tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58114029506702941012024-02-18T23:27:27.724-06:00The Misty StoneFamily and friends... what more could one ask for!Josh and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05764121134992781977noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811402950670294101.post-49189572684789753302009-12-25T12:13:00.003-06:002009-12-25T12:17:21.620-06:00Merry Christmas!!!Merry Christmas Everyone!!<br /><br />I’m cheating this year and sending out a Christmas E-letter; forgive me!! I hope all is well with all of your families and that you are taking time this year to stop and remember the birth of our Savior.<br /><br />It has been a busy year in the Prox household—we started out running (err…driving) on January 1st and just kept going! I started the year by driving to MN on New Year’s weekend so the best doggy surgeon in the country could operate on our dog’s knee. (Thanks Dr. Katie!! He’s doing great!) A 26 hour drive is long enough but I was 7 months pregnant so, Dr’s order’s, I had to stop for 10 minutes every 2 hours. That makes for a very long drive! Kyylyn was out of commission for 8 weeks—crate and leash walked for 8 weeks!! It was torture on all of us! We went through a LOT of acepromazine—for the dog not me! <br /><br />Our new baby was suppose to be born on April 3rd so I quit (yes, totally quit!) my job at Animal Health Center two weeks before that. I was planning on one week of Spring Cleaning and one week of doing nothing. Well, the cleaning got done but on March 28 (my first day of “nothing”) my water broke at 9 am. Josh, who had gotten off work at 8 am, had just gone to sleep, so I had to wake him up to take me to the hospital. He made it through the day on coffee and adrenaline and at 8 pm that night we were holding a 6 lb 14oz, 19 inch long beautiful baby girl. Charys Alyzabeth had made her appearance a week early. By the way, her name is pronounced Care-iss A-lizabeth, and it means “a special kind of kindness” (ask Josh about that one). She has been a wonderful blessing from God!!<br /><br />The end of May we bought a house in Ozark, Alabama, about 20 minutes from where we’d been living and from Josh’s parents. (Who, by the way, are thrilled to have one of their grandchildren near! The other is in Germany!) Josh loves owning his own piece of God’s earth. It is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, with large kitchen and laundry room, as well as a carpeted den. The rest of the house is hardwood floors—they are beautiful! It also has a huge fenced in back yard (that Kyylyn enjoys) and is in a nice quiet neighborhood that I enjoy taking my morning walks in.<br /><br />I started Happy Tails Pet Services (Josh came up with the name) and do some pet sitting, dog training and puppy classes. This month marks 2 years for Josh as a security guard on the Army base near our home. The company he works for (CDA) was in the process of switching to a new company (Santa Fe) in May. The week before we were suppose to move, Josh (who was working nights) found out that for the next several weeks he had to do training (during the day! Who needs sleep anyway?!) and multiple doctor visits. (Of course you can’t combine checking blood pressure and a drug test—everyone from the night shift has to come at the same time on two different days and wait for 3 hours each time!!) Some wonderful friends from our church got us moved to the new house so Josh didn’t have to worry about it. When the new company took over, Josh was moved to a tough schedule 3 days, 2 nights. It was suppose to last for 3 weeks tops, 3 months later he was still on it. He did eventually get to the schedule he is on now, which is wonderful! He works Friday to Tuesday 5:30 AM to 1:30 PM. So, we get to enjoy our afternoons and evenings together. <br /><br />In July we flew out to Colorado for a 10 day visit at my parent’s house. Both of my brothers and their families were there with us, so we had a wonderful time! The nieces and nephews had a great time and they all adored baby Charys. God has blessed us with a wonderful family on both of our sides! <br /><br />Charys is now 9 months old and just as sweet and beautiful as can be (ok, so I’m a little biased, but she is!) She is crawling around and just last week crawled up to Josh, pulled herself up on his leg and said “Da Da”; I think she actually knew what she was saying!!!<br /><br />Well, that was our wonderfully busy year--God truly has blessed us!!!<br /><br /><br />With all our love, <br /><br />Josh, Sarah and Charys Prox<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0gnj_yY-wQ1AujobY4OgfcJ9UIvYAzyF_7wb6q7Gyr_QdzmB2clK3avM_SFisa4DnkbvxsALTh1HqLR0LnRVrpPSCSh5mKurWBlgeDFRnep3xcC5RcClrWi6gKisc5RoKR8vJ_rCDqo/s1600-h/Family+001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0gnj_yY-wQ1AujobY4OgfcJ9UIvYAzyF_7wb6q7Gyr_QdzmB2clK3avM_SFisa4DnkbvxsALTh1HqLR0LnRVrpPSCSh5mKurWBlgeDFRnep3xcC5RcClrWi6gKisc5RoKR8vJ_rCDqo/s400/Family+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419238977411228770" /></a>Josh and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05764121134992781977noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811402950670294101.post-13504602682408205972009-04-18T13:51:00.003-06:002009-04-18T15:20:18.728-06:00New ArrivalHey everyone!<br /><br />Well the newest member of the Prox family arrived--and she came one week early!! My water broke Saturday March 28th at 9:15 AM. Poor Josh got a whole hour of sleep after working all night before he had to get up and take me to the hospital. We got there at 11 and I was dilated to 4. I got my epidural and at 8 pm Charys Alyzabeth arrived. (By the way, her name is said Care-iss Ah-lizabeth--and yes, she has a burp rag with the pronunciation embroidered on it!!!). My mom flew into Panama on the following Monday and just left on Tuesday. It was wonderful having her around!!! She cooked and cleaned when I didn't feel like doing anything--and she helped on the night shift before Charys had her days and nights straightened out!! She was wide awake for several hours each night. (ok, so all 3 of us were!!). She about has it figured out now--she eats and goes back to sleep--which is very nice since I'm on my own at night--Josh works midnight to 8 am. She will stay awake for 1-2 hours twice a day and then sleeps the rest of the time. Which is nice--I can usually get at least one nap in during the day. I haven't quite gotten the hang of getting up every morning and having breakfast ready for Josh yet, but I'm working on it!! And I'm proud of myself--he has had breakfast several times this week :o) Right now I'm hanging out at my in-laws watching movies on TV. Josh is sleeping and hasn't called that he's awake yet but he should be getting up soon. <br /><br />I'm loving being able to stay home with the baby!! And I'm <em>really </em>loving that I'm not going back to work!! I'm not sure how we'll pay off medical bills but I guess God will have to provide for us. <br /><br />We also have a contract on a house in Ozark--we're waiting for the loan people to inspect the house to make sure its up to par. It's a USDA loan so the house has to pass their standards. If we get it I'll put pictures up and tell you all about it. It would also be nice to have a bigger house b/c I wouldn't have to be as quiet in the house while Josh sleeps, our house is not really small, just laid out weird, so I try to stay pretty quiet so he can sleep. <br /><br />Anyway--just in case you're not on facebook--here's some pictures of Charys!!! (sorry I don't know how to turn the pictures the other way--I know I'm not high-tech at all!)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzfCaalcHdJq1D2aJTqwlHme4NHWn3JjP51-Pqm8MLxQGy13v2e55wrZwDfLQBQjfSNwS4sKpDhduZ0QLGjJ0tDZBX4MtHWYogFAzINiXwW7Sl83Bk4I5oY2XlvWdHjjpvx2aIvVAOdM/s1600-h/Charys'birth+018.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzfCaalcHdJq1D2aJTqwlHme4NHWn3JjP51-Pqm8MLxQGy13v2e55wrZwDfLQBQjfSNwS4sKpDhduZ0QLGjJ0tDZBX4MtHWYogFAzINiXwW7Sl83Bk4I5oY2XlvWdHjjpvx2aIvVAOdM/s400/Charys'birth+018.