The Woman

She may not seem like much at first glance. A passerby might think she was shy or stand offish. A friend would know better, but a sister knows it best.

She keeps to herself mostly, sharing her radiant smile with those she trusts and loves most. She does not use words in a flippant manner, but speaks carefully, weighing each thought before actually speaking it.

She isn't the life of the party and doesn't 'entertain the crowd'. This doesn't mean she's boring. Far from it! Inside the depths of her quiet soul contains a vast knowledge of her surroundings. She sits, quietly, observing those around her. She picks up on the slightest thing, things most people wouldn't even think twice about.

Though she is quiet it doesn't mean she is passionless. No, indeed, a deep and burning passion flares brightly in her chest, but only those close to her have the honor to hear her deepest thoughts. Like a treasure trove she does not let just anyone in. Those that think they know her may be assuming wrong for there is always some other hidden gem they have yet to discover.

She continually surprises those around her with these little jewels.

So, she may sit quietly at first, observing and thinking, processing every little thing that comes her way, but once you have gained the trust of this wise soul, you will see the most beautiful thing.

A smile that warms the soul. A compassionate heart that aches, yearns, and loves more deeply than most. A wit unmatched, a quiet wisdom, a bit of sarcasm.

In the dark of night, when true hearts come forth and the sharing of sorrows and secrets commence, her wise self gently encourages and guides those who need it and are willing to listen.


So deep is the cavern of her soul, so magical this treasure of hers that one could get lost just trying to understand it all.

Who can fully understand the workings of this amazing creature. Not I, even though I be the closest thing to her. I feel as though I have barely chipped away at the smallest of diamond rocks in this vast personality.

I sit back and admire, though, wishing I could be more like her. To be as wise and as understanding, for sometimes she can understand me better than I know myself. Perhaps, just perhaps, by more observation on my side, I will come to pick up some ways on how to be more like her. She is one of my heroes. She is my sister.

Many know so little and yet think they know so much. But there is not another person I know who is so caring, so passionate, so loving, so perceptive, so tender, so amazing. Her life has touched so many in so many important ways, sometimes without them actually knowing what she has done. So quiet is she in her helping of others. Yet even complete strangers feel as if they can simply open up and tell her their tale.

Yes, she is my sister. She is an amazing woman. A mysterious woman. I am lucky to be so close that I'm able to glimpse her beautiful soul. For once you get to know a little bit of her, you find yourself wishing you could find out more and wishing you could spend more time around her. Just being around her is wonderful.


So don't pass by the woman who sits quietly, observing those around her with a glint in her eye and slight curve to her lip. The best treasure is worth searching for and taking the time to find.


A tribute to my amazing sister on her birthday. I love you so much, sis!! This little thingy doesn't really do you justice. You're an amazing person and I'm so blessed to call you sister. I honestly don't know what I would do without you by my side. Don't ever forget what an amazing and beautiful person you are. Love you!!!

*All photography credit goes to Mosey Photography

 

Sneak Peak of the Weekend

Alright, I have taken a few of my favorite pictures to share with y'all as a 'sneak peak/preview'. :-) I will probably have to do several posts of all the pictures... We took (well, mostly Becca took them) over 1,000 pictures. =D But, I guess that's how it goes sometimes! ;-) And in the digital age, you can snap pictures quicker than you can say 'cheese'. :-)

So, enjoy the pictures and let me know what you think!! :-)

My wonderful parents! 

Josh and I inside a big tractor bucket. 

Josh and I doing an 'old photo' by the super cool truck...

Cuzin's

Trying to be serious....

...and utterly failing. ;-) 

Do I look at home in this thing or what? It would be so neat to own one!!! 

My 'amazing' photo... ;-) Actually, I thought it turned out pretty neat!

Lizzy from 'Cars'. 

Cuzin's Visitin' on the porch swing-the weather was SO nice.

Lining up my aim for an amazingly easy shot which... I missed. 

My Bee-u-tee-ful Sister

Yours truly (picture taken by my amazing sis!)

And one of the whole family! (photo credit to my Aunt Betty)

So, there's your sneak peak! I hope you enjoyed it and want to see more.... 'cuz there's a whole bunch of 'em. ;-) In the next post I'll probably give you the 'tour' of the house (basically I walked through the house and took pictures every couple of steps...) The Attic (otherwise known as the "Princess Room") where we girls slept was especially neat! :-)

In Christ's Service,
Sarah

Happy 11th birthday!!

