One More Day

I think all the late nights and early mornings finally caught up with me. Knowing I didn't have to get up early, and we had no major plans today, I slept in this morning. The sound of family coming into the house and getting breakfast going finally got me out of bed.

After running some errands around the big town of Altoona we decided to head over the mountain to the crash site of Flight 93. I have been to ground zero and was curious how this would compare. Obviously it doesn't receive the coverage that NYC does, but it was a great trip non the less.

We pulled into the parking lot for the temporary memorial site and found a spot. It was just at 5:30 and the sun was just about ready to set. There were others at the memorial as well. Right now the memorial is a small fenced in area with a shelter containing books showing pictures and dialouge of what happened that day. Outside there is a wall made of wood and chain link fencing where people have left t-shirts, hats, liscence plates, toy box cars, and all sorts of other memorabilia to honor these people. Around the fecncing were lots of stone monuments that reminded me of headstones. In the far corner flew the American flag next to a rugged cross. Down the center of the memorial sat benches. On each plank of the back of the bench was a name of someone who was on Flight 93. We sat for a few minutes on these benches. All was silent. The sun was low in the sky, peaking out behind a few clouds. The breeze blew, snapping the flags overhead. Birds flew overhead, calling. It was a reminder to me that this is the middle of a field. Off to the left is the farm house and buildings. I'm sure their world has changed since that day in 2001.

We started our trip back home. All six of us squeezed into the pickup. The colors are really starting to change and the view out the windows was amazing. Such brilliant reds and oranges.

Now we are back at Cody's. We're all checked in for our flight home tomrrow, directions back to Baltimore are written down, and we are settling in for what will hopefully be a great Monday Night Football game between the Steeler and the Ravens. The trip is coming to a close. It has been a great weekend full of family and fun, moments and memories to last a lifetime. I don't want to leave, but I am ready to go home.

Gettysburg

Well, with the wedding behind us we decided to become tourists. Cody & Casie needed and wanted a little time to themselves, so the families took off for Gettysburg this morning after breakfast.

The trip took us through some beautiful mountains. The color on the trees has turned even more since we arrived just a few short days ago. And after getting slightly turned around in Gettysburg (who knew the Visitor Center was different than the Military Visitor Center?) we found ourselves, tickets in hand, for a new film about Gettysburg. This is the grand opening weekend for the new visitor center and museum. They have a new film called The New Birth of Freedom playing at the museum. Narrated by Morgan Freeman, this film captures the events leading up to the Battle at Gettysburg and the significance of this battle in about 20 minutes. I learned so much! If only you could see something like this in High School American History class. It talked about the financial and political risks taken by Lincoln and the Union to fight for the freedom of slaves. Truly remarkable.

After the film we headed out of the visitor center with our newly purchased guide book and started following the signs for the Auto Tour. This tour, accompanied by our CD's took us to fifteen different significant sights on the 24 mile trip around the battle field. It really was such a wonderful experience. The roads created for the tour take you mainly along the battle lines between the Confederate troops and Union troops. You can look to your left and right and see monuments built to honor all the infantries and brigades from each state engaged in the battle. It helped you get a sense of how many men from as far south as Florida and as far west as Minnesota were involved in this war. I'm not sure I can put into words what it was like to stand in the same place as these men who fought so fiercely for what they believed. In many ways these fields have not changed significantly since those July days in 1863. Yet, as we drove, we wove in and out of the town. It made you realize that this battle didn't take place somewhere outside in a field...but literally right in someones back yard. In fact there is a museum in town that was once a house and the site of the only woman who died during this battle. She was killed by a stray bullet while baking bread.

After our three-hour auto tour we were hungry and ready for a bite. We found a cute little Italian place and enjoyed a lovely meal of Stromboli, manacotti, and lasagna. Sufficiently full, we headed home.

I am looking forward to a great night of watching What Not To Wear, blogging, catching up on emails, and enjoying the peace in this house for one more night. Tomorrow, we are going to visit the crash site of Flight 93 in Shanksville and then maybe head toward Hershey, PA and see if we can find some Amish shops along the way. It should be another great day as tourists!

Just Look at You Girl

Today my little brother married the love of his life, Casie Marie. When I first met Casie a few years ago I could tell that this one was different. The way Cody looked at her and talked about her, I knew. They were engaged last summer, and after some very difficult living and work situations, they have landed on a great ranch in PA, where today they were married.

