Sailor & Company

True story...(google it!)

2012-01-12T16:46:00.001-08:00

Pam and her husband Bob were serving as missionaries to the Philippines and praying for a fifth child. Pam contracted amoebic dysentery, an infection of the intestine caused by a parasite found in contaminated food or drink. She went into a coma and was treated with strong antibiotics before they discovered she was pregnant. Doctors urged her to abort the baby for her own safety, telling her the medicines had caused irreversible damage to her baby. She refused the abortion and cited her Christian faith as the reason for her hope that her son would be born without the devastating disabilities physicians predicted.
While pregnant, Pam nearly lost their baby four times but still refused to consider abortion. She recalled making a pledge to God with her husband: If you will give us a son, we’ll name him Timothy and we’ll make him a preacher.
Pam ultimately spent the last two months of her pregnancy in bed and eventually gave birth to a healthy baby boy August 14, 1987. Pam’s youngest son is indeed a preacher. He preaches in prisons, makes hospital visits, and serves with his father’s ministry in the Philippines. He also plays football. Pam’s son is

Tim Tebow .. gotta love that :)

So funny.

2011-12-13T21:53:00.000-08:00

This is completely HYSTERICAL. (click on it)

I don't like neckties.

2011-11-04T17:52:00.000-07:00

Oxton turns one tomorrow...

2011-10-25T07:41:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe it.

He JUST started "crawling" this week.

It's less of a crawl, more of a scoot type thing.

I can't get over how cute it is.

See for yourself...just excuse the poor quality cell phone video.

I shot a wedding rehearsal...

2011-10-18T19:57:00.000-07:00

with Oxton on my back.

I LOVE this shot...
the sister of the groom captured the essence of me so beautifully!!!

I just read this & it rocked me....

2011-10-17T21:32:00.000-07:00

I got it from HERE.

I find it ironic, considering my last post. :)

October 17, 2011
Full Busy vs. Empty Busy
Glynnis Whitwer

"We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies." 2 Thessalonians 3:11 (NIV)
I love empty calories. I confess. Chocolate brownies are my favorite.
Although I try to tell myself the eggs inside make them healthy, the truth is there is little in that fudgy goodness that brings value to my body. Besides the moment of pleasure in my mouth, brownies only fill my need for calories but offer little nutrition.
Being busy can have the same effect. We can fill our days with busy-work, then flop on the couch after dinner, exhausted and empty. And yet we look around our homes and wonder why a week's worth of mail is stacked on the desk, dirty clothes drape over the hamper and the kitchen floor is a sticky slip and slide...but we were so busy!
Much like the woman who spends $100 at the grocery store and has nothing for dinner, if we aren't wise about our busyness, we will find ourselves frustrated at how little gets done. Like the brownies and their empty calories, there is activity that keeps us "busy," but produces little benefit.
One area of temptation to empty busyness is my computer. The nature of my work requires that I spend a lot of my workday at the computer. If I sit down without a plan, two hours can pass and nothing is accomplished - except for watching videos of really cute puppies. However, when I've taken the time to set goals for my day, it's easier to stay focused.
The same is true for my housework. When I take a few minutes to identify my priorities for that day, the tasks that need to be accomplished usually get done. Otherwise, it's 7 p.m. and I'm wondering what's for dinner.
Today's key verse caught my attention recently. I realized we're no different from those early believers addressed in it. Only our idleness looks different—it looks like busyness. In fact, we often convince ourselves that it was necessary to get caught up on the news, visit a friend's blog or research next year's vacation. Important? Yes. A priority for today? Maybe not.
There is a time for brownies, getting caught up with friends and online research. There is a time for rest. After all, God ordained the Sabbath. There is a time for play. Even Jesus enjoyed a wedding reception with His friends. The key for productive busyness is to know what time it is.
Instead of trying to figure it out ourselves, a wise woman seeks God's direction for her work and rest. What has helped me avoid empty busyness is taking the time to pray about God's will for me each day. My quiet time always includes a to-do list. In addition to spending time just enjoying the Lord's presence, I also seek His guidance for my day.
I sit at my kitchen table, cup of coffee in one hand and pen in the other, and ask God to show me His priorities. He is always faithful to help me create a list of what needs to be done that day—not the next day or next week, but that day.
My challenge is to be a good steward of my time—both at work, play and rest. I've spent too much time on empty pursuits. Busy isn't always bad, only when it's empty. And brownies aren't bad either, at the right time.
Dear Lord, You are the Creator of time, and so often I neglect to seek Your will for my days. You have called me to a place of stewardship with my time and I need Your help. Please show me when and how to be productively busy—and when to set it all aside and rest or play. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Life

2011-10-12T21:01:00.000-07:00

is busy.

Pray.

2011-10-06T18:24:00.000-07:00

READ THIS STORY.

AND PRAY.

Lord, what a testimony of faith Youcef is. Absolutely mind blowing.
What a beautiful man.

I don't think it's possible for Oxton to be any cuter.

2011-10-05T14:29:00.000-07:00

2011-09-21T21:30:00.001-07:00

Roman is 5 and Ox is getting CRAZY big

2011-09-15T21:16:00.000-07:00

My sweet Roman turned 5 today. It was SO much fun.

I'm behind on photos, so you might see birthday pics later.

For now,

Ox is ten months. Almost 11. Not cool. At all. :(

Remember the photos from 7 months? Look how much he has changed since then!!!

The kids used Ox's water bottle

2011-08-30T21:56:00.000-07:00

to get refills for their "water fountain statues".

And, since Oxton can't do the whole statue thing, he ate grass. And drooled.

I wish there were.....

2011-08-24T22:53:00.000-07:00

more hours in a day.

I really do.

Metamorphosis: The Life of a Butterfly

2011-08-22T21:03:00.000-07:00

2011-08-19T18:37:00.000-07:00

JOEY

2011-08-12T07:00:00.001-07:00

GETS HOME TONIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Seriously considering pulling the plug...

2011-08-10T21:34:00.000-07:00

As you may have noticed,

I'm not good at keeping up with my blog.

Maybe it's not that I'm not good at it...

I just don't care about it anymore.

Is that rude?
I don't mean to be rude.