Wow.... eleven years gone by already! I just can't believe it!  Where did time fly?

So, today we are celebrating my youngest brother's birthday.  Caleb had a very interesting start in this world.  His birth story is a miracle in itself, but the fact that he reached this age is also a miracle..... Ok, ok, it isn't that bad.

The day started out just like any birthday around here.  The birthday person gets breakfast in bed.  So, at Caleb's request, we brought him a bowl of Captain Crunch (couldn't believe he would pick that over traditional monkey bread, but then... he is a unique person!).  Lately, Caleb has been asking for a Parakeet.  He really wanted a little pet bird.... and, he really thought he was going to get one, especially after Mom and he looked up Parakeet stuff online!  But, after going shopping one day, we told him that we had 'not' gotten him a parakeet.  Although I could tell he was slightly bummed, he smiled anyway and said, "I'll be happy with whatever I get." So sweet!!

This morning we got up and wrapped his presents.  Mom and Dad got him a jump rope.  Becca, Josh, and I got him... bird seed, parakeet treats, a cuttle bone, and some little toys that go in a parakeet's cage.  When we served him breakfast in bed, we only gave him the jump rope.  We sang, got pictures of him unwrapping, etc.  Since it was cereal for breakfast, he didn't get to EAT it in bed... we made him come out to the table.....

When he came out, he found-much to his surprise!- five small gifts, sloppily *ahem* Neatly wrapped on the table.  The surprised look on his face was so cute! As he began unwrapping each one, his expression became more and more puzzled. Finally, he opened one that said parakeet something or other.  His eyes lit up, then teared up as he looked at his and said, "You DID get me a parakeet!"  He was so happy! It was really fun to see him get that happy about something.....

And then the next thing happened.... we were eating our cereal, but Caleb was just sitting there.  Mom kept telling him, "Hurry up and eat so that we can head into town to pick out your bird!".  Well, he couldn't eat.  Why?  He had a loose tooth that was just about to come out and it hurt to chew! Poor guy... so, for about five minutes he sat there watching us enjoying our breakfast. hehe. And then! *POP* out it came!  So, he had a couple of special things happen to him today.  (I will post pictures of the day later on or tomorrow...)

Caleb at 6 years old

Now I get to do the fun part.  It is tradition at our home to, after eating the birthday supper, go around the table and each person gets to say what they like best about the birthday person. (Yes, we even do this if we have company, so beware on what days you come over! haha!)  Although I will get to say these tonight, I want to share a few with you.....

Considerate
Artistic
Loveable
Energetic
Bubbly

Caleb all ready to serve our valentine dinner!

Those, of course, are only a few words that describe Caleb.  One of my favorite things, though, are his hugs.  He is a GOOD hugger.  I love hugs. If I am ever sad or upset about something, I can be sure to get a goo hug from Caleb, along with some comforting words.

He is an amazing helper.  He works hard, doesn't mind helping, and keeps up a good conversation.

Is he adorable or is he adorable?

He loves to laugh... and boy is that laugh infectious!  Once he starts laughing, just about everyone else starts laughing, too!  And His smiles a beautiful.  They display such joy that comes from deep down.

 Headin' out to film a LOTR spoof with some very good friends!

Then....he is a joker. Caleb LOVE to joke and tease.  Sometimes it can't get a bit interesting, but it is so much fun to have some little joke going on all the time.

Doing the hobbit and the Nazgul scene.. he played Sam.

Caleb is very animated, so his storytelling always is SO interesting and funny.  He expressions are hilarious and his mind is a quick worker, jumping from one subject to the next.

He's flying!!!! Just another one of his great expressions...

He is an amazing piano player.  He has an extremely good ear.  He can listen to a song from a movie or something else and then go and pick it out on the piano.  He has also composed several of his own beautiful songs.

 Jumpin' around before filming..

Caleb is very kind and caring.  He loves animals and is gentle with them.  He takes good care of his chickens and will do a good job of taking care of his Parakeet.

 Back flop landing...

Now, I could go on, but people are tugging at my sleeves anxiously wanting to go to town!  So, I had better close.  However, if you don't mind, please drop Caleb a birthday note in the comments section. He will really appreciate it. :-)

In Christ's Service,
Sarah