Day 30 -

your favorite song.

Oh, geez. I don't know. I have a lot of songs I like a lot, but I have no idea what my favorite is. I can tell you a couple of my favorite tv shows. That's something we haven't talked about on here.
Arrested Development. SO FUNNY.
Modern Family
Glee - when they aren't too preachy
The Office - however, I think this show is kinda going downhill fast. I give it one more season is all.
Survivor
and Mad Men.
I know I have others. Unfortunately, I'm kind of a tv junkie after the kids go to bed. It's my nightly date with Jerry, until he falls asleep that is:)

Day 29-

in this past month, what have you learned.

Hmm, what have I learned. Going along with the last post I learned that even if you work hard all year, it is all too easy to slip into old bad habits of eating such yummy junk food:)
I've also learned that it is possible to drive a whole 7 hours home from Utah in bad weather the whole way, snow, fog, and POURING rain.
I learned that the Christmas season passes way too fast.
I learned again how wonderful my husband is and more things I love about him.
I also learned that my 3 kids cannot share a room together without me losing my temper every single night because it takes them 50-90 minutes from the time they go in the room till they are asleep. This includes several escape attempts, claims of hitting, crying, one more trip to the potty, and "just needing a drink of water." Needless to say the other night at 10:30 at night Sydney was "kicked" out of the room back into her own room by us. It's amazing how fast the kids have fallen to sleep the past two nights. I did like having a play room with all the toys in one room, but I like my kids going to sleep at a decent time better.

Day 28 -

a picture of you from last year and now, how have you changed since then?

January 1, 2010

Dec. 17, 2010 (Hayden took the picture:)

January 1, 2010

Nov. 2010 (The Dec. picture was a bad angle so I used Nov. instead)

Hopefully all changes since last year have been positive changes. The most noticeable, and worked on change has been my goal of getting in shape. I have another blog that is a weight loss/fitness blog that I am a part of. I took these pictures for that blog. (Monthly pictures to show the progress) That was one New Year resolution that I actually stuck to (well, with the exception of this last month. Those Christmas goodies are TOO good.)and I'm not done yet. Within this year I have pushed my body and mind to limits that I never thought were possible. I've become more comfortable with myself. That isn't all because of the weight loss, but taking the time to do something that is important to me, and giving me time to think has been good for me. It's also because my kids are older this year, mainly Sydney is more independent and I'm not in that frazzled 1st year of life of a baby. This year I've also been able to make some wonderful, lasting friendships, and that helps me to feel more like "Sarah" and not just "Mom". I absolutely LOVE being "mom" and I'd never change that, but it's nice to remember who I am in addition to mom.

Day 27-

why are you doing this 30 day challenge.

Have you not learned by now that I like to talk about myself?? :) haha. I thought it looked like fun and I do like sharing fun info - at least it's fun to me.

Day 26-

what do you think about your friends.

I LOVE my friends. I have been blessed beyond measure with wonderful friends. Once you are my friend, you'll always be my friend. I don't let go of friendships very easily. I have several friends whom I don't speak to very often because we are busy in our own lives, but when we do talk we can pick right back up where we left off. I'm grateful for those friends. I have other friends that I talk to every day and I love visiting and venting about my day, laughing, or just talking about everything. Friends are very important to me and I have been blessed with some wonderful friends.

Here are some pictures of some other great friends that I have. I am lucky!This was taken from the race website, so that why there is a big EP on the picture. Sorry:)

Day 25 -

what I would find in your bag.

Nothing exciting. My wallet, scrap papers with lists upon lists. (grocery lists, to do lists, weekly budget lists), receipts. And you wouldn't find much money since Christmas ate it all.

Day 24-

Your last 5 Facebook Status'.

We got a call from our bank for "suspicious activity" on our debit card. They aren't used to us spending so much $. Christmas needs to hurry up and get here so that I can stop getting "just one more present"

I love this rain, completely! But I don't love the fact that it has seeped into our garage and warped all the boxes for Christmas presents that were hiding out there. Hopefully they dry out fine and the items in the boxes are just fine.

I love my brother Joseph so much! He is truly so amazing. He is thoughtful, caring, giving, and yet humble. I'd have to say, he's my favorite sibling by far...which is saying a lot considering I have 9 of them! Thank you Joseph for being my hero. (P.S. My brother Joseph posted this on my facebook page)

Made it home from Utah in the constant snow and rain yesterday, and now I get to look forward to my hubby having a whole week off work!!! I have a feeling this week is going to go by way too fast!!

