In the world, but not of the world...

2 EARS!!!

2012-03-09T15:38:00.001-08:00

As promised, here it is! I'll blog later.......there's currently a documentary film crew here.

http://youtu.be/e6RNWB7N4VQ

NERVOUS

2012-03-08T12:20:00.003-08:00

Ok so I'm currently in the car on my way to Envoy! SO nervous! I didn't realize I'd b so nervous. I really thought the first ear would be the only 'nerve wracking' one. First let me apologize b/c Im on the IPad and it's literally the 3rd time I've used it. Just want to basically thank everyone for the well wishes and prayers. I will post a video tonight when we get home and possibly blog

WOW.

2012-03-07T11:41:00.002-08:00

Gah....tomorrow is THE day! Activation Day! I'm so nervous.I couldn't sleep last night :( I'm so ready to do this, but yet so nervous as well. I'm hoping I won't have too much of an adjustment since I already have the one ear, but several Envoy folks are telling me to be prepared for just as much of an adjustment as the first ear. I'm excited to experience 'stereo sound' and a little embarrassed to admit that I actually had to Google what that was. LOL. I think because I know I have the other ear done, I'm tired of working out of one ear.

I've also decided to address the almost 10 million folks on YouTube in a video that my best friend will be willing to film tomorrow when I get activated. A while back they (YouTube folks) kept asking for me to post another video and I said when I hit 9 million I would. (Not realizing I'd hit it that fast) I've put it off and put it off because I have no idea what to say or how to express my gratitude to all those people! Time to do it though. Channel 11 will be putting together something to air with their footage and the documentary folks will be using the activation footage in their short they are making. As nervous as I am, I'm also equally excited. Just want today to fly by! Think cleaning will make that happen? *said in sarcastic tone* :)

In other news, if you haven't seen the KONY2012 video, look it up! I was contacted by one of the producers last night asking for permission to use my clip in this awesome short they've made. It apparently went viral and the Oprah Winfrey Network has picked it up and will air it! It's 29 minutes long and very touching. Really, take 29 minutes out of your day and watch it. It makes an impact and is taking off like wildfire! A friend of mine contacted me with the idea to do a benefit concert for KONY2012............I'm hoping it's a 'go'. That would be an awesome thing to be able to help in some way.

Well guys, I'll blog more later tonight.........as I'm sure I'll be up late ;) I can't think right now. Lol.

Much love,
Sarah

Catch up again....

2012-02-24T08:41:00.003-08:00

Well, I've unfortunately gotten waaaaaay behind on blogging. So much so that I'm not sure what all to 'report' on. I go on March 8th to get my other ear activated, and I'm counting down the days. I guess because I know I have it, and what I'm missing out on, I'm VERY ready for it to be on. I'm very curious to see how much better certain things sound.

I'm not sure if I posted anything about it yet or not, but I went on Anderson Cooper a few weeks ago. It aired a couple of weeks ago. That was a very fun trip. Anderson is a very nice guy........and he's even more gorgeous in real life. Perfect skin, perfect hair, and those crystal blue eyes that just look into you. Much the same as Ellen's eyes actually! Lol. After taping, Ami came up to me and we chatted for a while. Got a hug from him and he asked to see my ink since it's healed. Said it looked great. (Of course it does.....it's Tim Hendricks work! Lol) I actually set up an appointment with my tattoo artist friend here locally to do a couple of things for me on Monday. I have tons of people ask me all the time "Who does your work?" Well, it's a friend of ours named Tyson Meyer. He currently works at a shop called Lost Highway in Crowley, Texas. If you are in the area and wanting a tattoo, hit him up and tell him I sent ya :) Anyway, I got him to draw me up a colorful child-like owl for Elise. She loves birds, and I realize she may not always love birds, but I want the tattoo to symbolize this time in her life and to remember her as a child. Easily entertained and able to find joy in simple things. Adults could learn a lot from that.......The other tattoo is going to be some lyrics from the song "Beautiful Things". I'll post the song here in case some of you have never heard it. It's a great song and touches me every time I hear it. Here it is:

All this pain
I wonder if I’ll ever find my way
I wonder if my life could really change at all
All this earth
Could all that is lost ever be found
Could a garden come up from this ground at all

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us

All around
Hope is springing up from this old ground
Out of chaos life is being found in You
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust

You are making me new
You make me new,
You are making me new

In other news, I'm still moving forward on my book. The publishing company sent over a contract and we are currently having our lawyers look it over. I'm itching to get started.......just not sure on the format. What do folks want to hear about? What do they want to read? I'm praying that it will just flow from me and be a good experience. Speaking of good experiences, I was introduced to an organization called "Project Endeavor". They help hearing impaired/deaf people get computers, laptops, phones, I Pads, Internet, etc. at a discounted rate. They are a really great group of folks. I sent over an application not sure if I would qualify, and I did! I ordered my I Pad and Sprint Overdrive Hot Spot and they are arriving on Monday. I'm very excited. I'm not much of a 'gadget person', but I may come over to the dark side before long. Lol.

Today is Friday, the weekend is here, and I'm wondering what Sloan and I and the kids will get into this weekend. I hope this post finds you all doing well and that you all have a great weekend!

Blessings,
Sarah

New York, round 3 with Anderson Cooper!

2012-02-10T08:58:00.000-08:00

Ok, so New York was great :) We had a great flight there and Tuesday we just spent the day walking all around taking in the sights and eating everything I could get my hands on. Lol. Tuesday night we went and saw "Stomp". It was really good! I just sat and took it all in, the sounds of the people stomping, beating on tubs, etc. It was a great experience. Wednesday morning the producer took us over... to the set of "Anderson Cooper" where I was sent directly to 'hair and makeup'. I tell ya.....there is just nothing better than sitting down and having a team of people do ya up! Makes you feel so good. Lol. I was SO nervous thinking about what to say, how to say it, meeting Anderson and Ami, etc. They went over the questions with me, asked me all about the Esteem, all about my experience on NY Ink, etc. When it was time to go on, they placed me in a 'special audience spot' and the cameras rolled. Anderson was a very nice man, I spoke with him briefly before we taped and a briefly after we taped. He's even prettier in real life ;) Perfect hair, perfect skin, and those piercing blue eyes (much like Ellen's eyes!). Hearing him and Ami talk about my experience was cool.

Before I left, I was asked several things by many of you ladies. Here are the top 3 questions I was asked to find out:

1. Is Anderson short? Not really....but he's not tall at all. Who needs to be tall though when you're that handsome :)

2. Did Anderson smell good? I didn't smell any cologne....but who needs cologne when you're Anderson Cooper ;)

3. Can you tell him I think he's gorgeous? I have to admit ladies, I failed you all there....I was too nervous and forgot to let him know. Lol. I did however at one point make a joke about his age....you'll have to watch the show, it was hysterical complete with Anderson falling on the ground in mock horror. Ha.

After we were done taping that segment, Ami came up to me and was like "Hey Babe, how are ya?" I have to admit......I giggled. LOL. He smelled wonderful and was very sweet. He had me show him my tattoo so he could see it 'healed' and we chatted a lil more before I was swept away back to the dressing room. Basically, all in all, it was a good experience and I enjoyed meeting all the people on the set, etc. They will let me know soon when the episode will air and I'll keep you all posted. Thanks for praying for a good trip!

Random question....

2012-02-10T08:55:00.000-08:00

Does anyone have a way to get a discount on an Ipad or laptop? I'm in need of one and they are SO expensive! I didn't own a computer until I was 24 years old, and that was because a family member gave us one when we moved to China to keep in touch with family. That laptop was a refurb and it is now dead. Lol. I have some money saved up, but want to buy the best thing I can. I realize this is a stab in the dark, but hey, God does amazing things :) Everyone have a great weekend <3

Sound Discovery- Interview with The Story on NPR

2012-02-04T20:29:00.000-08:00

Here's the interview I did with The Story on NPR.

Sound Discovery

:)

Sound Discovery

2012-02-04T20:26:00.000-08:00

Sound Discovery

Twas' a great Friday!

