Painting, Part 1
Posted by: sarahhweber on: December 30, 2008
- In: Our Home
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My wonderful husband has spent the last couple of days on painting the rooms of our house. Since our home came complete with all painter’s standard white, we’ve been ready to get some color on the walls. Our house has a ton of windows and we get a lot of natural light…which I love. However, all that natural light means that the white is BRIGHT! He did the kitchen on Sunday and here is the result:
Kitchen BEFORE
Kitchen AFTER, it’s a pretty butter yellow.
Builder’s white versus our new pretty yellow…sorry the picture looks fuzzy.
And then here is our master bedroom, which Hal painted today.
Bedroom BEFORE
Bedroom AFTER
Our tray ceiling is painted a shade 2 hues darker to show it off. 
We’ll be working on painting the living room and foyer in the next couple of days…weather depending. It’s also going to be that same butter yellow color as the kitchen. We’re doing it that way because our kitchen is open to the living room…we have a VERY open floor plan so to do multiple colors didn’t make a lot of sense. I am sure that I can speak for Hal when I say that we are looking forward to not having any other painting jobs. I still have to pick colors for the guest room, guest bath, and the office, but those can wait. Painting part 1…OVER!
- In: Family| Holidays
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Hal and I had a very busy and wonderful Christmas holiday with our families. A few days before Christmas we celebrated Christmas just the two of us. Since this was our first year in our new home we wanted to celebrate here. I made spiral ham, mac n cheese (from scratch), green bean casserole, croissants, and apple dumplings for our dinner. We then read the Christmas story and opened presents. It’s so nice to know that Hal puts such thought in the gifts he gives me. He built me a computer (yes, he is geeky like that), bought me an iPod (yes, my first), and got some other great things. Hal got a black velvet jacket, a board game (we’re into stuff like that), some cologne and other small stuff. We listened to Christmas music, lit candles, and just got to enjoy sharing our Christmas memories and making new ones.
We spent Christmas Eve with my family. We went to a candlelit service at my aunt, cousin and uncle’s church and then went over to their house after that. We ate some fantastic food, laughed a lot, cried a little, opened presents and reminisced. After we left my extended family’s house, we drove over to my parent’s house to open gifts there. I was so excited to get a Keurig coffee maker (gotta love those pods), some other kitchen gadgets, a purse, jewelry, and other fun things.
We spent Christmas day with Hal’s family. I was fighting a cold, as was Hal’s dad, so we spent the day napping and being lazy. When our nephew, Tyler, came over we read the Christmas story, prayed and then opened gifts round-robin style. I got a whole box of gift cards to use at Target, Kohls, Bed&Bath and Beyond. I can’t wait!! The Weber’s had invited a friend and their next door neighbor to share dinner with us. I love that they open up their home like that. After dinner, we just sat around and talked and watched movies.
We headed back to Myrtle Beach on Friday after eating lunch with my parents. It was almost bittersweet because I miss them already. I love Christmas with our families because there is such love in each home, such compassion and grace. I am blessed to be part of two families who love the Lord with all their hearts and live that out each day. As we celebrated the birth of Christ and fellowshipped together, I felt more at peace than I have in a long time. :) Here are some pictures.
Here are the annual Christmas pajamas… Hal’s have gold reindeer and mine have pink convertibles with Christmas trees tied on top.
Hal doesn’t exactly like dogs. But Cody, my mom’s dog, loves Hal. Here is a picture of Hal tolerating Cody napping in his lap.
The girls of the family: my cousin Lauren, me, and my sister-in-law Kimberly
Your truly
My twin brother Steven and his wife, Kimberly
My little brother Chris and cousin Lauren, they were born within a few weeks of each other.
My aunt Lori, uncle Dennis, my mom and dad
Hal and I at his parent’s house
Our nephew, Tyler, opening his gift from us…a Chick-fil-A cap, he’s nuts about hats.
Hal’s mom, Glenda, opening our gift to her.
We didn’t get many pics from Hal’s family Christmas…they aren’t picture freaks like my family. So today we are embarking on a new challenge….painting our new home. We’re getting started on the kitchen today, and will work on the bedroom and rest of the living room over the course of Hal’s break from teaching. Anyway, so that was our week. I hope you and your family had a great Christmas as well.