I've come to love so many of you...

and have had some AMAZING experiences

because of it...

but...

I'm just not certain it's a priority.

Joey being gone has been HARD

and awesome at the same time.

Really having to shift my priorities to my children..

and being forced to rely on Christ more than ever..

has got me thinking about so many things.

I actually even parted ways with my part time job

as a photographer for a regional parenting magazine.

I loved it.

But, my family?

I love time with them more.

I don't like the feeling I get when I don't blog..

guilty or something like it.

That's just silly to me.

If it's just gone one day..

then it's gone. I don't have to

worry about updating or not.

About not changing my header pic for 6 months.

New sidebar photos?

What are those?

Maybe my time is just up.

I don't want to make any rash decisions..

Joey has been gone for 23 days...

so it's possible I'm emotional :)...

but maybe not. I'm going to sit on it for a week.

If I still feel the same next week.

The plug will be pulled.

I will really miss so many of you if I decide to go that route.

If I don't, who knows what I'll do with it.

I guess I just wait.

And let you know in a week.

( If I do decide to pull it...you'd be able to keep updated
on my family on my S & Co photography
Facebook page...which I will keep.
For now :))

Ox's 9 months worth of rolls....my big boy :)

2011-08-07T20:07:00.000-07:00

(momma's milk does a boy GOOD. )

I've realigned my priorities. Again.

2011-08-06T07:19:00.000-07:00

I will compile my thoughts and post about it soon.

Today,

think about your priorities, too.

How might they need rearranging?

Please share with the rest of us.

Who knows,

you might just inspire life change in someone!

Joey is flying

2011-08-04T08:46:00.000-07:00

From Tokyo to the states right now.

He will end up in Florida late this evening,

and then first thing in the morning

will fly to Haiti.

He can't WAIT to get back there.

the FULL armor of God

2011-07-30T20:56:00.000-07:00

Ephesians 6:10-11

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in HIS mighty power.

Put on the FULL armor of God so that you can take your stand

against the devil's schemes."

It's amazing to me how simple this is...yet how HARD it is to act on.

Today was day 12 of Joey's 25 day trip.

The two days prior had been ROUGH.

I was tired, grouchy, impatient...

and not quite Christ-like in a lot of my attitudes and actions.

The funny part is...

somehow it's justifiable.

My husband is gone and I have 6 kids.

Yet...it's not REALLY justifiable.

I mean, really...there is no

"hubby is out of town clause" in the Bible.

I don't want to beat myself up,

and yet at the same time I don't want to cut myself

too much slack.

Ya know?

Anyway, our pastor has been doing a series for quite

a few weeks on spiritual warfare.

It's really quite fitting in my life right now.

I think sometimes as Christians, we tend to use

"spiritual attacks" as a justification for bad behavior.

I, myself, am guilty.

You see..the first 9 days of Joey being gone were

awesome. I was getting in the Word...praying..

staying on top of things...then,

a shift. My attitude. My choices.

Sure, there could be things happening that I can't see..

BUT,

I know for me it's choice. I know that I was NOT

choosing to put on the FULL armor.

I have all sorts of visuals in my mind now because of

the series we have been doing..and I think about

marching out to battle without my sword,

or my breastplate,

or my shoes...

that would be SO stupid.

YET....I do it.

We all do.

As I gained ground again today...I was reflecting

on these verses we have been going through and something that

I almost overlooked became SO real and so vivid to me.

It's verse 10...it says be strong in the LORD.

And in HIS mighty power.

I don't do that.

Let's be honest...it's hard to do.

I want to be in control, sometimes I'm just totally oblivious

and too busy to notice I've taken control back.

To take on the FULL armor isn't always easy.

There are too many days where one

or more than one pieces of the
armor get left behind
or looked over.

Today I wave the surrender flag once again.

Lord,

I need YOUR strength and YOUR power

to take on the full armor.

I need YOUR grace to run this race.

Let the evidence of YOUR
resurrection blood flowing
through

my veins
be evident.

Amen.

Asia through Joey's eyes

2011-07-27T20:04:00.000-07:00

speechless.

2011-07-26T22:17:00.001-07:00

Joey sent me this and I am...

Speechless.

Well,

2011-07-25T12:49:00.000-07:00

I guess the linky tool I use to make Raw happen now requires

payment....which is AWESOME except I don't have time to monkey with it right now.

SO,

in the mean time...

I will share with you a photo that Joey sent me.

He is currently in Laos...

Wednesday he will be going to Cambodia.

He got to ride an elephant in the mountains,

and met the long neck people of Thailand.

If you've never heard of them,

google it.

AMAZING.

I will catch up on Raw as soon as it makes the top of my priority chart.

2011-07-23T16:39:00.001-07:00

"You are as much serving God in looking after your own children, training them up in God's fear, minding the house, and making your household a church for God as you would be if you had been called to lead an army to battle for the Lord of Hosts. ~ Charles Spurgeon

I guess I can fill you in now :)

2011-07-19T11:00:00.000-07:00

Joey left today for East Asia.

He will be going to

Tokyo, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Laos,

Cambodia, & Indonesia.

(Hope I didn't forget any :))

On the 4th of August he will fly to Haiti.

He will be home the 12th of

AUGUST.

I will be posting photos and updates HERE

for our friends and family to follow!!!!!

Please pray for him. And us.

25 days is a LONG time.

Although we will miss each other terribly...

we KNOW this is a part of God's plan

for our lives.

I will give you details as I have time and get them!!!

Hey friends

2011-07-18T15:59:00.000-07:00

Just wanted you to know that I am swamped right now. I will explain later....(nothing to worry over)..but I'm not going to be able to put up the winner for Raw today. Also, since I forgot to tell you the theme for next weeks Raw, I am going to hold off and announce this weeks winner next Monday when we get Raw back up. Family is first right now and we have a lot going on. Priorities :) I will fill you in more as soon as I have time. In the mean time, you can start getting your photos ready for the Raw next week. The theme will be

VEGETABLES.

Why? Because I'm on a diet and have a lot around. It makes my life easier right now :) Thanks for understanding. I appreciate your prayers for us...the season we are in is NUTS. In an amazing way. Nuts can be overwhelming though. That's where I am right now. Just trying to breathe. Thanks everyone!!!!

