Thankful Thursday

Above are the Chinese symbols for feeling thankful or grateful. It has been a couple weeks since I've posted a Thankful Thursday. It doesn't mean I haven't been thankful, I've just been busy.

Here are 13 things I am thankful for today...


1. Clark Sullivan O'Bryant born to Brody and Jill on August 9th
2. A belated birthday dinner with four of my wonderful "big sisters" this past Tuesday
3. Jennifer Babcock Hassmann who celebrated her birthday on Wednesday
4. Uncle Rickey who celebrated his birthday on Tuesday
5. 30 wonderful years of marriage for Cliff & Denisa
6. 25 wonderful years of marriage for Gordon & Carolyn
7. 25 wonderful years of marriage for Mark & Ellen
8. 28 wonderful years of marriage for Kevin & Trina
9. Don put gas in my car last night
10. The a/c is working again. We spent two nights in a hotel last week because it was broken--the hottest week of the summer so far.
11. Protection while Tropical Storm Erin hit San Antonio
12. Hurricane Dean won't slam the Texas coast and is now a tropical storm
13. Only one week until my parents come to visit

What are you thankful for today?

Happy Lighthouse Day

I bet you didn't know today is National Lighthouse Day. In 1989, Congress designated August 7th as National Lighthouse Day. I think there is something so lonely and romantic about lighthouses and their keepers. Unfortunately, so many of our lighthouses have been forgotten and neglected and they don't quite stand as proud as they used to. I got to thinking about the purpose of lighthouses--to warn and help sailors stay or get back on course. Then I thought about the lighthouses in my life. Whoever is reading, I hope you have at least one person in your life at all times who shines brightly and helps you stay on course. Enjoy the day!

The Light --by Hattie Vose Hall

I am the light, holding
Nightly my torch on high;
Under me surge the waters,
Over me bends the sky.

Year after year I stand here
Holding my steady light,
Sending its ray of comfort
Into the darkest night.

Many a man has served me,
Tending the Light with care,
Many a vanished footstep
Passed by my winding stair.

Years pass and men pass with them,
Never my light grows dim,
One hands the torch to another,
Others will follow him.

So are the centuries moving,
Still serving men am I,
Constant through gales of winter
Calm beneath summers sky.

Lights are the hope of seamen,
Warning of rock and shoal,
We are the danger-stations,
We are the sea-patrol!

Happy Friendship Day!

"A faithful friend is a strong defense; and he that hath found such an one, hath found a treasure." Ecclesiasticus 6:14

Today is Friendship Day.

I know some people think these types of days were created by greeting card companies as a way to generate more money. Regardless, I think it is a great day to think about all the friends I have and celebrate their impact on my life.

So, Happy Friendship Day to ALL my friends. I love you for the unique way you touch my life.

Love,

Lisa

P.S. Just in case you think I'm making up a new book in the Bible, I did some research and this is a different book than the one in the Bible and I'm NOT losing it. Well maybe I am but not about this. :o)

Thankful Thursday

Here are 13 things for which I am thankful today:

1. Seeing my Aunt Nadine & Uncle Al briefly yesterday.
2. Lunch dates with Don twice this week.
3. News that Mom & Dad are coming to visit at the end of the month.
4. Ruby Mei Rouse celebrated her first birthday on July 31st.
5. Lindy's friends, Scarlett & Mia who have birthdays this week.
6. Lindy is SLOWLY showing signs of responsiveness and progress in our potty training endeavors.
7. My friend, Cristie, who celebrated her birthday yesterday.
8. The sound of the cardinal chirping outside my window.
9. Blue skies and fluffy white clouds after several days of gray skies and ominous clouds.
10. A diagnosis and course of treatment for Jeff Rouse has been determined and he may get to come home from the hospital later this week.
11. Encouragement from family and friends.
12. Don's work has slowed down--some.
13. God sent two rainbows for Lindy to see last week just as she's been learning about them in Bible class.

