Chloe's First Day of Kindergarten!

Chloe had her first day of school, and YES this mama cried! She absoulutely loved it, and couldn't wait to go back!

Evan was really excited and wanted to stay, but he still has a couple if years.

Sarah

Happy 4th Birthday Evan!

An Ode to Evan....

And for his 4th Birthday he SHAVED! HA HA! :)

Sarah

A weekend away!

So this past weekend was my Cousin Sean's wedding in Coeur D'Alene, ID. The family and my parents and my brother all piled into my parents suburban and head Northeast of Vancouver. When I was growing up my family moved there for a year, and haven't really been back since then. It was so fun to see the places we remember as kids, and to see family. The wedding was beautiful, and we all had fun just chillin'.

Hangin' at the hotel

The house we lived in near Hayden Lake

My cousin Sean and his Bride, Miranda

Me and Evan :)
Chloe getting ready to throw some bird seed

Chloe danced her little heart out, and even got to dance with the groom

My other cousin Greg and his family
All of us with Lake Coeur D'Alene in the background

Sarah

My Newest Creation!

So, I would like to say that I'm a bit handy at sewing, but never in my life have I attempted to sew clothes. Quilts or Blankets...Yes, or perhaps a cute apron, but clothes...umm no! I was just afraid of what it was going to turn out like. I pictured my kid "Trying" wear something I made at one sleeve would be longer that the other, and the pants way to tight in the legs, and a collar that just didn't look right. Notice I did say I "was" afraid.

Behold my newest Creation!

The top bodice piece was the difficult part, but it turned out really cute. I cut out one of the flowers from the printed fabric and sewed it onto the top. I think it turned out lovely!

Chloe Loves dress' and Loves to twirl in them, so this worked out perfect!

Evan wanted to try it on as well, but that was quickly Denied! Besides the Fire hat looks much better!

Sarah

She's all growed up...

So my baby is not much of a baby anymore. Each day she seems to accomplish something that makes this mama want to cry. Her newest thing is riding a bike. She has always amazed us with how quickly she learns things. She becomes persistent and doesn't want to quit until shes got it. With the warm weather outside, Damon figured it was a better time than any to teach her. After a day and a half of him running up and down the driveway.....

we get this......

Our fourth was fun. Papa gave Evan a summer haircut, by shaving his head. His new nickname....Spalding. :) We went to a friends house and had a BBQ and put on our own show. Even though the kids loved the lights in the sky Evan would still plug his ears every once in a while.

BEFORE:

DURING:

AFTER:

Sparklers!!

Evan sat like this for a lot of it until he realized that it wasn't really that loud. Too funny!!

And then to top it all off...Chloe now has 2 missing teeth!

Sarah

And so it begins.......

So the exciting news!.... Damon scored really high with the Pasco Dept., so now begins the Background! Its all a little nerve racking, but mostly because its the fear of the unknown, and having to play the waiting game. Not exactly my favorite game. No one really knows how long the process takes, but we are praying that things move quickly, and he receives a phone call saying they would like to have him in for a Chiefs Interview. After that it would be a polygraph test and another physical abilities test. Then Lord willing into the Police Academy he would go. Please just keep us in your prayers as we journey through this as a family. Pasco is a neat place, a little warmer than the "traditional" Northwest, which would be very ideal to Damon. (I don't mind the rain as much :)) Its a part of the Tri-Cities, and right near 3 rivers, so its pretty! I just want all of this to be done, and see Damon in a job that he would love. Thanks in advance for all your prayers.

Sarah

Please Pray!

So life has been...well.....CRAZY!! There is just no better way to explain it. Damon has been pursuing a career with law enforcement for a year now. He has tests almost every other week it seems, and oral boards starting. He just had on for Pasco, WA on Wednesday, and then later today we are headed up north to Marysville, WA for a physical, written, and then an oral board for Snohomish County. Please pray for him this weekend and throughout this process for peace and wisdom and a clear direction for where the Lord is leading us. Thank you, and I will be sure to keep you all updated as things move forward with departments. On a side note, the kids are doing well. Chloe and Evan are both growing like weeds. I just enrolled Chloe for kindergarten so that just makes me want to cry. I'll be alright. I've already had to tell her that shes not riding the bus, no matter how many times she asks. Its going to be bad enough for me that she's old enough to go to school, I'm driving her there!! :) Anyways, I hope all of you are doing well, I think of all you often!

