Convention Surprises

This past Thursday, Friday, and Saturday were filled up. The CAPE homeschool convention was on! =) It's always a favorite time of year for me. Not only do I get to see friends and visit with them I also get to... well, see friends and visit with them. lol! Actually, it's a really great time to see friends, yes, but you also get to hear great speakers, see awesome vendors, and really get encouraged. =)

For the past two years I've had a table at the vending hall with a friend where we have sold our books. This year I wasn't as excited about it as I was the first year. I was disappointed that I hadn't gotten another book published and I was feeling a bit like a flake. Not only that, but I had a head cold, so I wasn't feeling all that great.

However, I got to convention, set up my books, started feeling a little excited about it, and settled in for a long weekend. When the first day ended with no sales, I was feeling a bit discouraged. However, I hadn't sold any books on Thursday of last year, either, so I figured it was just because mom's were looking around before they decided what to buy. So Friday dawned bright and early... way too early. I hadn't slept well, so I was feeling worse. With a somewhat bad start to my day, I was letting it affect the rest of my day. I only sold 4 books by the afternoon. I was feeling really discouraged. On top of that, I had a couple of people who weren't very nice stop at our table. Normally I would have been able to at least smile and try to encourage them (knowing they must be having a bad day or something). That day, however, I failed to be cheerful and let the bad moods of others affect me.

Saturday morning I woke up feeling a little better. I had been encouraged the day before by my wonderful mother, reminding me of my purpose and Who I needed to be glorifying. With her words in mind, I got to convention feeling much better. When I went to the exhibit hall to set up the table for the half day, I was greeted with a beautiful package, wrapped in newspaper (a writer's favorite!!) and a little note that read: "To Sarah Elizabeth, Authoress". No signature or any other indication of who it could be from. Inside was a beautiful journal and a homemade hair scrunchie. My curiosity was peaked to a high level. Who could have given that to me?

I inquired from friends, but no one really seemed to know. A few hours later, I stepped away from the table for a bit and, when I returned, my friend informed me that I had been left another package. This time it was a little bag of peanuts, some chocolates, and a note saying: "To Sarah, from ??" Now I was REALLY curious!! Who was doing this?? The Handwriting didn't match the other note, but if someone was trying to keep their anonymity, they certainly wouldn't use their own handwriting....

So I pondered over this for another hour or so before I left the table again to say hello to a friend. When I came back, my friend once again informed me that someone had dropped something off at our table. This time, however, there was a slight clue. The person who had dropped it off had simply tossed the note on the table, said, "The name's Paul" and ran off. The note was a folded up napkin that read: "Hey Sarah, I hope you sell lots of books today! =)". I scanned my brain trying to remember anyone I knew with the name of Paul. It came up blank. I really had no idea what was going on! A group of friends came up to the table and I told them about the new mystery. We all tried to figure it out for a bit... None of us had any ideas.

At lunch, a runner came up to me (for clarification, "Runners" are homeschoolers who have applied to help out at the convention. They kinda of have 'special' tasks like setting up, tearing down, helping vendors, etc, that other volunteers don't do, necessarily.). So a runner came up to me and said, "excuse me, ma'am, but I'm supposed to give this to you from Paul." It was a Dr. Pepper. I was totally floored. Not many people know that I *really* like Dr. Pepper. I don't have it very often, so it's a rare treat! I puzzled over this during lunch. My dear friend was laughing at me as I tried to figure this whole thing out. Who in the world??

Later, as I was looking at all the pictures of the graduates who would be graduating that afternoon, another runner came up and said, "I'm supposed to give this to you," It was another napkin note. I asked her who it was from, and she said she couldn't say.

At this point I thought I was going to go crazy! I really wanted to know who was doing this. I figured it had to be a friend, but I just didn't know who!

