how I feel.  It's the whole harvest thing.  Once that's over I'll feel a lot better about being at clinical.  I'm going to be at an adult day care type place.  It's for people with Alzheimer's, traumatic brain injury, or something of the sort.  People who don't live in a facility, but can't be alone during the day when their families are at work.  The people with Alzheimer's are not really progressed in their disease yet, and will still be able to interact, though I may find myself having the same conversation 50 times each day.  In one of my jobs I worked with a lady who had Alzheimer's and I really enjoyed her, so I do think that once I meet the people and get accustomed to the place, all will be well.  But my nerves are definitely a little on edge right now!  I struggle so badly with feelings of inadequacy when it comes to my ability to do things.  I mean, I get it "on paper" and do fine in my classes, but I always have a fear that the way I implement the things I've learned will be wrong wrong wrong.  I can't tell you how many times during an evaluation in past jobs I've seen something like "Sarah does a good job, but she needs to work on being more confident."  What can I say?  I'm a lot more of a mess than people realize!  Oh boy.  Look at me, spilling all my secrets and insecurities.  Sure didn't intend to do that when I started this post!!

 

Anywho, other than that, I have an apple crisp baking in the oven right now for potluck tonight and smells deeeelish!  It's a recipe that I've never tried before so I sure hope it's good! 

 

Looking forward into the next month I'm pretty sure there will be some pretty entertaining events in my life.  Stuff with friends, stuff with friends' weddings.... it's always nice to have something to look forward to.  That's the only thing about harvest that I don't like.  You plow through all the long hours and then when it's over you realize you haven't really seen or talked to anybody in what seems like forever!  So it will be good to get out and be social again:)

What Not To Wear: Bridesmaid Edition

In our quest to find the perfect bridesmaid dresses, we were met with failure.  We did, however, find what we will NOT be wearing down the aisle! 

From left to right:  The purple leopard print would be fabulous if we were living in 1987. 

The pink, orange, blue, and black leaf/butterfly print?  Perhaps if we were teenagers who were one with nature.

I happen to think the middle selection is kind of a little bit cute, just not for a November wedding.  Key words being kind of and a little bit.

Number four actually shows some (fairly small) resemblance to the desired color scheme, though the heavily shoulder padded jacket might be more appropriate if we were all 70 instead of 30.

As for the last option, well, the bride is all farm girl and the groom loves his motorcycle so maybe the denim combined with the leather would suffice in a pinch. 

 

 

 

 

The good news is that by the end of the night, after discussing many possible solutions, the end result has been decided, though not available to see yet.  Not til November!

I Knew Him Before He Was Famous

I don't really know anybody famous.  But I might in a few years!  Awhile back my BFF Katrina heard a song online or on XM radio or something from a guy she had never heard of before- Austin Moody.  In his song he talked about a Case IH tractor, and being that she is a 3rd generation Case IH dealer/farmer, she emailed him!  Through a series of emails he then said he would like to come play at the dealership and through a series of a lot more stuff, he did!  And he's really good!  He definitely sounds like he belongs on the radio.  She let me take advantage of being her friend and I got to meet him and the band, and hang out on the tour bus before everything started.  (I know, I'm such a groupie!)  But they were all really nice and someday when he makes it big I'll frame my pictures.  Well, probably not, but at least I'll have a good story!

 

 

On the bus

 

 

 Austin and the drummer, Bobo.

 

 

 Concert time!  These band members have played with the likes of Wynona Judd, Tanya Tucker, and Dolly Parton.  They were legit!

 

I'm sure it helps that I really like country music, but I'm serious when I say he's good.  If you like country, check out his stuff!

The Closing Out Of Summer:(

You know the end of summer is drawing near when you see the tractor mower take out the sweet corn patch.

 

 

One last weekend road trip before school starts- perusing the streets of downtown Hannibal, MO.

 

Babysitting my two little sweeties one evening and having a little self-portrait time.

