A day late but the results are in...

Well you are ALL winners but Jill and Kimberley won the Random Acts of Kindness drawing. My lovely assistant drew your names out of the teacup. I tried to photograph the moment but it wasn't worth posting it because you can't read the names. So you'll just have to trust the mother/daughter auditing skills of L & L.

Thanks for sharing your memories of the kindest thing that has happened to you! I will send something your way very soon!

Spread the kindness!

A little kindness...

“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.” Mother Teresa

I learned this is National Random Acts of Kindness Week. Did you know there was such a thing? I sure didn't...Or maybe I did at one time but it didn't make a permanent impression on me.

I can honestly say I feel like I receive acts of kindness more than I give them. I truly don't mean for it to be that way but sometimes that's just how it works out. I mean to bake muffins for my neighbors for no reason but I haven't. I mean to encourage the sick or the lonely, but I don't often get to it. I mean to...I mean to...I mean to. Know what, unfortunately, the thought DOESN'T count.

In honor of National Random Acts of Kindness Week, I am going to do something nice for two of my readers. Honestly, not sure what yet but something...

To get in on the kindness, you have to work quick!!! Just leave a comment telling me the kindest thing someone has ever done for you by midnight on Sunday, February 17th. On Monday morning I will have Miss Lindy Li-Xiao RANDOMLY choose the winners.

Please note, if you read but don't comment (known as lurking in blogworld) but want to get it on this, it is REALLY easy to leave a comment. You don't have to be a blogger... You don't have to sign up for anything...TRUST ME!

Looking forward to hearing about how you've been blessed in the past and encouraging you to be kind--always.

P.S. I promise I didn't plan this but no sooner did I get to the part about all the things I mean to do, I got a call from my friend and former co-worker, Ann, who wanted to stop by the house with her incredible frosted sugar cookies she knew I always enjoyed so much. See what I mean??? I get kindness more than I give it!!!

Thankful Thursday

"Love wasn't put in your heart to stay. Love isn't love until you give it away."

Michael W. Smith

Today I am thankful for each and every person in my life who has given me love. My life is better because of you.

Happy Valentine's Day 2008.

She's FINALLY 30!!!

Today is my dear, sweet, incredible, friend, Jaime's, 30th birthday. I met Jaime 12 years ago when she was a senior in high school. She was precious then and is precious now. I have had the privilege to watch her graduate high school, meet her husband, get married, graduate college, start her career, and become a mommy twice. She has matured and blossomed before my very eyes and is such a lovely woman of God.

I am A LOT older than Jaime and sometimes I envy her youth and all the exciting things she still has ahead of her. However, I am so honored that she doesn't look at me as her "old" friend. :o)

I am excited to wish her a very special day as she enters her 30s.

Happy Birthday, Jaime! I love you!

"Grow old along with me the best is yet to be." --Robert Browning

Looking upward, instead of all around...

Do you remember the tale of Henny Penny? She was the little hen who got hit on the head and pushed the panic button and thought the sky was falling. She went around telling everyone, "the sky is falling, the sky is falling."

There are some days where it does seem like that--literally and figuratively. If you've watched the news lately, things haven't been really good. The stock market is down. There have been so many terrible weather disasters. The real estate market is awful. Who knows when our troops will get to come home.

It is pretty easy to let the day to day things in life get us down for very real and valid reasons. I read a verse today and it made me think differently...

"My eyes are fixed on you, O sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge." Psalm 141:8

For today, I am trying to not look at the messes and despair around me but look up to God for refuge...

Birthday wishes!

Just discovered it is my friend's birthday today (or maybe it was yesterday). Jenn and I met about two months ago. God blessed me immediately when he placed this fabulous woman in my path. I look forward to getting to know her and her sweet family better.

Happy Birthday, Jenn! Wishing you a very blessed year.

Love,

Lisa

Thankful Thursday

It is Thursday and hard to believe the last day of January! Wow, where does time go?

