Has it really been 16 years?

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails..." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Sixteen years ago my dad read these verses to Don and me as he united us in marriage. I believe they mean more with each passing year.

Thank you for your unfailing love, Don, and sixteen incredible years of marriage.

Happy anniversary with love,

Lisa

Thankful Thursday

Good morning~

It seems like there is always lots to do and I can easily get side tracked from doing what I need to do and replace it with what I want to do. I passed a sign on a church the other day that said, "God answers knee mail." Sure, the pun is a bit corny but the message is powerful. Sadly, I spend far more time thinking about emails, blogging, and surfing the net than I do spending time on my knees in prayer. I'm trying to change that and incorporate more balance in my life.

As I consider my blessings, I am thankful for:

The little cutie at the top of the page, my niece Brooke. She is SIX years old today. Brooke was my first niece and I remember how excited I was when she was born because there was finally a girl in the family. Happy birthday, Brooke Anne!

The opportunity to be a resource to people about adoption. Every once in a while someone will ask some in depth questions about the process and our experiences because he/she is considering adoption. Recently, I have been "helping" a friend of mine from college whom I had lost contact with for years. Somehow she found me last year and we've been in touch on and off. She and her husband are looking into adoption and I count it as a privilege and honor to share our story and be a resource. You just never know...

A super smooth first dentist appointment for Lindy. Phew...

Lindy's bible class teachers this past year. Sunday she gets promoted to the 3s. Thanks Ms. Sharon, Ms. Debbie, Ms. Ashley, Ms. Sherry, Ms. Anne, Ms. Kathy and anyone else who has helped with the 2s. These super teachers have been such an amazing part of her development this past year. She loves bible class and is really trying to obey God's rules.

A hard-workin' hubby who takes care of his girls.

Naptime! Not mine, Lindy's. My sweet child can wear me out and I am not ashamed to admit I look forward to the time she is asleep (or having semi-quiet time).

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

"Oh, Lord, who lends me life, lend me a heart replete with thankfulness." William Shakespeare

Today I return to a random list of some of the things for which I am thankful...

I chose a quote from William Shakespeare because tonight I am thankful to be meeting up with several girlfriends for dinner at La Madeleine and Shakespeare in the Park at the botanical gardens. I am doubtful I will understand much of The Tempest but think it should be a nice night out, nonetheless. I am thankful Don willingly adjusts his schedule to allow me time to be with friends.

I am thankful for my wonderful friend, Suzy, who celebrated her birthday on Monday.

I am thankful Don had a safe trip to Florida and back this past weekend.

I am thankful and proud that Don was installed as a deacon in our congregation this past Sunday.

I am thankful I got to watch two "chick flicks" in his absence--P.S. I Love You and Becoming Jane. In his defense, I can watch chick flicks whenever I want but I LOVE the feeling of being able to do it by myself without the twinge of guilt that he is bored beyond words.

I am thankful for air conditioning when it is pushing 100 degrees outside. YUCK!

I am thankful the Spurs advanced to the next round of the NBA playoffs. Go SPURS go!!!

As Memorial Day approaches, I am extra thankful for the many brave men and women who have died defending our country and freedom. I am not thankful they have died but I am thankful for their service and sacrifice.

I am thankful for Memorial Day weekend 1991 because that is when I met Don. It was a very memorable Memorial Day weekend, indeed.

I am thankful for our niece, Sadie, who celebrates her FIRST birthday on Sunday.

I am thankful for moments of quietness to be able to reflect on life's simple pleasures.

What are you thankful for today?

Please pray for this family

I just heard terrible news. Five year old Maria Chapman, the youngest daughter of Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife, Mary Beth, died in a tragic accident today.

The details are in this story.

