Afternoon delight....

If you know me, you know that I don't like chocolate, and I don't eat very often. I never crave it... but today I really, truly, absolutely did, so I went ahead and made this. It is not the norm for me, but it was such a treat!! My husband was also happy for a rare after dinner dessert. I made myself a cup of hot peppermint tea, and sat back on my couch for a minute. Your day might just perk up a little if you try it!! Or, next time I make something, I will just have to invite you all over.

And yes, I also submitted this to my stock photography site, and wouldn't you know...it was already rejected!! I am beginning to think that I will never get it right!!

I will just eat this slice of deliciousness in protest. :)

I have 3 sisters (and 2 brothers, but we aren't going to talk about them today!!). Which means I have built in, always there best friends. It is great, and even if we aren't getting along, it always works out in the end.

My sister Jenn and I have daughters who are a few months apart, and they have become very good friends. The problem being Miss M lives in AZ, and that makes playdates a little trickier. They were out for New Year's Eve weekend, so we arranged to have Miss M come and spend the night for Hannah's first sleepover. It was so fun.... for them....! We had a tea party and you will know from my previous tea party posts, that I actually let them make their own, complete with milk and sugar and cookies. They also had a guacamole recipe contest, and when Miss M found Hannah's Halloween costume section, she had a blasty blast!

My other sister Melissa loves to buy matching outfits for the girls. (She is adopting a little girl as well, so soon these posts will have 3 matching ladies!) And they were just so cute that I had to snap a picture of them. Aren't they just precious???

Random thoughts...

I think this will be a weekly addition to this blog.. all of my lovely randomness. But this time... I am going to add pictures!!!

-I didn't know that my husband read my blog until he said last week...."Hon, if you need Sarah Time, all you gotta do is ask." :) Good thing he reads it huh! So, last Friday, I was sent to do some shopping and hang out at Barnes and Noble. All by myself. Completely alone in the child's section (because that was where the quiet corner was!). Looking at People magazine, and a photography book. Heaven!

-Speaking of wonderful husbands, Saturday Todd brought me these... for no reason...actually I take that back.. there is a reason... I am too wonderful and these flowers symbolize all of that wonderfulness....but I digress.

I love him....



-Speaking about love....Monday was a rainy day so the kiddos and I made this. Which I love...

And then we added this to make....My favorite snack. Or meal actually. You should try it.


-Speaking of trying something... My sis and I went to sushi last night. I am ever thankful because the last time I had sushi was in the summer. My family doesn't crave sushi like I do (well Hannah does but she is good with TJ's sushi in a pinch)and it gets expensive. Amy and I went at the wrong time though and had to wait almost an hour for a table. The Rancho Roll was well worth the wait... seriously... I am still thinking about it this morning... I wish I knew how to make it. Sigh.

-On our way out...Hannah fell asleep on the couch, and I had to snap a picture because this is what I see when she is snuggling with me in bed. The long dark eyelashes... the sweet cheeks... the curve of her nose... just kissable. :)
Wish my husband luck in trying to put an energetic, untired 6 year old in bed!!

And thus concludes this weeks randomness. :)

Food photography...

Well... I have been on a quest to learn about different kinds of photography. A while back I was accepted into a very "hard to get into" stock photography group, and have since been snapping away in hopes that I would get some extra cash. Well, it isn't as easy as it seems. They are hard to get into because they only want picture perfect photos for designers to choose from. I try not to get discouraged... but I have only had 2 accepted out of 50 pictures submitted!! I hear that is common. They will like me one day... one can only hope!!

Here are a few recents that were rejected.... but don't feel too bad!! It all tasted fabulous. ;)

My baby...

You may have read my post about birthdays when my son turned 8 last year...and so I won't bore you with another sermon. Because today is my daughter's 6th birthday, and I just grow more astounded every year they surpass. How did the little tiny thing that stole my heart grow into such a little lady???

This girl named Hannah loves to dance and loves music. In fact, she is in her room right now blaring Plumb. I thought that I would be able to wait until she was a teenager to bellow... "Turn down your music!!", but no, I get to do that on a daily basis.

This girl named Hannah drives me crazy with her moodiness and sassiness, and attitude, but it constantly reminds of my moodiness, sassiness, and attitude. I guess it is one of God's ways of teaching me.