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326138020639975714" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS961GaKEmp2-MRoQ5dESfH40fy7qh8mw4xLHEZK2Ub85ZjZ6yDDutMtPFUMsdp85mYH7i66rrmqIexHFIAWsfhx2wASCMPkRGKHiFkd_BIdT9YtgavHCgh7orUn0U8ssDyxrBKDFP9cM/s1600-h/Charys'birth+015.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS961GaKEmp2-MRoQ5dESfH40fy7qh8mw4xLHEZK2Ub85ZjZ6yDDutMtPFUMsdp85mYH7i66rrmqIexHFIAWsfhx2wASCMPkRGKHiFkd_BIdT9YtgavHCgh7orUn0U8ssDyxrBKDFP9cM/s400/Charys'birth+015.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326138018968700626" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtiRxwTneuiZbUoCEnsiQ5QxtMyNAhW4lLkLhXq-9IiaPTrO3Yy4_ibFp3IDBq4bUaKejXlJ52eRseZdtGe775eSxkwxmjBqpOuncwhL02TmoH3STEdgvPjaPUoqOFAMG-3l2ypGDI9qE/s1600-h/Charys'birth+008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtiRxwTneuiZbUoCEnsiQ5QxtMyNAhW4lLkLhXq-9IiaPTrO3Yy4_ibFp3IDBq4bUaKejXlJ52eRseZdtGe775eSxkwxmjBqpOuncwhL02TmoH3STEdgvPjaPUoqOFAMG-3l2ypGDI9qE/s400/Charys'birth+008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326138015585266850" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQ1iGmRXMbDDSM9WcXbVMDIYBxgQ1YdKQdx5InmFjSn4yW_kySBCI8VYoIlN5yccUl459A_xPnXn1jruAO9XfmOCxA_jVAV3KLswued4mpoH3qNAfu0jXwUZOXCCqSk6Ph3NDzkVEX5A/s1600-h/Charys'birth+006.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQ1iGmRXMbDDSM9WcXbVMDIYBxgQ1YdKQdx5InmFjSn4yW_kySBCI8VYoIlN5yccUl459A_xPnXn1jruAO9XfmOCxA_jVAV3KLswued4mpoH3qNAfu0jXwUZOXCCqSk6Ph3NDzkVEX5A/s400/Charys'birth+006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326138011999162226" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5mmocuA0IZHj4TH-Ud2IIWDuTJ-T1z7uzxq0lXAb90NxkSkoPNlBt-92kyRRixzAMGHc4nUoSnmxsBzaZjkNfDZxmbhwA7FcrOEI9fEC8vGTnu0CIU2TQ451QnWjdcsU0bD5klVHEKzY/s1600-h/DSC01135.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5mmocuA0IZHj4TH-Ud2IIWDuTJ-T1z7uzxq0lXAb90NxkSkoPNlBt-92kyRRixzAMGHc4nUoSnmxsBzaZjkNfDZxmbhwA7FcrOEI9fEC8vGTnu0CIU2TQ451QnWjdcsU0bD5klVHEKzY/s400/DSC01135.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326138012323095346" /></a>Josh and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05764121134992781977noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811402950670294101.post-72828290110077152972009-02-24T12:57:00.002-06:002009-02-24T13:23:34.439-06:00WOW......Hey look at this!!!!! After several months of not being able to sign into my blog--the computer decided to let me sign in!!! How cool is that!!!!! Anyway--I do apologize for not writing, but I just didn't get to a different computer to write. <br /><br />As of this coming Thursday, Lord willing, I have 5 weeks (give or take a little!) before we are holding our little girl!! She's due on April 3rd and I could be wrong, but she may decide to come on March 28th, for 2 reasons. #1 My mother-in-law said it couldn't be on that day b/c they are going to Atlanta to watch the play The Passion of the Christ and #2 my mom said not to have her the last 2 weeks of March since she already has 3 grandkids born those 2 weeks. And since I have SO MUCH control over that they are telling me this :o) I guess we'll just have to wait and see what the baby decides!! <br /><br />I'm still working for now, I'm trying to take at least one afternoon off every week just b/c I get so exhausted by the end of the week. And today happens to be my afternoon off. Which I desperately need. I have to pay bills and then do dishes--other than that I am going to relax and put my feet up!!!<br /><br />So updates from the past several months. The pregnancy is going fine and we decided on a name--Charys Alyzabeth (pronounced Care-is Alizabeth), like I said, she's due April 3rd but we shall see :o) She may be an April Fool's baby like her Aunt Ashleigh (so if we call y'all on that day to tell you--we're not making it up!!!)<br /><br />Kyylyn tore the cruciate ligament in his knee, so over New Years I made a very long, very quick trip up to Minnesota (about 26 hours there and 23 or so on the way back--yes I stopped for two nights!). I got up there late Thursday evening, Dr. Katie did the surgery on Friday and I left Saturday am to head back to the warmth of AL. It was SOO great to see my "family" up there!!!! Heartland will forever be "<em>My </em>clinic" even when I'm working somewhere else. The Lord was gracious and I got to drive in the week <em>between</em> two massive snowstorms. Kyylyn's been on cage rest since-though the last week we've let him loose in the house <em>finally</em>. And for any of you who know my dog--yes, we went through a LOT of tranquilizers!!!! He is very ready to be off restrictions--we'll take x-rays on Friday and see if he is free to go yet---I hope so!!!! He is SOOOOO hyper!!!!!<br /><br />Josh found out his new work schedule 2 weeks ago. It'll be interesting...He's now working nights; Midnight to 8 am, Wed thru Sun. And the first week he got changed to that we had revival meetings at our church every night, so it was a tough week for him--he didn't get a whole lot of sleep!!! We had the Musical Merrills at our church (www.musicalmerrills.com) and they are wonderful!!! I really enjoyed the music and the preaching. <br /><br />Well I think that about sums up things for now. Again a apologize for not writing the last many months--I would occasionally check to see if it would let me on and low and behold--it worked today!!!!!! <br /><br />I'll talk to you all later--hopefully in not too long :o)<br /><br />SarahJosh and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05764121134992781977noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811402950670294101.post-82512696632848908272008-10-11T13:46:00.003-06:002008-10-11T14:03:45.803-06:00Here it is....Hey Everyone,<br /><br />Ok so this the "official" announcement I guess--for those of you who don't know yet :o) Lord willing, on April 3rd, Adyson will be a big sister. I went and got my first ultrasound 2 weeks ago at 13 weeks. (yes Josh came with me--I refuse to go to apointments alone anymone) Everything looks fine so far and according to the ultrasound tech we have a "very active little one". (um, must be related to it's daddy :o) It had it's little feet sticking straight up and kicking and would wave it's little hands (couldn't get a picture of that) and it had the hiccups and the little mouth would open every time it would hiccup and it's whole body would bounce! It was adorable!! (no we don't know boy or girl yet--can't tell that for a few weeks yet.)<br />I must admit I was very <em>very</em> scared going into that apt--I have not had good experiences my last 3 ultrasounds. I was crying the whole time. But for the first time after that I got excited, still very scared, but at least a little bit excited. I still have my moments of "flashbacks" to different times with Adyson and will start crying out of the blue. I suppose that's normal. I do wish for the "naively happy" pregnancy again though. I didn't have it for long but it was great while it lasted. Guess I probably won't ever have that again. Oh well. <br /><br />But SO FAR this one seems healthy and all is going well!! (other than health insurance, but that's another story). So here's the ultrasound pictures of our 2nd child. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3b7Ld5UHC3nvK03fNhxReBKM4C1q5MFZqC9kFI5ZePDB1aGNiqIu7bZ1ezExuzXZ2_CDdnQaMtYzSpga8rrTgL8bkIT2Fpbo0frfz0YRNIp0lPCPoTPrsy6p1zKURocxIaUVxUxKrJw/s1600-h/tmp9B.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3b7Ld5UHC3nvK03fNhxReBKM4C1q5MFZqC9kFI5ZePDB1aGNiqIu7bZ1ezExuzXZ2_CDdnQaMtYzSpga8rrTgL8bkIT2Fpbo0frfz0YRNIp0lPCPoTPrsy6p1zKURocxIaUVxUxKrJw/s320/tmp9B.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255985490305313810" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMA-8mfRYWAmO7XNcwWS4vop79h-HhWmTxNr9JDR4Kj9FkNARe5Bn4YKYDbHJ6kQ3JZXeu2wyBvJBhR8zBjTOOeB4cEi8eyBeV2UiY6p3sUxlFpU5FkWcgDQJArh9lliFq72IHHrIHDM/s1600-h/tmp9C.