Disturb us, Lord

2011-07-14T08:39:00.000-07:00

"Disturb us, Lord, when we are too well pleased with ourselves.

When our dreams come true because we dreamed too little.

When we arrive safely because we have sailed too

close to the shore.

Disturb us, Lord"

-Sir Francis Drake

RAW: WINDOWS

2011-07-11T18:11:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS to

"The Pike Family" blog...you

are the winner for

RAW: AMERICA

YOU get to decide who gets to win the new theme.

WINDOWS

all you have to do is email me YOUR choice for winner by Sunday

at 5pm!!!

And here is MY window shot.

I took this on Saturday.

I love me some stained glass windows!!!

Now it's time to link up yours!!!

Here's the rules:

The photo (PLEASE only post ONE photo) must be

straight out of the camera...

no edits at all.

No crops.

No saturation bumps.

No exposure changes.

No nothing.

Just your photo.

RAW.

You must also link to the PHOTO post not your blog url...

that makes voting easier. (Not having to dig around your blog to find it.)

You have until 5pm Friday to link up!!!

HAVE FUN!!!!!!!

sailor and company photography la crosse onalaska wi

Sunset+dock jumping=SUNDOCKING?

2011-07-08T06:21:00.000-07:00

Doesn't it make you just want to JUMP!!!!!!!!!!!???????

AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-07-04T13:18:00.000-07:00

It's back!!!!

I'm beyond stoked!!!

Raw this week:

AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!

Next week:

WINDOWS

(get your photos ready!!!)

Rules for RAW:

1. The photo must be STRAIGHT OUT OF THE CAMERA

(no cropping or editing AT ALL!!!)

2. BEFORE you link up, POST your photo AND
link to that SPECIFIC post (not your blog address)!!!

(If you link up here before

you post your photo, I will have to

delete your entry. )

People want to see your photo

entry when they click on your link!

Starting with the winner I pick

this week....the winner will always pick the next winner!

The chosen

winner will email me the person

THEY chose as a winner and I will

post it with the next THEME the following week!)

3. HAVE fun. This is all about learning and growing in

photography and having fun with it!!!

RAW is back THEME

2011-07-01T09:03:00.000-07:00

Okay,

here it is...

Raw is BACK...

the first theme is....

(drum roll inserted here)

AMERICA!!!!!!

put your own spin on it.

Anything that makes you think Red, White & Blue!!!

The only rule....

you cannot TOUCH the photo.

No editing or cropping AT ALL.

Don't boost the exposure.

Don't pull it down.

Don't bump the saturation.

Leave it "RAW".

In the BUFF.

Straight Out Of The Camera (SOOC)

Get your photo ready!!!
The link will be up on Monday, the 4th of JULY!!!!

You will have until Friday @ 5 pm CST to upload your photos!!!

I am BEYOND excited!!!!

Raw is BACK!!!!!!!!!!

2011-06-27T14:15:00.000-07:00

For those of you that are new around here....

Raw is a contest that I had around for quite a while.

It's simple.

There is a weekly theme.

I will put up the linky for you to add your photo

each week. I will pick the first winner,

who will then be the person that picks the

next winner....

Winner picks next winner is the way it will go.

The photos have to be TOTALLY untouched.

Straight out of the camera.

No crops.

No adjustments.

In the buff.

RAW.

We will start next Monday.

But,

we need a theme!!!!!

Leave your theme ideas in the comments and
I will choose one to start with!!!!

This will be AWESOME!!!!!!!!

Okay...I don't really like leaving people hanging....

2011-06-23T10:35:00.000-07:00

at least not for too long.

SO,

I'll tell you the exciting news.

I've decided that it's time to start up Raw again.

Don't know what it is?
THAT

you will have to stay tuned for.

I am SUPER excited.

Can't

Wait.

I have some exciting news.....

2011-06-23T08:04:00.001-07:00

STAY TUNED

Late night rambling

2011-06-20T23:00:00.000-07:00

Anyone out there struggle with discipline?
I try to keep my priorities straight.

It's hard.

Family, Friends, Facebook, blogs, texts, etc...
(somehow I left Jesus out of that line up. Hmmm..
proving my own point here, eh?)

America is FILLED with distractions.

I am a TOTAL sucker for them.

I'm in a really tough season.

The craziest part is that I am the one that is making it tougher.

You see,

we are in the middle of one of those

"can you please reveal your plan, Lord?" seasons.

It seems it has been going on for quite some time.

I'm exhausted.

And stressed.

But, again, the funny party is...

I'm the one making it more stressful.

Why can't I seem to just go with it.

Trust.

Abide.

Stay in the Word?

Pray without ceasing?

Why do I fall back to my own ways

of thinking? Why do I try to make things about me and

my plans?

Why have I been so impatient lately?
Anyone out there wonder the same thing?
I'm so busy. I don't really want to be.

I can't keep it all together.

The funny thing?
I don't give it to the ONE that CAN keep it all together.

So stupid. It doesn't make sense.

Why do I try to carry the burden that I know I can't carry?

His is easy AND light...yet

here

trying

to carry it

on my

OWN.

Anyone out there want to take HIS burden on with me?

Sailor is three

2011-06-17T07:10:00.000-07:00

and I can't believe it.

Oxton has a tooth.

I am swamped with photo shoots.

Life is crazy.

We are in a wild season.

I will share more later.

Is anyone even out there anymore?
I've been neglecting blogging.

Priorities, I guess!!! :)

2011-06-07T14:32:00.000-07:00

SUMMER TIME IS HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-05-31T09:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday it was in the 90's here.

We played in the sprinkler with friends.

Here are two of those friends.

SO SO FUN!!!

This memorial day...

2011-05-30T14:23:00.000-07:00

we remember Grandpa Tom...

Joey's father.

A year ago today he ended his life.

He is terribly missed.

His goofy grins,

the way he wrapped presents in newspapers,

his giving heart...

his helping hands.

He was and always will be dearly loved. ♥

Thankful

2011-05-28T19:53:00.000-07:00

I can't stop thinking about Joplin. I can't stop thinking about the pain.

