Thankful Thursday

We just got back from a vacation to the city of brotherly love--Philadelphia. When local friends heard we were going there for vacation, many of them actually said with a somewhat puzzled expression, "Why???" I think those who didn't say it, thought it...There were many reasons we chose this location.

First, my family lived in the northern suburbs of Philadelphia for eight years. Here is a BLURRY picture of our old house.Although I don't have a true hometown, PA is where I feel like I grew up. We have friends in the area and it had been over 13 years since we'd been there. When my dad and I found VERY low airfare to the area, it was a no-brainer and absolutely too good to refuse. We'd have the opportunity to see each other, see friends, experience the town as tourists, be in a part of the country we love, and take in the beauty of the season.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!

I could go on and on about our trip. We had such a nice time. I have to admit, though, it was a bittersweet, somewhat emotional trip for me. Memories that had been stored very far away in the recesses of my brain were awakened. I wish some of them were clearer than they are. As we drove back and forth, little memories would come back. I often felt like I was in a Bon Jovi or Bruce Springsteen video about reliving my glory days or coming home again. (Funny, I did hear a lot of Bruce and Bon Jovi!) Every once in a while, I was a bit freaked out knowing I could possibly run into someone I knew long ago. I was also amazed to see how much had changed in certain areas, yet other areas looked almost completely as I'd remembered them.

As I reflect on our trip, there are many things I am thankful for but here are a few on my mind...

I am thankful I got to see my parents. When you live away from family, you never know when the next get together will be. It is important to enjoy the time together and that we did! Where to next, Mom & Dad???

I am thankful I had the opportunity to meet Heather and her beautiful family. Heather is a friend I've met in the Chinese adoption community. We've been corresponding for over a year and I've never felt like we're strangers. Meeting Heather and being in her company was just as natural as sitting with someone I'd known forever. She was so warm, loving, and sweet. Watching our girls play together in their lovely home and our husbands comfortably visit was so special. The saddest part was knowing it was only temporary and that we'd have to say, "goodbye." Thank you Heather for spending time with me and welcoming my family into your home. You are a beautiful person in thought and deed!


I am thankful we had the chance to see Chris and Megan and their kiddos again. Chris and Megan were our closest friends when we lived in Maine as newlyweds. We spent holidays together, vacationed to Bermuda together, and Megan and I traveled to Italy for three weeks together in 1995 to visit Chris and Don while they were deployed for seven months. Chris and Megan opened our eyes to international adoption and are a huge reason we have Lindy. It all started with a beautiful blonde-haired, blue-eyed boy from Russia who came home in 1998!!! We hadn't seen them since 2000. Their kids were toddlers the last time we were together and now they're BIG!!! It is always a fun time when we're together. I am hoping they'll be able to come visit us soon!
I am thankful we got to see Katie (Megan's little sister) and meet her husband and sweet daughter Olivia. Katie was a huge help and source of encouragement to me as we were paperchasing for Lindy. They were about six months ahead of us and Katie gave me so much advice and filled me in on all the details of their experiences as they brought Olivia home. Katie gave me the best packing list, too. It was so much fun to finally see our Hunan beauties playing together.
I am thankful we got to see Donna and her family. Donna and I have been friends since 7th grade. We pretty much grew up together and were the best of friends. We went to church together, went to high school together, lived in the same neighborhood during high school, saw each other through many hard times, and also had way too much fun. The last time I saw Donna was in 1995, during a brief visit to Maine. Her oldest was just three weeks old. She just turned 13 two weeks ago. Again, I'm reminded at how fast time flies. Donna surprised all of us by leaving two wonderful gift baskets in our room as well as a huge tote of toys for Lindy to borrow. These baskets were filled with local goodies including soft pretzels, Amish baked goods, and locally renowned Tastykakes. I was overcome with tears at her incredibly thoughtful gesture.
I am thankful for our founding fathers and the wonderful history of our nation that took place in this historic city. Hearing the stories of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution once again, I am reminded how blessed we are to have so many freedoms as a result of the brave men and women who fought hard for them. I am also reminded it is important to not take them for granted. In a day or two, I will vote for a new president and vice president. I am thankful I have the freedom to vote--something a woman wasn't always allowed to do...


I am thankful that I got to experience my favorite season in my favorite area. While it wasn't the most stunning fall to ever hit that area, I felt like I was surrounded by beauty the entire time. The rolling hills (I still call the Pocono Mountains), the lush greens, the beautiful golds, reds, and oranges, the fantastic mums, the gorgeous homes, the lovely countryside all so beautiful. I loved the chill in the air during the crisp mornings and the beautiful blue sky we had each day. We were blessed with safe travels, perfect weather, and a fantastic time.