The Chinese adoption community is very closeknit and no doubt hundreds have been inspired to adopt or have been given the privilege to adopt because of the Chapman family's story and their extreme generosity. We also talk about a red thread a lot in this community. I was never much of a fan of contemporary Christian music but my friend and maid of honor, Pamela, turned me on to Steven's music in the late 80s and early 90s. When Don and I were looking for a song for our wedding, Don recommended "I Will Be Here." It was his perfect contribution to our wedding and that song has meant more to me with each year of marriage. Never did I think we'd have additional "red threads" with Steven Curtis Chapman and share the gift of Chinese adoption.

It breaks my heart to think of the enormous grief that hit this dear family today. I am really without words. It gives me peace knowing Maria's broken little body is now perfect and that she's in the arms of our Lord, a place we should all want to be.

Please join me in praying for them...

Six Word Memoir

My friend Jill tasked me with a meme a few weeks ago...The object was to write a six word memoir and include a visual illustration if I wanted. Easy, right???? Think again! It took me forever to come up with anything. Here's what I am sending to press...

"I don't know where I'm from."

Not a very exciting memoir, I know. I just never know what to say when people ask me where I am from or where I grew up.

I guess the answer could be...

Cumulatively, I have lived in California over 11 years.

Afterall, it's where:
I was born

I started elementary school
I finished my last two years of college
I met my husband
I got married

Many of my relatives (not my parents, though) live

I know I'm not from here...I moved to Hawaii when I was four months old and lived there about 18 months. I have no memories and have never had the chance to go back-YET.

I also know I am not from here...
I lived in northern Virginia for a little over three years. It is a beautiful state and I really loved it but I know I'm not from there.

I used to say I was from here...

I lived in Pennsylvania for eight years. It is the most beautiful state and I truly never wanted to leave. I was there for all of junior high, high school, and two years of college. In my mind, those are years where a lot of "growing" takes place, so I feel like this is where I grew up.

I also know I am not from here...

I lived in Maine for almost three years after I got married. To be a true "Mainer" I think you are required to be born there, so I definitely am NOT from there. I lived in Maine for almost three years after we were married. Much of that time I was living alone because Don was deployed out of the country or on short-term detachments. I loved living in Maine and experiencing that amazing part of the country, as well as parts of Canada. I don't really miss shoveling snow from Halloween to Mother's Day, though.

I once had someone ask me if I needed special shots to live in Maine. It's remote and all but NOT that remote...

Am I from here?

As strange as it sounds, when I do the math I have lived here longer than anywhere else (at one time and collectively)--coming up on 12.5 years. We bought our first home here. We brought home Lindy here. We have wonderful friends here. Still, I don't really feel like I am from here or consider myself a Texan. I don't say, "fixin'," and I don't think I have an accent. I don't like the Dallas Cowboys AT ALL and even after half a dozen or more times of going to the Alamo, I can't give you the full story or remember who did what.

I guess in some ways it doesn't really matter where I'm from but more where I hope to go.

"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ..." Philippians 3:20

I am supposed to tag several people but am not going to tag anyone specifically. If you are reading and what to try to sum up something about you in six words, go for it and have fun!

Happy Birthday, Heather!

Today is Heather's birthday. Heather is the dearest person I've never met (with the exception of Jesus). Heather and I "met" last year through the vast online Chinese adoption community and we immediately clicked--in fact, we felt like we'd known each other forever. Through a chance encounter via a computer, I met an amazing woman and gained someone I know will be a special friend for life.

Kind. Thoughtful. Encouraging. Loving. Compassionate. Sincere. Devoted. Honest. Genuine. These are just a few words that come to mind when I think of this beautiful friend. She motivates me to be a better person in all areas of my life. I am so thankful God brought this incredible person into my world.

Happy Birthday, Heather! I love you lots!

Thankful Thursday

I don't normally watch TV in the morning but Monday I did for a few moments--long enough to learn about the terrible earthquake which had rocked the Sichuan Province of China. It is safe to say a few years ago I would've watched, felt momentarily sad, and not given it too much consideration after a few hours or days. As a mother of a daughter from China and another one for whom I wait, my perspective has significantly changed when it comes to what is taking place in China. My heart breaks for these people.

