Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Random minutia...

Well, I really feel as if nothing uber exciting has gone on lately. I don't think people care to read about my 'every day life', so I try to wait until I have something profound to say. Lol. Saturday I hosted Thanksgiving at my house for my family, and after getting food in the oven I quickly ran to shower and totally forgot not to get water in my ear! Couldn't do much about it since I didn't remember until after I was completely done showering. I'll be honest........I did consider blow drying my ear out, but decided against it. By Sunday I could hear just fine......I think the water dissolved the foam. Yikes. Yesterday I started the drops in my ear that were supposed to be used to dissolve the foam they packed in it after scar tissue removal. Drove to Blockbuster and tried the radio, and *drum roll please*.......it sounded good!!!!!! That was my biggest complaint thus far, that I couldn't listen to the radio like I wanted. I still need a bit of 'tweaking' because some music seems too high pitched or not clear, but I can listen to the softer stuff with no issue. So exciting. Also, when I yawn or move my mouth a certain way, I no longer have feedback. So thankful for that!

How many of you did 'Black Friday' shopping this year? This was my first year to go out at midnight Thursday night, and Lari and I hit up Macy's. It was fun, and honestly wasn't bad! I think we need to make it a tradition :)

Today we will be leaving to head to our timeshare to spend a few days. I'm excited because they have an indoor water park! I love water activities and am excited to be able to do something involving water and be able to hear! The girls are excited as well. Who doesn't love swimming in November?!? We are also planning to hit up Canton's First Monday on Thursday, another mega exciting point of the trip :) I love me some flea market style shopping!

Speaking of shopping, I'm not sure how many of you know this, but I sell Scentsy. It's a wick less candle product. Basically a pot that uses a bulb to melt good smelling wax. It's really a great thing. Anyways, this month has been crazy good with sales. I'm thankful for that. Let's me buy Christmas goodies and such that I normally wouldn't be able to. If anyone is interested, check out my site. You can have it shipped to your door :) It's www.scentsy.com/sarahchurman.

Well, I guess that's pretty much it for now. I promised Olivia I'd take her to Michael's or Hobby Lobby to get some canvases to paint for Christmas presents. That girl is really into painting, and I enjoy seeing her creations. I hope each of you has a great day and rest of your week. Won't be long until Christmas is here!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

BBC Interview

Here's the interview I did with the BBC in London!

BBC - BBC World Service Programmes - Outlook, 16/11/2011 www.bbc.co.uk

I haven't had a chance to listen to it yet.........we don't have a good 'internet usage plan' that allows me to listen to things :( If anyone can find a transcript or something, let me know.

Catch-up once again...

Well it's once again been far too long since I've blogged. We've just been so busy! We celebrated our 10 year anniversary last week by staying the week in Jefferson, Texas at a wonderful Bed and Breakfast (Alley-McKay House). It was nice to get away and just hang out with each other for days. We didn't do anything 'exciting' really........just shopped, ate, went to movies, ate, checked out flea markets, ate, took a tour of Caddo Lake, ate, you get the drift :) Funny thing is that we woke up every morning by 9 so that we could eat the gourmet breakfast prepared for us every morning by our wonderful hosts. None of that 'staying in bed all day' stuff for us! We did nap though, and that was strange for me.......I never sit still long enough for a nap unless I'm sick.