The morning passed in a flurry of activity. The girls got their hair done in town, the log cabin had to be decorated for the dinner and reception, the cake and caterer came bearing their goods. Before we knew it 3pm was upon us and a small group of family and friends gathered in the barn as the soundtrack to Lonesome Dove played in the background. It was a simple and beautiful wedding. I had tears before the ceremony began. I had tears during the ceremony. And I even had a few tears later at the dance. To see my nieces all dressed up - looking so beautiful! And to see the look on my little brother's face as he saw his bride for the first time in her wedding dress. Moments like that just don't come along twice.

Amidst all the picture taking, guests began enjoying food and conversation. The group was intimate and most everyone knew everyone else. There was much laughter as we enjoyed our roast beef and ham with all the sides. It felt more like a family reunion than a wedding reception.

As the evening progressed we began to dance. Cody & Casie started us off with their wedding dance to Chris Ledoux's Just Look At You Girl. I couldn't help but tear up again. My little brother...my Cody...married. It just doesn't seem real. To see him hold Casie, to whisper in her ear, to show affection the way only a man truly in love can for the woman he loves. It was amazing. To see the gentle heart he likes people to think doesn't exist...but we all secretly know is there. It was a moment I'll treasure.

As was the time I spent on the couch with Abbee. I was walking by the darkened room when I saw my niece laying on the couch. She was all alone looking down. I went over and asked if I could sit with her. As we lay on the couch together she curled up next to me, her head on my chest and her hands in mine. I leaned down to kiss her head. She looked up at me and said, "I love you Aunt Sarah." Wow. Precious. Just the two of us, sharing a moment, curled up on the couch together. Another sweet moment while activity and music was all around us.

Moments like this happened all night. Seeing my mom and brother dance to Elvis. Having my dad ask me to dance with him to Alabama. Watching my brother-in-law dance with his oldest. Having conversations with new people and those I've know for a while now. Just a night full of moments and memories that will forever be remembered.

The First Day

So, I started earlier wanting to write about the day...but realized I couldn't really do that until the end of the day. Now I'm tucked away in a bedroom at Cody's house in PA. It has been a wonderful first day here for the wedding.

The weather in PA this weekend is cool, foggy, and drizzle. Not what Casie had wanted for a wedding in a field. But there is a back up plan. And you can't really complain about this weather.

The ranch is tucked away in a valley. The leaves are just starting to turn shades of purple, brilliant red, and soft yellow. It is so peaceful here. Rolling hills and open fields boxed in by trees as far as you can see.

Since the weather isn't ideal, we will have the wedding in a barn. Still very cool. Today we set out hay bales for benches and a horse drawn cart flanked by bales with lights strewn on them. Then the ladies put together a couple of flower arrangements using boots for vases. Yes, this is a very casual and very country wedding. And it seems so fitting for Cody & Casie.

Tonight dinner was up at the big house. Or maybe I should say the big log cabin. The people who own this ranch where Cody & Casie live have just finished a log cabin up the hill that over looks the valley. It has enough double beds to sleep 36 people comfortably. So all the family and friends in from out of town have a place to stay right here on the ranch.

As I sat tonight enjoying our delicious steak dinner, I looked around. I have only just met some of these people, yet felt like I was among family. The house smelled of good food, and conversation and laughter were all around. I watched the face of my oldest niece as she talked with one of the other kids. Her eyes danced as she listened to the story he told. All three nieces have made quick friends with the other kids as they rode 4-wheelers and played Wii all day long.

Then tonight, before heading back down to the house I'm staying in, I snuggled with my dad. Yes, I'm 30 years old...and yes, I just admitted I snuggled with my dad. I leaned my head on his shoulder and curled up next to him. Our arms and hands intertwined, I listened to his breathing and the conversations around me. I don't get many chances to just be like that. Savoring the time with family all a flury around me. It was a precious moment.

Tomorrow will pass too quickly, I'm sure. We'll be up, getting hair done, putting finishing touches on the cabin for the reception, getting everyone dressed and ready for the wedding. But I look forward to being here tomorrow night, writing and sharing about the day my little brother gets married. There may be a few tears on the keyboard, but that's never stopped me before.

Baggage Claim...

Yesterday we traveled for 16 hours before we landed on the doorstep of Cody & Casie's house. Our flight from Denver to Minneapolis was uneventful - and early. We left DIA at 6am. But the ride from Minneapolis to Baltimore was a bit more stormy. In fact the landing was very rough. I normally don't mind turbulence, but this was longer than I anticipated and I was just ready to land.