 

Game night with my first cousins- truly a joy!

 

School has begun now and unfortunately, easing into the new semester is a thing of the past.  I guess they figure we've been together long enough now that there's no use wasting time!  So, I can't say there will be a whole lot of action on here between now and Christmas break.  I mean, who really wants to know all about the mundaneness of my studying anyway?  Not me!!  But hopefully there will be something blog worthy come up now and then because I like to be on here.  It's a little bit of a therapeutic outlet for me.  Until then, happy end of summer to each of you!

Cedar Closet Treasures

While cleaning out the cedar closet, my mom found this gem of a shirt.  It was mine, back when I was about 5 years old.  I know I've mentioned on here before that my dad raises turkeys, and I acquired this particular shirt after one of his turkey conventions.  Yes, such a thing exists:)  And I felt cool.  If you can't read it, it says "Turkeys make wonderful friends".  I mean, who WOULDN'T feel cool in a shirt like that??? 

 

 

 

 

My mind travelled back to Kindergarten, when, while wearing it one day, I was quite confident that I was the coolest girl in the classroom.  The shirt made me feel a little on the invincible side.  I ask again, who WOULDN'T feel invincible in a shirt like that????  Because I had such confidence, I was sure I could do whatever I wanted in the classroom, just so long as I was wearing that shirt.  So one day, I decided to get from point A to point B by running, which, as is common in most classrooms, is a big no-no.  But not worries- I was wearing my awesome sweatshirt.  All was well until my teacher, Mrs. Norman, said above the noise of the classroom in a very sing-song, teacher-ish voice, "Sarah, we don't run in school"! 

 

I felt utterly deflated.  Devastated.  Confused, even.  I had just gotten reprimanded in front of my whole class.  While wearing my turkey shirt!  All of a sudden that shirt didn't make me feel so invincible.  In fact, if I remember correctly, I might have even been a little nervous to wear it again the next time because it stirred up those memories.  Now there's another generation that fits into that shirt.  Judging by her reaction to my request that she model it for me, I think it's safe to say she will not be experiencing any embarrassing moments in Kindergarten because of the turkey shirt!

 

What Was I Thinking?!?!

This summer while I've been babysitting, the challenge has always been to find something to do on the cheap.  Or even better- free!  Today we found ourselves going out to lunch and then PetSmart to look at the animals and fish they had in the store.  We came to the bunny rabbit section and one of the girls lamented over how much she would love to have a bunny because they're so cute.  I had to agree that yes, they are cute.  But I also had a memory come to mind.  A memory that I knew I absolutely couldn't share with the missing-her-two-front-teeth-big-brown-eyes-girl in front of me.

 

Have you ever done something in order to try and look cool and really it's about the dumbest thing you could do at the time?  Something that, when your parents ask you what in the world were you thinking, you really have no answer?  You just really weren't thinking?  Turns out, I used to have a pet bunny myself.  Her name was Nibbles.  I had her for about two years, from 5th to 7th grade or so.  I really liked Nibbles!  She was really cute- she looked about like the rabbit here.  But for the sake of coolness, Nibbles is no longer among the living.

 

 

(Source)

 

I shot Nibbles.  Granted, it was just a BB gun, but I shot her nonetheless.  My brother had a friend over and had gotten in trouble for something while the friend was there.  After lunch, my brother had to make restitution for whatever it was he had done, and it was left to me to entertain the friend.  He and my brother had been using the gun before lunch he wanted to keep using it afterwards.  Between the need to prove that I knew how to use the gun and his convincing me it wouldn't hurt the rabbit, we took turns firing at poor Nibbles.  And even more importantly, I had a huge crush on this guy's cousin and just KNEW that he would pass the word along that I was soooo cool!

 

Then my aim happened to be dead on and I hit Nibbles.  It didn't kill her right away, but I had never seen her jump that high!  We were far enough away that it didn't even really cause bad injuries, however, she was so traumatized and didn't move for the next few days until she finally just died.  As  soon as I hit her I realized what I did.  I was too scared to say anything so we just quietly put the gun away and went on with our afternoon.  I thought I was home free until my dad found her dead in her cage.  Then I had a LOT of explaining to do. 

