Christmas 2012: Day 4 & 5

Ah...finally Christmas Eve had arrived. We started out our morning by searching the web for a present for Dave and Anne (better late than never). Shortly, thereafter, Dave took us to see the Shrine. The Shrine has fifteen stations of the Passion of Christ and it took us about an hour to walk it. The weather was a bit on the chilly side due to the wind.

After touring the Shrine, we went to the mall, where we sucked down a warm mocha and ate a soft, salty, warm pretzel. We did a little more Christmas shopping and then headed back to the house to chill before meeting the Bafias for dinner.

The Bafia's are friends of the Vaughns and they were gracious enough to invite us all over for Christmas Eve dinner. Joe is Polish, and it is their custom to serve a traditional Polish meal on Christmas Eve. We ate potato and sauerkraut perogies, fish, green beans, macaroni & cheese and a few other items I can't recall. They also had served some yummy cookies and peppermint bark, too! (Yes, I did indulged!)

After spending a couple hours with the Bafia's, we headed back to the house to open up Christmas gifts. Steve and I received this nice piece from the Vaughns:

The night was cut short as we had to get up early to leave for the airport. The time we spent with the family was wonderful. It had been four years since we had seen everyone, so it was definitely time to get together.

I really appreciated having Dad Vaughn there with us as I can't remember ever a time when we all were together for Christmas. On several occasions, when my eyes gazed upon him, I couldn't help but see a grandpa who was enjoying every minute with his sons and grandchildren. The big grin on his face really said it all! It truly blessed my soul!

Christmas Day was spent driving to O'Hare International Airport, sitting on the tarmac for 2 hours, and finally arriving home (after picking up Levi) a little after 6pm. We praise the Lord for giving us good travel and safety. He protected us from all the weather patterns that threatened to hit the area prior to our arrival and after our departure. I praise God that he takes care of even the smallest details in our lives. Another blessing was Dad Vaughn was able to fly in and out of Chicago, on standby - during the Christmas holiday without any serious delays. Truly we have been blessed this Christmas season.

We recently got together at El Cazador for lunch and had a wonderful time. I really appreciate these ladies, but I especially love to see Robin, as I usually don't get to visit with her too many times throughout the year. As I look at these lovely gems, I can't help but reflect back to when God introduced them into my life. It has almost been seventeen years (it is a good thing I had some toes left). Praise the Lord for the godly friendships he has given me while here on this earth!PTL!

Date Night - Couple's Style

About six months ago a lovely family in our church gave Steve and I a beautiful Christmas Basket filled with many wonderful treats (i.e. candles, jams, etc). Also in that basket was a gift certificate for the Chuckanut Manor.



Steve and I have never been to the Chuckanut Manor, so we were excited about finally making reservations to go there for dinner. We also decided to ask another couple to come along with us.

If you have never been to the Chuckanut Manor you have to go! REALLY! The scenery is spectacular (even when it is overcast and rainy), the service was marvelous and the food was excellent! The guys opted for Steak and Friteas and the gals were undecided so they opted to share two meals - the Crab Mac 'n Cheese and the Halibut and Fries. Everyone's meal was fantastic! [And let me just say, if you are looking for a restaurant that serves seafood, this is the one.] :)

After dinner we had some great tasting coffee and split a dessert.



The cheesecake was amazing and splitting it three ways was perfect (Yes, there was one person who had the amazing ability not to cave in and eat dessert)!

In the end, no one felt like they needed to be rolled out of the Manor in a wheelbarrow and for that I am thankful.

So a big hearty THANK YOU goes out to the family who gave us the gift certificate and another big THANK YOU goes out to the family who was brave enough to go to dinner with us. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! We had so much fun!

Island County Convention

A couple of weeks ago we had the Island County Caucus. Folks who were interested in becoming a delegate or an alternate delegate for the Island County Convention were voted on by the members of their precinct. Steve and I were elected delegates by our precinct to represent them at the Island County Convention.