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMA-8mfRYWAmO7XNcwWS4vop79h-HhWmTxNr9JDR4Kj9FkNARe5Bn4YKYDbHJ6kQ3JZXeu2wyBvJBhR8zBjTOOeB4cEi8eyBeV2UiY6p3sUxlFpU5FkWcgDQJArh9lliFq72IHHrIHDM/s320/tmp9C.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255985495652834978" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdNHoIHaUdG4AbyU22PNKmkkebB7c_eGf7HbMNkUtOPbDcmGz9ReRD-lHe7ROpzEBM-bEtBRL7N_Biq6TR1FoIlz7QTQMsYLky72Ar179t_nT6RoL6FLcUup6dVorFCc-SQ5ojTExDAE/s1600-h/tmp91.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdNHoIHaUdG4AbyU22PNKmkkebB7c_eGf7HbMNkUtOPbDcmGz9ReRD-lHe7ROpzEBM-bEtBRL7N_Biq6TR1FoIlz7QTQMsYLky72Ar179t_nT6RoL6FLcUup6dVorFCc-SQ5ojTExDAE/s320/tmp91.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255985496180678306" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXl4XNuiZ9TEhYXvUwb8k3ld2kvD2u_-GTHkkraaqviR36Thyphenhyphen_TM4V2AggBNfxxPtGoGR2E9i45mBbFhM0UAUPXlt-_w8SI7a0-1HLYsX5HHkmtRk5KqDrjBKamtsNASYIHdvVaby9WNA/s1600-h/tmp92.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXl4XNuiZ9TEhYXvUwb8k3ld2kvD2u_-GTHkkraaqviR36Thyphenhyphen_TM4V2AggBNfxxPtGoGR2E9i45mBbFhM0UAUPXlt-_w8SI7a0-1HLYsX5HHkmtRk5KqDrjBKamtsNASYIHdvVaby9WNA/s320/tmp92.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255985510789667522" /></a>Josh and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05764121134992781977noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811402950670294101.post-74224298515913631562008-10-01T11:38:00.002-06:002008-10-01T11:44:27.755-06:00Prayer Request...Ok, so this time it's not totally my fault hat I haven't written for a while--I couldn't get the computer to let me sign in to the blog. I'm on Josh's computer right now. <br /><br />I need to send out a prayer request to all you blogging people. Candace had little Chloe on Monday afternoon--she made it through delivery and they got to spend a little time with her. She passed away Tues at 1 AM, in between her parents. That family needs a lot of prayer right now. They are going home with empty arms and that has to be one of the worst feelings in the world--even worse than finding out you'll be having those empty arms. My heart is heavy for them, so please pray hard for the Lord's comfort in this tough time.<br /><br />SarahJosh and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05764121134992781977noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811402950670294101.post-13059945285852265182008-09-10T12:06:00.003-06:002008-09-10T12:14:31.105-06:00stuffOf course, it's been awhile. I know. I'm horrible. I havn't really been that busy so I can't even use that as an excuse. I went up to Birmingham for a vet conference a few weeks ago and when I came home....I had a complete fence!!!!!! WOOHOOOOOOOO!!!! Ok VERY excited about that. So is my dog. He can chase squirrels, chipmunks and shadows to his wire-haired heart's content! He managed to get into the neighbors yard a few times (he can't get back into ours though...) but I think Josh has all the holes blocked now. <br /><br />Jen and George also can down from CO to visit us. George had never been to the beach so they went to FL for a few days and then visited up over labor day weekend. AND got delayed by 2 days flying out due to Hurricanes (they were flying out of Pensacola). But they did end up finally getting home and we had a lot of fun--it's nice to hang out with old friends!!!!<br /><br />Well I gotta go back to work--Josh has to take me since my car decided it wanted to stay in the driveway this morning. The security light is flashing again. So apparently it wasn't the alternator, other suggestions have been starter (tested fine), battery (also tested fine) and connections and ignintion. So I don't know, but as soon as Josh got back home it started again. Oh well, if anyone has any ideas let me know. Thanks!!<br /><br />Sarah<br /><br />PS I accidently lied on my last post--Candace is due this week, keep praying that little Chloe can make it through delivery safe and emotional support for the whole family.Josh and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05764121134992781977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811402950670294101.post-82652025097042532612008-08-11T19:02:00.002-06:002008-08-11T19:17:41.202-06:00Marine's homecoming...And in case any of you haven't read Ashleigh's blog recently...her Marine is back home!! WOOHOOOOOOO!!! Welcome back to the States John--enjoy your family time! (And come visit us when you get a chance :o)<br /><br />And for all the families and soldiers who are not out of harm's way yet--THANK YOU and my prayers are with you.<br /><br />Sarah<br /><br />PS I've told some of you about Candace and her baby Chloe, (see march 16th post--sorry don't know how to put the link thing in--you'll have to find it yourself), but keep them and their family in your prayers--the next week is going to be VERY hard on them. They've had a very hard decision to make and there is a very very good chance that Chloe will not live long enough to take her first breath. Please keep them in your prayers.Josh and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05764121134992781977noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811402950670294101.post-76519713475738457522008-08-11T18:40:00.006-06:002008-08-11T19:04:14.871-06:005k runHey everyone!!<br />Sorry it's been a bit--I meant to put this post up last week but I didn't get to it--imagine that! My MIL and I were in a 5k last saturday-we jogged about 1/2 of it and we wern't the last ones!!! We didn't finish in our best time BUT we finished! :o) It will be my first and last jog/walk. I may do one as just a walk but it was just way to tough on my back to try to run. Josh's uncle adjusted me yesterday when they were up to visit (he's a chiropractor) so I'm feeling better now. But anyway, here's some pics from the "Possum Trot". Yes, we were down at the Possum Day--complete with 3 real possums, who off course were all sleeping b/c it was during the day--but they still had them. When my MIL called to register the guy told her to be sure to stay for the festivities including kid's and adult's hog-calling and rooster crowing. (No I'm not kidding!) It was an interesting day. Josh came along to be the photographer so hopefully these come through.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaP4EGYKgzOcKOiZEBAu47fSDKEx0vv2TyDx-907lepOH76yeseyR9vrCjZBkYAN82nrCZssaMbjL3A8Ijgllx0BtlSvUNi2QPZA8I4tUmTcjrfFWFTyYmAc3RjqtXgsTD4uDiMp5Jy1k/s1600-h/IMG_1641.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaP4EGYKgzOcKOiZEBAu47fSDKEx0vv2TyDx-907lepOH76yeseyR9vrCjZBkYAN82nrCZssaMbjL3A8Ijgllx0BtlSvUNi2QPZA8I4tUmTcjrfFWFTyYmAc3RjqtXgsTD4uDiMp5Jy1k/s320/IMG_1641.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233429279824793090" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJgI5Cx-DP01jGSFUvAyxhWsCOxSln7-o_bTPw0D1hX1s7yQnmhJUvibIskXibTMDZQItol4UdVsZSiq3yiL1bPujoSW_v2G_jjj1TujWENbFuR4vdkhyphenhyphencRow7rJW9MrQwmHLtHJ63Nk/s1600-h/IMG_1646.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJgI5Cx-DP01jGSFUvAyxhWsCOxSln7-o_bTPw0D1hX1s7yQnmhJUvibIskXibTMDZQItol4UdVsZSiq3yiL1bPujoSW_v2G_jjj1TujWENbFuR4vdkhyphenhyphencRow7rJW9MrQwmHLtHJ63Nk/s320/IMG_1646.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233429283068928610" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xtkmgf6jjhDO6v_67aIfNn_cC_kRjIizs8CXBsZzF8n-4M3Cfv-BIqnGXWHKsxuG5BvEQnCT05LPzJDE2VIEx8VbiU_KzayUZIYVxgMKgSo9vGPyE4-V7y96QQWJIuWm58vnpzRhU9o/s1600-h/IMG_1647.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xtkmgf6jjhDO6v_67aIfNn_cC_kRjIizs8CXBsZzF8n-4M3Cfv-BIqnGXWHKsxuG5BvEQnCT05LPzJDE2VIEx8VbiU_KzayUZIYVxgMKgSo9vGPyE4-V7y96QQWJIuWm58vnpzRhU9o/s320/IMG_1647.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233429287797489138" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1Zmo0YRdLvwAFA9smxN8geehI7eHJ43fBwo6s8RMjyDQPD94zXaacvapmCx3pdCVP57yGZPAoZqExl1IuKVaGHHirNFzfkte2XjMFxovCx54fcU_XWrct7-zyToXnlyi-dKfKEf2r4Q/s1600-h/IMG_1648.