Thankful Thursday

"It is at our mother's knee that we acquire our noblest and truest and highest ideals." Mark Twain

Today is my beautiful mom's birthday. Not a day goes by that I don't think of my mother with love and thankfulness. I wish I could capture in words all the reasons why I love my mom but I just can't find adequate words to convey the feelings of my heart.

Wishing you happiness today and always, Mom!

Happy Birthday, Jennifer!

Today is my dear friend Jennifer's birthday. I'm embarrassed to say I don't have many pictures of us together or of her by herself, so I posted a picture of us five years ago at her wedding.

Jenn and I have been friends for 12 years and have been through a lot during those years. Jenn has so many God-given talents that I marvel over and well, yes, am envious of!

Wishing you a very happy birthday, Jenn!

How firm is your foundation?

See all this mess??? Last Monday morning a man showed up on my front doorstep with a crew of at least six other men to begin foundation repairs. I was NOT at all prepared for the extensive work and utter mess that would ensue and is still taking place.

When we first saw little cracks and noticed a bit of sticking with the doors it was easy to overlook them. We figured it was normal. Every house shifts and settles to some extent--especially in a climate as hot as San Antonio.


But then we noticed a large crack outside in the bricks and big chunks of paint falling off the walls. More and more cracks appeared. It was time to acknowledge the problem...


Just as we suspected, we did have a foundation problem and it was going to take a lot of money to fix. This was crushing news for me. For nearly 13 years I have been living with A LOT of things I've wanted to have fixed or changed in our home. Laying down this kind of money for a non-gratifying fix was not what I wanted to spend money on. However, I was reminded in order for any of the other changes to take place, I had to get this fixed first or else it is all in vain...


I don't know much about foundations. I had even wondered what would happen if we didn't have the repairs made. Would the house eventually collapse??? I doubt it... I know they are putting in 18 beams but don't ask me what that's supposed to do. I just hope it does the trick...


All of this has gotten me thinking about the importance of keeping my spiritual foundation strong. Unlike my house's foundation, I am confident my spiritual foundation was correctly laid but I need to do more to keep it strong and safe from cracks and costly repairs. One area, I know would help to prevent issues is to spend more time in the word really learning about God, His will for me, and the son he sacrificed on the cross for me.

"My body and mind may waste away, but God remains the foundation of my life and my inheritance forever." Psalm 73:26 (God's Word Translation)

Thankful Thursday

"The circles of women around us weave invisible nets of love that carry us when we're weak and sing with us when we're strong." Sark

This Thankful Thursday I am thankful for my "big sisters" Trina, Kim, Ellen, Carolyn & Denisa. These women are amazing wives, mothers, Christians, and friends. I love each one in a very special and unique way. I am thankful for their example, counsel, wisdom, and friendship. They are all very busy and unfortunately we only really all get together to visit on birthdays. However, I know without a shadow of a doubt and actual experience that they'd clear their calendar in an instant if I had a need.

So, today I celebrate these women whom I love so much and the chance I got to spend with them at dinner on Tuesday.

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

One of the things we heard a lot before we brought Lindy home was how kids love to hear their stories and how important it is to capture AS much of that as possible for them. I try not to lament over the 11 months of her story that I don't have and relish in the parts I do have. She has already started to ask questions and it probably won't be long before we will give her more glimpses of her story.

The funny thing is that "my story" is a bit foggy and I've had every opportunity to hear it. I am beyond close to my parents but I'm not sure I've really heard the full-blown version. I've heard bits and pieces and I think I'm okay. :o) That's up for debate with those who know me well. This Thankful Thursday, I am thankful that my dad shared more of my story with me yesterday as he called to wish me a happy birthday. My story is not dramatic or earth shattering but it is unique to me. My dad lovingly told me things I had not heard--some sad, some funny...I am grateful he took the time to reflect and share. It made the day sweeter for me.

Thinking again of Lindy and her story, one thing I know is that in August of 2004 on or near my birthday I hopped off the fence I'd been sitting on for so long and decided we should proceed to adopt from China. It was time. Honestly, it was past time...Thousands of miles away in China, around that VERY same timeframe, a man and a woman whose names and faces I don't know shared a union and a baby was conceived. Approximately nine months later, on May 8, 2005 (which was Mother's Day), a beautiful baby girl was born. The day after she was born, our paperwork was logged in and months later we were matched with that child. I love knowing that she was formed near my birthday and at the same time I finally chose to embark on the journey. For me, it is the perfect intersecting of our stories and how God knit us together...