I admit, there are days where I just don't know what to say or how to be thankful. This week it is China, loads of deadly storms throughout the midwest and southeast, and fires in Florida. Next week it will be something else. I find it is always good to go to the psalms during these times...

Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Today I am thankful for a powerful and mighty God who is ready to provide refuge for those who seek Him. Please pray that more people in China will one day know Him.

Happy Mother's Day 2008

"A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials, heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine, desert us when troubles thicken around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts." Washington Irving

I have been blessed with this kind of mother and hope someday

my girls will say the same about me.

Happy Mother's Day!

Thankful Thursday

Happy Thankful Thursday! I know it seems like this has turned into the birthday blog lately but TODAY is Lindy Li-Xiao's 3rd birthday! I really can't believe it. This weekend I held a baby that was exactly the same age as Lindy when she was placed into my arms the first time (five days shy of 11 months). As I carefully (and kind of nervously) held Briggs, I had a hard time remembering that I ever held Lindy when she was that little. This morning, I am sitting here pondering where time has gone and feeling thankful for so many things:

I am thankful for God who heard my prayers, watched me cry, knew my pain, and after many years answered me with a, "yes, you are meant to be a mother" when He pointed us to the road of adoption.

I am very thankful for my beautiful little girl. Lindy lights up my life with her beautiful smile, her contagious laugh, her dark eyes, and her vivacious personality. She is truly filled with joy most of the time and I just marvel at how she flits to and fro with so much energy and spirit. When she wakes up in the morning or after her nap she says in the cutest voice, "I made some more sugars for you. Do you want some?" When I tuck her in and close the door behind me she yells (yes, yells), "I love you soooo much!" It is hard not to be thankful after that. Money just can't buy the kind of happiness that brings me. I am also so thankful she's so healthy. We've really been so blessed in this area. I am so proud of what she has learned and accomplished in two years and can't wait to see what this new year brings for her.

I am thankful for the unknown man and woman in China who are Lindy's birth parents. There are over 1.3 billion people in China and out of all of them, I consider these two the most special. I am grateful for their courage and love and pray in some way they know the daughter they gave life to is loved and treasured more than words can say.

I am thankful for the foster family who took Lindy into their home at two months and lovingly cared for her until she was placed with us. I feel certain it was more than a paid job for them. It gives me such peace knowing our Lindy was in good hands.

I am thankful for all those who love Lindy and the different ways they show love. Even though I'm not a fan of the one who coined this phrase, it truly does "take a village." Whether you are far away, have never met Lindy, or see her all the time, your love for Lindy means a lot. We do our best to let her know how much she is loved and so far she doesn't seem to have a self-esteem problem; self control on the other hand is a completely different story. :o)

On a special day like today, I could go on and on. However, there are presents to wrap and other things waiting to be done before the birthday girl awakes from a long night of manufacturing sugars.

What are you thankful for today?

Birthday boy

It's another birthday!!!

Today is my one and only sibling's birthday. On this day 37 years ago, my beautiful mother gave birth to my brother, Jeff. Actually it's officially Jeffrey Allen Caples. I think I thought she was going to bring home a sister named Karen Elizabeth but I am sooo glad she didn't. I couldn't ask for a better brother. He's always been so good to me. Growing up we usually got along really well, and we've done our best to remain close as adults, despite the miles that separate us. When I think of us as kids, I think I was kind of like Lucy (bossy and loud) and he was kind of like the faithful and sweet Linus just quiet and taking it all in. Poor guy, I didn't mean to dominate.

My little brother (who is a foot taller than I am), is a great husband, father, and Godly man. I am very proud of him and hope he'll have a very happy day today!

Happy Birthday, Jeff! I love you!!!

