Pioneer day

I have some how managed to live in Marion for 10 years, and never taken my children to the museum in Old Fort.  There are two old time-y houses and a museum of how life looked in our area a long time ago.  We heard that Pioneer Day was on Saturday so we took the kids - and they loved it!  Noah has been reading a few of the Little House on the Prarie books and everything was from that era.  We got to see how they made thread, then made it into blankets.  How they tended to the farms.  Heard a little blue grass music.  You know, the basics.  It was a great day!  And it reminded me of my own childhood.  When I was little many of our family vacations were an extended history lesson, I think I've been to all the important battlefields, indian mounds, and beautiful churches in the south thanks to my dads planning and love of history.  It was so neat to see Noah's eyes light up as he made the connection from what he's learned in school and in books - to what he was seeing in front of him.

Noah was getting some water for the farm and Ella was turning dried corn into chicken feed.

Matt has never been ashamed to rock a baby sling!

Posing next to the old timey bicycle.

That's my main man with a big ole wad of candy in his mouth!

Kindergarten Registration

What a special day.  We woke up early, got in our fancy clothes, and headed to hear all about the kindergarten program at Marion Elementary school.  I asked Ella to pose for a quick picture, and she did.  Of course she told me "I do the best poses mommy."  After I had snapped that picture she asked if she could pose for a few more - I love that girl! 

We had a fun morning seeing the classrooms, coloring a few pictures, and checking out all that will involve her new life this fall.  We snuck out before we had reached all the stations to have a quick lunch with Noah too! 

I don't think I am going to handle Ella's transition to school very well.  But I know that she is going to do just fine.  I can't believe its almost time.

Bigger than me

I got to be a part of something so much bigger than me tonight. 

All day I was busy and didn't think too often about how big of an event was coming my way this evening.  Then things calmed down and it hit me - April was getting her car.  Immediately that feeling - the kid on Christmas morning feeling - washed over me.  I couldn't wait!!!  I had permagrin as I rolled up to their house to pick up the family.  We got to visit while we waited for Odie (such an awesome man - he works at Morganton Honda and found the vehicle, took care of ALL of the details, and delivered it to us - he goes to Grace and is such an awesome man of God).  And then it happened.  He pulled up.  In a spectacular car.

Robert, April, Me, and Odie

 We got out and hurried over to the Nissan.  April stopped and buried her head into Robert.  She said, "this is the nicest car I've ever had!!"  And it is nice.  Odie out did himself.  It has wonderful mileage, leather interior, and a sunroof!!  They were so thankful.  Alexis came up behind me and hugged me so hard, and so long, it took my breath away.

April, Alexis, and Hunter

 This started a few weeks ago when I met April while she was walking to work.  If you want to hear more of her story, scroll down a few posts on my blog and check it out.  In those few weeks God stirred in the hearts of so many people to open their wallets and help a stranger. 


2001 Nissan Altima!!

This is the result.  A new beginning for this family. No more walking over a mile to the grocery store pushing a stroller to carry back what they needed.  No more walking the 5 MILES to work 5 days a week.  This means so much to this family.  I am so gratetful that I got to witness this blessing unfold before my eyes.  I am humbled that God allowed me to be a part of such an awesome thing.  We serve an awesome God who moves mountains and breaks down obstables.  This is one obstable that is no more!!  If you helped, thank you.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  If you didn't get to, I encourage you to look for the "April's" that He might be bringing along your way.  You don't know how awesome it is to be a part of something that is bigger than you.

Picnic and soccer

Tonight Ella had another soccer game. We had an old subway gift card hanging around the house so we got to grab some sandwiches early and head to the field. There is nothing funnier than watching a bunch of preschoolers attempt to play an organized sport. Ella takes the game so seriously and at the same time some of her team mates are to busy playing tag or picking clovers to notice what's going on. I've loved getting to watch her this season and see her competitive drive come alive!

It's almost time.

The paperwork is here and filled out. Her assessment appointment is next week and registration day is next Friday. It's almost time. My baby girl is going to kindergarten. Ella's birth marked my official beginning to the life I have now. A stay at home mom. For 5 years I have woken up to her face every morning. Fixed her lunches and snacks. Played. Kissed boo-boos. Watched her grow. I am in no way ready for this next step. It flies by so quickly. I am so thankful for every single day I've had with her at home with me. And I don't want her to grow up!!!!

