30 Days of Thankfulness

Today I am thankful for the privilege of freedom of religion and worship. I am a pretty simple person. I am not very political and can't tell you every detail of the history of why we have that freedom. I know through the ages people have suffered and died (and continue to) because of their beliefs. At Thanksgiving time, I can't help but be thankful for the men and women in England who desperately wanted religious freedom and came to this country searching for it. Many gave up everything, including life, for this freedom. I am thankful I don't have to hide, worry about being thrown in prison, or wonder if I am going to be killed when I go to church.

What are you thankful for today?

30 Days of Thankfulness

On Monday mornings I often plan out my menu for the week. I am not going to post my menu this week but it did make me think about what I'm thankful for today.

I am thankful for food. It is truly something I take for granted. We have so much available and all we have to do is run to the grocery store, drive to a restaurant, or pick up a phone and voila it is there--more than we need. Sometimes it isn't even enjoyable. Eating is just a ritual. I honestly can't imagine what it would be like not knowing when or if I am going to get to eat again. I bet I'd enjoy things a lot more. I also can't imagine having to hunt, gather, plant, and store away for the future.

God has blessed me by giving me several conveniences at my disposal. I just need to remember to thank him for that.

What are you thankful for today???

30 Days of Thankfulness

Today I am thankful for nature--especially all the little things I too often take for granted.

Having Lindy has helped remind me of what a wonderful world God created. There are so many simple pleasures that await us each day if we just take the time to STOP and take a look around us. Ralph Waldo Emerson captures some similar thoughts in this beautiful saying, "For flowers that bloom about our feet;For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet;For song of bird, and hum of bee;For all things fair we hear or see,Father in heaven, we thank Thee!"

I pray I will take more time to appreciate all the beautiful things in this world.

What are you thankful for today?

30 Days of Thankfulness

Today I am thankful for Beck. Beck is three years old today. I was at the hospital the night Beck was born and it was one of the most exciting nights of my life. I am thankful that Jaime allowed me to be in the room during the last several hours of her long labor, as well as right after Beck was taken by c-section. It's the only time I've had that experience. Not having given birth to a child, it was such a special gift and honor to see Beck coming into this world.

Beck is a fun little boy and it has been a joy to watch him grow.

Happy Birthday, Beck!!!

30 Days of Thankfulness

Anyone recognize this little cutie???
Don't let the leopard print drapes distract you and

look closely...
It's Don and he's pictured here celebrating his first birthday.

That was 39 years ago because this little cutie is 40 today.

In honor of Don's 40th birthday, I've listed 40 things I love about him in no particular order...

1. He has beautiful long eyelashes

2. He is patient

3. He still opens the car door for me

4. He is financially responsible

5. He has a generous heart

6. He is a great daddy

7. He is a great husband

8. He takes care of Lindy's nighttime routine even though he's had a long day at work

9. He is smart

10. He is a good driver (He'd be surprised I said that)

11. He shares my passion for chocolate

12. He rarely gets mad at me

13. He is good-natured

14. He handles all the finances

15. He is predictable. Some might consider this boring and I won't deny that it can be but there is a great comfort in knowing what to expect.

16. He is not chauvinistic

17. His long, slender perfect for the piano fingers

18. He is a good singer

19. He is good with directions

20. He knows a little about a lot of different things

21. He is a man of integrity

22. He is confident but not arrogant

23. He has a great smile

24. He is athletic

25. He is strong but sensitive

26. He does the lawn and yardwork

27. He likes to cook and bake

28. He strings the lights on our Christmas tree (and will until we get a prelit one)

29. He is kind

30. He doesn't always tell me what I want to hear

31. He is calm

32. He can sew a button back onto his clothes

33. I usually can whine my way into him pumping my gas (if he hasn't already done it)

34. He rarely complains

35. He puts up with me

36. He tells me I'm beautiful and means it

37. He usually has a very positive attitude

38. He is a hard worker

39. He proposed to me on his birthday 16 years ago

40. He does not dread turning 40. His favorite age is whatever age he is!

Happy 40th birthday, Donny!!! I love you and wish you at least 40 more birthdays!!!

30 Days of Thankfulness

Today I am thankful for Christmas music. I know, I know, it is only mid-November but I love Christmas music because it makes me so happy. I definitely could listen to it all year long!