 

You know how I said sometimes we do things just to look cool even though it's a really stupid choice and we don't really know what we were thinking?  I had no explanation for my dad.  And he didn't think I was cool right then.  Lesson learned.

 

Poor, poor Nibbles.

R.I.P. Giant Chicken Statue

Anyone who has spent a significant amount of time travelling on Route 24 between Illinois and Indiana knows the giant chicken statue.  Many a carload has stopped for a photo opportunity with it.  This past weekend, after yet another trip to IN, the passengers of the car I was in collectively decided to stop and take pictures of some of the well known places along the road home, including the giant chicken.  Actually, it's a rooster, but everyone calls it a chicken.  Two of us have already had our Kodak moment with the statue, but the third had only viewed the attraction as a passer-by.  As we came upon the place of the statue, we were horrified to see that it was gone!  Truly, it is the end of an era.  There was nothing to do but pay our respects and continue on our journey.  It is our hope that the giant chicken statue is only being repaired and will one day return to it's proper place.  But until then, we will look back with fond memories.  Rest in peace, giant chicken statue.

 

Jamaican Vacation

Oh boy.  I typically have some idea of what I'm going to say each time I write a blog post.  I really don't this time.  Guess we'll just start and see where it goes!

After I got home from VBS in Alabama, I quickly unpacked, did laundry, and repacked for Jamaica.  I was SO excited to be going!  After being there 10 years in a row, different circumstances caused me to take a 3 1/2 year sabbatical.  Once we made plans to go, I remembered how much I love Jamaica and how much I have MISSED it!  My travelling buddy, Lisa, rolled into my driveway at 1:45 in the morning and off we went to the airport!  Aside from very tired, looking eyes, we were actually quite chipper at this point.

We spent the first 2 1/2 days at Erin D's house, which is on the CCCD campus of Knockpatrick.  All the students were gone for the summer so it was pretty quiet.  Erin went about her daily duties while Lisa and I just read books, watched movies, slept in..... we had it rough, you know.  We did walk around the campus farm and explored it for ourselves, and a couple times we went with Erin.  We spent some time at the New Hope Children's Home and the local infirmary.  Oh, and we also played bananagrams:)

After that time of R&R, we made our way to Montego Bay for the last 2 1/2 days of the trip, and some more R&R.  Erin found a great deal at an all inclusive resort.  I had never done all inclusive before but I really liked it!  The ocean was right outside our door.  Really- like between our patio and the ocean there was a sidewalk and that was about it!  It. Was. Gorgeous.  We pretty much did the same stuff in MoBay as we did at Erin's house, i.e. reading and sleeping, only we did it on the beach instead.  And eating.  Lots of eating delicious food.

That last picture is the only picture of all three of us that I got.  How sad:(  Oh, and speaking of eating, I had a To Do list that I wanted to get accomplished while in Jamaica.  Over half of the list consisted of food.  Juici Patty, Devon House I Scream, and jerk chicken with rice and peas and a festival (fried bread)  All was accomplished and my belly and my taste buds had joyous celebrations.

After doing Alabama and Jamaica back to back like that, I was ready to come home.  But now- two days later- I am more than ready to head back!  Already dreaming of my next vacation...

Wanted By Christ

Well the Athens/Atlanta VBS was once again a smashing success.  I'm so thankful for the ties I have down there and grateful that they let me still come even though I haven't lived there for almost three years now:)  This past weekend I headed down again, this time with some extra travelers.  We had a lot of fun in our car!

 

 

There was another carload along too, and we did switch everyone around throughout the weekend.  It was a great group to travel with!