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1Zmo0YRdLvwAFA9smxN8geehI7eHJ43fBwo6s8RMjyDQPD94zXaacvapmCx3pdCVP57yGZPAoZqExl1IuKVaGHHirNFzfkte2XjMFxovCx54fcU_XWrct7-zyToXnlyi-dKfKEf2r4Q/s320/IMG_1648.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233429296458350690" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqj5LP0JeB22xIRiG5cdkiTALzJTpNSCLg5FewBJfWOeaiI4UJdjn4lyA5_-_fUIPtTOKNWjZe2YURFbmhzZcrgkA9LOqRQlXfTGn7CeHXam-JwONCgqx9nAiHWtneaVRJOMfrvNrdm50/s1600-h/IMG_1651.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqj5LP0JeB22xIRiG5cdkiTALzJTpNSCLg5FewBJfWOeaiI4UJdjn4lyA5_-_fUIPtTOKNWjZe2YURFbmhzZcrgkA9LOqRQlXfTGn7CeHXam-JwONCgqx9nAiHWtneaVRJOMfrvNrdm50/s320/IMG_1651.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233429690938747714" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXySiqGPvj3V9hUY6tO_QSMhSvyFeoW2p9m8GVC8Y3u_HOkjwa4DasLkvYMIDG8zl1rmeIVRZd9ge13MFuTZqXAEJD9tuXvfktYHPCsxhSG2y-cUd5ZNSVvOPYDo0vsrNYM7czpuiv40/s1600-h/IMG_1652.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXySiqGPvj3V9hUY6tO_QSMhSvyFeoW2p9m8GVC8Y3u_HOkjwa4DasLkvYMIDG8zl1rmeIVRZd9ge13MFuTZqXAEJD9tuXvfktYHPCsxhSG2y-cUd5ZNSVvOPYDo0vsrNYM7czpuiv40/s320/IMG_1652.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233430026312186338" /></a>Josh and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05764121134992781977noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811402950670294101.post-10083252511938065082008-07-21T18:45:00.002-06:002008-07-21T18:56:37.261-06:00Life is a day at the beach...Ok, so not EVERY day is a day at the beach--but Saturday was!!! And it was wonderfull!! There is at least ONE advantage to living in lower Alabama-2 hours from the beach!:o) Josh and I went with my in-laws and our little nephew Kollin. It was his first day at the beach and I think he enjoyed himself. They had a little floaty thing for him and he just lounged in that in the water and fell asleep. He didn't get to play in the sand (he walked through it) but at 8 months he doesn't get the concept that everything is not suppose to go in the mouth, so maybe next year he can play in the sand at the beach. The water was nice (Josh thought it was too warm) but I enjoyed it. We went snorkling--didn't see much, then water was too clear, but I did see a stingray!! It was a little one--about dinner-plate sized. I turned around to find Josh and when I finally got his attention I couldn't find it again so Josh said I was making it up. AND neither of us got very sunburned (and if you know Josh at the beach) THAT is incredible!! I also flew my first "stunt kite" a kite that you actually steer to keep in the air. I didn't do too bad and Josh did pretty well. Then we went to Cici's pizza for dinner--that was good, I enjoy that place. <br />So that was our day at the beach. <br /><br />And hopefully by tomorrow we'll own another car--we're looking at a 99 Taurus that has 67,000 miles on it. It drove nice and is in good shape and it's a good price. so hopefully we'll have that soon and that means we can get rid of the purple car!! WOOOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!! Ok, just a little excited there. <br /><br />Well that's it for now. Talk to you all later!<br /><br />SarahJosh and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05764121134992781977noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811402950670294101.post-58744448999643784182008-07-04T14:16:00.002-06:002008-07-04T14:46:44.122-06:00Happy 4th of July!!!HI Everyone!<br /><br />Wow, writing twice in one week--don't get used to it :o) <br /><br />I have time to write today--I'm at my in-laws waiting for them to get home so we can go to the fireworks tonight. And the reason I'm waiting is b/c Josh had to drop me off before he went to work b/c my car only has 3 good tires and everything is closed today!! So tomorrow we're gonna get new tires so I can have my car back. I blew a tire out on my way home from work Wed night (the same one we had repaired about 2 weeks ago) but I had a nice Blackhawk pilot from North Dakota stop and help me put my spare on, so it wasn't too traumatic for me. <br /><br />We got a new Dr. at work--his name is Dr. Farris; his wife is also a vet, she works on Ft Rucker and with another vet in Enterprise on Wednesdays. I think he'll do well--he's got a good bedside manor and knows his stuff. He's fairly laid back but he's a hoot to work with. We are gonna miss Dr. Lester though. He retired last Thursday after 49 years of Veterinary work. Wow that's a long time!!! I don't know how he'll take to retirement--he's still getting up at 4:30 every morning!! It's like the farmer who's been getting up at 5 his whole life trying to sleep in--it just doesn't happen. I guess he'll need to do a lot of early morning fishing!!<br /><br />I guess that's it for now. <br /><br />Happy 4th of July everyone!! Even with it's problems we still live in the best nation in the world!! Keep praying for her and for our soldiers who are defending America with their time and blood and for the families who are waiting at home for them. Thank you all for your sacrifices--here is one grateful American!!! <br /><br />Sarah<br /><br />PS Happy Birthday Stacie!!! I love you!!!Josh and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05764121134992781977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811402950670294101.post-35953247757529896602008-06-30T11:58:00.002-06:002008-06-30T12:04:58.127-06:00Small update...Hi everyone!! <br /><br />Ok, yes I've heard about not writing more--I know, I know!!!! So I'm writing now--it'll be short though--I'm on lunch break :o)<br /><br />Josh goes full time today!!! Woohooo!!! I'm psyched about that!!! He's gonna be working at Caren's air field (not sure if that's how you spell it or not) but he's working "C" shift which is 4 to midnight. And that part is a bummer cuz I work 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM so I guess the only time I'll see my husband is lunch breaks and weekends. My pastor said it'll help stop any marital problems--it's hard to have problems when you never see each other :o) Oh well, he'll put in his time and hopefully he'll switch to a different shift in not too long.<br /><br />That's it for now--gotta go back to the clinic. <br /><br />SarahJosh and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05764121134992781977noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811402950670294101.post-18242797926382864112008-05-23T14:25:00.005-06:002008-05-23T14:54:59.718-06:00Mother's DayHi everyone!!<br /><br />It seems that every time I start a blog I apologize for not writing for a while. Oh well, guess I shouldn't break tradition SO I'm sorry for not writing earlier :o)<br /><br />My parents left the snow and cold of Leadville CO to come down to warm, sunny (and humid) Alabama. They got to stay for a week and I took two days off (wed and Thurs) Fri, Sat and Sun were already my normal days off. We didn't really DO a whole lot while they were here (I know, you're suppose to jam pack a vacation full, but occasionally it is nice to take the time off and actually relax!! What a concept! :o) But we did go out to eat alot and my mom and I went shopping a lot and Dad and Josh put new brakes on my car. We also went down to the beach on Saturday (Josh's mom came with us too). And yes, we all came home looking like lobsters. Poor Josh! He blistered his chin and his lips and he even put sunscreen on and had a hat on!! The water was cold when you first went in but it "warmed up" quickly. I guess I prefer that over August when the water feels like a hot tub and you don't get cooled down getting in the water. And guess what? Josh's mom got my mom to go into the ocean on a floating bed thing. IN THE OCEAN!!! My mom was in the ocean!!! I think she enjoyed it even though she was scared. Me, my MIL, Josh and my dad went snorkeling--it was Dad's first time and he really enjoyed himself. If they didn't live in the mtns I think he would have found a new hobby! We saw some big black and white fish, some little fish that jumped out of the water and I saw a puffer fish!! That was cool!! We also saw some little jelly fish. I'm a wuss so I promptly left that area. <br /><br />God was also nice enough to arrange everything so my parent's were here over Mother's Day. I was very much dreading that day. My first mother's day and no baby to hold. It's not fair (yes I know, life is not fair; but still!!). I had already decided I wasn't going to go to church that morning--I went into a state of depression just reading about the mother's day program in the bulletin. So we decided to go to Macedonia Baptist church, right up the road, for Sunday School and then we'd go to the park and have a cookout.