Sarah

They're Here!!

They have arrived, well at least for a short while. Good friends of ours David and Erica are moving to Florida from Arizona. :( Before that happens they made a little detour to Oregon, before their trek across the United States. We were excited to visit them, and hang out for a little while. The kids couldn't wait until I got off work to go see their friends!

Too cute!

Boys will be boys!

Aww...Evan could NOT wait to see Liv.....can you tell??

And these two.....umm yeah....lets just say Silas has some things he's gonna need to talk to Damon about.... :)

Sarah

They found it!!

So exactly 10 days ago, we had a theft at my parents house. In the middle of the night somebody decided that they wanted to have my laptop more than I did. The one time I left it in my car, it got taken. GREAT!! Well, little did they know that when I got my laptop, I had LoJack installed on it. So once I realized that it was stolen I just gave them a call and reported it stolen and also called the sheriff to file a police report. Once that was done they handle the rest. They basically track my laptop by the IP address in which its accessing the Internet, and they record everything that the thief does on my computer. I got really lucky when the dumbo typed in his own home address, and the police were able to go in with a search warrant and get my laptop back! Crazy amazing thing I tell, and definitely worth having on your laptop. The only bummer thing is that they wiped my laptop, so until I can take it to a computer geek and have him look at it to see if he can get any of my pictures back and things like that, its empty. I still have my programs and things that came installed on my computer, but no personal stuff. BUMMER! Oh well, at least I have it back.

Sarah

I have a toothless one

Chloe lost her first tooth! The thing had been hanging on by a thread, and FINALLY fell out the other day while brushing her teeth. She was so excited, it was cute. Once she took a look at herself in the mirror she started laughing. Evan has been following her around with his little dinosaur flashlight asking her to say aaahh, so he can see the hole in her mouth. Kids!

Sarah

UPDATES!! Yes, I know its long over due!

Oh my where has the time gone! I sincerely apologize to all of you that read my blog. Life really has been crazy, busy, chaotic, confusing and different...to say the least! I think its been a few months since I've updated you all, so lets go back a little while.....

In February of this year I had found out that I was going to be loosing my job because of some "restructuring" of the company. That brought on some fear and uncertainty of what was lying ahead being that it was the only job I have had since my kids were born, so the idea of working outside of the house was "FREAKY!" The last thing I wanted to do was put my kids in a daycare and have someone else raise them. At the same time our lease was up, and our Landlord wanted us to sign for another year, but we had no idea where we would be in a year being that Damon has been testing all over for the Police Dept. So, the conversation came up with my parents to move in with them meanwhile I would get a part time job, and Damon would continue to pursue the PD. (he still is working in Canby, so he gets to commute to work everyday....yeah him!, or should I say poor him!) I now work at WAMU, (now a part of Chase) as a float teller while the transition for WAMU to Chase happens. Its been fun, the kids get to hang out with my parents or brother while I work, so I don't have to "worry." Damon's testing has been CRAZY!! It seems like he's always testing for someone. He just recently took the Public Safety test for about 25 depts. so now we wait. He did really well on the test, so now its up to them (and God) as to what happens now, and where He wants up to be. So please be praying for us!!

Meanwhile....the family is doing great. Evan is almost four, Chloe has a loose tooth, and will be starting school this year!! AH! Where has the time gone!

Oh another note, I'm selling Suubi beads. I was fascinated by these paper beads when we were in Ethiopia, and was looking to find a way to spread them around the US, along with the stories of the women that make them. I haven't been able to get anything going with them yet, but in the meantime I have found Light Gives Heat, which helps raise money for the women in Uganda and their families. Each necklace is beautifully made, and comes packaged with a picture of one of the women that make them, and their story. All proceeds go directly to them, I just help spread the Hope. I have the following available. Prices do not include shipping. If you are interested in them please email me at dnsabbott@gmail.com and let me know which one. If you have any questions, please let me know. You will not be disappointed with these. They are beautiful!

These are the Multi Color "4-ways" They can be worn, long, doubled, tripled, or as a bracelet.