Tag #2

Okay, here's another one. Amie tagged me as punishment for taking a few blog breaks the past few weeks. Vindictive that one...

The mission of this little meme(that's what these tagging games are called), was to bore you with three random facts about myself. Not a problem!

1. I love the word fuselage. Unfortunately, the only time I hear it used is when there has been an airplane crash. I promise I don't want to hear it that bad.
2. Seeing people spread their toes creeps me out. I think toes are meant to be together and when they put that foam thingy in my toes after a pedicure, my toes protest big time.
3. When I drive next to or behind a truck that has a flamable sign on it my lower legs go kind of numb.

I am supposed to tag five people. If you'd like to join along, go for it and be sure to let me know.

I was tagged...

I have officially been "tagged" three times in the past couple of weeks. I am trying to make good on those tags, so there my be a few of these types of posts during the next couple of days. My cousin, Karen, tagged me with this one.

What I was doing 10 years ago:

• Trying to get pregnant
• For the first time in my life I was listening to country music and therefore crying a lot
• Dreading that I was about to turn 30--ha ha...
• Coming off a busy tax season and working too much
• The rest is kind of a blur...

Five things on my to do list for today:

• Work on preparing my lesson for Ladies Bible Class during Lindy's nap. I teach it on Tuesday.
• Vaccum
• Divide chicken I purchased for $1.99 a pound into smaller packets. YUCK!
• Do laundry
• Make grocery list and menu for next week
  

Things I would do if I were a billionaire:

• Give lots of money to my church for local work, as well as support of missionaries.
• Invest. Don't want to be one of those people who carelessly blows through money.
• Take care of various financial obligations, commitments, and worries for family members including college tuition for nephews, nieces, and cousins and paying off my dad's business.
• Treat family and friends to nice things such as vacations, fun gifts, etc.,.
• Hire an architect to design a dream home, hire a reputable builder to build it, hire an interior designer to work with me to help decorate it, and hire a housekeeper to help clean it. I really don't want anything outlandishly huge. I just would like something that is functional, practical, and spacious enough for family and friends to visit and not be on top of each other. I'd probably hire a lawn service/gardener, too, so Don wouldn't have to spend free time working in the yard.
• Travel near and travel far.
• Help people who feel called to adopt but can't afford it.
• Donate money to orphanages in China.
• Practice random acts of kindness on a large scale.

Three of my bad habits:

• Procrastinating
• Impulse buying
• Not putting my shoes away right after I am done wearing them

Five places I have lived:

• San Diego, CA
• Honolulu, HI
• Dale City, VA
• Warrington, PA
• Brunswick, ME
  

Five jobs I have had:

• Sales Assistant
• Library Assistant
• Procedure Writer
• Customer Service Representative
• Corporate Trainer

Five People I Want to Know More About: I want to know more about all of you but understand time can prohibit participating. If you are reading this, consider yourself tagged.

Happy Birthday, Dani

See that blonde? She's my sister-in-law and dear friend, Danielle, and TODAY is her birthday...In a month Dani and I will have been friends for 20 (ouch) years. I love you to all of you who think we must have met when we were in elementary school or junior high. :o) Let's just say it was a little bit later in life than that!

In our 20 years together, Dani and I have been through a lot. We've shared lots of laughter and lots of tears. In 1995 she decided she didn't just want to be friends with me but also my brother. Not long after, they fell in love and got married making her my sister. I am so privileged to call her friend and sister.

Dani always tries to make celebrations special and it is my prayer that she will be blessed with a really fun day and a healthy and happy year.

Happy Birthday, Dani. I love you!

Thankful Thursday

It's a boy!!!

Today I am thankful for our new cousin, Garrett Nicholas, who arrived safely into this world on Monday, April 28th. He is welcomed by his mommy and daddy, Erin and Matt, and big brother, Noah.

