I remember...

I was asked by my sweet friend Heather to share some of my memories. Ironically, Heather and I grew up not far from each other in the 1980s. We're quite sure we somehow knew each other at one time. So, here are some of my memories...

I remember when my brother was born and when he and Mom came home from the hospital. I am two years and nine months older than him to the day.

I remember wondering why everyone was crying on the first day of Kindergarten. I was so ready to be in school.

I remember blowing kisses to my mom as I skipped to the bus stop.

I remember having my hair set in pink foam curlers after my bath on Saturday nights.

I remember Dad making popcorn and religiously watching Little House on the Prairie and The Waltons as a family.

I remember my mom reading to me.

I remember crying so hard in 1977 when we moved from California to Virginia. I was very sad to leave my grandparents and remember driving away from their home waving to them from the back of our station wagon.

I remember when my parents gave us a puppy on New Year's Day. We named her Roxie Noelle and she was beautiful.

I remember competing in the Prince William County Spelling Bee when I was in 6th grade; however, I don't remember which word I misspelled to be eliminated and am not sure I could spell it anyway.

I remember wearing Jean Nate' and Love's Baby Soft.

I remember when CDs and MTV came out.

I remember babysitting four children (and sometimes the psycho mom) for $1.25 an hour. Sometimes the Mom would pay me to go to the movies with her. I was in junior high. I think that was weird and very sad.

I remember giving my friend, Stephanie, some of my lunch money so she could put gas in her car so we could get to school. It was about 29 cents a gallon then.

I remember having a couple really bad poodle perms. I looked like Annie with dark hair as I twirled around the house singing, "The sun will come out tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow, there'll be sun..."

I remember seeing 42nd Street at the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia. I loved every moment of the night and know it had to be a huge financial sacrifice for my parents to take me.

I remember my first date. It was with Jamie. We went to Great Advenuture in NJ (exit 7A off the Jersey turnpike to be exact). I was supposed to be home at 11:00. Our last ride of the night was on the Pirate Ship (back seat of course so we could go the highest). I saved the bear he won for me but my purse went crashing to the ground, blue eye shadow and all. They had to close the ride down for several minutes while they called for a supervisor to retrieve my purse. I got home at 11:30. I remember my parents were NOT happy.

I remember having Top Gun posters in my college dorm room. Tom Cruise was so dreamy then.

I remember wearing long johns under boxers with my sorority sweatshirt to class in college. I was NOT alone in sporting this look. I also remember wearing skirts to class with penny loafers (with pennies), too.

I remember preferring to stay home with my parents than go out on "bad" dates.

I remember the first time I laid eyes on Don. My life was forever changed. There weren't any more bad dates.

I remember the tears in his eyes when we got married.

I remember leaving my parents' home for good on February 14, 1993. Don was home from his seven month deployment and ready to take me to Maine so we could live as husband and wife. It was a pretty dramatic scene, to say the least.

I remember the sensation of my nose hairs freezing when I lived in Maine.

I remember when my biological clock went off with a vengeance.

I remember the disappointment each month when I found out I wasn't pregnant.

I remember when Chris & Meg brought Connor home from Russia. Little did I know that would plant a seed in my heart for international adoption.

I remember when the radiologist said, "Mrs. Osborn, you have a brain tumor."

I remember the incredible relief I felt when Don and I decided to adopt from China.

I remember getting "the call" and the joy that followed.

I remember holding Lindy for the first time.

Obviously, I could go on and on. While it is so wonderful to remember, it is also important to keep looking ahead, too. I cherish the memories I have (good and bad) because I know they are part of who I am and have become. However, I look forward to creating new memories.

I would love to read your memories. Feel free to join in if you have time to share. I specifically tag Diana, Jaime, Jill, Linette, and Adele.

In lieu of thankful Thursday

Most Thursdays I post a list of things for which I am thankful. This week I am taking a break and doing something different...

When people ask me where I'm from my usual response is, "I'm from all over" or "no where." I go on to explain that my dad was in the Navy and I've moved around more than a lot of people, etc., etc., etc.,.

Sometimes it really bothers me that I can't plainly answer that question. Other times it just makes me realize I've had a lot of opportunities not everyone else has had. Tonight, however, my heart is aching because I am a NATIVE Californian and it pains me to see this state and its residents enduring so much tragedy.

