Thankful Thursday

Hello~


In the quiet of the morning I am reflecting on some of the things for which I am thankful...


1. Mr. Babcock, a dear friend and example, who celebrated a birthday on Monday
2. My sweet friend Paula who celebrated her second 39th birthday on Tuesday
3. My cousin, Rhonda, who also celebrated her birthday on Tuesday
4. Don made it home from his weekend work trip to Annapolis where he got to see Navy beat Air Force. Yea!!!
5. Dinner with my "big sisters" on Monday night
6. Lindy is initiating saying, "I love you." She'll run up to me, wrap her arms around my legs and say, "I love you Mommy." I waited a LONG time for that!
7. God's provision
8. The men and women who work so hard at our church to make things nice for the congregation and to reach out to the community
9. Lean Cuisine Panini Sandwiches. They aren't too bad for a quick lunch considering they're "grilled" in a microwave.
10. Listening to the owls hooting at night and in the early morning
11. Our last batch of paperwork is at the Chinese Consulate in Houston for authentication
12. A brief moment of feeling chilly this morning. Sure it was because of the air conditioner and ceiling fan but it did dip in the 60s outside last night. Yea!!!
13. The smiling child waiting for me

What are you thankful for today?

A random post

Okay, this is one of those very random posts. Remember, the name of the blog--Osborn Odds 'N Ends. I never promised it would be deep and meaningful. :o)

The other day I saw an advertisement for a new version of an audio bible. This new Bible has an all-star cast and is probably fantastic. Jim Caviezel who was cast as Jesus in the movie The Passion of the Christ has the part of Jesus for this project. What struck me as funny is that Marisa Tomei is one of the actors. She plays Mary Magdalene. I admit I have difficulty separating some actors from certain parts they've played. I can separate Tom Hanks from Forrest Gump or as Woody in Toy Story. However, I just can't seem to separate Marisa Tomei from her role as the very feisty, foul-mouthed Mona Lisa Vito in My Cousin Vinny. I don't know why, but all I could think of is her having this really thick Brooklyn accent as she tells Simon Peter that Jesus is not in the tomb. I won't quote how I hear it in my head...

So as I was putting this all down in writing, I started feeling a bit goofy like this is no doubt the stupidest post EVER. Then I thought about what message she (Mary Magdalene) gets to convey--Jesus wasn't in the tomb. He was gone. Christ rose. Yea!!! Isn't that the most important message of all? It really is. No matter WHAT the accent...

Menu Plan Monday

Since Don and I have been married I have tried on and off to plan menus and shop ahead for the items. At times I have been successful, at other times I have failed miserably. I adore reading recipes, poring over cookbooks, and watching the Food Network. Yet, when it comes to taking action and making the food I read about come to life, I am not nearly as passionate or diligent.

By far, one of the areas where Don and I spend the most money is eating out. Eating out is often a social outlet for us. We enjoy being with people and since it seems more people get together at restaurants rather than in the home we join the ranks. Other times we do it out of laziness or sheer necessity. Whatever the reason, it can really cut into a budget. When we decide to tighten up and cut back our spending, it is usually in this area and we are amazed how quickly we can add money back into our checking account by planning ahead.

As a stay at home wife and mother, I feel like I should strive to be better in the area of planning meals. Apparently, I am not alone. I came across Laurie's blog at I'm an Organizing Junkie who has decided to share her menus with others. Not only does she plan a weekly menu, she encourages others to plan and includes a cast of many other women's weekly meal plans within her blog.

While I reserve the right to make changes as necessary, here's my first attempt:

Monday, October 1st-Don will be on his own because I am having dinner with friends.

Tuesday, October 2nd-Slow cooker French Dip sandwiches, green salad, sweet potato fries

Wednesday, October 3rd-Out before church

Thursday, October 4th-Gnudi , Caesar salad, garlic bread
Friday, October 5th-Leftovers

What's for dinner at your place???

