"California knows how to party!"

After went spent two days in San Diego, Curtis and I drove up the coast to visit with Tony and Lia before all the madness began. They were engaged for 15 months and Lia used that time to have a lot great details. Everything was so thought out! Someone needs to write an article for her wedding and publish it for a bride's magazine!

A lot of long-time friends from Atlanta flew out and we had the best time together. We all went to high school together and maintained our friendships through college. It was like old times! I seriously forgot about life!

Enjoy the pictures....

Thursday night, we all met up at this great pizza place in Laguna Beach right across the street from the ocean. Seriously, the best pizza I've ever had!

The morning of the wedding, the Atlanta crew all went to breakfast at this awesome place in Laguna Beach. SO yummy!

Rehearsal...

Lia was about to leave the rehearsal dinner and I said, "one last picture before you get married!" Maybe they thought I meant one last grope?!

She is the most beautiful bride!

Crazy wedding party!

Love Lia!

Finally married!

Courtney and Manuela again.

At the reception...

Courtney and Brandon...

Look at this dinner! Steak, prawns (in the shape of a heart), mashed potatoes and veggies. Also, notice the picture frame. That's me and my beloved Gus. She made these for every guest and it was all placed on a table and on the back it had your table assignment. So darn creative!

Tony, Cindy (Lia's mom) and Lia...

These to clowns only posed like this in our wedding. Every picture they were in they made this pose.

(Sorry it's blurry.) Father/daughter dance

Josh, Curtis and me....

We've been friends for a long time and he was actually in our wedding.

The gang all together Sunday morning at the bunch her parents hosted. We all cried because we didn't want to leave...well, all the girls cried.

"San Diego..."

“…breathe it in. It always goes down smooth.” – Ron Burgundy, Anchorman

For 15 long months, we’ve been planning our trip to California to celebrate the wedding of our friends, Tony and Lia. A wedding in San Clemente, Cal. is a great excuse for a vacation! And a much needed one at that… We stayed so busy that I could hardly find the time to think about “life”.

First stop on the trip was San Diego. It’s official. I love this city! The weather was awesome, the city was fantastic and frankly, I didn’t want to leave. After we landed, we headed straight for the famous San Diego Zoo – home of the sleeping animals.

This animal lover was sorely disappointed in the overrated zoo. No offense if you “heart” the San Diego Zoo. First, it’s HUGE! HUGE! HUGE! HUGE! Definitely didn’t wear the right shoes… Aside from that, the map was really, really hard to read. And not just for me. Curtis, who is the map whiz of the family, even had a tough time finding his bearings. Lots of adorable animals, but the large majority of them were sleeping. The real kicker is that we got there early – 10 a.m.! But we made the most of it. Take a peek at our pictures…

"Cooler than a polar bear's toe nails..." By, far my favorite exhibit. This guy was so fun. He was trying as hard as he could to get the female's attention...jumping in the water, splashing around...but, she didn't care. Obviously, same story different day. So funny how similar it was to real-life!

"I hope she notices me..."

Check out how big this eagle's nest is! Apparently they can weigh up to a whopping 400 lbs!

Wrestling monkeys

Sleeping Hippo...

"Do you think I need to pluck?"

Love tigers! Well, cats in general. How cute are his stripes?

Him so cute! I wanted to kiss his stripes.

This guy was mean! He was floating like this and suddenly he got made at me, flipped around and bit at the glass. Yikes!

Then he just starred at me like this...

"Pretty bird." -- Dumb & Dumber (Don't say it, I know...I quote too many movies.)

This panda was, of course, sleeping. Big shock. However, look at how he fell asleep. Is that funny or what?!?!? It's like he was right in the middle of deep thought. Apparently, that's his favorite nap spot.

Sleeping koalas...

Honestly, camels are disgusting!

Is that the ugliest thing you've ever seen? It just looks like it should have a cigarette hanging out of it's mouth.

Sleeping, laughing hyena...

Baby giraffe...

About to make another baby giraffe! No lie...and frankly, no words for what these eyes saw. I might need counseling one day. Don't you know that poor momma was thinking, "Not now! Everyone is watching!!"