Today I am very thankful for having a husband whom I COMPLETELY trust with Lindy. In fact, I think it is safe to say he takes just as good or better care of Lindy than I do. Last weekend, I had the opportunity to attend our church ladies retreat. I didn't leave the house with a long list of what Don needed to do with her. I just left and didn't worry about them one time. They were in my mind and heart because I love and miss them; however, I didn't fret about the situation because I knew without a doubt they were doing great. He was being her father, not babysitting. (Slight pet peeve of mine when people say that.)

I know this kind of peace is not the case for everyone and I certainly don't want to take this fact for granted. Don's skills as a father are a huge blessing to me, Lindy, and will be to our next daughter.

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for the very special call I received two years ago --January 25, 2006-- and for having a God who knows what is best for me. As I listen to Lindy chatter about all day long following me from room to room, it is hard for me to believe at this point two years ago, I hadn't even seen her precious face. She was a dream. She was a prayer. Although she was real, she didn't yet feel real to me. That all changed at 11:06 when I got a call telling me we had a daughter and within 90 minutes of the call seeing this sweet face...

For some very strange reason, I got to thinking about a line from the Garth Brooks song, "Unanswered Prayers." The line that came to me was, "...Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers." In a big way I don't agree with that line because I believe God answers ALL prayers but maybe not how we want them answered. So, as I think about our journey to Lindy I acknowledge how some of God's greatest gifts are through prayers answered HIS way and not ours. If that wasn't the case, I wouldn't have this face to see later this morning...

What are you thankful for today?

Seven random things

My friend Shannon tagged me last week challenging me to share seven random or weird facts about myself. I don't always do these because I'm not that great at coming up with any interesting answers, but here goes:

1. I am afraid to watch horseraces and airshows because I fear witnessing a terrible mishap.
2. You know that LBD (little black dress) every woman is supposed to have? I don't have one.
3. I am extremely disappointed when I attend a birthday party or shower just to find that the cake has whipped frosting, rather than buttercream or cream cheese frosting. No cake for me, please.
4. I have never seen or read Gone With the Wind.
5. I have never made a homemade pie crust (pastry not graham cracker).
6. I tear recipes out of magazines and newspapers but will probably never get around to using them.
7. I am not very fond of the color gold for decorating, wearing (YUK), or team colors; however, I do like it for jewelry. Silver, platinum, and white gold are great, too... :o)

There's a little about me. I tag anyone else who would like to share...

Thankful Thursday

Happy Thursday! This week I thought I'd share an email I received earlier this week that really hit home...

We complain about the cross we bear but don't realize it is preparing us for the dip in the road that God can see and we cannot. Whatever your cross, whatever your pain, there will always be sunshine, after the rain.... Perhaps you may stumble, perhaps even fall; But God's always ready, to answer your call.... He knows every heartache, sees every tear, a word from His lips, can calm every fear... Your sorrows may linger, throughout the night, But suddenly vanish, dawn's early light... The Savior is waiting, somewhere above, to give you His grace, and send you His love...

We all have different crosses to bear. Those crosses--although not pleasant--help shape and mold who we are. We can choose to make the most out of them, learn from them, and become a better person as a result. I am trying to learn to be thankful for the crosses I have and remember that none of my crosses are as great as the price paid for me AT the cross.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1: 2-4

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

I'll admit, I've been feeling a bit blah and uninspired. I think I have been dwelling more on what I don't have (or all that I want), rather than what I have. I have also been bemoaning who I wish I could be, rather than who I am. It bothers me when I allow myself to get like this and am not actively demonstrating my thankfulness to God or those around me.

Today I needed to spend some time reading some of the words of thanks in the Bible uttered by other men and women. The psalms always have some great words of thanksgiving and praise. Here is one that really spoke to me and I hope it will speak to you, as well.

Psalm 100
A psalm. For giving thanks.