This girl named Hannah is the most beautiful, precious daughter a momma could ever have. (Please understand that I know every mom feels this way!)But 6 years ago, I didn't know if I would get to see her 1st birthday, let alone her 6th. (I will post the full story at a later date)

This girl named Hannah loves getting her toes painted, and so we decided to take 2 special friends (Miss Trinity and Miss Katie) down to a salon and get their toes purtied up!! Hannah also requested chocolate cupcakes with strawberry frosting, and a cherry on the top. So I obliged. Homemade all the way, I might add!! After the salon, we went to Mimi's cafe and enjoyed cupcakes, tea and fellowship. She felt loved and I am so glad. :)

Here are a few pictures her special day! Happy Birthday sweet girl.

Her 6 year old pictures...


The toes....

The happy girls


Mmmmmm..homemade dark chocolate cupcakes with real buttercream frosting!

Hey, if you don't want kid germs over the whole cake.. cupcakes are the way to go. :)

Love the sunflare, and the pink frosting upon her face!

Thoughts....

A few things I am thinking about right now...


..My daughter is turning 6, and she is acting and looking like a little woman. It scares me, but I don't let her know.

..My husband has taken a liking to Family Guy, and I think it is horrid. But then, he probably feels that way about The Real Housewives of the O.C. that I watch.

..I haven't taken my thyroid meds for a few days, and I am feeling it. I need to get my prescription refilled.

..I have another lifelong friend leaving for the other side of the country.. as if the Fai'ais leaving wasn't enough. I am sad about that, but happy for them.

..I love Sprouts, and I am on my way to get some fresh veggies and bulk items that I am out of. My children think it is a playground, and that drives me crazy. I am thinking about bribing them with fast food lunch... does that make me a bad mother, or just one trying to survive this thing called motherhood/homeschool.

..Speaking of homeschool, it isn't going too bad, considering I haven't a drop of Sarah Time anymore. I don't miss the stress and worry and heartache that was my life when they were in school. My kiddos are very happy and I am soooo glad. I would do anything for them... even give up my freedom. :)

..That reminds me, I need to tell my husband that I need some Sarah Time.

Thus concludes today's thoughts. The amount of random thoughts I have is astounding, so be prepared for lots of crazy talk from yours truly. :)

Just a thought...

A couple of my friends got some really nice cameras for Christmas, and asked me a while back to host a Photoshop Class for them. I am totally up for it, and wanted to spread the word. If you or someone you know needs some editing lessons, let me know. :) If I get enough response, I will probably find a bigger venue for all of us.

My boys...

I love these two. I especially love how they have such a connection between them. It all started when...(cue the squiggly hazy lines that signals a flash back sequence)....

Umm, it started when little Todd was born. I know he loved me, but nothing could make him light up like his daddy. When he could crawl, he would wait by the door and make what we refer to as "lemon faces" until Daddy walked in and picked him up. Sometimes he would take toys over with him to pass the time, and occasionally he would nurse, you know, if he got hungry and stuff. And much to his dismay, I made him take a nap or two, horrible mamma that I am. But most of his day was spent waiting for the "big man". He would start this little bounce thing when he heard the car pull into the gravel driveway. Yep, my heart was melted, but also a little bit envious of the obvious devotion he had, and still has for that matter.

I am older and hopefully wiser, and I know now that there is nothing in this world I want more for my son than a great relationship with his Dad, earthly and Heavenly. I often remind my hubster that he has a great responsibility. (as if he needs my help!!) It is a powerful thing to have someone adore you that much. One that I pray often that my husband and I use wisely.

Umm... Can I get a witness!! What, what!! :)

Just so you know...

I have decided to combine my 2 blogs into one, in an effort to streamline my work day. So, don't be surprised when you notice more photography stuff combined with family stuff. :)


Blessing to you all... more posts to come very shortly. :)

Women's Tea

I am really posting this for my dear mother in law. We were supposed to host a table together, but a family emergency prevented that. So, Hannah and I set out on Tuesday morning to decorate our table, but after a few minutes of helping, she was off to run, and dance, and make new friends!! :) She doesn't have a strong work ethic yet.. but I am working on it......