How did my tiny, little baby boy get to be 6 years old so fast? Happy Birthday Hayden!

Day 23-

something you crave for a lot.

Sleep! I can never seem to get enough of it!

Day 22 -

what makes you different from everyone else.

I have no idea??!! You tell me.? What makes me different from everyone else. I guess just the fact that I am me. Umm, I can do a mean "Shaggy walk" impression of Shaggy from Scooby Doo. I guess that makes me unique. Sorry, I can't think.

Day 21 -

a picture of something that makes you happy.

I feel like I've done an overload of posts lately of things that make me happy. Lots of things make me happy, but I don't know if I've mentioned this one. I LOVE swimming. My favorite is swimming in lakes or rivers, but I love swimming anywhere. Recently I started swimming for exercise at the gym and I love it. I feel like I'm cheating a little bit, because it is a little to fun for exercise. I find it so refreshing and invigorating.

Day 20-

someone(s) you love.

I love my parents. I hope to be as good of parents as they are. I love this picture of their wedding 47 1/2 years ago.

Day 19-

nicknames you have and why you have them.

I don't really have many nicknames.
Sariah - (Another name for Sarah of the bible, mainly used by my sister Mary)
Psoriasis - play on Sarah
Sarah Malara - from my sister Rebecca
Sariah Kabiah - another from Rebecca
Sar Bear - a couple friends use that one.
and the one that has no connection to the name Sarah at all, Chopper 5. As a freshman in high school my friend, Sunni and I were so fun (obnoxious) when we got together. I think this stemmed from a LONG bus trip with the band and we started using our walkmans (remember those?!) as our walkie talkies, even though we were sitting right next to each other, to talk to each other giving gossip about boys we liked. Chopper 5 was my code name and "Sunni Side Up" was her code name. Was I cool or what??!

Day 18 -

plans/dreams/goals you have.

This one requires thinking. My goals I have for myself and my future mainly concern my family. I've been thinking about this lately because it's hit me that Hayden is old enough that he's going to remember these times. I'm the mom. I want to be a good mom. I want to be loving and supportive, and consistent. I'm sure my kids will have stories about me that I won't want repeated about "that one time mom...." and I'm sure I have habits that they will get so irritated with as they get older. But I hope to have a loving, happy family where my children feel safe. I hope my children get along when they are older and that they are not only siblings, but friends. I hope we can always have the Spirit in our home and a feeling of love. I hope I can have close relationships with my children and that they have good memories of their childhood/growing years.
I also have personal goals as well. I plan to continue with my "get in shape" goals. And take time to learn new talents and improve existing ones.
This is pretty quick, but at least you get the main idea.

Day 17- ( a little late)

Sorry, I was in Utah for the weekend. I thought I'd have time to do a blog post each night, but nope. I was having too much fun.
someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why.

Hmm, this is kinda tricky. I really am very happy with my life, and I don't really wish I could trade with people regularly. BUT, with the fun of the game, I will say I do often wonder "how the other half lives." So I guess I'll choose someone famous, like Reese Witherspoon. I would like to experience what it would be like to have her money, to be able to buy whatever I needed without worrying about how much money it is. She seems to be a good mom, (from a total outsider's perspective) but she also has the luxury of having a nanny for her kids when she needs one. And I do think it would be pretty fun to work on a big movie. And yes, I wonder what it would be like to be a size 2, because that will never happen for me.
I think it would be fun to be her for one day, but I'm pretty sure I'd love returning to my life after that day.

Day 16-

another picture of yourself.These pictures were taken 6 years ago when I became a mom for the first time. Hayden turned 6 yesterday. (I'll give a more detailed post when it isn't midnight) I had been in the hospital for over a week by the time I had him, and I was so excited to finally be having him - even though he was still 4 weeks early. As you can see, I was HUGE even being only 36 weeks pregnant. He had to go to the NICU shortly after he was born because he was having a little trouble breathing, and we couldn't hold him till the second day because he had to be on oxygen. Maybe it's a good thing he was our first because we didn't really have anything to compare it to, so even though it was hard, we took it all in stride. He was healthy enough by the second day that he could have gone in the regular nursery, but just to be on the safe side he stayed in the NICU the entire 4 days we were in the hospital. In a way I kind of liked knowing that he was being watched extra carefully.