The Island County Convention took place this past Saturday, March 24th. The convention ran from 9am - 9pm as 23 delegates and 23 alternate delegates were elected to go to the Washington State Convention. Not only did we have to elect delegates, but the participants also had to vote on the platform they wanted sent and heard at state.

Although the day was somewhat laborious, Steve was one of the 23 delegates chosen to represent Island County at the state level. Not only was Steve elected, but three of our other friends were also elected to go: Jim, Tim and Levi (San Juan County).

I am really excited for them as they get to experience the next level in the political process of choosing our next Republican Presidential Candidate. I can't wait to hear all about. Congratulations you guys!

February 2012 Overview

The month of February was completely opposite of January. This month was not as hectic and lacked all the busyness of January (thankfully). Although the month was not as busy there are some highlights and blessings that need to be recalled

Blessing #1
Steve and I were able to attend the annual Sweetheart Banquet. We had such a wonderful time and count it a blessing to be a part of such a great church family. I am so thankful that God has placed these couples in our church. Each and every one of them have such a great love for the Lord.

Blessing #2
Pastor Sargent gave me a book titled, "The One Thing You Can't Do When You Get To Heaven" by Mark Cahill. This book really fires up the Christian who either needs to get busy soul-winning and/or encourages the soul-winner to keep keeping on. I'm not a big reader, so usually any book that has large print and pictures is a book for me. This particular book had neither, but the way the author writes made the book and easy read and I am all for that!

Blessing #3
A wise man recently said to me, "Problems are made to be solved". I am so thankful for knowing someone who is willing to walk through a problem with me, all the while exhibiting compassion, graciousness and patience. THANK YOU.

Blessing #4
God gave me another book to read, "Choosing Gratitude" by Nancy DeMoss. This book is really showing me how important gratitude is and how it must be a part of me, DAILY!

Blessing #5
Steve and I celebrated our 29th Wedding Anniversary. This man is such a blessing to me and I thank the Lord for bringing him into my life, even when I really had no idea what I was getting into when I married him so many years ago. I LOVE YOU STEVER!

Blessing #6
I made it through a 90 day fitness routine called, Power90 by Tony Horton. Just recently Tony Horton said, "What does health and fitness mean? Health is eating right and Fitness is exercise". It takes more than motivation to make a lifestyle change it takes COMMITMENT. I thank the LORD for giving me a desire to live a healthier lifestyle and by leading me to Shakeology (http://myshakeology.com/sherrivaughn) and fitness routines that help reshape my body (http://beachbodycoach.com/sherrivaughn).

Blessing #7
I am thankful for friends who love me despite me. I am thankful for those who offer to listen in times of need, and I am thankful for those who forgive me when I don't show up for dinner [so, so sorry Raquel :( ].

Blessing #8
I thank the Lord for the opportunity he gives me to worship him. This past Sunday evening, Steve and I were able to sing a special, and even though our voices were raw, we thank God for giving the folks in the congregation, "spiritual ears" to hear with.

Well I guess that will do it for now. March is coming, March is coming, woot woot!

Where Have I Been - "Snippets"

Snippet #1: So many things have happened since I last blogged. Back in June 2010 my dad found out he had Stage 4 lung cancer. But on November 13, 2010, just 10 days after his 75th birthday, he passed out of this world. Since then my life seems different. It is like I've been looking through another set of eyes. Things that seemed important at one time, are not as important now. Experiencing the death of a loved one is very difficult, but I thank the Lord for being faithful and true and for all the support I received from my family and friends.

Snippet #2: February 26, 2011 Steve and I celebrated our 28th Wedding Anniversary.

Snippet #3: In March of 2011 Steve and I went back to see my mom and helped her clean out my dad's garage - we had a "Manly-Man" garage sale. Steve just about sold everything within 3 days. It was hard seeing my dad's "stuff" (others may view it as "junk")go for pennies, but in the end mom had a garage that was clean and could actually house her vehicles.

Snippet #4: In August, Steve celebrated his 47th birthday.

