our Power source

Yesterday I had a chance to attend a dear friend's wedding in University Place.  Karin-a loyal and long time friend from high school was the Maid of Honor.  Karin's sister, Jill, was a stunning bride.   (I am sad I didn't snap a photo or two of her!)  It truly was a beautiful wedding. I told Patrick that I can never make it through a wedding these days without a few tears.


A powerful message was given about love and the foundation of it in our marriage.  The message spoke about the happiness in our marriage, but also the struggles we endure. We can always find that inner strength, patience, love, heart to forgive, and the courage to say, "I am sorry",  from the never ending power source of our heavenly Father. The foundation of God's love in a marriage is what is most valuable. All the guests in attendance were there to celebrate Jill and Chad, yet the couple gave such an immense opportunity to their guests to see and reflect the true value in a marriage.   It allowed me to reflect on my own marriage and remember the ever-flowing source of love and power that God offers.   Cheers to the beautiful couple and the gift they gave yesterday.  

-our little Valentine-

the Hancock's unofficial Valentine's day snapshots

(unofficial = captured on Feb. 15th..reason being here)

{Yellow} is a Valentine's day color

You would think that I would know what day of the week Valentine's day falls on this year.  After all, it is Jonah's first Valentine's day.  Even though Valentine's day is a commercialized day, giving reason for many to spend money on flowers and chocolates,  it really should be every day we tell others we love them. But of course, I give into the commercialism and love when this day rolls around.  I am all smiles on this day, because..well...that's me, and if I have an excuse to wear red, make cookies, eat chocolate, give valentines, and celebrate love..well then I am all in! It also marks the first day Patrick and I spoke 9 years ago (yes,..I am that crazy to remember that!) and I cannot resist the urge to celebrate my new love of 'mommyhood' so of course this year is special in, and by, itself. 

So, as stated...I thought I'd know when the 14th rolled around this year. For some reason I convinced myself that Valentine's day was Tuesday of this week.  I had celebrated the day on Friday of last week with Patrick, as he is currently on a trip and we'd miss the day together. I still had planned on celebrating the day with Jonah--fully equipped with the appropriate love attire, a menu of red/pink/white foods(yes..there are purees he can enjoy festively), and of course smother him with all the hugs and kisses I desired! (because I know there will be a day when embarrassment will set in--affection from mom will be forced to drop down a notch in front of his friends..I can just see it now!)  It was all ready, but all ready for Tuesday. Not today. 

Nope.  Today I dressed him in yellow. It did not appear to me until I was on the way to the gym that TODAY in fact, was Valentine's day. Really, Sarah?! He had the cutest little shirt to wear.  Yes, for a second I thought..I can turn around, go back home, and change him. (I truly am admitting that) I then decided not to.  It didn't matter.  The little boy in the backseat was babbling away.  Looking in the rearview mirror, I just smiled. I love that little man. His laughter and innocence makes my heart melt.  My worries of what he was wearing became so cynical in my mind.  At that point, it really didn't matter if he was wearing a snowsuit. 

Most likely Jonah will not remember his first Valentine's day, let alone what he wore.  And who really will notice anyway, except me?  He did manage to have some strawberry puree this morning..so celebrations are somewhat still present.  It just goes to show you that sporting your festive attire on the 15th, rather than the 14th states that we never need an excuse to celebrate love.  So tomorrow Jonah will be decked out in his, "#1 with the Ladies" onesie.  Today, yellow will be just fine for my little Valentine. :)   

--God's plan has purpose--

This day 29 years ago, God placed me in the arms of a loving family. At birth, I was placed in a children's baptist home when Pat, now my adoptive mother, received a call that a baby girl was available for adoption. My mom had one box of disposable diapers, one can of formula, and one blanket.  God answered her prayers of wanting a child and  knew that I was what she needed.   You can read more of my adoptive story here (described by my mother), but I couldn't resist posting the importance of this day.   I have learned that God truly does have a purpose for our lives, answers prayers, and knows what is best for us.

Over the years my mom has described to me the overwhelming joy she experienced when she received that call.   Seeing my son born and grow has been an amazing experience as a mother. I now know that joy she describes, fully understand, and am even more grateful.  I will be forever grateful for my mom and all the sacrifices she has made towards giving me a life full of love and faith.  Most importantly, I am forever grateful for God's plan. There are moments where I sit and really reflect on how it has fully come into place.  I kind of have those, "a hah" moments.  Where would my life be now? Without that call I wouldn't be where I am today.   I would have had a different childhood, different friends, different family, and a completely different life.  I would have never met Patrick, most likely wouldn't be living where I am living, and little Jonah sleeping quietly upstairs as I type this, would not be around. Imagining my life any different is difficult.  I am forever grateful that I don't have to experience my life any differently than the one God has planned for me. 

My mom and I quietly celebrate this day between us every year.  She emails me, calls me, or now days, even texts me the story of how she got that wondrous call.  And without fail, I receive a bouquet of flowers from my mom.  Every year a gorgeous array of lilies and roses have sat and waited in my college dorm's office, on my desk at work, or on my porch step. This year isn't any different.  I came home from the gym this morning to see this arrangement on my doorstep.  She always remembers, as will I. 

{showers of many blessings}

Recently I've had the privilege to attend two wedding showers honoring Monika. Each one reflected creativity and thoughtfulness.  Petite chicken curry salad sandwiches, chocolate soup, bleu cheese/apple quiche, and Austrian twist pastries were just a few items on the delicious food spreads presented.

The first was hosted by a dear friend, Ann Wylam.  Cards of advice were handed out, and guests shared stories.   A slide show reflecting Monika's journey towards love was presented, gifts opened, and many laughs shared.  Jinx Brandt, a long time family friend hosted the second shower.  Her creativity shined from the start, as invitations called to decorate a 'paper doll' bride with words of wisdom on her gown.  Guests released their artsy selves and displayed their paper gowns at the shower. I orchestrated games around a kitchen theme.  Gifts were given, laughs held, and a few tears of joy were spread. 

 Each shower revealed how blessed Monika is and the friendships she has. Guests in attendance portrayed a pure joy, love, and happiness for Monika and her family. It was clear that this time is very special to all those in the lives of the happy couple. Stories of how family members met, and the devotion of attending this special day warmed my heart. As I sat assembling Monika's 'bow bouquet' at each shower, I couldn't help but notice her ever present smile.  She glowed and will continue to! Witnessing the love, laughter, and joy in each room will always sit in my mind.   I cannot wait for this special day!!