Merry Christmas
Posted by: sarahhweber on: December 23, 2008
- In: Holidays
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Hal and I would like to wish all of you a safe and happy Christmas. During this season of celebrating the birth of Christ, may your remember that He would stop at nothing to restore His relationship with you and wholly & completely loves you…just as you are. God bless you.
I’ll be taking a blogging break for a couple days…
Sorrow
Posted by: sarahhweber on: December 22, 2008
I am feeling quite sad today, I imagine it’s because I feel the weight of death heavy on my heart.
One of the Chick-fil-A operators that I work for passed away on Saturday from complications with cancer. Mr. John Shaw was an absolutely phenomenal man! He truly lived out his faith in God and treated others with respect, dignity, and kindness. One of his most commonly heard phrases was, “Everything’s going to be all right”. Every time I had the opportunity to speak to him he always asked how I was and offered to help me with anything I needed. He always managed to encourage me and remind me that everything was going to be ok. His funeral was today and it was obvious from those that attended and spoke that he was well-loved and lived his life well.
I am also sad because our friends, Matt and Crystal Brewer are mourning today. They were pregnant with twin precious boys, JJ and Jordan. She’s had some complications and was on strict bed rest. On Friday she went into labor and delivered her sons on Saturday. Her sons died at some point during delivery…15 weeks early. They are believers, so I know that they know that their hope and comfort comes from Christ, but I also know that they are in tremendous pain. Having miscarried multiple times myself, I know how painful this time is. I can’t imagine getting to this stage of pregnancy and then miscarrying.
Would you pray for Mr. Shaw’s family and Matt and Crystal? It’s hard to find joy in the midst of sorrow, but that’s exactly what we are promised as believers in Christ. I know that they would each appreciate being lifted up in prayer….and there is no greater privilege that we, as believers, can offer to others than to pray for one another.
I am praying that you will have a safe and blessed Christmas.
Be Inspired and Pray
Posted by: sarahhweber on: December 17, 2008
I believe I’ve mentioned that the Lord has been calling me into a place of reflection and quietness and prayer lately. I’m certainly one of those people that believes in the power of prayer, but being disciplined in prayer hasn’t come easily. It has come through a lot of trials and struggles. I wanted to share with you, my fellow prayer warriors and friends, two stories that I hope will inspire you to a life of prayer.
The first is the Freeman family. Because of my issues with fertility and miscarriage I have started following blogs of people who are overcomers of the odds against them. This family has a beautiful daughter, Kayleigh Anne. She was born very early and at only 1 pound!! From the beginning of their journey they placed the life of their daughter in the Lord’s hands. Kayleigh has been through a long hard journey since her birth. Despite all these hurdles, her parents have continually praised the Lord for each moment. They have shown tremendous grace under pressure and joy in the midst of trial. They are now in a place where their beautiful child is dying. There is very little chance that she can rebound from her current state. Her parents are still praising the Lord and giving glory to Him…even in the midst of watching their child die. Their hope is in the realization that the Lord would allow their story to touch the lives of those who have followed their journey with Kayleigh. I know that their story has been reminding me that this life is not our own. When we surrender it to the Lord, it becomes His. We can trust Him with our lives and all the situations we face. Grace in the midst of pain. Please pray for this family and go visit their blog, I know they would love some encouragement.
The second is the Joye family. They have twin daughters, Liana and Adleigh, that were born 3 months premature. Both girls struggled to thrive, despite some pretty severe issues. A few weeks ago, Ferris and Wade were able to take their sweet girls home. Now their daughter, Liana, suffered from brain bleeds. At a regular scan they found that the left ventricle is enlarged. The only apparent remedy is a shunt being placced in the brain to draw the fluid out. I love following this blog because despite their own problems with their daughters, they still ask for others to pray for other families that they know are also struggling. What a tremendous gift this is! Again, they are another couple who have turned their daughters over to the Lord and have praised Him throughout.
Go read their stories and be inspired to not only pray for them, but to cultivate a spirit of prayer in your life. There is nothing better you can give to another than to offer them up in prayer to the Lord. May you also be inspired to intercede on behalf of our fellow man, to daily spend time in communion with the Lord, and to push aside our selfishness to bless others.