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

What are you thankful for today?

Favorite memories from Christmas 2007

Every year there is the same mad rush to get all the Christmas chores done and before you know it, it is over. For me, the end of Christmas is always a bittersweet time. While it is good to get back to a more "sane" (ha) routine, there are some aspects of Christmas I wish would and could linger a bit longer--maybe even forever.

Below are just a few pictures of some of my favorite Christmas memories for 2007...

Watching Lindy with her great grandparents. I have fond memories of my sweet great grandparents and loved seeing Lindy with my dear grandma and grandpa.

Seeing Lindy experience snow for the first time. It was almost like I was experiencing it again for the first time.

Seeing my mom and dad read to and love on their grandkids. I loved this. Seeing my parents as grandparents gives me just a glimpse as to how they must've loved me as a child.

Watching the cousins play together. Sure there was some fighting, some tears, and some meltdowns but what an answer to prayer to see the next generation.


Hearing Don play Christmas carols on the piano and hearing Lindy sing along. Just like her momma, Lindy loves Christmas songs. I was moved to tears several times hearing our little girl sing various songs completely unprompted. She would proudly exclaim, "This is my favorite one!" or "That's my mommy (daddy, grandma, grandpa) singing."

Watching Lindy open her presents and show great interest in everyone else's presents. Many times I'd hear her say, "What is it?" and ooh and aahh with great delight.


Eating yummy meals together and for a few days not worrying about calories, fat, and where the frosting on a sugar cookie will land on my thighs.


Being with family and being a family.

Being with friends.

Sometimes I get frustrated because I know so many moments go uncaptured on camera or on tape. These are the moments I just need to resolve to remember as long as I am able.

I pray your Christmas was filled with joy and that your treasured memories will remain with you all throughout the new year.

Thankful Thursday

Is it Thursday? I think so...I'm still in a bit of a fog after not getting to bed until about 2:15 this morning. Here are some things for which I am thankful for today--this last Thankful Thursday of 2007...

I am thankful for safe travel to and from California. ExpressJet wasn't so express this time on either end but I am trying not to let things like that bother me as much as in the past. It's really all out of my control. I can CHOOSE to let it get to me or let it go. This time I chose to let it go, even though I was traveling with a two year old.

I am so very thankful I got to spend some time with my Grandma and Grandpa before Christmas. I am thankful they were healthy enough to make the drive from southern California to my brother's home. It is truly a blessing to be 39 years old and still have grandparents who are a special part of my life. I am thankful Grandma brought along some of her fabulous homemade peanut brittle. YUMMO! It was also such a joy to see my grandparents as great grandparents.

I am thankful we got to see our friends the Barons, Moores, and that I got to meet Pam & Mani's beautiful new son, Garrett.

I am so very thankful for getting to spend Christmas with my precious family--Don, Lindy, my parents, and Jeff, Danielle, Bryce, & Brendan. That was my best present.

Last but not least, I am so thankful for my brother and sister-in-law's incredible hospitality. They made things so easy for us. We didn't have to rent a car, bring a car seat, bring a crib, booster seat, or anything. We were basically on auto pilot. It is hard work and stressful having a house filled with guests and I am really so thankful for every grocery store run, every trip to the airport, every fabulous meal, every dish washed, every load of laundry done--just to name a few things.

I must get back to all the things I am not so thankful for--unpacking, reorganizing, laundry, etc. However, I just wanted to get this posted.

What are you thankful for today?

Merry Christmas

The Meaning of Christmas

Far away in Bethlehem, a Baby Boy was born;

Born with neither riches nor with fame,

Yet Wise Men came from all around to bring to Him their gifts,

And peace was felt by all who heard His name.

Angels watched Him as He slept, and gently rocked His bed;

Their voices singing softly in His ear;

His Mother and His Father both gave thanks to God above

For the greatest gift of all, their Son, so dear

They knew His life upon this earth would not be filled with wealth,

They also knew He would encounter strife;

But most of all, they knew that He would be a loving Child,

And teach the love of God throughout His life.