2012-02-03T21:52:00.001-08:00

Spent the day and evening getting ready for my youngest daughter's 2nd birthday party tomorrow! Whew, I'm tired. Cleaned house, got the guest bedroom ready for family coming in, cooked tons of food, and even managed to bake a 3 tiered cake :) I cannot believe that Ms. Elise An will be 2 years old :( I still remember the morning she was born in our living room. One of the best memories of my life for sure! She has enriched my life in so many ways. She was born 3 weeks after my FIL passed away suddenly, and she has done an excellent job of turning our sorrow into joy.

Today was an exciting day in many ways. It started off by me receiving a DVD from UFC fighter Matt Hamil in the mail. It's a copy of his movie called "The Hammer". Really great story! Another highlight of my day was finding out that we are indeed going to New York next week for the Anderson Cooper Show! The producer called and set our plane tickets up and got us taken care of. I'm so excited to be visiting NY again! I'll be on the show with Ami James and talking about tattoos and what mine means to me. Sloan and I decided to splurge, and we bought tickets to see "Stomp" on Broadway while in NY. VERY excited to go see that and actually hear and appreciate it! I'll be sure to blog about that :) And for the MOST exciting thing that happened today.........I got to hear a heart beat!!!!! Not just any heart beat, but the ones of my little girls. I sat on the kitchen floor with my ear up against Elise's chest and crying. She said "What's wrong Mommy? You okay?" I did not realize that you could hear a person's heartbeat without a stethoscope! Someone mentioned it to me and I excitedly made my girls and even my hubby pull their shirts up so I could listen. I was absolutely amazed and astounded! Sloan's heart beat is very slow, but Elise's is very fast. Olivia's is in the middle. Best thing I've heard so far for sure.

Well, it's late and I have a big day tomorrow. Pray that the weather holds up and we don't get any rain. I rented a bounce house for the kiddos :)

Blessings,

Sarah

T.G.I.F!

2012-01-27T15:31:00.000-08:00

First, let me take this time to say that I JUST NOW have figured out how to respond to people who comment! LOL. I get frustrated because sometimes I just really feel compelled to respond but could not figure out how. Thank you to everyone who has written words of encouragement or just nice sentiments, it really means a lot.

Second, I ran out of time after posting the thing for the girls' contest yesterday so I didn't get to post like I intended. Just wanted to kind of fill everyone in and let you all know that I'm doing well :) This time was much easier than last, and I've felt better much sooner than last time as well. I don't know if it's because I wasn't under near as long, if the surgery just went smoother, or a combination of both. Either way, I'm very grateful! Last time it was 10 days before I even felt like going anywhere or doing anything. This time I was up and itching to go somewhere much sooner. I still cannot sleep on my right side, and to be honest, that's getting old. BUT, I won't complain too much ;) I got the date for my 'activation' and it will be March the 8th. I'm excited. Soooooooo ready to have 'stereo sound' as people keep calling it. I wasn't aware that's what 'stereo' meant. Lol.

On another note, I really don't have anything too exciting to report......although, my youngest daughter Elise's birthday is next weekend. That's what I'm spending my time and thoughts on currently. Getting planned and ready for her party. I'm hoping we'll have decent weather and it won't be too cold. I rented a bounce house for the kiddos......it's always a big hit. Anyway, hope everyone has a great weekend spent surrounded by those you love.

Blessings,
Sarah

Will you vote for my girls???

2012-01-26T15:56:00.000-08:00

Hello all! This first blog will be a selfish one........would you take the time to find VanZandt Studios on Facebook and 'like' my girls photos in their contest?

The link for Elise's photo is: https://www.facebook.com/durendam/posts/10150547090067529?ref=notif&notif_t=feed_comment_reply#!/photo.php?fbid=10150538272234396&set=a.10150539526674396.390931.199184034395&type=3&theater

And the link for Olivia's photo is: https://www.facebook.com/durendam/posts/10150547090067529?ref=notif&notif_t=feed_comment_reply#!/photo.php?fbid=10150538279649396&set=a.10150539526674396.390931.199184034395&type=3&theater

Sorry for the crazy arrangement........I'm not savvy enough to figure out how to arrange this in order. Lol. Anyway, if you have time, go vote. The winners get a 'photo shoot' and their picture used in advertising for a local shop called Ruffled Rebelles in Mansfield, Texas where I'm from. Olivia would LOVE the chance to 'play dress up' and have her picture taken.......she's quite my little 'photo diva'. Elise just thinks anything is fun. These girls are my world and the main push for me wanting to have the Esteem Implants done. Thank you all so much! Feel free to pass the info along and share it. If you have sent me a friend request on FB and I've not accepted it, please don't be offended...............I just decided that it was in my best interests not to accept the hundreds of requests. Please understand. No hard feelings, I just like to keep FB my main friends and family. Thanks.

Feelin' decent :)

2012-01-17T15:51:00.000-08:00

Well, it's now Tuesday I'm told. 4 days post surgery. Overall, the experience this time has been much better than last time. Partially because I knew what to expect, and partially because what I expected didn't happen in a lot of ways. LOL. Surgery did not take near as long this time, thank God! I was only under for 5 hours versus over 9. Dr. Berryhill worked his magic and had me done in good time with no complications. He told Sloan everything went well and that it was a 'pleasure to be able to work on me'. I assured him the pleasure was all mine :) Dr. Berryhill is an awesome man, and a fine doctor. I have really enjoyed him every time I've dealt with him. He has a sweet spirit and is very easy going. Once I woke up from surgery, I immediately knew I felt much better than last time. I told the anesthesiologist that I could 'kiss him on the lips' for giving me such a good combo of whatever he gave me. Lol. I believe I also told Dr. Berryhill that I could kiss him as well. The very last thing I remember before going under is looking at the clock in the surgery room while on the table..........it said 6:48 and I silently prayed "God, please let me be done by noon". Guess what? Noon on the dot! I did not have any 'visitors' this time that I was aware of or rememeber, but I'm sure they were there. I was so sad that I didn't get to see Ross or Jesus, but I know they were watching over me nonetheless.

Anyway, the channel 11 news crew followed us down to Houston, complete with a dash camera that Sloan made them take out at our first gas stop. Ha. They also had a camera on their car filming our car going down the road. You really have to wonder what the point of that is? For an artsy 'in action shot'? I've learned that camera men can really be 'gadget whores'. They like all the little trinkets and technical toys :) Anyway, Jason and Sal were very nice and I enjoyed spending time with them as well. They joined us for my pre-op appointment and filmed that. They sat down and asked questions and go to know as much as they could about Envoy Medical and the Esteem Implant. I am very curious to see how they'll make the story and how they'll incorporate all the film they got. They ended their trip with filming me going into surgery (which I have no recollection of.......hope I was smiling or something. Lol)

For the first several hours after getting back to my hotel room I assured Sloan I was 'dying' and did my fair share of crying. At one point I think I even cried for my "Mommy", then it turned into crying for my "babies". Sloan's a tough guy you know it? If the shoe had been on the other foot, I'd have been searching the hotel for some baby girls to steal and bring them to the room to calm me down. LOL. Once I got my pain under control (aka, got hooted on pain meds) I was very pleasant and comfortable. Sloan is a great nurse when he needs to be. I mumble 'chocolate' and he raids the gas station for candy bars and brings back 10 different kinds. I say 'dorito' and he loads me up, takes me downstairs amid stares from strangers and lets me pick out chips in the lobby. In fact, since getting home, he's been quite lovely as well. Yesterday was really bad, I felt horrible. That whole '3rd day after surgery is the worst' was true in my case. After staying in bed all day, last night he loaded me up and took me to Barnes and Noble because my Nook wasn't working. We got help and I was ready to leave but he thought I should "walk around a bit" because it'd "be good for me". Once he looked up from his magazine and saw me passed out on the table, he asked if I'd like something sweet to eat. I told him "Yes. But from 7-11. I want a Slurpee." He loaded me back up and drove me to 7-11 before we got home. He's a good man I tell ya. Even brought me home a gun the other day as a 'get well present'. I'm pretty sure that's the start of a redneck joke somewhere. Today I have felt much better. I actually slept last night which I haven't been doing much of. Lari and the girls took me to lunch. When she brought me back I told her I now knows what it feels like to be really old.............You have one activity a day that you look forward to, and you're worn out after it. I napped te re-coup and am fixing to scrounge some dinner.