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

Today I am going to deviate from my normal format. Please bear with me. I am not sure where I am going with this exactly but these thoughts are heavy on my heart and mind.


The other night on Primetime there was a special about pregnant teenagers choosing to give up their babies for adoption. A few years ago I probably could have watched the episode and been fairly unaffected by it; however, that was not the case on Tuesday night...

It was pure agony watching these young girls go through the pain of childbirth, touch and love on their babies, and then make the final decision to hand over their flesh and blood to the adoptive parents. For the girls featured, it was not an easy decision. They knew it was the right thing but I am quite sure not a day goes by that they don't think about the child they gave up.

Since that night I've thought a lot about Lindy's birth mother. Again I find myself wondering about her situation and why she couldn't keep Lindy. I have tried to imagine what her days have been like since she gave up Lindy. Does she cry? Is she broken-hearted? Does she have peace knowing she did the right thing or is she in constant turmoil? Not long ago I had someone tell me they have no respect for a woman who could abandon her baby. She said, "if women in China can do this, China is a country we need to fear." I was stunned at her comment and I did my best to defend the woman who gave my daughter life. I don't believe for one minute Lindy's birth mother is someone we need to fear. She is a victim of some very sad circumstances in her country. Her selfless acts gave me the daughter my heart ached for.

I have also been thinking about the fact that God has adopted me as one of His own. To adopt me, He paid the price of giving up His one and only son. I know that HAD to be an agonizing decision. He chose me and loved me so much that He let Jesus die on the cross. Wow!

Adoption whether it is domestic, international, opened, closed, or spiritual is a really complex topic and is not without cost of some sort for all parties involved. So today as I ponder these thoughts floating around in my head, I am thankful for Lindy's birth mother who chose a better life for her daughter and for God who adopted me as His own so that I could one day live with Him for eternity.

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

Good morning,


Here are 13 things for which I am thankful...


1. Pamela & Mani who celebrated their 15th anniversary on July 18th.
2. My nephew, Brendan, who turned three on July 18th.
3. I got to catch up with my cousin, Joyce, last Friday.
4. A surprise phone call from a college friend, Cynthia.
5. Connor who turns 10 this week. Because of his mommy and daddy, Don and I were first exposed to the gift of international adoption.
6. The safe birth of baby Nathanael last Friday in Santiago, Chile.
7. Mrs. Rushing is no longer in pain and is now in the presence of God.
8. A reunion lunch with Lisa and her family--friends we met in China.
9. Don has the opportunity to go deep-sea fishing today.
10. Megan who turns 10 today and is blossoming into a beautiful young lady.
11. My friend, Lynn, who is celebrating a birthday today.
12. The little boost Diet Coke gives me when I need some zip.
13. We got notification of our fingerprinting appointment.

What are you thankful for today?

First and last meme

I was tagged by my friend Tamra at variety is the spice of life...

First & Last

First Memory - I think it was having to stay in my room all day on my second birthday while my dad and Grandpa Caples worked to finish building a homemade toybox for me. IF for some reason that is a figment of my imagination, my first memory would be when I was two years old and left our home in the early morning and walked to my grandparent's and knocked on their door. Chiquita barked but no one answered, so I walked back home.

First Real Kiss - Scott Roth

First Love - Besides Mom & Dad, it was definitely Jamie. He was not a crush like the many other boys I thought I "loved" before him.

First Concert - Genesis at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia

First Thought In The Morning - Here we go again...

First Book You Loved - a VINTAGE Golden Book entitled Hush, Hush it's Sleepytime by Peggy Parish. I also loved any Amelia Bedelia book and basically anything I could get my hands on. I was reading at four years old and was quite the bookworm.

First Question You'll Ask In Heaven - Really...why does it take so long to adopt from China?

First Thought When Hearing "Vacation" - Hmmm...I'm not sure I am familiar with that word. Oh I think, "Have a great time!!!" because it is usually someone else going, not me.