$20 ( I have 5 of these)

This is the "Newsy" 4-way

$20 ( I have 5 of these)

This is the Chunky Choker

$10 ( I have 4 of these, in blue, black, and black and white)

I hope to be blogging more often, so check back for updates on the Abbotts.

Sarah

Tagged!

This one was too easy to pass up. I considered myself tagged by Erica and went to My pictures, then the fourth row down, and the fourth folder over and picked the fourth picuture. This is what I found...... PEACE OUT!

Sarah

Mission Ethiopia video

Thanks to Erica's husband David we have a really cool video to share with everyone. We all took LOTS of pictures, but David combined them all and put them to music. Enjoy!

Sarah

This time tomorrow........

I will be boarding a plane bound for Ethiopia! I have been amazed at God's provsions these last 10 days! When you follow God's calling all things are possible. Including raising $1600 of the $1800 needed, getting a passport in less than 24 hours, and having a place for my babies to go while I'm gone. If God has provided like this for me to go, I can only imagine what he has in store for me and the team while we are there. Please pray for all of us and our safety as we have over 20 hours of flying, and that the Lord may do His mighty work through us while we are there. I can't wait to tell you all about it when I return. Blessings to all of you!

Sarah

Through the Hards Times....

I have an amazing husband! The last few days have been, well, not so good. Don't get me wrong, there have been some amazing things happening as well! But, my job loss really hit me hard. A lot harder than I really thought it would. We had some guest speakers from Family Life last night at our bible study that really opened my eyes. I've really struggled with letting go, and letting God. Sounds totally cliche', I know, but I struggle with it A LOT. This whole trip experience, and watching God provided in such a short period of time was one of times that I was actually able to hand it over. More so, because I saw No other way. Well, that's pretty much where I am in life right now. I have been breaking over the past year or so, and its hurt, and I didn't know why, or at least I didn't seek out why. Then with the whole job loss thing, I broke. A big thing that I worry about is finances, so naturally the first thing I would think of is NOW how are we (Damon and I) gonna do this. My first mistake. Its not Damon and I that are doing this in the first place. God is in control, even of our finances, and for the first time I'm really starting to accept that. Trust me its NO easy task! All the things he has shown himself through have really made it apparent that He's got me and my little family in the palm of His hands. I have watched him provide $1400 in a crazy short amount of time, and get me in with a new doctor for shots to a next day appointment. OK, so let me go back to the first thing I said. I mentioned that I have an amazing husband. Damon knows that I'm having a hard time with things, and that God is doing some wonderful stuff in my life. So as a word of encouragement he sent me an email from one his devotions that he reads daily. Let me tell you, it fit my life perfectly. I love him!! So for those of you that feel that God is doing some things in your life that "hurt" or you feel your at the breaking point, or perhaps, things just flat out stink, please read the devotion below. You've read this far, trust me the rest will be worth the read!

The Harder the Times the Closer He Gets
Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. - Hebrews 7:25-27
When you're going through hardship, or when you're heavyhearted and burdened, God rolls up His sleeves and moves toward you like at no other time. When you are His child, He is with you in a way that is different from what an unbeliever experiences. The harder the days get, the closer He moves in.
Sometimes it feels like God backs away from you when you hit hard times, but that's not true. It doesn't matter if you see Him working. It doesn't matter if you feel any differently. It's the truth—God is right there with you.
Psalm 34:18 says, "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." Is your heart breaking today? God is rushing toward you. He stands with you in the fire.
Scripture assures us that Jesus Himself is praying for you. This minute. Hebrews 7:25 makes this amazing statement: "Consequently, [Jesus] is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them." Jesus lives to intercede for you. Amazing! Before you ever kneel down to pour out your heart to God, Jesus Christ has already called out to His Father on your behalf. Even before you ask, He knows from firsthand contact what you need—because He's with you.
I remember this quote from my college years: "If you could hear the Lord praying for you in the next room, you would not fear a thousand enemies."
Right where you are this moment, think of the Lord Jesus as in the next room, on His knees in front of the couch or a chair. His nail-pierced hands are held out and He's lifting you and your need to His Father. He knows your exact situation. He's asking His Father to "Give her strength, Lord." "Give him wisdom, God." "Give them patience. They're going to wreck it on their own, Lord. Give them faith that will overcome their fear!"
It's an incredible assertion throughout Scripture that Jesus Christ is not only with you, He's actually interceding for you. With even more assurance, you can be certain that God listens when His Son is praying!