 

 

This year's theme was "Wanted By Christ" and we focused a lot on the life of Moses.  How God had a specific job for him, and also how it was when he was in the desert that he heard God's message for him.  Also how it is important for us to go to that desert sometimes to hear what God has to say to us.  I only heard a small part of the message because I was teaching the younger class again.  I would have liked to hear more, but it's okay, because I got to spend my morning with some seriously cute and awesome kids!

 

In our class, we focused on the burning bush part of Moses' life.  The painting craft just didn't turn out quite like it did in my mind!  Really- those are burning bushes;)

 

Besides the messages, there was also all the activities that we love to do.  Swimming (didn't get any pictures from the awesome lake this year), mini golf, playing games, staying up really late...

 

This here is my buddy Wynn.  He had just won the jackpot in the card game he was playing and was a little giddy:)  I told him this weekend that we have sort of a strange friendship.  It's true- he's a 10 year old boy and I'm a 30 year old girl.  We only see each other about once a year but we really are buds and enjoy each other's company!

 

The whole crew.  A great crew!  There really is something special about being a part of a small church and developing those relationships.  I love that I have that in my life!

 

On the way down, a couple people continually noticed all the Cracker Barrel restaurants (there is an abundance) and made not so subtle comments that they wouldn't mind eating there.  So on the way home we did!  And we also very unsuccessfully tried to figure out the triangle/peg game.

 

 

Today consisted of catching up on sleep, unpacking, laundry, and starting to get ready for the next adventure: Jamaica!!

Summer Happenins

Along with all the summer vacation stuff (girls camp, weekend trips, etc.) comes all the daily grind in between.  I never thought I would be so busy this summer!  But I am, and I like it.

 

Math Class.  Ugh.  The tutors in the math lab know me well by now.  While I do okay on the daily homework, there's no tests, except for one giant final that is worth 1/3 of my grade.  I started doing chapter reviews to study for it the other day basically to see how much I remember from three chapters ago..  I also had a minor meltdown.  I'm a little fearful of what kind of a grade I'm gonna get.  I mean, I'm just hoping to keep it above a D at this point.  Good thing it's open book!!  Oh, and the dedication at the front of the textbook seemed more appropriate for a girly chic lit book rather than a math book! 

 

Babysitting.  Two different families, four different kids.  Brought both groups of kiddos out to see the turkeys.  I'm used to younger kids, but having a couple older ones is kind of fun for a change of pace.

 

I didn't get a picture of baby sister.  She stayed in the house with my mom.

 

Fun with friends.  Spent the 4th on a friend's lake- mostly just relaxing but also got some tubing in before we all headed to fireworks.  We went to the Peoria riverfront and I think we were unanimous in our thoughts that it was the best show we've ever seen.  Fun Day!

 

Another baby to love!  My (double first-more like a sister) cousin had baby number three last week.  I was privileged to be his first visitor.  He's stinkin cute!

 

Sunday School picnic.  We wrapped up class at the end of June and have a break now until Labor Day weekend.  I was in charge of games for some of the younger kids and it was pretty chaotic but really fun.  In the picture they're all screaming "m&m's".  I told them they could have some AFTER they took a group pic so that's what they yelled on the count of three instead of cheese:)  I love 'em!

 

 

Fun Flashback

While I was cleaning out my awesome Olds Alero, I came across this picture stuffed in one of the seat pockets.  And I laughed:)  It took me back to August of 2006 at my brother and SIL's wedding in Michigan.  They had two cars that would need to get back to IL somehow since they would be living there.  Hers was the one they took to the airport and left parked there.  His was the getaway car at the reception that would need to be taken back to IL by someone else.  Which meant his was also the decorated car that would need to be driven by someone else.  Enter my cousin Alex.  He was much more proficient at driving stick shift than me, and I was more proficient at navigating unfamiliar roads than him.  We made a great team, me and Al.  The only problem was.... we didn't know where a car wash was!  So we drove the "Just Married" car all the way back to IL together.  People honked, people waved, people gave us goofy grins.... we just honked and waved and gave goofy grins right back!  All the while Alex would randomly start making up a song about being married to his first cousin.  It was rather humorous and it was just what I needed during that 7 hour drive after a long and emotional weekend.  Oh the memories!