Shocker: They're sleeping! "Gasp!"

Tower of Darkness

I was coming home from a girls night out last night -- which was so much fun! I'm seriously blessed to have some great, Christian girlfriends. On the way home I was listening to Mac Powell sing "Restore To Me" from Psalm 51. Part of the song really hit me as such truth for how I feel right now.


Deliver me from this tower of darkness.
Through the pain and brokenness
And I will sing of your loving kindness
And of your righteousness
Restore to me
The joy of your salvation
Restore to me
The wonders of your love



I couldn't help but weep. That's exactly how I feel. Like I'm trapped in this tower of darkness and infertility. I long for the day when I will sing of God's blessings and mercy because He has given us a sweet little baby. But you, know what? I'm supposed to praise Him now, in the midst of this pain. I'm not supposed to be in a holding pattern waiting on His blessings. After all, He saved me from the chains of sin and death -- and frankly, that's enough.

I know this in my heart, but it's still hard to praise Him in the valley. My friend Laura blogged about this verse today and it really speaks about this continual state of praise.

Psalm 34:1-7
I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. 3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt His name together. 4 I sought the Lord and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears. 5 They looked to Him and their faces were radiant, And their faces were not ashamed. 6 This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them.

I'm not going to lie or pretend to be strong. I'm a little fearful of Sunday. Mother's Day is a long and hard day for those dealing with infertility, loosing babies or moms. Over the last couple of years, Mother's Day has proven to be a tough day for me. I love celebrating my mom's life. I have been blessed beyond measure to have my mother. Yet, I'm sad I don't have babies who know how great their Sassy is.

I saw a church sign yesterday that said, "Mother's are special! Come celebrate with us!". Mother's really are special. So special in fact, that there is tons of scripture to support her vital role. This is one of those holidays that either applies to you or it doesn't. There is no gray area. And for me, it still doesn't apply.

Psalm 51:1-2, 5-8, 10-12, 15-17
Have mercy on me, O God,
According to Your unfailing love;
according to Your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.


Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
Surely You desire truth in the inner parts;
You teach wisdom in the inmost place.


Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.


Create in me a clean heart, O God
and renew a right spirit within me.

Do not cast me from your presence
or take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation
and great me a willing spirit to sustain me.


Oh Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, You will not despise.




Father, You alone are Holy. You alone are sovereign over all things. Father, thank You that Your love for us endures forever and Your mercies are new each morning. Lord, I pray for my friends dealing with infertility this Mother's Day. It's such a reminder of a deep, painful longing unfulfilled, Father, and I pray that You would pour out an extra measure of grace to them. For my sweet friends who have babies in heaven, Lord Jesus, comfort them -- give them a peace that transcends their pain. Father, for those friends pregnant and carrying babies, cause them to have healthy, full-term pregnancies. We long to hear their sweet cries and will be sure to give You all the praise. Father, I also pray for patience and love for my friends who are mothering small children. I also lift up my friends who have had to deal with the pain of loosing their mother. Father, we need You to dwell among us. Give us ears to hear Your sweet whispers of love and eyes to see You in the midst of this fog. Shield us from insensitive comments from those who may not think before they speak. Father, You are bigger than all these issues. Trusting is SO hard when you're hurting. Yet, You are El Saddai: God all sufficient -- show us Your sufficiency this day. Jehovah-Jireh: the Lord will provide! Selfishly, I look forward to Your provisions! Jehovah-Rophe: the God who heals -- heal these husbands and wives physically, emotionally and spiritually and bind us together by Your love for us. Jehovah-Shalom: the Lord our peace -- thank You for the peace You give us. Jehovah-Shammah: the Lord is there -- thank You that You never leave us or forsake us -- even in the tough times. I love You and trust Your will for my life -- even though it's not my plan. Amen.

A Couple of Quick Funnies...

Two stories...

Guess what? I'm not the hugest fan of rap music. I know this may come as a surprise, but it's true.