First Best Friend - I think it was Jack Nadler in Kindergarten and first grade. He was Jewish and taught me the Dreidel song.

Last Food You Ate - Watermelon with dinner

Last CD Purchased - Do you mean compact disc or certificate of deposit??? Ha ha! I bought Celtic Woman: A Christmas Celebration during the holidays. More recently I (we) bought a short term certificate of deposit to make more interest than our money market account.

Last Good Book You Read - I Love You Like Crazy Cakes. I don't read too much for my pleasure anymore.

Last Time You Cried - Watching a repeat of Oprah today. There was an amazing story of the Chinese twins (both named Mia) who were abandoned and found a week apart and subsequently adopted by different families. DNA testing revealed they are siblings. The mothers both credited God with PERFECTLY orchestrating their reunion. I get emotional when it has to do with adoption, what can I say???

Last "I love you" Said - To Lindy

Last Funny Thing You Did - Funny is all relative when you have a two year old. I sang in opera voice while wearing one of Lindy's hats. Don't ask...

Last TV Show Watched - The Singing Bee

Since Tamra tagged just about anyone I know with a blog who reads mine, I tag my cousin, Karen, at Mommy of Boys and anyone else who might want to play.

Thankful Thursday

Here are 13 things I am thankful for today...


1. A great visit with my Uncle Steve & Aunt Pauline

2. Matt & Erin are celebrating their 5th anniversary today

3. The United States of America

4. Freedom (the whole gamut of them)

5. The men and women who have fought and continue to fight for our freedom

6. The American flag

7. Our nephew, Shon, who celebrated his birthday on July 3rd

8. It wasn't 128 degrees here yesterday as it was in Las Vegas, NV

9. Chris & Megan are celebrating their 16th anniversary tomorrow

10. This morning it was cool enough and dry enough for Lindy and I to play with sidewalk chalk

11. I got an email from my long lost school friend and college roommate

12. I have lots of leftovers in the fridge, so I don't have to create anything new for dinner

13. The way the rain has made the grass and trees so, so green

What are you thankful for today???

Thankful Thursday

Good morning...

Here are 13 things I am thankful for today:

1. A clean report on my MRI. So good, the neurosurgeon doesn't want to see me for two years.
2. Health insurance. Definitely wouldn't want to pay for the MRI out of pocket!
3. The safe delivery of Josiah David Hall on Monday.
4. Tagless t-shirts and other items...I think that was a FABULOUS invention.
5. The quick turn around of our home study.
6. Seeing my friend, Susan Giles, on Sunday at church. We've known each other since 3rd grade.
7. The fourth of July goodies that came in the mail from Mom & Dad yesterday.
8. Ben & Jaime celebrated their 8th anniversary on June 26th.
9. Don who bears the burden of working so hard to provide financial security for his family.
10. Denisa who watched Lindy twice this week while I was at appointments.
11. The rain. I know, I know most people around here are sick of it. I love it. I just don't want it to flood here.
12. Hearing Lindy sing.
13. Examples of good servants in my life.

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

By my clock, it is still Thursday. Here are 13 things I am thankful for today...

1. Denisa who turned 49 again on Monday
2. Dinner with my "big sisters" on Wednesday at Paesanos
3. The sporadic rain showers we've received in the area
4. We had our homestudy this morning
5. We went to the police station and got our criminal background checks completed
6. I got to talk to Megan this week
7. A quick call from Diana on Wednesday
8. I got to talk to my brother this week
9. Don's battery (which died on Tuesday) was still under 100% warranty and replaced for free
10. The house is clean--for a few moments
11. Basketball season is over
12. Hearing Lindy sing
13. My bed which awaits me

What are you thankful for today?

Happy Father's Day, Dad!

Dear Dad~

Happy Father's Day! Recently, I read the following quote by Mark Twain: "When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years. "

At first, I thought it was quite crass. Then I thought about the challenges and fits I gave you when I was a kid and teenager and realized I had probably treated you the same way. I remember clashes. I don't remember the details or frequency but I know I wasn't a walk in the park to be with.