Along with what I've documented here, I am thankful that we are one month closer to our next daughter. Nine months down...

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

Good morning~
I ran across this quote and thought it was great: "The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings." ~Eric Hoffer

Hmmm...I've never been very good at math. In fact, I am beyond AWFUL at it. I am never going to learn calculus, grasp geometry, or anything of the like, but I wouldn't mind trying to master the arithmetic of being able to count my blessings. Trying to tackle that "problem" assures me of something to do for the rest of my life...

Here are some things to count:
1. I am thankful for Ruby Mei who celebrates her second birthday today. Happy birthday, Ruby Mei!!!

2. I am thankful for the Barnabases in my life. Barnabases? What? In the Bible, Barnabas (which means son of encouragement) is known for being a great encourager. In fact, his name really was Joseph but he was called Barnabas because of his great reputation of providing encouragement. I think that's so cool. I am thankful for those people who provide ongoing encouragement in one form or fashion.

3. I am thankful for a love package that came in the mail from Jeff & Danielle yesterday. Pottery Barn, here I come.

4. I am thankful for fresh blueberries that were on sale at the grocery store. Love that superfood!

5. I am thankful for the public library. I am on a total library kick and am loving it! I've loaded up on books for Lindy, books for me, DVDs, CDs--such fun. I read Make Way for Ducklings to Lindy for the first time this week. It's still as great as when I was a kid!

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

Good morning~

It is Thursday and today I am thankful for:

• A beautiful sunset last night. Okay, it wasn't as amazing as the one in the picture above but it was pretty.
• Our a/c which is working again. Our a/c--in annual to semi-annual tradition--gave out on Friday evening. The technician came late Monday afternoon and thankfully had the necessary part to make it a one-visit repair. It is much nicer to go to bed with it at 78 degrees in the house and not 87 (or higher).
• Lindy. Read one of the reasons why here.
• An overdue Starbucks date with Jaime.
• Tiny bits of rain we're getting from Hurricane Dolly.
• A referral for a former co-worker, mentor, and friend.
• Lucy Joy who will soon meet her family.

I am thankful for many other things and strive to look for the blessings--both big and small--each hour...

"The unthankful heart... discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings!" ~Henry Ward Beecher

What are you thankful for today?

Pearls

If you are a living, breathing human you've no doubt said something you regret or something hurtful once or twice in your lifetime. I know I have MANY times. I once heard words are like toothpaste. Once toothpaste has been squeezed out of the tube, you just can't put it back in the tube. It just doesn't work that way.

I recently learned of, fellow blogger friend and adoptive mother, Kim's decision to close her very popular and widely read blog 3 Peanuts. Kim--known for her pearls--admitted many times this was her family's scrapbook but to her surprise it evolved into something much bigger. Kim's decision to close her blog was a result of someone else's choice to read her blog and subsequently harass her with very strong, hurtful words.

While I don't know what was written to her or why, nor do I claim to be perfect, I am reminded of some of Jesus' very strong words and pearls of wisdom found in Matthew 12: 33-37:

"Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."


I, like others, miss reading Kim's blog and am sorry for the hurt someone else's careless words have caused Kim and her family. I hope this incident will cause people to be more mindful of the words they choose and remember, "if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all..."

Thankful Thursday

"If a fellow isn't thankful for what he's got, he isn't likely to be thankful for what he's going to get." Frank A. Clark

I've been a little bit behind on blogging but thought I'd get back in the saddle today. Today I am thankful for:

• A lovely visit and beach trip with my brother and sister-in-law and their boys. No sunburn, no sickness, and for the most part smooth sailing.
• Almost all the vacation laundry is done. Oh my word, I think there were nine or ten loads and I have two more left.
• A referral for this sweet family. I better get hopping on those quilt squares for Karleigh Mei.
• Some incredibly powerful and encouraging words from my sweet friend, Tamra. Thank you, Tams!
• Hearing Lindy saying memory verses and tackling the word Deuteronomy! It overjoys me to see Lindy learning about God and knowing she is thinking about Him. A couple weeks ago she was scared because of a thunderstorm which rolled through during her nap. I told her to remember the Lord is always with her. A few days later when I was upset about something, she came and consoled me by saying, "Mommy, remember the Lord is always with you."
• Costco's Gourmet Chocolate Chunk cookies. Yum! I usually prefer homemade but these are pretty good...
• A mother who understands.
• The new outlook an eyebrow waxing brings. Sounds shallow, I know, but I am trying to take pleasure in the small stuff.
• The recent rains. They caused the crape myrtles to magnificently bloom which brought another color besides brown to our drought-stricken area.
• Recent talks with Megan, Ginny, Heather, Shari, Stacey, Debbie, Lynn, and my dear but basically defunct Monday Night Prayer Group. See post about catching up with friends.