At Christmas, as we celebrate this Birth of Jesus Christ,

Let's keep in mind the truth of Christmas Day;

For it's not the Christmas wrappings, nor the gifts that lie within,

But our gift of love to others in every way...

--Poet unknown

Today we're off for California for our Christmas celebration.

May the true meaning of Christmas live in your heart all year long!

Warmest wishes for a happy and healthy Christmas.

Love,

Don, Lisa, & Lindy

Thankful Thursday

Here are some of the things for which I am thankful:

My mom and dad are safe in Kansas City. I was worried about the ice storm and how it would impact them but thankfully they aren't having it as bad as other places. Please pray for those who are suffering as a result of this devastating storm.

Our dossier was officially logged in on November 7th. Check out Lindy's mei mei's blog for more information.

I got my teeth cleaned yesterday and an A+ on my dental exam. Yea!!!

Christmas cards that come in daily from friends and family. It is great fun for me to see updated pictures and read about the events of the past year.

All my Christmas packages have been shipped and most of my shopping is complete.

Lindy is thoroughly enjoying the Christmas season and delights in so many things. I love hearing her expressions of wonder, excitement, and glee.

We've had a couple days of "cooler" weather. When it is foggy and cool, Lindy likes to put on her coat and hat (which shocks me) and she even thinks the mist in the air is snow. Sorry dollface. Keep dreaming!!!

I got to meet Jennifer and her son last week and they were DTC for Karleigh Mei on 12/7/07.

What are you thankful for today???

Menu Plan Monday

I've fallen off the wagon a bit and haven't been as diligent about planning my menus, so I'm going to try to get back on the wagon...

Monday, December 3rd-Chicken marsala, rice, asparagus (Lest you think I'm fancy, I must admit I am cheating. The chicken is a pre-made dinner that I bought from Sam's. Trying to clear the freezer!)

Tuesday, December 4th-Giada's Parmesan-crusted pork chops, broccoli, green salad

Wednesday, December 5th-Out

Thursday, December 6th-Minestrone with Italian sausage, garlic bread

Friday, December 7th-Leftovers

Check out this link for other menus. What's for dinner at your place this week?

30 Days of Thankfulness

Well, today is the end of 30 Days of Thankfulness but definitely isn't the end of me being thankful. I have enjoyed having some time to reflect on my blessings--big and small during this past month. As Charles Dickens said, "Reflect on your present blessings, of which every man has many; not on your past misfortunes of which all men have some."

There may be days where you are grasping at straws to think about what to be thankful for but trust me, there is something and you may even feel better if you acknowledge it.

On a personal note, I am thankful my grandpa was released from the hospital after a brief stay and my dad's medical tests this week went well. I am also thankful for Emily who is celebrating a birthday today.

What are you thankful for today?

30 Days of Thankfulness

Today I am thankful that God created me with feelings and emotions.

I LOVE the Christmas season. However, as happy as it makes me, I am reminded of so many sad things in this life, too. So, I cry a bit more during the holidays...Probably NOT shocking to those of you who know me well. :o)

The other day as I was in my car pulling into a parking space to go shopping, I heard Josh Groban's version of "I'll be Home for Christmas" for the first time. While it isn't my favorite rendition of the song (I love the Carpenter's version), what he did was very special and it absolutely reduced me to tears within moments. I was a MESS, crying the UGLY cry and if you've been around me when I cry, you know it truly is UGLY. I think Lindy was a bit concerned about me...

This song has special meaning to me because it reminds me of the first year Don and I were married. Don was deployed and we were separated for Christmas. I remember being so sad and missing him terribly. I still cry when I hear it because I think of people separated from their loved ones and dreaming of being together. It has a lot more meaning during these times of war.
I found this video set to Josh's version of the song. I hope you enjoy it and that it will touch your heart like it did mine.