California is where my grandparents met and married. It is where my great grandparents and my Grandma Caples are buried, along with other family members. It is where my mom and dad met in high school and got married. It is where I was born. It is where my brother was born. It is where Don and I met and got married. It is where my brother and sister-in-law met and got married. It is where two of my nephews were born. It is where I started elementary school and graduated college. It is where I first saw Mickey Mouse and Shamu. It is where I saw my first baseball game. It is where I've seen the biggest trees in the world. It is where I've eaten grapes off the vine. It is where I've had many holidays and spent many vacations. It is where I traveled for business. It is where Lindy became a United States citizen. It is where I have one set of grandparents, my brother, sister-in-law, and nephews, two uncles, one aunt, one cousin and his family, two great uncles and two great aunts, several second and third cousins, and several friends. It is a place of many memories for me and deep roots.

I hope you will join me in praying for all the people in California. They desperately need our prayers.

Thank you...

Menu Plan Monday

Where did the weekend go??? Somewhere during that brief time I created a menu and started a grocery list to accompany it. Here's what's on the menu this week:

Monday, October 22nd-Leftover grilled sausage for Don and Lindy. Mentoring Moms for Lisa.

Tuesday, October 23rd-Chicken and vegetable stir-fry and rice.

Wednesday, October 24th-Out before church

Thursday, October 25th-Spaghetti Pie (from my new Deceptively Delicious cookbook), salad, spinach

Friday, October 26th-Camping

Last week I made tuna burgers and told you how Don wasn't really looking forward to them. They were simple to prepare and turned out pretty yummy. Both Don and Lindy loved them. Thanks Paula Deen!!!

Check out this website for the menus of many other households in blogland. What's cookin' at your place?

Thankful Thursday

Today I thought I'd just write free-form for my Thankful Thursday...


I am thankful that our dossier for our next daughter is on its way to China. We were officially DTC on October 16th and will anxiously wait for our log-in-date.

I am thankful for the friends and family who are praying and will continue to pray for us during the very long road ahead of us. It means a lot to us!

I am thankful that my copy of Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld arrived yesterday! Ironically, I ordered the book BEFORE her appearance on Oprah, the Today Show, and all the other circuits. I had heard of recipes with ways to "sneak" veggies in food and really felt like I needed to start doing that with Lindy (actually all of us). During my search, I stumbled across the Sneaky Chef and Deceptively Delicious and opted for the latter. I am really excited to give this a try!

I am thankful for a phone call from my Aunt Nadine yesterday. It was just out of the blue and a nice addition to my morning.

I am thankful I had a chance to talk to my brother, Jeff, this week. I don't get to talk to him often but am always glad when I do.

I am thankful I get to go to Jenn's house for Girls' Night In tonight.

I am thankful our friend Mark A. returned home safely from a trip to Korea.

I am thankful our friend Mark B. is out of the hospital after a health scare.

I am thankful for good news from Pamela about their upcoming adoption of Garrett from Korea.

I am thankful Kate & Doug are traveling to China next week to bring home Noah. Kate was my Secret Panda Pal while we were waiting to adopt Lindy and is a sweet friend. She is the busy mommy to twins, Sophie & Avery.

God is so good! What are you thankful for today?

Call me crazy...

Okay faithful readers, I have a confession...

For the past month or so I unwind on Tuesday evenings by watching Jon & Kate Plus 8. I know that makes absolutely no sense. Really, how can one possibly unwind after a busy day of watching one very active, headstrong two year old by watching a show about a family with one set of six year old twins and six, I said six, three year old sextuplets??? It sounds exhausting and chaotic.

In a nutshell, I think it just reminds me of several things. First, God won't give us more than we can handle. If Jon and Kate can handle eight kids, I surely can handle one (and eventually two), right???

It also reminds me to keep things real and be joyful in my circumstances. Women get so easily trapped into keeping up appearances. We want everyone to think our house is always immaculate, our kids are perfect, our marriages are perfect, we're always calm and in control, and on and on I could go and we're unhappy when things don't go that way. Jon and Kate bicker, their kids have temper tantrums, their kids won't cooperate for photo sessions, Kate sweeps the floor a bazillion times a day and probably still finds crumbs. That's real. That's life and they love their life.

