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???

Thankful Thursday

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

20. Manu Ginobili
21. Tim Duncan
9. Tony Parker
12. Bruce Bowen
4. Michael Finley
5. Robert Horry
17. Brent Barry
7. Fabricio Oberto
16. Francisco Elson
11. Jacque Vaughn
50. David Robinson
Coach Gregg Popovich
The Spurs are heading to the NBA Finals!

Go SPURS go!

What are you thankful for today???

The newest family member

We have a new niece and cousin...

Sadie Lucille Elliott

was born on May 25, 2007 weighing 8 pounds & 7 ounces.

Congratulations Anne, Robbie, and big sister Olivia!

Thankful Thursday

Here are 13 things I am thankful for on this Thursday afternoon:

1. The Spurs are up 2-0 in the NBA Western Finals
2. We mailed our application to Gladney on Tuesday and it is in their possession
3. The men and women who currently serve this country and those who lost their lives doing so
4. I have some chocolate in the house again
5. Memorial Day weekend 1991
6. I got to talk to my grandma this week
7. The Rouses, Borrowdales, and Oswalds all made it home safely from China
8. The chocolate bundt cake I made today did not stick to the pan and fall apart
9. Our favorite notary, John Skipworth
10. We only have one more session of Financial Peace University to lead (this go around)
11. A special email from Aunt Nadine
12. Still no spring allergies
13. The toilet in the guest bathroom is fixed

To my Mom on Mother's Day

Dearest Mom~

Everytime I hear this song I think of you. Thank you for all the years of love, nurturing, guidance, and affection you have tirelessly showered on me.

Happy Mother's Day!

I love you~
Your daughter
"You Raise Me Up"

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up...
To more than I can be.
There is no life, no life without its hunger;
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
But then you come, and I am filled with wonder;
Sometimes I think, I glimpse eternity.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up...
To more than I can be.

What a great week

This has been such an incredible week for so many reasons--really too many to explain.

A highlight has been seeing three of my special adoption friends Diana, Jill, and Shauna (and their husbands) get to meet each other in China and then finally meet their children--after many, many months.

Just as women who have birthed children empathize with other pregnant women and often swap labor and delivery stories, women who have traveled down the road of international adoption empathize with others traveling the same road. We cry when the news is not good, we rejoice when the news is great, we pray for peace, patience, and protection, and we just listen when there aren't really any words to say.

This week MANY prayers have been answered for these special women and I am honored to have them in my life, pray for them, and now celebrate their new additions.

It is with great happiness I present my new "cyber" nieces and nephew...

Ruby Mei Rouse, 9 months

Proud parents: Jeff & Diana Rouse and big sister, Ainsley

Kylee Hope Oswald, 8 months

Proud parents: Joel & Shauna Oswald

Samuel Sebastian Borrowdale, age 4

Proud parents: Ken & Jill Borrowdale and big sisters, Erica & Liz

Thankful Thursday

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

1. Ruby Mei Rouse was placed into the arms of her forever family on 5/8
2. Samuel Sebastian Borrowdale was placed into the arms of his forever family on 5/7
3. Kylee Hope Oswald was placed into the arms of her forever family on 5/9
4. Brigid McConville was born earlier this week to our dear friends, Paula & Johnny Mac
5. My darling daughter, Lindy, who celebrated her 2nd birthday on 5/8
6. A great visit with my parents
7. Special memories
8. The ability to experience emotions such as laughter, tears, and love
9. Still no spring allergies
10. My brother, Jeff, who celebrated his birthday on 5/6
11. My sister-in-law, Danielle, who celebrated her birthday on 5/2
12. I only have one load of laundry to do today
13. The Spurs made it to the second round of the playoffs and have at least won one game

What are you thankful for today?

Happy Administrative Professionals Week!

This week is Administrative Professionals Week and today is typically the day most people observe their admins. So I thought it fitting to share the following timely story of the importance of administrative professionals...