Basically, I'd just like to thank everyone for the well wishes, prayers, messages, food, etc. I had a short phone interview today, and I have a radio interview at a studio in Dallas Friday afternoon. Not sure when the channel 11 thing will air, but I'll keep everyone posted. Hope you all have a nice night.

Much love,
Sarah

The time is NOW!

2012-01-11T22:30:00.000-08:00

So the time has come! We leave out in the morning for Envoy's surgery center in The Woodlands. I have surgery early Friday morning. Not gonna lie, I'm nervous. I think anyone would be. I'm not nervous about the surgery itself, I'm just nervous about being under. I want everything to go well, and I want no complications. Praying for a steady hand for the doc as well. I've got a good support system made up of family and friends, and I'm blessed that they are all able to help with the girls while I'm 'out of commission'. The next time I blog, I will no longer have hearing aids!!!! Yay. It will be a long 8 weeks waiting for my 'activation date', but at least I have one good ear to work with during this time :)

On another note, this weekend will be the 2 year anniversary of my Father in Law Ross's death. He left us suddenly January 14th, 2010. One of the greatest men I've ever had the blessing to meet. He taught me so much about life and about God using so little words :) I miss him dearly still every day. We all do. (Our family) Last time I had surgery, I woke up telling everyone that Ross and Jesus were by my bedside the entire time I was under. I experienced a complete and utter peace. Even though it didn't seem like 9 hours, it seemed more like an hour. Jesus sat in a chair at my bedside, and Ross stood the whole time. Had his little fingers tucked into his pants pockets the way he did when he was just standing around talking or listening to someone. It was a complete sense of comfort............I have to be honest and say I hope I get to experience this again.

Thank you for all the prayers, words of encouragement, and thoughts. It means a lot.

Long winded thoughts......

2012-01-07T13:23:00.000-08:00

http://polishmycrown.wordpress.com/2011/09/04/50-rules-for-dads-of-daughters/

Okay, so I came across the above link a few days ago and it really struck a chord with me. Just about every single one of those 50 'rules' are completely true! I made Sloan read the list and once he got through them all he looked at me and said "I'm proud to say I do just about every one of those!" It got me thinking.........so I sat down and actually thought about each one and here's what I came up with:

1. Very important one, glad it was at the top of the list! Growing up, I rarely saw my parents be cross with each other. I can honestly think of only 2 fights they got in (not physical). Like it or not, as a child, you are a product of your environment. Dads, make that a good environment! Sloan is good to give me affection, treats me well, respects me, and has manners (when needed) LOL. The girls need to see that.

2. Ahhh, quality time. I admire Sloan for this one among many others. He's good to just lay on the floor with the girls and 'hang out'. They'll sit forever just hanging out wallering all over each other and giggling at nothing. It melts my heart to watch it, and I can only imagine the good it does for our children. They'll only be small for so long...........I promise, they'll remember the times Dad got down on the floor and just 'chilled' with them and made them laugh.

3. How nice would it be if all Dads could be the 'hero' their children need in times of crisis? Not even crisis........just a time when they are needed. Make time, always be available if needed.

4. This one is especially hard because I dread the day we're not 'cool' or 'special'. While everyone assures me that that time is short and our children will come back around to thinking we're 'cool', I have to admit it makes me sad to think about. Sorry Mom and Dad if I ever made you feel this way :(

5. Wow. What can I say..........5 is UBER important and probably the most important thing you could ever do for any of your children. Sloan and I pray over the girls every night as we lay them to bed. Even if you aren't a believer, speak affirmation to your children daily.

6. Ahhhh, number 6. This one brings back memories of me throwing a football with my Dad. I had a freakishly good throw for a little girl. It's no longer impressive as a woman, but as a girl, I could actually throw a decent spiral ;) Thanks Dad! I also still remember the day Dad brought me home a ball and a bat. I sucked, but I had fun! I also remember being given Mom and Dad's old softball gloves and thinking I was 'the bomb'. I always had a fear (and still do really) of being hit in the head, so I was never good at things flying towards my head........but I loved to hit a ball! Thanks for not telling me I sucked, and for always throwing a ball for me because I was an only child and had no sibling to play with so I had to bug you for games that required 2 people. I won't go off on a tangent about that though.......we'll save that for another blog ;)

7. To be honest........I don't have much experience with #7.......I honestly do not remember ever 'fighting' with my mother.......I was never brave enough to do that. LOL. Although I do have to give Sloan kudos because when I tell Olivia 'no' and she goes to Daddy his response is "What did your Mother say?" Smart man I married!

8. Number 8 makes me think of the time Sloan and I went into Cavendars to buy me some boots. We are by no means wealthy.....so buying expensive boots is a treat. I had saved up and had my eye on some. We got there, found my boots, tried them on and were proceeding to go to the checkout when Oli looked up at Sloan and with the best 'pucker' she could muster she said "Daddy, I want a pair of boots like Mommy except pink." Wanna guess what happened??? She got her some boots. Nice ones. Pink. Like Mommys. We walked out of there and Sloan said "I cannot believe I just bought her those boots. I was 15 before I had nice boots." But you know what? She LOVED those boots and wore them til her little toes begged for air. They now belong to her sister. Sloan will tell you it was the best $55 bucks he ever spent on kids shoes :) Splurge every now and then...........

9. Of course I'm too young to remember my Dad playing peek a boo......but I do remember him doing a kart wheel in the front yard one time because I asked him too. Did he look ridiculous....oh yeah. Did he pull a groin muscle? According to my Mother, "oh yeah". Meant alot to me that he did it though :) I've always admired Sloan for not caring what anyone else thinks to an extent. I remember him taking Oli to dinner one night so I could have 'me time' and he walked out the door pink frilly diaper bag and all and I thought to myself "Now THAT is a man". Men, take note, gals love a guy who is secure in his manhood enough to carry a pink bag for his kids!

10. Ahhh, bath time. It's a big event here at the Churman House. Bubbles, toys, shaving cream, etc. I know the girls will not remember their Daddy wasting his shaving cream just to hear fits of giggles as they make 'mustaches' or whatnot 50 million times every night.

11. Oooh, number 11. My Dad was a pro at this. I had every pet imaginable as a kid! I'd have to say a pet raccoon topped this list. I also remember my Dad bringing home baby Pigeons and letting me raise them. There were also a few cotton tail rabbits. This along with the normal stuff like dogs, cats, snakes, lizards, frogs, birds, turtles, etc. I even remember a mole I found. As I got older and married a man who has horses, I've gotten to continue this love for animals.

12. Money. Hmmm. I honestly don't remember thinking or caring too much about this at a young age. I did have an allowance and I do remember that I'd spend it all on books from garage sales. When my Dad realized this he told my mother not to let me spend my allowance on that, he'd buy them for me. Most of you may be thinking 'What's the big deal?' But I would read TONS of books. Went through my allowance pretty darn fast every weekend stocking up my book collection. My Dad was a hard worker and was not 'showy' with cash, so I'm proud to say that I had a pretty good concept of working for the dollar. Sloan is good to teach Oli about this even though she is 4. Lol. We have a few years before this really becomes an issue. I hope.

13. Have to say, this is one I never had done for me and one Sloan has never done for the girls. I do remember my Dad making me french toast though. I thought it was so cool because Mom never made it, it was "Dad's specialty". Sloan's specialty is whipping up a huge breakfast (enough to feed an army even though there are only 4 people under this roof and 2 of them are under 4 feet) He likes to make breakfast 'special' for the girls by using my best china. While I'll admit that sometimes I'm grumpy about it because I dread washing it all................watching him pour the girls tea from my antique tea pot and them giggling hysterically at his 'British accent' is worth all the time and turns my frown upside down. Sometimes he even does all the clean up after all.

14. Not gonna lie, my Dad never owned any cool shoes like Chucks. LOL. Sloan owns them though, and I used to have a slight obsession with them, so naturally the girls both have a few pairs. We nailed this one on the head :)

15. I remember dancing on my father's feet as a kid. There's just something magical about it. This is another thing that makes my heart happy.........Just about every day at some point, Sloan turns on music and he and the girls 'rock out'. I just sit back and watch. The looks on their faces as they move to the music is priceless. Even more priceless is Daddy in there shaking his booty with them. We have tons of video of this and I'm sure I will cherish these videos some day when I'm old.