Day 15 -

put your ipod on shuffle: first 10 songs that play.

1. The Ends of the Earth - Aladdin soundtrack
2. Do You Hear the People Sing - Les Miserables soundtrack
3. White Christmas - Ray Conniff
4. The Wind Cries Mary - Jimi Hendricks
5. Drama! - Erasure
6. Entering Bootytown - Music & Lyrics soundtrack (I promise this song is not as bad as the title sounds)
7. Lead Kindly Light - The Church of Jesus Christ, Then Sings My Soul
8. Buddy Holly - Weezer
9. Cabo Wabo - Van Halen
10. Always Be My Baby - Mariah Carey

How's that for a variety of music?!

Important Discussions

These two are so funny. They have been best friend for well over a year now and it's just "known" to them that they are going to get married. No big deal, it's just how it is. (By the way, Katelynn's brother, Aiden and Rebecca are getting married too, just how they've figured it.)
The other day my friend, Korina (Katelynn's mom) overhead this conversation between the two of them.

H: Oh, Katelynn, I wanted to see if it's ok if we live in Utah after we get married.

K: Hmm, no I want to live in California.

H: But I want to live in Utah so we can be close to my cousin, Ethan.

K: But if we are in California we could live in Disneyland.

H: That's crazy, I don't want to live IN Disneyland.

K: Well, we wouldn't live inside Disneyland, but just down the street from it, so we could go when we wanted to.

H: That would be fun. I know, how about if we have two houses. One in Utah and one in California.

K: Yeah, let's do that.

H: And we can also have another house in Alaska so we can live close to my other cousins, Joey and Tyler too.

I think this is where Korina jumped in to say that they can't have 3 houses, especially so far from her. Talk about a compromise huh. They are too funny. Should I be concerned??

Meanwhile Rebecca and Aiden have decided to have 22 kids and live in the church house and they'll have a black van and a purple van. That's the plan on good days. But if she thinks Aiden has been unfair she decides that she's going to marry her friend, Logan instead. WOW! She's only 4.

Day 14-

a picture of you and your family.



I don't want to spoil your Christmas cards, but oh well, we'll see if I actually get them out anyway. If I don't get them out you can refer to this picture of our family and count it as your card.:)

p.s. I am a complete amateur at photography. Next time I'll close the blinds behind.

Day 13-

Write a Letter to Someone.

Dear Bed,
I have missed you so much today. I really didn't want to leave you this morning, but unfortuntely I had to, besides it gets a little uncomfortable there when there are three kids jumping all over while I'm trying to sneak a few more minutes of sleep.
I have had a busy and productive day, and I am looking forward to coming back tonight! See you soon!
Love always, Sarah

Day 12-

how you found out about blogger and why you have one.

I found out about blogger from my friend Amy Creer. She would occasionally send email updates with links to her blog for big events (like the birth of a child, etc) I loved reading her posts, and she is so funny I'd just be laughing out loud at some of her posts. It was fun to read.
I used to be a good journal writer, but have really slacked off lately. I do still keep a journal for personal information that I don't really want the whole world to know. I really enjoy writing, and needed a place to brag to everyone about my amazing kids. :) Just kidding. I also (stealing from you, Amanda) like the fact that it is a place to put pictures, stories, vent, etc and family that lives far away can read it and stay up to date about what is going on in our family.

Day 11-

another picture of you and your friends.

Heidi, Rochelle, and me. (July 2001)

Me and Pam (Oct 2001)

Me and Pam

Heidi, Me, Pam, Tiffany, and Rochelle
April 2009 (Hate these pictures of myself)

I love these girls. They are some of the main reasons I fell in love with Vegas when I moved here. Friends can make all the difference in the world. They were my family when I had no family around, and even though we don't see each other as much as we used to I love them all so much, and think the world of them.

Thanksgiving Weekend!

We were so lucky to have company for Thanksgiving this year. Joseph and Angela (bro & sis-in-law) came down with their 3 kids. Surprisingly with 6 kids age 6 and under they all got along quite well, and I hardly even saw the oldest 3. They just played the entire time. Didn't see them, just the evidence of where they had been. My kids were in HEAVEN playing with cousins for 4 days straight.

They arrived Wednesday night. Thursday morning Joseph and I ran the 5K Turkey Trot and burned a few calories, then we quickly replace all those calories plus, with our delicious Thanksgiving meal and munchies all day long.Here I am with my friend Korina, right after the Turkey trot.