The devastation.

My thoughts and prayers are consumed for these people that I have never met.

I can't stop thinking about

how thankful I am that

today

I am with my children....

That

today

we are together.

As Ox lays next to me in bed at night,

I breathe him in as deep as I can.

I listen to his breaths,

and thank God for them.

I ache for the families that have lost their loves.

I cannot begin to fathom how their hearts must feel.

Joey is there and we have spoken.

And cried.

And now...

we live each day thanking God that today...

we are alive.

And seeking HIM to show us how to help.

Oxton is now 7 months old.

(Can you believe it?!)

He is a complete joy.

I am

crazy about our

beautiful children (and our tiny one in heaven).

God, thank you for breath and life today.

Guide us as we seek to comfort
those that are mourning.

Joey is

2011-05-27T19:33:00.000-07:00

on his way to Joplin to serve the people so deeply affected by the tornado.

Please pray for him and the three men that went with him.

Joplin

2011-05-25T18:55:00.000-07:00

Does anyone have links to stories of hope in Joplin?

Tornado in town

2011-05-22T21:24:00.000-07:00

The last dance recital of the weekend ended with quite the grand finale!!!

As I was helping line up all of the 150+ dancers,

the power went off....the sirens started blaring...

and we were ushered down to the basement of the fine arts center

we were at.

There were 750+ people crammed in the basement hallway.

We were down there for about an hour.

Lots of little ones were crying.

My older 2 girls were with me...

(thank GOD)

and it was beautiful to watch them console the children.

It was pretty crazy.

Parents trying to find their children.

Children longing for their parents.

Joey was at home with the little 4 and my phone wouldn't work in

the basement to call him.

I was obviously a bit worried.

I hated not being together with the whole family.

But, at the same time I was thankful that

I had decided at the last minute to be a helper in the recital dressing

and holding room.

There were LOTS of little ones that needed

momma type hugs and assurance.

Although the devastation in my town was unreal...

I can't help but feel heartbroken for the towns that were hit

with damage that goes far beyond bricks and mortar.

Here are a few photos I took after we emerged from the basement.

DANCE

2011-05-18T22:47:00.000-07:00

This week is FULL of dress rehearsals and recitals.

I LOVE watching my girls dance their hearts out.

(Kali is the 2nd from the right)

sailor and company photography la crosse wi

THIS GIRL

2011-05-13T18:22:00.000-07:00

Designed her own PROM dress.

Her mom made it.

Isn't it sensational?

LOVE IT.

(she also happens to be one of our AMAZING babysitters and
one of my girls' dance teachers!!!)

sailor and company photography la crosse wisconsin

PROM

2011-05-09T19:29:00.000-07:00

New tattoo

2011-05-05T05:35:00.000-07:00

So, I had my sweet Dorian design me a tattoo. A REAL tattoo. He drew it up...I took it in and had it inked on me. Forever. I couldn't think of a better tattoo for a mom than something done by one of her beautiful children. I can't wait to get it finished.

Happy Mother's Day to me. ♥

(ignore the quality it's a cell phone pic...and I have no clue what the white speckles all over it are)

CANKLES

2011-04-30T09:04:00.000-07:00

IT SHOULD BE CALLED BEST FRIDAY.

2011-04-22T16:35:00.001-07:00

THANK YOU JESUS.

We have

2011-04-19T13:26:00.000-07:00

snow.

again.

on april 19th.

which happens to be...

Dorian's birthday!!!

Yes, my first born

boy is 7 today :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DORIAN!!!

You are an UNBELIEVABLE blessing to us.

I love life.

2011-04-14T20:02:00.001-07:00

Yesterday

2011-04-13T05:39:00.000-07:00

my niece, Riley, came over for a short visit.

You KNOW I had to squeeze in a picture or two. Or more.

She's 4 days older than Ox...

and considerably smaller.

Just a quick thought...

2011-04-11T21:23:00.000-07:00

(reflecting on Esther chapter 1)

I find it really interesting that the disobedience of one woman could affect not only herself, but the whole kingdom. The king was concerned about how her actions would appear to the other wives. He said, they too, would be disrespectful and disobedient to their husbands.

Isn't it amazing how true that is. If one of my girlfriends saw me talking rudely to Joey or even worse behind his back about him...that would give her license to do the same thing, wouldn't it? Or at least she could justify it maybe more easily in her own mind? I actually feel very strongly about not ever talking about Joey in a negative way to my friends. Sure, I share my thoughts and my struggles, but I definitely would never air his dirty laundry or talk badly about him. That's a practice we should all have. To build them up. ( I am not saying if your husband is abusing you that you should keep quiet-I'm saying if he ticks me off because he won't help me with the dishes that I won't talk about what a lazy jerk he is. I also won't share his personal struggles without his knowing about it. )

Lord,

help us to be woman that bring honor and respect to the husbands, and other people in our lives.

Many people are watching us, let us be good examples. And when we

fail, which is inevitable, let us humbly repent to you and to those who have

seen it. Let us be in practice of using our words and behaviors to

lift others up and not tear others down.

Amen.

Read this...we will discuss later...if you have anything you want to talk about specifically ask or comment in the comment section!!!!

