Thankful Thursday

Pink has always been one of my favorite colors. I remember a time in my life when it wasn't "cool" to like pink and I tried to reject my fondness for it but I still secretly loved it! October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, so I've been seeing a lot of pink, lately. I've also been thinking a lot more about what the pink ribbon represents.

In August, just a couple days before I turned 40 and the lovely first mammogram is typically recommended, I learned a friend of mine from college--also 40--is battling breast cancer. I've known people with breast cancer but this was my first peer and, I don't know why but, I was shocked.

I have been reading my friend's journal entries and experiences and frankly the things happening to her body are downright awful. However, no matter how sick and tired and weak she feels, she still exudes a positive spirit and musters the strength to keep fighting. She even apologizes when she is discouraged and angry. I'm bowled over by her tenacity and determination to not let this horrific disease take her down. Her journey is not the first I've followed and I know each one of you reading has probably witnessed firsthand someone with a similar type of courageousness.

I often wonder how good of a fighter I'd be if I faced something this serious. It is really easy to whine about things that don't really matter, be a coward, obsess about silly things, and lose sight of what matters most. I hate the thought that it would take something of this magnitude to regain focus and have a positive outlook.

Today I am thankful for people who inspire through their adversity and pain. I am so sorry that tragic and terrible things happen in this world, but am grateful for those who display faith, trust, hope, and a spirit of perseverance in spite of dismal circumstances. Their example of endurance really encourages me to appreciate ALL that I have and not focus so much on what I don't have.

What are you thankful for today???

Thankful Thursday

We just got back from a vacation to the city of brotherly love--Philadelphia. When local friends heard we were going there for vacation, many of them actually said with a somewhat puzzled expression, "Why???" I think those who didn't say it, thought it...There were many reasons we chose this location.

First, my family lived in the northern suburbs of Philadelphia for eight years. Here is a BLURRY picture of our old house.Although I don't have a true hometown, PA is where I feel like I grew up. We have friends in the area and it had been over 13 years since we'd been there. When my dad and I found VERY low airfare to the area, it was a no-brainer and absolutely too good to refuse. We'd have the opportunity to see each other, see friends, experience the town as tourists, be in a part of the country we love, and take in the beauty of the season.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!

I could go on and on about our trip. We had such a nice time. I have to admit, though, it was a bittersweet, somewhat emotional trip for me. Memories that had been stored very far away in the recesses of my brain were awakened. I wish some of them were clearer than they are. As we drove back and forth, little memories would come back. I often felt like I was in a Bon Jovi or Bruce Springsteen video about reliving my glory days or coming home again. (Funny, I did hear a lot of Bruce and Bon Jovi!) Every once in a while, I was a bit freaked out knowing I could possibly run into someone I knew long ago. I was also amazed to see how much had changed in certain areas, yet other areas looked almost completely as I'd remembered them.

As I reflect on our trip, there are many things I am thankful for but here are a few on my mind...

I am thankful I got to see my parents. When you live away from family, you never know when the next get together will be. It is important to enjoy the time together and that we did! Where to next, Mom & Dad???

I am thankful I had the opportunity to meet Heather and her beautiful family. Heather is a friend I've met in the Chinese adoption community. We've been corresponding for over a year and I've never felt like we're strangers. Meeting Heather and being in her company was just as natural as sitting with someone I'd known forever. She was so warm, loving, and sweet. Watching our girls play together in their lovely home and our husbands comfortably visit was so special. The saddest part was knowing it was only temporary and that we'd have to say, "goodbye." Thank you Heather for spending time with me and welcoming my family into your home. You are a beautiful person in thought and deed!