Just some thoughts on this dreary, misty day. Be blessed.
Purposed
Posted by: sarahhweber on: December 6, 2008
I’ve spent the last few weeks reflecting on this past year. It has been one tumultous year filled with high highs and low lows and everything in between. One thing, though, has remained constant. My belief that my God loves me and is daily at work in my life. I feel as thought I have moved into a purposed time in my life. A time of action in the midst of reflection. Recently I stumbled across a blog (unfortunately I don’t remember the url) that does a series called, “What I’d Like For You to Know”. This series has had a profound impact on my perspectives. In this season of purposed-ness, I thought that this would be a wonderful tool on my blog as well. I’m not sure what all the topics will include, but I do know that I feel like I’m being called to share some thoughts on specific things I’ve been dealing with. It is my hope that you will find this series to be encouraging and helpful to you on your own journey. If there is a topic you’d like covered or one you’d like to guest-write, please leave a comment or email me at sarahhweber@gmail.com.
My prayer is that during this journey the Lord would reveal himself to me and to you and remind us all that He is the one true Hope in this world.
My Favorite Christmas
Posted by: sarahhweber on: December 5, 2008
I saw this on Cathy’s blog and thought it was very clever! Here’s my Christmas favorites list:
my favorite christmas…
movie - this is a toss up between A Christmas Story (love the whole “you’ll shoot your eye out” spoof) and Chevy Chase’s Christmas Vacation.
oldie tv show - Rudolph…no question about it.
cd - anything from Manheim Steamroller’s Christmas CDs or Trans Syberian Orchestra…I like more instrumental Chrismas CDs
song - “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby, truly a classic
tradition (then)- my family would get together on Christmas Eve for a big meal with the entire family. After dinner and the reading of the Christmas Story from the Bible all of us kids would receive three gifts (EVERY YEAR): an ornament that symbolized something from that year, a Christmas book that had some symbolism as well, and Christmas pajamas. I won’t forget the year I got married how sad I was that I didn’t get my book and pajamas.
tradition (now) - decorating our tree together and remembering the memories behind ornaments. We now give each other ornaments and pajamas. :) I’m sure we’ll change our traditions when we have kids.
childhood memory - me and my brothers convening in one of our bedrooms and talking and giggling because we were too excited to sleep. Or talking through the vents when my parents made us stay in our rooms until morning.
toy ever received - my Ginger-bear. She was my security blanket as a child, my friend when I was sad and crying and feeling alone as a teenage.
sweets - my mom’s fudge is always a major highlight, and Mundy’s cookies.
decoration - we have white lights on our tree filled with all our old childhood ornaments and some we’ve picked up along the way, all our filler ornaments and additions are done in silver, sea blue and turquoise. We have our nativity set up, our mantle full of garland and stockings, wreaths on the doors and garage, and lit trees with bows flanking our porch.
What are your Christmas favs?
First Holiday Party of the Year
Posted by: sarahhweber on: December 4, 2008
- In: Holidays
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I have officially rung in the Christmas season after attending my first holiday party of the year. Hal and the teachers from North Myrtle Beach High School were invited to dine at Rioz Brazillian Steakhouse. The teachers/staff were able to eat for free, spouses had to be paid for. To eat at Rioz you better be prepared to spend MAJOR money. After eating there, it was TOTALLY WORTH ANY PRICE! They have this amazing salad bar that has all kinds of stuff on it from sushi to salad to casseroles. Once you’re seated with your salad stuff these waiters start coming out with all kinds of incredible meats: lamb, steak, filet mignon, chicken, etc. All the meats are slow cooked and oh so moist, and served on these skewers. But my favorite by far was the grilled pineapple with cinnaman. YUMM! Needless to say, I may be small but I sure ate a TON of food.
