tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55687450453732483792011-11-27T17:50:37.663-06:00Here we are, family of four, Cory, Sarah, Jack and Duke. Truly, we are six for we can't leave out Fisher and Bailey, but in our hearts we will always be seven - we miss you Garfield!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.comBlogger1561100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-13547530395270157102011-11-27T17:35:00.005-06:002011-11-27T17:50:37.672-06:00

I am slowly getting ahead of myself this year!  I might actually get my cards in the mail before Christmas.  I also am dedicating 2012 to more posts as it looks like I'll be able to upgrade our internet service - HOORAY! Thanks Shutterfly for another easy way to get my holidays started.  I have used them for my photobooks and holiday cards now since the first year I started, and truly love

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-12404560798313090092011-09-23T08:27:00.002-05:002011-09-23T08:29:58.700-05:00

He just knows when to show me up.  Tuesday I rant about the difficult life I lead, all self pity and depressive thoughts.  And last night, He shows up with this... I posted a pic to facebook taken with my iPhone, but it didn't truly capture the unbelievable color of the sky.  Because of the thunderheads in the distance to the west and also to the east there was a shadow that crossed

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-20487032971758097972011-09-20T19:14:00.000-05:002011-09-20T19:14:52.614-05:00

I didn't intend for the next post to be a rant, but it is going to be.  One of the main reasons that I have not kept up with this blog to be completely and utterly honest, is because I can't.  No, not I can't because I don't have the time, but no I can't because I have a piece of crap laptop that is 6 years old with a modem that is outdated, we live in the middle of the freaking country where

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-5950025434577693672011-09-13T19:10:00.003-05:002011-09-13T19:15:41.374-05:00

Seriously, this was the outlet, the method to my madness.  My ability to escape through words from my far too busy, 4:30am to 10pm-ish life.  And I have neglected it far too much in the past year. So, beginning yet this week I shall commit to one thing for myself that doesn't involve making certain my 5 year old can say his memory verse without fail in front of his teacher, cooking at least 4

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-24244569357386326452011-08-03T07:30:00.000-05:002011-08-03T07:30:33.140-05:00

It's nearing the end of the school year at our daycare which means year end parties and collections of art projects handed over. Yesterday was Jack's which is bittersweet because 2 weeks from today we will be off to "big school" starting our journey through education at Briarwood Chrisitan School in the 4K program. sniff. Last night I sifted through the many glittered fish, pasted bunnies,

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-81702166341187532752011-07-26T16:48:00.000-05:002011-07-26T16:48:32.185-05:00

My kids being the youngest on the Rath side and quite a few years off from Cullen, the last one born prior to them, are a bit "younger" in the mix of grandchildren, spanning from nearly 20 to 9. On my side, we have Caroline at 7 and then 4 boys 5 and under in the span of 14 months (mine being the bookends) and our (maybe) last little one of Alicia's is Jonah at 18months. We are just getting

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-61520010062884782882011-06-08T16:14:00.002-05:002011-06-08T16:19:30.315-05:00

The south is notorious for starting kids EARLY in organized sports. Cory and I are not so quick to jump on that bandwagon. Having played all his growing up years and pitching college baseball and being very good at it as well (damn you achilles tendons! I could be a trophy MLB wife right now!), you would think he would be more apt to push his own kids toward the sport, but truly, he's the

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-67752130714656576572011-06-01T21:57:00.002-05:002011-06-01T22:04:36.749-05:00

Exhale.  Big Exhale. The past two months have been a whirlwind.  April and May are always really busy in our lives.  It's the start of the spring/summer and the weather is amazing.  Cory usually has a bit of a travel break with work so we can work in our annual vacation and it's always the special time Dad visits for his annual trip for the Birmingham Botanical Garden Plant Sale where we brace

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-46714022343965717602011-05-18T09:02:00.001-05:002011-05-18T09:13:12.988-05:00

Today's guest post sponsored by Odyssey Early School Mother's Day Project 2011 MY MOTHER by Jack Rath, K4B My mother is 15 years old. My mother is 15 feet tall. My mother weighs 2 pounds.  (Fist pump from Mommy!) My mother's favorite thing to do is cook dinner. My mother always tells me to go to Mommy's Room.* And there we have it.  *Mommy's Room = Where we go when we aren't listening

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-46900939819764931682011-04-08T11:39:00.003-05:002011-04-08T16:09:11.426-05:00

I'll say it, I HATE fundraising.  It's the one of those necessary evils when you have kids of school age.  My rules have always been not to solicit donations for goods.  I'll buy the pizzas, gift wrap, thank you cards, etc. and spend my money toward the need but I'm not into badgering friends and family to contribute.  After all - we all have this and that we have to buy for our own kids

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-49734778009959571852011-03-16T11:16:00.002-05:002011-03-18T08:25:15.518-05:00

I woke up on Friday, Cory was home and turned on the news and my stomach hit the pit. I saw the coverage of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan and could barely breathe watching the replays of the giant wave cover an entire city. And then with panic I thought immediately of Minoru. Minoru and I began as colleagues over 7 years ago. My company accepted representation of Lucky Craft back in 2003.

