Settling

Getting settled in a new home is hard. At first it feels as if you are in some hotel on a long vacation. You don't really have spots yet for your belongings, but you know that you need to find a place for all your stuff. We have been in our new abode for about a month now, it's starting to feel like home. We hung our first picture the other day. It was nice to look up and see something that was ours hanging on the wall.

I have to admit, I'm having a hard time keeping up on the cleaning. It's wonderful to have the extra space...but cleaning it all is tough. We are truly blessed with the space. We have a cute back yard that we are working on. And we even added a dog to the family. Her name is Clara. She is the cutest dog. Clara is part lab and I think part Border Collie. She is great for our family. Even the cat is warming up to her.

Its really wonderful to look around a see how much we have to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Until Next Time

Moving

Well its official...we are MOVING!!!!

Jareb and I signed the papers and are packing boxes. We are staying in the Elk Grove area. There is a duplex that is just perfect for our little family! Although I'm really sad to say Good Bye to our little house and our amazing neighbors...its time. God is good. He had made this work out perfectly. Now if I can just get my booty in gear and pack pack pack.

I'll be getting in touch with all of you to let you know of our new address! Yay for us!

Sarah

Happenings

Rachel is off to Ireland! Its so excited to think about my little sister going to another country to study. I will miss her, but it will cool to communicate through web cams.

I have been back to work now for over a month. At first I really struggled. Is it a new school, new teacher, and a new student. His name is Ian and he is in first grade. It has been really hard adjusting to his personality, but even harder adjusting to the teacher's personality. She is really nice, but can be abrasive at times. If you know me, you know that I don't do well with blunt people. But I can honestly say it has been getting better. So I look forward to a interesting and challenging year. I'm ready!

Jareb has taken on the roll of Head Coach of Joshua's soccer team. He is so good. It amazes me how he is willing to go way out of his comfort zone to support and spend time with his son. Joshua love it. Jareb is definitly learning a thing or two about soccer!!

As far as life goes over all...things are good. We are in a place were God is doing A LOT! He has had us trust him in so many ways. But no matter what he has always provided. I'm so fortunate that I saw the light and turned towards him when I needed to. I can't even fathom what my life might be if I had continued down the worldly path I was on. I am truly humbled!

Back at Home

I had a great weekend! I was able to spend some time with friends that I haven't seen in a long time, celebrate Rach's birthday a bit early, and spend some well needed time with family.

Amanda Doerksen will soon be Amanda Burton! I'm so excited to have another friend get married! It was so good to catch up with her and Erin and enjoy her Bridal Shower. I'm so happy for her.

Then I got to spend some time with a old friend from church. Denise and I have known each other forever. She is awesome and I can't believe she is going to be having her first baby, Hannah. Denise seems so happy and little one should arrive in the next 2 weeks!!

Rachel will be turning 20! I can't believe it, its so crazy to think that my sister will be the same age I was when I got married. I'm extremely proud of her and everything she has done!

It was a great weekend. I miss Hughson and my family. It was good to spend time with my parents too. At one point my dad turned to me and said "its good to have you home, kid" Lol...love him.

However, it was equally good to come back to Jareb and sleep in my own bed. I am so fortunate to have an amazing group of people in my life!

Until Next Time!

Vacation

Well I can now say I have been to Colorado, more spesifically Dever and Colorado Springs. It was a great and well needed trip. Jareb and I got to experience my cousin Justin graduate from the Air Force Acadimy in Colorado Springs! The vacation actually started in Redding. Jareb was asked to speak at an all church camp for Chinese Grace Bible Church. So Jareb, Joshua and I packed up and headed for Simpson College to hang out with some of the nices people.

Then we packed up on Monday and drove the 3 hours back to Sac to pick up our other bags and race to the airport. We made out flight, and were off to Pheniox and then to Dever where my Mom, Dad and Rachel were waiting.

We were so tired...us on the plane in Pheniox

We arrived in Dever that night, hurried to the hotel, and slept for 3 1/2 hours. It was a crazy night.

The next morning Jareb, my parents, Rachel, my cousins, aunt, uncle, grandparents, and I watched Justin in a parade put on by the Acadimey. It was amazing, breathtaking, and very cold. I was so in awe at how symbolic everything was.

