Thankful Thursday

Good morning...

Here are 13 things I am thankful for today:

1. A clean report on my MRI. So good, the neurosurgeon doesn't want to see me for two years.
2. Health insurance. Definitely wouldn't want to pay for the MRI out of pocket!
3. The safe delivery of Josiah David Hall on Monday.
4. Tagless t-shirts and other items...I think that was a FABULOUS invention.
5. The quick turn around of our home study.
6. Seeing my friend, Susan Giles, on Sunday at church. We've known each other since 3rd grade.
7. The fourth of July goodies that came in the mail from Mom & Dad yesterday.
8. Ben & Jaime celebrated their 8th anniversary on June 26th.
9. Don who bears the burden of working so hard to provide financial security for his family.
10. Denisa who watched Lindy twice this week while I was at appointments.
11. The rain. I know, I know most people around here are sick of it. I love it. I just don't want it to flood here.
12. Hearing Lindy sing.
13. Examples of good servants in my life.

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

By my clock, it is still Thursday. Here are 13 things I am thankful for today...

1. Denisa who turned 49 again on Monday
2. Dinner with my "big sisters" on Wednesday at Paesanos
3. The sporadic rain showers we've received in the area
4. We had our homestudy this morning
5. We went to the police station and got our criminal background checks completed
6. I got to talk to Megan this week
7. A quick call from Diana on Wednesday
8. I got to talk to my brother this week
9. Don's battery (which died on Tuesday) was still under 100% warranty and replaced for free
10. The house is clean--for a few moments
11. Basketball season is over
12. Hearing Lindy sing
13. My bed which awaits me

What are you thankful for today?

Happy Father's Day, Dad!

Dear Dad~

Happy Father's Day! Recently, I read the following quote by Mark Twain: "When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years. "

At first, I thought it was quite crass. Then I thought about the challenges and fits I gave you when I was a kid and teenager and realized I had probably treated you the same way. I remember clashes. I don't remember the details or frequency but I know I wasn't a walk in the park to be with.

At some point and time the clashes became less frequent and virtually non-existent. Like Mr. Twain, I think I must've recognized you weren't so "ignorant" afterall. Instead of running from your counsel, I craved it. Instead of feeling like you didn't "get" me, I realized we were quite similar in many ways.

Dad, thank you for your constant love, wisdom, patience, and example. I love you very much and always will.

Love,

Lisa

My new favorite thing

I admit it, I make impulse purchases at the grocery store. The other day a product caught my eye (and stomach), so I bought it. I love it!!!

It is a drink by Bolthouse Farms called Perfectly Protein Mocha Cappucino. It has lots of vitamins, isn't too fattening or high in calories, and it provides me a little taste of chocolate and coffee all at once. I am completely hooked.

It is healthier than the Starbucks cold Frappucino drinks and I think I even prefer the taste.

It is weird that this product even caught my eye since it is right next to the carrot juices and other unusual juice products but I am glad it did!!! So, if you like cold chocolatey or coffee drinks, I highly recommend this little treat.

Fifteen years and counting...

Fifteen years ago today, I walked down the aisle arm and arm with my dad to be greeted by my smiling and somewhat tearful groom. Although many of the details of our wedding have faded, I can still picture Don's huge smile and the tears in his eyes as he took me as his wife.

Due to Don's job as a Naval Officer, Don and I spent the majority of our first three married years apart. Our months apart were lonely and not without challenge but we made it while other couples did not. Through the years, we have also weathered other marital storms such as some medical scares, infertility, and extreme work schedules. God mercifully has carried us through those storms, as well.

Despite little bumps in the road, the good times have far outweighed the bad. The other night we were reflecting about our life together and here are 15 of our favorite times since we've been married (in no particular order):

1. Our incredible 10 day honeymoon in Cancun

2. Living in and experiencing Maine together

3. Gathering around an old hand-me-down piano (late at night) to sing Christmas carols in our garage on Christmas eve with bachelors and other couples too poor to make it home

4. A great trip to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, Canada

5. Our vacation to Aruba

6. Traveling to Bermuda with Chris & Megan Marchese and riding our mopeds around the island. The sand really is pink!

7. Being reunited in Rome and Sicily. Too bad we didn't get to spend time together in Florence or the romantic city of Venice but Meg was a great date!

8. Season tickets to the Majestic Broadway Series. To quote Don, "a guaranteed date."

9. Going to Spurs games and other sporting events

10. Returning to Cancun for our 10 year anniversary. Westin Hotels have the MOST comfortable beds as they advertise.

11. Holidays with family and friends

12. Singing on road trips

13. Valentine's Day 2004--the ultimate all day and night date

14. Traveling to China to bring home Lindy and those last few days together as a childless couple. Hiking the Great Wall together was especially moving!

15. Becoming parents

Before we were married, we probably we would never have believed some of the things we would experience together. There have definitely been many surprises! I look forward to seeing what the next 15 years hold for us and our life together.

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Today is my precious Grandma's birthday. I get kind of emotional when I talk about my Grandma. She has always been a special part of my life and on her special day I want her to know we adore her.

A Grandma Just Like You

I just want you to know

You mean the world to me

Only a heart as dear as yours

Would give so unselfishly.

The many things you have done

All the times you were there

Help me know deep down inside

How much you really care.

Even though I might not say

I appreciate all you do

Richly blessed is how I feel

Having a Grandma just like you.

-Author unknown

Happy Birthday Grandma! We love you more than words can say.

Love,

Don, Lisa, & Lindy Li

Thankful Thursday

Here are 13 things I am thankful for today...


1. Baby boy Bailey will make his arrival today--hopefully sometime this morning. Praying BJB is healthy and all will go well for my sweet friend Jaime.

2. Panera Bread Company is coming soon to San Antonio--woohoo---love, love, love Panera!!!

3. The Spurs begin (actually continue) their road to their fourth NBA championship tonight. Go SPURS go!!!

4. I have an eye appointment this morning with my favorite ophthalmologist and I will finally get some new contacts.

5. Miss Tamra for setting up monthly Mommy & Me Playgroup sessions at church.

6. We have our homestudy scheduled for June 21, 2007. I will NOT be dusting the baseboards in my closet this time.

7. Grandma who is celebrating her birthday tomorrow.

8. Denisa. There are just too many great things to write about her.

9. Lindy is not acting like a terrible two year old this week like she was last week.

10. My brother and his family made it safely to Kansas for a visit with Mom & Dad.

11. Digital cameras.

12. Self-cleaning ovens. My non self-cleaning oven is dirty and I have NO idea how to clean it. Guess I'll figure it out.

13. The bowl of cereal I am going to go eat now.

What are you thankful for today???