16. FISHING! I LOVE to fish. My Dad was great about this. We went fishing quite a bit when I was a kid. This is something Sloan admitted he needed to work on..............he thinks fishing is 'boring' and would 'rather have a tick in his navel'. LOL.

17. Whew. Saying 'no' to 2 cute little faces is HARD. My Dad had no problem saying no, but it just made the 'yes's' even better when I heard them. I remind myself of this as does Sloan. It's important to not be one of 'those' parents that says yes to everything. Lol.

18. This has always been important for me. I have known since before I had kids that if we had girls we would tell them all the time how beautiful, pretty, smart, etc. they are. We try to do this several times a day. There is nothing better than building your children up and helping their self esteems. Someday this will pay off. When they are teenagers and the 'world is against them', their self esteem will get them through. Fathers, continually build your children up. It can pave their paths in ways you can't even imagine!

19. To be honest, my Dad never showed me how to do this...........but I watched him do it enough times that if need be, I like to think I could have done it. Lol. I cracked up when reading this one though, because Sloan has said on many occasions that his girls will know how to change their oil, change a tire, and will know the basics of an engine and how it works. Lol.

20. CAMPING! I'm a big 'nature' person. I live in the country for a reason. I cannot stand 'city life' and all the busyness of it. I like wide open spaces. Some of my favorite memories as a very young kid are of camping! This is one that made Sloan go 'Uh oh' because he'll be the first to tell you that he's saving all his camping skills for post apocalyptic society. I will be highlighting this one on the list I will hang.............Camping rocks. 'Nuff said.

21. True, true, and SO true! I remember being so overjoyed because Dad would let me drive from the stop sign to the house. I LOVED doing this. Judging by the looks on my kids faces, they too love doing it. It's pretty much a rite of passage as a kid. It just has to be done!

22. My father was always good to tell me how smart I was. He was always good to commend me on my reading and spelling abilities. (we just kept hush hush about my math.......cause no one is good at math. Who needs math anyways?) Sloan is good to always commend the girls when they do something 'smart' as well. He is always very positive when they are trying new things. Any time they don't do something right, he's quick to say 'good try' and 'here, let me help you'. It's always good to let kids try even if you know they'll fail...........it's how we learn.

23. Kisses. Eskimo kisses, butterfly kisses, slobbery kisses, painful kisses, sweet kisses. They are all good and I like to say they get my 'feel good endorphins' flowing.

24. Sunflower seeds. This and Pistachios and peanuts are a knowledge that just has to be learned.

25. Riding on shoulders. There is just something magical about this one. Something about feeling invincible and on top of the world. Oli continually says "I don't wanna get big because then you won't hold me or carry me anymore" to which Sloan says "I'll always hold you, you'll NEVER be too big for that".

26. Music. My poor Dad. He has an ear for music and can play beautifully. I on the other hand did NOT have an ear. Much less an ear for music. LOL. I tried to learn to play the guitar. It was pitiful. May have broke my Dad's heart.........but I'm hoping my girls will make up for it because they seem to be musically inclined even at this young of an age. They both love music. They love to dance and they love to play any instrument they can get their hands on.

27. Water. Oh how I loved water as a kid. Whole summers were spent in the pool, lake, water park, sprinklers, water hoses. It didn't matter. My Dad was NOT a water person though. Lol. Neither is Sloan. Lol. This past summer Sloan earned mad props because he took the girls and I to Sea World and to Uvalde State Park. Lots of water activities ensued! He was a trooper. He and the girls played til they were whipped. We all slept good that week :)

28. I don't remember waiting my Dad's arrival from work as a kid. Not sure if I did it or not.......doesn't mean I didn't love him though! I do have to say that my girls eagerly wait for their Daddy though. Doesn't matter if he's coming in from the barn after riding, or coming home from a job. They squeal with delight when he pulls up and eagerly run to the door screaming his name. He always says it's the best part of the day. Funny thing is, at this age, they'll do this whether he's been gone 10 minutes or 10 hours. Ha. We eat it up while we can. They do it for me as well and I have to say, it makes my heart over flow.

29. Swim lessons. I never went anywhere for these. My Grandpa taught me and every other child in the family. Grandpa and Grandma had the biggest pool I'd ever seen. Grandpa had it put in after winning a big race back in the 60's. My Mom grew up by that pool, and I grew up swimming in it as well. Sloan and I don't have a pool, but we do have a tank on our place. When Oli was small she had no fear of the water. We enrolled her into swim classes when she was 18mo. and believe it or not, Mr. Churman got in the water and sang 'kick your footies, kick your footies, whoa, kick kick kick' right along with the other kiddos and their Mommies. Made me proud alright and I got photographic evidence just in case Oli can never get him in a pool again.

30. This one was kind of odd for me. My Dad was always present for my birthdays. Can't imagine why a father would be absent for something like that. Birthdays are a big deal around here for the girls. We have a big family and we have them all over when it's time to celebrate. Mr. Churman is always involved :)

31. Roller skating. I can't honestly remember who taught me or who first took me. I did love to do it though. Sloan told me when we were dating that the Churmans 'do not get on 2 wheels unless it's a motorcycle'. He has stuck by that rule. Gotta give it to him that at least he was honest up front. That's ok, I'll teach the girls to skate!

32. Oh Lord. We do plenty of grass rolling around here in the pasture. Grass rolling, cow patty rolling, horse poo rolling, and even on occasion..........dog poo rolling. All these activities elicit giggles from all involved. We're country folk, we ain't scared to get dirty ;)

33. Swimsuit shopping? Really? I would have rather gone swimsuit shopping with Batman instead of my father. I just overlooked this one altogether.

34. While I do not remember ever asking my Dad to marry me..........I have heard Oli ask Sloan to marry her. I have also had to break her heart and inform her that Daddy was already married to me and no I will not give him up. Surprisingly enough, much crying ensued. It's very hard to not giggle at your 3 year old crying because she cannot marry Daddy. I assured her that she'd find her own prince charming someday and that he would be every bit as good as her Daddy. He has to be, or I won't approve ;)

35. Nightmares, I never had them as a kid and so far my kids do not have them. Hope it stays that way.

36. Awww. This is true. That is all.

37. I cracked up when I read this one because 'higher and faster' is actually the same in Sloan and the girls books. We got us lil dare devils on our hands and both girls unfortunately for me enjoy speed and danger. The higher the swing goes the better. The faster you get it going, the more giggles you get. Oh my.

38. See above.

39. Oh man. These girls can say 'again Daddy' a million times and Sloan will do it over and over a million times til I step in and go 'Okay that's enough'. Maybe it's a pride issue? Lol.

40. Ha. We live on a farm..........we have 'ponies'.......that ends this one.

41. Experiences are far worth more than material gifts. It's up to you as a Father to teach the kids that. This is one thing that will help them throughout their lives.

42. I got married at 19 and left home. I never needed to go back, but I always knew I could. Sloan jokes and says when the girls turn 18, they better start looking for a place to live. They need to learn independence. BUT, our door too, is always open.

43. This breaks my heart. It has to be hard to 'let go' of your kids, but it's necessary! They'll always be your children, you'll always love them, but they too become adults. It's important to treat them as such when the time comes.

44. Can't honestly say I ever got a letter from my Dad. I'm sure most little girls haven't, but I'll admit it would have been nice. This one has inspired Sloan. Doesn't have to be every year........just a note here and there would suffice.

45. Trust. That's an important one. It's also a fine line and a hard line to tow. It's important to give children your trust as they get older........and helps them as they come into adulthood.

46. I can only hope that our girls will continually trust not only their Daddy's heart, but their Father's heart as well.

47. Ha. Once again I was never brave enough to get too fired up at my parents.................I'm praying Olivia and Elise will be the same way......although they do have Sloan's DNA....the odds are good that they'll test this at some point. LOL.

48. Ice cream. I remember the times my Dad would take me for ice cream! Oh the joy! My girls are already suckers for ice cream. Any flavor. Sloan is a push-over when it comes to this and the girls know it.

49. Ahhh. The day the girls fall in love........not only does Daddy have his rifle/shotgun/pistol/machete ready....................but so do I. Oh how I dread this. Sloan says we'll send the girls to a convent overseas when they are 12. They can return when they are 18. We'll just bypass 'young love' altogether. Surely it can be done?!? No???

