Live wholeheartedly......

Make time to watch this powerful and thought provoking video. It is awesome!

The power of Vulnerability 

"Jerry!!!...."

Spent the weekend with family & a special childhood friend. Was reminded that some friendships are meant to last a lifetime. It was so fun to watch my friend's children & mine....making memories of their own. Priceless.

Playground of my Thoughts...

I thought this was powerful when I read it.

"Entertaining 'Those' Thoughts."
by Suzie Eller

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

Elle's tiny hands hold tight as we fly high on the swing. Every time I visit, she runs into my arms, glad to see her grandmother but more excited about the possibility of walking to the playground.

There's another playground I used to visit, one where I spent countless hours. It was the playground of my thoughts.

When someone made me angry or when conflict arose and it hurt my heart, that's where I ran to entertain 'those' thoughts. I escaped there to think about all the things I should have said. Swinging high and then low, I reminded myself of how right I was and how wrong they were. Words or situations replayed, just like a child going in circles on a merry go round.

In this playground I didn't have to deal with conflict in a healthy way, or speak the truth when it was needed. I didn't have to admit my own errors, because there I was always the hero.

One day I sensed God asking me to leave the playground. Like Elle, I wasn't ready to go. But He took me by the hand and led me away to a place of grace for those who hurt me with their words, reminding me that we all stumble.

God brought me to a place of well-being where I recognized that conflict takes place even in the healthiest of relationships.

And He guided me to a place of letting go of those things I could not change, so that I could fully embrace those that I could.

There were days I wanted to go back to my playground, but each time I saw a closed sign on the gate.

Not for you, My daughter.

Instead of hanging out in an imaginary place where I could avoid conflict and hurt, I embraced real life, with real people and real struggles. Although it took work to process hard situations, with each one I grew. It involved loving the people around me, enjoying each new day, and releasing hurtful events and people from the past.

Our Heavenly Father knows when we struggle with our thoughts. They can be a place where we work through issues with wisdom and care, or a playground where bitterness sprouts and anger is fed.

Is He taking you by the hand, like He did me so many years ago? If so, I celebrate with you. For He's leading you into growth.

My prayer is that you'll swing high in day-to-day joys of real life as a strong woman of faith.

Dear Jesus, I can spend hours in my angry thoughts, or thinking I'm the hero. Sometimes in my mind I put others in their place. That's a trap of the enemy. Today I shut the gate to the playground of unhealthy thoughts, with Your help. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Happy birthday sweet baby boy....

He's one!!!!! Has 4 teeth. Says "go" and "all done." He crawls all over and is close to walking. He is a snuggle bug (with mommy) and is starting to have a strong will when told "no no." He is the happiest baby and so beautiful. He is the perfect fit into our hearts!!!!! We are so blessed & thankful! Happy Birthday sweet JoJo!!!!

Eating his birthday pancakes!!!!

My baby...

For the last year, I have been able to love a baby that was a complete answer to prayer. An answer to prayer that showed me how much God loves me. I had prayed for another child for several years....but at a certain point I began asking God for a specific answer to my prayer. I began praying that if it was God's will for me to have another baby that it would be "easy." I have never had an "easy" baby and asked God to either take the desire out of my heart for a baby altogether or to bring a child to me.  I prayed that someone would find my family... call us up and say "will you take my baby." I knew that was a big request but I continued to pray that either the desire in my heart would go away or  I would be blessed with a baby.

Three years of this type of prayer and I was beginning to feel settled in my heart. I was feeling like God had given me my two children and there would be no third. Then, one day in late November...out of the blue.... I got THE call. I was shaking through the whole conversation because I knew God was answering my prayer right then and so specifically to how I had prayed.  "Is this Sarah?" a nervous voice asked me. "Yes..." I answered, equally as nervous. Just like that..... I was expecting a baby. The baby was due in 4 months. When God acts.... He moves fast! 

The next four months as we prepared for a new baby, we came to know and love his birth-mother, "J." She is a beautiful young woman, inside and out who has had a hard (and that says it mildly) life. Getting to know and love her is probably one of the most amazing experiences in my life. She has not only given me the greatest gift, she has taught me what selfless love looks like. We are so thankful to "J" and happy that she is still in our lives today. We love her.... Have I mentioned that? 

So today.... the day before JoJo's 1st birthday, I am reflecting on the miracle of this child and how he came to be in my life. I am so very blessed and grateful. 

Memories made!

What to do on a Friday night? How about test the strength of duct tape!
(No child was harmed here. The wall was harmed a little.....as the tape ripped the paint off.)
My favorite part (besides the laughter) was when Daniel told me "I will always remember this fun night when I see the missing paint on the wall!" LOVE!!!!

My new favorite thing....

Coconut oil. It is amazing stuff. Good for you, both inside & out. While I enjoy it in my breakfast green smoothie.... I am most excited about what it does for my skin & hair!
How do I use it??? Don't get me started.
-make up remover. Gently takes off make up while moisturizing.
-facial moisturizer.... Feels light and amazing.
-shaving balm!!!! My favorite..... I apply to my legs before shower. It does not wash off and is the perfect shaving "cream" for my legs. Leaves them soft and moisturized!
-hair mask! Massage it into hair and let sit for awhile. Wash out. Hair is left extra soft and shiny!
-cuticle cream....
-lip balm....
-massage oil.......

TRY IT! It smells good too!

Spring forward...

While Daniel had fun at a friend's walnut farm, Naomi enjoyed hiking the "world's smallest mountain range" know as the Sutter Buttes. It was a GREAT day to be outside!

