30 Days of Thankfulness

Happy Wednesday!

Today I am thankful it is basketball season. I couldn't play a sport to save my life but I do like to watch sports. Even though I am not a big fan of the egos and excess associated with pro sports of any kind, I do like to watch a good game. I especially love to cheer on the...

San Antonio Spurs!!!!

Here's to another world championship!!!!

Go Spurs go!

30 Days of Thankfulness

I'm a bit late in my post but am certainly thankful...

Today I am thankful for friendships--new and old and near and far. I am blessed to have a wide variety of lovely friends all over this country. I know that sounds a bit haughty but TRUST me, I'm not bragging. God has brought these people into my life and just when I least expect it, He brings someone new and wonderful in my life to be my friend or reminds me of a faithful friend I've had for a long time.

So today I celebrate all these special friends and send my love to all of you!

Menu Plan Monday

I didn't post a menu last week because somehow the planets aligned and I didn't have to do any cooking...

However, I am back and here's what is for dinner.

Monday, November 5th-Harvest turkey burgers, fresh fruit, and green tossed salad

Tuesday, November 6th-Spinach Fandango(Making this using low-fat/fat-free products), green tossed salad

Wednesday, November 7th-Out

Thursday, November 8th-Mexican slop...Okay, I know that sounds suspicious. It is ranch style beans, ground beef, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, olives, on top of tortilla chips. One version of a taco salad. Operative word---E-A-S-Y!!!

Friday, November 9th-Out

Check out this website for links to other menus. What's cookin' for you this week?

30 Days of Thankfulness

It's Monday and today I am thankful that I had a good night's rest.

Although I don't feel like I got the extra hour this weekend because I lost mine due to Lindy waking up in the wee hours of Sunday morning asking for a diaper change and the insomnia that followed, last night I was able to have some good, uninterrupted sleep. This morning I actually feel pretty refreshed. I am ready for a new day, new week, and new opportunities.

What are you thankful for today?

30 Days of Thankfulness

I'm thankful today because...

"This is the day the LORD has made..." therefore I will..."rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

Have a lovely day~Lisa

30 Days of Thankfulness

Today I am thankful that it is Saturday and the weekend is here. Although I no longer work outside the home, I find myself just as anxious for the weekends as when I was working. I look forward to spending family time together, having Don help with Lindy, and accomplishing things that don't get done during the week.

Today I am thankful we get an extra hour (in theory) of sleep tonight as we fall backward.

"Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul." --Henry Ward Beecher

What are you thankful for today?

The streak is broken!!!

For those of you who know me, you know I'm not much of an outdoorsy girl. I love nature but I'm not really into roughin' it and camping. I'd much prefer to go to the Westin and sleep in a big fluffy bed, have a steak dinner by candlelight, and have chocolate torte or mousse instead of s'mores. Don, however, loves the outdoors and loves to camp. He's all about the campfire, the camp food, and roasting marshmallows.

Since we've been married we've camped a handful of times. If there is a drought and I camp, the drought will end. If there's been a hot spell and I camp, a cold front will come through. It's pretty much a given...

A few months ago--in a moment of insanity--I (yes I) suggested to some friends we plan a camping trip. Helloooo, Lisa--you have a two year old!!! Anyway, we planned a camping trip with three other families and it took place last weekend. I am happy to report it did not rain, there was no wind, and it was not hot. It was a bit chilly but not unbearable. The weather was gorgeous! I broke the streak!!!

It was a tiring but fun weekend. Lindy had tons of fun playing with the eight other kids. She says her favorite part of camping was the graham crackers and "s'nores." I can't say tent camping with a two year old (in a pack-n-play) is the best arrangement. I spent much of the night awake worrying about whether she was too cold. I also had to just let it go and accept that she was going to get dirty. After a while I gave up my quest to keep her clean and her hands sanitized. It was really all futile. Don and I had fun visiting with our friends, eating way too much, and spending time around the campfire. I am still trying to get the campfire smell out of my hair!

Here are some pictures of our first family camping trip weekend at Palmetto State Park.

30 Days of Thankfulness

November is National Adoption Month. I am thankful for the many blessings--big and small--that I've experienced as an adoptive parent. There are really too many to name...