Now each teacher was responsible for bringing an ornament for a Chinese auction. In case you need a refresher as to what a Chinese auction is…each person pulls a slip of paper with a number on it. Once your number is called We pulled number 32 of 109…not very good odds. And let’s face it most of the ornaments brought were brutally ugly and cheap. Hal made an awesome choice…I was so proud. He did so well that I immediately devised a scheme to be able to keep my ornament. I, oh-so-subtly, hid my ornament under my chair. I got ragged pretty good by Hal, Tammy, and Kevin, but it was worth it because guess who took the Clemson ornament home? That’s right, ME!
We had a great time with Tammy and Kevin. Tammy works with Hal in the math department, but they also live in the Farm as well. It was really nice to get to know them better and get to laugh and talk with them. All around we had a fantastic night. The Lord again reminded me of how blessed I am to interact with so many amazing people.
Promised Pictures
Posted by: sarahhweber on: December 3, 2008
Front porch, it’s really pretty at night
This is the door leading from our kitchen to the garage. My mom gave me the PRAY OFTEN sign and it’s such a wonderful reminder to me each day.
Our dining table decked out for Christmas
These wreaths are on the two lights above the garage.
Our mantle.
Our tree, unlit so you can see all the colors. I mimicked my sea glass theme on the three so the bulk of our extra ornaments are blues and silvers.
Our tree all lit up.
The boys sitting around watching the turkey fry on Thanksgiving.
Mom and I always take a picture together with out aprons each Thanksgiving.
Me and my beloved.
Thanksgiving 08
Posted by: sarahhweber on: December 1, 2008
It has been an exhausting, but great week! I left on Monday to head to Spartanburg for the holidays. My mom needed major help getting organized and cleaned up for Thanksgiving, so that’s what I spent most of my time doing. I went to my mom’s work on Tuesday and boy, was it enlightening! My mom is the weekday preschool director and she spends her days making sure that the program runs smoothly. I was really impressed because she knew every single child’s name that we encountered….and there were a ton of kids! I digress. After work we headed to the grocery store to get all we needed for the BIG dinner. Needless to say, I hate grocery shopping, and grocery shopping with a gazillion other Thanksgiving shoppers sure makes it interesting. It was so wonderful to spend Monday and Tuesday with my parents. We had a great time catching up and just enjoying each other’s company.
On Wednesday Hal got out of school and headed across the state to join me. We met at his parent’s house in Easley and it was so great to see him. It’s so wierd that after almost 3 years of marriage that I can still miss him so much when we’ve only been apart for a few days.
We headed back to Spartanburg to spend Thanksgiving morning and day with my family. We finished cooking everything, watched a turkey fry, played with the dog, and stuffed our faces silly. After we hung out with our family we headed back to Easley to spend the remainder of the day with his family.
On Friday and Saturday we spent time visiting friends and attempting to relax. I did a little shopping as well. No, I did not get up at 4 am to shop, I waited until the reasonable hour of 1:00 ish. :) I was surprised to find that there was practically no one out shopping. Very strange. We spent Friday night with my brother and his wife as we were originally planning to go with them to the Clemson/Carolina game. However, when I saw that they were calling for 100% precipitation all throughout the game I decided it wasn’t worth the ineviable cold I would get. Hal and I ended up going over to my parent’s house to watch the game from the comfort of a warm and dry living room with a flat screen HD TV. :) Obviously, I was thrilled at the win!
We visited some other friends Saturday evening before heading back to Steven’s house to head to bed. Then it was up on Sunday to attend church at CRCC, then the LONG drive home. What should have only taken 4 hours to get home took us many, many, many more hours! Between the rain and wrecks, and wreck watchers, it was a LONG drive.
Needless to say we’re glad to be back. I am back at work today, and will attend school this evening. Yehaw! Oh yeah, did I mention that with the craziness of the week I also had school stuff I had to do. So although it wasn’t a particularly restful trip, it was a much needed time to get away and enjoy our families. The Lord certainly reminded me to be thankful for the small things in life. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the negatives, in our circumstances, and in the commerciality of the season. It was wonderful to really sit down and think about those blessings the Lord has given me and my family. Wanted to leave you with some pics of the house all dressed up for the holidays. The only thing we have not done is the mantle because it’s still needing to be fixed so I can’t put all our stuff on it. :( Hopefully it’ll be done soon. Enjoy…
**Update: can’t get other pics to upload, will attempt to get them up soon.