50. Don't blink.

Blah, blah, blah. Yep.

2012-01-04T12:58:00.000-08:00

....It's safe to say we'll never know everything, still blessings we receive. And it’s safe to say I really don't know a thing, still I choose to believe.

And all the answers that I find, only take me so far down the line. The tracks always give out yeah it's a leap from the lions mouth.....
---------------------------------------------------
Taken from one of the songs I'm really stuck on right now. Dustin Kensrue rocks. This and his song 'Pistol' make me cry every time.

Anyways, I've been reading up on the YouTube video comments lately. Bad idea for the most part. I try to ignore it, but I can't help it. The whole 'God vs. Science' debate is running rampant. That and all the 'doubters' or 'haters' are getting old. I was driving around running errands for Sloan and he had left his I Pod in the truck, so I popped an ear bud in my ear and turned it on. Album titled "Americana Mix" really rocks my world right now. There's a song called 'Believe' and the above lyrics are taken from that song. They really spoke to me today...... 'it's safe to say we'll never know everything still blessings we receive. And it’s safe to say I really don't know a thing, still I choose to believe.'

On another note, people continually ask 'what are some of the weird sounds you've heard lately?', so I'm gonna try to start making a list. Lol. Here goes:

1. The sound of brushing my hair. Sounds like I'm ripping it out every morning when I get up.
2. The sound of scrubbing your head when you shampoo it, very weird.
3. Water in the shower trickling. I STILL check my ear every time making sure I've taken my hearing aids out.
4. Burps are still an odd sound.
5. My 4 year old has learned to whistle and bless her heart, it's an annoying sound! Just hate to burst her bubble, so I refrain from screaming when she does it. Lol.
6. Just gonna be honest, but my hubby's farts are quite impressive.

That's all I can think of at the moment. Sloan and I still play the 'what is that noise' game every day. And for some reason, I still have trouble discerning what direction some noises come from. Hopefully that will get better with time. Well, I'm off to get Oli ready for dance class. Have a great rest of your day folks!

2012.........Bring it on!

2011-12-30T22:48:00.000-08:00

Wow, apparently half the world watches NY Ink! Lol. Seems like that's been the most popular interview/show I've done thus far. Or at least the people who saw it are the ones who commented and messaged me the most. We were at Wooster St. Social Club for 12 hours, so I was hoping they'd do a bang up job on the episode, and they did! It was an amazing experience for us, and I'll never forget it. (My new pretty lady on my ribcage won't let me forget either). We had a 'NY Ink viewing party' at a local joint in town and our close friends and family came. It was fun and touching to see people take the time to come hug my neck and hang out.

As 2011 comes to a close, I'm really just swamped with memories of the past year. Seems like the common thread is relationships and how important they are. Family, dear friends, and even complete strangers have really impacted me this year. I just can't get over the kindness of some people. I look back at some of the messages written, and words spoken, and things done and I'm just in complete awe. This world can be a dark place, but there are still many lights that shine. Things like that give me hope that my girls will grow up to become strong loving women who will get to experience the world like I have.

A lot of people have messaged me saying things like 'You have a beautiful family' or 'You are blessed to have a husband like Sloan', etc. I do not know where I'd be, or who I would be without Sloan. The man would go to the ends of the Earth for me, and loves me unconditionally. He builds me up daily and in the 12 years we've been together, he has helped propel me and made me strive to be all I wanted to be. People ask and ask things like 'how do you talk so well', etc. I have had a man who has complimented me, worked with me, and been my 'right hand'. He's my pit bull when I need one, and my shoulder to cry on when the world is too much or cruel. BUT, he's never let me wallow in pity long. Lol. Enough about that though.

I think I'm on the verge of getting all mushy and rambling on. It's 1 in the morning and for some reason I just can't shut my mind down. Since all this YouTube stuff has erupted, my heart has really been leaning towards wanting to work with people in some capacity. I really feel led to reach out to those hurting. Those whose walk in life is currently hard. Every time I have spoken at places, churches, or done an interview.........it always seems like I meet someone who is somehow impacted and I can't help but feel like that's what this is all about. Reaching out to those people.

This whole journey has been me just going where He leads. Whatever has been laid out for us, we take on. I'm fully prepared to see what 2012 holds. I hope all of you reading this have a safe New Year and that each of you experience blessings in ways you never imagined.

Much love,
Sarah

Jan. 13th!!!!

2011-12-23T09:02:00.000-08:00

Forgot to post when I scheduled it, but my other ear is scheduled to be done on January 13th!!!!! I'm counting down the days. Ready to get the 8 week waiting period before activation over with. Good thing this time is that I have one good ear to work with instead of one bad ear for 8 weeks :) I will be honest and say I'm not looking forward to the after effects of anesthesia though.

I went last week and had my adjustment on my ear, that went well. They changed some settings up and tweaked some volume and stuff. It's really kind of hard to explain because I honestly don't know exactly what they do.........it's all technical. Lol. Basically I just tell them what I don't like or wish was 'better' and they do their magic on the computer with the device and 'tweak' it. I did get a 100 on my word comprehension!

On another note, I hope everyone reading this has a very Merry Christmas and enjoys time with family. We ourselves have already had several Christmas parties this month with extended family, but this weekend will be spent with close family.

I really don't have anything else uber exciting to talk about..........sorry folks!

Bit of this, bit of that....

2011-12-17T20:46:00.000-08:00

So after finding out about Google's year end review video, I've just been left speechless. Utterly speechless. Speechless, humbled, amazed, excited, grateful, and did I mention speechless?!? I cannot even begin to formulate into words what an honor that was to be included. To further top it off, having the directors at Google tell me they were honored to have seen the video and been given permission to use it. Little old me. Once again God uses 'little old me'. Kinda like when we were in a 'small' village in China of 700,000. Here I was on the other side of the world in China feeling like I was accomplishing nothing, when God spoke to my heart and said "Could you just be okay with the fact that I may have sent you to the other side of the world just to love on a few people?" "And could you be okay if you never even know who those few people are?" Well you know what? I AM okay with that. I am okay with all that He has laid out for me. Just when I think things are 'dying down', something else is laid before me. There are so many things swirling around in this head of mine currently, and a few possible exciting things in the future, and I just can't help but not get too excited about any of it because God keeps giving me curve balls every step of the way. I know it's to test our faith. To test that we fully trust in Him. Someone was talking the other day about mustard seeds. A while back I got a mustard seed necklace and have worn it and researched mustard seeds, read about them in scripture, etc. You know what? I'm kinda like a mustard seed! We all are! We all can be!

On a different note, my episode filmed with NY Ink will air December 29th! The premiere episode! A local place called Fat Daddy's has given us a private room to host a 'viewing party' in. We don't have cable, so I'm excited to get together with friends and loved ones and hang out and watch it.

On Monday a Japanese film crew is flying in to do an interview. I'm excited, as I have not spoken with anyone from Japan thus far. I've really enjoyed meeting all these different people from all over during this journey. It's neat to sit down and try to get to know someone in a few hours. To hear their stories, their life, etc.

OH! Almost forgot!!! I hit 9million sometime last night!!!! Got like 66,000 something views over night! I didn't anticipate hitting it that soon, so my '9 million video post' will be a bit delayed. We are talking with a production company about possibly shooting it for us. Hang tight, it's coming, I promise! The same said production company wants to do an interview next week as well. Next week is a busy week for me! Japanese people on Monday, then on Tuesday I have my adjustment appointment :) My LONG awaited adjustment appointment! I'm so excited and am anxious to see what all is improved or changed or heightened afterwards. Speaking of that, I set up my official surgery date for my next ear. January 13 is the day! I am of course nervous/anxious and excited. I'm not looking forward to the after effects of anesthesia. I'm hoping it won't be another 9 hour surgery like last time, but due to my 'funky ears', I'm afraid it will be. Please keep me in your prayers on that.