Even if you aren't as closely touched by adoption as I am, I hope you'll join me in celebrating family and this special way God creates families.

Thankful Thursday

It is a bit later than I normally post my TT. I can't believe it is November and three weeks from today is the ultimate Thankful Thursday--THANKSGIVING.

Poor Thanksgiving gets little attention from retailers and is shoved right in there between Halloween and Christmas. Unfortunately, we often stop to even be thankful on Thanksgiving. So, rather than do a list of things for which I'm thankful, I'm dubbing November "30 Days of Thankfulness." I'll be sharing random quotes and verses about thankfulness, as well as sharing some of the things (big and small) for which I am thankful. I encourage you to do the same!

“Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.” -G.B. Stern

This quote is a huge reminder to me to stop and say, "thank you." I am trying to teach Lindy to say it all the time but I have to remember to do the same. I hope this quote will remind you who you need to thank.

I remember...

I was asked by my sweet friend Heather to share some of my memories. Ironically, Heather and I grew up not far from each other in the 1980s. We're quite sure we somehow knew each other at one time. So, here are some of my memories...

I remember when my brother was born and when he and Mom came home from the hospital. I am two years and nine months older than him to the day.

I remember wondering why everyone was crying on the first day of Kindergarten. I was so ready to be in school.

I remember blowing kisses to my mom as I skipped to the bus stop.

I remember having my hair set in pink foam curlers after my bath on Saturday nights.

I remember Dad making popcorn and religiously watching Little House on the Prairie and The Waltons as a family.

I remember my mom reading to me.

I remember crying so hard in 1977 when we moved from California to Virginia. I was very sad to leave my grandparents and remember driving away from their home waving to them from the back of our station wagon.

I remember when my parents gave us a puppy on New Year's Day. We named her Roxie Noelle and she was beautiful.

I remember competing in the Prince William County Spelling Bee when I was in 6th grade; however, I don't remember which word I misspelled to be eliminated and am not sure I could spell it anyway.

I remember wearing Jean Nate' and Love's Baby Soft.

I remember when CDs and MTV came out.

I remember babysitting four children (and sometimes the psycho mom) for $1.25 an hour. Sometimes the Mom would pay me to go to the movies with her. I was in junior high. I think that was weird and very sad.

I remember giving my friend, Stephanie, some of my lunch money so she could put gas in her car so we could get to school. It was about 29 cents a gallon then.

I remember having a couple really bad poodle perms. I looked like Annie with dark hair as I twirled around the house singing, "The sun will come out tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow, there'll be sun..."

I remember seeing 42nd Street at the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia. I loved every moment of the night and know it had to be a huge financial sacrifice for my parents to take me.

I remember my first date. It was with Jamie. We went to Great Advenuture in NJ (exit 7A off the Jersey turnpike to be exact). I was supposed to be home at 11:00. Our last ride of the night was on the Pirate Ship (back seat of course so we could go the highest). I saved the bear he won for me but my purse went crashing to the ground, blue eye shadow and all. They had to close the ride down for several minutes while they called for a supervisor to retrieve my purse. I got home at 11:30. I remember my parents were NOT happy.

I remember having Top Gun posters in my college dorm room. Tom Cruise was so dreamy then.

I remember wearing long johns under boxers with my sorority sweatshirt to class in college. I was NOT alone in sporting this look. I also remember wearing skirts to class with penny loafers (with pennies), too.

I remember preferring to stay home with my parents than go out on "bad" dates.

I remember the first time I laid eyes on Don. My life was forever changed. There weren't any more bad dates.

I remember the tears in his eyes when we got married.

I remember leaving my parents' home for good on February 14, 1993. Don was home from his seven month deployment and ready to take me to Maine so we could live as husband and wife. It was a pretty dramatic scene, to say the least.

I remember the sensation of my nose hairs freezing when I lived in Maine.

I remember when my biological clock went off with a vengeance.

I remember the disappointment each month when I found out I wasn't pregnant.

I remember when Chris & Meg brought Connor home from Russia. Little did I know that would plant a seed in my heart for international adoption.