I am thankful for provision to take this trip and all the details that made it so special. I am also thankful for Don who indulged me as I took my trip down memory lane and his amazing driving abilities to and fro! He was the most amazing chauffeur!!!

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for my grandpa who celebrates his 83rd birthday today. That's him on the right in this picture. In case you think you're seeing double, it is also the cutie on the left's birthday, too--my Uncle Lester. They are the reason I have always been fascinated with twins and had even hoped to have them. I guess God knew I wouldn't be able to handle two like Lindy at once. :o)

My grandpa and I have always had a special relationship. He has had a very hard life and things have not been easy for him but rarely have I ever heard him utter a complaint. He is definitely a lesson in resiliency and perseverance.

I am thankful for his presence in my life, his importance in our family, and all that he means to us.

Happy birthday, Grandpa! We love you!

What are you thankful for today?

Souper Saturdays

I love soup. I just don't cook it as much as I'd like because I feel like Mr. Meat and Potatoes expects more of a meal. However, in an effort to be healthier, more budget conscious in these tough economic times, tradition-oriented, etc., I hereby declare Saturday night as Souper Saturday at the Osborn residence. I have the power, right? I figure the rebels won't have a coup right away.

That doesn't mean we won't deviate from the plan, but I'd like to try this for a while (starting next week). So, I'd love you to share some of your favorite soup recipes. The world wide web has bazillions of them to try but hearing your tried and trues would be a lot of fun for me. In fact, the last one I tried from a cookbook was the WORST cooking blunder I'd had in my entire "career." It was AWFUL and definitely not because of anything I did incorrectly.

BTW, Don, if you're reading, don't worry. I'll try to include a salad or sandwich or bread/muffin so you don't starve.

Thankful Thursday

Hi~

It's been a couple weeks. I'm finding it hard to blog as much as I have in the past as I try to juggle other priorities, responsibilities, and activities. It has been quite the roller coaster ride in our world lately. If you're like me, you shudder each time you hear about the economy and wonder when it'll all settle down. Yet, even though my portfolio is being slaughtered I look around and know I have so much to be grateful for each day.

I ran across this poem and it really spoke to me. I think one of the keys to happiness is really trying to find the joy in the journey. It isn't always easy to do but it helps.

Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge
Because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary
Because it means you've made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are
also thankful for the setbacks.

GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
and they can become your blessings.
~ Author Unknown ~

What are you thankful for today?

And the winner is...

Thank you to everyone who commented on this post. I added everyone's name into this bowl. My lovely assistant, Lindy, chose one name...

The winner--this time--was Cristie at Bits and Pieces. I will be sending Cristie a gift card to Barnes and Noble. She has three lovely children to read to but I'm really hoping she'll buy something fun for herself...She's a gifted crafter and is always up to something cool.

Congratulations, Cristie!

Thanks to everyone for sharing what they like to read and a special welcome to all those who commented for the first time...

Navy wives--a reunion...

See those two hot chicks? That is me and my friend Paula on Christmas day 1993 in north New Jersey. I am pretty sure the white tights were VERY fashionable at the time. Let me tell you a bit about us...

I met Paula in March 1993 in Brunswick, Maine. We were both newlyweds, new to Maine, new to being Navy wives, and virtually without a friend in the area. Our husbands flew together in the same squadron. I can still remember when I did something very HUGE and out of character for me and called Paula basically welcoming her to Maine and asking her if she wanted to be my friend and get together sometime. Little did I know that would be the beginning of a lifelong friendship.

Being a Navy wife was not an easy job. Our husbands were deployed out of the country several months of the year and even when they weren't deployed they were away from home a lot. Had it not been for my friendship with Paula and a couple of other girls, I am not sure how I would have made it for three years. We celebrated holidays together when our husbands were gone or we couldn't afford to go home. We called each other by our maiden names, cried together, laughed together, vacationed together, cooked for one another, and took care of each other. They were some of the toughest days of my life but some of the best, too.

Now it is nearly 15 and a half years since we first met. Unfortunately, we don't see each other that often and really don't talk as often as we should, either. Our lives have changed quite a bit but she is still such a special sister and friend. This weekend I got to see Paula for the first time in several years. I got to meet her newest addition, Brigid, and she got to meet Lindy. We chatted away comfortably for hours and could have gone on for an eternity. One thing that struck me after our semi-tearful goodbye is that I wish I would've been who I am now meeting her for the first time. I think (or hope) maturity has helped me become a better, more grounded person, and friend.

I am thankful God allowed us to see each other again after many years and catch up face-to-face. It was a great treat to be together and I hope we don't have to wait another eight or nine years before we see each other again.

Happy Birthday, Dad!