Don's boss's (boss A) boss's boss (referred to boss C for remainder of story) reports directly to the CEO of the company. On a weekly basis, boss C meets with the CEO and executive board to discuss the status of various IT projects. Boss C welcomes emails from Don discussing successes and challenges. Last week Don sent an email to boss C to share some positive stories with the CEO. Boss C emailed Don back requesting some specific details about the projects. Don's return email included the following text:

"...we had sex vendor user interfaces as follows:"

Don copied all of his bosses on the email, as well as their administrative professionals. Not long after he sent the email, he got a call from the administrative professional responsible for reading boss A's email. She had immediately caught his typo and in an amazing feat was able to retract the email and allow him to correct his error and send it again.

I shudder to think what would have happened if it had made it all the way up the chain of bosses, or if NO ONE would have caught it until boss C went to report it to the CEO.

Another administrative professional saves the day!!!

News from the Osborns

On April 9, 2007, we began the process to adopt another daughter from China. We will chronicle our journey to her on our blog Make room for mei mei.

Please pray we can complete the paperwork in a speedy and efficient manner and that we will be approved. There will be many other future prayer requests but for now we just want to get a quick jump on this part.

Thank you!!!

With love,
Don & Lisa

Odd

Last night as I was driving home from dinner I saw a neon sign with the phrase, "Now Open" in red lights. The sign was in front of a newly built funeral home. Of course I get why the sign says that but I still wasn't sure what I'm supposed to do with the information.

Is that a bid odd or is it just me???

Thankful Thursday

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

1. A safe trip to and from CA
2. I had quality one-on-one time with Jeff
3. I had quality one-on-one time with Danielle
4. Watching Lindy play with Bryce & Brendan
5. I had the chance to walk down memory lane with Pamela
6. I still fit in my pants despite the chocolate chip cookies Danielle made almost EVERY night for dessert
7. I've never paid over $3.00 a gallon for gas
8. To be back home with Don
9. Birthday dinner with the "older" girls tonight
10. Evidence that members of the Financial Peace group we lead are "getting it"
11. A surprise phone message from a college friend
12. I'm still not suffering from spring allergies
13. The little girl I hear calling for me and her amazing smile

What are you thankful for today?

Deep thoughts

I have this condition and I am not exactly sure what it is called, so I am just working on using it for the best in my life. This condition causes me to be seriously impacted by tragic circumstances. Now please don't think I think I am the only one who has this trait. I am not suggesting that at all. I have known others like me. Additionally, I am not judging others who don't experience the same feelings I have. Everyone's emotional makeup is different. For the most part, though, I find people hear bad news, acknowledge it is sad or tragic, and then move on because it doesn't directly impact them. A lot of times I don't.

The latest thing that has me really thinking is the tragedy at Virginia Tech. I am saddened how this sleepy little campus in Blacksburg, Virginia will never be the same. Yet, I am saddened more by the scores of people left hurting as a result of one person's horrific, selfish acts.

I know there are already lots of stories surfacing about the victims and how bright and wonderful they were. However, I find it unfortunate that people are often like art pieces. I don't know much about art but I have always heard art is more valuable after the artist passes away. In fact, some pieces of art are not even noticed or popular until the artist is gone. Sadly, it is like this with people. So often we don't talk about a person's worth or value until he/she is gone.

I find myself hoping those who died knew they were loved and that their parents and friends had openly professed their love for them and not just assumed they knew. I also find myself hoping those left behind aren't overcome with guilt for not openly expressing their feelings of love and care.

My take away from this tragedy is the constant reminder that there are no guarantees, as well as the importance of making each moment matter. Tell the people you love that you love them and why you love them, for you never know when it will be your last opportunity.

Happy National Sibling Day!

Who knew? There's a National Sibling Day and it is today--April 10th. So, with that in mind I want to recognize my one and only sibling--Jeffrey Allen Caples.

