to {be} happy

Noun

1.

happiness - state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy

Justing typing the definition confirms my belief that Monika and Aaron's wedding day had happiness written all over it. There are several other positive words(love, honesty, joy, loyalty, friendship, and family are just a few) that I could use to describe that day..happy is what comes to mind most. I witnessed happiness in the quiet tears shed before the bride walked down the isle. I saw happiness in the 'high five' given between the couple when pronounced man and wife. I witnessed the emotion in the eyes of family and friends who were there to celebrate. Happiness was reflected in the laughter, stories, and memories shared during dinner. And the abundance of dancing definitely reflected it.

As stated in previous posts-it was an honor to be a part of this special union between friends.  We wish them a beautiful marriage and happy life together.  I've been waiting with anticipation to share the moments of happiness that were captured from that day-- below are some of my favorites.  

'A Niko productions' did a fabulous job of capturing the couple and their special day.  You can view more here. 

{cupcakes and cuteness}

Since becoming a mom, I've noticed I've become a bit more festive with holidays--not over the top "National Lampoon's Christmas vacation' like, but I've found myself browsing the internet for holiday themed projects, having a slight increase in my normal excitement, and spending long amounts of time in the holiday section of stores(target in particular--paroosing through the vast amount of holiday themed candy, decor, decorations, and holiday baking gadgets makes me happy and content..can't explain it) 

(hopefully you can see the green in his shirt..the pictures didn't pick up the green hue well enough, in my opinion)

That said, today has given me an excuse to dive into my newfound excitement of holidays and all the 'green' that St. Patrick's day has to offer.  This year I tried something new and made the adorable rainbow cupcakes seen above. (idea found here) If you would have been in my kitchen yesterday you would have heard the shriek of giddiness when I cut into the cupcake only to reveal the perfectly layered rainbow.  It was fun, and I cannot wait until Jonah gets older so he can help me in the kitchen create these masterpieces!  I snapped a few photos of Jonah this morning-- even though he's wearing green I just might have to pinch him a few times because he's that cute. :)

Pilot in the making???....perhaps

Routines and Reality

Yesterday's events hit home for me.  What I thought were Jonah's cries from upstairs, were those from a neighbor three doors down.  Screams of realization that her husband had passed away echoed through our neighborhood.  The man who passed was a police officer by day, father by night, and no older than Patrick and me.  From what I understand, he had endured surgery a few days back.  At this time, the cause of death is unknown. I stood and watched from my front door window.  A fire truck, ambulance and several police cars took up most of our culdesac.  Standing there, I couldn't help but feel utter sadness. To think of how it must have felt to learn her husband was gone is daunting. All I wanted to do at that moment was to make sure Patrick was okay, hold my baby tight, and thank God that He keeps my family safe on a daily basis. 

As I watched, fear forced itself to sink in.  Reality inevitably sank.  This could, in fact, happen to me. I know that our neighbor's death may not be related to his line of work, but it's possible.  That said, Patrick's job is life threatening at times. There are a lot of factors in Patrick's job that I purposely try not to think about. There are things I do not know of, and choose not to know of. It was hard not to compare an event like this to events that I could endure.  I honestly do not know what I would do, or how I would act. Such as our neighbor's, I am convinced time would ultimately stop and my world would be upside down. Even today as I see news crews in our culdesac and more police cars, I think of our neighbor and all the thoughts, fears, and worries of, "now what?" that she's experiencing. Our thoughts and prayers continuously go out to the family.

Patrick came home last night and we carried on as normal.  Our nightly routine of feeding Jonah dinner, play time, bath time, and bedtime came and went.  But unlike most nights,  I didn't take our routine lightly.  Quietness set in, and I found myself wanting to reflect on this normality.  I knew I no longer wanted to take these normal moments for granted.  I snapped a few photos, and some video of Jonah during bath time. 

In reflecting on yesterday, I don't have much more to say, other than what I have already touched on. Daily routines like those of last night will come and go. Reality will ever so often sink and I'll be forced to view "what if" situations. With that all said, I do know that the tragedy that occurred yesterday gave me a reminder to not take life for granted.   

Enjoy the video of Jonah's bath time.  I see innocence, playfulness, and most important--life. 

relaxing and planning

I apologize that I haven't been on here in a week or so.  The wedding was this past weekend--it was beautiful and I cannot wait to get my hands on some photos to share with all of you.  I promise to exaggerate further on the glorious day in an upcoming post.

Since returning home on Sunday, in all honesty, I have been doing a whole lot of nothing! There has been a lot of parusing the internet, facebook, and lazyness goin' on around here. But of course, my mind is slowly filling up with creative ideas for an upcoming, special day in April!  Can you believe it?..my little man is going to be ONE?!! We have decided to celebrate his birthday with a small group of family and friends.  The party planning extroidinare inside me, however, has wondered onto some great ideas. A small party can be a GREAT memorable party, right?! So here are a few ideas I want to elaborate on for Jonah's 'Animal' themed 1st birthday..tell me what you think! You can find the cupcake toppers at this etsy shop and the adorable animal sticks here. 

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!!

        

      

  

  

wine tasting at it's best

This past weekend I drove down to Portland for Monika's Bachelorette party!  Ten of us lovely ladies, including the gorgeous bride-to-be, went on a wine tour.  We traveled in style to four different Oregon wineries in and around the Portland area.  The wineries included Anne Amie, Sokol Blosser, Erath, and Rex Hill.  For the six hours that we had the limo, there was not a dull moment... The day consisted of a little snacking, laughing, gift-giving, photo taking, and ALOT of wine consumption. :) After the tour we all went back to Monika's--ordered pizza, partook in some "dirty" cake, played games, and hung out. We all had such a great time!  Monika's Bachelorette party was a success, and a memorable one at that! 

the lovely Bachelorette

travelin' in style

the candy bar (compliments of Christy)

just gettin' started

Anne Amie Winery

 

a little gift giving

oyster tasting at Sokol Blosser

lovely group of ladies

at Erath Winery

all the Sprague gals at Rex Hill

'Mounting the metal' as Laurie hilariously put it :)

the "dirty" cake!!!

{a casual day out }

As mentioned here--this past weekend marked the first of many celebrations leading up to Monika and Aaron's wedding.  Patrick hosted the bachelor day up here while I went down to Oregon for one of Monika's bridal showers. I know that Patrick is honored to be a part of Aaron's upcoming wedding and it was fun planning a day for him- with similar interests it wasn't difficult to say the least. Getting drunk and crazy isn't Aaron's style, nor any of the other guys that attended. Patrick organized a casual and memorable bachelor party for Aaron--centered around the things he loves in life (planes), stories, good food, and a great group of friends.

Many stops were on the agenda-a straight razor shave in the morning, stop at the Museum of Flight, tour of Patrick's jet, dining at a brew pub in Seattle, and ending with a 'night cap' at a bar downtown that hosts the city's largest selection of Scotch(a fave of Aaron's).  This casual guys day out was enjoyed by all, below are a few snapshots of the group.

tour at the museum

snapping Aaron in space

Museum of Flight

the gang

photo op by the jet

the couple's fathers

dinner in Seattle

night cap at 'Bookstore bar'