"A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. " Proverbs 17:27

Dad, we wish you a very happy birthday today and a year filled with good health, lots of happiness, and many opportunities. Thank you for being a wonderful example of a Godly man. Your name means, "beloved" and that is what you are.

Thank you for being a superb father, grandfather, and friend.

Happy Birthday!

We love you,
Don, Lisa, & Lindy

"Virtual" friends are real friends, too

I think the blog world is a very interesting social phenomenon. To some it is absolutely ridiculous and many are quite skeptical of it. That is completely understandable and valid, for sure.

In the over two years that I've been blogging I have been very fortunate to "meet" some absolutely lovely people via blogs. While many of us share a kindred interest in adoption, we also share a love of faith, family, friendship, and fun...It is easy to feel close through the gift of technology but having the opportunity to meet face-to-face to further the relationship and take it to a deeper level isn't always a possibility.

This weekend I was blessed with the opportunity to meet another blog friend and her precious family. Kim and her family were here under extremely stressful conditions to get out of the path of Hurricane Ike.

I knew Kim and I would get to eventually meet but didn't think it would be under these conditions. I am very thankful God kept them safe and that they opted to leave Houston (after some strong prompting) and travel here. There are a lot of unknowns for them right now and I know they covet your prayers. Please pray for all the families who have been affected by the hurricanes and severe weather.


I am so thankful we had the chance to meet, visit some, and get to know each other better. I am optimistic there will be future visits and am praying they will be hurricane free--aside from those little hurricanes known as Lindy and Kate (who is oh so sweet). So for you naysayers, we are no longer virtual friends but for real...

The Smile Award

The other day I was surprised and delighted to read that my friend, Amie, at Heart Smiles had chosen me to be a recipient of this little bloggy award. Mere created this award and established this criteria:

1. Must display a cheerful attitude. (not necessarily at all times--we are all human)

2. Must love one another

3. Must make mistakes

4. Must learn from others

5. Must be a positive contributor to blog world

6. Must love life

7. Must love kids

Apparently I snowed Amie into believing I met the criteria. :o)

One of the "rules" is to pass it along to five people. It's all an attempt to keep people smiling because it isn't always easy, right?

I'm not really great at making decisions but after careful consideration, I'm passing this lovely award along to:

Heather at Our Little Ladybugs. About a year ago I mustered the courage to contact Heather via email. I just "knew" we were meant to be friends and I was right. Heather is an amazing listener and encourager. She is a special friend and sister to me and always has the right words to say. I am soooo excited because we get to meet for the first time in about a month.

Sara at Football & Fried Rice. I love the positive energy Sara exudes in her blog. She's got a lovely smile and I am praying that it won't be long before she brings her Mya home and experiences the joy of having a daughter.

Kate at Livin' La Vida Lia as well as And So We Wait. Kate and I were in the same Yahoo group while we were waiting for our girls the first time around but somehow we didn't get to know each other. While that makes me sad because of the missed time together, I know God's timing for things is perfect and that he allowed our paths to cross at JUST the right time. When Kate reached out to me at the beginning of the year, I was both surprised and honored. We became fast friends and share many things in common. We're one month apart with our log-in dates and it helps knowing we're on this journey together. I am thrilled that it won't be long before I get to meet Kate, too.

Jenn at Love Like Crazy. I have been blessed to meet this godly mother of four, soon to be five. I always feel like such a mess around her because she's so calm and gracious and I feel like I'm one big spaz. She is tender-hearted, patient, loving, and kind. I know she'll be the perfect Mommy to Karleigh Mei. Please pray they get their RA soon so they can bring Karleigh Mei home before her third birthday.

Jenn's daughter, Lexie, at The Last Days of Waiting for Karleigh Mei. Lexie's blog has not only made me smile but moved me to tears on more than one occasion. While many girls her age are worrying only about themselves and caught up in boys, driving, fashion, etc., Lexie is out there volunteering with Somalian refugees, dreaming of being a nurse one day, and praying hard for the little sister she longs to meet soon, Karleigh Mei. I love how excited Lexie is about bringing home Karleigh Mei. Some kids might not be so welcoming of a new sibling but she's not one of those kids...

Now as is customary with these blog awards, they usually have some "rules" that go along with them. I didn't make the rules, nor am I going to enforce the rules. I don't think there is a blog prison or fine if you don't follow the rules. :-) If you choose to keep the award going, great. If not, please take pleasure in knowing YOU make me smile...

Here they are:

1. The recipient must link back the the award's creator

2. You must post these rules if you receive the award

3. You must choose five people to receive the award after receiving it yourself

4. You must fit the characteristics of the recipient of the award, as posted by Mere

5. You must post the characteristics of a recipient

6. You must create a post sharing your win with others

7. You must thank your giver

"Everyone smiles in the same language." Author Unknown

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for the brave men and women who serve this country near and far in the military, fire departments, EMS, and police force.