Last confession...I've had a difficult Mommy day today. Lindy has had one meltdown and tantrum after another. That's not really her typical personality, so it's been a learning day for me--one with lots of bumps and bruises. (Figuratively speaking!!!) During the day I stopped several times and thought about Kate & Jon. Somehow thinking about their daunting task of raising ten kids made me feel a bit more committed to not giving up on my one child...

Menu Plan Monday

Okay folks, it is a Paula Deen kind of week here at my house. Noooo, that doesn't mean two sticks of butter in everything I prep because I do try to minimize the fat where I can. I was paging through Paula's book the Lady & Sons, Too and here's what I came up for this week...

Monday, October 15th-Don has a meeting. Lindy & I are eating leftovers...

Tuesday, October 16th-Tuna burgers, broccoli, tossed green salad

Wednesday, October 17th-Out before church

Thursday, October 18th-Saucy chicken and asparagus bake (this recipe is identical to the one in Paula's book), rice, tossed green salad

Friday, October 19th-Leftovers

Don looked at me with fear and dread in his eyes when he saw tuna burgers on the menu. I'm just trying to branch out, get out of a rut, experiment, and add some Omega 3 Fatty Acids in our diet, too. It is inevitable that there'll be some losers but hopefully not too many...

Check out this blog to see some other great menu plans. What's for dinner at your place???

Thankful Thursday

How can it be Thursday again? The weeks go by so quickly. Here are some things I am thankful for this week.


1. Lindy is better after enduring whatever she had on Saturday night and Sunday that landed us in the ER
2. A perfectly relaxing, uninterrupted, long overdue dinner with Jaime on Monday
3. My nephew, Jake, who celebrated his birthday on October 8th
4. My grandpa who celebrated his birthday on October 9th
5. Our dossier for our next daughter is being reviewed by our adoption agency
6. I have finally started some Christmas shopping
7. I read in the paper that Panera Bread finally opened in San Antonio. Anyone want to do lunch?
8. Ooey, gooey brownies
9. Today is Lindy's music class day. She loves it!
10. Sleeping with the windows open
11. My crock pot. I seem to be using it quite a bit. Truly one of the best modern inventions.
12. Digital cameras
13. Kind people

I hope you'll spend some time thinking about the things you are thankful for in your life. What are you thankful for today?

Menu Plan Monday

It's Monday and time to think about what's for dinner at the Osborn house. Assuming I make it to the grocery store, here's what will be on the table this week...

Monday, October 8th-Don is on his own again. I promise it isn't like this every Monday!
Tuesday, October 9th-Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken Barbeque , sneaking in some veggies with mashed cauliflower potatoes, asparagus
Wednesday, October 1oth-Out before church
Thursday, October 11th-Texas-Style Enchilada Casserole, green salad
Friday, October 12th-Leftovers


What's for dinner at your house this week? Check out this blog for more fabulous ideas or to share your menu...

Thankful Thursday

Hello~


In the quiet of the morning I am reflecting on some of the things for which I am thankful...


1. Mr. Babcock, a dear friend and example, who celebrated a birthday on Monday
2. My sweet friend Paula who celebrated her second 39th birthday on Tuesday
3. My cousin, Rhonda, who also celebrated her birthday on Tuesday
4. Don made it home from his weekend work trip to Annapolis where he got to see Navy beat Air Force. Yea!!!
5. Dinner with my "big sisters" on Monday night
6. Lindy is initiating saying, "I love you." She'll run up to me, wrap her arms around my legs and say, "I love you Mommy." I waited a LONG time for that!
7. God's provision
8. The men and women who work so hard at our church to make things nice for the congregation and to reach out to the community
9. Lean Cuisine Panini Sandwiches. They aren't too bad for a quick lunch considering they're "grilled" in a microwave.
10. Listening to the owls hooting at night and in the early morning
11. Our last batch of paperwork is at the Chinese Consulate in Houston for authentication
12. A brief moment of feeling chilly this morning. Sure it was because of the air conditioner and ceiling fan but it did dip in the 60s outside last night. Yea!!!
13. The smiling child waiting for me

What are you thankful for today?