2011-04-07T10:12:00.000-07:00

Esther 1

Queen Vashti Deposed

¹ This is what happened during the time of Xerxes,^[a] the Xerxes who ruled over 127 provinces stretching from India to Cush^[b]: ² At that time King Xerxes reigned from his royal throne in the citadel of Susa, ³ and in the third year of his reign he gave a banquet for all his nobles and officials. The military leaders of Persia and Media, the princes, and the nobles of the provinces were present. ⁴ For a full 180 days he displayed the vast wealth of his kingdom and the splendor and glory of his majesty. ⁵ When these days were over, the king gave a banquet, lasting seven days, in the enclosed garden of the king’s palace, for all the people from the least to the greatest who were in the citadel of Susa. ⁶ The garden had hangings of white and blue linen, fastened with cords of white linen and purple material to silver rings on marble pillars. There were couches of gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl and other costly stones. ⁷ Wine was served in goblets of gold, each one different from the other, and the royal wine was abundant, in keeping with the king’s liberality. ⁸ By the king’s command each guest was allowed to drink with no restrictions, for the king instructed all the wine stewards to serve each man what he wished.
⁹ Queen Vashti also gave a banquet for the women in the royal palace of King Xerxes.
¹⁰ On the seventh day, when King Xerxes was in high spirits from wine, he commanded the seven eunuchs who served him—Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar and Karkas— ¹¹ to bring before him Queen Vashti, wearing her royal crown, in order to display her beauty to the people and nobles, for she was lovely to look at. ¹² But when the attendants delivered the king’s command, Queen Vashti refused to come. Then the king became furious and burned with anger.
¹³ Since it was customary for the king to consult experts in matters of law and justice, he spoke with the wise men who understood the times ¹⁴ and were closest to the king—Karshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena and Memukan, the seven nobles of Persia and Media who had special access to the king and were highest in the kingdom.
¹⁵ “According to law, what must be done to Queen Vashti?” he asked. “She has not obeyed the command of King Xerxes that the eunuchs have taken to her.”
¹⁶ Then Memukan replied in the presence of the king and the nobles, “Queen Vashti has done wrong, not only against the king but also against all the nobles and the peoples of all the provinces of King Xerxes. ¹⁷ For the queen’s conduct will become known to all the women, and so they will despise their husbands and say, ‘King Xerxes commanded Queen Vashti to be brought before him, but she would not come.’ ¹⁸ This very day the Persian and Median women of the nobility who have heard about the queen’s conduct will respond to all the king’s nobles in the same way. There will be no end of disrespect and discord.
¹⁹ “Therefore, if it pleases the king, let him issue a royal decree and let it be written in the laws of Persia and Media, which cannot be repealed, that Vashti is never again to enter the presence of King Xerxes. Also let the king give her royal position to someone else who is better than she. ²⁰ Then when the king’s edict is proclaimed throughout all his vast realm, all the women will respect their husbands, from the least to the greatest.”
²¹ The king and his nobles were pleased with this advice, so the king did as Memukan proposed. ²² He sent dispatches to all parts of the kingdom, to each province in its own script and to each people in their own language, proclaiming that every man should be ruler over his own household, using his native tongue.

(copied from biblegateway.com)

For real this time....

2011-04-04T09:22:00.000-07:00

I promise.

It's coming.

We will dive into the book of Esther.

I'm studying it further this week.

With Joey.

(who always has amazing insight)

And, I will share

some thoughts.

You can get ready by reading it.

Again, maybe since I said I'd do it 2 weeks ago.

Never hurts to read things more than once :).

I always seem to gain new things from Bible stories when

I read them over and over anyway.

See,

I'm just helping :).

I just put my cell phone pics on my computer...thought I'd share a few of my favorites

2011-04-03T20:50:00.000-07:00

delicious "little" legs

"noah's ark"

yummy treats

breathing treatments

birthday surprises

dinosaur breathing treatments

"hanging on"

dance classes

bees knees

dripping, long hair

little feet, bigger feet

dangling, dry hair

new bows

big smiles, bigger eyes

pantyhose?

yummy thigh

really cute pillow at tjmaxx

I love these times.

2011-03-30T11:50:00.001-07:00

photo credit Aiyana

This post

2011-03-29T20:27:00.000-07:00

spoke to my heart. So, I'm going to share it with you. Click HERE.

2011-03-25T17:51:00.001-07:00

Purifying

2011-03-24T22:25:00.000-07:00

1 John 1:9

⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Confess? Our sins? Yikes. To Him? To others? To OURSELVES?

Maybe to ourselves is the hardest part. It's hard to admit that we are flawed. It's hard to admit that we are desperately in need of HIM. Our righteousness? It depends on it. It's not necessarily easy to admit that we don't have it all together. At least for some. Sometimes, that's me.

I've been crying a lot lately. Mostly at night. When my world stops spinning like crazy with diapers, (not doing) laundry, medicine, potty training (or not), meals, phone calls, texts, MOM!!!!'s.....when I'm not needed. When I'm alone. When all is quiet. I reflect on my days. I think about what was good. I ponder what wasn't. I wish I could change things, I probably worry too much about those things. I worry that I won't have another chance to make wrongs right. I sit. By myself. (Joey goes to bed early. He's wise. Super. Wise.) and think. Way too much. I get overwhelmed at the world. I want to save it. To heal hurts. To make this world okay. I love hard. I love much. Love is something I am good at. Too good, maybe.

I get distracted. Facebook. Blogs. Texts. News (bad idea at night)(thank God we have no television..I'd be a junky!!!)....the list goes on and on. BUT, when I take the time..to just let HIM speak. Boy, does HE.

Tonight, I was tearing up listening to some beautiful Jimmy Needham music. I go through times where I listen to the same album for weeks and weeks. Right now, Jesus is totally speaking to my heart through Mr. Needham. I thought about the amazing things that happened today. The laughter. The love. My beautiful family. I am beyond blessed. But, the things I don't do perfect, or do at all keep throwing their stupid lies at me. You won't change...they say. They are full of crap. I went to biblegateway.com to see the "verse of the day". It spoke. Clearly.

Straight to my heart.

1 John 1:9

⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Tonight....I am confessing. I am admitting. My desperate need. My utter depravity. I am nothing.

Without Him.

The things I do wrong?

He loves me just the same.

It makes my bio on the left so real. So true. So NOT canned. It's easy to see it and forget the truth in it.

"Defined wholly by the Creator. He gives me meaning and breath. He is my strength and my righteousness. I am Sam, learning to let Him complete who I am."

Jesus, your grace...is all that I need.

Honestly

2011-03-24T21:01:00.000-07:00

Honestly,

I feel like crap.

I don't feel like doing anything.
The laundry is piled up to the ceiling.

Almost.

The floors are dirty.

The toilets, too.

The sheets aren't on the kids beds.

I haven't showered for 2 days.

I know, so gross.

Oh WELL.

I feel overwhelmed by it all.

Defeated.

I stink when it comes to baby steps.

I look at the mountain and

just stare.

I'm learning about that.

How I need to pick a hunk of rock

and grab on.