Very random list, I know. It just proves I have so many things to be thankful for on a daily basis. So, what are you thankful for today?

Beach bloopers

One of my hopes while we were at the coast was to capture some casual family photos of us by the beach. Easy, breezy, right??? Mind you, the photography manual my husband got me years ago hasn't been cracked open and has a layer of dust on it, I'm sure. Also, I'm not really sure where the owner's manual is for the little, now outdated, Canon digi camera that I use. So, I am not sure what all the buttons and settings are for. Figuring that out is on my to-do list! Procrastinators of the world unite, tomorrow...

So this was the plan: Let's get dressed for dinner, snap some quick pictures of each family because after dinner the kids will be tired, who knows what food and drink will be on whom, lipstick will be gone, pits will be sweaty, and hair will be either flat or frizzy.

We tried very quickly to get some pictures. We went first. First, Don looked at me like I was crazy when I told him to sit in the sand. Then he was not at all thrilled to take off his shades. Danielle couldn't even see to take the pictures. It is ALWAYS windy at the coast, so I'm not sure why I worked extra hard to straighten my hair. In the attempt to be fair, I snapped one picture of my brother's family, just in case.

Photography lesson #1: Do NOT take pictures at 6:00 in the evening in the middle of July when it is in the 90s and your subjects are facing west.

Here's what happens when you do...

Since it seemed like our mission was futile we packed it up after five minutes and decided to execute plan B--go to dinner and do the photoshoot later. We hopped back into the minivan rental and to add insult to injury, it would not start. Jeff couldn't get it out of gear and it wouldn't budge. To make a long story short, we didn't get the photoshoot and we didn't get the fish and shrimp dinner. We had to hoof it back to the condo, feed the kids odds and ends, order delivery pizza, and wait up until nearly midnight for the tow truck to deliver a new car and take the other one away.

Mark my word, I'm going to get those beach shots if it kills me!

Good times...good times...

Thankful Thursday

"The sea, Once it casts its spell holds one in its net of wonder forever."

Jacques Cousteau

I am thankful because today we are leaving for the coast (that's what they say here in TX) for a little fun in the sun with my brother, sister-in-law, and two nephews.

What are you thankful for today?

This was supposed to run LAST Thursday but our internet access and connectivity was gone...So, I'm publishing it today, July 16th...

Silver and gold

“Make new friends, but keep the old; one is silver and the other is gold.” Author Unknown

I love that quote and the sentiment behind it. I wonder who the author thought was gold and who he/she thought was silver. In my life, I have found that it really varies. It seems friendships carry so many labels beyond the old and new friends referenced in this quote. Here are some of mine: High school friends, college friends, Navy friends, local friends, work friends, church friends, Mommy friends, blog friends, adoption friends, etc...

The past few weeks I have been on a mission to find and catch up with some of my old (NOT age-ha) friends. It all stemmed from an exciting Friday night at the Osborn residence where I went into the depths of a cabinet filled with old directories and address books and started purging. If you know me very well, you know I couldn't complete the task without taking some excursions down memory lane. As I paged through the address books, I waxed nostalgic and wondered how and why people lose touch. Where are these people today? I even had to dig deep to remember who some of them were and contemplate why they were in my address book. As I looked at pictures in directories, I noticed how I had "forgotten" people I had once known and felt close to. I feel like I have tried to keep in touch with people to preserve relationships but realize it takes much more effort from both sides to keep a friendship strong and long-lasting.

As a result of my purging project I found my two missing bridesmaids (I only had four and one of them is my sister-in-law) and had the chance to talk to them several days ago. I am hopeful to not lose track now. Gotta love the internet!!! Ironically, one of them only lives about four hours away. I also talked to the high school friend pictured with me in the photo above. It had been a year but it really only felt like a week.

Not only have I been on a mission to resurrect some older relationships, I have also been trying to strengthen some newer relationships. This quest poses some challenges because some of them are friends whom I have never met or spoken to and many live far away. However strange that may sound, they are a source of tremendous support and special closeness. I am thankful for these newer friends and hope through the power of technology and a bit of self-discipline to maintain healthy relationships with them.

Life gives us lots of balls to juggle and sometimes it can be challenging to successfully keep them all up in the air. I am hopeful I can get better at my juggling routine by keeping up with my old friends, getting to know my newer friends better, and all the while hold onto the other friends God has blessed me with.