At some point and time the clashes became less frequent and virtually non-existent. Like Mr. Twain, I think I must've recognized you weren't so "ignorant" afterall. Instead of running from your counsel, I craved it. Instead of feeling like you didn't "get" me, I realized we were quite similar in many ways.

Dad, thank you for your constant love, wisdom, patience, and example. I love you very much and always will.

Love,

Lisa

My new favorite thing

I admit it, I make impulse purchases at the grocery store. The other day a product caught my eye (and stomach), so I bought it. I love it!!!

It is a drink by Bolthouse Farms called Perfectly Protein Mocha Cappucino. It has lots of vitamins, isn't too fattening or high in calories, and it provides me a little taste of chocolate and coffee all at once. I am completely hooked.

It is healthier than the Starbucks cold Frappucino drinks and I think I even prefer the taste.

It is weird that this product even caught my eye since it is right next to the carrot juices and other unusual juice products but I am glad it did!!! So, if you like cold chocolatey or coffee drinks, I highly recommend this little treat.

Fifteen years and counting...

Fifteen years ago today, I walked down the aisle arm and arm with my dad to be greeted by my smiling and somewhat tearful groom. Although many of the details of our wedding have faded, I can still picture Don's huge smile and the tears in his eyes as he took me as his wife.

Due to Don's job as a Naval Officer, Don and I spent the majority of our first three married years apart. Our months apart were lonely and not without challenge but we made it while other couples did not. Through the years, we have also weathered other marital storms such as some medical scares, infertility, and extreme work schedules. God mercifully has carried us through those storms, as well.

Despite little bumps in the road, the good times have far outweighed the bad. The other night we were reflecting about our life together and here are 15 of our favorite times since we've been married (in no particular order):

1. Our incredible 10 day honeymoon in Cancun

2. Living in and experiencing Maine together

3. Gathering around an old hand-me-down piano (late at night) to sing Christmas carols in our garage on Christmas eve with bachelors and other couples too poor to make it home

4. A great trip to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, Canada

5. Our vacation to Aruba

6. Traveling to Bermuda with Chris & Megan Marchese and riding our mopeds around the island. The sand really is pink!

7. Being reunited in Rome and Sicily. Too bad we didn't get to spend time together in Florence or the romantic city of Venice but Meg was a great date!

8. Season tickets to the Majestic Broadway Series. To quote Don, "a guaranteed date."

9. Going to Spurs games and other sporting events

10. Returning to Cancun for our 10 year anniversary. Westin Hotels have the MOST comfortable beds as they advertise.

11. Holidays with family and friends

12. Singing on road trips

13. Valentine's Day 2004--the ultimate all day and night date

14. Traveling to China to bring home Lindy and those last few days together as a childless couple. Hiking the Great Wall together was especially moving!

15. Becoming parents

Before we were married, we probably we would never have believed some of the things we would experience together. There have definitely been many surprises! I look forward to seeing what the next 15 years hold for us and our life together.

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Today is my precious Grandma's birthday. I get kind of emotional when I talk about my Grandma. She has always been a special part of my life and on her special day I want her to know we adore her.

A Grandma Just Like You

I just want you to know

You mean the world to me

Only a heart as dear as yours

Would give so unselfishly.

The many things you have done

All the times you were there

Help me know deep down inside

How much you really care.

Even though I might not say

I appreciate all you do

Richly blessed is how I feel

Having a Grandma just like you.

-Author unknown

Happy Birthday Grandma! We love you more than words can say.

Love,

Don, Lisa, & Lindy Li

Thankful Thursday

Here are 13 things I am thankful for today...


1. Baby boy Bailey will make his arrival today--hopefully sometime this morning. Praying BJB is healthy and all will go well for my sweet friend Jaime.