Then the next.

Then,

the next.

Instead.

I sit.

Still.

I try to find the upside of things.

The dishes are clean..

so that's a good thing.

Thank God my big girls have

been really stepping it up this week.

So,

Joey got home from CO late

Monday.

He came home...

sick.
I MEAN REALLY???

Unfortunately neither of us are feeling

so hot.

He has to work this weekend, too.

So, it seems like we won't catch up.

BUT,

WE WILL.

Okay, the rant is over.

I just wanted you to know that

HONESTLY...

I don't have it all together.

ALL.

That felt so good.

but...

I must add

that I am in the middle of this

crazy season

in my life.

I hate it, but I love it at the same time.

God is really showing me

who I really am.

Broken, needy.

It's quite beautiful actually.

To realize that it's okay.
I can't do it on my own.

I need HIM.

I am so thankful that

in these wild times I have the most

AMAZING

family in the

universe

to walk life out with.

INCREDIBLY

THANKFUL.

There has been a whole lotta this goin on

2011-03-23T23:07:00.000-07:00

thank you to my sweet Joey, for taking this beautiful picture.

Newborn/Now

2011-03-23T06:05:00.000-07:00

**update..I took Oxton back in for a weight check and a lung listen.

(per docs orders..I totally didn't wanna leave the house)

His ear has cleared up!!! The pediatrician checked and mine

has too!!!! :) His lungs are sounding better...

not quite as "tight". So that's great. He is pretty skinny (HA) as he

is down to 19.18 pounds :(. Poor guy.

Thank you God that he had weight to spare!!!

I'm sure once he is well he will put the pounds right back on.

Thanks for your prayers everyone!!!

I can't believe he will be 5 months old on the 26th.

(insert sniffs. lots of sniffs)

He's just "slightly" bigger

than the first picture.

He also rubbed off the back of his hair.

I took the last picture a couple of weeks ago,

he has since had

a hair cut.

We are still recovering.

Oxton actually lost some weight.

He started this whole bout

of sickness at 21.77 pounds.

Sunday he was 19.88.

Thank God he had some to spare.

Poor honey.

He's still sleeping soundly,

and has to have a checkup later today

(because of his weight loss and breathing issues).

Thank you so much for

all of your prayers and love.

Have a super blessed day!!!

How could I have forgotten

2011-03-22T09:54:00.000-07:00

to tell you...

I got a flat tire.

Yes, after spending 4 hours at the clinic

yesterday...

I was on my way to

pick up the kids from school...

and..

BOOM

flat

tire.

I seriously laughed so hard.

I called Joey...

who was on his way home from 5 days snowboarding

in Colorado and

just...

laughed...

and maybe teared up

little).

At least

he saw a beautiful sunrise on HIS way home :)

Did I also tell you he takes beautiful photographs?
Who knows, maybe we'll team up :)

The verdict is in.

2011-03-21T16:46:00.001-07:00

Oxton and I have

ear infections,

sinus infections,

and bronchitis/pneumonia.

Thank God Joey comes home tonight.

Esther to come.

Ox feels crummy. I feel crummy. I don't like cold season. At. All.

2011-03-18T18:52:00.000-07:00

It's my birthday

2011-03-18T05:17:00.000-07:00

and I'll take a nap if I want to.

I hope.

I am so tired.

Ox is sick. Again.

He had a horrible night sleep :(.

Lots of coughing and crying.

He NEVER cries,

so I know he was feeling awful.

Joey is in Colorado for his yearly

snowboarding trip with some teenagers.

This year it happens to fall on my birthday.

So,

no rest for me last night.

Praying today goes better than 3 a.m went.

Thanks in advance for your prayers for Oxton.

I will talk about my thoughts on

Esther as soon as I can.

Much love,

Sami

(this might have been a shameless birthday & sympathy plug)

I've really been pondering

2011-03-15T08:49:00.000-07:00

the book of Esther.

(in the Bible)

I'm going to talk about a few things that stood out to me in the next week.

If you want to get a jump start,

read Esther.

It's only 10 chapters and it's a super quick read.

I'd love to talk with you all about it!!!

Kalista came to me and said...

2011-03-14T15:21:00.000-07:00

(I wear this hat. daily.)

Japan

2011-03-14T07:29:00.000-07:00

Let us remember that there is far more going on outside of our

drive-thru, fast paced world.

Let's slow down, take time, and pray for the nations.

The people.
There are so many facing terror and grief.

It's breaking my heart.

We must become a nation devoted to prayer.

Revival begins in our own hearts.
Let us look to you, oh Lord. Have mercy on us.

Done with the FLUFF

2011-03-11T11:03:00.000-08:00

On Monday,

I was seriously going to pull the plug on my blog.

I was ready to.
Joey and I had talked about it and he was in support

of my decision...although he thought

I might regret it later.

I decided not to post my farewell post.

I'm glad I waited.

I don't think God is done with it.

Not yet, at least.

Things are going to hopefully be very different here.

I'm done with themes, and memes,

and all of those silly things.

(Rawe, DIY, etsy, recipes, etc)

I don't want to feel like I HAVE to entertain anyone.

That is not why I started this.

I'm getting back to why.

(Those things are ok & fun, but not worth time away from my family.)

So,

I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it yet,

but for certain it will be different.

God is doing things in our family.

Things are shifting.

I want to share all of that.

I don't want to waste space,

or time with fluff.

My sidebar will be a lot less busy now :)

Thanks for understanding.
If you choose to stick around,

that's fantastic...I can't wait to share some of the things

on our hearts.

Be forewarned that I am not going to hold back.

In real life I am not quiet.

I am not soft spoken.
I am bold, and say what is on my mind. And in my heart.

I am unashamed of my beliefs.

That is what I will be about here, too.

For sure I will share funny things my children do,

they, too, are what makes my life amazing.

I'm just dumpin' the fluff.

Life is SO short.

2011-03-09T22:46:00.000-08:00

WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?????????????????????????????????????

Haiti

2011-03-08T20:00:00.000-08:00

through Joey's eyes

Sailor fell asleep. On Oxton's chair. :)

2011-03-07T21:40:00.000-08:00

I can't believe

2011-03-04T00:41:00.000-08:00

how late I stayed up tonight.