That evening we watched "A Christmas Story" and played games with the kids. Why is it that the Triptophan doesn't really kick in with the kids?? They had lots of energy, so we burned it off with Duck, Duck, Goose.. Red light, green light. And dancing. A great night that my kids will always remember.

Sydney is a little momma. She followed Tanner around constantly trying to help him do things that he really didn't need help doing.

On Friday we had planned to go out and do some "Black Friday" shopping, but the morning came too early, and we didn't get out of the house till 11:30. We still had a good time feeling the crazy hustle and bustle of Black Friday.
That night we went to the Ethel M Cactus Garden. The lights were beautiful. We had to go through kind of quickly so we could get to the movie on time. After the lights we went to see "Despicable Me" at the cheap movie theater. I was amazed at how well all the kids did, and I just loved the movie! Such a great day, and a wonderful memory.











On Saturday we had planned to go to Hoover Dam, but the traffic was horrible, so we turned around and headed back to play in the park with. It was great, and I think the kids probably had more fun there than they would have at the dam.





That night we had a couple babysitters lined up to watch the kids so we could go on a date with just us adults. We went to Carve - great Steak. And enjoyed laughing and talking without having to feed anyone, tell anyone to stop yelling, and no diaper changes. We also did a little Christmas shopping and just enjoyed being together.

It was sad saying goodbye to them on Sunday. We had such a great weekend, and I'm so grateful they were able to brave the bad weather and come down to spend Thanksgiving with us. Love you guys!

Day 10-

songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad.

With as much as I love music, for some reason this is kind of hard for me. Some songs I listen to because I'm in a mood and they fit it, others can put me in a mood. I'll try though. Songs I listen to when I'm happy - I can't think of just one. Lately Jason Mraz makes me happy. Wow, why am I having such a hard time thinking about what I like. This is probably silly but when I'm happy I love singing to musical soundtracks and singing along. My favorites are "The Mystery of Edwin Drood", "The Hunting of the Snark" and "Chess" I also love singing along with all the Glee songs. Carpenters make me happy, and since it's Christmas time, Christmas music makes me happy.
Songs that I listen to when I'm sad, and I'm going to add not always sad - but in a deep thinking, pensive mood. Usually just instrumental music. I think in a way they are so beautiful and I just need something to push me over the edge so I can cry and get my emotions out. I think instrumental music, a lot of the classics like Choppin, Pachabel, "The Planets" by Gustov Holst. (Except Jupiter - that makes me happy, LOVE that song!) etc can do that. There is also an album called, "Sing me to Heaven" that was done by the USU Chamber Singers that is some of the most beautiful music with the alternating harmonies and dissonance, it speaks to my soul. I love listening to that cd and just crying. (Remember, I'm kind of weird, I like having a good cry sometimes) There are other songs that can make me cry, or make me sad because of the lyrics, or memories to a particular time in my life.
Songs I listen to when I'm bored - basically whatever is on. I'm not too picky.
Songs I listen to when I'm hyped. These are a lot of my running songs. Songs with a good beat that I can jam to. I like Creed, Van Halen, and Arosmith, Beastie Boys.
Songs I listen to when I'm mad. Nothing major comes to mind. Probably something I can sing loud to.

Day 9-

something you're proud of in the past few days.

Hmm, this is tricky. I've actually had kind of a non productive week this week. So I could cheat and use Rebecca's definition of "proud" as she's learning the correct usage of the word. She'll say comments such as, "I'm so proud I get to go to preschool today!" Or "I'm so proud I get m&m's!" so I could say "I'm so proud that Christmas is coming soon!"
But I guess I'll find something...

I think I am proud of handling a "mom" situation. Let me explain.
The other day Rebecca got the stomach flu. It's been going around. She puked right after dinner, and a couple more times before bed. She went to bed a little earlier than the other two kids and when they were getting to bed she did cough and threw up a tiny bit of mucus, but she was so out of it she wouldn't wake up for me to clean her up. It didn't even get on her sheets, just her face, hair and jammies. The best I could do was take off her shirt and wipe her face and as much of her hair clean as possible. Yeah, gross huh! (I wouldn't normally volunteer to have my child sleep in puke, but I also figured she needed sleep, it wasn't much throw up, and she might be throwing up more throughout the night anyway.)