Jeff is exactly two years and nine months younger than I am. I guess we know how my parents celebrated my second birthday-eh!? Ewww....Once I realized that he was conceived on or near my birthday, I always joked that because I was such a great kid Mom and Dad wanted another one JUST like me. God in His incredible wisdom knew they probably couldn't have survived another one like me, so He brought Jeff into this world.

For as long as I can remember, I think I've been giving Jeff grief with statements like the one above. I also used to tell him that he was the only baby left on the cart after Mom "came to" after giving birth so that's how we got him. So mean, I know!

Jeff is the best, though! He's smart, incredibly grounded, sensitive, and loving. He's always been there for me and has put up with a lot from his big sis. As much of a whacko as I've been, I've never sensed that he has judged me or tried to flee from me. He's always just been very kind and patient with me--no matter what. Not only is he a super brother, he's a great son, a wonderful husband to Danielle, a special father to Bryce and Brendan, and a strong Christian man with loads of integrity.

The bond between a brother and sister is quite different than that of a sister with a sister or brother and brother. I think the bond between an older sister and younger brother is even more unique. Unfortunately, lots of times there really isn't much of a bond there. That's very sad to me because I can't imagine NOT having a relationship with Jeff. I know I don't get to visit with him as often as I'd like and we don't share intimate details of life like sisters might, but I think we're close and for that I am really grateful.

So if you have a sibling, take some time to tell them you love them and remind them what a blessing they are to you.

Nuts about Nutella

For those of you who know me very well, you probably know I love peanut butter. You also probably know I love chocolate even more. Well, this weekend in a semi-impulsive move I bought a double-pack of Nutella at Costco. Crazy, I know! I mean who tries something new by purchasing the double-pack?! That's what sampler sizes are for, afterall.

I first remember being curious about Nutella when I traveled to Italy in 1995 and saw it in some stores there. Apparently, it originated in Italy. Recently, my curiosity about Nutella was raised again watching Giada De Laurentiis' cooking show on the Food Network. She uses it quite a bit and is a self-professed chocoholic. So, when I saw that double-pack staring at me, I knew it was time to give it a try.

I cracked open the jar that Saturday evening and in the words of Rachael Ray I say, "Yummo!" It appears I may have a new vice and I don't think that will be the last double-pack I'll be buying.

Thankful Thursday

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

1. One GREAT year with Lindy
2. A crispness in the air this morning
3. Special friends with birthdays in April (there are LOTS of them)
4. Family members with birthdays in April
5. I know what I am making for dinner
6. Mom & Dad found red canvas shoes in Lindy's size
7. Friends near and friends far
8. Good role models in my life
9. A husband who is a good provider
10. People with compassion
11. The book of Psalm
12. People who are brave
13. Jesus rose

What are you thankful for today?

How good are your communication skills?

During a few of our discussions this weekend, it seemed like Don and I weren't on the same page. Nothing serious, just a series of miscommunications for one reason or another. Sometimes, I guess I just expect Don to know exactly what I mean and not have to fill in all the gaps and, yes, read my mind. That's why I had to laugh when I got this from my sister-in-law, Michelle.

Homecoming

Sometimes I feel a little jealous when, after taking care of Lindy all day long, I watch the Hollywood movie version of Don's homecoming. There's squealing, laughter, big smiles, some violin music, twirling, and a big exchange of hugs and kisses. It's hard not to think, "Where's mine?"

Well, Don deserves EVERY bit of the welcoming he gets and after seeing this video clip, I am SOOOO glad I get to see a homecoming EVERY night.

Thankful Thursday-Volume #5

Thirteen things I am thankful for today...

1. American Home Shield will cover our latest air conditioner woes
2. It hasn't been so hot that we need the a/c yet
3. The great rain earlier this week which has made things a nice green
4. It is a good year for Texas bluebonnets
5. The women who teach Lindy's bible class
6. My wonderful parents
7. I now own single digit clothes in my closet
8. Life
9. The assurance of eternal life in Heaven
10. A good Mentoring Moms session on Monday night
11. Fond memories of boarding a plane for China one year ago today
12. A sweet husband who puts up with me
13. Lindy was a really, really good girl on Wednesday

What are you thankful for today?