A random post

Okay, this is one of those very random posts. Remember, the name of the blog--Osborn Odds 'N Ends. I never promised it would be deep and meaningful. :o)

The other day I saw an advertisement for a new version of an audio bible. This new Bible has an all-star cast and is probably fantastic. Jim Caviezel who was cast as Jesus in the movie The Passion of the Christ has the part of Jesus for this project. What struck me as funny is that Marisa Tomei is one of the actors. She plays Mary Magdalene. I admit I have difficulty separating some actors from certain parts they've played. I can separate Tom Hanks from Forrest Gump or as Woody in Toy Story. However, I just can't seem to separate Marisa Tomei from her role as the very feisty, foul-mouthed Mona Lisa Vito in My Cousin Vinny. I don't know why, but all I could think of is her having this really thick Brooklyn accent as she tells Simon Peter that Jesus is not in the tomb. I won't quote how I hear it in my head...

So as I was putting this all down in writing, I started feeling a bit goofy like this is no doubt the stupidest post EVER. Then I thought about what message she (Mary Magdalene) gets to convey--Jesus wasn't in the tomb. He was gone. Christ rose. Yea!!! Isn't that the most important message of all? It really is. No matter WHAT the accent...

Menu Plan Monday

Since Don and I have been married I have tried on and off to plan menus and shop ahead for the items. At times I have been successful, at other times I have failed miserably. I adore reading recipes, poring over cookbooks, and watching the Food Network. Yet, when it comes to taking action and making the food I read about come to life, I am not nearly as passionate or diligent.

By far, one of the areas where Don and I spend the most money is eating out. Eating out is often a social outlet for us. We enjoy being with people and since it seems more people get together at restaurants rather than in the home we join the ranks. Other times we do it out of laziness or sheer necessity. Whatever the reason, it can really cut into a budget. When we decide to tighten up and cut back our spending, it is usually in this area and we are amazed how quickly we can add money back into our checking account by planning ahead.

As a stay at home wife and mother, I feel like I should strive to be better in the area of planning meals. Apparently, I am not alone. I came across Laurie's blog at I'm an Organizing Junkie who has decided to share her menus with others. Not only does she plan a weekly menu, she encourages others to plan and includes a cast of many other women's weekly meal plans within her blog.

While I reserve the right to make changes as necessary, here's my first attempt:

Monday, October 1st-Don will be on his own because I am having dinner with friends.

Tuesday, October 2nd-Slow cooker French Dip sandwiches, green salad, sweet potato fries

Wednesday, October 3rd-Out before church

Thursday, October 4th-Gnudi , Caesar salad, garlic bread
Friday, October 5th-Leftovers

What's for dinner at your place???

Thankful Thursday

Hi~



It's another Thursday and here are some of the things I am thankful for today...


1. Our I-171H for Lindy's mei mei came on Tuesday
2. Don made it home safely from his trip to Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho
3. Lindy was a dream during Don's absence
4. Lunch with Mark & Ellen and family on Sunday
5. A great visit and yummy lunch with Denisa on Monday
6. Heather
7. Encouragement from my mom
8. Trina for taking time out of her busy day to notarize our I-171H yesterday
9. The Sirius satellite music stations on our TV--especially the Kids Stuff channel. Lindy loves to sing and dance to it.
10. The amazing full moon lighting up the sky the past couple of nights
11. Linda Elam who celebrates her birthday on Saturday
12. Quiet time in the morning
13. Remembering God has plans for me, even when I don't know what they are

What are you thankful for today?

Wisdom from Franklin the Turtle

This morning as I was puttering about, Lindy was watching Franklin on Noggin. One of the characters (a muskrat, I think) took broken, discarded pieces of china and plates to make beautiful pieces of art. The muskrat kept saying even broken things can be made into something beautiful. Later on, Franklin and Little Bear were trying to enter a big pumpkin into a fair but it rolled off the wagon and smashed into pieces. They came to the muskrat for advice and she reminded them everything can be made into something beautiful. As you might guess, rather than entering the pumpkin in the pumpkin contest they made a prize-winning pie, instead.