2. Panera Bread Company is coming soon to San Antonio--woohoo---love, love, love Panera!!!

3. The Spurs begin (actually continue) their road to their fourth NBA championship tonight. Go SPURS go!!!

4. I have an eye appointment this morning with my favorite ophthalmologist and I will finally get some new contacts.

5. Miss Tamra for setting up monthly Mommy & Me Playgroup sessions at church.

6. We have our homestudy scheduled for June 21, 2007. I will NOT be dusting the baseboards in my closet this time.

7. Grandma who is celebrating her birthday tomorrow.

8. Denisa. There are just too many great things to write about her.

9. Lindy is not acting like a terrible two year old this week like she was last week.

10. My brother and his family made it safely to Kansas for a visit with Mom & Dad.

11. Digital cameras.

12. Self-cleaning ovens. My non self-cleaning oven is dirty and I have NO idea how to clean it. Guess I'll figure it out.

13. The bowl of cereal I am going to go eat now.

What are you thankful for today???

Thankful Thursday

Here are 13 things I am thankful for today...

20. Manu Ginobili
21. Tim Duncan
9. Tony Parker
12. Bruce Bowen
4. Michael Finley
5. Robert Horry
17. Brent Barry
7. Fabricio Oberto
16. Francisco Elson
11. Jacque Vaughn
50. David Robinson
Coach Gregg Popovich
The Spurs are heading to the NBA Finals!

Go SPURS go!

What are you thankful for today???

The newest family member

We have a new niece and cousin...

Sadie Lucille Elliott

was born on May 25, 2007 weighing 8 pounds & 7 ounces.

Congratulations Anne, Robbie, and big sister Olivia!

Thankful Thursday

Here are 13 things I am thankful for on this Thursday afternoon:

1. The Spurs are up 2-0 in the NBA Western Finals
2. We mailed our application to Gladney on Tuesday and it is in their possession
3. The men and women who currently serve this country and those who lost their lives doing so
4. I have some chocolate in the house again
5. Memorial Day weekend 1991
6. I got to talk to my grandma this week
7. The Rouses, Borrowdales, and Oswalds all made it home safely from China
8. The chocolate bundt cake I made today did not stick to the pan and fall apart
9. Our favorite notary, John Skipworth
10. We only have one more session of Financial Peace University to lead (this go around)
11. A special email from Aunt Nadine
12. Still no spring allergies
13. The toilet in the guest bathroom is fixed

To my Mom on Mother's Day

Dearest Mom~

Everytime I hear this song I think of you. Thank you for all the years of love, nurturing, guidance, and affection you have tirelessly showered on me.

Happy Mother's Day!

I love you~
Your daughter
"You Raise Me Up"

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up...
To more than I can be.
There is no life, no life without its hunger;
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
But then you come, and I am filled with wonder;
Sometimes I think, I glimpse eternity.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up...
To more than I can be.

What a great week

This has been such an incredible week for so many reasons--really too many to explain.

A highlight has been seeing three of my special adoption friends Diana, Jill, and Shauna (and their husbands) get to meet each other in China and then finally meet their children--after many, many months.

Just as women who have birthed children empathize with other pregnant women and often swap labor and delivery stories, women who have traveled down the road of international adoption empathize with others traveling the same road. We cry when the news is not good, we rejoice when the news is great, we pray for peace, patience, and protection, and we just listen when there aren't really any words to say.

This week MANY prayers have been answered for these special women and I am honored to have them in my life, pray for them, and now celebrate their new additions.

It is with great happiness I present my new "cyber" nieces and nephew...

Ruby Mei Rouse, 9 months

Proud parents: Jeff & Diana Rouse and big sister, Ainsley

Kylee Hope Oswald, 8 months

Proud parents: Joel & Shauna Oswald

Samuel Sebastian Borrowdale, age 4

Proud parents: Ken & Jill Borrowdale and big sisters, Erica & Liz

Thankful Thursday

Here are 13 things I am thankful for today...