Here are a few pictures to show my mil what everything looked like. I had the pleasure of sitting with Lauren and Shannon, along with a few new faces. Julie Benitez did a great job speaking, and if you weren't there, you missed out. :)

Woo Hoo... I am a genius!!

Well sort of... I got this off of my hubby's blog and it is a test to determine how skilled your readers have to be to read your blog. I was expecting elementary school level... but I guess not. :) You all must feel very proud as this test states you have to be a genius to read it. I knew my friends were smart!!!

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Wow!!

I am posting this for a few reasons....

1... It made me cry, and when something about God makes me cry, I feel the need to tell others!
2... It is Beth Moore, whom I have a deep respect/infatuation/appreciation with! :) I have asked God if I might meet her one day. I will let you know how that prayer request turns out.
3...Everyone loves a good story.. and this is one of the best. :)

Take 7 minutes or so to just listen...

Belated...

Tara's post reminded me that I have been shamefully late in posting Halloween pictures. Thie year we had a Darth Vader and a 50's poodle skirt girl. I thought they were so cute!!

We got to Journey's Fall Festival a little late and had to park at Dixieline, which is normally not a problem. However, my feet were not cooperating with me and as soon as we had crossed the street, I biffed it big time and fell face first into a bush.

I will just let that sink in a little.....

Ok.. so there was a line of cars and they all stopped, and people were asking if I was ok, and.... I was completely embarassed. Also, being on blood thinners doesn't help, so I was quite a sight when I called my husband. Apparenly, bushes were sticking out of my head and I had dirt all over my face, and blood running down my leg!! :) Woohoo... I know how to rock it.

My kiddos had fun, so that is a good thing!! So here are a few pictures (not of me of course)

I am a substitute...

So... I have to leave for work soon... I don't like saying that. Here's what happened. My former boss found out that I was back in town and called me wanting to sub as a library teacher for Jamacha. I wanted to, but it didn't work out with the schedule. So, then I get this call from a library teacher who needs to go out of town for a week. My boss had given her my number in hopes that I would say yes... and I did. :)

I am off to Crest Elementary school for a few days, and then I have a wedding to shoot on Friday, so I am going to be one whooped puppy!! Pray for me. :)

And... check back because I have got the best picture to post...I know you are dying to see it (especially Lauren) Let's just say it involves a baby in a place where you never thought a baby could go!!.....

Stay tuned!

Oh.. the memories!!

When I was in my teenage years, I sang at these county wide youth group events. They happened once a month, so I was always in the Christian book store looking for new tracks to sing. That was back when they only had cassettes!! Amy was one of my favorites. I have sung everything from "Thy Word" to "Breath of Heaven".... and I still love her.

I wonder if I can revive some of her old stuff. Think they want this song at Journey?? :)

Firestorm 2007

Total flashback to the last huge fire..... I am praying everyone is ok.

No school today..... What shall I do to entertain to elementary school children??? They are already fighting over which show to watch.

It's her party...

So... had a blasty blast on Saturday night with a bunch of super rad people. Todd and I were happy to attend Becky's birthday celebration. I read Lauren's post and she wished Becks a Happy 30th... so I wanted to post a very few pictures that I snapped a few minutes before we left. I put my camera away before Karaoke started... and I wished I had captured that hilarity!!

Thanks for having us you guys!! And, I only took about 10 pictures (which is so unlike me.. but I was having too much fun gabbing away!!) I was trying to capture some moments without flash, hence the bit o' grain and blurred motion. Here's the ones that turned out.

PS... Dontcha just looove Jason's serious face?? :)

My cuties..

Just wanted to show a few snaps that I played with in photoshop. These were taken on a school day before my kiddos got ready for school, and they just melt my heart!

Thought of the day....

How can one family have so much laundry???

Yet another moment..

Me watching Sabrina what's-her-name dance the Cha Cha to "Don't cha" (PussyCat Dolls song)

Me thinking Sabrina so-n-so is a really good dancer and I hope she wins!

My son Todd sitting at the dining room table, finishing his homework (read.. he was not watching it with me) saying...Mom, you know when the song says "Don't cha wish your girlfriend was hot like me." Well, that's my favorite part.

My thoughts....."Oh CRAP!!!"