I turned my back

And this I what happened. To all the paper towels.

Strawberry Fields

While we were in Charlotte we went to the Hunt Family Farm to pick strawberries and play.  Hannah Beth, Noah, Ella, and I picked 2.5 lbs of fresh, delicious strawberries.  The girls LOVED the duckie water races.  Noah went through the maze several times.  And the little boys had a great time playing in the sand box.  We had never done anything like this before!  When we got back to Rachels that night, we ate fresh strawberry shortcake with the yummy strawberries.  What a great outing!

Charlotte Nature Museum

This spring break, the kids and I headed to Charlotte to spend a few days with Rachel, Hannah Beth, and Beau.  We had an awesome visit!  The kids loved going to the nature museum!

Easter

This has to be my most favorite Easter ever. This Holy week God has been stirring in my heart like a blender on full blast. We got to spend Sunday with the Siak/Cannon family filled with an egg hunt, worship at Mud Creek, and a Sunday dinner that made me miss my maternity pants. Shortly after dinner I got the incredible news that my pastor had used April's story in his sermon and taken up a donation to further bless their family. In talking with Jerry this week I had told him my goal was to collect $500-700 to purchase an old yet reliable car for April's family. He called me at 1 to tell me the total. $3,700.

Speechless. Humbled.

I am so thankful to be a part of the body of Christ. To watch them rally around a stranger in need. To see the hope that resurrection sunday reveals. A new beginning. A fresh start for April's family. A hope for tomorrow. And a promise for today.

April, not the month, the person

This week God placed April in my life.  This is our story. 

Tuesday I was driving down the road and I recognized it - a McDonald's uniform. When you have children who love happy meals, you learn to recognize a McDonalds uniform quickly. I pulled over and asked the woman if she would like a ride, I was on East Court Street, and the nearest McDonalds was at least 2+ miles away. When she got in the car she was so appreciative, but she told me that she worked at the McDonalds next to the Food Lion in Marion. That's right, she leaves 2 1/2 hours early to make it to work on time. She walks 5 miles, twice a day, to work anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, making $7.85 an hour.

We made small talk, I asked why she didn't have a vehicle, she explained that the money from her tax return she was going to use to purchase a vehicle had to go to a doctor bill. But that next year they would get a car with their tax return. Next year. It rung in my ear. 11 more months, and she would get a car. She said it as easily and with a smile, the same way I would order an iced coffee from her window.

I left that morning, telling her that if I ever saw her walking again I'd scoop her into the car. God did not leave me alone. Tears come to my eyes now as I think of the blessings I take for granted on a daily basis. Running to the grocery store in my car when I'm out of milk. Driving my children to the park. Taking my son out for his birthday in Asheville. Her entire life revolves in the world that she can walk to.

Since that day I have met up with April on a daily basis.  Our church and a group of incredible people are taking the steps to find her a car.  I am so humbled to be able to witness God's people helping a stranger in need.  I know that God orchestrated the details to have me running late in order to meet her at the exact moment I did.  This week through my talks with April I have learned so much.  In fact she has taught me more than anything that I could ever do to help her.  Each time I have picked her up or dropped her off, she is happy.  Appreciative.  Not one negative word has escaped her lips.  And as a sometimes judgemental, always a sinner (being a little transparent here), I can see things that if I were her, I would be complaing about. 

 

April is a mom, a wife, a Christian.  She has been through some very difficult times in her life.  And hopefully, receiving this vehicle will be a step in making her life a little better. 

 

I've learned that I should not complain.  Ever.  Ever.  Ever.  I am blessed beyond measure in my little life in Marion.  I have more than enough.  Breaking up fights between my kiddos, meeting their needs, witnessing their rolling on the floor laughter, cooking for them, washing clothes that we have been able to purchase for them, taking them out for a Happy Meal on occasion...those are a priveledge. 

 

This same week I read two posts on an awesome blog http://jenhatmaker.com/blog.htm that rocked my world.  Please go and read her two posts about The Easter Conundrum. 