Casie's brother was traveling with us, but on a different flight. While he landed within minutes of our flight, it took nearly an hour for his bag to show up. While we waited, I took advantage of the time to check out people in the airport. You get to see all kinds when you travel. I miss not being able to see people say good-bye and hello like you used to...but baggage claim can prove to be a riot!

While I waited for Eric (Casie's brother) I had lots of time to see all the other people. I decided that the creators of TLC's What Not To Wear need to just camp out in the airports and ambush people for makeovers.

There was the lady who was obviously in town to visit her grandkids. They came running up to give her a hug. Her daughter was casually dressed in jeans and t-shirt. Grandma was dressed in a short skirt, heels, and a sassy zebra print purse. The outfit really wasn't all that bad...it was just that Grandma should not have been wearing it. But it was so great to see everyone greet each other with hugs and kisses. I love that!

Lots of business people on Eric's flight. And a group from Australia...looked similar to what we would call Girl Scouts here. But then, I saw the best one of the day. I was amazed by this man. I watched him to the point where I'm sure people thought I was staring. I just couldn't get past what I saw.

He came walking into the baggage claim area like he owned the place. His off the shoulder ivory sweater first caught my attention. It was from the 1980's and had large, bold squares and circles on it. And he carried a quilted sun and moon tote. It looked like he grabbed something from his grandmother's closet. When I tried to explain this to my family they asked if he was a cross-dresser. No, it wasn't that kind of dressing like a woman. It was as if he didn't realize the outfit was made for a woman. But man - I applaud his confidence as he walked through the airport.

I could go on and on. And everyone knows I'm not a fasion expert. But I'd like to think I can put together and outfit and wear it well. I dress for the occasion and like to look presentable even when I'm running errands.

But this kind of stuff facinates me! I love to see what others wear, how they interact with people, what they do when they have to wait for luggage.

So next time you are in an airport, don't rush to get your bags. Take some time to enjoy the people around you. It takes all of us to make this world work...so enjoy it!

The Reason I Smile Today

Right now I'm sitting pool side, enjoying a slight breeze and the setting Colorado sun. Not quite the perfect Colorado day that yesterday was, but still a banner fall day. I've had a little bit of time for the events of my morning to sink in. I was blindsighted and surprised by my church today.

My morning started off like any other Sunday morning. In typical fashion, I remembered at the last minute that I had forgotten to print something off for the program, so I scrambled to get it ready. Eric mentioned that he needed me in on the service to get my feedback. I assumed he needed my to give him feedback on the music. Well, once the music was just about over, I headed out of the auditorium to grab my notebook. Ryan came after me telling me he needed me in the service to make sure Eric announced the postponement of our women's retreat right. So I followed him back into the service. Now, can anyone else tell I'm being set up for something? Well, I couldn't. I swear - I'm so dense sometimes.

So after the music Eric walks on stage with a pink feather boa around his neck. He makes a comment about that and told everyone to watch the screen. The auditorium goes black and Abba's Dancing Queen starts playing and a slide show of pictures of me flash on the screen. I have no idea what is going on or why they would be doing this. After the slide show he calls Mary Hoff and me up on the stage. Mary tells everyone it is "Sarah Appreciation Day" and they had some wonderful gift baskets for me. Are you kidding me? I was speechless.

The biggest surprise is how they did this without me having a clue! They grabbed the pictures of me and put together some great gifts! To top everything off, they gave me an authentic #80 Rod Smith Broncos jersey. I had tears welling up in my eyes!

I love my job. I love my church. And after the trials of the past two years there are thoughts from time to time of closing this chapter in my life. But when something like this happens, it reminds me how loved I am and why I'm here. It's not for the paycheck, it's not for the gifts, it's for the people. But I will admit, it is nice to be recognized and appreciated like this once in a while.

Thank you to everyone who helped with the surprise. I know I'm loved...and I love you all!

I Can't Help Myself...

This is one of those days that I'm just having fun...I'm looking through old pictures, old journals, and enjoying it so much! It's great to see how far God has brought me and remind me of who I am and the things I want to see in my life...which brings me to this list. In March I started a list of 101 things I want to do before I die. Some of them are simple things that I would just love to do. Others will require more time, energy, and resources to see completed - but I'm so excited to find this list. It's a work in progress...but here's a sneak peak of what's on the list.

visit Italy
take Salsa dance lessons
visit all 50 states by 50 years old
learn to play the drums
see the Northern Lights
own a home
visit Germany
fluent in Spanish
season tickets to the Broncos
season tickets to the Denver Center for Performing Arts (DCPA)
attend an Olympics
go on tour with a band
travel around the globe once
take a Grecian cruise
watch a Broncos home game from the Sky Box
get published
fall driving tour of New England
wine tour through Italy
vacation in Napa Valley
complete the Old Chicago beer tour

Random smiles...