So Hayden and Sydney got to bed, but they are all 3 in the same room now and Sydney has figured how to climb out of her crib, so she is into musical beds. That has made Hayden into musical beds. I put them to bed, and then when I go to check on them before I hit the sack I find Hayden and Sydney in different beds each night. NOT REBECCA - she is in love with her bed, and doesn't want to sleep anywhere else than her own bed. The other kids are lucky to sit on her bed, so when she actually lets them sleep there they love it. So, I went to check on the kids before bed and I found Sydney on Hayden's bed, the top bunk, and Hayden in Sydney's crib. Silly kids. I moved Sydney down into her own bed next to Hayden. They are my two cuddle bugs and they sleep better with someone else so I let Hayden stay there, besides I wasn't about to lift that boy onto the top bunk.

At midnight I was drifting off to sleep (yes, I was going to be tired the next day anyway from being up too late) I heard something like a cough from their room and ran in to see if Rebecca was throwing up again.

NOPE, I got there just in time to see Sydney throwing up all over Hayden. I quickly picked up Hayden and his blanket and carried him to the bathroom and told him to get in the shower, threw the blanket in the washing machine, headed back to the room and picked Sydney in all her pukey mess up and carried her to the bathroom to see Hayden laying on the bathtub floor, still in his pajamas. Told Hayden to wake up and take off his jammies, and started stripping Sydney. Left Sydney in the tub and took her jammies to the washing machine, came back in to see Hayden go potty, pull UP his underwear as I start running the tub water and he heads to the hallway to LAY down in the middle of the hall to go back to sleep. So I run back over to lift him up before he lays on the floor getting throw up on the carpet.

Just then Rebecca came out of the room in to the hall to see what was going on. As soon as she heard the water she started taking off her pajama bottoms so she could join the bath party. Finally all three kids were in the bathtub, crying because the water was too cold for one, too hot for another, and because it was after midnight. I washed all their hair with shampoo and removed all the throw up, GAG, cleaned them off and then let them stay in the tub for a few minutes while I went to change all the bedding and start the washing machine. Finally I got them all out of the tub, dried and ready to get in pajamas. Hayden was still so out of it he just stood there naked waiting for me to hand him everything. I got Sydney in a diaper and jammies just in time to turn to Rebecca as she started coughing and throwing up again. Luckilly just mucus again and we caught it all in the towel. Cleaned her all up and got all three back in bed.
But by this point Sydney was awake enough that she was ready to play some more musical beds. I didn't want her to sleep in Hayden or Rebecca's bed. I took her out so they could fall asleep without her bugging them, but she wanted to sleep in my bed. But I didn't really want to be thrown up on that night either. So I had to get her to bed and transfer her to her bed. It was 1:30 before I got to bed.

Oh the joys of motherhood, but I handled it all, with love, and without yelling because of stress, and I'm proud of that.

Day 8-

short term goals for this month and why.

One short term goal for this month, since it is December, is to really enjoy the holiday season and spend quality time with the kids and Jerry celebrating Christmas. I want to go to the Christmas events around town, and do things in our own home to feel the Christmas Spirit here. I want to have wonderful memories of this Christmas season, not frazzled, frantic memories.

Another short term goal that I really want to work on is exercising at least 5 days each week to keep my holiday weight gain down. I have been working so hard all year long, but I love treats, and Christmas treats are the best. It doesn't help that I have a cookie exchange tonight that I will be bringing 100 cookies home from. And all the Christmas parties, plus Hayden's birthday next week. I know I will be indulging more than I should, which is why I need to combat that with some good workouts and healthy eating!

Day 7 -

a picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you.

I don't think words can adequately express my feelings about the Savior. He is the reason I am, who I am. Because of His love and sacrifice for me I constantly strive to be a better person, worthy of His gift. I am not there yet, I have many shortcomings, but I know He is patient and loving, and wants me to achieve my full potential. Through the atonement Jesus Christ has made it possible for me to return to my Heavenly Father and be together with my family forever. I know Jesus Christ lived. And I know he lives again, and I can live with him forever.

Day 6 -

Favorite Super Hero and why.

So, I'm not very creative. I do like super hero movies, but I don't really have a favorite. If I had to choose I think I'd choose Superman. Shh, don't tell Jerry. He has this debate with all his brothers and nephews. He thinks Batman, and yes he is a great superhero. But I secretly (or not so secretly since I'm publishing this on the world wide web) I agree with his brother Devin. Maybe it's cause I would love to fly and have super human strength.