Since returning home I've spoken at a church in Alvarado, Texas. Cowboy Way Church off 35. If you're looking for a church home and live close by, it's a great place. We're friends with the pastor and his wife, and some of our family and friends attend there. I wasn't as nervous this time to speak, so that made it nice. Once finishing up there we had to leave and head straight to The Woodlands for my adjustment appointment and an interview for an Australian TV show. While in town we met with 2 other Esteem recipients and had dinner. I enjoyed that. It was nice to meet someone else who has had the implant and get to ask questions and compare opinions. That next morning the film crew was ready at 7 (Yikes!). I arrived, coffee in hand, after being up LITERALLY ALL NIGHT because Elise had a mysterious fever all night and did NOT sleep. First time in her life she's ever done that! It was NOT fun. She was so delirious at one point that she started singing what I like to call her 'Hominy Song'. She sings about hominy over and over. I have no idea where the child heard the word or what she thinks she's saying?!? It's pretty darn cute though when it's not being sung at 3 in the morning ;) Anyway, the film crew guys were very nice and efficient. I started some testing with Melinda, only to find out that I actually had some scar tissue. This was a bittersweet moment for me. Here I am on camera, I don't want to cry and be upset, so I work really hard to not do so. Melinda took me into the other room to inform me of the predicament, and we set up the minor surgery to have the scar tissue removed later in the day. I'll be honest with you and say that the worst part was getting the lydocaine (sp?) shots in my eardrum for the procedure. It hurt. I cried. Thank God by the second round of shots my ear was already numb so I didn't have to feel the rest of the shots. They draped me and I stayed awake while they made an incision in my ear then lasered off the tissue. They gave me Valium and Vicodin right beforehand, and I gotta tell you......that stuff is GREAT! Lol. Made surgery very endurable if I do say so myself. Took about 45 minutes altogether and we were on our way. They packed my ear with some foam gel stuff, so I cannot hear out of it. In a week I'll begin to put some special drops in it that will dissolve the foam and once it's cleared, my ear will be of use again. I go back in 2 weeks to get my actual adjustment since they weren't able to do it on Monday. They said I should be able to listen to the radio like I want, and I shouldn't have any feedback when doing certain things, and I should hear much louder and clearer. I'm very excited about that and focusing on that at this point.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and I have begun cooking. We are doing a family thing at my Grandma's tomorrow and for that I'm only cooking Cornbread Dressing, Cranberry Sauce, Rolls, and a Veggie Tray. Saturday I'm having dinner here, and that will be the big 'cooking day' for me. This year, like so many others, hasn't been all good happenings.......but like we've learned...the grass still grows green through it all. Tomorrow, hug your loved ones. Tell them how much they mean to you and how much you appreciate them. Thank those who have done something for you in your life. Speak encouragement to those who need it. Help others. This world can be a lonely and dark place at times, and everyone could use a little sunshine from time to time. We shouldn't wait for holidays to feel this way or express our love...........it should be done daily. I hope each and every one of you reading this has a blessed day and remembers to give thanks to the One who gave His all.

Much love,
Sarah

Monday, November 14, 2011

Catchin up, Drs Show, BBC, and my 10 year anniversary!!!!

I know I've fallen behind...I'll just pick up now...Today I'm thankful for Wendy Brobston Lastovich! She works for Envoy Medical and has been so gracious to answer all my questions as they arise. She works very hard, and is a very pleasant lady. If all companies had people like her to work with customer relations and such, I'm pretty certain this world would be a better place!


Lol.Well, I guess I just have to start off by saying 'Sorry for getting behind once again!'. Us Churman's have a busy life even when my ear isn't involved :) We went to Oklahoma City this weekend for a friend's wedding. It was very nice and we enjoyed it. Even got to stop off at the Outlet Malls on the way home to do a lil shopping! I'm such a bargain hunter......I got $224 dollars worth of clothes for like $17 bucks at Van Heusen, then at GAP I got about the same deal on stuff. Total score :) I'm an avid thrift store and garage sale junkie, so sales are the next best thing.

This morning we drove to Dallas for an interview with the BBC out of England. The interview went very well, and I was surprisingly calm and enjoyed myself. The gentleman that I spoke with was Matthew Bannister, and he was very pleasant. They said the interview will air on Wednesday and they'll mail me a copy so I have it.

We returned home from Dallas in time to catch our interview on the Drs Show that we filmed a few weeks ago. I thought it went very well and was very informative. We were there with the CEO of Envoy Medical, Patrick Spearman. I enjoyed spending time with him and getting to know him, he's a very nice man.