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-76116394768045954452011-03-15T18:30:00.010-05:002011-03-15T18:30:00.183-05:00

I am GREAT at lists.  I love to create them, organize them, yet I somehow manage to put them aside, then pick them up and have no idea what they mean.  And I rarely manage to COMPLETE them, other than ones that are mandatory and involve deadlines that if I don't meet I will possibly be looking for employment. One of the last lists I created that I was so psyched about was The List of Thing of

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-54672712092771300342011-02-08T20:43:00.002-06:002011-02-08T20:45:17.153-06:00

It was inevitable.  At least one of my kids would be...me.  Well, me before I knew better. I can't help it, I'm a perfectionist who expects the same from everyone around me.  That is, until I grew wise in my old age and realized I can't change everyone around me, I can only emulate examples to those around me, which I still stink at much of the time. So now I just refuse to ever make a mistake.

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-44404198401959977102011-02-01T20:48:00.002-06:002011-02-04T07:39:14.091-06:00

...there lived children that ate all healthy meals and snacks and never a HFCS product crossed their lips.  Yep, that's far, far, far, far, far away from our life.  But like any mom with more to do than I can possibly accomplish in say 50 years yet before they wake up tomorrow, I try.  When they were babies I breastfed them, because I could and it felt right.  I made it about 6 months with each

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-57941146443636461012011-01-14T12:46:00.008-06:002011-01-14T15:38:57.561-06:00

Most everyone knows I am in the Sporting Goods Industry.  Which means for the past 15 years I've represented a wide range of products.  From the earthy, green outdoorsy stuff like kayaks and canoes and all things that give you the impression I eat Luna bars and do yoga to fishing tackle and WHOA! firearms.  That's right, I've hunted, I've harvested and I've cooked and fed my children resulting

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-21204133808700893622011-01-10T15:59:00.000-06:002011-01-10T15:59:55.135-06:00

These are the first words out of Duke's mouth each morning since he started staying dry at night about 2 months ago.  I am blessed.  I am also trying to allay the concerns of a 4 year old brother who is not and will not be for a while I suspect and who notices this.  However, things have turned a bit.  Not necessarily in my favor.  Jack is still having some daytime "leaks" as I call them and

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-32739814755909598742011-01-05T20:05:00.011-06:002011-01-05T20:14:26.764-06:00

Saturday while Cory was spending the late afternoon in one of the deer blinds waiting to see what might visit his newly planted apple orchard and I was cooking up one of our last family meals before the holidays ended and our daily work/daycare schedule started up again, the boys were getting their "sillies" out.  We managed nearly an entire day home without turning the TV on so far and I was

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-44691066251959925362010-12-25T12:28:00.000-06:002010-12-25T12:29:21.102-06:00

Here was today's Advent Calendar prize. Jack was all too happy to place him in our manger. Blessings to all!

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-16337133956008836252010-12-22T11:20:00.003-06:002010-12-22T11:24:46.672-06:00

I have been meaning to write several posts in the past few weeks, and those weeks FLEW by.  I cannot believe that we are only days away from Christmas!  Now that the boys are getting a bit older and wiser, and because we were home for the holidays this year without any travel plans, I really focused this year on making sure we were creating some holiday traditions that would grow in our little

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-61729338048669704442010-12-01T20:39:00.006-06:002010-12-01T22:52:26.771-06:00

What a month, and what a way to cap it off with a couple of birthday celebrations! I would be remiss if I didn't at least post (very quickly) that my better half has entered another milestone, yep, 40. And he did it well, without pomp and circumstance (which is the way I think he wanted it). However, I believe we both have a desire to just fly past this next birthday and go on to better

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-72327202211566095462010-10-31T14:20:00.001-05:002010-10-31T14:28:22.458-05:00

Ok, I'll be the naysayer, I am not really a fan of Halloween.  Never have been, and at this point in my life, I don't think there's a big chance that will change.  As a kid, I never was that good at coming up with creative costumes and as seemingly outgoing as I am (and as you all think I am - thanks for those great comments on my previous post), the thought of standing in front of someone's door

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-10383638525812735492010-10-22T15:38:00.001-05:002010-10-22T15:47:18.002-05:00

This year I have spent quite a bit of time reaching inside to figure out who I really am.  Whoa, deep, I know. I think it's because I am very quickly approaching another decade, or it could be that I have been playing so many different roles in life right now that I am searching for significance among them.   I also have begun to see others around me that I find myself defining based on the

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-15970630112530465002010-10-17T20:26:00.003-05:002010-10-17T20:55:37.205-05:00

I love fall. Love it Love it Love it. (And really loved it last night when my Badgers pulled out an amazing victory against the #1 Ohio State Buckeyes!) This weekend was our real first feel of fall. It's been in the 40s at night this week, the leaves are starting to turn and fall festivals are abundant. We started off on Friday shaky with a phone call from daycare around 3:15 "Jack has a

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-1445680698452558722010-10-13T21:17:00.000-05:002010-10-13T21:17:21.149-05:00

You know those times when you don't realize how much your kids are really learning and it blows you away?  I had one of those moments this weekend when I discovered that not just Jack but Duke knows the entire Pledge of Allegiance, by heart.  Jack has never in 4 years mentioned it or demonstrated it.  Something on Sunday on our way home from the park sparked an impromtu serenede from the back of