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

"Birthdays are good for you. Statistics show that the people who have the most live the longest." Larry Lorenzoni

Happy Thursday! Thank you to those of you who showed concern for me when they didn't see a post last week. I have been feeling a bit overwhelmed about some things and also wasn't on the computer much at all. When I thought about writing a post, I felt like George Costanza, "Hey, it's George. I got nothing to say."


Does it ever feel like you have a wave of birthdays in one month and then hardly any in others? I used to think April was my light birthday month. However, somewhere along the line, that has changed! Just this week, at least five people I know are celebrating birthdays. I am thankful for all those people--Olivia, Carolyn, Chris, Sherill...


Today happens to be the birthday of one of my FAVORITE friends, Diana...

Diana is truly a gem of a friend. We have "known" each other for about 2 1/2 years and she's been nothing but a source of encouragement and light to me. Diana exudes warmth and those who know her, love her. She always offers tremendous perspective, incredible support, and genuine enthusiasm about what is going on in my life. I am so thankful for her friendship and dedicate my Thankful Thursday post to her as she celebrates her birthday today. I love you, Di!!!

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

I'll admit sometimes it is hard to be thankful when I consider the mundane tasks of everyday life. I love the sense of accomplishment that comes from knowing every single bit of laundry is washed, dried, and put away. However, that feeling of accomplishment is only for a moment because it isn't long before a new pile emerges. So long sweet feeling of accomplishment...

Then there are the tasks that really seem so futile, like dusting. I mean dust really never goes away does it? I loathe dusting and am not sure how people with bigger houses and far more knick knacky items cope...I dusted the entire house last week and within a day it seemed like I could write my name in the dust again. It is easy to think, "why bother?"

I could come up with a huge list of all the things like this that irk me and cause me to grumble. However, that is not the intention. I am trying to reverse my thinking and see the positive aspects of the mundane...

I am thankful for the mountains of laundry that develop because that means my family and I have clothes to wear...

I am thankful for the crumbs on the floor because that means I have food to eat...

I am thankful for the dishwasher I have to unload because that means I didn't have to hand wash all those dishes...

I am thankful for another trip to the grocery store because that means I have provision and convenience...

I am thankful for the hardwater spots and deposits because that means I have running water...

I am thankful for the little handprints on the mirrors and windows I just cleaned because that means I have a little one in the house...

I am still not sure I need to be thankful for the dust but it beats being completely exposed to the elements. Therefore, I am thankful for a having a house to live in to get dusty... :o)

Hoping you, too, can find thankfulness in the mundane today...

Thankful Thursday

Today is the second anniversary of Lindy's "Gotcha Day." The day I finally became a Mommy after years and years of painful waiting is indeed a fitting topic for Thankful Thursday. To "celebrate" this momentous occasion in my life, I have included some Mother/Daughter pictures of our first few days together in China.

Last night, as I watched Lindy prancing around naked doing the Chicken Dance (don't ask), I just couldn't believe that two years ago I was SCARED to pieces about the lifechanging event that was about to occur. I'm still SCARED but in a completely different way...

On a special day like today, I feel like I should be able to pour my heart out and say something eloquent. However, I often tell people when I feel like I should have the most to say, I have the least to say. What??? Lisa, without something to say? Impossible or "inconceivable" to quote a line from the Princess Bride...I just feel like the emotion is there so raw and strong but I just can't always get the words to line up as perfectly as I'd like for them to be assembled. Oh does that FRUSTRATE me!!!

When I think about Lindy, it doesn't take long for me to think about God. Sometimes (many times) it is a plea for help and guidance. Other times it is an amazing moment with my girl that causes me to praise Him. Then there are the times when I think about His unconditional love as my Father...I am thankful He is right there on this journey with me.

Here is my simple prayer to him...

Thank You, Father

Thank you, Father, for choosing me,
To wear this title of Mother.
I love this child so deeply,
I can’t imagine life without her.

Thank you, Father, for the gift of sight,
That lets me see this sweet child grow.
Help me to model what is pure and right,
I want to teach her to love you, so.