Thankful Thursday

Hi~



It's another Thursday and here are some of the things I am thankful for today...


1. Our I-171H for Lindy's mei mei came on Tuesday
2. Don made it home safely from his trip to Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho
3. Lindy was a dream during Don's absence
4. Lunch with Mark & Ellen and family on Sunday
5. A great visit and yummy lunch with Denisa on Monday
6. Heather
7. Encouragement from my mom
8. Trina for taking time out of her busy day to notarize our I-171H yesterday
9. The Sirius satellite music stations on our TV--especially the Kids Stuff channel. Lindy loves to sing and dance to it.
10. The amazing full moon lighting up the sky the past couple of nights
11. Linda Elam who celebrates her birthday on Saturday
12. Quiet time in the morning
13. Remembering God has plans for me, even when I don't know what they are

What are you thankful for today?

Wisdom from Franklin the Turtle

This morning as I was puttering about, Lindy was watching Franklin on Noggin. One of the characters (a muskrat, I think) took broken, discarded pieces of china and plates to make beautiful pieces of art. The muskrat kept saying even broken things can be made into something beautiful. Later on, Franklin and Little Bear were trying to enter a big pumpkin into a fair but it rolled off the wagon and smashed into pieces. They came to the muskrat for advice and she reminded them everything can be made into something beautiful. As you might guess, rather than entering the pumpkin in the pumpkin contest they made a prize-winning pie, instead.

This sweet little tale instantly made me think about how broken my life would be without Jesus. God could've put me in the discard pile but He saw the chance to make something beautiful with the pieces, so He sent Jesus to die for me. He didn't just want to repair me, He wanted to make a work of art. The more I surrender to His artistic hands, the more beautiful I am becoming. He's not done with me yet. That really is amazing to me when I think about it.

I love that every now and then the littlest message, such as this one in Franklin, sparks a deeper thought. It reminds me God is right there with me in everything I do. Today I couldn't help but share this thought with you...

P.S. It frustrates me to no end that sometimes blogger makes everything look like a huge paragraph...

Thankful Thursday

Happy Thursday~

Here are some of the things I am thankful for today...

1. My parents who celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary on September 17th
2. Dad who will be celebrating his birthday on September 22nd
3. Trina & Lauren who celebrated a birthday on September 19th
4. Reminder in my study of Colossians that Christ is sufficient
5. Don made it safely to Utah for his business trip
6. I had some time to read for pleasure last night and actually stayed awake for a while doing it
7. Our new TV arrived and is waiting to be set up when Don returns
8. Listening to Lindy sing her ABCs and "Rockabye Baby"
9. Lindy and I received our flu vaccinations today so hopefully we're protected for the season
10. Signs of autumn in south Texas--the pumpkins, mums, and bales of hay have arrived at stores
11. Tea parties with Lindy
12. Being a stay at home mom
13. God's many blessings

What are some of the things you are thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

Good morning~

Here are 13 things for which I am thankful:

1. Sleeping with the windows open on Tuesday night
2. Hearing the voices of special friends on Monday night and praying with them after a summer hiatus
3. Ladies Bible Class has started again on Tuesdays
4. The men and women who serve in the military
5. A beautiful morning with Lindy, Suzy, and Sam at the zoo yesterday
6. My sister-in-law, Anne, who celebrates her birthday on 9/15
7. Sweet baby Henry who turns one on 9/15
8. Special blog friends
9. Lindy's ability to make me laugh
10. Lindy's Bible Class teachers
11. Peaceful morning sounds
12. Hearing Don and Lindy interact together
13. The HOT shower I am about to go take

I am truly blessed, even when I don't acknowledge it. What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

Good morning~

Here are 13 things for which I am thankful:

1. A fun visit with my parents last week
2. For my mom who spent about four hours "foundations" shopping with me. Not the kind you wear on your face...Uggh!
3. Pam and Mani were CHOSEN to be the parents to a beautiful little boy in Korea. Baby Garrett should be home in three to five months. Yea!!!
4. Lindy takes great pleasure in little things like acorns
5. Watching Lindy become the great pretender
6. My grandparents who celebrate their 61st wedding anniversary this week
7. My friend Melissa who celebrated her birthday this week
8. A call of encouragement from Diana to tell me she'll be with me for the long wait that hasn't even really started yet
9. Ben Bailey who celebrates his birthday on Sunday
10.The comforting chirp of the cardinal
11. Freshly steam cleaned carpets
12. The power of a smile
13. My electric skillet

Life is filled with many things to be thankful for. What are you thankful for today?

Nice Matters Award--twice

"This award is for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world."

Last week, Kim passed along the Nice Matters Award to me for this blog--much to my surprise. Then to add to my surprise, Lori passed along this award to me for the Little Bits of Lindy blog. Both of these ladies love their families, God, and have a genuine concern and compassion for others. They are NICE and I wish I knew them in person.


If you know me very well, you know I have struggled with feelings of inadequacy. I honestly don't say that for sympathy or to sound negative. Most women have probably felt the same way. I just feel like I am surrounded by so many talented ladies, yet there isn't one thing I "do" that I really excel at or that defines who I am. I am not Lisa the great musician, Lisa the fabulous home interior, Lisa the amazing seamstress, and on and on I could go...


It used to really bother me. As I've gotten older, I have come to terms with that and have accepted that maybe I'm not defined by what I do but instead by who I am. Maybe I'll never be an award winning photographer or have my own cooking show but I hope I'll always be remembered as a nice person because nice DOES matter...


This award is to be passed along to seven other NICE people. I pass it along to:

Lynn at Somewhere in the Sun
My cousin Karen at Mommy of Boys
Tamra at variety is the spice of life
Jaime at A day in the life...
Jill at O'Bryant Family
Cristie at Bits and Pieces
Kim at Lifesong

Thankful Thursday

Above are the Chinese symbols for feeling thankful or grateful. It has been a couple weeks since I've posted a Thankful Thursday. It doesn't mean I haven't been thankful, I've just been busy.

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


1. Clark Sullivan O'Bryant born to Brody and Jill on August 9th
2. A belated birthday dinner with four of my wonderful "big sisters" this past Tuesday
3. Jennifer Babcock Hassmann who celebrated her birthday on Wednesday
4. Uncle Rickey who celebrated his birthday on Tuesday
5. 30 wonderful years of marriage for Cliff & Denisa
6. 25 wonderful years of marriage for Gordon & Carolyn
7. 25 wonderful years of marriage for Mark & Ellen
8. 28 wonderful years of marriage for Kevin & Trina
9. Don put gas in my car last night
10. The a/c is working again. We spent two nights in a hotel last week because it was broken--the hottest week of the summer so far.
11. Protection while Tropical Storm Erin hit San Antonio
12. Hurricane Dean won't slam the Texas coast and is now a tropical storm
13. Only one week until my parents come to visit

What are you thankful for today?

Happy Lighthouse Day

I bet you didn't know today is National Lighthouse Day. In 1989, Congress designated August 7th as National Lighthouse Day. I think there is something so lonely and romantic about lighthouses and their keepers. Unfortunately, so many of our lighthouses have been forgotten and neglected and they don't quite stand as proud as they used to. I got to thinking about the purpose of lighthouses--to warn and help sailors stay or get back on course. Then I thought about the lighthouses in my life. Whoever is reading, I hope you have at least one person in your life at all times who shines brightly and helps you stay on course. Enjoy the day!

The Light --by Hattie Vose Hall

I am the light, holding
Nightly my torch on high;
Under me surge the waters,
Over me bends the sky.

Year after year I stand here
Holding my steady light,
Sending its ray of comfort
Into the darkest night.

Many a man has served me,
Tending the Light with care,
Many a vanished footstep
Passed by my winding stair.