<br /><br />Well, even in unexpected places, God gives us hope and understanding. After our class ended they started asking us all kinds of questions; at first we kind of tried to dodge some of them but we finally had to explain that I was avoiding our church for mother's day and then we were having a cook out. I felt bad skipping church and felt guilty that Josh and my parent's couldn't go either but the couple we were talking to smiled and nodded knowingly and she said "we have fertility problems--we've spent 9 years avoiding church on Mother's and Father's day, but we adopted our daughter two years ago, so this is my 2nd mother's day to celebrate. We completely understand!" Wow, God is good!! <br /><br />Then we went to the park and had our cookout--it was wonderful! For a day that I was making myself sick dreading it, it did turn out very well. I also got a Mother's day card and mug from my parents (they said it is very hard to find a card that doesn't say "happy Mother's day") but the mug had the verse "But happy are those...whose hope is in the Lord their God" Ps 146:5. I cried when I got those but it was still nice. And Ashleigh, my very sweet SIL, called to tell me happy Mother's day, even though it wasn't happy, I was still a mother and she wanted to tell me that. And my other SIL Katy, told me that someone asked her the other day if she had nieces or nephews and she told them yes, but she was in Heaven. I broke into a big grin and started crying. It's nice to know my precious child is not forgotten. <br /><br />Well, now that I've written a book I'm going to close this and maybe start on the one about my birthday (if we don't leave before that!! We're going to Georgia for Memorial day!) <br /><br />SarahJosh and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05764121134992781977noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811402950670294101.post-60676044494675895182008-04-26T18:22:00.003-06:002008-04-26T18:41:22.133-06:00CampingWell, for our trip starting out so badly--it really wasn't too bad! :o) We got there Friday about 3 pm and started to set up camp. It was windy but we got everything set up, unfortunately we never did get a fire going SO we went to Big B's Bar-b-que for dinner (it was good!) then that night it started pouring about 1 am. I mean <em>pouring</em>, fortunately our tent did very well and the only place that got wet was the front of the tent where the wind was driving the rain straight at it. But for it's first real "initiation" into camping--it did well!! <br />We went canoeing on Saturday and went to a trail a ways away. The plan was to pull the canoe up onto the shore and then go hiking. However, the place where the trail meet the water was not real conducive to landing!! It was a very sharp incline and we landed in-between a few trees and bushes and Josh got out and decided that it would be best for me to sit in the canoe while he pulled it up onto shore. Ok, for future reference, that is a VERY bad idea. Yeah, you guessed it--I landed in the water!! It was a chilly walk but it was fun. Then we canoed back. Again, it was too windy so we couldn't get a fire going (ok we got one going--we cheated and got a firelog from wal-mart!!) so we ate out a lot. We had breakfast at the Huddle House Sat and Sun morning and it was REALLY good! Then Sunday afternoon we drove back. It was a nice mini-vacation! We enjoyed it. <br />So that's about it. We went out to Lake Tholocco on post today for drag boat races. It was interesting. One of the engines exploded--the driver was fine but there goes a LOT of money down the drain! I got a little sunburned on the face but not too bad.<br />That's it for now--maybe I'll get pictures up some time!!<br />SarahJosh and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05764121134992781977noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811402950670294101.post-28678768381307457222008-04-11T08:29:00.003-06:002008-04-11T08:38:49.791-06:00How our "plans" never seem to work...I know, it's been a while!!! This won't be long cuz I only have a few minutes. Josh and I are attempting to go camping up at Lake Martin. We were planning on leaving early this morning. Josh was going to pack and load everything yesterday so we could leave early, but as he was leaving to start his list at 8:15, work called and said "can you be here 9-5:30 today?" So much for THOSE plans. <br />SO, Josh got off yesterday at 5:30 and got to packing. I had to go to my friend's house to finish a scrapbook for a military couple in our church who is leaving Sunday (so yes, we HAD to scrapbook!). And I didn't get off work till after 6!! So all said, we got to bed a little after 11 with almost everything done. <br />We borrowed a canoe from our pastor and we had it attached to the top of the car (tricky in the dark!!) and we planned to leave at 9am. Well, we left the house at 8:45 (we are good!!) but we got onto Rucker Blvd, hit 50 MPH, caught a gust of wind and the canoe moved ALOT. OK, so we have another kink in our "plans". Good thing Josh's dad is an engineer. He's figuring it out as I type. Our car is a really pretty Grand AM, but NOT designed to carry a canoe!!! Oh well. <br />I gotta go, hopefully we'll be leaving shortly and I may get a new post on when we get back, and hopefully we won't get too wet!!!<br />SarahJosh and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05764121134992781977noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811402950670294101.post-1286482194694512902008-03-23T14:05:00.002-06:002008-03-23T14:22:57.434-06:00Happy Easter!!!!Hi Everybody,<br /><br />Happy Easter!!!! I am so thankful our Lord died for our sins and then raised from the dead so that we can see Heaven!! Isn't that wonderful! And because of that hope, one day I will get to meet my daughter! Praise God! <br />(And also praise God that His word is accurate and true even when our world as a whole denies it--Josh is watching a thing on the History channel about the "myths" in Genesis. They have EVERY explanation for all of them EXCEPT that it <em>actually happened</em> and that God did it! Very sad really. I'm glad I can trust that God is in control and His word is true. sorry, little rabbit trail as I read back through my post :o)<br /><br />I'm over at my in-laws for Easter dinner and then tonight we're going to their church for an Easter cantata (however you spell it!) that Josh's dad is in. The other Josh and Sara came over for dinner--I'm glad we have good neighbors--it makes life much nicer! Josh (not mine) is going to SEAR school tonight. For those of you that are like me and don't know what that is--it's 3 weeks of survival training and apparently it's fairly intense. Everyone dreads it and comes back several pounds lighter and there are psychiatrists on call 24/7 for the soldiers when they come back from it. That's the extent of what they are allowed to tell civilians. So, with that said, Josh tried to eat a bunch today since he literally does not know where his next meal is coming from. It is turkey season--maybe he can catch one :o)<br /><br />My Josh just fell asleep in front of the TV--he worked 12-8am last night and didn't want to sleep through Sunday School cuz he was scared he might not wake up for church!! He had a group that did a "dramatic reading" about the hymn My Redeemer. They did fairly well for only having one rehearsal before today. We also had 6 girls that sang (they did well) AND we had a Cello and violin play with Brittany and I (we both play flute). They are two teenage girls that started playing when they were 8. It was wonderful!!! It was rather cramped up front--our church is very, VERY small but it worked out. <br /><br />I think that's about it for now. I'll talk to you all later.