The grill was a present from me and the apron was from Mrs. Sargent. Steve has become quite the griller!

Snippet #5: Shortly thereafter, my sister and I traveled back to see mom in September and to celebrate her 78th birthday. Mom is looking well, but she is very lonely.

Snippet #6: November is always a great month because we love to be around family and friends. Since all of our family is out of state, we got to spend time with friends. Thanksgiving Day was spent with the Hower's and what a meal Tess put on. She is a super great Southern cooker! There was a whole slew full of people there, which made the day even more fun.

Snippet #7: This month I just celebrated my 47th birthday and can't believe I am just 3 years away from 50. Now that's crazy.

I would have posted sooner, but it has taken me about a month to figure out how to get back into my account. I have other things I want to post, but that will have to come a little later.

January: December SPS Revealed

I am sure many churches across the country have a special meeting for the ladies of their church either on a weekly or monthly basis. Our church holds a Ladies Bible Fellowship (LBF) once a month. I know in past posts I have mentioned on and off about different gifts I've received from my Secret Prayer Sister (SPS).

You might be wondering what is a Secret Prayer Sister? Is it a secret group of ladies? Is there some kind of initiation to get into the group? No, to both questions. This is how it works.

During the course of the evening the ladies can participate in the SPS exchange. A basket goes around the room and we drop in a form that has our name on it and any prayer requests or concerns we would like to have prayer for. There are three requirements if you decide to participate: 1) You must pray for the lady 2) you must contact her, without giving yourself away and 3)you must reveal yourself to her at the next LBF.

You can imagine my surprise when I received a place setting for four of silverware. Initially, I thought who would give their SPS silverware? As you might imagine, I found it to be an interesting choice for a gift. I mean, come on...it is not like I just got married.

But, this story gets even better....on Friday late afternoon, Vicki asked if I had heard from my SPS. I said, "Oh yes, I've heard from her. As a matter of fact, I got the most unusual gift." She proceeded to ask me all about it. I obliged and blah, blah, blahed all about how weird this gift was. I also told her that I had also received some delicious banana bread in a tray that looked much like the one I had received from another SPS some time ago.

After I left Publications I headed home and began to tell Steve about our conversation. It didn't take long for me to stop and get this gut wrenching feeling, that maybe, just maybe...my SPS was Vicki.

Saturday morning came and Steve and I headed over to church for a Memorial Service. (One of our members had passed away after battling cancer, and PTL, is now in the arms of her beloved Savior.) Once we got into the church building I found Vicki and we sat together. I leaned over to her and said, "You know, by chance, you are not my SPS are you?" She looked at me as casually as she could and said, "why, yes I am".

Are you with me? Do you feel the sinking feeling in my stomach? I turned a few shades red and then instantly apologized if I had offended her or come across less than thankful. Vicki, on the other hand, thought the whole thing was a hoot. I am so glad she has a sense of humor.

As always she is such a blessing to me (whether she is my SPS or not). Vicki has truly learned the skill of listening. When we were together over the holidays I had made a comment about how I didn't have enough silverware when it comes to hosting a larger group of people.

So the gist of this story is...if you get Vicki for a SPS, watch out...not only is she a good listener, but she can pull the wool over you eyes too!

Thanks for riding with me to the airport to pick up Carolyn, for the silverware (really :)), for the yummy banana bread and for the book I just received (I can't wait to read it). You truly know how to minister to a friend.

Christmas Time 2009

Steve and I had a very quiet Christmas Day. The morning started with opening gifts from family. Levi got two new toys and a bag of treats. Steve received slippers, Bible cover and a engraved license plate holder that says: "LIFE....living it and loving it!". I received a heavy duty 10-piece cookware set, which I absolutely needed and loved.

Around 9:30am we headed out to church for Christmas Morning Service. Pastor Sargent brought a Christmas message out of the book of Revelation (betcha thought I was going to say one of the Gospels...surprise)! Excellent message.