I just can't help myself. I am backing up pictures and archiving old ones. In the process, I found some that just make me smile! They are in no particular order - and the only thing they have in common is they are random pictures that bring a memory to mind and a smile to my face.

With my sister (Melanie) and brother (Cody)...Cody decides to show us his "best" side.

Random snow man as we were walking by...he looked like he needed a hug.

Inflated blue gorilla...do I really have to say anything?

All the girls dressed up for our last night in Vegas. Notice I'm the only one in red???

The night in Orlando with Germaine...I mean Stacy from Oklahoma! (wink)

The Perfect Colorado Day

This is one of those days. It makes you remember why you live in Colorado.

I woke up early this morning to take part in the Memory Walk to end Alzheimer's. My good friend Renee's mom suffered from Alzheimer's before she passed and every year family and friends join her to honor and remember her mom. My mom and I joined them this year.

It was the perfect morning. Bright, clear blue skies. Just a light breeze reminding you that it is September. As we drove down Colorado Blvd. toward City Park, we passed trees just starting to turn color.

But the day just got better. These days are the ones Coloradans wait for every fall. The ones where you reach for your shorts, glad you haven't packed them away yet. The ones where you find yourself excited to get out the door to run your errands because you know you'll have your windows down playing Tom Petty's Free Falling. These days carry us through the winter. We know these days are only here for a few fleeting weeks - but we savor them while they are here.

And tomorrow, it is supposed to be more of the same. Another perfect Colorado day.

Tis the Season

Today as I was driving to run errands, I realized that September is fully upon us. Last night someone mentioned how last fall just about killed me. In all honesty, if I look back on the month of September for the past several years, they push me to the limit...and honestly, I love it.

Every fall around our church things start getting busy. Our calendar gets full as we kick off new Bible studies, fall retreats, serving opportunities, classes, life groups, and community events. This year, we also celebrate our 10th birthday. We have big plans to make the day special.

But this year there's a twist. This year I will be gone for 5 days at my brother's wedding in PA. I will miss our 10th birthday while I'm away. So I am working extra hours, trying to think ahead and anticipate every issue that may come up next week while I'm gone. But in an environment where each week brings new challenges and unique issues to deal with, it's hard to anticipate what may need to get done this far out.

So my brain is on overload and I can't turn off my mind. I'm praying for God to bring me peace, clarity, and enough volunteers and hours to get everything ready!

But this is just a season. I know that there are times of my life and work that require more of me...but I also know some breathing time is just around the corner!

Never Forget: 7 Years Ago Today

I'm sitting on the floor of my apartment this morning. I couldn't sleep. I woke up early this morning with an awareness of what happened on this morning seven years ago.

On the morning of September 11th, 2001, I had just walked into my bedroom after my shower and turned on the Today Show to check out weather in NYC. My friends Candace & Kelly and I were taking a trip to NYC just two days later. I watched to get an idea of what to pack and what the weather would be like during the long weekend we were there.

As I sat, the news broke. Cameras went live just in time to see the second plane hit the second tower. I picked up the phone and called my sister. I was in shock. Could this really be happening? What was going on? What am I witnessing?

As you might imagine, we didn't go to NYC two days later. It took a couple of days to really sink on what was going on, and several months to truly understand the full extent of what this attack meant for our country.

I have been to NYC twice since that day in 2001. Each time I have gone to Ground Zero. The first time was overwhelming. I didn't personally know anyone who lost their life seven years ago. But it was a tragedy that in some way effects us all as American.

Tonight in Broomfield there will be a ceremony held at the 9/11 Memorial. Check out the link below for the details. The memorial is a worth a trip to see.

http://www.ci.broomfield.co.us/news/newsdetail.asp?ArticleID=480

Today I will pray for all the families who lost loved ones in the 9/11 attacks, as well as all those who have family serving overseas in our military. God Bless you all!

Vintage Pop Machine

I love this pic of Bailey & I at the going away party for her family. Our office just got this vintage pop machine (first serviced in 1960) for free...and it works great! Love ya, Bailey! Miss you, girl!