Thank you, Father, for my ears that hear,
“I love you, Mommy” all the day through.
What a comfort knowing you are always near,
Don’t let me forget you long to hear “I love you,” too.

Thank you, Father, for stretching my heart,
You continue to make it expand.
Please give me wisdom, please make me smart,
Help me be patient and to obey your commands.

Thank you, Father, for your love and grace,
So I can learn what being a parent is about.
I can’t help but praise you when I look into her face,
Remind me you are always with me and not to doubt.

Thank you, Father, for your only son,
Whom you gave up on a cross-shaped tree.
He conquered sin and bravely won,
What love you must have to have adopted me.

ldo

April 2008

Thankful Thursday

Happy Thankful Thursday~

First, I'd like to thank everyone for the special comments they left regarding last Thursday's post. I really didn't mean for the post to be so much about me but I am grateful for all the sweet words people left.

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

• The anonymous basket of flowers sent to me for Easter (pictured above)
• A talk with Grandma on Monday
• A talk with Dad today
• Frequent talks with Mom
• Lindy didn't need a trip to the ER for stitches after a coloring accident yesterday. Yes, I said coloring. I am a bonified stress case when it comes to watching kids climb up and down on things, especially chairs and booths. I imagine the worst--head, teeth, nose...Therefore, I ALWAYS strap Lindy down for every meal and any activity at the table. She was strapped into her booster seat to color and pushed back and sent the chair the booster was attached to flying backwards on the ground. She gashed the back of her head on one of the chair spindles but after an over the phone consult with the nurse, my assessment of the damage, and a second opinion from Dad, we didn't think stitches were necessary. Who knew coloring was so dangerous???
• Don is feeling better after being sick enough to take a sick day last week (his first since January 2000) and no one else seems to have gotten it--we hope and pray...
• Friends who proactively pray for me
• A zillion other things...

What are you thankful for today?

The importance of today

Because He Lives

God sent His son,

They called Him Jesus;

He came to love,

Heal and forgive.

He lived and died to buy my pardon;

An empty grave is there to prove my savior lives.

How sweet to hold

A newborn baby,

And feel the pride and joy he gives;

But greater still

The calm assurance

This child can face uncertain days

Because He lives

And then one day

I'll cross the river;

I'll fight life's final war with pain

An then as death gives way to vict'ry,

I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He reigns.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow

Because He lives, all fear is gone

Because I know He holds the future

And life is worth the living

Just because He lives.