So there you have it.

Day 5 -

A picture of somewhere you've been.The most exotic place I've been was Ireland. I went when I was in college and I loved it. It was beautiful. The picture above is of the Cliffs of Moher. Gorgeous! Below is the Blarney Castle. So cool. You go to the very top. Lay on your back and lean over a little gap (don't worry, there are a couple metal bars there to catch you if you fall) and you kiss the bottom of the rock on the castle, exactly where thousands of other people have kissed, and you will suddenly have more eloquence. That's my secret. That's why I'm so eloquent.
I love traveling and some day I'd love to see more of Europe. Scotland, Germany, France, all of it. I'd love to travel to other continents too. Don't know if it will ever happen, but it's good to have a dream right?

Day 4 -

A habit you wish you didn't have.

Hmm, I have a lot of habits I wish I didn't have, one of which is that I'm very hard on myself. So because of that I'll try not to give you my whole list, and point out things that you hadn't noticed before.

One habit I wish I could break is worrying over little things. I get stressed out and lose sleep over the tiniest things, usually things that work themselves out. Worrying that something I said was taken the wrong way, worrying that I was too obnoxious at a get together, worrying about how I'm going to get everything done on a busy day. (I spend so much time worrying that I have even less time to get things done) I think sometimes I feel like if I don't put the worry into a project it won't turn out. Jerry is very good for me with my worrying - at times. He is more laid back and can let things roll off his back more. He just tells me to relax and things will be fine. It's good, but in my stressed out/worried mode I get more irritated and think, "How can he just be so relaxed about this??" Poor guy:) Usually things do just work themselves out and I realize I didn't need to worry in the first place.

Day 3 -

Picture of you and your friends

Holli, Nicole, Jaime, Me, and Sunni in front. (taken in 2005)

I've been friends with these girls since middle school. They are some of the most amazing chicks I know :) We all are unique and so very different from each other in ways, but also so similar in others. Being friends with girls for almost 20 years is a way for someone to really know you, your positive attributes and your flaws, and they still love me. Yes, they know all the dirt on me! We all lived together one summer in West Yellowstone in one little cabin. Even with personality conflict, and fights over the dishes and whose turn it was to buy toilet paper, and boys, it was still a wonderful summer that has bonded all of us. At the end of that summer we had a plan to buy some land and eventually build a cabin on it. (It would be a prerequisite that our husband would have to be handy in some capacity to be able to help build the cabin.) Didn't happen, but we do all try to get up to West Yellowstone together whenever we can. Now we are spread out from Las Vegas, to Utah, to Kansas, but we all still love each other and try to get together at least once a year to continue making memories with each other. Love these girls!

And of course my very best friend is Jerry. From the first time I met him I was so comfortable and completely myself. He is the person I can confide everything in, the person who has seen me at my very best, and my very worst. I love being with him.

Taken in 2003 - at Temple Square.

Worst Christmas Song

I have lots of favorite Christmas songs. To be perfectly honest I like pretty much all Christmas songs. They are beautiful, fun, and just mean Christmas. I don't know if I can pick my very favorite, but I LOVE the Christmas Song by the Carpenters. (I love the whole Carpenters Christmas album) I also love the same song by Nat King Cole. I love Sleigh Ride, German Christmas music, Santa Baby, I even like "I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" etc. lots of favorites.
But there is one Christmas song I hate. I always have. I heard it today in the car while I was bringing Hayden home from school. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. Hate it. The reasons are probably so silly, but still, I don't like it. Why would mommy be kissing Santa Claus? Mommys only kiss daddys and their kids. I don't like little kids thinking of Mommy cheating on daddy with Santa. And, um, hopefully there are no small kids reading this blog, but it also gives away the whole secret of Christmas because it's telling kids who Santa is.
Yes, probably really silly reasons, and kids don't really think about the lyrics like that, but I did. And I was pretty young. Young enough to "know" but still young enough that the song bugged me then, and it still does.
So, what about you? Any favorite Christmas songs? Any Christmas songs you don't like?

Day 2 -

The meaning behind my blog name.

I think the blog name, The Ewell Family is pretty self explanatory, then the whole "Welcome to our world" just means that my blog is a place where I write about my life, our life, and "our" the Ewell family's- world. Over explaining??