I remember when the radiologist said, "Mrs. Osborn, you have a brain tumor."

I remember the incredible relief I felt when Don and I decided to adopt from China.

I remember getting "the call" and the joy that followed.

I remember holding Lindy for the first time.

Obviously, I could go on and on. While it is so wonderful to remember, it is also important to keep looking ahead, too. I cherish the memories I have (good and bad) because I know they are part of who I am and have become. However, I look forward to creating new memories.

I would love to read your memories. Feel free to join in if you have time to share. I specifically tag Diana, Jaime, Jill, Linette, and Adele.

In lieu of thankful Thursday

Most Thursdays I post a list of things for which I am thankful. This week I am taking a break and doing something different...

When people ask me where I'm from my usual response is, "I'm from all over" or "no where." I go on to explain that my dad was in the Navy and I've moved around more than a lot of people, etc., etc., etc.,.

Sometimes it really bothers me that I can't plainly answer that question. Other times it just makes me realize I've had a lot of opportunities not everyone else has had. Tonight, however, my heart is aching because I am a NATIVE Californian and it pains me to see this state and its residents enduring so much tragedy.

California is where my grandparents met and married. It is where my great grandparents and my Grandma Caples are buried, along with other family members. It is where my mom and dad met in high school and got married. It is where I was born. It is where my brother was born. It is where Don and I met and got married. It is where my brother and sister-in-law met and got married. It is where two of my nephews were born. It is where I started elementary school and graduated college. It is where I first saw Mickey Mouse and Shamu. It is where I saw my first baseball game. It is where I've seen the biggest trees in the world. It is where I've eaten grapes off the vine. It is where I've had many holidays and spent many vacations. It is where I traveled for business. It is where Lindy became a United States citizen. It is where I have one set of grandparents, my brother, sister-in-law, and nephews, two uncles, one aunt, one cousin and his family, two great uncles and two great aunts, several second and third cousins, and several friends. It is a place of many memories for me and deep roots.

I hope you will join me in praying for all the people in California. They desperately need our prayers.

Thank you...

Menu Plan Monday

Where did the weekend go??? Somewhere during that brief time I created a menu and started a grocery list to accompany it. Here's what's on the menu this week:

Monday, October 22nd-Leftover grilled sausage for Don and Lindy. Mentoring Moms for Lisa.

Tuesday, October 23rd-Chicken and vegetable stir-fry and rice.

Wednesday, October 24th-Out before church

Thursday, October 25th-Spaghetti Pie (from my new Deceptively Delicious cookbook), salad, spinach

Friday, October 26th-Camping

Last week I made tuna burgers and told you how Don wasn't really looking forward to them. They were simple to prepare and turned out pretty yummy. Both Don and Lindy loved them. Thanks Paula Deen!!!

Check out this website for the menus of many other households in blogland. What's cookin' at your place?

Thankful Thursday

Today I thought I'd just write free-form for my Thankful Thursday...


I am thankful that our dossier for our next daughter is on its way to China. We were officially DTC on October 16th and will anxiously wait for our log-in-date.

I am thankful for the friends and family who are praying and will continue to pray for us during the very long road ahead of us. It means a lot to us!

I am thankful that my copy of Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld arrived yesterday! Ironically, I ordered the book BEFORE her appearance on Oprah, the Today Show, and all the other circuits. I had heard of recipes with ways to "sneak" veggies in food and really felt like I needed to start doing that with Lindy (actually all of us). During my search, I stumbled across the Sneaky Chef and Deceptively Delicious and opted for the latter. I am really excited to give this a try!

I am thankful for a phone call from my Aunt Nadine yesterday. It was just out of the blue and a nice addition to my morning.

I am thankful I had a chance to talk to my brother, Jeff, this week. I don't get to talk to him often but am always glad when I do.

I am thankful I get to go to Jenn's house for Girls' Night In tonight.

I am thankful our friend Mark A. returned home safely from a trip to Korea.

I am thankful our friend Mark B. is out of the hospital after a health scare.

I am thankful for good news from Pamela about their upcoming adoption of Garrett from Korea.