I am seriously going to regret this tomorrow.

Or today, I guess.

I am SO looking forward to the weekend.

Just so you know,

I am taking a blogging break.

I will see you Monday.

If I decide to come back then. :)

Take care everyone!!!

I'm going to leave you with a quote from Sailor

"I won't pee in my shoes. I pwomise momma"

Heavy on my heart....

2011-03-03T22:03:00.000-08:00

I posted this out of shear heartbreak.

It is in no way meant to judge.

Quite the contrary.

We have been given far more grace than we deserve. I pray that we would learn

to extend it to others. They will know we belong to him because of OUR love

for others.

Tonight I witnessed Christians tearing down other Christians, other people.

In fact, a lot of times I witness it.

I am heartbroken that people treat God's creation with such contempt.

We are all guilty of it, I suppose.

But we really need to own up to it and make it right when we

are.

This is kindof long.

If you know me, you know that I try to keep

things short, sweet, and to the point.

Unless it's necessary to be longer winded.

This is one of those times.

I wrote this last year...it is based off of the picture at the top

of my blog.

It came to me at a prayer meeting.

Pierced

resentment and rage

we gossip, then slay

His children

false humility

envy..

it's all the same

lust and greed

they disgust Him equally

slander and malice

the heart so corrupt

deceit meets cursing

laziness

dances

with unmet need

revenge births murder

golden gods rob our hope

adultery trashing unions,

we sit by and watch

we covet and steal

Jesus,

only your love reveals

that

we are washed and new

purified in You

bandaged and held

in your arms we will dwell

afflicted and crushed

proved your affections for us

you were

pierced

you were

whipped

you bled for

our shame

you conquered

death

beat it to shame

glory to

your name

God,

help us to walk in your power

Spirit, guide us

Fire, refine us

we'll delight in your ways

Holy breath come upon us

Consume our heart

Remind us

of the nails driven deep

crown on your brow

the stone rolled in front

you took the brunt

heart

beat

they pushed it away

Hallelujah,

you ascend today

glory to the Father

our sin has no name

your blood overflowing

covers

our

shame

The many faces of Oxton

2011-03-03T08:51:00.000-08:00

with one common theme:

HUGE EYES.

This day

2011-03-02T18:57:00.000-08:00

last year,

I met Sarita.

I'm kinda lame

2011-03-02T08:50:00.000-08:00

I've been in a bit of a funk.

Can you tell?
I haven't really been posting much.

I haven't taken any pics of the fam for a while.

I'm just in a weird place.

Not a bad place.

Just a weird one.

I was sick for a few days and now Kali has a

massive ear infection.

Ox has a little cough and I am hoping

and praying it stays little.

(and goes away QUICK)

For the sake of a less boring post,

I decided to post a photo.

Ya know,

from this day last year...

which we all know I love to do.

So here you go:

Anyone remember what this was about?

(that's me)

Two things...

2011-02-27T20:43:00.000-08:00

Remember my friend Molly that I posted maternity photos of

a few days ago?
She had her baby!!!!!

AND

He was 11 pounds 3 ounces and 23.5 inches long!!!!!!!

Can you believe it?
Neither can I.

You know there will be pics to come.
I can't WAIT to photograph that CHUNKY monkey.

Secondly,

I shot a GORGEOUS wedding yesterday.

Shirt VS Face

2011-02-25T05:47:00.000-08:00

someone called this an

OXymoron.

My friend Molly is due TODAY.

2011-02-24T15:51:00.000-08:00

So, we thought we ought to squeeze in a shoot.

Oxton decided he wasn't having it...

so this is what we got in about 4.5 minutes.

Literally.

Isn't she GORGEOUS!!!???

I can only imagine what we could have done in TEN!!!

Some things aren't.....

2011-02-24T06:33:00.000-08:00

(Sawed-off shotgun yielding guards? YOWZA. I'd probably crap myself...(at least he's smiley)

also...does the guy on the left remind anyone else of
old school times

Eddie Murphy?!?!?!?!)

(photo by Joey, of course)

Some things are the same no matter where you are....

2011-02-23T21:21:00.001-08:00

I haven't really

2011-02-21T22:58:00.000-08:00

been able to post about Joey's trip to Haiti.

It has proven difficult for him to truly convey what

he saw, heard, felt, smelled, etc.

It would be even harder for me to share it second hand.

Or would that be third hand?

Either way,

I will try to have him share a few thoughts

as soon as he has had time to gather them.

He said it was also a challenge to take photos,

because it just was either unsafe,

or would have been completely inappropriate to

take photos the places he went.

Thanks for understanding.

Please keep him, and us in your prayers.

We aren't 100% sure what all of this means for

our family.

We will wait on God to answer that for us.

In the mean time,

look at this beautiful boy...

had I met him I would have been tempted

beyond belief to bring him home with me.

There are many more just like him waiting for homes.

I wish I could hold them all.

Love them all.

Kiss them all.

Or at least just one.

(photo by Joey)

Joey is home.

2011-02-20T18:50:00.000-08:00

Though he is so thankful to be with us,

He already misses Haiti.

(plenty of photos to come,

& stories by Joey)

(photo courtesy my Joey)

I love you, too babe!!!!!

2011-02-17T22:12:00.000-08:00

And I can't wait to see you on Saturday!!!

I can't decide....

2011-02-16T21:13:00.000-08:00

on my header. I know it is a pretty trivial thing, in light of all that is

going on with my husband in Haiti.

I feel silly even worrying about it.

I decided it was time for a new layout because I didn't like how small

my images in the posts were.
BUT, that made me want to change EVERYTHING.

I don't have a decent recent (love how I rhyme?)

picture of all of the kids together,

so I thought I'd change it up a bit. I already miss

seeing my kids at the top, but that will change soon.

I guess I will be taking some pictures of the whole crew in the near future.

Until then, I hope you enjoy my take (header photo) on

Isaiah 53:5

"But he was pierced for our transgressions,

he was crushed for our iniquities:

the punishment that brought

peace was

upon him,

and by

his wounds we are

healed."

This is long...