Sarah

In just a week.......

It's hard to believe that in a week I could be on my way to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. God has shown himself for sure in these last few days. I am just amazed at the generosity of God's people, and their support and prayers they have given me. I can now say that I'm "almost" fully funded. I know that the Lord is bigger than all of this, and I don't doubt that if I'm supposed to be going, that everything will work out perfectly. Aside from raising money to go, I found out that I can take donations of some things with me. Things like;
Coloring books and colored pencils (they have crayons in ET)
Bubble wands, bubble guns, bubble machines (no need to carry bubbles, we can make them)
Kids Parachutes (the kind with the handles that kids can hold on to)
Pop-up tent style play forts (the kind kids crawl through)
Deflated soccer ballsVBS and/or Awanas type supplies…craft kits, etc.
Lincoln Logs (a lot of people have these laying around…used ones are fine)
Children’s Bible DVDs of any kind…again, used are fine…with or without the case is fine
Shoes - a pair of shoes in Addis is about $60
Clothing (older children and boys clothing is greatly needed)
Formula - there is a huge shortage of formula in Ethiopia - they are feeding many of the babies water with a little bit of rice cereal in it.
Granola bars or other self contained style snack. We will use this to pass out to those we come in contact with.
Hot Wheels
Gallon and quart sized Ziploc bags for packaging granola bars to hand out to the street kids/formula so we can carry more in our suitcases.
Monetary donations will be used to purchase items needed for people in country or further supplies here. We will be exchanging money to give out small amounts to the people we meet on the street.

Also in the midst of this exciting news, I'm afraid I have some bad news. Today we had a short notice phone conference with my work, only to find out that in 30 days I will not have a job. The worst part about it all is I have felt like this was an attack on my faith. I have trusted him through a lot of trials that we have gone through, but being that I'm desiring to go on a missions trip for the Lord, this "bit of info" didn't NOT come at the most opportune time. I have been praying A LOT, and just asking the Lord to help keep my eyes directed towards Him, and lay this all at his feet. We aren't sure what this means for us, being that I have had this job for almost 6 years. I've been able to be at home and bring in some much needed income and raise my own kids. My biggest fear really is having to get a job outside of the home and leave my kids with someone else. All that said....If you could keep us in your prayers we would greatly appreciate it.

The video below is the reason for the Mission Ethiopia trip. I warn you before you watch that its pretty sad.

Sarah

God is SO good! These last couple of days in my life have been whirl wind, and I just stand in awe of Him. In 24 hours he has provided a third of the amount that I need to purchase my airfare for Mission Ethiopia. Tomorrow I go in to get my shots and Chloe's chicken pox shot. We figured what better way for her to get hers, than watch mom go first. Everything is all happening so fast, and its just been truly amazing. A big huge THANK YOU!! to all of you that have help support me. I can't wait to see what the next 48 hours holds!

Sarah

An Unbelievable Opportunity

Greetings Family & Friends –

I am writing you about a potentially life changing opportunity but with a burden on my heart.

Four months ago a friend of mine began planning to go on a mission trip to Ethiopia and, secretly, I had a deep desire to go as well even though financially I saw no way for that to happen. In recent months I have also watched Damon’s heart soften toward the cause of orphans and as his passion grew I longed for some way to join him in what I sensed God doing in him. Then, this past Sunday a woman at church also talked about going to Ethiopia to teach missionary children. It seemed like “Ethiopia” and “orphans” were two subjects which were becoming more and more prominent in our lives, even though I knew money would keep me from even entertaining the idea of joining my friend on the Mission trip to Africa.

But then – don’t you love those two words!! – Just today the Lord presented me with an opportunity I felt I must share with you: I have received and invitation to visit and minister in Ethiopia through a ministry called “Mission Ethiopia.” I longed to have my eyes opened to the great need in Africa but I didn’t see how an opportunity like this could happen, but then my friend shared with me that there was still space on the team and challenged me to go. An overwhelming peace came over me despite knowing what was ahead; I felt God was calling me to take a leap of faith.

If I go, the goal of the trip is to connect with the people in Ethiopia and create opportunities to minister to the “least of these” (Matt 25:40.) We will also be there to connect with others who have the same goal and to work together for the cause of the orphan.