This weekend when we were in Dallas we found a station playing Christmas music 24/7. Sure it was a ridiculous 85 degrees outside and Don was in shorts but inside our car it was a winter wonderland. It got me in the mood for the holidays and even motivated me to start Christmas shopping.

Some of my favorites are:

But really, I CAN'T pick just one favorite...

What do you like to listen to at Christmas and what are you thankful for today???

30 Days of Thankfulness

Today I am thankful that Kate, Doug, and Noah are home from China. Kate was my secret pal during the wait for Lindy. I remember how exciting it was when she brought Sophie and Avery home in March 2006 and now I rejoice that they are a family of five, with the addition of Noah.

What are you thankful for today?

30 Days of Thankfulness

Today I am thankful for Kim! It is her birthday today--a special one or scary one depending on how you look at it. :o) Kim is always doing nice things for others, offering words of encouragement, and is someone who exudes true warmth.

I am thankful to have her as a friend.

Happy Birthday, Kim!!!

30 Days of Thankfulness

Today I am thankful for charitable, generous, and giving people.

I woke up this morning and found to my surprise that my blogs had been madeover during the night. There still may be a few changes in the works but I'm super excited about their new look!!!

A few weeks ago I entered a blog makeover contest hosted by Danielle. I don't win many things but I was one of the winners of her contest. All she asked for in return for her time and effort was a small donation to Half the Sky, an organization which helps provide care for Chinese orphans. Of course, I didn't think twice about donating to such a great organization! Come to find out, Danielle takes a portion of what she makes from any blog design and donates it to charitable causes.

What impressed me is that here's a young lady getting started in this world and trying to become financially independent who has a heart for giving. She could keep all the money and use it for herself, but she doesn't. Sometimes it seems like people can be so self-absorbed that they forget about helping others. I am always thankful when I hear of someone who gives on any level and am blessed to be surrounded by MANY generous, thoughtful, big-hearted people.

I hope I can learn from their example and the following words: "A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25.

What are you thankful for today?

30 Days of Thankfulness

Today is Veterans Day, so it is only fitting that I thank ALL the men and women who have served in the military past and present. Veterans Day isn't really about honoring the men and women who have lost their lives in the military (that's Memorial Day). It is about honoring those who are living and those who continue to serve. Being in the military is a 24/7 job. It is a really hard task for so many reasons and on so many levels.

I am very proud of the fact that five of the men in my family are Navy veterans: My grandpa, dad, husband, Uncle Steve, and Uncle Lester. I have included a few OLD pictures of Don when he was in the Navy.

No matter what your political position, I hope you will join me in being thankful for our service men and women and pray for peace.

30 Days of Thankfulness

Today I am thankful for a quick weekend away with Don to Dallas. Granted, it was to see a college football game but it ended up being a really fun one to see--Navy defeated University of North Texas 74-62!!! That was coming off their triple OT win against Notre Dame last week...

This was the first time we had both been away from Lindy at the same time in the 19 months she's been home. It was REALLY weird at first. It is hard to let go of the constant feeling of responsibility. However, a couple of hours into the trip I could feel myself beginning to relax and feel a bit of peace.

Becoming parents after nearly 14 years of marriage changed a lot of things for the two of us. Of course, we wouldn't change a thing. However, I am thankful for the time we got to be alone together to reconnect.

We also got to spend time with our friends, Shayne & Shannon, on this trip. Shannon is a UNT alum. She really didn't seem to mind watching her alma mater go down to Navy and I think I heard her and Shayne singing "Anchors Aweigh..."

Here's Shannon during the singing of her school song.

30 Days of Thankfulness

Today I am thankful for my dad.

Yesterday my dad called me out of the blue to talk. A lot of dads don't really talk to their kids. That doesn't mean they don't have a good, solid relationship with their kids. It just is something I've witnessed time and time again.

I am thankful because my dad talks and listens to me. He shows a genuine interest in my life and is not afraid to show it.

What are you thankful for today?

30 Days of Thankfulness

Today my nephew, Bryce, is FIVE years old. I can't believe it!!! I remember holding little Bryce when he was three weeks old and now he's such a big boy and handsome, too, if I might add.

I am thankful for Bryce and the blessing he is to our family.

Happy Birthday, Bryce!!!

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...