2011-02-16T18:38:00.000-08:00

and somewhat hard.

I have been doing really well with Joey gone.

Today it has begun to take a bit of a toll.

I imagine it must be because super cool things are happening on

his end!!!

It seems to work that way sometimes.

I miss him crazy.

I haven't heard from him today,

so that doesn't help.
Not worrying is much easier said than done.

Please keep us in your prayers.

COFFEE on ME

2011-02-15T10:53:00.000-08:00

Actually,

CHRISTINA

won the

Starbucks gift card!!!

Congrats!!!
EMAIL ME

and let me know if you would like

it to Starbucks, or somewhere else.
(I also need your address :) )

Please be praying for Joey!!!

Thanks everyone!!!

I have a fun & super cheap and easy DIY project coming up next!!!

I'm off to Bible study.

2011-02-15T05:37:00.000-08:00

Later today Oxton is going to announce the winner of

the gift card giveaway.

I used random.org and she has already been chosen!!!!

For now,

I thought I'd leave you with an image:

Joey texted this to me yesterday.

He also said that he wasn't able to take his phone or

camera with him 95 % of the places he went.

Yesterday, he was able...

as he said

"this was a very nice place".

Really?

Oh, America,

we have a lot to learn.

He also sent me a message last night,

that said

"I'm a mess.

I played for a couple hours today

with a dozen boys under the age of 8 @

the home for the dying and destitute.

They were orphans.

A couple kept saying something and I didn't know what it was.

The translator looked over at me and

said "Joe, they are telling me they love you!""

Wow.

To say I cried is a major league understatement.

I have a pretty good feeling that Port au Prince, Haiti is going

to change our lives drastically for the better.

I am also thinking that it might be scary good.

Uncomfortable possibly.

I am so excited.

I will see you all later today :)

2/14/11

2011-02-14T10:26:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share the love,

so I'm getting a $20 gift card

for one of

YOU!!!

If you don't have a Starbucks,

how about Caribou? Or anywhere else you LOVE that I

have where I am!!!

I will pick a winner in the morning

using random.org!!!

All you have to do is say something

about LOVE!!!

In case you didn't notice....

2011-02-12T18:59:00.000-08:00

I like to go back in time and look at photos to

see what we were doing at the same time the year,

or two before (or more)....

Anyway,

today was a great day.

And a rough day.

I drove out into the boonies today

to pick up a bunk bed that I found on craigslist.

When I was on the way my low coolant light

came on.

GREAT.

I got to the house and it had a

HUGE

garage in it. With lotsa tools.

I asked the ladies husband if he had

any anti-freeze.

OF COURSE HE DID.

He was a

MECHANIC!!!

(the following might lead you to believe that I

am a total baffoon..I deserve it.)

When he walked over to my truck

he noticed that I had a

(pretty close to) FLAT TIRE.

OH!!! That explains why the ride seemed

SO BUMPY.

Geesh.

Anyway,

he put on my full size spare,

topped off my coolant and even delivered

the bunk beds so that I wouldn't have to

worry about it.

THANK YOU JESUS.

During this I realized how much I depend on Joey.

I love him so very much.

He is for sure my hero.

I have been REALLY missing him today.

I looked for some photos of him and found

a cool one that I recently took and put it on facebook.

Then I went to this time last year's files...

Which is what was SO STINKIN' COOL!!!!

The photo that I found in the FEB 12, 2010

folder that I was digging around in...

was SO awesome. It totally made my day.

Look what I found:

IT SAYS MY HERO!!!!!!

(And that's my Joey holding it!!!)

Last year our kids got a bunch

of heart candies during the Valentine's season...

I had never seen one that said MY HERO,

so I had Joey hold it up.

FITTING.

Since he is mine, after all.
(if you click the pic it should get bigger)

This

2011-02-10T23:04:00.000-08:00

is where my Joey is.

I'd be a liar if I said there wasn't a part of me

that is fearful.

I know that God has him there,

and it is my part to trust that He is in control.

No matter what.

I already miss him like crazy and it has only

been a couple of days.

I likely won't hear from him much,

and I'm guessing that to be

the hardest part.

I have to make a choice not to worry for

his safety.

I have to be cautious about letting my thoughts get the best of me.

Please,

I am pleading with you...

PLEASE

keep him in your prayers.

While he is there he will also be going to

an orphanage and the Mother Theresa home for

the dying and destitute.

This is going to rock his world.

And that will rock mine.

Thank you friends.

Joey,

I love you & am so proud of you for

stepping outside of our comfortable life & into

heartache, hope and desperation!!!

We miss you like MAD & we

love you tons of billions of infinities!!!

(ALSO: OX GOT TO TALK TO DADDY LAST NIGHT)

PRAYING FOR OWEN

2011-02-10T06:32:00.001-08:00

Click the link over to the right to read more about Owen.

This sweet little man is having heart surgery.

Again.

Pray for him and his family.

Please.

Thank you.

thank you jesus

2011-02-09T23:32:00.000-08:00

I wondered what I was doing

2011-02-09T11:34:00.000-08:00

this time last year.

SO,

I went to my photos of course.

I found something that made me smile.

I was making a tutu for a friend and

needed help from a "model".

Roman was the only one around.

So I used him :).

Don't worry. He forgot all about it :)

I'm going to be working on some new posts featuring YOU.

2011-02-07T07:12:00.000-08:00

If you have recipes you'd like me to try, photograph, share & link to you,

email me at notyourgrandmasrecipes@gmail.com

If you would like to be featured on a DIY project linked to you,

email me at sailorandcodiy@gmail.com

If you would like to be featured for your ETSY shop,

email me at showmeyouretsy@gmail.com

If you have ideas for RAW themes or suggestions about RAW

(straight out of the camera shots...balloons, love, water, etc)

email me at sailorandcoraw@gmail.com

Thanks everyone.

I am super excited for what is to come here.

Have a great day!!!
One more thing:
I have a huge computer screen so it's hard for me to tell...
is my new font too small to read on an average sized computer screen?

PROUD PACKER BACKERS (with friends)

2011-02-06T21:32:00.000-08:00

THAT'S RIGHT!!! PACKERS!!!!!!!!!

WOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!!!