 

Facing Fears

When I was younger, I spent many hours on the ole' bright orange Woods Lawn Mower.  Then, I grew up and moved out.  During the eight years I lived on my own, I rarely mowed.  Once I moved back in with my parents, I thought maybe I'd like to start up again.  But about that time is when Steeves (from Haiti) moved in and it became his job pretty quickly.  Last summer he went to visit Haiti for the whole summer and I thought for sure I would get my fair share of mowing.  Unfortunately though, we had the drought and mowing was never necessary.  This summer he's back in Haiti for another visit, and with the abundance of rain, the task of mowing has finally fallen to me once again.   

 

There's just one problem.

 

Ditches. 

 

I hate mowing them.

 

Growing up, either my dad or my brother always did the ditches and I never had to.  I was a little scaredy-cat with them.  Still am.  But the time has come when I've had to face my fear of mowing ditches head on. 

 

See, I'm just positive that I'm going to tip over and the mower is going to roll on top of me while I'm going down the ditch on such a slant.  My dad has confidently assured me otherwise, but I'm not quite convinced.  I'm sure I look pretty normal to people driving by, but in my head I feel like a warrior going top speed into battle as I charge through the slanted ditches.

 

Needless to say, while there are nice even lines on the rest of the yard, the ditches are full of crooked, jagged mow lines with the occasional rut.  Appearance is not my main concern, rather just getting out of them safely!

Out With The Olds

Dear 1999 Oldsmobile Alero,

It is with mixed emotions that I come to you today.  Mostly, I feel excitement, yet, I also feel a twinge of sadness.  You see, the time has come for me to let you go.  You have served me very well over the last seven years, and we have had many good times together.  You faithfully have taken me to and from Alabama- close to 60 times actually, as well as other road trips to neighboring states.  For that I thank you.  One time you did leave me stranded along the Tennessee interstate, but that may have been due to negligence on my part.  I apologize.  I hope you don't become hurt and defensive at my actions toward you, but you have become a safety hazard to my life, along with providing many inconveniences to me.  Let's just talk about those for awhile, shall we?  For starters, you insist that I rev the engine immediately after starting you up, and if I don't, you threaten to shut down.  You do periodically follow through with that threat.  In fact, there have been times where you have not only followed through, but then you refused to start for about three days after.  You've done that twice.  I'm not sure why- I've tried to take good care of you!  You light up your dashboard like Christmas, and even when I take care of what you're reminding me of, whether it be tires, oil, etc., you still leave the lights on.  That makes me feel bad, like you don't appreciate what I've just done for you.  The cruise control?  You force me to tape it down with masking tape, or else you won't allow me set it.  Not only does this cause for a sticky mess, it also makes me look a little redneck like.  Now, the gas tank.  I'm not sure what kind of games you're playing with me, but most cars point the needle on the gas gauge towards the E when the gas is low.  For some reason, you have decided to point yours towards the F instead.  I would give you the benefit of the doubt and say maybe you struggle with dyslexia, but you never used to do that so I know that you know better.  All things considered though, you've been a good car.  However, you need new tires desperately, and the price of the tires will cost about half of what you're even worth.  That, combined with all of the things we just talked about, led me to believe that it was just time to trade you in.  I was really hoping our relationship could last one more year until I finished school, but it's just not going to make it.  So without further ado, I bid you farewell.  I will miss you.

Love,

Sarah

 

 

 

Dear 2011 Ford Fusion,

I know we've just met, but I'm so excited to get to know you!  I look forward to many miles travelled together, karaoke concerts, times of deep thought, and whatever else the coming years might bring.  Even though we've only been together less than a day, I can tell I will be forming an emotional attachment with you, much like I did with the Alero.  I'm ready to start our adventure together!
Love,

Sarah