<br /><br />SarahJosh and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05764121134992781977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811402950670294101.post-41606103673052780822008-03-16T12:40:00.002-06:002008-03-16T13:02:50.735-06:00The God of Comfort...I love my sister-in-law's blog. If you've never been there you should read it. (I can't do the cool word link thing but click on the "heart and home" over on your left :o) You can always see her heart. Sometimes it is side-splitting funny, sometimes heartbreaking or heartwarming, but you can always see her heart. And her heart is first to love God and then her family and that is always apparent. I am so proud of her and the way she handles herself and the boys while John is in the "sandy spot".<br /><br />When my first ultrasound came back as "birth defects, possibly fatal" and the next day "99% sure she won't make it full term", Ashleigh was a bright light in my darkness and depression. She cried on the phone with me and wrote such beautiful things that warmed my heart. Her first post about Adyson was called "The God of All Comfort". That post is the first page in Adyson's scrapbook. The verse is "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God". 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.<br /><br />I was comforted greatly all through this ordeal (and still am getting and asking God for it!!) but it has changed the way I pray for people. One of my friend's daughter lost her 20 week along son--the week before we lost Ady. He was perfectly healthy and normal until she got an infection and he suddenly died. Sara and I are now kindred spirits in motherhood that has no responsibilities. I can truly pray for her now--when before it was a quick, "Lord be with them, strengthen them, help them". Now it is heartfelt, with tears and sometimes no words at all. But we have the Spirit to utter groanings when we can't say anything, when we can just cry out.<br /><br />At our revival meetings on Thursday, another lady in our church told me about her future daughter-in-law's sister (and then I got to speak with her mother at the Bridal Shower on Saturday). They have been trying for several years to have a baby. She found out she was pregnant and on Tuesday, at 14 weeks she went in for her first ultrasound. The dr said her baby's skull and top part of his/her brain is not developing. (I think it was called ansiphalis-or something similar). Their baby will almost 99% certain make it full term, and then will have to be delivered by c-section, and then wait to die. One baby lived for 1 year in a vegetable state, but most only make it a few hours or days. My heart breaks for them. I know the pain, the uncertainty the "why God? Why?" <br /><br />I can now see a tiny bit of hope through our situation. I know the pain she is in, the agony of waiting, the pain of dreading saying "goodbye" to your firstborn child. Maybe, just maybe I can be the bright light, like Ashleigh was for me that first week, and get her through one step at a time, that I "may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith (I am) comforted of God." I ask you to pray for her and her husband, and their precious little one. And pray that God will give me the words, or silence and tears, to help comfort them in some small measure. <br /><br />SarahJosh and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05764121134992781977noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811402950670294101.post-31357124073044108462008-03-01T19:38:00.003-06:002008-03-10T12:33:39.305-06:00Spring...It is a beautiful spring day here in AL!! The sun was out and it was nice and warm without being hot. Much different than a year ago today when the tornado tried to level the high school. They had a memorial service at the school, but I was working. This afternoon I even went out and roller bladed--and I didn't even hit the ground!! I haven't rollar bladed since early high school--so it was nice. I also finished Ady's scrapbook. <br /><br />I'm making progress. I held Kollin today--twice and I didn't even cry! Ok, so that may not sound like much, but Kollin is my 4 month old nephew who (with his parents) live at my in-laws and just in the last week or so have I been able to go over here without crying; so the fact that I held him (the only time I've held him since we lost Ady was at the memorial service) is really good. Maybe I will get healed here eventually. <br /><br />Well gotta go--Josh's Aunt and Uncle are here for the weekend. <br /><br />SarahJosh and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05764121134992781977noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811402950670294101.post-28244604809725863942008-02-29T19:24:00.002-06:002008-02-29T19:45:00.042-06:00New NeighborsHi everybody,<br /><br />We finally have new neighbors moved in above us. Guess what their names are. Yup, Josh and Sara (and Josh is 26). No, I'm not kidding!! (She doesn't have an "h" on her name) And guess what kind of dog they have. Yup, you guessed it again--a German Wirehair!! In the land of an entire vet clinic that had never HEARD of a wirehair--we have one living above us. Ok, he's a cross of some sort--but he looks like a Wirehair except for his ears. And he's MUCH less hyper, more well behaved and more submissive than our big jughead. The first time they met they ran for 30 minutes and Gromit was ready to lay down (in the kiddie pool no less :o) but Kyylyn was still ready to run and run and run some more. I think they are going to work out MUCH better than the last people. The first day they were there (their stuff wasn't even there yet) they raked the yard, painted and finished the bathroom, added the partition things to the cupboards and came down to meet us. They are really neat people. They're from North Dakota and he just started (or is going to start) flight school. <br /><br />I'm making it through work. My body is pretty much healed I think but my mind is not working like it's suppose to. Doc will tell me something and I will hear and comprehend, but I will turn around and not remember what he said. It's VERY frustrating--I'm hoping it won't last very long or I'm gonna go nuts!!<br /><br />Well I think that's it for now-sorry it's not very long. <br /><br />SarahJosh and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05764121134992781977noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811402950670294101.post-52802422736541019702008-02-16T13:02:00.003-06:002008-02-16T13:28:05.667-06:00Memorial ServicesWell, I'm finally getting on to write again. Sorry for the delay!<br /><br />Thank you for everyone who's been praying and thinking of us. The cards are wonderfull and Ashleigh and Chantel--the flowers were beautiful!! Thank you!!! <br /><br />Colorado was beautiful and snowy. LOTS of snow in Leadville. The back fence was nearly buried and the front fence was (with the help of several snowplows). The mountains were covered with clouds the whole time we were there but it was fun to be in the cold again. The altitude was about ready to kill me!! I'm not used to 2 miles high anymore! I guess that's cuz I'm living at about 300 feet (give or take). We left just in time though--our flight went out EARLY Tues morning (thanks Jen and George for sacrificing sleep for us!!). We were one of the first flights out of the airport and we still took off 50 minutes late (had to wait to be de-iced). Many flights were cancelled in the next several days, so it was good that we left early. I was complaining about it originally but God knew what He was doing giving us the early flight out! <br /><br />It was really nice seeing family and friends up in Leadville--it was REALLY good to go home! I really needed that. We had a memorial service at the church on Sunday night--it was very nice. Mr. Schutte kind of ran things and played "The Untitled Hymn" he was going to sing it but Mrs. Schutte said he probably wouldn't have made it through. Mrs. Schutte also gave us a little stuffed mouse--a very cute white mouse with pink clothes and a pink bow. (It was actually about the size of Ady). (And they chose the mouse b/c I brought rats home from college that my parents were less than thrilled about :o) But it was a very nice service.