Tomorrow my husband Sloan and I are leaving to stay the rest of the week at a Bed & Breakfast for our 10 year anniversary! I'm so excited! We got married on November 17th 10 years ago, and the time has FLOWN by. I was a young bride ;) Sloan proposed to me a couple of days before 9/11, then I turned 19 the next month on October 5th, then we were married November 17th. None of that dragged out engagement stuff for us. Lol. I have been so blessed to have Sloan as my husband. He is more than I ever could have hoped for; as a man, as a hubby, and as a Dad to our girls. Your mate is an important choice. Possibly the most important choice you'll ever make in life. Having someone to propel you, to lift you up daily, to love, and to care for you will shape your life as an individual. I'm so glad I got Sloan. I strive to be as good of a wife to him as he is a husband to me. Everyone hug your mate today and let them know you love them. Tomorrow is never promised <3

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Day 7 & Day 8. Ooops.

Ooops, just realized I skipped a day of thankfulness. Let me back up one day here......

Day 7: I'm thankful for Ariel at The Magic Time Machine! (Yes, the mermaid Ariel) She made Oli's night :)



Now onto today's entry.....

Day 8: I'm thankful for the kindness of random strangers and the way God will place people in your path in odd ways! How many of you reading this have ever done a random act of kindness for someone you don't know? It made you feel good to help someone out didn't it? And it probably affected that person in ways you'll never know! I challenge everyone who reads this to start doing random acts of kindness more often. Sadly it should be this way all the time, but in this crazy, materialistic, 9 to 5, 'keepin up with the Jones' world.............we sometimes lose sight of what is good and right.


So, what's new with me??? Not too much. I've moved up on my remote in the last few days and am currently on C2. Some things are MUCH louder and I cringe at certain pitches......but I'm told that's normal. Lol. The shower was much louder for instance, and talking on the phone to certain people is tiresome at times, but overall I think I like the change. Still can't listen to the radio the way I'd like to and that makes me sad, but I'll not focus on that just yet. We got a new TV for our bedroom a couple of days ago, and I'm SO enjoying the nice great picture and sound quality ;) Anyone in need of a TV? Our old one is an albatross, but works just fine. Lol. Seriously though, it weighs about 3.625 tons. It's heavy.

In other news, I got a call from the people at The Drs. Show and they informed me that the episode I taped with them will air Monday, November 14th :) Still waiting to hear when other shows will air, but I think this is the only one in November that I'm aware of. Everything else had originally stated late December/early January. Well, I'm off to start dinner. This time change has not notified my belly, and I'm already hungry! Everyone have a nice night!

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Day 5 & the weekend events!

Day 5: I'm thankful for family! Nothing like a birthday party to bring everyone together :) I've always enjoyed hosting everyone, and seeing everyone have a good time and chat and hang out makes my heart happy ♥

Well, yesterday's 'Carnival Party' went well!!! All of the kids really seemed to enjoy all the games, horse rides, face painting, and food. I was a little worried because we only had 18 fish and 47 kids, but the prizes other than fish went over very well. Great group of kids. I enjoyed talking with everyone and hanging out.

After the bulk of people left, Sloan, Misty, Ben, John C., Beth, and I all went down the tank and shot guns. This is only the 2nd time I've shot my Draco since getting my ear turned on. Getting used to the repercussion will take some getting used to. I've always had a hearing aid in my ear keeping it plugged, so that's a new sensation for me. Lol. Sloan makes me wear an ear plug in that ear now, but I shot a few times without it just to see what it was like. Once we got done shooting we went to our favorite little 'hole in the wall' Mexican food joint, Jalisco's. If you're ever in Mansfield Texas, you must eat there! We got done with dinner and headed over to the Farr Best Theater to watch Josh Weathers & The True Endeavors play. They sold out on tickets weeks ago, but Josh managed to get us some. (If you're reading this Josh or Kady, thanks again!) They had the full band there, and it was absolutely incredible!!!! It was very loud, but my ear was fine, and I really enjoyed it! Olivia and Elise danced their little hearts out all night long, and I have to say that Olivia now has quite a 'fan club'................the girl had to of learned her 'moves' from Daddy, cause Momma ain't got no rythm! Lol. She's in dance class, and we all dance and play music all the time here at home, but WOW, she really got a groove going last night :)