1. Ruby Mei Rouse was placed into the arms of her forever family on 5/8
2. Samuel Sebastian Borrowdale was placed into the arms of his forever family on 5/7
3. Kylee Hope Oswald was placed into the arms of her forever family on 5/9
4. Brigid McConville was born earlier this week to our dear friends, Paula & Johnny Mac
5. My darling daughter, Lindy, who celebrated her 2nd birthday on 5/8
6. A great visit with my parents
7. Special memories
8. The ability to experience emotions such as laughter, tears, and love
9. Still no spring allergies
10. My brother, Jeff, who celebrated his birthday on 5/6
11. My sister-in-law, Danielle, who celebrated her birthday on 5/2
12. I only have one load of laundry to do today
13. The Spurs made it to the second round of the playoffs and have at least won one game

What are you thankful for today?

Happy Administrative Professionals Week!

This week is Administrative Professionals Week and today is typically the day most people observe their admins. So I thought it fitting to share the following timely story of the importance of administrative professionals...

Don's boss's (boss A) boss's boss (referred to boss C for remainder of story) reports directly to the CEO of the company. On a weekly basis, boss C meets with the CEO and executive board to discuss the status of various IT projects. Boss C welcomes emails from Don discussing successes and challenges. Last week Don sent an email to boss C to share some positive stories with the CEO. Boss C emailed Don back requesting some specific details about the projects. Don's return email included the following text:

"...we had sex vendor user interfaces as follows:"

Don copied all of his bosses on the email, as well as their administrative professionals. Not long after he sent the email, he got a call from the administrative professional responsible for reading boss A's email. She had immediately caught his typo and in an amazing feat was able to retract the email and allow him to correct his error and send it again.

I shudder to think what would have happened if it had made it all the way up the chain of bosses, or if NO ONE would have caught it until boss C went to report it to the CEO.

Another administrative professional saves the day!!!

News from the Osborns

On April 9, 2007, we began the process to adopt another daughter from China. We will chronicle our journey to her on our blog Make room for mei mei.

Please pray we can complete the paperwork in a speedy and efficient manner and that we will be approved. There will be many other future prayer requests but for now we just want to get a quick jump on this part.

Thank you!!!

With love,
Don & Lisa

Odd

Last night as I was driving home from dinner I saw a neon sign with the phrase, "Now Open" in red lights. The sign was in front of a newly built funeral home. Of course I get why the sign says that but I still wasn't sure what I'm supposed to do with the information.

Is that a bid odd or is it just me???

Thankful Thursday

Here are 13 things I am thankful for today...

1. A safe trip to and from CA
2. I had quality one-on-one time with Jeff
3. I had quality one-on-one time with Danielle
4. Watching Lindy play with Bryce & Brendan
5. I had the chance to walk down memory lane with Pamela
6. I still fit in my pants despite the chocolate chip cookies Danielle made almost EVERY night for dessert
7. I've never paid over $3.00 a gallon for gas
8. To be back home with Don
9. Birthday dinner with the "older" girls tonight
10. Evidence that members of the Financial Peace group we lead are "getting it"
11. A surprise phone message from a college friend
12. I'm still not suffering from spring allergies
13. The little girl I hear calling for me and her amazing smile

What are you thankful for today?

Deep thoughts

I have this condition and I am not exactly sure what it is called, so I am just working on using it for the best in my life. This condition causes me to be seriously impacted by tragic circumstances. Now please don't think I think I am the only one who has this trait. I am not suggesting that at all. I have known others like me. Additionally, I am not judging others who don't experience the same feelings I have. Everyone's emotional makeup is different. For the most part, though, I find people hear bad news, acknowledge it is sad or tragic, and then move on because it doesn't directly impact them. A lot of times I don't.

The latest thing that has me really thinking is the tragedy at Virginia Tech. I am saddened how this sleepy little campus in Blacksburg, Virginia will never be the same. Yet, I am saddened more by the scores of people left hurting as a result of one person's horrific, selfish acts.