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

If you're up at 8:46 am (ET), I hope you'll join me in a moment of silence for those who perished in the terrible attacks on September 11, 2001.

God bless America!

Hard At Work?

Yesterday Don started a pilot program where he'll work from home one day a week. We chose Tuesdays because Lindy and I are gone a fairly big chunk of time in the morning and we thought that would allow some quiet time for him to get a lot accomplished.

At one point in the day, this is what I walked in on. He had moved from the office to the formal living room to conduct a one-on-one meeting with one of his employees.


After I pulled out the camera, I guess he decided to put on a more serious manager face. Just kidding, Don! You can see he chose a very relaxed version of the company's business casual policy. He is wearing a company t-shirt, though.


He "got home" about the same time and said it was a CRAZY day but he got a lot done. He has the amazing ability to tune out the world and focus. Or maybe that's just when I'm talking...It'll be interesting to see how this new venture works out and it'll definitely be an adjustment for all of us--especially the little daddy's girl in the house. I think he's contemplating getting to know the various coffee houses and bookstores around town with WIFI-just in case...

Menu Plan Monday

It has been AGES since I've posted my weekly menu. To my surprise, I've had people ask me where they've been...I have still faithfully been creating a plan, just not publishing it anywhere beyond the list on the fridge.

Monday, September 8th-Family in different directions...Don's eating at church. Lindy and Lisa are eating leftovers at home.
Tuesday, September 9th-Chicken in Mustard Cream Sauce over whole wheat pasta, asparagus, tossed green salad
Wednesday, September 10th-Quick dinner out before bible study
Thursday, September 11th-Hawaiian Baked Pork Chops, brown rice, broccoli
Friday, September 12th-Don out. Lindy and Lisa eat leftovers.
Saturday, September 13th-Sin-free Shrimp Scampi, angel hair pasta, spinach or there is always the possibility we'll just go out.

There are always some fun recipes to peruse here. What are you eating this week?

Happy Grandparents Day

"Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged;
parents are the pride of their children." Proverbs 17:6

Happy Grandparents Day
with love,

Don, Lisa, & Lindy

Read for free...

Reading is a pretty big thing around our house. Without a doubt, the majority of the reading going on these days is with Lindy. Lindy loves to be read to and look at books. From day one with her, we have encouraged this activity. That's Don reading to her on our second day together in China.

I love to read but don't read as often or in the same manner as I did before we brought Lindy home. I just don't seem to have the time or energy. Do you hear me on this one?

Before Lindy came home, I used to love to devour the latest Mary Higgins Clark novel or be swept away as I read Nicholas Sparks. However, now I read snippets of devotional books, consider yummy recipes in cookbooks as I plan menus (does that count as reading?), and look for tips in parenting books. I also am trying to be more dedicated about reading my bible. Okay, okay, I also spend time reading blogs, which brings me to my next subject--the fun part.

If you're reading this, there's a pretty strong chance you spend some (or a lot of) time reading blogs, too. I am going to treat one reader to a Barnes & Noble gift card. All you have to do is leave a comment by SEPTEMBER 15, 2008. Don't know what to say??? Tell me what your favorite book is...tell me what you're reading right now...tell me what you like to read...tell me your favorite author...tell me the worst book you've ever read...tell me how you'd spend the gift card...introduce yourself if you've never commented...tell me ANYTHING...It's really pretty easy.

Lindy will choose a winner on September 16th...

Until then, happy reading.

Thankful Thursday

I think traditions are really important for families (and friends, too). Some families have very big, long-standing traditions bridging generations. Other families have more subtle traditions and they might not even think of these rituals as traditions...No matter whether they are big or small, traditions are meaningful and I think they are a great thing to incorporate into family life. I love hearing about family traditions and as I strive to become better about having them, I love to "borrow" where I can.


One tradition we've been blessed to be a part of since we've lived here (nearly 13 years) is an annual Labor Day fish fry and dove hunt at our friends' ranch in the Hill Country. This year was the 25th gathering. The food is abundant, the friendship is warm, and the fellowship is just a sweet glimpse of Heaven.


I love the fact that Lindy gets to spend time with people of many ages. Here a very willing Mr. Brown sweetly joined her for a game of checkers (according to Lindy's rules, of course).


Lindy loved seeing and hearing the cows up close and personal. At one point they got so noisy she stuck her fingers in her ears. Being among big animals definitely lead to many questions and observations...I am sure you get my drift. Not being much of a nature girl, I am reminded of the importance of spending time outside. It really is a huge classroom.

Today I am thankful for special friends who have included us in their tradition and for the importance of traditions.

What are you thankful for today?

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...