Music

My Mother loved music. She grew up taking piano lessons and singing at different functions with her twin sister. As a child I remember her listening to Anne Murray, The Oak Ridge Boys, blaring on the record player while cleaning, and singing along. I know she instilled in us kids the love for music. My Dad told us, that one year my Mom wanted a baby grand piano, so she worked very hard until she saved enough money to buy one....it was beautiful, a treasure. We all got to practice playing on it...I miss those days.
After our Mom died, my Dad set up a music scholarship in her name and memory at Payson High School. My siblings and I are blessed to present it to a recipient each year. Last year my brother Matt gave it out. He said some profound things which touched my heart. I was so proud of him, I'd like to share some of his thoughts with you...they made a huge impact on me.

"As you sit there I ask a question, how many times have you heard a song and were taken to a distant memory? Yanni, the self taught pianist, keyboardist, and composer stated: "Whether a person is spiritual or not, we all seek to get away from the stress, anger, and anxiety of everyday life. Some people drink, do drugs, or do worse to escape, and they hurt themselves in the process. Some people listen to music and feel better."
Our mother loved music. There are times in my life where I can close my eyes and remember her singing a particular song sharing her talents with those around her. This scholarship is one way that we try to help that song carry forward. We have been giving this award for over 25 years...As you listen to music may you ponder these words from the French poet Victor Hugo. "Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent." We ask you to express your song as out mother expressed hers."

Of course, I cried. I still do. Thank you Mom for bringing music into our lives. Thank you Matt for helping us not forget. I love you brother.

Live Like You Were Dying

Have you ever heard of the song written by Tim McGraw; "Live Like You Were Dying?" Honestly, it's gone thru my mind more then once. A couple of years ago I heard it on the radio, at first the lyrics bothered me, the song hit to close to my heart. I'd push the lyrics out of my mind. After a while they began to pierce my heart. Was I living like I was dying? Doing the things that I truly desired to do? My Oncologist has told me that I was "terminal", and not"going" to get better... I of course disagree. It really got me down one day so I called my Daddy to talk about it. he said; "Sarah, aren't we all terminal? We don't know how much time we have on this earth...life can change in an instant for anyone. Live each day." His words rang true in my soul. For this New Year I've made some resolutions that I look forward to experiencing more in my Life:

Be. Do. Smile. Hope. Peace. Laugh. Give. Run. Grace. Pray.
Receive. Breathe. Travel. Meditate. Experience. Love. Feel.
Joy.
Live.
Live more.
Live life to the fullest.

I look forward to every moment, breath, touch, smile...with Ella, Noah, Andy, family, friends. This will be the best year of my life. I hope it will be yours as well.

From the bottom of my heart

My cup runneth over today. My heart is bursting from the seams. I am overcome with gratitude for the kindess of friends, family, and strangers. My good friends Heath and Mahogani Thurston are putting on a 5k for me and my family, in April. I've known them for years, we go way back. In fact our Mothers were best friends when we were growing up. I know if she was alive today they still would be best friends. I just want to say thank you to Heath and Mahogani, and thank you to everyone; for caring enough to do something. For being involved in our lifes, for making a difference, for reaching out. One question that we have heard over and over again from people is "What can we do?" Thank you to everyone for asking. Thank you for doing. Thank you for being. Thank you for making a difference. Thank you for giving us hope. Thank you for helping us to feel that we aren't alone in this. Thank you for making this burden lighter. I am going to beat this. We are going to beat this together...wow, it's so nice to say that. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Soup for the Soul

I don't know how many of you would be interested in this, but I'm going to share a recipe with you that I created. I love food, and I'm obsessed with food blogs. I love trying new things and sharing the good ones! TO all of you who know I love broccoli, I'm sure you're not surprised that it's the main ingredient! Here goes!

Creamy Broccoli Soup

Melt 1 T. Coconut oil in large sauce pan
Add 1 T. Coconut butter, stir together
Add 1 diced medium yellow onion
Add 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
Add 1lb. or more broccoli florets
Saute lightly
Add 2 bay leaves
Add 2c. homemade veggie broth
Add 2c. homemade almond milk
Add 1 pinch nutmeg, ground black pepper and sea salt to taste
Place lid on pot and cook on low for 5 minutes. Take soup off of heat and leave the lid on for 1o minutes or more (depends on how soft you like your broccoli, I like mine fairly crisp)
When ready to eat, salt and pepper to taste, and remove bay leaves!
Delish, and creamy!

Let me know what you think!