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-67845662529077172042010-10-12T20:52:00.000-05:002010-10-12T20:52:28.686-05:00

I get lots of ideas for posts, just never time to post them. About a week ago, this little fella made his way to our pond.  Not the bigger guy in the lower right but the smaller one in the upper part of the picture.  I think it's a baby goose, but this time of year?  In any case, he visited for several hours, snuggled up to the decoy who resides in our water to keep the anchor rope afloat for

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-4475625663713994352010-10-07T08:26:00.000-05:002010-10-07T08:26:46.925-05:00

Can you really call it potty training if there is no training involved? Been a big week at the Rath house.  Duke went from pull ups to underpants, so in about 5 minutes flat I saved $40 a month on my daycare costs and $50 a month in pull up costs.  I feel like I just got a raise for job performance. About a month ago we tried one Saturday morning to see how it'd go and after peeing on the floor

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-66384077051163807752010-09-12T20:21:00.001-05:002010-09-12T20:36:45.492-05:00

Since our fabulous new loft bedroom premiered in early July, I have been attempting (begging) to find a consistent bedtime routine.  It started very ugly on my part.  It's pretty hard to go from snuggles and lullabies and soothing nite-nites - one of which never took more than about 30 seconds to put to bed, to two giggling giddy toddlers who have probably the coolest room ever (it beats the heck

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-89159755682672472532010-09-11T18:59:00.001-05:002010-09-11T20:12:57.853-05:00

Another birthday came and went...well that's what Cory and I will be saying about this year's festivities for us.  Jack had a great one as he rolled into his 4's.  It was a mixed theme - Starwars and Pirates. We celebrated simply this year after last year's big joint Jack/Duke birthday bash.  Just a cake at school and presents at home.  But simple it was not apparently. I need to just get it

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-13173153719392287822010-09-06T20:56:00.004-05:002010-09-06T21:17:56.828-05:00

Don't have a heart attack, it's true.  3 blogs in 6 days.  I may have a heart attack.  But there's too much good stuff going on and not enough time to call and chat with anyone. As many of you know, Cory left last Tuesday (technically it was Tuesday, but in my bedroom it was Monday night at 2am), for a "work" trip to Wyoming with two salesmen from one of his biggest accounts for the hunting trip

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-59077144851504264152010-09-04T19:25:00.000-05:002010-09-04T19:25:24.978-05:00

I've read them every month since Jack was born, of course now I can skip the tips on "Better Breastfeeding" and "Tap Your Baby's Hidden Talents", but I still read on. Vowing with every article, to make that recipe, craft, workout; part of next week's agenda. Yea, well. Today though, we made these. Aren't they crafty, hung just perfectly.  I'm sure there will be finches covering them any

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-39090634897692358422010-09-01T21:40:00.002-05:002010-09-01T21:50:27.916-05:00

Admit it, we all do it, tag our children with personality traits before they are even old enough to have personality traits. Jack - clean, structured, precise, needy, helpful, tender hearted, wants to please, momma's boy; the serious one. Duke - messy, if there is something that can get on him, it does, full out all the time, loud, big loving, daredevil, no fear; the funny one. Duke wins

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-33566824470637497952010-07-20T10:42:00.000-05:002010-07-20T10:42:08.337-05:00

As promised, here is a short video walk through of the new playroom and loft bedroom that Cory built for the boys while we were gone over the 4th. (I apologize for the backround noise - that's the tower fan, so just mute your volume if it is bothersome) I had to get the final painting done before they could take it over for their bedroom, but I managed to do that at night last week and now it is

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-82171010971069234502010-07-07T21:11:00.000-05:002010-07-07T21:11:22.051-05:00

The challenge - traveling from Birmingham, AL to Racine, WI via air travel (and if you know Birmingham, it isn't direct to anywhere east of the Mississippi - unless Atlanta, Charlotte, Cincinatti or Baltimore qualify) - ALONE with a 2 1/2 year old and 3 1/2 year old - and not losing my sanity. I will admit, it left me a few times, but only briefly, overall we held it together, and had a

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-30369605498863698082010-06-22T13:33:00.004-05:002010-07-20T10:58:12.554-05:00

Well friends and family.  Just for fun about 2 weeks ago I posted 6 pics to Parents.com for the 2010 Cover Contest of Jack.  I told no one (those of you that know me know I like to remain behind the scenes :)  I even meant to get Duke some pics posted this weekend but never found the time.  Given that there were 85,000+ people posting, I figured it would just be for fun.  Turns out, Jack's got a

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-72587858250311734332010-06-09T11:09:00.000-05:002010-06-09T11:09:21.940-05:00

Life, that's what's been happening people.  I know you've been checking in daily to find out what the latest excitement has been in our little corner of the world only to be sorely dissapointed to find out that for another day you will have to live in the suspense of not knowing.  Well, now you know, it was life that was happening. That's right, and for once I just put the computer down and

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-6215266289439043652010-05-06T00:00:00.006-05:002010-05-06T09:32:33.496-05:00

Enough said!  Enjoy your day Ruth Ann!