 

And finally, keep your eyes open to the April's in your life.  You might be able to help someone in your over abundance of earthly treasure.  Just be prepared for God to use it to teach you something. 

 

Thanks for listening!  And if you want to know more about April, she has given me permission to share her story - email me at sarahsiak@yahoo.com. 

Sunday is coming!

I am unworthy of the sacrifice my Savior made.  He knew that, and still He gave His life for me.  For you.  For everyone.  This Good Friday I hope you think on the sacrifice given for you to give you hope and salvation.  I am so thankful, so thankful.

The first birthday.

One year ago.  After weeks of bedrest I had a feeling that today would be the day you were born.  Mom had come in on Sunday and you were scheduled to come on Thursday.  But I knew, somehow, that at my Tuesday appointment I would be told the great news that April 5, 2011, that day, I would see  your face.  I was right.  I joked as I passed the doctor heading into my exam room, that I wanted to deliver that day.  She told me no I had to wait.  Then she saw my blood pressure, and agreed, that yes.  I was going to meet you that afternoon!  I left the doctors office with a two hour window to head home, grab your daddy, and head back up to the hospital.  It all happened so fast.  Nana Scoggins stayed home with the kids, and Granny Mary headed to the hospital to hang out with Matt and I while we waited for an ER to open up (we knew we would have a c-section). 

The surgery to have you was absolutely amazing.  It didn't feel like surgery.  Yeah there was some poking and proding, but Mission had re-done their c-section delivery rooms and the changes were incredible.  For Ella's c-section I remembered panicking a little when Matt left to go see Ella and I was being stitched up.  I had warned the anesthesiologist to talk to me constantly because it might happen again.  However, I didn't know about the new camera system in the delivery room.  The moment you were taken across the room to be examined the technician pulled a flat screen right to my face.  I watched you cry, get startled as you were weighed, and get comforted as you were swaddled.  The anesthesiologist kept trying to talk to me and I shushed him - I was too busy watching my baby to panic! 

Those first moments led to a downhill snowball of love.  You have brought so much joy to our home in the past 365 days.  Every special moment.  Your first smile (you looked so much like Ella), the way you rolled over late, your hatred of baby food, your love of veggie puffs, crawling and the crazy world that follows a crawling baby.  Watching your brother and sister fall in love with you.  The way you laugh, the way you dance, the way you get excited and close your eyes because you can't contain yourself, the way you play, the way you snuggle.  I love every inch, every moment, every thing about you Luke Steven Siak.  I can't believe it's been a year since you stole my heart.  I will love you forever.  To the moon and back.  Happy first birthday, Lukey.

Luke's 1st Birthday Party!

The day before Luke's party we took him to the doctor.  He had an ear infection and had been running a fever this week.  He had three rounds of antibiotic in him by party time, but he still wasn't completely himself.  But he made the best of it - and had so much fun as we celebrated with friends and family.  I am so thankful to everyone who made the trip to join us, and to love on Luke for his special day.  Luke is blessed to have so many people who love him! 

Playing on the field before the party with my friends!

"For this child I prayed and the Lord answered my prayer!"

Family chat time

Uncle Joey did a one year photo shoot for Luke's birthday

So cute in his sock monkey hat!

Hanging with Papa Siak

Granny put me to sleep - I was so tired!

Miss Kim made me a chocolate cake, because it is my favorite!

Yum!

Luke's Birthday - Preparations

AMAZING cakes by Kimberly!!

 I have some great friends.  My friend Nicki hand crafted a custom first birthday tshirt for Luke to wear on his big day.  My friend Kim spent HOURS making two amazing cakes (Luke's personal cake and one for all of us) and cake balls for desert at the party.  And during the past few weeks Kim and I crafted a whole bunch of personal little touches for Luke's first birthday party.  The day went off without a hitch, and I am so thankful for my friends making Luke's first birthday the best it could have possibly been!  Tomorrow I will post pictures from the party - come back and check it out!

Luke's month by month "how he grew" pictures.  Every month I took a picture of Luke on the couch on his birthday anniversary.  It was so cute to see how he changed as each month passed!