Years pass and men pass with them,
Never my light grows dim,
One hands the torch to another,
Others will follow him.

So are the centuries moving,
Still serving men am I,
Constant through gales of winter
Calm beneath summers sky.

Lights are the hope of seamen,
Warning of rock and shoal,
We are the danger-stations,
We are the sea-patrol!

Happy Friendship Day!

"A faithful friend is a strong defense; and he that hath found such an one, hath found a treasure." Ecclesiasticus 6:14

Today is Friendship Day.

I know some people think these types of days were created by greeting card companies as a way to generate more money. Regardless, I think it is a great day to think about all the friends I have and celebrate their impact on my life.

So, Happy Friendship Day to ALL my friends. I love you for the unique way you touch my life.

Love,

Lisa

P.S. Just in case you think I'm making up a new book in the Bible, I did some research and this is a different book than the one in the Bible and I'm NOT losing it. Well maybe I am but not about this. :o)

Thankful Thursday

Here are 13 things for which I am thankful today:

1. Seeing my Aunt Nadine & Uncle Al briefly yesterday.
2. Lunch dates with Don twice this week.
3. News that Mom & Dad are coming to visit at the end of the month.
4. Ruby Mei Rouse celebrated her first birthday on July 31st.
5. Lindy's friends, Scarlett & Mia who have birthdays this week.
6. Lindy is SLOWLY showing signs of responsiveness and progress in our potty training endeavors.
7. My friend, Cristie, who celebrated her birthday yesterday.
8. The sound of the cardinal chirping outside my window.
9. Blue skies and fluffy white clouds after several days of gray skies and ominous clouds.
10. A diagnosis and course of treatment for Jeff Rouse has been determined and he may get to come home from the hospital later this week.
11. Encouragement from family and friends.
12. Don's work has slowed down--some.
13. God sent two rainbows for Lindy to see last week just as she's been learning about them in Bible class.

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

Today I am going to deviate from my normal format. Please bear with me. I am not sure where I am going with this exactly but these thoughts are heavy on my heart and mind.


The other night on Primetime there was a special about pregnant teenagers choosing to give up their babies for adoption. A few years ago I probably could have watched the episode and been fairly unaffected by it; however, that was not the case on Tuesday night...

It was pure agony watching these young girls go through the pain of childbirth, touch and love on their babies, and then make the final decision to hand over their flesh and blood to the adoptive parents. For the girls featured, it was not an easy decision. They knew it was the right thing but I am quite sure not a day goes by that they don't think about the child they gave up.

Since that night I've thought a lot about Lindy's birth mother. Again I find myself wondering about her situation and why she couldn't keep Lindy. I have tried to imagine what her days have been like since she gave up Lindy. Does she cry? Is she broken-hearted? Does she have peace knowing she did the right thing or is she in constant turmoil? Not long ago I had someone tell me they have no respect for a woman who could abandon her baby. She said, "if women in China can do this, China is a country we need to fear." I was stunned at her comment and I did my best to defend the woman who gave my daughter life. I don't believe for one minute Lindy's birth mother is someone we need to fear. She is a victim of some very sad circumstances in her country. Her selfless acts gave me the daughter my heart ached for.

I have also been thinking about the fact that God has adopted me as one of His own. To adopt me, He paid the price of giving up His one and only son. I know that HAD to be an agonizing decision. He chose me and loved me so much that He let Jesus die on the cross. Wow!

Adoption whether it is domestic, international, opened, closed, or spiritual is a really complex topic and is not without cost of some sort for all parties involved. So today as I ponder these thoughts floating around in my head, I am thankful for Lindy's birth mother who chose a better life for her daughter and for God who adopted me as His own so that I could one day live with Him for eternity.