Looking forward to the clocks moving forward tonight & the extra play time it will bring!

Quinoa Greek Salad

This salad is so delicious! I had extra quinoa in the fridge that I needed to use up so I found a yummy looking recipe at Green Plate Rule for a quinoa greek salad. I added kalamata olives to mine. I also always cook my quinoa in vegetable broth for a little extra flavor. This was a simple and healthy week night dinner that even my even my picky Daniel loved!

I mixed the cooked quinoa with this dressing...

Greek dressing

• 1 garlic clove
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp sugar, agave or honey (I used honey)
• dash fresh cracked pepper
• 1/3 cup olive oil

Then added the olives, banana peppers, red onion, tomatoes, cucumber and a little feta. I served it over a bed of spinach. The kids liked it without the spinach. G & I ate it with some grilled shrimp.

Fast food...in a jar.

I have a strange love of mason jars and ways to use them. When I saw a way to use them in my refrigerator I was all over it. Eating healthy requires preparation. Thinking ahead and a little time spent up-front makes weekday lunches so much easier and fast. Not to mention it makes a super organized refrigerator! This week my jars are filled with cucumber, green apple, celery, cabbage, red onion, carrot, salad greens and a little bit of chopped walnuts.

Add a yummy, oil-free, homemade avocado/cilantro dressing and maybe a little chicken breast and you get... MMMMmmm... A healthy, fast and beautiful lunch! Makes me happy!

Avocado/cilantro Dressing

1 avocado

juice of 1/2 a lemon or  juice of whole lime

2 garlic cloves

2 Tbsp chopped cilantro

1 Tbsp dijon mustard

3 Tbsp raw apple cider vinegar

1/8 cup water

1/8 cup red wine vinegar

2 tsp raw honey

salt & pepper to taste
Blend all ingredients in a food processor

This recipe is from Green Plate Rule. 

My love bug

Always so happy.....

Determined.

Going to the gym anyway...... Yay me!

I love Tahoe....

This place brings me peace. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it here............

He will eat anything.

I stepped out of the room for just a minute....

....and when I came back I caught JoJo eating the dust bunnies out of the broom. Yuck.

PROUD MOMMY!!!!!!!

For the last few weeks I have watched Naomi memorize scripture and practice a speech for school. She studied the scripture she chose and thought about what it means to her. As I watched her practice, I never let her know how scary speeches are for me and how I was actually a little nervous for her. Inwardly, I wondered how my painfully shy girl would do in front of a class of kids.
Last night we picked out a good "speech dress" and ironed it up. (Yes... I ironed) This morning we did her hair "pretty" and practiced once more before she was off to school. She was not a bit nervous, and in fact seemed excited and confident!

If you know Naomi, you will know that at times she is so shy she will not talk to you. You will know that she will avoid situations where she is the center of attention. You will know that she has been in speech therapy every week since she was 2 years old and still struggles with articulation due to her cleft palate. You will KNOW how big of a deal this speech was for her today!!!!!!

And guess what!!???!! My baby girl is a SEMI-FINALIST and is going to the semi-finals in March! Whoop whoop!!!!!!!  My heart is just melting.... I am one proud Mama!

Click HERE to watch her speech!

The scripture she chose to recite:

Proverbs 3:1-6

"My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

Counting days...

313 days until January 1, 2014. Or 7,512 hours. Or 450,720 minutes.....you get the idea. I am just a little excited to spend the 1st ten days of 2014 on the beaches of Kauai with lots of family! Trip is officially booked. Woohoo! Lot's of nights ahead of me to dream of the fun & relaxation to be had!

The Truth...

Those who love you are not fooled by mistakes you have made or dark images you hold about yourself. They remember your beauty when you feel ugly; your wholeness when you are broken; your innocence when you feel guilty; and your purpose when you are confused.  - Alan Cohen

They are my sunshine...

We just had to get out and soak up a little sunshine today. It was such a beautiful evening! Love this time of year when the mustard flower is in bloom.....

Gotcha!

I have few pictures of Daniel these days. Seems like he is always moving so fast. Gonna try to capture more of my silly boy.

This was today at the park... getting, some much needed, fresh air.

He makes me smile all the time!

Influenza has hit my home.....

Pray for quick healing......

Love, love, love!!!!!!!!!

It's decided.

I will be waving goodbye to the last sunset of 2013 from the shores of Maui. I know it's a little early to be thinking of New Year's Eve.... But part of the fun of taking a trip is the anticipation!

I can already feel the sand between my toes....

Gong Xi Fa Cai!!!

Happy Chinese New Year!

Celebrated the Year of the Snake with some stashed fireworks and friends!
(Fireworks were stashed.... Not friends. They came willingly!)

Back at it.

Going to try to go less than a year between posts! Lots has happened since the previous post. Like.... we have a new addition to our family! Have I mentioned how adoption has rocked my world!?!?

Joseph "JoJo" Aaron  was born March 26, 2012.

And today... JoJo is 10 months old and the happiest baby ever! He is crawling and pulling up on everything. He has two bottom teeth and so far loves all food! He follows his big sissy and brother around everywhere. He is a total miracle in our lives.

A quick catch up on the rest of the time away from this blog....

Naomi is 6 and loves 1st grade. She loves choir and is an awesome little gymnast!

Daniel is 8 and loves "his friends" at school..... He discovered snowboarding this winter and is great at it!

There you have it.  All caught up...more or less.