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!

Slowing down

There are days where I'm not feeling to hot. When I have to slow down and take it easy. I honestly don't get sick that often, but when I do both Andy and I start to wonder if it is "Cancer" related, or not. This past week has been like that. By slowing down it has helped me to be grateful for when I do feel good. When I do have the energy to take care of our home, children, husband, and myself. My health is invaluable, priceless. Times like these I'm so grateful for good neighbors, family and friends. I'm grateful I can call a friend for help, or my Mother in law ( I got lucky to have a wonderful one). No, it's not very fun being sick, but maybe a good reminder for me to slow down and enjoy all that I have. I am blessed, so very blessed.

Angels among us

A few days before Christmas we heard a knock at our door. Andy answered it and called for me to come and see. On the porch there were 2 boxes of wrapped gifts with our names on them. We both looked at each other in surprise. The kids were ecstatic, they were jumping up and down asking if Santa had come early this year?! We were shocked, and brought them in the house. We decided the kids could each open 1 gift before Christmas. Ella opened a game, Noah opened some spider man boots (which he has worn day and night since that day). Ella asked again if Santa had come early. We had the privilege of explaining to her that there were "Angels" on earth. These "Angels" were watching over us and gave us all of these gifts. She asked if "Angels lived in Heaven? We said yes, and they are on earth as well...they were sent from Heaven. "So, these angels love us?" she said, "Yes, they love us, was our reply." During this entire time tears were streaming down my face, my heart was filled with love, bursting with gratitude. We knelt and thanked Heavenly Father for such kindness. Andy and I are so grateful, so touched that someone took the time to think of us, and give us such special and thoughtful gifts. We had a wonderful, and memorable Christmas. May God Bless those Angels among us.

My Baby

Dear Ella,
My beautiful baby girl. I remember the first day I saw you. I knew that my life would be SO much better then it had been, and it is! You were a sweet bundle of Joy, and you still are. You teach me everyday by your example. The other morning I was busy getting ready for the day. The door was open to your room and I heard you talking. I peeked in, and you were kneeling on the floor talking to Heavenly Father. My heart burst, and I walked back to my room, knelt down and followed your example. thank you for reminding me of what's important.
My baby. when I talk to you about being my "big girl" you are quick to remind me that you will always be "my baby"! You always will, no matter what age you are, and I will always be your Momma.
I want you to know how special you are. I know that God sent you to us for a reason, and I am honored to be your Momma. You are so sensitive to the spirit, mindful of others, and loving toward all. You are such a good sister and friend! Little Noah adores you, and wants to be just like you!
I am reminded each day just how thoughtful you are. No matter what I'm doing you are always asking if you can help! You happily set the table, sweep the floor, help me make my shake. I'm so proud of you, and thank you for wanting to help!
I want to thank you for always asking God for my cancer to go away, the first time you said that I cried...you are so young, and know to much already. I know that your Faith, has helped me feel better. I love you my little one. I love you my angel. You're the best thing that has every happened to me, my sweet baby. Never forget how special you are and how much are are loved. I am blessed that I get to spend everyday with you. I wouldn't want it to be any other way. Love you to the moon and back Ella.

Love Momma