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-25921678772518015022010-04-20T08:41:00.001-05:002010-04-20T08:41:51.575-05:00

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-78203750759611622862010-03-17T21:16:00.000-05:002010-03-17T21:16:49.791-05:00

Almost a year ago, we said bye bye to Jack's paci.  It was a cold turkey move, necessitated by a tumble on the playground and visit with the dentist.  It was not a fun transition, although I don't remember that because it was so awful, I just re-read my post on it.  Funny how you put those things out of your mind. I've been struggling with when to do it for Duke since his 2nd birthday.  He only

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-71113474155513571132010-03-06T10:39:00.002-06:002010-03-06T10:41:30.145-06:00

Unfortunately, our week of looking foward to a night away on Thursday for Mom & Dad, no kids, to Memphis for the George Strait-Reba-LeeAnn Womack concert (front row/backstage FREE) did not materialize.  We had our trusty "Aunt" Kay from Odyssey that was all set to take the kids after school to our place, stay the night and take them back for Friday school where we would pick them up, but with

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-46874664437715726162010-02-22T18:45:00.000-06:002010-02-22T18:45:18.332-06:00

In case you need proof...from SouthernSavers.com facebook page: "It appears that we aren't sharing our amazing grocery finds loud enough. Grocery stores are losing market share to Walmart for people wanting to save money! Check out this story: http://ow.ly/1a2h8 then remember over Christmas what we found to be the real truth about shopping at Walmart!! http://ow.ly/1a2kv The real place to save

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-79206468674069948142010-02-19T13:39:00.000-06:002010-02-19T13:39:14.590-06:00

Blogs, what are they for if not to chronicle the life and times of oneself.  An electronic diary of sorts. Today I accomplished a personal best and therefore I will share. 4 miles in 40.16 minutes That's right, when the distance meter on the treadmill ran over from 3.9 to 4.0, the time countdown (which started at 45 min.) read 4:44.

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-64220346690681529202010-02-13T09:24:00.000-06:002010-02-13T09:24:43.960-06:00

Nothing is more exciting than opening the mailbox and having a box come from Tennessee around a holiday.  Duke thinks so too.

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-61946374021759635322010-02-04T20:41:00.001-06:002010-02-04T20:42:46.774-06:00

So, no one shared with me that the "I can do it!" 2's are nothing like the "I do it by myself!" 3's.  Hello!!  I thought it was all the same thing.  A clue in from the Mom Squad would have been nice.  I've got one of each right now and both are going at full speed ahead. It's not so much me missing them needing me.  It's more me managing to let each of them do things by themselves simultaneously

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-73090149705824060702010-02-03T12:39:00.001-06:002010-02-04T20:17:15.212-06:00

Just thought I’d share with my friends that are trying to do the couponing thing, the deals I found worth getting this week for sure, there may be others, but these were what I caught on a 30 minute break today since I plan to head over on the way home tonite.  You can find coupon links for these on the Southern Savers website or where noted below.  Remember the penny item is today – it’s Publix

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-28267386811182791352010-01-31T14:44:00.000-06:002010-01-31T14:44:20.578-06:00

Let's just remind everyone, I have a 2 year old and a 3 year old.  Bodily functions are still a mainstay of our weekend lives as we navigate the potty training YEARS.  (Those people that tell you that their daycare trained their kids are full of what they are trying to get their kids to do in the potty.) Jack's pretty good, but lately he and I have been in a power struggle.  He wants to be the

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-26459763349219812832010-01-27T20:38:00.001-06:002010-01-27T20:38:44.386-06:00

That's right.  $64.33 was my total, by the time the coupons and ad savings registered, I paid only $34.55.  I have no other items in the Publix flyer for this week that I need, and  unless there are some really sweet coupons that show up in Sunday's paper - I'm in the black this month by about $35!  Helped that the bottle of wine I picked up at Winn Dixie on Saturday ended up also providing me

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-10934131470823143852010-01-21T08:16:00.002-06:002010-01-27T20:28:20.992-06:00

I promised myself, this year, be more fiscally responsible with your budget, so… 10 Days left in the month.  Monthly Budget for groceries (incl. household cleaners!) is $500.  Remaining balance - $71.50.  Can it be done?  Stay tuned…

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-78263252336998705812010-01-20T08:06:00.003-06:002010-01-20T08:20:30.393-06:00

6:50am Wednesday, January 20th, Odyssey Early School Birmingham, AL – Pre-K Room “I don’t have to go tee tee this morning at school, you go Mommy.” – Jack, 3  “Uh, ok, so I just give you a kiss and you go play, ok…”  Kiss “Love you” – Mommy, 38  Jack runs over to the tables and his friends.  Mommy walks down the hallway to the exit, in shock. That was my morning goodbye.  After nearly

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-88705316244936796532010-01-13T21:17:00.000-06:002010-01-13T21:17:05.932-06:00

My friend Mallory will probably be upset that I took the time to blog this today because she is on a fast from visiting her friend's blogs...I may have to email it to her since it's a fiscally responsible post. Now that Publix has changed their Penny item day to Wednesday's with the coupon appearing in the Wednesday paper, it makes it a little more challenging for me to get on my game and make

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-90273827106800989342010-01-11T08:38:00.003-06:002010-01-11T15:45:13.847-06:00

I'm not a "jump up out of my chair when they get hurt" kind of mom. I have boys. Some things are inevitable. Everyone at daycare knows this, in fact Cindy who makes the calls to the parents when a child does fall on the playground or gets bit and I have a running joke about it that if one of mine doesn't have a bone sticking out or blood gushing there is no need to call me. But when Cindy comes