100 things about Don

Since this blog is supposed to be random stuff about the Osborns, here are 100 things about Don...

1. His full name is Donald Edward Osborn, Jr.
2. He was born November 16, 1967 in Denver, CO
3. He doesn't seem to care that he is turning 40 this year
4. He lived in Snyder, TX from the time he was three until he left for college
5. He still has remnants of his once thick west Texas accent
6. He took nine years of piano
7. He now only plays the beginning of "The Entertainer" and a variety of chords
8. He played the drums and was in the marching band
9. He played the washboard last year in a musical skit
10. He had a curly perm in high school
11. He also had a gold chain
12. He HATES when his wife reminds him of that and tells all their friends and shows pictures
13. He is super smart and graduated number three in his high school class
14. He played tennis, basketball, football, and baseball
15. He was a pitcher
16. He was accepted into the University of Texas in Austin
17. He went to the Naval Academy, instead
18. His degree is in Aerospace Engineering
19. He traveled many places playing club ultimate frisbee
19. He was a Naval Flight Officer (NFO) in the Navy for nine years
20. He now flies a desk, rather than in a plane
21. His favorite dessert is Mississippi Mud Cake
22. He always orders Alice Springs Chicken when he goes to Outback
23. He doesn't like peaches
24. He likes his sushi battered and fried
25. He loves chicken fried steak and cream gravy
26. He drinks his coffee black
27. He drinks his iced tea unsweetened and without lemon
28. He grows herbs on the back porch
29. He had a non-malignant skin cancer removed three years ago
30. He is now better about wearing sunscreen
31. He likes to solve Sudoku puzzles, crossword puzzles, and logic problems
32. He used to be able to solve the Rubik's Cube with his feet
33. He wears a size 13 shoe
34. He listens to bluegrass and folk music
35. He learned the Electric Slide on Oprah
36. He learned the Macarena in Ecuador
37. He tests as an INTJ on the Myers Briggs test
38. He has lived in Pensacola and Jacksonville Florida
39. He likes to snow ski and isn't great at waterskiing
40. He loves to golf
41. He has never had a hole in one
42. His writing is so small you nearly need a magnifying glass to read it
43. He is right-handed but holds his pencil like he is left-handed
44. His favorite movie is Raising Arizona
45. He likes to cook
46. He's convinced he does not have allergies
47. He would like to hike the Appalachian Trail
48. He dreams of an exotic vacation to Fiji or Tahiti
49. He will create an Excel spreadsheet on the fly for just about anything
50. He reads the newspaper every day
51. He is in a Fantasy Football league
52. He has been to China twice
53. He was deployed to Sicily once
54. He was deployed to Puerto Rico twice
55. He has been to Greenland
56. He has been to Israel
57. He got in trouble in college for giving his roommate a haircut
58. He paid cash for his first car which was over $5000
59. He made the bulk of his money mowing lawns
60. He is a hard worker
61. He believes sooner or later everyone will have the same last name
62. He is quiet
63. He is generous
64. He can leave Listerine in his mouth for many minutes before spitting it out
65. He does not like the sound of people filing their nails
66. He is a Dallas Cowboys fan
67. He marched in the first President Bush's inaugural parade in 1989
68. He likes to go camping
69. He likes the weather and was once an avid Weather Channel watcher
70. He finished his course work for a Master's degree but not his thesis
71. He does not drink milk
72. He does not like mustard
73. He loves honey
74. He prefers mac & cheese out of a box instead of baked from scratch
75. He picks up money off the ground--even pennies
76. He is strong, yet sensitive
77. He cried during the last episode of M*A*S*H
78. He likes to sing
79. He used to have a BMW
80. He now drives a Ford Explorer
81. He is a fast eater
82. He completely cleans his plate
83. He has dressed up as Greg Brady for Halloween
84. He has dressed up as the Indian from the Village People for Halloween
85. He irons shirts the same way every time
86. He resists change in the way he dresses
87. He will eat Subway sandwiches each day but let lunchmeat rot in the fridge at home
88. He does not like the sides of his knees to be touched
89. He lived under the same roof as NBA legend David Robinson in 1986 and 1987
90. He is patient
91. He is slow to anger
92. He once had a cow named Freddy
93. He sent a single red rose to me after our first date
94. He enjoys spicy food
95. He is 1/8 Italian
96. He loves to watch White Christmas during the holidays
97. He is a GREAT husband
98. He is a GREAT daddy
99. He is a man of integrity
100. He is going to hate that I put together this list!