I am thankful Kate & Doug are traveling to China next week to bring home Noah. Kate was my Secret Panda Pal while we were waiting to adopt Lindy and is a sweet friend. She is the busy mommy to twins, Sophie & Avery.

God is so good! What are you thankful for today?

Call me crazy...

Okay faithful readers, I have a confession...

For the past month or so I unwind on Tuesday evenings by watching Jon & Kate Plus 8. I know that makes absolutely no sense. Really, how can one possibly unwind after a busy day of watching one very active, headstrong two year old by watching a show about a family with one set of six year old twins and six, I said six, three year old sextuplets??? It sounds exhausting and chaotic.

In a nutshell, I think it just reminds me of several things. First, God won't give us more than we can handle. If Jon and Kate can handle eight kids, I surely can handle one (and eventually two), right???

It also reminds me to keep things real and be joyful in my circumstances. Women get so easily trapped into keeping up appearances. We want everyone to think our house is always immaculate, our kids are perfect, our marriages are perfect, we're always calm and in control, and on and on I could go and we're unhappy when things don't go that way. Jon and Kate bicker, their kids have temper tantrums, their kids won't cooperate for photo sessions, Kate sweeps the floor a bazillion times a day and probably still finds crumbs. That's real. That's life and they love their life.

Last confession...I've had a difficult Mommy day today. Lindy has had one meltdown and tantrum after another. That's not really her typical personality, so it's been a learning day for me--one with lots of bumps and bruises. (Figuratively speaking!!!) During the day I stopped several times and thought about Kate & Jon. Somehow thinking about their daunting task of raising ten kids made me feel a bit more committed to not giving up on my one child...

Menu Plan Monday

Okay folks, it is a Paula Deen kind of week here at my house. Noooo, that doesn't mean two sticks of butter in everything I prep because I do try to minimize the fat where I can. I was paging through Paula's book the Lady & Sons, Too and here's what I came up for this week...

Monday, October 15th-Don has a meeting. Lindy & I are eating leftovers...

Tuesday, October 16th-Tuna burgers, broccoli, tossed green salad

Wednesday, October 17th-Out before church

Thursday, October 18th-Saucy chicken and asparagus bake (this recipe is identical to the one in Paula's book), rice, tossed green salad

Friday, October 19th-Leftovers

Don looked at me with fear and dread in his eyes when he saw tuna burgers on the menu. I'm just trying to branch out, get out of a rut, experiment, and add some Omega 3 Fatty Acids in our diet, too. It is inevitable that there'll be some losers but hopefully not too many...

Check out this blog to see some other great menu plans. What's for dinner at your place???

Thankful Thursday

How can it be Thursday again? The weeks go by so quickly. Here are some things I am thankful for this week.


1. Lindy is better after enduring whatever she had on Saturday night and Sunday that landed us in the ER
2. A perfectly relaxing, uninterrupted, long overdue dinner with Jaime on Monday
3. My nephew, Jake, who celebrated his birthday on October 8th
4. My grandpa who celebrated his birthday on October 9th
5. Our dossier for our next daughter is being reviewed by our adoption agency
6. I have finally started some Christmas shopping
7. I read in the paper that Panera Bread finally opened in San Antonio. Anyone want to do lunch?
8. Ooey, gooey brownies
9. Today is Lindy's music class day. She loves it!
10. Sleeping with the windows open
11. My crock pot. I seem to be using it quite a bit. Truly one of the best modern inventions.
12. Digital cameras
13. Kind people

I hope you'll spend some time thinking about the things you are thankful for in your life. What are you thankful for today?

Menu Plan Monday

It's Monday and time to think about what's for dinner at the Osborn house. Assuming I make it to the grocery store, here's what will be on the table this week...

Monday, October 8th-Don is on his own again. I promise it isn't like this every Monday!
Tuesday, October 9th-Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken Barbeque , sneaking in some veggies with mashed cauliflower potatoes, asparagus
Wednesday, October 1oth-Out before church
Thursday, October 11th-Texas-Style Enchilada Casserole, green salad
Friday, October 12th-Leftovers


What's for dinner at your house this week? Check out this blog for more fabulous ideas or to share your menu...

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?