There is a team of 21 people going on this trip, led by Dave McIlrath who owns a guest house in Ethiopia. (www.ethiopiaguesthome.com) He is putting everyone up for free at the home which makes this trip inexpensive in comparison to other mission trips. While we are there we will be ministering in orphanages, group homes, and non-residential drop-in centers, microenterprise projects that chip away at poverty, an HIV hospital, sports camps, and foster-care-type housing.

So that’s the good news! The challenging news is that the trip is in just 11 short days. This means over the next 72 hours I need to raise $1800 for airfare, and transportation if I am going to go.

I know my God is a big God and I know if it’s His will that I go he will provide for my every need – including the money to get there. I know that God’s will is many times revealed through His people so I am writing with a request to see if you – after praying about it – would consider making a $100 gift to support this trip. If 18 people can help with that amount (but any amount is gladly appreciated) then I will have the ability to pay for the expenses. I know this is short notice, but if you are able to commit to helping with the expenses then could you please let me know if you feel God calling you to give. Just e-mail me and let me know of the gift amount. If I can get commitments totaling $1800 in the next three days then I will be off to Africa at the end of the month!! If it’s easier, you can donate through PayPal at dnsabbott@gmail.com. We are still sorting out the details on if this would be a tax deductable gift.

My goal on this trip is to be the hands and feet of Christ, meeting the immediate needs of those I come in contact with. Damon and I feel drawn to Africa and want to be involved for the long term; we are excited to see what God has in store. Above all else we covet your prayers.

God Bless! Sarah Abbott

Sarah

Happy Birthday Chloe!

Today is Chloe's 5th Birthday. I can't believe she is 5 already! It doesn't seem that long ago that she was just a tiny little baby. She is now becoming my little helper, and will be going to school this year. I wish she would just stop growing, but I can't help but love who God is growing her to be, and can't wait to see what this year holds for her. Chloe we love you, and thank the Lord daily for giving us you.

On January 9, 2004 Damon and I become a family of 3. Chloe' Marie was born at 12:38pm and weighed 7lbs 8oz. in Hood River, Oregon.

That week had been horrible with snow and ice and I-84 was closed so no one was able to come to the hospital until the freeway opened. Your dad and I actually joked around about how he was gonna have to pull me in a sled to the hospital.

You were to cutest baby I had ever seen, and perfect in every way. You started sleeping through the night at a week and a half old, and didn't cry a whole lot. You loved everyone, and were the happiest baby. You were the first grand-child on both sides of our family. We thought you would never part with your Binky, and you had to take your "frog" with you everywhere. Your first words were Mama, then Dada, then Hippopotamus. (and NO I'm not kidding) You have amazed us in lots of ways but mostly with how smart you are. You catch onto things very quickly and will do very well in school, I'm sure of it. Here's a tribute to Chloe' Marie Abbott.You were just so tiny. Your tounge was ALWAYS stinking out of your mouth The Shubin kids. My how time flies. Chloe's first swim. You love the water!!

Papa put you in an ice-cream bucket. With your spoon in hand you were ready to dig into some ice-cream. Even though you made a huge mess with nana's fabric who could be mad at this happy little baby?!Daddy's little girl, with daddy's hat on.
Auntie coco made you a "studded" sweatshirt. too cuteUncle Jeremy did your hair. CUTE! Your 2nd Easter.
You love swings. We couldn't get off of them! Still can't!Mommy's little girl. We have a pic of mom just like this same chair, dolly, and shirt.Strike a pose 2005Strike a pose 2007My dancing girl.
In 2005 we became a family of 4, when your little brother Evan James joined us. You were so excited to be a big sister.You and your makeup...I'm pretty sure I can wait on this for a while. :) Our little monkey.Look at those cheeks!Your first trip to Kah-ne-tah. Ready to go swimming.Easter 2006Chloe and Evan. Christmas 2006 Brotherly love. Best Buddies!
Chloe and Jonathan. Chloe would say that he's her boyfriend....I'm pretty sure Daddy is not ready for that! Love this laugh! Lucy. Our little princess Ready to go to work in 2005 Ready to go to work in 2008
Artic Blast 2008! Dancing at the park
What a little lady you have become.

Happy Birthday Chloe! We love you! Love Mom and Dad.


Sarah