<br /><br /> We also had a service in AL the Saturday after we got back--it followed close to the same format as the Leadville one. When I showed Pastor the list of songs we wanted he said, "well, Laura is singing 'Day by Day' and the Norton kids are singing 'It is Well'". So that was nice--they did a great job. The kids also sang "Jesus Loves Me"; 3 verses, the last one I'd never heard but it fit nicely. Josh's dad also got up and spoke for a little bit. Almost everyone from my work came--it was great to have them there supporting us. There were lots of tears, but it was nice. It ended with "I'll Fly Away"--b/c that is our hope--and that's what we are clinging too right now. Ady's up in Heaven and we will see her again, but it's still very tough in the meantime.<br /><br />So I guess now we just start to go on with life. That's much harder than I thought it would be. I started work part-time this week. I still get very tired by the afternoon, so I don't know how next week will go--I'm suppose to go back full time. But it's helped getting back into a schedule. But there are still times (especially around babies and baby things) that I start crying and get depressed, but then I start praying, hug Josh, and keep going. Hopefully it will get easier as time goes by. <br /><br />Well I gotta go--I'm gonna go help my mother-in-law plan how to make a guest bedroom into a sewing/cardmaking/scrapbooking/guest bedroom :o) Thanks for everything from all of you--we greatly appreciate it!<br /><br />SarahJosh and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05764121134992781977noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811402950670294101.post-38705397941538955122008-01-28T08:25:00.000-06:002008-01-28T08:42:26.247-06:00News...Hi everybody.<br /><br />This isn't going to be real long--I don't have the energy today. But there is good news and bad news. Good news is that as of 9:24 PM on Friday Josh and I became parents, the bad news is Someone else is going to be raising her. I guess that has good news in it too. Because that "Someone" is God and He is a perfect parent--He won't let any pain, disappointment or tears come into her life. She is now a happy, perfectly healthy, beautiful child. I don't know, will she still be an infant in Heaven? or will she be 5 years old or grown? I don't know. Guess I'll have to wait and see. But I was talking to Meg yesterday (she had a miscarriage this fall)and reminded me that now little Charlotte has a friend to play with!! <br /><br />We're going this morning to sign papers for our little Ady to be cremated. I'm not really looking forward to it. That's just something parents shouldn't have to go through. We'll have a memorial service for her at our church sometime after we get back from CO. We haven't got anything other than that planned. We'll keep you posted. That's it for now--at some point I'll probably write about getting to hold her but I"m not ready for that yet. <br /><br />I probably won't get on till after we get back from snowy Colorado, but thank you all for your comments, support and prayers. We definitely appreciate them all. <br /><br />Here is one of the poems that I put in her scrapbook.<br /><br /><br />Your little body may die,<br />But your spirit will live on<br />And has already flown to<br />Our Saviour’s arms.<br />We shall see your face<br />And hold your hand.<br />For all is not lost,<br />You are in our Lord’s hands<br /><br /><br />SarahJosh and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05764121134992781977noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811402950670294101.post-41255586044532554412008-01-24T16:40:00.001-06:002008-01-24T17:16:17.168-06:00I'll Fly Away...Hi Everybody.<br /><br />One of the first times I remember hearing the song "I'll Fly Away" was after Mrs. Schutte's Grandfather (I think...) passed away. About 30 or so of the Schutte clan was up in Leadville and got up to sing in church--of course leaving about 30 of us sitting in the pews :o) (we don't have a really big church). If you've never had the chance to hear Mr and Mrs Schutte sing, you are really missing out and when you get to hear 30 of them sing, it'll bring tears to your eyes-it's so beautiful. But anyway--they got up and sang a good old Southern Gospel Version of "I'll Fly Away"--rejoicing that their loved one was in Heaven. I'll never forget that. <br /><br />I know you are wondering where I'm going with this, but I hadn't felt Ady move since Saturday evening and was starting to get worried. Last night as I was in the shower the words of the song started going through my head; <br /><br />(I'll Fly Away Words and Music by Alfred E. Brumley)<br /><br />Some glad morning when this life is o'er, <br />I'll fly away;<br />To a home on God's celestial shore, <br />I'll fly away. <br /><br />Chorus<br />I'll fly away, Oh Glory<br />I'll fly away; (in the morning)<br />When I die, Hallelujah, by and by,<br />I'll fly away.<br /><br />When the shadows of this life have gone, <br />I'll fly away;<br />Like a bird from prison bars has flown, <br />I'll fly away. <br /><br />Just a few more weary days and then, <br />I'll fly away;<br />To a land where joy shall never end, <br />I'll fly away.<br /><br /><br />So, that's what was going through my head. <br /><br />I had gotten very depressed and worried suddenly on Tuesday--something I couldn't explain other than telling Josh, "I want to get another ultrasound just to see if she's getting better or worse". Wed night Paster preached on worry and how it doesn't need to conquer us--I talked to God confessing my worry, but I still had that feeling that "something's not right". So this morning I called the clinic and asked if I could come in and have someone listen for the heart, they told me to come in and when we got there they took me to ultrasound. The US tech kept the screen turned away from me but looked at it, looked at the nurse and just slightly shook her head. Then she turned the monitor to show me. Adyson's little heart had stopped. <br /><br />Our precious little Ady has "flown away" to our Saviour's arms. I don't know that I'm rejoicing but in a way it's almost a relief. The last month and a half of waiting has been torture; Not knowing and just waiting. The dr. said I could wait (at the latest) till early next week to be induced to "deal with the shock and emotion of it" but we've been dealing with it for a while now, so I'd rather get it over with. So, first thing tomorrow morning (1/25) I will be induced. Pray for us- it's going to be a tough day. Now we have to deal with the loss, but I think so far it has been easier than when we found out we would lose her. Now there is no slight hope of seeing her alive here--but we have a sure hope of seeing her when we get to Heaven. For that I am very thankful. We will be traveling to CO on Wed to visit my parents for about 5 days, so pray for traveling mercy's and for no snowstorms on Wed or the following Tuesday. Forgive me if I don't get another post up soon. <br /><br />Thank you for your prayers in the last few months and for the next few weeks and months as we deal with this loss. <br /><br />SarahJosh