Honestly, the blog address is pretty dumb though. I was trying to be witty and clever, and "welcometomyworld" was already taken so that's why I added my name at the end. I should have just gone with something pretty basic. But that's what happens when I try to be creative:)

Ready for another 30 days??

Even though I lost creativity towards the end of the month, I kinda liked doing my 30 days of Thanksgiving. So, now I'm stealing an idea from my friend, Melanie and doing another 30 days of posts.
So, in my formal teacher talk, here's the agenda.


day 1- recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself

day 2- the meaning behind your blog name

day 3- a picture of you and your friends

day 4- a habit that you wish you didn’t have

day 5- a picture of somewhere you've been to

day 6- favorite super hero and why

day 7- a picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you

day 8- short term goals for this month and why

day 9- something you're proud of in the past few days

day 10- songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad

day 11- another picture of you and your friends

day 12- how you found out about blogger and why you have one

day 13- a letter to someone

day 14- a picture of you and your family

day 15- put your ipod on shuffle: first 10 songs that play

day 16- another picture of yourself

day 17- someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why

day 18- plans/dreams/goals you have

day 19- nicknames you have and why you have them

day 20- someone you love.

day 21- a picture of something that makes you happy

day 22- what makes you different from everyone else

day 23- something you crave for a lot

day 24- your last five facebook status'

day 25- what I would find in your bag

day 26- what do you think about your friends

day 27- why are you doing this 30 day challenge

day 28- a picture of you from last year and now, how have you changed since then?

day 29- in this past month, what have you learned

day 30- your favorite song

And since this month has 31 days I'll try to think up something for New Year's Eve.

So we begin.
Day 1 - A recent picture of yourself and 15 interesting facts about yourself.