Thankful Thursday

~~~~~Happy Spring~~~~~

Today is the first day of spring and it is also Thankful Thursday. I feel very thankful today for many things. I am thankful for life, the newness of life associated with spring, and most of all Jesus' life, death, and resurrection which gives me the hope for eternal life with him in Heaven. I am also thankful for second chances and thought I'd share my second chance with you.

I debated about whether to write about this and have opted to. I will warn you it is highly personal and emotional for me and I'm not sure where all I'll be going with this, so please forgive me in advance for my ramblings...

On this day four years ago I was lying in a bed in ICU. It was a Saturday. The room was small and dimly lit. That didn't matter too much because I was losing my vision and could hardly see anything. I remember trying to watch (listen to) college basketball --because it was March Madness, afterall--and being concerned about the state of my brackets. I remember having visitors and talking on the phone but even that is a blur now. I also remember being scared.

The previous evening I was admitted to ICU for a very large brain tumor (assumed BENIGN) that had been waiting for a while to be discovered. I didn't get to go home after the MRI which revealed this unwelcomed visitor. I didn't get to meet my friends for the dinner we had planned, clean house, pack a bag, or shave my legs. I protested but no one seemed to listen. In an instant, my life was forever changed when the radiologist said to me, "Mrs. Osborn you have a brain tumor. I'm on the phone with your doctor and she is admitting you to the hospital right now."

By Sunday morning my neurosurgeon with whom I'd recently become acquainted decided he could no longer delay surgery. Unfortunately, I don't remember much after that. However, I am thankful for one of the memories I have. I recall being wheeled to pre-op and looking Don in the eyes and telling him I was ready to meet Jesus. I wasn't being morbid. I was feeling the amazing peace that surpasses understanding more than ever before. It was incredible. I was no longer scared. The spirit was alive in me...

The six hour surgery was completely successful and my recovery went very smoothly, too. I looked like I had been beat up and had approximately 100 staples in my head from ear to ear in the shape of a nice little headband and that really was the most uncomfortable part. There were times where it made me think of Jesus and the awful crown of thorns he had placed on his head at the time of his crucifixion. I can't even begin to imagine that pain...

I don't want to overdramatize my situation and I want to make a couple of things clear...The chance of the type of tumor I had being cancerous was close to zero and thankfully it wasn't. The type of tumor I had is also typically one of the more operable types and the risks of removing are often lower than other types of tumors. On the other hand, the tumor was quite large and had shifted quite a bit in my brain so some awful things could've happened at any time, including death.

I was so naive. When I heard the tumor was benign I hadn't really thought much about dying from it. However, the doctors and nurses kept telling me how lucky I was. What??? I really thought they said that to everyone. Then when my neurosurgeon--visiting me during a late night (early morning) round at 1:00 in the morning--told me I had been given a second chance at life, that really made an impression. Afterall, he sees the worst of the worst.

This trial I endured four years ago was such a life-changing event and a huge blessing in disguise. I remember having a different outlook on so many things after I had walked through this valley. Even though I had permanently lost some of my vision, I had a new clarity. I felt God's love, protection, and presence more than ever. I can't deny it and praise Him for it! I also felt more of a drive to strive to be a better person for Him (NOT ME). I wish I could've bottled that feeling forever. I fail all the time when it comes to living the life I should but I keep getting back up and trying. I know He could've taken me but He didn't, so I plan on trying to make the most of the time left here.

I know many of you probably have had scarier things happen in your life than this and some of you haven't. It doesn't matter, really. I think we've all had some life-changing event that makes us want to be a little better, happier, nicer, kinder, less selfish, more thankful, etc. It is my hope that on this first day of spring you will do a little spring cleaning of your heart and mind, get rid of the clutter and baggage that might be weighing you down, and commit to being a new improved person. I know I want to...

What are you thankful for today?

Wedding weekend

We had a weekend filled with wedding festivities for our special friends Mark & Tamra. I went to a lingerie shower on Thursday night, we attended the rehearsal and dinner on Friday, and the focus of Saturday was the wedding.

Daddy, Preacher Mark, & Lindy at the rehearsal...

Lindy & Mia at the rehearsal...

Preacher Mark loving on Lindy and enjoying yummy Mexican food...

This was the second wedding Lindy has attended. The first was in May of 2006 not long after she had come home. She really enjoyed the fun and was so excited about Miss Tamra's "princess dress" and the prospect of "lots and lots of black cake." That's my girl--into chocolate!!!