This sweet little tale instantly made me think about how broken my life would be without Jesus. God could've put me in the discard pile but He saw the chance to make something beautiful with the pieces, so He sent Jesus to die for me. He didn't just want to repair me, He wanted to make a work of art. The more I surrender to His artistic hands, the more beautiful I am becoming. He's not done with me yet. That really is amazing to me when I think about it.

I love that every now and then the littlest message, such as this one in Franklin, sparks a deeper thought. It reminds me God is right there with me in everything I do. Today I couldn't help but share this thought with you...

P.S. It frustrates me to no end that sometimes blogger makes everything look like a huge paragraph...

Thankful Thursday

Happy Thursday~

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

1. My parents who celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary on September 17th
2. Dad who will be celebrating his birthday on September 22nd
3. Trina & Lauren who celebrated a birthday on September 19th
4. Reminder in my study of Colossians that Christ is sufficient
5. Don made it safely to Utah for his business trip
6. I had some time to read for pleasure last night and actually stayed awake for a while doing it
7. Our new TV arrived and is waiting to be set up when Don returns
8. Listening to Lindy sing her ABCs and "Rockabye Baby"
9. Lindy and I received our flu vaccinations today so hopefully we're protected for the season
10. Signs of autumn in south Texas--the pumpkins, mums, and bales of hay have arrived at stores
11. Tea parties with Lindy
12. Being a stay at home mom
13. God's many blessings

What are some of the things you are thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

Good morning~

Here are 13 things for which I am thankful:

1. Sleeping with the windows open on Tuesday night
2. Hearing the voices of special friends on Monday night and praying with them after a summer hiatus
3. Ladies Bible Class has started again on Tuesdays
4. The men and women who serve in the military
5. A beautiful morning with Lindy, Suzy, and Sam at the zoo yesterday
6. My sister-in-law, Anne, who celebrates her birthday on 9/15
7. Sweet baby Henry who turns one on 9/15
8. Special blog friends
9. Lindy's ability to make me laugh
10. Lindy's Bible Class teachers
11. Peaceful morning sounds
12. Hearing Don and Lindy interact together
13. The HOT shower I am about to go take

I am truly blessed, even when I don't acknowledge it. What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

Good morning~

Here are 13 things for which I am thankful:

1. A fun visit with my parents last week
2. For my mom who spent about four hours "foundations" shopping with me. Not the kind you wear on your face...Uggh!
3. Pam and Mani were CHOSEN to be the parents to a beautiful little boy in Korea. Baby Garrett should be home in three to five months. Yea!!!
4. Lindy takes great pleasure in little things like acorns
5. Watching Lindy become the great pretender
6. My grandparents who celebrate their 61st wedding anniversary this week
7. My friend Melissa who celebrated her birthday this week
8. A call of encouragement from Diana to tell me she'll be with me for the long wait that hasn't even really started yet
9. Ben Bailey who celebrates his birthday on Sunday
10.The comforting chirp of the cardinal
11. Freshly steam cleaned carpets
12. The power of a smile
13. My electric skillet

Life is filled with many things to be thankful for. What are you thankful for today?

Nice Matters Award--twice

"This award is for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world."

Last week, Kim passed along the Nice Matters Award to me for this blog--much to my surprise. Then to add to my surprise, Lori passed along this award to me for the Little Bits of Lindy blog. Both of these ladies love their families, God, and have a genuine concern and compassion for others. They are NICE and I wish I knew them in person.


If you know me very well, you know I have struggled with feelings of inadequacy. I honestly don't say that for sympathy or to sound negative. Most women have probably felt the same way. I just feel like I am surrounded by so many talented ladies, yet there isn't one thing I "do" that I really excel at or that defines who I am. I am not Lisa the great musician, Lisa the fabulous home interior, Lisa the amazing seamstress, and on and on I could go...


It used to really bother me. As I've gotten older, I have come to terms with that and have accepted that maybe I'm not defined by what I do but instead by who I am. Maybe I'll never be an award winning photographer or have my own cooking show but I hope I'll always be remembered as a nice person because nice DOES matter...


This award is to be passed along to seven other NICE people. I pass it along to:

Lynn at Somewhere in the Sun
My cousin Karen at Mommy of Boys
Tamra at variety is the spice of life
Jaime at A day in the life...
Jill at O'Bryant Family
Cristie at Bits and Pieces
Kim at Lifesong

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.