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-62474543130860023952010-01-04T20:38:00.001-06:002010-01-04T20:38:29.327-06:00

I see them on Sundays. Mothers with their children obediently following them like ducklings to water, neatly pressed clothes, hair combed down, silent as mice. Sigh.Then there's us. Mom bent over grasped onto her two boys, trying to keep them moving in one direction, preferrably the same one for all three of us, hair slept on with wisps this way and that, and continuous utterances of "this

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-84604174929296468942010-01-03T19:59:00.000-06:002010-01-03T19:59:08.515-06:00

Resolutions, what are they really other than goals we set for ourselves that we have about a 50% chance to succeed at, if that, because once February hits we usually are on to some other distraction.  Last year I set two for myself, and accomplished one of them, although I dearly wish I had been as diligent about the other since I am on the upper end of the place I started at last year! 

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-34155769337626214942009-12-04T21:46:00.000-06:002009-12-04T21:46:20.984-06:00

Tonight was the highlight of my year as a auxiliary volunteer with Children's Hospital, the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. The auxiliary puts on this very special event for the children of the hospital the first Friday of December.  The hospital's lobby Christmas Tree is officially lit, after Ms. Mary Ann Glazner performs a sing-a-long and Santa arrives on an antique firetruck at the

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-79766863952221403042009-11-30T21:12:00.009-06:002009-12-01T05:26:53.880-06:00

How many birthday celebrations can one two year old kid have you ask? Well, three in our house, for our 2 year old Duke! Back in October we celebrated a joint birthday with brother Jack (3) and all our school friends, over the holiday weekend we celebrated at Grandma's house and shared it with our cousin Kevin (16) and Daddy (hmmm...). But today, today was the real thing, and we celebrated

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-31875728245679925902009-11-18T07:59:00.000-06:002009-11-18T08:00:08.819-06:00

Just testing a feature on my blog and emailing a post…we’ll see how it works.   Have to publically thank my husband for allowing me to do something for myself and join the newly opened Snap Fitness in Chelsea.  Well, I shouldn’t really use the word allow, PUSH would be more appropriate, since I tend to put just about everything in this world before myself.  (Isn’t that the definition of MOM

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-18223582611018914062009-10-31T14:20:00.004-05:002009-10-31T14:39:34.013-05:00

While all our city friends are getting prepared today for a cold and rainy time trick or treating, we are counting the candy we scored last night at the annual Columbiana Monster Walk. For us country folk, since we can't really go door to door being that the doors are quite some distance from one another, the businesses of our county seat, Columbiana, hosts a trick or treating event each year.

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-85814892450088382582009-10-27T20:16:00.005-05:002009-10-27T21:39:34.733-05:00

My most dedicated friends know I am a power shopper when it comes to Publix. A year ago at our women's conference at Church of the Highlands I sat in on a session about how you win at the coupon game, and it changed my life. I'm serious.I have always been frugal, ok maybe even to the point of utterly indecisive, when it comes to spending money. Don't get me wrong, I can drop a dime or two when in

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-79498269296247026622009-10-19T20:28:00.004-05:002009-10-19T21:33:30.029-05:00

We had an awesome weekend visit with my parents. It was packed busy, but we were able to enjoy doing some really fun 1st's with the kids and allow my parents to particpate in some specials times with the boys. And although the weather was more chilly than normal this time of year, we still were able to enjoy some outside events.A mommy friend of mine, Leslie, was able to score us some free

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-73504669601615873512009-09-30T19:35:00.004-05:002009-09-30T20:05:19.725-05:00

In my past life I used to spend HOURS in the corner garden tub I specifically built into the plans of our former home. I would light 25 candles, pour a glass of wine, fill up a steaming bath with whatever the latest potions I had on hand, grab the latest Smithsonian (hey - I like reading about history and art!) and sink into oblivion. My favorite time of the year for this ritual was the fall or

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-62047248166728291472009-09-18T20:35:00.003-05:002009-09-18T20:57:33.243-05:00

Whenever I share the story of how Cory and I started a family I get interesting comments, but mostly I think people wonder why we waited so long and then jumped in so fast. Not that I don't wonder it myself, but truly (as most of you know) we hadn't quite planned to jump in as fast as we did. Jack - well planned, much stressed over (WHEN?!!?) Duke - excuse me, WHAT is that second line doing

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-27370426682814231422009-09-09T16:12:00.003-05:002009-09-09T16:20:41.981-05:00

Here's the mover and shaker in our household. Presenting Mr. Duke Rath.Just try and top this show ABC!

