Peeking out momentarily

How can it be that we're two weeks into the new year and I haven't blogged or visited my blog friends? Time really flies by and I thought I'd surface with a post and then will subsequently work on a post for Lindy's blog.

So, a la David Letterman, I'm producing a top 10 list of what I've been doing instead of blogging:

10. Hanging out in granite yards
9. Blow drying my new, "easier"--ha!, shorter hairdo so that it doesn't look all kinky, wavy
8. Catching up on the Netflix movies that we'd had checked out since fall
7. Cleaning out emails and removing my name off of lists I've landed on somehow
6. Washing, dividing, repackaging the raw chicken breasts that were on sale for $1.99 a pound
5. Using my new little stair stepper thingamajig. Don says I already look like the girl on the box. Right...
4. Wondering why Picasa 3, the photo editor I use, crashes at least three times every time I sit down to use it
3. Playing princess
2. Catching up with old friends on Facebook
1. Feeling overwhelmed, terribly inefficient, and unproductive

So, how about you? What have you been up to? No matter what, I hope you are off to a good year and that you find lots of exciting things on the horizon.

A baby changes everything

"My whole life has turned around
I was lost, but now I'm found
A baby changes everything, yeah
A baby changes everything..."

These lyrics from "A Baby Changes Everything" by Faith Hill remind me that not only has my life been forever changed and made better by my sweet Lindy--shown above in a self-portrait taken today--but by a precious baby boy born over 2000 years ago in a barn in Bethlehem. For me, two babies have changed everything.

Wishing you joy and peace during this special season of remembrance and celebration.

Merry Christmas~
Lisa

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for many things and thought I'd return to the random laundry list I used to do long ago:

1. I am thankful for the lovely chill in the air. When it is cool outside, it helps me get more into the season. I have a hard time decking the halls when it is 80 outside. I know not everyone holds my same opinion and that's okay.

2. I am thankful that yesterday Lindy and I had a quiet day at home. With the rush of the season, it is easy for that calendar to overflow with to-do items and places to go. I am a big believer of just taking some time for calm and welcomed it yesterday. Today on the other hand... :-)

3. I am thankful my friends Jenn and Karl leave for China today to go meet and bring home their daughter, Karleigh Mei. Several of you may follow Jenn's blog. If you've never visited, check it out. You will be blessed. I consider myself so fortunate to have met and become friends with Jenn over a year ago and I can't say enough about this special family. Please pray for their safety and Karleigh Mei's transition.

4. I am thankful my friend and former co-worker, Kathy, is leaving for China next week to bring home her daughter, Jia.

5. I am thankful my sweet blogger friend, Sara , also leaves for China next week to bring home her Mya. As long and painful as the wait is, I rejoice when I get to see others bring home their babies. It somehow gives me hope that the process is moving, even if it is at a snail's pace.

6. I am thankful my friend, Tamra, successfully completed and defended her master's thesis last week. Way to go, Tams!!! So proud of you.

7. I am thankful Lindy is loving preschool and, according to her teacher, had a great day on Monday. Let's do it again today, sweetie!

8. I am thankful for progress. I often fail to see any progress being made on my to-do list. In fact, I usually think I'm going backwards. I don't do it enough but I think it is important to take a moment to acknowledge when a dent is being made and celebrate that dent, no matter how big or small. So, with that in mind, I am thankful that I am getting Christmas cards mailed, presents purchased and wrapped, the house decorated, commitments met, closets cleared, etc., etc.

Yikes! It is time to get my girl up for school. I hope everyone can find at least one thing they are thankful for today and feel free to share it with me.

Happy Thursday!

Happy Thanksgiving 2008

(Thanksgiving 2007)

"Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action." ~W.J. Cameron

I love this because it reminds me to not only remember all that I have to be thankful for everyday but to be in a constant state of showing that thanks.

Wishing you and your loved ones a very happy day as you consider all the ways you've been blessed.

Happy Thanksgiving with love~
The Osborns

A little wisdom from Ben Franklin

"If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write something worth reading or do things worth the writing." Benjamin Franklin

During my trip to Philadelphia in October I heard this quote and it really struck me and STUCK with me. I realized I squander time doing things that aren't always very productive or meaningful. I tend to lose focus of things I should be doing by doing things that really don't amount to much and at the end of the day I feel frustrated and disappointed because I haven't bettered myself or anyone else along the way.

Some of you may have noticed I've been a bit scarce in the Land of Blog. I have been trying to cut back so that I can focus my time and energy on other things right now. A few weeks ago I saw Lindy looking for me and the first place she went to look for me was in the office (we don't have a laptop) and that was pretty telling.

I'm not sure what I write is worth the reading and I doubt that anything I do will ever be worth the writing as good old Ben states, but I do want to create a home where Lindy has memories of us doing things together and where she sees me being a servant to others and not a slave to technology.

I do miss checking in on my friends and family as frequently as I have in the past and want you to know I love you and think of you often but during this very busy season I need to work on balancing things better in my life.

Many blessings~
Lisa

Thankful Thursday

"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." -Albert Schweitzer

Today I am thankful for the many people who light my flame when it is no longer burning or is close to going out. I think many people in this world have their "go to" people and a very defined, tight circle of people from whom they gather strength and in turn give it back. For me, there isn't one set person or group in my life reigniting my light in every circumstance. I have found that sometimes the rekindling comes from the most unexpected person/people and it happens in the most unexpected way.

I by no means am bragging to say I have more people in my life than others. I am certain that is not the case. What I am trying to say is that as I've been thinking about the people I'm thankful for and those who bring me encouragement, I've been really surprised by some of the names that come to mind. It has definitely reminded me that you just never know the positive impact you are having on someone's life at just the right time and whose flame you may be rekindling. So pass on the love and encouragement and keep the fire going!

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

Pink has always been one of my favorite colors. I remember a time in my life when it wasn't "cool" to like pink and I tried to reject my fondness for it but I still secretly loved it! October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, so I've been seeing a lot of pink, lately. I've also been thinking a lot more about what the pink ribbon represents.

In August, just a couple days before I turned 40 and the lovely first mammogram is typically recommended, I learned a friend of mine from college--also 40--is battling breast cancer. I've known people with breast cancer but this was my first peer and, I don't know why but, I was shocked.

I have been reading my friend's journal entries and experiences and frankly the things happening to her body are downright awful. However, no matter how sick and tired and weak she feels, she still exudes a positive spirit and musters the strength to keep fighting. She even apologizes when she is discouraged and angry. I'm bowled over by her tenacity and determination to not let this horrific disease take her down. Her journey is not the first I've followed and I know each one of you reading has probably witnessed firsthand someone with a similar type of courageousness.

I often wonder how good of a fighter I'd be if I faced something this serious. It is really easy to whine about things that don't really matter, be a coward, obsess about silly things, and lose sight of what matters most. I hate the thought that it would take something of this magnitude to regain focus and have a positive outlook.

Today I am thankful for people who inspire through their adversity and pain. I am so sorry that tragic and terrible things happen in this world, but am grateful for those who display faith, trust, hope, and a spirit of perseverance in spite of dismal circumstances. Their example of endurance really encourages me to appreciate ALL that I have and not focus so much on what I don't have.

What are you thankful for today???

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?