Thankful Thursday

Yesterday as I was preparing the guest bedroom for some upcoming visitors, I stole a few moments to read the Bible I have on a decorator table in the room. (As you might surmise, focusing on a task and sticking to it is not always my strong suit.) I let the Bible "fall" open and began reading where it landed.

One of the verses I read was Proverbs 18:4: "Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook." At that moment I knew what my Thankful Thursday post would be...

I consider myself blessed that God has placed some very wise people in my life. I am thankful for each one whether they are male or female, young or old, or near or far.

What are you thankful for today?

P.S. I am also thankful and thrilled that this family has a court date for their daughter in Ethiopia. Soon they will travel to Ethiopia to bring home two children to their family.

Thankful Thursday

"Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can." John Wesley

Last night as I read the mail, I had the opportunity to read the Half the Sky Progress Report. It was filled with incredible stories about how orphans in China had been taken care of in a variety of ways because of the efforts of this charitable non-profit organization. Not only was I warmed to know children had been impacted in such positive ways, I was beyond touched when I read about some of the donors who were young children. I thought that's what I want Lindy and her mei mei to be like.

Today I am thankful for thoughtful, generous, charitable people who make a difference. I'm not talking about the people who know exactly the perfect gift to give for whatever the occasion. They're great, don't get me wrong. Who doesn't love receiving the perfect gift? However, I am talking about people who dig DEEP--especially to the point of sacrifice--to help meet someone's needs whether it be monetarily and/or by giving up their time.

I'll admit, it is not always easy for me to put aside my material wants and to-do list to give of my time and resources--especially to those I might not know. I am trying to change this and be less selfish and more intentional about my efforts. It is easy to talk about what I plan to do but when it comes to following through I am not where I want to be. I know I need to consistently model compassion, not only because God wants me to but because I have a little girl who is watching and will be influenced by my actions. So, thank you to the people who give and give and give.

Happy Thankful Thursday! What are you thankful for today?

I was tagged again...

Happy Wednesday~

I was tagged over a month ago by Panda Mom at Pandapalooza with this fun little meme. I am not tagging anybody but invite anyone to join along if they want. Just let me know if you do, so I can read. It is kind of thought-provoking.

Have a great day!!!

I am: a Christian, a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, and a friend

I think: companies like Daisy (sour cream), Dove Chocolate, and Celestial Seasonings Tea are cool because they put simple, positive, encouraging, and thought-provoking messages on their products.

I know: Jesus died for me.

I want: more than I need.

I hate: peaches--the smell, the taste, the thought of them touching anything I might eat. Truly phobic.

I miss: being with family more often.

I fear: losing the ones I love and running over animals.

I feel: blessed.

I hear: the birds tweeting, the hum of my computer, and a dog barking.

I smell: the Aveda hand lotion on my hands.

I crave: chocolate often.

I search for: simplicity in my life.

I regret: not showing more of an interest in things my mom excels at like sewing.

I love: when Lindy puts her arms around me and says, "I love you, Mommy."

I ache: MUCH less now that I am taking meds again for my rheumatoid arthritis.

I care: what others think a bit too much.

I always: come up with a good response after the fact. For example, I am sure I'll think of much better responses to things once I publish this post.

I am not: good at math at all.

I believe: our experiences both good and bad shape who we are and we can use what we've learned to bless and help others.

I sing: jingles for commercials and kids' songs in my head during the middle of the night.

I cry: each time I watch Sleepless in Seattle, Father of the Bride, and any Gotcha Day video.

I fight: the urge to be materialistic and derive my primary pleasure from earthly things.

I win: when I follow God's commands.

I lose: the battle with dust constantly.

I never: have been to Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oregon, Montana, Alaska, or Idaho. I am also not sure about Mississippi.

I listen: to more kid's music than I'd like.

I can usually be found: at home, in the car, or at church with Lindy in tow.

I am scared: of drowning or being in a fire.

I need: to read the Bible and pray in a more disciplined manner.

I am happy about: an upcoming visit with my brother and his family.

I hope: things will speed up in China because right now I am struggling with the wait.

Happy Father's Day

"A man never stands as tall as when he kneels to help a child." Knights of Pythagoras

In a world where men continue to father children without being fathers to their children, I am blessed to be surrounded by many great fathers who defy that trend. What an encouragement it is to watch these men be leaders in their homes and have very active roles in the lives of their children.

This Father's Day I wish God's continued blessings to all the special Dads in my life, including my dad and husband.

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?