Tonight we spent time at a family Christmas party. I'm one of 'those people' who LOVE family parties :) I totally enjoying pigging out on random food, sitting on the floor Indian style like a little kid, listening to the 'adults' chatter, and then of course there's the long awaited 'Chinese Christmas' that we always play. I think it's the 'bargain hunter' in me that enjoys it so much. Lol. I fared well in China for the same reason! Did you know that you can literally barter for a bottle of water there?!? Seriously, anyone reading this, if you ever travel to China, NEVER pay the first amount quoted. You can ALWAYS barter :) It's like a sport for me, that whole 'thrill of the hunt' thing happens and I totally play the Eye of the Tiger lyrics in my head. Anyways, it's always nice to hang out with family. Even that one cousin that's kind of annoying ;) Just kidding, I don't really have any annoying cousins. (Now I got them all wondering if they are the 'annoying one')

Well guys and gals, I think that about wraps it up for tonight. I'm sorry to be so sporadic with posts. So many of you message me with your kind words and I greatly appreciate it. I would not be 'that girl with 9 million YouTube views' without all of you. Please know that I appreciate all the kind e-mails, messages, etc. that I get every day. I'd message all of you back if I had no life, no kids, no hubby, and didn't need to sleep or eat ;) Really though. You all rock!

Have a great weekend. Hug your loved ones. Help someone less fortunate out tomorrow. Bless someone random. Pay for someone's coffee. For real, shock someone tomorrow. You never know what kind of day people are having, help to show them that there is still love and kindness in the world.

<3 Sarah

Google's Zeitgist 2011: Year In Review

2011-12-15T15:14:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAIEamakLoY&feature=player_embedded

I'm currently speechless. Will blog later tonight when my mind settles.

Blessings,
Sarah

My apologies!

2011-12-12T22:15:00.000-08:00

So tonight my heart is heavy. I stumbled upon a section in Facebook titled 'other messages' and found that I have literally hundreds of messages from well wishers to people wanting info on the Esteem. Several interview requests, book and magazine people, and things like that. My hope is that maybe some of you are reading this and will see that I am SO sorry! I feel horrible that all these people think I ignored them :( I am furiously trying to respond to them all. It's past midnight, but I can't go to bed until I have answered every last one and told them 'thanks'. I am sending everyone my blog link in hopes that I can get this 'blanket message' out to you guys. Thank you so much for all the kind words, the encouragement, and for making me open my eyes a bit further to all the world has and the ways God can use others for good. I sincerely hope this reaches the ones who touched me the most and that you know I am humbled.

Almost to 9 million!!!!

2011-12-10T09:13:00.000-08:00

I checked on my YouTube video today and was shocked to see that I'm getting pretty close to 9 million views!!! I have told friends that once I get there, I'll make a video and post it thanking all you wonderful 8+ million folks that have watched and given me encouragement along the way :) It has been an amazing journey thus far, and I've been humbled and honored to have met thousands of new people. (Ellen among the top of that list!)

Living in Trust........my message for the last church I spoke at.

2011-12-08T14:50:00.001-08:00

Living Trust

My name is Sarah Churman, I’m 29 years old, and I can hear myself speak! Not something you hear someone say every day is it? I was born deaf (And I’d like to mention that there are different opinions of what it means to be ‘deaf’. For me, I’ve worn hearing aids most of my life and without those hearing aids I couldn’t hear most sounds, so that was considered ‘deaf’ when I was growing up. Just like someone legally blind may have a bit of vision, I had a bit of hearing.) I have 80 bi-lateral decibel loss. Anyway, at the age of 18 months my parents discovered I was deaf and at the age of 2 I got hearing aids. From there I attended deaf Ed school before entering public school. I took speech therapy and simply worked very hard to blend in. I didn’t always do well, but I got by. Someone once told me a smile goes a long way, and I can honestly say it got me through 29 years!

For me, in my life, God has done things in some really unconventional ways. I have received words over the years that my hearing would be ‘restored’. I always assumed that meant a miraculous healing would take place. Do I think God can’t do that? Of course I think he can! BUT that’s not what He had in store for me. Sloan and I were missionaries in China for a year back in ’06 and ’07. At one point I lost my hearing in one ear after hitting my head. I was discouraged, scared, and angry with God. I felt as if I was stuck with no way of getting treatment and no money to fly home to see my usual ear doctor. My father in law called one day and gave me the scripture Hebrews 10:23 “He who promised IS faithful.” My hearing returned a few days later…………..first time it had ever done that in my life without a certain medicine. However, I knew in my heart that that’s not the extent God was talking about when he gave that scripture to Ross for me. I have clung to that scripture and reminded myself of it often. It has been relevant to so many areas in my life, and in my family’s life.

Back in May my husband was driving in to town and heard a radio ad on Rush Limbaugh for something called the “Esteem Hearing Implant” by a company called Envoy Medical. He called me up and said ‘Go Google this!’ I promptly did and started researching and reading everything I could find on the product. I requested information packets and DVDs and then I called the company and spoke with someone. After a lengthy conversation I learned from the woman that the implant was $30,000. I was heartbroken. I hung up the phone and called Sloan crying. There was just no way in my mind that we could ever afford a $30,000 implant. We could barely afford lunch. Sloan was quick to shut my pity party down and adamantly told me not to worry. This was GOING to happen he said. “I’ll sell a kidney, I’ll sell the house (the one that he had worked so hard on to restore and build when we returned home from China), I’ll join the army, I’ll do whatever I have to to make this happen.” He seemed so sure of himself but I was not deterred. It was $30k and in no way feasible in my mind. I reluctantly called the lady back at Sloan’s insistence to get some more answers and to see if they had some sort of loan program or payment system. Upon furthering my conversation with her I learned that it was actually $30k PER EAR. I just started bawling on the phone with this woman and had to let her go. When I told Sloan what I had found out his response was “What’s the big deal? $30k is so out of our league already, what’s the difference between that and $60k?” This resulted in days of depression and probably the biggest pity party I’ve ever had for myself. I’m not a pity party person at all. If anything, I’m the one always lifting others up. Meanwhile, my mother in law Lari had been praying and seeking God during this time. She eventually heard Him tell her to give the money. My newly widowed mother in law (and I don’t say that to gain sympathy, I say that to express how utterly heartbreaking and humbling it was for me.) came to us and said “Guys, I feel led to cash out my IRA and give you the money for this surgery. I really feel like I’m hearing from God on this.” I was absolutely overcome with so many emotions. It absolutely broke my heart that she was willing to do this for me.

After the initial shock of the gracious gift, I promptly called Envoy and said “Get me the soonest surgery date you have.” That date was August 4th. There are only 10 surgery centers in the U.S. and I was blessed that there was one in Texas and it was in The Woodlands just 3 ½ hours away. Surgery day came and I’m not gonna lie………..it was the worst thing I’ve ever experience in my life. The surgery is supposed to take about 3-4 hours, 5 tops. Mine took 9 hours. 9 hours of being under anesthesia. I had no clue that skirting on the edge of death was that hard on a person. It took a couple of days for me to feel normal, and then 2 weeks before not having pain or being able to sleep well. Once getting the implant put in, they make you wait 8 weeks to ‘activate’ it. 8 long weeks. Possibly 8 of the worst weeks in my life. I did fairly well the first 6, but the last 2 were awful. It was mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausting to go that long only hearing out of one bad ear, and one bad hearing aid. You have to understand that my hearing aids only helped so much. They basically amplified loud noises and made everything all jumbled into one big sound. It’s hard for me to explain but the best way I can describe what it’s like for me wearing hearing aids is this: Being in situations all the noises were jumbled together in to one huge ball of noise. You have no distinction between sounds, and people talking is like being in a foreign country. You hear that there’s a noise, and you see their mouth moving, but you’re not sure what they are saying. That’s what it was like for me. I got by for 29 years by lip reading. If my back was turned and you started talking to me, I had no idea you were speaking unless you got my attention. Then once you got my attention, you had to focus on me and speak clearly and loudly so that I could read your lips. You become so 'inside yourself' when when you have a hearing problem. I can tell you for a fact that a good percentage of the population are mumblers. If that’s you, please, work on that! Ha. Anyway, 8 weeks after surgery, my activation date was upon us. September 26th we were set to head back to The Woodlands.