Thankful Thursday- Volume #4

Thirteen things I am thankful for this week...

1. Grandma is home and doing well with her physical therapy
2. I got to meet Kim (another prayer call friend) and her family last night visiting from Kansas City
3. Alamo Cafe' tortillas
4. Family
5. Friends
6. We don't have to buy a new fancy schmancy TV yet since our current one can be fixed (cheaply)
7. The privilege of being able to stay at home with Lindy
8. Flat rate long distance plans
9. Being able to have the windows open the past few days and nights
10. My spring allergies haven't surfaced yet
11. Freedom
12. The gift of prayer
13. God's unfailing love and patience

Try this...

This is strange but kind of interesting...

fi yuo cna raed tihs, yuo hvae a sgtrane mnid tooCna yuo raed tihs? Olny 55 plepoe out of 100 can.i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!

How'd you do???

My Celebrity Look-alikes - Volume 2

Okay, this version had me laughing! Who knew I looked so exotic and international???

My cool celebrity look-alike collage from MyHeritage.com. Get one for yourself.

My celebrity look-alikes-Version 1

Okay, I am a little addicted...Don sent me a link to http://www.myheritage.com/ and I have had some fun in my downtime uploading pictures of our family and running our supposed celebrity look-alikes. I have laughed so hard at some of them I have nearly fallen off my chair.

In the past I have been told I look like: Marisa Tomei (In the late 80s and early 90s--circa Cosby Show spinoff and My Cousin Vinny), Marie Osmond, and Susanna Hoffs (also late 80s--for you youngsters, she's the lead singer of the Bangles). Mostly, I am told I look like someone else people know but no one famous.

So, for your amusement, I present the first installment...

Thankful Thursday Volume #3

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

1. My grandma is doing AWESOME after having hip replacement surgery on Monday
2. Men and women who choose to become surgeons, physicians, nurses, and any other profession in the medical field
3. Technological advances in the field of medicine
4. My Aunt Pauline & Uncle Steve for looking out for Grandma, Grandpa, and Uncle Rickey during this time
5. All the rain we received earlier this week
6. Chicken was on sale for $1.99 a pound this week
7. Lunch with the Rhoads family yesterday
8. We have leftovers, so I don't need to figure out what to make for lunch or dinner
9. My brother is finished with jury duty, so now he can resume his normal life
10. Friends Shannon & Jill who both celebrated birthdays this week
11. I only had to drive Don's car one day and I didn't wreck it
12. Lovely signs of spring
13. March Madness begins today

What are you thankful for today???

Have you had a good laugh lately?

There's nothing like a good laugh! It is so therapeutic and really an important part of life. According to Dr. James Farrow, "Laughter is truly great medicine. Recently researchers at Loma Linda University in California showed significant drops in stress hormones and improvement in the immune system with laughter." It truly can be a great medicine! I am pretty sure I smile but I don't know that I laugh a lot, though.

Last night I saw the movie Music & Lyrics. Okay, the movie definitely won't be nominated for any Oscars as it is not nearly sophisticated or deep enough. Perhaps that is why I liked it! Deep and sophisticated I am not...