He's the one in the white pants.

The beautiful seinery.

I'm so proud of him!!The Chapel...it was amazing

So beautiful.

With the Graduate.

We are so cute...he's such a stud.

After seeing Justin graduate (more pics to come...it was raining all through the graduation), we took a extra day and spent it going to Dever. We drove up to the top of Pikes Peak. It was so high that we felt light headed after about 10 minutes, due to the lack of oxygen. However, it was worth it. It was so beautiful. It literally takes your breath away.

Then we drove down to Focus on the Family Headquarters. Rachel and I had a blast!

Sisters

We then all climbed in the van and checked out a really awesome museam of nature and science. It was really interesting.

Well to sum it up it was a really wonderful week. I was able to see my cousin graduate, Jareb preach and spend some great time with the family. I'm so fortunate!

Venting

So I feel like there are a few things that I need to vent about.

1. I think these gas prices are stupid. Absolutely stupid...how are we suppose to live?
2. I have discovered that I don't like chickens...I mean the live ones. We have one here and it is so grumpy. Oh and it poops everywhere.
3. Dealing with car issues is not fun. Within 2 weeks we found out that the heater, AC, and brakes needed to be fixed on the Saturn. It sucks.
4. Those people that work at the gym need to be nice and not so grumpy.
5. Allergies...enough said.

Well I feel much better. Haha.

I hope everyone is doing well. I have been so busy but its a good busy.

Until next time!

Turtle Stew!

My parents recently took a day trip to San Francisco. While they were there they spotted this turtle made out of bread. If you know me then you know that I love turtles. I don't really know why, it started when I was little. Well, I didn't want to eat him right away. I just couldn't bring myself to do it. However, I didn't want him to go bad or get rock hard either. So a couple days later I gave in and made some stew. I have to admit it was so good.

Poor Little Guy!

Update!

I know it has been forever since I have blogged...and of course everyone has been on the edge of their seats waiting for me to write something! hehe Well a lot has been going on. Today I started my first job. Whew....the first day is always the hardest. Believe me, it was wonderful, exciting, and awkward all in the same moment. I'm still working for the school district but I am no longer on the playground. I now have the privilege of shadowing a 2nd grade boy, Roman. He has autism and needs extra help in class. It is going to be such a learning experience. I'm totally excited. I'll be sure to keep you all posted on mine and his progress.

Joshua has decided to participate in the local wrestling team for his age group. This is going to be a whole new avenue for me. I don't know anything about wrestling, however, Jareb is so excited. He's actually going to be able to help coach! Oh and I'm so excited... I got an great e-mail from Joshua's teacher today. He has been struggling in a certain area lately. We have tried talking to him, encouraging him, and even taking away privileges. We were really stuck trying to figure out what to do. Finally I had a conversation with his teacher and together we came up with a solution. Today she said that he had a wonderful week, last week, and that the problem seems to of been remedied!!! Not only am I happy that we found a solution... I'm so proud of Joshua that he has chosen to do the right thing!

Being a stepmom

Its amazing how I have really become this full fledged stepmom. If you were to ask me 3 years ago, if I thought I would be a stepmom someday..I would of told you no. Not because I wouldn't want to, but just because I didn't see it happening in my life. But that all changed when I met Jareb. I didn't just fall in love with him. I fell in love with his son. Joshua may not be my biological son, but he has captured my heart. I don't know if it was just understanding on my part or maybe just the grace of God, that has made it work out so well. I am very blessed.

The word stepmom is so ugly. I actually don't care for it all that much. I always thought step parents were the enemy. They come and make rules and try to boss the children around and take away from the relationship that the children have with the bio parent. But I can say that is not the case. I see my self as a bonus parent. Joshua has an extra parent to love him, to watch out for him, and to help him grow.

What I love best about being a stepmom is having a special bond with him. I am called Sarah, but he treats me just like I was his mom. Joshua kisses, hugs and loves to tickle me. We joke and play. We even have serious talks. Recently I have taken more of a role in disiplining. Wow, it is truely the hardest thing to do. But in the end there is a respect there that cannot be broken.