The day before we were set to go, Lari decided that she’d stay here with the girls. She felt that 3 ½ hours in a car with my kids after having my ear turned on might be too much. However, she gave Sloan her camera and insisted that he take a video of my reaction upon hearing with the implant. We arrived at the center and I was so nervous I felt like passing out before we ever even started the process. They first put me in a sound booth to check a few things and do some technical stuff with the implant. After that they brought me into the room and had me sit next to the technician they had flown in from Minnesota. She had me hold the remote up to the processor in my skull and then did her thing on the computer to activate it. I was so nervous that I kept moving my hand and messing the process up. The remote has to be in just the right spot in order to work and it took 3 tries before I did it right. Sloan started filming at the last minute. He hates taking pictures, or being in charge of a camera, so honestly, if it hadn’t been his Mom asking, he wouldn’t have done it. Lol. The minute she hit the key on the keyboard, I knew it was on. It’s really hard for me to explain, but the best way I know how is to say that it sounded so clear, yet so silent. With a hearing aid you kind of always have a constant fuzzy noise. She told me to put the remote down and I heard her clear as a bell. I then heard the noise of the remote being set down on the counter and started crying at all the new experiences. Then I said “I don’t want to hear myself cry” Which led to me laughing upon hearing myself talk, and crying some more. It was so incredibly overwhelming. I pretty much hyperventilated. Sloan stopped recording and Melinda the technician told him to ask me something. He covered his mouth so I couldn’t read his lips and said “Do you want a cucumber sandwich.” First time in our 12 year relationship and 10 year marriage that I get to hear him without reading his lips or looking at him and that’s what he comes up with J I didn’t care, to my ears, it was the sweetest thing he’d ever said to me.

We left the center and got in our car, and I was already tired of hearing myself swallow. I had scratched my head at some point as well and freaked that I could actually hear it. My first call was to Lari so I could tell her about it and hear my girls. As soon as she picked up the phone I could hear them in the background. I got teared up right away, but when she had them tell me they loved me I lost it. Their little voices were the sweetest thing ever. My oldest, Olivia, will be 4 next week and she’s so articulate and grown up sounding. My youngest, Elise, is 22 months and has such a little twang in her voice and is so assertive. I had to hand the phone off to Sloan because I couldn’t talk. We ended up meeting a cousin for dinner while we were in her area. We ate at Outback Steakhouse, and just for giggles I’ll tell you that my first meal was a salad with croutons. What was I thinking?!? The salad was so loud and eating the croutons sounded like fireworks going off in my head. I have never heard myself eat before and that took a good week to get used to. That car ride home was the start of what will be a long learning process for me and my brain. Every day still holds new sounds, and every day my brain gets a little more acclimated. They say it will take time because my brain is firing in ways it’s never fired before.

So, back to trusting in God. Our trust has been tested in many ways over the years. Just in the last 2 years we buried several family members, one of those being my father in law. He died suddenly 3 weeks before my youngest daughter was born and left a huge void in our lives. There are not enough words for me to describe what a great man he was and how much we loved him and miss him. Not only did we bury family members, we lost all 5 dogs on our place, we lost horses, we lost cattle, we had stuff stolen, trucks broke down, we had an attempted break in, and my husband has not been able to find work along with so many other things that just seemed to be going wrong. It hit my mother in law hard, as well as my husband and myself. It was about this time that I heard someone say in their message at my own church “If God brings you to it, He’ll bring you through it!” Well let me tell you, that is true, but He doesn’t promise that it will be a quick trip. And He doesn’t promise that it will be easy. God will give you more than you can bear, but He’ll give you the tools to make it through. My family is proof of that. Through these trials in our life, we still gave glory to Him for the good. We still knew He had a plan for us, and we ‘held fast’. We learned that the grass still grows green even through life’s trials.

The night we came home from getting my ear activated, I had several friends and family waiting for me to post the video on my Facebook page. Everyone wanted to see the blessing I had received. I started trying to upload it around 11 o’clock. FB stated that my video was ‘too many MBs’. Well I’m not computer savvy when it comes to things like that and I didn’t know what that meant. I started chatting with people and asking for help. Come to find out, that meant that the file was too big to upload. The crazy thing is, I’ve uploaded videos 3 times longer and not had a single problem. So anyway, someone suggested a certain program that would help to downsize the file size of the video. I told them that was way over my head, I needed something simpler. A couple people suggested I upload it to YouTube, then attach the YouTube link to my FB page. I thought that sounded simple enough and gave it a go. It took YouTube about 1 hour and 45 minutes to upload my video. By this time it was well after midnight and now Tuesday morning. Once the video uploaded, I shut down my computer and went to bed. I got up the next morning and checked messages. I had so many sweet messages from family and friends with encouraging words. By Thursday someone asked me, ‘have you looked at your YouTube video? You have like 200,000 something hits’. I was like ‘WHAT?!? You’re kidding!’ Upon checking it I found that it was nearing 300,000 hits and I was astonished. I kept saying to Sloan, ‘This is CRAZY! What are people typing in to even find this video? Why do people want to see a video of someone hearing themselves talk?” I just couldn’t wrap my mind around it and we talked about it off and on all day. Friday morning rolls around, just 3 days after the video was posted, and I get a phone call from Envoy Medical. The gentleman introduces himself and says ‘Mrs. Churman, you apparently posted a video on YouTube of your activation with us?’ I was worried I was in trouble at first and started trying to explain right away that I didn’t really mean for it to go on there, it was just a way to be able to get it on my FB page to show my family and friends. He promptly stopped me and said ‘Mrs. Churman, your video has gone viral and will hit a million views by the morning and we’ve had several phone calls and CNN is wanting to contact you.’ I had to let the man go because I couldn’t think straight. I told him I needed to talk to my husband and I would call him back. I threw the girls in the truck, half naked an all, and we flew down to the barn where Sloan was. I jumped out, ran over to him, and shouted “CNN wants to talk to me, my YouTube video has gone viral!” He was like ‘WHAT?!?’ I assured him I was not joking and asked what I should do. He was like ‘call them back, see what they want!’ Then he was like ‘Wait, we need to take a day to think about this and what all this means. We need to call Envoy back and talk to them as well.’ We all sat around at the barn just talking this over and trying to get over the shock of such an unexpected event. At one point our friend Josh said ‘You just wait, Ellen will call you, she loves these kinds of stories.’ I was like ‘Yeah right!?! Ellen?’ It wasn’t an hour later my phone rings and it was the producers at the Today Show. They had seen the video, were moved, and wanted to have me on their show that Monday morning. I was beside myself. I was dumbfounded and had to look literally like a deer in headlights. It still sounds nuts as I type this out. Originally they asked if I could fly out Sunday, and I said sure. I told them I wanted to attend church first, but could get to the airport right after. They ended up calling me back and asking if I’d like to go ahead and fly out the next morning and spend the weekend in New York, they’d put us up in a hotel. I hung up the phone and ran around the house screaming, “I’m going to New York!!!!” At one point I had to call back because we were concerned as to how we’d eat while there. We told the producers that we were literally coming there with no lunch money in our pockets. They ended up giving us ‘incidentals’ to eat on while at the hotel. That was at 4:30 Friday afternoon, and we spent the rest of the day and night running around like chickens with our heads cut off. (Talk about getting hair done, free shirt/earrings, then store in Mansfield staying open to give me clothes)