Believing when I don't "feel" like it

Everyone is telling me to get back out there and date. And trust me, I am. I'm putting myself out there and getting to know people. But sometimes I feel like there's this wall, and I'm not sure how to get past it. I know I get in my own way too often. Some days I just want to pack up all my things and move to a different country...or at least a different state. Maybe a change of scenery will help. And then I realize that isn't going to do any good. I cannot run away. I have to face what I'm feeling, take it to God, and allow Him to fix the broken parts of me.

But sometimes I'm mad at God. Sometimes I don't want him to fix me. Sometimes I just want to try and do this myself.

I know I have a big God. And I know He wants what is best for me. I know He knows my future and it's going to be great. I just don't always feel what I know. I know I will get past this. I know I will meet someone who will see me for who I am and won't let me go. I know I'll look back on this time as a distant memory. I know all my past relationships will help me become a better woman for the man in my future. I know all of these things. But I just don't feel it right now.

And isn't that what faith is all about? Being sure of the things we cannot see? I cannot see the other side of this wall. I cannot see where this story will take me. But I am sure that God will be there with me through this whole process. And while I'm not sure of how I will get there, I know I will get to the other side of this journey with Him by my side.

My Favorite Things about Fall

This morning I mentioned I was excited to watch the Broncos play the Raiders tomorrow night on a big screen. Someone said they are tired of football already and it just started. I just love NFL football. I have carved out the time to watch the Broncos every week. And now that I have all day Sunday after church free...I intend to watch as much as I can each week. It's just one of my favorite things about fall.

But there are many other things about fall that I love. A couple of years ago I started coloring my hair for the seasons. Fall is the best. Friday I put low-lights throughout and a merlot clolor underneath. It just screams fall!

This time of year in Colorado can be some of the most beautiful days. Sunny, cloudless skies and temps in the high 70's. Gotta love it!

Take a quick drive up toward Estes Park in about a month and you'll see two great fall displays all at one time. The turning of the Aspen trees and bugling of the elk. If you've never heard the elk bugle it's an amazing experience. It's how the males woo their ladies. And, sometimes, you'll see bulls fight over the ladies. O.k. that's a simplistic explanation...but still, one of my favorite experiences of fall.

Another tradition I love with fall is the bonfire and hay ride. Just about as long as I can remember our family has been hosting such an event sometime in October. We've had chili cook-offs and pumpkin carving contests. Whatever the event, and whomever the group, we always have so much fun.

In a state where it is often said we have two seasons, Summer & Winter, you sometimes have to look hard to find the Fall. But, with some great clues from mother nature, and some traditions that pop up on the calendar, it's easy to spot.

A Step Back In Time

I had never thought I'd get such a thrill out of returning to my high school campus so many years after graduating. Twelve years ago, I walked across the stage at Centaurus High School in Lafayette, CO. Eighteen years old and sure I would never step on those grounds again. As far as I was concerned, I was moving onto bigger and better things and this place would be just a memory in my past.

Well, things change. And last night, I found myself driving toward the campus once again. My good friend Jenn is the new cheer coach for Arvada High School. In their second game of the season, their football team played the Centaurus Warriors at Warrior Stadium in Lafayette. I told Jenn I'd go along with her to keep her company.

We drove down the familiar streets and into the parking lot. Not much has changed. The school, the stadium, it all looks the same. Once through the gate, I felt like I was a teenager once again. I walked over to the bleachers. Yep, there was the band area, and just beyond that...the student section. So many games I stood watching from those aluminum bleachers below the press box. The players and cheerleaders were warming up on the field and track. Somehow I just can't imagine I ever looked that young!

Jenn grabs my attention and motions me to follow her to the other side of the field. What? I didn't even think about that! I was there with Jenn...and she was the coach for the opposing team. That meant I would be watching the game from the far bleachers. I've never been over there before. Why would I? I always watched games from the home bleachers.

It was a quiet walk to the other side. Not much energy and a smaller crowd. But a great perspective to be sure. I got to watch the game and see what it might have been like when I was there. The band section with it's proud players. The student section cheering and standing the whole game. The family and friends watching below the press box. It was so fun. And listening in on the Arvada fans talk trash about the school and team I secretly was cheering for, well - it was just fun.

Centaurus beat Arvada 33 to 0. Jenn and I had a good time ribbing each other when our teams would make a play against the other team. It was a fun time and I'm so glad I went.