Finally, the culprits were revealed. Two of my good friends had pulled the whole thing off... Rachelle and Kelsey! They planned everything out, delivered the notes, got runners to do the little things for them, etc. It was totally awesome. And you know what? It really made my day. Not only did it add some interest to the rather slow day, but it really made me happy to think that they did that for me. I was totally floored. It was a blast hearing about how they pulled everything off!! I was completely clueless!!! =D

And then, my dear friend Sarah (who I lovingly call my 'conscience'- since she and I share names) was the one who got me the journal! =) So very sweet!!!! =D

So, thank you my lovely friends! Y'all are amazing and awesome! =) Now I just have to try to top it off next year!! =D  =D

To the Best Daddy in the Whole World

I know that my title could bring some rather controversial comments, so, ladies, we'll just have to agree to disagree. ;-)

I know I'm a day late in posting, but since we were gone most of the day yesterday and then the rest of the time was spent spending time with Dad, I figured I wouldn't be thrown in jail for a late Father's Day post. ;-)

 (So handsome in his cowboy hat! Well, he's handsome all the time.... ;-) 

(Unfortunately, he hides from the camera, so I don't have very many pictures of him... But there he is, eating with his beautiful wife of 25 years!)

I'm not super at writing poems, but sometimes, when something really inspires me, I seem to find the words. :-) So, this is for you, Daddy. Thank you for always being there for your little girl. 

My Daddy:

I’m as lucky as can be,

Though some would disagree,

I’ve got the best thing in the world!

His name is Daddy.

He taught me about God

and how Jesus came and died.

How carefully I must trod,

to stay ever on the Savior's side.

His loving arms are strong,

Often comforting me when something’s wrong.

He always has a listening ear

Whenever I need him near.

He’s the one that taught me how to ride a bike.

He’s the one who showed me how buck hay.

He even lets me have ice cream whenever  I like!

Just kidding, but still that wish does tend to stay!

His hugs and kisses are ever ready

If I’ve fallen or need to be steadied.

When my head gets in the clouds,

He’s got the right words to bring me to the ground.

Life lessons I've learned from him.

How to be a good friend,

How to love others,

How to serve Christ unto the end.

Those midnight talks,

Long summer walks,

The fatherly advice,

Makes everything so nice.

If ever I’m in trouble,

I know just where to go.

When I feel like I’m trapped in a bubble,

He helps me out, don’t you know.

He supports me in all my dreams,

Giving me strength to push through.

There are tough times and yet it seems,

The one who’s always there for me is you!

I’m as lucky as can be,

Though some would disagree.

He may not be perfect,

But he’s still the best Daddy.  

There, I know it's not much, but poetry just sometimes helps to say more than normal words.  I love you so much, Daddy! I don't know what I'd ever do without you. You've been my best friend, my counselor, my Prince Charming, my very best Daddy. I love you!!! 

Your little girl,

Sarah

Thank you!

Thank you, everyone, for praying for the bull sale today.  Your prayers were very much appreciated.  God was SO good to us and all of the bulls were sold. For a good price, too!! :-)

It was an extremely long day.  Let's just say that God was good to give me the strength to function on less than 6 hours of sleep.  ;-)

We still have one more bull sale to go.  This last one (on this Friday) will kind of be the biggest one.  This is our bull Test.  We have had the bulls up there for a long time.  They feed everyone the same thing and then keep track of their daily gain, average gain, and all that other stuff.  So, it is always exciting to see how every one's bulls turns out.  This year will be slightly different because we will be doing a silent auction.  Don't know how that will go, but we will see!! 

Any how, I am thinking of doing one long post afterwards with pictures from all the bull sales.

Well, off to kick back and let my little brother finish up something on here. ;-)

Praising God,
Sarah

Day 15: A person I admire

There are many people throughout History I admire.  However, I don't know that I could pick any specific person...

So, the one person(s) I know I admire for sure, are my parents.

My Mom:

Mom and Josh on his 13th bday

My Mom is the best.  I couldn't be more grateful for the Mom God gave me.  She is so patient with my many struggles through life, helping me get through each one and pointing out Godly lessons in each one.  She has been my confidant and best friend since I can remember.