and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05764121134992781977noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811402950670294101.post-73497338534807548392008-01-10T14:42:00.000-06:002008-01-10T14:54:59.306-06:00Kickboxing???Hey everybody--sorry it's been a while--I'm actually back to work now :o) That's good--it helps pay the bills!! <br /><br />I had a dr. apt last Tuesday and basically he just went over the report of what the specialist had said, but one thing I had misunderstood from the specialist was that if we lost her, I would miscarry. But the Dr. said since I'm so far along I probably won't miscarry, but that she would die and then they would induce me and would try to avoid doing a c-section. I think that's worse than just miscarrying. Oh well, everything in God's timing and way I guess. He also said there was not much point in doing any more ultrasounds since they're assuming she's not going to get better. But in the event that she's still alive in April, I want an ultrasound b/c if things have changed and she has problems that are fixable, I want to deliver in a place that can do them and hopefully at a reduced cost. He also said that the condition she's in not, nothing can be done for her, so if she is born (with the problems she has now) all they will pretty much do is "comfort care". Keep her warm and feed until she goes home to be with the Lord. I don't know what would be harder--losing her before meeting her or after a day or two of having her. Guess it's not my job to worry--God will do what He deems best. <br /><br />However, maybe it's my false sense of "mommy to be" hope, but I think the prayers are working!! When I first felt Ady move, it was very very slight and not much pressure, but last Thursday all of a sudden the girl's taken kickboxing lessons b/c she's been kicking hard!! The amount of strength that she gained in less than a week is amazing!! So, keep praying--maybe we'll get our miracle yet!!<br /><br />Pray also that Josh will get a lot of hours and be able to go full time in a few months. This week he hasn't worked much. <br /><br />Well, that's it for now I think, I'll talk to you all later,<br /><br />SarahJosh and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05764121134992781977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811402950670294101.post-36101798131500956862008-01-01T13:59:00.000-06:002008-01-01T14:08:02.352-06:00Day by day...One more thing; on Sunday night we sang two songs that really touched my heart. The first was "Count Your Blessings" and I could do that having just felt my daughter move for the first time, especially when I didn't know if I would ever get to feel that. The next one we sang was my favorite hymn "Day By Day". A high schooler and I both play flute with the piano's at church so I was sitting up front when we played it and listening to everyone sing, I started crying. The pastor's youngest daughter brought me tissues, which was very sweet. But here's the words to that song--they've meant alot to me in the last few weeks:<br /><br /><br />Day by day, and with each passing moment,<br />Strength I find, to meet my trials here;<br />Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,<br />I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.<br />He Whose heart is kind beyond all measure<br />Gives unto each day what He deems best—<br />Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,<br />Mingling toil with peace and rest.<br /><br />Every day, the Lord Himself is near me<br />With a special mercy for each hour;<br />All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me,<br />He Whose Name is Counselor and Power;<br />The protection of His child and treasure<br />Is a charge that on Himself He laid;<br />“As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,”<br />This the pledge to me He made.<br /><br />Help me then in every tribulation<br />So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,<br />That I lose not faith’s sweet consolation<br />Offered me within Thy holy Word.<br />Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,<br />E'er to take, as from a father’s hand,<br />One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,<br />Till I reach the promised land.Josh and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05764121134992781977noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811402950670294101.post-17494794114433703952008-01-01T13:38:00.000-06:002008-01-01T13:55:10.747-06:00Happy New YearHappy New Year everyone!!<br /><br />I can't believe 2007 is over! we've been in Alabama for almost a year, but I don't know if it feels that long! Last night we went to my in-laws church for New Years. My dad-in-law was the "MC" for the evening (he did a wonderful job!)--he hosted the "Name those Christmas lyrics" game and "Are you smarter than an elementary school child?" (there are no 5th graders in their Christian school :o) Those were "interrupted" by commercial breaks from the "sponsors"--people doing little skits. It was very entertaining. We left early and got home a little before midnight. Josh ended up working yesterday from 3:30 to 8:30--they haven't called him for today yet--I was kind of expecting someone to call in "sick". Oh well. Josh's mom is making her infamous chicken pot pie tonight so we're over at my in-laws for the evening. I am now officially wearing my maternity clothes--I'm kind of an emotional eater and I think I've gained about 8 pounds in the last 2 weeks!! I went from "my jeans are tight" on the Tuesday of my ultrasound, to "these jeans are cutting off my circulation" on that Friday. Oh well--guess it's ok to indulge when I'm pregnant and it's Christmas (no shortage of junk food around :o)<br /><br />I go to my next Dr's appointment tomorrow, I have a whole list of questions to ask and Josh gets to go with me! He can ask for "days off" when they won't call him, so he got one of those for tomorrow so he can go with. I guess that's it for now. <br /><br />May the Lord bless you in this new year!!!<br /><br />SarahJosh and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05764121134992781977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811402950670294101.post-84299902718160302582007-12-29T13:21:00.000-06:002007-12-29T13:36:06.817-06:00Movement...Hi everybody<br /><br />Hope all your Christmas' were great!!! I was surprised when I pulled up the blog--Josh changed it--I like it! And yes, I know Meg--I need more pics. Sorry. I did try to take a picture of my enlarged belly, but it didn't work to well so I have to get Josh to take it for me. ( I officially had to start wearing maternity jeans this past weekend--I had to go to Goodwill to get a pair b/c the ones I had are still too big! But I found 2 nice pairs that fit right now).<br /><br />Guess what??? I felt Adyson move this morning!!! The storm knocked power out last night and I heard Josh looking at his watch on the nightstand and rolled onto my back (I've been trying to be good and sleep on my left side :o) As I was laying there I felt a bump, bump and then another bump, bump. I know it wasn't my stomach growling--I think Ady just didn't want to wake up and was rolling over to go back to sleep. But I was psyched--my baby is moving!!!! I reached over and smacked Josh cuz I was all excited--he was like "that's great--it's 5:30 I'm going back to sleep" Ok, he didn't SAY that, but I know my husband. He's more excited about it this afternoon though :o) So for right now, our baby's still kicking (literally). And she's got good genes--they told Josh he probably wouldn't make it either--and he's doing fine. <br /><br />Well that's it for now. I go in for my next Dr's apt on the 3rd, so we'll see what he says about when to get my next ultrasound. Talk to you all later.<br /><br />Sarah<br /><br />PS If you post a comment and it doesn't post right away, wait a few days--Josh has to check his email and "approve" them before they show up!!Josh and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05764121134992781977noreply@blogger.com4