I am thankful we had the chance to see Chris and Megan and their kiddos again. Chris and Megan were our closest friends when we lived in Maine as newlyweds. We spent holidays together, vacationed to Bermuda together, and Megan and I traveled to Italy for three weeks together in 1995 to visit Chris and Don while they were deployed for seven months. Chris and Megan opened our eyes to international adoption and are a huge reason we have Lindy. It all started with a beautiful blonde-haired, blue-eyed boy from Russia who came home in 1998!!! We hadn't seen them since 2000. Their kids were toddlers the last time we were together and now they're BIG!!! It is always a fun time when we're together. I am hoping they'll be able to come visit us soon!
I am thankful we got to see Katie (Megan's little sister) and meet her husband and sweet daughter Olivia. Katie was a huge help and source of encouragement to me as we were paperchasing for Lindy. They were about six months ahead of us and Katie gave me so much advice and filled me in on all the details of their experiences as they brought Olivia home. Katie gave me the best packing list, too. It was so much fun to finally see our Hunan beauties playing together.
I am thankful we got to see Donna and her family. Donna and I have been friends since 7th grade. We pretty much grew up together and were the best of friends. We went to church together, went to high school together, lived in the same neighborhood during high school, saw each other through many hard times, and also had way too much fun. The last time I saw Donna was in 1995, during a brief visit to Maine. Her oldest was just three weeks old. She just turned 13 two weeks ago. Again, I'm reminded at how fast time flies. Donna surprised all of us by leaving two wonderful gift baskets in our room as well as a huge tote of toys for Lindy to borrow. These baskets were filled with local goodies including soft pretzels, Amish baked goods, and locally renowned Tastykakes. I was overcome with tears at her incredibly thoughtful gesture.
I am thankful for our founding fathers and the wonderful history of our nation that took place in this historic city. Hearing the stories of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution once again, I am reminded how blessed we are to have so many freedoms as a result of the brave men and women who fought hard for them. I am also reminded it is important to not take them for granted. In a day or two, I will vote for a new president and vice president. I am thankful I have the freedom to vote--something a woman wasn't always allowed to do...


I am thankful that I got to experience my favorite season in my favorite area. While it wasn't the most stunning fall to ever hit that area, I felt like I was surrounded by beauty the entire time. The rolling hills (I still call the Pocono Mountains), the lush greens, the beautiful golds, reds, and oranges, the fantastic mums, the gorgeous homes, the lovely countryside all so beautiful. I loved the chill in the air during the crisp mornings and the beautiful blue sky we had each day. We were blessed with safe travels, perfect weather, and a fantastic time.

I am thankful for provision to take this trip and all the details that made it so special. I am also thankful for Don who indulged me as I took my trip down memory lane and his amazing driving abilities to and fro! He was the most amazing chauffeur!!!

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for my grandpa who celebrates his 83rd birthday today. That's him on the right in this picture. In case you think you're seeing double, it is also the cutie on the left's birthday, too--my Uncle Lester. They are the reason I have always been fascinated with twins and had even hoped to have them. I guess God knew I wouldn't be able to handle two like Lindy at once. :o)

My grandpa and I have always had a special relationship. He has had a very hard life and things have not been easy for him but rarely have I ever heard him utter a complaint. He is definitely a lesson in resiliency and perseverance.

I am thankful for his presence in my life, his importance in our family, and all that he means to us.

Happy birthday, Grandpa! We love you!

What are you thankful for today?

Souper Saturdays

I love soup. I just don't cook it as much as I'd like because I feel like Mr. Meat and Potatoes expects more of a meal. However, in an effort to be healthier, more budget conscious in these tough economic times, tradition-oriented, etc., I hereby declare Saturday night as Souper Saturday at the Osborn residence. I have the power, right? I figure the rebels won't have a coup right away.

That doesn't mean we won't deviate from the plan, but I'd like to try this for a while (starting next week). So, I'd love you to share some of your favorite soup recipes. The world wide web has bazillions of them to try but hearing your tried and trues would be a lot of fun for me. In fact, the last one I tried from a cookbook was the WORST cooking blunder I'd had in my entire "career." It was AWFUL and definitely not because of anything I did incorrectly.

BTW, Don, if you're reading, don't worry. I'll try to include a salad or sandwich or bread/muffin so you don't starve.

Thankful Thursday

Hi~

It's been a couple weeks. I'm finding it hard to blog as much as I have in the past as I try to juggle other priorities, responsibilities, and activities. It has been quite the roller coaster ride in our world lately. If you're like me, you shudder each time you hear about the economy and wonder when it'll all settle down. Yet, even though my portfolio is being slaughtered I look around and know I have so much to be grateful for each day.

I ran across this poem and it really spoke to me. I think one of the keys to happiness is really trying to find the joy in the journey. It isn't always easy to do but it helps.

Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge
Because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary
Because it means you've made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are
also thankful for the setbacks.

GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
and they can become your blessings.
~ Author Unknown ~

What are you thankful for today?