We flew to New York that next morning and got settled in at our hotel. The place we stayed was right by Central Park. We immediately started walking towards Times Square, and let me tell you, New York is LOUD. All the cars, and people everywhere; Reminded me of China with all the busy-ness. We walked around Times Square taking in all the sights and checking out street performers, at one point we came to a Peruvian Band playing on one corner. We sat there and listened to them for quite some time and I was amazed because I could hear each individual instrument being played. It was awesome. We did more sightseeing and went to dinner, then got up and did it all over again the next day but checked out China Town and the area where the towers were. That night while eating dinner I got a call from the Ellen Show producer, Chris. After talking to me and asking questions and if I was willing to come to LA to be on the show, he said to me “You seem so shocked that we’ve called you?” To which I explained that I was indeed shocked, and then I went to on to explain the irony of how our friend Josh had said in the very beginning that Ellen would probably call me and I just laughed. Yet here I was being asked to come to the Ellen show. I finished up my phone call and we went to bed early since we had to get up really early for the Today Show. Got up the next morning and got ready while sweating bullets and trying to overcome nervousness. The car picked us up and took us to the studio and we were immediately brought to the hair and makeup room to get made up. Once we got to the stage to go over the layout of the interview I started getting incredibly nervous. Sloan had to keep reminding me that the people on the streets of New York could see me through the windows and I needed to smile. Lol. We did our interview with Matt Lauer, and right before the cameras started rolling I asked him “If I pass out, you’ll pick me up off the floor right?” The 5 minute interview was over before I knew it and we were taken off stage. The producers offered to give us a tour of the studio, and the first place we went was the room where all the screen shoots are on one wall and the guy says ‘shoot to camera three’. I spotted Tim McGraw on one of the screens and I totally interrupted the lady talking and said “Is that Tim McGraw?!?” (Explain that part) After all that excitement we were taken back to the hotel. We flew back home just long enough to grab our kids and get ready to fly to LA for Ellen. I had done a ‘pre phone interview’ before leaving the hotel in New York, and they had asked me things like ‘is there anyone you want to thank while on the show?’ I proceeded to tell them about my MIL stepping out in faith and blessing me with the money. I told them all about her, and all about what had recently taken place in our lives and about what an incredible person Lari was. I apparently did a good job and really touched them, because little did I know that Ellen herself was up to some amazing things. While we were in the air flying home, her producer had called Lari and asked her to join us on the show as well. By the time we landed her tickets and hotel room were all arranged along with ours.

Let me take this time to explain that it was that night I sent out an e-mail to close friends and family. I explained what all had happened (because it had literally been all over night) and I stated that my 2 main goals and utmost desires were: Number one, that if publicity was going to be drawn to me due to all of this, that I would like to use that publicity to draw attention to the Esteem Implant. I would like for insurance companies to take notice and start covering it. It’s such an expensive procedure that insurance companies do not cover, yet there are millions of deaf and hard of hearing people in this world who could benefit from it; People whose lives can be changed like mine. Since the YouTube video started garnering attention, I have received literally thousands of comments and messages and e-mails from people all over the world telling me #1 that they’ve never heard of this device, and #2 that there’s no way they can afford it. It absolutely breaks my heart every time I read these messages from people. People just like me who cannot afford this. My number 2 goal was that somehow Lari would get reimbursed. God answered that second request through Ellen DeGeneres.

Ellen was a very nice lady, and obviously has a huge heart. While on her show I was so nervous but was glad that Sloan and Lari were in the audience. I went over my usual story and answered the usual questions, then she focused on Lari and Sloan in the audience and asked about Lari cashing out her retirement. She then made the statement, “I don’t think a family should have to struggle like this, so not only has Envoy Medical agreed to do Sarah’s other ear for free, but they’ve also agreed to pay back this family for the money spent.” And she whips out a huge check for $30,000 dollars and presents it to us. We were all so shocked and speechless. Lari and I just cried and cried and kept saying we just couldn’t believe it. We still can’t believe it.

My God is an awesome God. I was literally given $60,000 dollars worth of blessings within a matter of 2 days. Trips to places I’ve never been, and the ability to meet some really great people. He’s also given me the platform to reach millions of people in a way I’d never dreamed of. I’d feel selfish not to use this opportunity for greater good. God has answered one of my desires, I totally believe he can answer the other one, and that insurance companies WILL pick up on this implant and start covering it so that others can benefit from it just as I have.

I really thought all this would die down after the Ellen Show…….but it hasn’t. I cannot tell you how many phone calls, texts, e-mails, Facebook messages, and YouTube messages I’ve gotten in the last 4 weeks. It has been absolutely insane. I have since gone on Fox and Friends, I’ve gone on The Doctors Show, I’ve done an interview with CBS/CNET in San Jose California, I’ve done Skype interviews with London reporters, I’ve had film crews come out to the house for the local news channels and even for a Canadian Accessible Media show. I’ve done interviews with 3 different news papers, I’ve even gone on a reality show called NY Ink, and I’ve had countless people literally from all over the globe say they’ve seen me on their local news. 8.5 million people have seen my little 90 second video. Surely out of those 8.5 million is at least one insurance CEO who has been affected. I like to remind myself of that. That’s the reason I’ll continue on as long as someone out there asks me questions or interviews me. I truly believe that this will become something every deaf person in America can have if they desire.

One important thing I’d like to share, is that while we were in San Jose California for an interview, we stayed at a nice hotel called The Pruneyard Plaza. While heading to the elevator one night to go out for dinner, we passed a banquet room all set up and ready for some event. As I stepped into the elevator I read the sign by the banquet hall door. It said “Living Trust Seminar”. God spoke to my heart and said “Living Trust. Living IN trust, so that you have wealth when you die.” By wealth, God doesn’t necessarily mean money or material possessions. He means heaven. Living in trust, having a relationship with God, committing your life to Him while here on Earth ultimately earns us eternity in Heaven. Another important thing I’d like to share is that a friend from church gave me a word a while back, the word was that ‘God has my EAR in His hEARt’. Something so simple as an ear was dear to His heart. Simple things are dear to God. God can take simple things and make them amazing.

God turned our world upside down and showed us the ‘silver lining’ behind our seemingly endless cloud. My MIL was on a plane coming home from visiting a dear friend, and it was during a thunderstorm. She told me that she was scared while watching it from the plane window, but at the same time she was taken by the beauty and the magnificence of the lighting and rain. She was talking with God and telling Him, “You know, this is just magnificent. If you were to ask me right now what I’d like, I’d ask for you to do something magnificent in our lives.” God didn’t do that for her when Ross died, and He didn’t do it for her many other times in her life, but she was okay with that because she knows He is God, and she would love Him and continue to serve Him all the days of her life. She explained all this to God and just told Him, “You don’t have to do it, I’d understand, but just in case, that’s what I’d like. We need something magnificent at this point in our lives.” I’m here today to tell you that God can do extraordinary things in extraordinary, unconventional ways. If you are obedient, and if you serve Him and love Him regardless of every trial and tribulation in your life, He can do things you never dreamed of.

Hello Mate!

2011-12-03T15:33:00.001-08:00

For the last 2 days we've been interviewing with an Australian crew from Sydney. It's been draining but a very nice visit. I've thoroughly enjoyed listening to their accents and actually being able to hold a conversation with them :) Early this morning a gentleman from the show flew in to do the interview portion for today's taping. He's been a very interesting man to visit with, and I've enjoyed him as well. They are all very nice and entertaining. We are going to dinner with them tonight for 'off camera' socialization. Sloan was telling them about good places to eat, and suggested Texas de Brazil and they asked us to join them. Yesterday we filmed things like me shopping at the store, playing with the kids, doing stuff at the barn, baking a cake, etc. I guess just to show our 'everyday life'? Today was strictly the one on one interview portion. It was nerve wracking as usual, but a lot of different questions were asked, so I appreciated that. 'Dr. Nameless' is deaf in one ear (after an accident some years ago) and it's been nice interviewing with someone who can relate to my descriptions and circumstances. Gives the interview some sort of comfort for me; having someone who can relate.

Sloan's birthday was on Thursday and we took him to dinner that night. He turned 32. I'm in my last year of my 20's, so 32 just seems so far away. Lol. We spent our little vacation at a timeshare called The Villages Resort. We had a nice time just hanging out. We did the cliche paddle boats and feeding of the ducks and the place also has an indoor water park, so we did take the kids there on Wednesday. Unfortunately the girls weren't old enough to do most of the big slides, etc. That was a disappointment, but Olivia enjoyed her self regardless. She LOVED the kid area with all the slides she could ride and all the rope climbing stuff and shooting water things. They also had a miniature 'lazy river'. She and Muz even went back for round 2 while Sloan and Elise napped and I spent some time reading and knitting. Thursday we got up and headed to Canton to shop and look around. That of course was fun as usual. I love Canton.

Well, that about sums it up for now. The next interview I have planned is with a Japanese crew on the 19th. I'm looking forward to it as well. It's really been nice to meet people from all over and spend time with them. I go for my adjustment on the 20th, and I'm marking the days off for that. Everyone have a nice weekend!

(EDIT: At the request of the film crew, names have been left out until after the air date. Sorry!)

Random minutia...

2011-11-29T09:10:00.000-08:00

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!

BBC Interview

2011-11-23T20:43:00.000-08:00

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.