After the morning service we drove to Safeway, bought ingredients to make chili and came back home. Before we knew it, our bellies were full and we spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing.

We were invited to the Sargent's house around 4:30pm for fellowship, dessert and games. The evening went fast as we spent time with Pastor, Vickie, Vicki's mom, Josh, Sara and their very exhausted Cocker Spaniel, Lucille.

By 10:00pm we were ready to retire and went fast to sleep.

I just want to thank my family and friends for all the wonderful gifts we received this Christmas time.

Cookware from Steve... A Levi puzzle from Carolyn.... A heated mattress pad from my parents... A chain saw from Teri and Larry, and a Boyd's bear with honey, from Dave and Anne.

If you want to see some cute pictures of Levi from this holiday season and the gifts we received, check out the Birthday and Christmas 2009 Slide Show.

A Whirlwind of a Day!

Yes, yesterday was my birthday and what a whirlwind of a day it was! From the moment I woke up until it was time to go to sleep, I was on the go with one surprise after another.

My morning started with a big Happy Birthday from my best friend and hubby, Steve! I opened up my presents and received a 12" skillet and day planner pages for 2010. Great gifts as I was in need of both items. Thanks honey!

It wasn't soon after that, my sister called to wish me a Happy Birthday too! Yeah! She gave me two cards (a serious one and a funny one, which I loved) and $25 to purchase a flat iron. Awesome! I can't wait to try it out.

Not even five seconds after I hung up the phone, my mom and dad called. They wished me a Happy Birthday and told me my gift was on its way. It was good talking with them, and I would of talked longer, except time was fleeing away quickly and I needed to get to work. I can't wait to see what mommy and daddy got me! :)

Out the door and a little behind schedule I headed off to work where I met up with my friend Mary Fanning, who bought me, the birthday girl, a 16oz skinny, extra hot Chai; which I gladly drank until there was know more to slurp. Thank you very much!Yummy!

Shortly thereafter, my boss, Kathi, entered the building as secretively as she could and surprised me with cake and roses. All the staff that was available came and sang Happy Birthday to me (which was a prerequisite, especially, if they wanted a piece of cake), and then I blew out the candles, again and again and again. (Yes,Kathi used those funny candles that keep relighting).

Afterwards Kathi took me out to lunch at a local restaurant called Flyers. I had never been there before. The music was to loud, but the food and time we spent together was wonderful! Thanks Kathi for making my day so special.

Now I was really behind schedule as I was suppose to be out at the church by 1:30pm to work in the print shop and visit with my dear friend Vicki for a few minutes. By the time I got to the church Vicki was already gone, but.... lo and behold what did I find, but a birthday present left behind just for me. I joyfully opened the package up and found a jello mold bowl, two boxes of jello, heavy duty red pot holders and a meat masher. I had been looking for a jello mold bowl for awhile and now I have one. Guess I won't be able to ask her to bring a jello dish during the holidays anymore, now that I have been equipped. Yeah! Great gift and very, very useful! Thanks so much.

Three hours later and Baptist Doctrine IV completely printed, I was beginning to wind down. I called Steve to tell him I was heading home and that was when he promptly said, "We have reservations at 7:00pm, I will be home soon to pick you up". Well in no time, Steve whooshed me away to Christopher's, a very nice restaurant in Coupeville. Steve had pork tenderloin, with vegetables and scalloped potatoes and I had BBQ Salmon slowly oven baked, with wild rice and veggies. To top it all off, the restaurant served me a chocolate cake in honour of my birthday. The evening was fantastic, the atmosphere and my date were perfect.

On the way home we had to go back to the store to pick up some fudge to wrap for a customer and Vicki called to wish me a "Happy Birthday". I was so glad I got to talk to her before the night ended. Now all was complete.

Finally, twelve hours later, I got home, put on my PJ's and sat down exhausted, but happy from the days event! Thank you all...family and friends...for making my day so special and for all of the Birthday Wishes! I really did have a "sweet" day!