What are you thankful for today???

30 Days of Thankfulness

Today I am thankful for creature comforts like comfort food, pajamas, slippers, and cozy blankets just to name a few...

I didn't post my menu again this week because I didn't do one. Honestly, I am feeling lost and disorganized when I don't. So, last night on the fly I made scrambled eggs (with cheese), bacon, hot chocolate, and grapefruit. I think I could eat breakfast every night because it is great comfort food for me.

When it gets dark early and is cool, I love changing into my pjs and getting all warm and snuggly for the evening. I still try to get stuff done but if you're going to work, you might as well be comfortable, right?

I know this is a goofy thing to be thankful for but it reminds me how fortunate I am to have a roof over my head, clothes on my back, and food in my belly.

What are you thankful for today?

30 Days of Thankfulness

Today I am thankful for a very encouraging Mentoring Moms session last night. One night a month, some of the "empty nest" ladies in our church host a meal for mothers of babies-fifth grade. We share a meal and then spend time in discussion and prayer. It is not a new concept for older women to teach younger women. In Titus 2: 3-5 it says:

"Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. "

I have a great mom who is a wonderful example to me. I have learned volumes from her and have so much to learn from her. Not everyone is as fortunate. I am thankful these ladies who are such lovely examples willingly taking the time to encourage younger women as wives, mothers, and Christians. I am also thankful for Tamra who coordinates and oversees this ministry.

What are you thankful for today?

30 Days of Thankfulness

Today I am thankful that Pam & Mani met Garrett, their new son. Anytime a new child comes into a family, whether through birth or adoption, there are new challenges, lots of emotions, and a bit of chaos! I pray their transition with Garrett will be smooth and that it won't be long until he recognizes Pam & Mani as his parents.

What are you thankful for today?

30 Days of Thankfulness

"Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever." Psalm 136:26

What are you thankful for today?

30 Days of Thankfulness

Today I am thankful for making a lot of progress on my Christmas list. 'Nuff said???

What are you thankful for today?

30 Days of Thankfulness

Today I am thankful that I got to curl up on the sofa tonight and watch White Christmas with Don. It's his favorite holiday movie. Watching the movie and the chilly weather outside really helped me feel ready and excited for the holiday season. Here are a couple of my favorite songs from the movie.

It was also a treat to watch Lindy dance to "Sisters." She cracks us up!!! Watching her dance made me dream of a day when she will have a sister. I hope they will always have lots of fun together.

Here are a couple of my favorite clips from the movie.

Enjoy!!!

30 Days of Thankfulness

~Happy Thanksgiving 2007~

For Everything Give Thanks-- H.I. Tupper

For all that God in mercy sends;

For health and children, home and friends,

For comfort in the time of need,

For every kindly word and deed,

For happy thoughts and holy talk,

For guidance in our daily walk,

FOR EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS!

For beauty in this world of ours,

For verdant grass and lovely flowers,

For song of birds, for hum of bees,

For refreshing summer breeze,

For hill and plain, for streams and wood,

For the great ocean's mighty flood,

FOR EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS!

For sweet sleep which comes with night,

For the returning morning's light,

For the bright sun that shines on high,

For the stars glittering in the sky,

For these and everything we see,

O Lord, our hearts we lift to thee.

FOR EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS!

30 Days of Thankfulness

Today I am thankful for laughter and humor...

What are you thankful for???

30 Days of Thankfulness

I have another thing to be thankful about that I'm too excited to wait for tomorrow to post. Today I am so thankful that my friends Pamela & Mani are on their way to meet their son, Garrett. I just found out they are in San Francisco waiting to travel to Korea to bring him home.

Pamela and I have been friends since 1988 and was my maid of honor. We have a lot of history together. I am thrilled we will share this bond of the gift of adoption, too!

What a wonderful Thanksgiving they will have this year!

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?