At times I am scared to death about being a parent, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Prayers Answered!!

Well most of you know that Jareb and I have been praying and praying that he would get a new job. God has answered. Jareb is now working for a new company. He helps college students fill out and file their FAFSA forms. So far it seems like a good job. Best of all, no more working nights!!! Yay! It means he gets home around dinner time, we spend some time together, and then we get to go to bed together. Its going to take some adjusting to get used to his new schedule. But we love it. God is so good. Now its just my turn. I really need to find a new job. One that I can grow in and help financially. So keep us in your prayers a little longer. Thanks!

10 Things that you may not know about me!

1. I make the bed BEFORE I get into it.
Most of the time I don't make the bed, because Jareb is usually climbing into bed as I am getting up. But I can't stand it when the sheets are all messed up. They have to be tucked in and smooth.

2. I hate spiders.
I absolutely hate spiders. The way they crawl and look. yuck!

3. I love reality shows.
Whether it is cops, biggest loser, american idol, or hells kitchen. Love them.

4. Ice Cream is amazing.
I love ice cream. Whatever flavor, its God's gift to us.

5. I can't sleep with my socks on.
Jareb teases me about it. My socks always have to come off when I'm in bed. I may start with them on, but before the night is over they are always on the floor.

6. I consider cereal to be a legitimate meal.
If I could have either cereal or ice cream for every meal I would be in heaven. My favorite cereal...well its a tie, either Lucky Charms or Honey Bunches of Oats.

7. The windows cannot be open with the air on in the car.
It drives me nuts when the AC is on and the windows are down. Your just letting the cool air out. Oh and I cannot stand it when someone leaves on their blinker after they have turned. Aaagh it drives me crazy.

8. I hate the smell of wet asphalt.
Right after it rains the blacktop has that smell to it. I hate it, I'm not sure what it is about it but I really don't like it.

9. I am a horrible speller.
Spelling is not my strong suit. Often times I will write a word 3 times 3 different ways until I find the way I think might be correct. I use the spellcheck all the time.

10. I get really excited about everything.
Exciting things really don't happen to me, but when they happen to someone else I get so excited. A friend of mine recently told us that she is pregnant. I got so excited, jumping up and down, screaming, and waving my arms...you would think I was the one who was expecting. There is a joy knowing that you can be truly excited for someone. Everyone likes to know that they have someone to share their joy with.

Growing

We have been attending this new church recently and so far so good. It is very different then the previous churches I have attended but I really like it. This past week the Pastor spoke on making the commitment to grow spiritually. He talked about how we need to take the primary role in our spiritual walk. We need to go to God, to lean on him and crave him. It really hit me. How often are we pounded with crap and we think that God is not answering our prayers or perhaps he is not letting up. It seems like this last 6 months have been the hardest of my life. Both Jareb and I feel like we are at our max. When we think we can't take anything else...something happens. Its kinda like Job in the Bible. He was tested and tested. He lost everything...and I mean everything. Satan tempted him and destroyed everything Job had. All because God knew that Job would still honor him in the end. Job stood firm in God. Perhaps that's the mindset that I should have. I'm tired of looking at everything and seeing what I don't have. I need to have faith and believe that God is going to see that I am willing to go through hell and still proclaim his name. God is testing me. He knows that I won't walk away ever again. He knows that I will praise him in any storm even if it feels way to big. I take comfort in knowing that his ways aren't my ways. I know that he has greater plans then I could ever dream of. I am way to small to take on the big stuff. I have to leave it up to God. Whether its a new job, car issues, or maybe bills. I need to believe that God is in control and he will handle it. Its just letting go that scares me the most. But isn't that what having faith is all about?

So in the end I make the Commitment to Grow Spiritually. To grow because I know things can only get better in Him.

I went for it...and blogged!

This is going to take some time getting used to. I'm not a writer and I often times feel that my life is pretty boring, but I wanted to give this a try. I've been on the computer a lot lately and thought that I could really get into this whole blogging thing. So bear with me if this isn't always updated. I hope that this will be a great experience for me to get some of my thoughts on...well not paper, but out there for others to read. Hope you enjoy it! It's my corner of the world.