Anyway, I have to say I laughed out loud several times during the movie and it felt good! There was some witty banter which I always appreciate, many jabs at 80s bands I thought were "totally rad," and who wouldn't get a laugh at watching Hugh Grant sing and dance in a cheesy 80s video?

Find something that makes you laugh and just let go. Don't be embarrassed. Don't be ashamed. Who cares if someone thinks you're whacko!?!

I leave you with this quote: "You don't stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing." Michael Pritchard

Now go have a good laugh!

Thankful Thursday Volume #2

Thirteen things I am thankful for today...

1. Don made it home safely on Tuesday
2. My new friend Erin
3. The referral of baby Rouse
4. The referral of baby Oswald
5. My monthly Girls' Night In is out tonight--to a movie--in a theater
6. I have a hubby who doesn't mind if I hang out with the girls
7. The beautiful blossoming pink tree at the front of our neighborhood (although it is too early)
8. My grandma is on track to have hip replacement surgery next week
9. I already know what I am going to make for dinner
10. I only have two more piles of laundry to tackle
11. The Spurs are starting to win more
12. Preparation and delivery of my Ladies Bible Class lesson is behind me
13. A renewed reminder of the importance of having an intimate relationship with God as a result

Worthy of recognition and often forgotten

I am so very glad Don is home. Last night he made it home after a week long recruiting trip to Idaho and Utah. He is my helpmate and the love of my life and I don't like it when we're apart. I guess having this stay-in-town civilian for the past few years has really made me spoiled! I am proud of the years he served in the Navy but wouldn't be nearly as happy if I was a still a Navy wife.

With that in mind, I feel compelled to recognize the spouses of military members. It is a very difficult thing to be married to someone who is away from home because of their service and commitment to this country--especially during a time of war and so much uncertainty. If you know someone whose spouse is away serving in the military, consider doing something to bless and encourage them. You won't regret it.

100 things

I've seen this done on a few blogs and thought I'd try it. Not so much for my one or two readers out there, instead to see if I can even think of 100 things to share about myself.

So, here goes...