I know there are already lots of stories surfacing about the victims and how bright and wonderful they were. However, I find it unfortunate that people are often like art pieces. I don't know much about art but I have always heard art is more valuable after the artist passes away. In fact, some pieces of art are not even noticed or popular until the artist is gone. Sadly, it is like this with people. So often we don't talk about a person's worth or value until he/she is gone.

I find myself hoping those who died knew they were loved and that their parents and friends had openly professed their love for them and not just assumed they knew. I also find myself hoping those left behind aren't overcome with guilt for not openly expressing their feelings of love and care.

My take away from this tragedy is the constant reminder that there are no guarantees, as well as the importance of making each moment matter. Tell the people you love that you love them and why you love them, for you never know when it will be your last opportunity.

Happy National Sibling Day!

Who knew? There's a National Sibling Day and it is today--April 10th. So, with that in mind I want to recognize my one and only sibling--Jeffrey Allen Caples.

Jeff is exactly two years and nine months younger than I am. I guess we know how my parents celebrated my second birthday-eh!? Ewww....Once I realized that he was conceived on or near my birthday, I always joked that because I was such a great kid Mom and Dad wanted another one JUST like me. God in His incredible wisdom knew they probably couldn't have survived another one like me, so He brought Jeff into this world.

For as long as I can remember, I think I've been giving Jeff grief with statements like the one above. I also used to tell him that he was the only baby left on the cart after Mom "came to" after giving birth so that's how we got him. So mean, I know!

Jeff is the best, though! He's smart, incredibly grounded, sensitive, and loving. He's always been there for me and has put up with a lot from his big sis. As much of a whacko as I've been, I've never sensed that he has judged me or tried to flee from me. He's always just been very kind and patient with me--no matter what. Not only is he a super brother, he's a great son, a wonderful husband to Danielle, a special father to Bryce and Brendan, and a strong Christian man with loads of integrity.

The bond between a brother and sister is quite different than that of a sister with a sister or brother and brother. I think the bond between an older sister and younger brother is even more unique. Unfortunately, lots of times there really isn't much of a bond there. That's very sad to me because I can't imagine NOT having a relationship with Jeff. I know I don't get to visit with him as often as I'd like and we don't share intimate details of life like sisters might, but I think we're close and for that I am really grateful.

So if you have a sibling, take some time to tell them you love them and remind them what a blessing they are to you.

Nuts about Nutella

For those of you who know me very well, you probably know I love peanut butter. You also probably know I love chocolate even more. Well, this weekend in a semi-impulsive move I bought a double-pack of Nutella at Costco. Crazy, I know! I mean who tries something new by purchasing the double-pack?! That's what sampler sizes are for, afterall.

I first remember being curious about Nutella when I traveled to Italy in 1995 and saw it in some stores there. Apparently, it originated in Italy. Recently, my curiosity about Nutella was raised again watching Giada De Laurentiis' cooking show on the Food Network. She uses it quite a bit and is a self-professed chocoholic. So, when I saw that double-pack staring at me, I knew it was time to give it a try.

I cracked open the jar that Saturday evening and in the words of Rachael Ray I say, "Yummo!" It appears I may have a new vice and I don't think that will be the last double-pack I'll be buying.

Thankful Thursday

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

1. One GREAT year with Lindy
2. A crispness in the air this morning
3. Special friends with birthdays in April (there are LOTS of them)
4. Family members with birthdays in April
5. I know what I am making for dinner
6. Mom & Dad found red canvas shoes in Lindy's size
7. Friends near and friends far
8. Good role models in my life
9. A husband who is a good provider
10. People with compassion
11. The book of Psalm
12. People who are brave
13. Jesus rose

What are you thankful for today?

How good are your communication skills?

During a few of our discussions this weekend, it seemed like Don and I weren't on the same page. Nothing serious, just a series of miscommunications for one reason or another. Sometimes, I guess I just expect Don to know exactly what I mean and not have to fill in all the gaps and, yes, read my mind. That's why I had to laugh when I got this from my sister-in-law, Michelle.