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-24958422577134552072009-09-08T18:58:00.005-05:002009-09-08T19:26:15.819-05:00

Happy Birthday to my big boy Jack. I can't believe just 3 years ago I was laying in a hospital bed holding a tiny, (and at just 6lbs he was TINY!) baby boy. That was truly my last real vacation, HA! But by all means, a wonderful memory for me of just how precious he is to me and how fast time passes. Why just this morning when he woke up at 6am he announced he was "Almost 3"...which was actually

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-40237341288919372492009-09-03T18:28:00.004-05:002009-09-03T19:22:58.843-05:00

For several years now, including a few prior to having kids, I have volunteered with Children's Hospital here, specifically working with the Auxiliary. It's been a great experience, including volunteering for Parents Night Out - a Thursday night once a month where all the parents that have children in rooms that night are invited to the cafeteria for a meal (from outside the hospital) and bingo

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-27493277085823118082009-08-14T15:07:00.002-05:002009-08-14T15:20:43.557-05:00

Just logged into the daycare "Watch your kid while you are at work" webcam, which I rarely do anymore. But, as you can read in previous posts, we have been on the potty train this week. We have been in pullups all week, but have stayed dry every day with the exception of a few instances of #2 (blech!) And so I have been telling him that he's doing great and soon he will get to wear a pair of big

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-49671875631244307302009-08-11T20:44:00.004-05:002009-08-12T22:22:25.239-05:00

If I'd written this post on Friday, the title would have been something like "Looks Like We'll Wait a While" or "Regress" but alas, just when you think you know what the heck is going on as a parent, BAM! New day.So, last week Jack was on the rollercoaster of potty training. Went to school in big boy underpants everyday and stayed dry all the way ...not a small feat when you consider we have

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-28485228173137733422009-08-04T22:12:00.002-05:002009-08-04T22:21:48.254-05:00

in March...we started wearing Pull Ups that month. My mistake, if I had any idea how this was supposed to work I would not have been paying through my nose to only frustrate myself for nearly 6 months knowing that eventually the kid might actually tell me when he's ready.I have not pushed, in fact I would like them both to be in diapers/pull ups for as long as possible because then I don't have

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-60698557091083846582009-07-30T21:39:00.002-05:002009-07-30T21:42:01.148-05:00

I'm not that into myself, you know that, but since I haven't had time to upload new pics, I will just direct you to my sister in law's site, where she did!How cute is this, I love you Natalie!

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-42168204893801148642009-07-28T22:58:00.004-05:002009-07-28T23:23:38.867-05:00

It is never ending, but I have managed the following this week:Have the kids back on a schedule of some sort, at least one that does not involve an all out screaming fit of "I don't want to brush my teeth!" prior to bedtime that escalates into an hour and a half wrestling match into a crib.Posted nearly all of the infant/baby items that we no longer need and want to sell on Craig's List - with

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-66724855250621183432009-07-22T21:03:00.003-05:002009-07-22T21:24:45.247-05:00

Has it been a month? Really?Yes I know fully well how long it's been since I've posted because every night as I laid my head down on my pillow I'd think of the post I meant to write and now I have something like 26 that I want to do. Such as the awesome time I had in Racine with old friends (ahem, as in from a long time ago, not aged!), the break I had from 24/7 Mommy in Orlando last week (even

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-82302835840827319912009-07-01T20:18:00.003-05:002009-07-01T21:25:03.352-05:00

My devoted readers, I do apologize once again for the extended hiatus from keeping you ever so entertained with my humorous existence. I intended to blog from the road, first from the lake trip to Cory's parents in Tennesse, and second from my trip back home to Racine, for my 20th High School Class Reunion. Both deserve entries in their own right, and I will be posting in the near future with

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-21775985519406363312009-06-16T22:22:00.002-05:002009-06-16T22:34:54.421-05:00

Why do I do this? I think my brain is wired to be an apothecary table - think episode of Friends - The One where Rachel REALLY wanted such a dresser of many drawers from Pottery Barn but had to lie to Phoebe about buying at an antique shop because Phoebe was absolutely against buying anything at Pottery Barn?I have all these little drawers in my little mind and each one holds an idea, task, need

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-1225842495334054592009-06-03T21:35:00.004-05:002009-06-03T21:47:52.856-05:00

I am jinxing myself...I just know it!As mentioned, I stepped up the discipline (and no - I am not "popping his bottom" every chance I get)...but have been conscious to be even more consistent and patient (and strangely calm in te past week) in my dealings with Jack's uprisings. Could it be the recent breaks I've gotten traveling to California and Missouri, my birthday? Could it be watching

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-56150799448813672982009-06-01T21:24:00.004-05:002009-06-01T21:47:46.856-05:00

That seems to be the theme for the past several weeks. And although it has run through more than one aspect of my life lately, I will only write about a single topic that it seems to be pervasive with, the discipline machine and Jack.Before all of my supportive friends and family start giving sweet "hang in there", "it's just a phase" and "it gets easier" comments; let me just say...don't want

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-6288933591101541792009-05-25T19:49:00.004-05:002009-05-25T20:20:01.113-05:00

We hosted our 2nd Memorial Day Party in the Countryside on Sunday this weekend. And although the weather had been forecasted to be miserable...and in many places in Birmingham, it was...we couldn't have asked for a more perfect day!Last year was going to be tough to beat, with fantastic sun and skies. We were certainly hoping for that to duplicate this year, with having the lake as an added

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-64768476762200489262009-05-20T19:30:00.003-05:002009-05-20T19:40:59.323-05:00

Apparently I have a great memory, with the exception of things requested by my husband . So, for those of you that have been awaiting the pics of the lake that have not seen them on facebook...behold...Sterling Creek Lake! This image was after the first full rain that took the lake level all the way up. The following is a little more recent pic, taken closer to shore. For those of you coming to

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-34007957184944223912009-05-15T10:35:00.003-05:002009-05-15T10:40:34.021-05:00

Quick post. Clare (my sister) is being featured today on the Live in our Skinz blog written by another survivor of melanoma. For those of you that are fans of Grey's Anatomy, you know how deadly melanoma can be. Click HERE for the interview and Clare's Cancer Story.