Pretty girls...

A RARE family picture...

Lindy was especially excited to blow bubbles as the newlyweds made their exit for their honeymoon. Really does it get much better than a pretty dress, chocolate cake, and bubbles???


We wish Mark & Tamra all the best as they begin their new life together!!!

Thankful Thursday

Happy Thursday!!

Today I am thankful for several little things...

• Dinner with my "big sisters" on Monday night. It is inevitable hot flashes and hormones are part of the discussion but I take great comfort knowing these ladies will help me through the change when it is my turn.
  
  
• A day at home on Wednesday. Truth be told, I like having time to stay at home with my girl. I intentionally try not to be out too often because it infringes on our time to play together. I know we can't or shouldn't be in all the time but I do cherish our girl time.
  
  
• For significant rain on Monday. Ironically, that was the day I chose to do LOTS of errands. So I looked a bit goofy running around from place to place with a two year old but oh the sense of accomplishment!
  
  
• The Texas Primary is over and so are the phone calls. John, Mike, Hillary, Barack, Rick Perry, Michelle Obama, John Cornyn, Joe Blow for Sheriff, and all their buddies have stopped calling. We received easily a dozen calls a day and of course it seemed like most were during Lindy's nap. Really, how was a girl to sleep???
  
  
• I overcame a silly fear this week--giving myself a shot. I am not afraid to get shots but I just never wanted to be the one to administer it. I was the girl in biology who didn't want to prick her finger to get her bloodtype. One of my commitments this year was to get back to taking medicine to treat my rheumatoid arthritis. I've been off for 10 years and have paid the price for it. I am now officially up and running on a course of treatment and just pray that it will be more beneficial than adverse (you know, those little things called side effects).
  
  
• Mark & Tamra's big day is on Saturday!
  
  
• A good talk with my sister-in-law and friend, Dani, this week. We hadn't had a chance to talk in weeks. Yikes!
  
  
• For the very special night my friend Linette and her family experienced at the Steven Curtis Chapman concert. You can read all about it on her blog. Thanks to Steven Curtis Chapman, they are a lot closer to bringing home their daughter, Hope.

What are you feeling thankful for today?

Happy Birthday, Jill!

Today is my friend Jill's birthday. She's the beautiful one pictured above with her darling babies. Jill is a family girl through and through who delights in being with her children, her husband, her parents, siblings, and nephews. She is creative and bright and will beat the pants off of you in most games!

I am glad God placed you in my life, Jill, and I wish you a very happy day!

Thankful Thursday

Today I am resorting to a little asparagus, known as Junior, for my Thankful Thursday post. Lately, Lindy and I have been listening to a lot of Junior from Veggie Tales as we drive around town. She knows almost all the songs by heart and really belts them out. I love it! Sometimes it makes me laugh. Sometimes it makes me cry. Anyway, this simple little song she's been singing has stuck with me and I thought I'd share it with you:

I thank God for this day,

For the sun in the sky,

For my mom and my dad,

For my piece of apple pie! (My words would be CHOCOLATE)

For our home on the ground,

For His love that's all around,

That's why I say thanks every day!

Because a thankful heart is a happy heart!

I'm glad for what I have,

That's an easy way to start!

For the love that He shares,

'Cause He listens to my prayers,

That's why I say thanks every day!

It is really easy to get caught up in what we don't have, what we want, and lose sight of our blessings. I fall victim to this CONSTANTLY and need to work harder on correcting this matter in my life. Reflecting on the words of this simple song is just a starting point...

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

Happy Thursday! Just sitting here in the stillness of the morning to reflect on the many things I have to be grateful to God for.

• Special friends, Andrea & Jean who celebrate a birthday today! Sorry I didn't get cards to you. I'm really slipping!
• Having the chance to catch up with dear friends via the phone this week. There are some weeks where it doesn't seem like I have the time to even look at the phone. I hate that feeling and am glad there was some breathing room this week to visit.
• Mentoring Moms on Monday night reminding me of the importance of taking time to nurture friendships and special relationships.
• Ladies Bible Class on Tuesday reminding me to work harder at making prayer a HABIT and to keep my prayer life fresh.
• Hearing Lindy sing and sing and sing.
• Hearing/watching Lindy express unsolicited and unprompted emotion, affection, and gratitude.
• Sweet friends, Ellen & Erin who celebrate a birthday on Saturday.
• Grandpa did great during some recent heart tests!
• Dad is feeling better after a stomach bug (and hopefully Mom, too).
• For our young friend Sam whom God protected in a big way on Sunday night.

"Keep your eyes open to your mercies. The man who forgets to be thankful has fallen asleep in life." Robert Louis Stevenson

Are you awake in life??? If so, what are you thankful for today?

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...