1. My given name is Lisa Dawn Caples
2. I was born in Chula Vista, CA--basically a bordertown to Tijuana
3. I have a younger brother named Jeff
4. My parents live in Kansas and they are my heroes
5. I am married to a wonderful man whom I adore
6. I am blessed to be Lindy's mother
7. I have five nephews, two nieces, and another niece on the way
8. I am blessed to have my maternal grandparents
9. I am a good speller
10. I went to the Prince William County Spelling Bee in 6th grade
11. I have two left feet and am extremely uncoordinated
12. I did not get my driver's license until I was 19
13. My first car was a green Renault Alliance
14. I am not very good at math
15. I don't like when people wipe their hands on their pants or the furniture after eating buttery popcorn or greasy chips
16. I have never seen the movie Gone With the Wind
17. I have never been to a prom
18. I am not mechanical enough to use a mechanical pencil
19. I took German for three years but don't remember much besides how to count
20. I took a semester of French in college and remember even less
21. I hate to mop
22. I don't like to get my hands dirty or do yard work
23. I detest peaches and probably could be considered phobic
24. I adore chocolate
25. I have been to Bermuda
26. I have been to Aruba
27. I have been to Italy and Sicily
28. I had a black poodle named Roxie Noelle
29. Historically my bad luck color has been yellow
30. I love grilled cheese sandwiches but not on Texas toast
31. I have been told I look like Marie Osmond but I am more a little bit rock-n-roll like Donny
32. I don't really know how to swim
33. I have had rheumatoid arthritis for more than half my life
34. I had a brain tumor the size of a large citrus fruit removed in March of 2004
35. I like to watch sports but am not at all athletic
36. I went to a Weird Al concert with Don a few years ago
37. I used to wear penny loafers with pennies in them
38. I had a black pair and a maroon pair
39. I have cried more than once over a cooking failure/disaster
40. I don't really know how to parallel park
41. I was a baseball scorekeeper in high school
42. I never broke 1000 on my SATs
43. I have lived in Virginia
44. I have lived in Pennsylvania
45. I have lived in Maine
46. I have lived in Hawaii
47. I got left in a subway station twice during my first trip to New York City
48. Doing crafts makes me nervous
49. I don't "get" crossword puzzles
50. I like doing word searches, instead
51. I am trying to drink eight glasses of water a day
52. I am not very successful at it
53. I send out way too many Christmas cards
54. I could listen to Christmas music all year long
55. I almost always use my turn signal--even in dumb places
56. I got my license suspended for 30 days for passing a bus with red flashing lights
57. I was afraid we wouldn't be allowed to adopt as a result of my misdemeanor
58. I used to watch a lot of Elvis movies
59. I also used to listen to a lot of Elvis music
60. I have several Yanni CDs in my music collection
61. I am trying to embrace the addage that 40 is the new 30
62. I was a temp at a tampon factory
63. I was in Human Resources, though
64. I was baptized when I was 13
65. I love singing to the Carpenters and Abba
66. I have a cousin now named Karen Carpenter (as a result of marriage)
67. I was in a women's barbershop quartet in high school
68. I was the one with the low voice
69. I think the word "courageous" is overused
70. I am patriotic and get teary-eyed when I hear patriotic music
71. Despite my patriotism, I do not like apple pie
72. I think every American should go to Washington D.C. at least once in their life
73. I love autumn in a state where it happens
74. I am hard on myself
75. I am self conscious about many things
76. I miss my cat, Hi, who passed away last week
77. I want to travel to Europe
78. I love a great big full moon
79. I love warm brownies topped with ice cream and hot fudge syrup
80. I don't consider jello a dessert or a salad
81. I am pretty shy and introverted
82. I think dusting is a never ending chore
83. I used to collect stamps when I was young
84. I have not been to any of my high school reunions
85. I order filet mignon on special occasions
86. I don't understand why people rave about lobster
87. I think it is too much work for too little food
88. My first major was elementary education
89. I don't think I would've been a very good teacher to young children
90. I have been on a cruise to no where
91. The words larvae and pupae give me the creeps
92. I am very blessed
93. I don't like when people spread their toes
94. I still cry when I have to leave my parents
95. I want to meet David Robinson
96. I want to meet Jesus more
97. I have unrealized potential
98. I am not very competitive
99. I love breakfast food
100. I am glad to be finished with this list!

How resilient am I?

I'd like to think I am a strong person. Some people have told me I am. I don't feel like I am, though. I consider myself blessed because I haven't been faced with a lot of adversity. Oh, I've had my share of disappointments, setbacks, and "why me?" moments but I don't really think I've had a terribly rough life.

The other day I was watching Oprah while Lindy was napping. She featured several people who had encountered tremendous trials in their life, yet they had risen up and not succumbed to the tragedy.

It got me to thinking about how resilient I am. What would I do if personal tragedy struck? Resiliency is tied to faith. So, I started wondering about the strength of my faith. Would I crumble and fall or would I persevere during a crisis?

James 1: 2 & 3 states, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." In verse 12 James writes, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."

One great thing I take away from these verses is that I don't have to have an enormous tragedy to have my faith tested and develop my perseverance. The "little" trials help in that area, too. So, maybe, just maybe, I am more resilient than I think I might be afterall...

Thankful Thursday Volume #1

Thirteen things I'm thankful for today...

1. Don made it safely to his destination in Idaho
2. A good night's rest last night
3. My quiet time in the morning
4. Hearing from all three of my sisters-in-law yesterday
5. The cup of coffee I am about to go make
6. The special people who comforted me about losing our kitty, Hi (especially Mom)
7. The mourning dove I can hear calling outside
8. An early morning email from Diana
9. The little girl sleeping in the next room
10.My dear friend, Ellen Abshier, who celebrates a birthday today
11.Erin Brown who turns 18 today
12.Untainted peanut butter (I hope)
13.God who makes all the above possible!

What are you thankful for???