I don't know if you'll find these facts interesting, but they are facts.
1- I am named after my great grandmother Sarah Ellen, and Sarah (Sariah) from the bible.
2-I worked in West Yellowstone for 3 summers during college and loved it. West Yellowstone is my second home.
3-I play the flute. I started college as a music major and played through college and was even in the marching band at USU. I HATED being in the marching band, but now when I watch college football games, or hear the marching band practicing on Saturdays I love it. I did get to go to Ireland and play in the St. Patrick's day parade though, and that was awesome. But thank heavens my girlfriend, Sunni went too, otherwise I would not have had as much fun because I wasn't really close with anyone in band. The main reason I majored in music was because of a scholarship, and I didn't really know what I wanted to do. I loved playing the music, but I felt very out of my element because I didn't really have a lot of friends and as much as I love music it wasn't my life like it was for the other majors. (and I don't mean that to sound negative to anyone.) So after my sophomore year, after completing all the hard theory classes I changed my major to Elementary Education with a music minor.
4- It takes me a while to warm up in new situations and be myself around strangers - unless I have someone with me that I know well and can already be comfortable with. Then I can be very outgoing, verging on annoying:)
5- I have cysts on my head, they are hereditary. I guess they are my Mormon horns. I am getting 2 out of the 4 removed on Monday and I'm excited. I know this is gross, but I want to see what they look like (outside of my head). I told Jerry that and he was disgusted. haha.
6- More on the dermatology subject, I have a division sign on my left cheek. yes, I know that's what you'll see next time you look at me. It is 4 little red dots that look like a division sign. I asked the derm. dr about it and he said it is probably burst capillaries and there is nothing really I can do about it. They bug, even though even when I point it out to people they say they hadn't even noticed. GOOD. I have had a couple students, in their complete innocence ask me about them. One cute student I had said she knew I loved math the most because I had a division sign on my cheek. So maybe others don't notice it, but I see it and if I could have any plastic surgery it'd be to get rid of those dots. Silly huh. (I don't even think there is a plastic surgery that could help it though) So I'll deal with it.
7- I love strolling down memory lane, and I love having something to look forward to. When I'm organizing closets and find the journals I might as well stop the project for 2 days because I get caught up with reading all my journals, remembering the memories, laughing at my drama, and also remembering the pain of certain times as if it was yesterday. I love looking through old pictures, and watching home movies. I also love counting down to fun things. Presently I'm counting down to Hayden's birthday, then the next weekend because I just decided to go to Utah for my family Christmas party, and then counting down to Christmas. (Which is still being counted down to right along with the others) I need to learn to live in the moment more.
8- My primary love language is words of affirmation, from the book "The Five Love Languages", I love that book. (I think I've mentioned that before on here) I love hearing compliments - it's not that I'm egotistical (at least I hope not) but it really makes me feel loved. That might be one reason I love my birthday so much (which could be another fact, but I think everyone knows that about me) It's not about the presents - although I won't turn them away, but I love people remembering me and telling me happy birthday.
9- I actually enjoy going to the dentist, or doctor appointments. Call me crazy. I find it nice and relaxing. Hate the stress of scheduling it, and getting child care taken care of. But once I'm there, I kind of like it.
10- I love my wedding ring. Size, color, cut, (ok, that's not really that interesting, but I looked down and saw it, so I thought I'd say it.) I'm not a huge jewelry person. I wear 2 rings regularly, my wedding ring, and another ring I got from my brother and sister in law probably 12 or 13 years ago. They bought it in Mexico, I think, for me. I usually wear earrings, well, until my girls found my jewelry box and now I am missing most of my earrings. I've started wearing necklaces more, but I still feel very conservative in my jewelry. I feel so daring if I wear a new flashy necklace. I'm trying to wear more to spice up my wardrobe a bit:) (Sad that that's a conscious thing huh.)
11- When I was young I used to entertain my sisters' boyfriends and friends with the dumbest things. I thought it was so cool that I could lay on the floor, arch my back and poke my tummy out as far as possible and I looked pregnant. Oh, if I only knew then that I wouldn't have to try so hard to look pregnant when I got older I would have enjoyed laying flat, and being flat :) I'd dress up like characters from the Farside comic, I'd do my impression of Shaggy, from Scooby Doo, I'd make crazy faces, and do weird voices. Ok, so I do still do some of that. I haven't grown up much.
12- I have a very addictive personality. I get in a routine of something and it stays that way. For example, my bedtime routine is the same every night. Clean my eye make up off, wash my face, apply moisturizer, brush my teeth with hot water, and floss. I get addicted to tv shows, foods, easily too. Part of that is due to the fact that I'm a creature of habit. I make a list every morning of things to do during the day. I usually eat the same breakfast every morning. So I'm boring. When I was an early teen I ate cheerios with raisins for breakfast every morning for years. I went with my oldest sister, Mary to the university one time while she was making something in a pottery class, I think, and I even made myself a breakfast bowl that said, "Cheerios and Raisins" on the outside, and I wrote on the bottom of the bowl on the inside, "Yum, yum. That was good."
Because I have such an addictive personality I have never gambled here in Vegas. I know I get addicted to fun things, and it is too easily available to go gamble here in Las Vegas.
13- I am a magnet for strangers looking to share their life story. Total strangers seem to gravitate towards me as I'm standing in line for the bus, or returning my cart at Smith's, walking down the hall of the mall, you name it. So many times I'll run into the store to get something quickly while Jerry is waiting in the car. When I get back I have to explain to him that it took longer than expected because the lady getting milk at the same time started telling me that her daughter lives in Minnesota and it is so cold there this winter that they have to all buy new coats, even her twin boys that are only 4 years old. And they are identical twins that still only the parents can tell them apart by a small mole on the neck....
14- I tend to give long, detailed, versions of things - so with several friends it is common to say, I want the Sarah version, if you mean it's a juicy story and you don't want to miss any detail. When I was teaching to get the students to add more details to their stories I'd tell them stories, and I love telling stories. So one year it became a routine that after spelling tests we had a 5-10 minute time period before our special so it became, Funny Family Story Time. My students loved hearing the funny stories and I loved telling them in grand fashion. It was like my own little performance time.
15- Hmm, last fact, lots of pressure.... I think one of my favorite things in the world is having my hair played with. Pulled lightly. Umm, best feeling. Love it.

Ok, I'm cheating, here is one more interesting /annoying fact about me.
16- I am habitually late. I really don't try to be, I just think I can do amazing things in a short amount of time. Like getting all kids ready, out the door, buckled, and to church in 10 minutes. HA, I should have learned by now it takes 10 minutes just to get out the door. So, I did set my clock ahead in my van to try to motivate me to get places faster, thinking I had less time. But it doesn't work. I know it is fast, so I look at it and tell myself that even though it says 11:30, it isn't yet, and I have a few more minutes. The problem is that I don't really know how many minutes fast it is so I am still late. Sorry. Maybe that's a new year's resolution I can work on next month.