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-70495538740516831122009-05-11T20:36:00.002-05:002009-05-11T20:38:17.859-05:00

I think this says it all!

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-85833906778927966662009-05-05T22:13:00.003-05:002009-05-05T22:18:44.433-05:00

That's my Grandfather Duke & Grandmother Mae Dickert. Because today, their grandson, John Dickert, my cousin, just was elected to serve the city of Racine, WI as Mayor for the next 18 months. The reasons for the special election are not something I wish to share, but suffice to say, John will finally have the opportunity to do what God made him for. To lead and inspire through public service.

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-62839576792291823712009-05-02T21:07:00.002-05:002009-05-02T21:27:54.773-05:00

After listening for the past 4 months of all the extras my Dad has been able to do to help my sisters in their daily lives since semi-retiring, I decided it was my turn and flew him down to Birmingham for 5 days to experience this phenomenon. I may claim swine flu status and move his flight home back about 2 weeks!Since his arrival on Wednesday night, he's helped me complete this year's round

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-70358862559735845702009-04-24T20:51:00.004-05:002009-04-24T21:11:12.716-05:00

I may have finally worn him down. Jack that is, and the bedtime struggle. The last three nights it's been between 1-2 hours of crying, screaming, throwing, you name it. The poor kid is hoarse from all of it, his little voice is all crackly. But tonite, 20 minutes into it and he's settled down with only an occaisional peep. Probably predicated on his being outside from the minute we got home until

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-40713772575098771142009-04-22T20:06:00.002-05:002009-04-22T20:55:39.686-05:00

I am sitting in my room with LOST on the tube, listening to Jack's second night without paci and the latest rendition of "I need my Maaahhmmeee" coming over the monitor. Ohhh...new line just hollered, "I wanna get down!", tonite might get even more interesting which I truly didn't think would be possible after the past 36 hours, especially considering what happened at bath tonite. That's right,

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-17950414364491307912009-04-22T05:43:00.006-05:002009-04-22T06:12:53.821-05:00

I've talked and facebooked with some of you on the results of the dental visit, but in a nutshell here's where things stand.His two top front teeth did show trauma, whatever that means. You can see on the back side of the teeth at the gumline where they were pulled away from the gum a bit. The dentist, who I genuinely liked, did not take xrays yet because at first glance he could see they were

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-28305183485401189162009-04-21T10:58:00.003-05:002009-04-22T06:01:14.915-05:00

Just got a call from daycare. Jack took a tumble on the playground and knocked his front teeth on the concrete. One is loose and bleeding at the gumline slightly. I called a pediatric dentist and we have an appointment at 3pm. Since nap time is post haste, I am keeping him there for nap and will pick him up after for the appointment. However, instructions given - no paci at naptime. Can't risk it

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-52648963829054839732009-04-04T07:22:00.001-05:002009-04-04T07:23:50.912-05:00

It was time. People in the grocery store would comment, "She's soooo cute!" - why, I have no idea since my kids don't even own a yellow shirt that might be mistakenly confused for something a little girl would wear.So I bit the bullet, we got Duke's hair cut. A real hair cut (no trimmers just yet, but may as well have).Later last night, out of the corner of my eye I saw one of the kids bending

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-15227671241484512792009-03-18T21:06:00.003-05:002009-03-18T21:12:18.095-05:00

Mommy to Duke upon pickup at daycare tonite:"Ms. Jordan will get you some more snack before we leave, (as Ms. Jordan hands Duke the cup of animal crackers), what do you say?"Duke:Signs his hand across his chest for "please!" (for the first time!)All Mommy hoped for was a thank you, since he knows that sign. First time I've seen him respond to a question other than Eat? with sign language!These

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-43584559072676765162009-03-15T13:50:00.003-05:002009-03-15T14:23:58.486-05:00

I'm not exactly looking for a facelift...more like a "shape"lift, "style"lift. I went shopping last Sunday for a whole 2 hours without kids, which was fantastic, except that I spent the entire time trying on clothes and then second guessing every choice and ultimately walked out of The Gap with yet another "favorite T" in white.Why is it that I find it so hard to find my style? I know part of the

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-1892879018216794552009-03-10T20:52:00.003-05:002009-03-15T14:22:45.690-05:00

We have many sweet neices...Alyssa, our oldest and therefore the quiet, responsible one (much like her mother); Haley, the only daughter of Cory's brother who is our fashion queen yet brainiac...what an awesome mix!; Hannah, the child of animals, she has a gift with them - they speak to her and she speaks to them in a way no one else can match; Caroline, the only niece on my side of the family, (

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-22395757373353653962009-03-04T21:49:00.002-06:002009-03-04T22:01:08.571-06:00