Last night Curtis and I went to eat at La Parilla for Cinco De Mayo. We pulled in and there was a HUGE celebration going on. I mean, they had part of the parking lot roped off and a DJ playing super loud music. (It was so loud, I couldn't wait to get inside! I just thought we'd see a live mariachi band, but whatever.)

I jumped out to put our name in and there was the most hilarious rap song playing called Stanky Legg. (I've done a little research on this song...that's the only reason I know it has two g's.) The song over and over says, "Do da stankly legg, do da stanky legg, do da stanky legg". As you might remember, music has huge meaning to me. I really pay attention to the words of a song. So finally I looked at Curtis, like the naive gal that I am and scream over the music, "what is 'do da stanky legg'? What does that even mean?!?!?" Of course he didn't know, which actually surprised me. He works with a lot of young Tech grads that keep him abreast the latest music and lingo.

Some friends of ours arrive and were privileged to hear this great song too. And I posed the same question...still screaming, "what in the heck does 'do da stanky leg mean?!?!?'" The wife couldn't hear and screams back, "did you say stinky leg?" "No," I replied emphatically sounding it out. "Stan-ky. It's stanky legg! Not stin-ky."

So, today at work I knew some of the college-aged, club going gals could enlighten me. After all, they are forever laughing about how I don't know all the slang. Seriously, I'm totally out of the loop to how kids talk these days. I always say "I'm sorry, what? What does that mean?" Once it's explained I often say, "why not just use regular ole' English?" This is apparently really funny. Whatever.

Anyway... I say, "I have a bizarre question for you. Last night Curtis and I went to dinner and the DJ was playing this crazy rap song 'Do Da Stanky Legg'. What does that mean?!?!?" After she stopped laughing she replied, "it's a dance." And explained, "you stand on one leg and basically do clockwise leg circles and 'grind' at the same time." Another associate overhears and seriously ponders the conversation and asks totally seriously, "Mmm hmm, that's interesting. Now, do you do this dance alone or do you need someone to 'grind' on?"

It was too funny. So there you have it folks. "Do Da Stanky Legg" is apparently taking the clubs by storm!

...And I feel super old!

---

As you know, we just got back a couple of weekends ago from seeing Jake in Columbus, Ga. Mom went and bravely took along all five grand kids. In an effort to make the morning more efficient, I rallied the kiddos to take their showers before bed. They quickly rattled off, "I'm first!!" "I'm second!!"...

One by one, they went in and out. One of the boys was heading in empty handed. I say, "where are your pjs?" He says, "I don't need any. I'll just put my clothes back on." "Ewe!" I replied. "No, the point of showering is to get clean and then put clean clothes on. Go get some." He comes back down and I was near the linen closet. So I say, "here's your towel". He quickly scoots past me before I can give him a wash cloth. I say, "Wait! Here's a wash cloth." And without a thought he replied, "Naaa, I'm good." "What???", I reply. And again he naturally replies, "I don't really do wash cloths." So I said, "Well, okay but just so you know one day you're going to be interested in girls and they'll want you to do wash cloths and put clean clothes on after you shower. Just promise me you won't wait until your married to get to that point. Okay?"

I'm sure the thought went through his mind, "Silly Aunt Sarah...clean clothes and wash cloths. She's crazy."

I didn't see the first boy come out before the next boy jumped in. Remember, I was the one handing out towels. So, I just assumed he helped himself. Note to self, never assume with boys. The bathroom door swings open and I comment on how I like his pjs. He says, "thanks, but I'm soaking wet." Perplexed I ask, "why?". And without skipping a beat he replies (like I'm the idiot), "because I didn't have a towel!!!" I of course asked, "Well, why didn't you ask me for one?" All too quickly and in such a way only a boy could reply to something that simple, "well, I didn't know!" Baffled, I said, "Oh, well. Going forward, feel free to ask for a towel when you go shower."

He didn't know to ask for a towel when he went to shower and he's in third grade. I'm scared.

People, do you see what I see???? It's in their nature! Why on earth do we think boys/men are capable of seeing the obvious when clearly they are not?

Ah, geez.