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

Good morning,


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


1. Pamela & Mani who celebrated their 15th anniversary on July 18th.
2. My nephew, Brendan, who turned three on July 18th.
3. I got to catch up with my cousin, Joyce, last Friday.
4. A surprise phone call from a college friend, Cynthia.
5. Connor who turns 10 this week. Because of his mommy and daddy, Don and I were first exposed to the gift of international adoption.
6. The safe birth of baby Nathanael last Friday in Santiago, Chile.
7. Mrs. Rushing is no longer in pain and is now in the presence of God.
8. A reunion lunch with Lisa and her family--friends we met in China.
9. Don has the opportunity to go deep-sea fishing today.
10. Megan who turns 10 today and is blossoming into a beautiful young lady.
11. My friend, Lynn, who is celebrating a birthday today.
12. The little boost Diet Coke gives me when I need some zip.
13. We got notification of our fingerprinting appointment.

What are you thankful for today?

First and last meme

I was tagged by my friend Tamra at variety is the spice of life...

First & Last

First Memory - I think it was having to stay in my room all day on my second birthday while my dad and Grandpa Caples worked to finish building a homemade toybox for me. IF for some reason that is a figment of my imagination, my first memory would be when I was two years old and left our home in the early morning and walked to my grandparent's and knocked on their door. Chiquita barked but no one answered, so I walked back home.

First Real Kiss - Scott Roth

First Love - Besides Mom & Dad, it was definitely Jamie. He was not a crush like the many other boys I thought I "loved" before him.

First Concert - Genesis at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia

First Thought In The Morning - Here we go again...

First Book You Loved - a VINTAGE Golden Book entitled Hush, Hush it's Sleepytime by Peggy Parish. I also loved any Amelia Bedelia book and basically anything I could get my hands on. I was reading at four years old and was quite the bookworm.

First Question You'll Ask In Heaven - Really...why does it take so long to adopt from China?

First Thought When Hearing "Vacation" - Hmmm...I'm not sure I am familiar with that word. Oh I think, "Have a great time!!!" because it is usually someone else going, not me.

First Best Friend - I think it was Jack Nadler in Kindergarten and first grade. He was Jewish and taught me the Dreidel song.

Last Food You Ate - Watermelon with dinner

Last CD Purchased - Do you mean compact disc or certificate of deposit??? Ha ha! I bought Celtic Woman: A Christmas Celebration during the holidays. More recently I (we) bought a short term certificate of deposit to make more interest than our money market account.

Last Good Book You Read - I Love You Like Crazy Cakes. I don't read too much for my pleasure anymore.

Last Time You Cried - Watching a repeat of Oprah today. There was an amazing story of the Chinese twins (both named Mia) who were abandoned and found a week apart and subsequently adopted by different families. DNA testing revealed they are siblings. The mothers both credited God with PERFECTLY orchestrating their reunion. I get emotional when it has to do with adoption, what can I say???

Last "I love you" Said - To Lindy

Last Funny Thing You Did - Funny is all relative when you have a two year old. I sang in opera voice while wearing one of Lindy's hats. Don't ask...

Last TV Show Watched - The Singing Bee

Since Tamra tagged just about anyone I know with a blog who reads mine, I tag my cousin, Karen, at Mommy of Boys and anyone else who might want to play.

Thankful Thursday

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


1. A great visit with my Uncle Steve & Aunt Pauline

2. Matt & Erin are celebrating their 5th anniversary today

3. The United States of America

4. Freedom (the whole gamut of them)

5. The men and women who have fought and continue to fight for our freedom

6. The American flag

7. Our nephew, Shon, who celebrated his birthday on July 3rd

8. It wasn't 128 degrees here yesterday as it was in Las Vegas, NV

9. Chris & Megan are celebrating their 16th anniversary tomorrow

10. This morning it was cool enough and dry enough for Lindy and I to play with sidewalk chalk

11. I got an email from my long lost school friend and college roommate

12. I have lots of leftovers in the fridge, so I don't have to create anything new for dinner

13. The way the rain has made the grass and trees so, so green

What are you thankful for today???

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???

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?