Waiting is just not fun, anticipation can be, such as in the birth of a child. Most of us are familiar with seeing that pink line on a pregnancy test at somewhere between 6 weeks and 3 months into a pregnancy...the shorter end if you are trying like mad to make a baby and the longer end if you are hoping like mad it's just a fluke and #.... isn't really coming so soon after the last one!Well,

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-81022906325156510682009-02-25T20:52:00.002-06:002009-02-25T21:29:13.891-06:00

Something happens when you make a life change. Whether that be a change in career, a change of venue, marriage, kids, you name it, something happens to you. Hopefully it's a positive something, if not you may need to rethink your plan.However, over the past few weeks I have come to realize that I may have morphed a little too far into something I hadn't planned on being...That Mom. You know,

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-17550213360269821082009-02-16T20:14:00.004-06:002009-02-16T20:32:34.365-06:00

Once upon a time it was "Mommy help?"Shortly thereafter, it became "Mommy do it?" (which was short lived because Mommy usually had more kid than hands around the house to "do it", whatever "it" was)So eventually it turned to "Jack do it?" the result of which sometimes reverted back to "Mommy help?" or a very proud "I did it!"These are the excited rantings of a 2 1/2 year old who has discovered

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-40383023631311892492009-02-08T20:12:00.005-06:002009-04-22T20:17:41.662-05:00

I'm on a video run.Duke is the funniest kid. I can't really describe to anyone how different he and Jack are, but they are, like night and day in certain ways.Jack takes the entire trip to school to eat his cereal (dry of course, we are in the car after all!), taking each piece one by one. Duke makes it about a mile before his handful method has put 1/2 of it in his mouth and 1/2 of it on the

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-81893501241720466822009-02-06T20:21:00.002-06:002009-02-06T20:24:19.677-06:00

I've been meaning to post this video for over a month. Many of you have asked how the trip to Wisconsin at Christmas was with all the kids together. In my opinion, this video visually describes the pace.

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-84887786163340563192009-02-03T20:38:00.003-06:002009-02-03T21:02:19.844-06:00

Reference: last week's post about tub time when Daddy's not home.Update: Same situation with different twistDaddy's doing bathBoth kids are in the tub when it happensand Mommy is 45 minutes away at her girlfriend's for a night out.When the phone call came, all I could do was say,"The bleach is under the sink, have a nice night."

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-62565769766963079092009-02-02T12:56:00.009-06:002009-02-02T17:11:32.039-06:00

I know I've mentioned to several of you about the message series we are in the midst of at Church of the Highlands, "From Here to There". I think just about every church starts of the begining of the year with a theme centered around change - changing habits, changing perspective, making changes, etc. What better time of year other than January can you reach out to people when they are bound to

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-24384336741294363932009-01-31T13:00:00.002-06:002009-01-31T13:23:02.124-06:00

Yesterday we had to say good-bye to Jack's two wonderful teachers - Amy (on the right) and Missy (on the left). Monday morning we move on to K3. I'm not usually one to tear up these days, I guess my brain has too many things going on to let that emotion filter in, but when I went to pick up Jack after school, the shimmery water appeared.These two amazing women spent the past 6 months with Jack 5

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-64456077051586542762009-01-28T20:05:00.006-06:002009-01-31T12:22:45.329-06:00

Ok, so there are times it's easier. I'm not a walking zombie who's up 3 times a night to nurse a newborn and still needing to function for a 15 mo old too. I only have to make one meal for all of us, no special foods, no bottles to make, no pumping. I'm close (not quite there yet, but close) to being to the point of both kids being able to walk while holding their hands into stores, daycare, etc.

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-24859462810570323242009-01-18T20:44:00.003-06:002009-01-18T21:22:58.928-06:00

I will fess up, one of the issues keeping me from this blog (aside from 2 sick kids, a sick Mommy and Daddy on the road) was my shock last week when I received a note from the daycare that Jack, along with most of his current Toddler class, would be moving up to a K3 classroom. And I wasn't the only one, let me just say, this news unleashed the Odyssey Mommy Girls Club to a new level.By Tuesday

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-40748646899473839302009-01-18T14:25:00.010-06:002009-01-18T18:42:58.983-06:00

I will try and get back to some order here. I really don't know if it's possible, because I am feeling very disoriented these days. Lots to share, can't remember what I've already shared with who and so on. So some of you may be bored and others may be on the edge of their seat (yea, right, like my life is all THAT!)Anyway, as you can see I added a slideshow of pics from the Christmas Adventure

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-47823130658364830152009-01-15T20:35:00.002-06:002009-01-15T20:40:47.265-06:00

Hi all,So my intentions are good, but my week's been pretty off. Started with a bad cold on Monday, Cory leaving for the week on Tuesday, several precommitted errands and meetings during the week when I could, a much needed "girlfriend" conversation last night and tonight Duke's come down with a 101.2 temp, even after being at the doctor yesterday when I suspected he may have an ear infection

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5568745045373248379.post-17681653875328553322009-01-05T20:46:00.003-06:002009-01-05T21:35:21.626-06:00

I know, I took far too long of a break from this blog, but even us Type A personalities need to decompress once in a while. I had no intention of it lasting nearly a month, I promise. And I have many a picture to upload and post, but with the up and down internet around this place lately I must save that for later.Simply put, we are really just getting back into the swing after the holidays. We

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00291432386990755565noreply@blogger.com0