Mom with one of the kittens

 I always know I can come to her if I ever have a problem.  She is a Godly woman, a Titus 2 woman; a woman I very much admire and love and hope to be like someday.  She has done a very good job raising her children, pointing them to the Lord and letting Him work in their lives. 

Lovin' on the youngin's

She is so wonderful with little children. I admire how easily she can carry on a conversation with a 5 yr. old.  She is so talented in so many things and has worked so hard to pass those things to my sister and me.  I pray that I can be like her someday in my own home.

Mom giving the calves their shots

My Dad:

Daddy with his girls, taking them out on a date

My Daddy.  My knight in shining armor.  My protector from scary things.  The one who can hold me safely in his strong arms.  The one who loves me no matter what.  The best math teacher in the world.  He is my Daddy. 

Dad is the one who is very soft spoken and quiet.  When he talks, his words are so very helpful and wise.  He is funny and loves to tell jokes.  He teases me, talks with me, laughs with me, and teaches me.  I honestly don't know what I do without him.  God blessed me so much by giving him to me as my Daddy. 

My dad is one of the most honorable men I know. He has integrity, is honest, and works hard.  He is loving, caring, and gentle.  Dad's words of wisdom have helped me so much through life.  From his reading me stories when I was a little girl, to our midnight -or longer- talks about growing up, he has always been so wonderful. 

Dad Baptizing the boys- yup.. in an old stock tank!

I can always come to him with a problem.  I can ask him anything, knowing that he will ponder over it carefully, and always refer me back to the Bible and my Lord. 

Dad helping with the show heifers

Just the other night we stayed up until 1:30 am talking about life, growing up, relationships, and what a girl is supposed to do while waiting for her own prince charming.  I am so proud of how hard my Daddy works for his family.  How he is a strong leader, willing to listen to our questions and look for answers in the Bible. 

Branding calves

How he loves ranching, working with the cows and calves, and enjoys going over EPDs with us or other fellow ranchers.  He is my Daddy, and I am ever so grateful that God gave him to me.

I love you Dad and Mom!!!!!!!!

Mom and Dad, armed and ready for an onslaught of flies!

Your little girl forever,

Sarah

Day 8: A Thank You letter to someone who has changed your Life

I pondered over today's post all day yesterday and today... but only One has CHANGED my life....

My Heavenly Father,
   I thank you for giving me a second chance.  For giving me salvation.  For picking me up out of the dust and seeing who I really am.  Thank you for letting me into your Kingdom as your special daughter, your Princess!  Thank you for your unfailing love and mercy.  The love letters that you have written to me make me feel so special, humbled, and loved!  Each word brings peace to my heart and calms my troubled spirit.
   I thank you, Lord, for giving me strength for each and every day. Strength to bear my trials, mercy to forgive others, and grace to forgive myself.
   God you are amazing!  Thank you for the gifts you give me every day.  It is all around me!! Birds, flowers, trees, the sky, a sunrise, a sunset.  All of these display your wonderful love for me!  Yet I know that this love is undeserved. Your dying on the Cross for me blows me away, Lord.  How can I fathom the depths of your love?  I am so unworthy of the precious gift of Salvation, Lord, yet You give it to me freely.  How can I ever thank You?  Take my life, Lord, take it a use it for Your glory.  Use me as a candle to burn Your light to others.  I am Yours, O Lord.
    When I am afraid, thank you for taking me into Your arms.  When I am suffering, thank you for carrying me.  But ultimately, thank you for bearing the cross so that I could be with You for ever and ever, even after this world ends.
    Your tender love and mercy to me is everlasting. I shall never be able to repay you, but take my heart and make it Yours.

The unworthy Sinner made into Your princess,
Sarah

Spread the Word please!

Dear Friends!

Thank you so much for following me!!!  I am so very excited to have my own blog.. just hope I can keep up with it!!

I would really appreciate it if you would spread the word about my blog.. Either by putting up my button, posting about it, or emailing your friends about it.

Thanks so much!!