Anyway, I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend! My next planned interviews are with the BBC out of England. We'll be going to a studio in Dallas next week for that. Not sure what else is on the docket as of now.........so many things are 'in the air', but nothing is 'solid' at this point. That's okay......we Churman's have always done well flying by the seat of our pants :)

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Olivia Li

Day 5: Today, I'm thankful for my 'China doll', Ms. Olivia Li! While we were living in China we decided to start trying to get pregnant and figured it'd take a few months......wrong!!! Ms. Olivia came along right away :) We brought her to the states in my belly, gave her a Chinese middle name, and 4 years ago on November 7th we welcomed her to the world. I cannot imagine my life without her, she's a ray of sunshine and is such a unique, confident, beautiful little girl. Today we celebrate her birthday <3


Olivia's Carnival Party is today! Got up at 7:45 on a Saturday...........if that ain't true love, I don't know what is ;) Ready to have a houseful of friends and family and celebrate. Hopefully the games and prizes go over well with the kiddos. Supposed to be 42 kids here today for Oli. I am so thankful that I can hear all her little antics and her 'grown up' voice. Later tonight we go see Josh Weathers' full band at Farr Best in Mansfield. I'm SUPER stoked about that. First time I've seen him play since getting my new ear. (Other than the karaoke night, but that doesn't count, awesome as it was.) Hope everyone has a great Saturday! Hug someone, tell them you love them and what they mean to you <3

Friday, November 4, 2011

Josh Weathers

I keep forgetting to mention that one of my fav bands is Josh Weathers and The True Endeavors. For all you readers out there, go check him out! He has a Facebook page, and you can find him on YouTube or just Google him. He's an awesome musician and his wife Kady is a very nice gal, not to mention they have the cutest little boy :) Seriously, do your ears a favor and go listen to some of his music :)

Day 4

Day 4: I'm thankful for all my parent's relationships with our girls. (Mom, Stepdad, Dad, Stepmom, Mother in Law). Some of my fondest memories growing up are of times spent at my Grandparent's houses. I think it's important for children to have a close bond with their Grandparents and be able to spend time with them and stay the night with them. I'm blessed that all my parents are willing and have the desire to spend time with the girls ♥

Today will be spent baking the last layer of one cake, then making icings, then cleaning the rest of the house. I have to say that this reminds me of one of my new fond things I can hear................the oven dinging when something is done cooking! Although I have to admit that it goes off for some time before I realize it's actually going off. Lol. Yesterday was the first day I've used a blender or a mixer since being activated (hey, don't hate, I've not been home much lately!) and let me tell you, those things are LOUD.

Some of my latest endeavors are interviews with Japan, Australia, and Germany. Japan and Germany are just phone interviews, but the Australian one would like to send a crew out possibly to go with me to my first adjustment appointment in the Woodlands. I'll keep you posted. That's all for now, gotta get back to baking and cleaning :)

Thursday, November 3, 2011

30 Days of Thanksgiving

I decided to jump on the bandwagon on Facebook and do the '30 Days of Thanksgiving'. Someone suggested I post them here on my blog as well, and I thought that was a great idea. This way I'll feel the need to post something every day.........even if it's just one sentence. I'm sorry I've gotten so behind on this. I've been getting stuff ready for my oldest daughter's birthday party that is this weekend.

Day 1: I'm thankful for my new ear and all those involved in helping me along the way. (Scientists, Doctors, etc.) These last couple of months have been AMAZIJNG. God really turned our world upside down and showered us with blessings in ways I never dreamed possible. (And He's continuing those blessings!)

Day 2: I'm thankful for my close circle of friends. As you get older you realize how important it is to surround yourself with good people. Genuine people that you can count on in any situation.

Today's: I'm thankful for Allrecipes.com and this amazing Amaretto Cake I got goin on. YUM.


Earlier today I was walking to the mailbox and I thought something was wrong with my ear. I was hearing an odd noise that was freaking me out. Come to find out, it was a tree full of black birds! They weren't singing or tweeting, it was like they were all ruffling their wings and feathers and talking. Sounded almost like when I first turn the TV on before turning on the antennae box. Crazy. Anyway, I have cakes on the counter, cakes in the stove, cakes everywhere........gotta get back to baking!