Happy Mother's Day

Dear Mom, I said a prayer for you
to thank the Lord above
For blessing me with a lifetime
of your tenderhearted love.

I thanked God for the caring
you've shown me through the years,
For the closeness we've enjoyed
in time of laughter and of tears.

And so, I thank you from the heart
for all you've done for me
And I bless the Lord for giving me
the best mother there could be.

~Anonymous~

To ALL my family members and friends who are moms, I hope you have a wonderful day celebrating this day that is meant to honor YOU! Thank you for the many ways you teach me and inspire me to be a better mother and thank you, Mom, for being a constant shining light in my life.

Thankful Thursday

What that's you say? A Thankful Thursday from the blog slacker?!

I was just emptying the dishwasher and enjoying the peace and quiet and many things were colliding around in my head...I thought I'd take a moment to jot down some of my thankful thoughts...

1. I am oh so thankful for my baby brother who had a birthday yesterday. I love you Jeff!

2. I am thankful for the teachers I've had, for those who teach, and Lindy's teachers. It is National Teachers Appreciation week and they deserve every bit of recognition and thanks.

3. I am also thankful for nurses. I have many friends who are nurses and have been blessed to have good nurses care for me. It is also the week to recognize and thank them! Kara, if you're reading this--you will make a difference and be an amazing nurse!

4. I am thankful for our friend, John, who has kindly notarized so many documents of ours during our adoption journeys. He helped us again this week and thank you isn't enough.

5. I am thankful three wasn't as bad as some people had told us it would be. Lindy turns four tomorrow and I just can't tell you how blessed I am to be the mommy of this little girl.

6. I am thankful things seem to be settling down some regarding the swine flu. Our town was one of the hot spots and it was kind of creepy to think about. Schools resumed today and that's a good thing!

7. I am thankful for favorable results on that test us women who are 4o take that starts with M and ends with M.

8. I am thankful for constant reminders that God is near.

What are you thankful for today?

Look who's 40!

Happy 40th birthday
to my sister-in-law, Dani!

I wish we could be together to celebrate this milestone together. Please know I'm there with you in spirit and that I hope you have a wonderful day!

Miscellany

According to one online dictionary, miscellany is, "a collection of various items, parts, or ingredients" and that is exactly what this post will resemble. It has been a long time since I've blogged or visited blogs. I did update Lindy's yesterday and now I'm trying to figure out what to post here...

First, it is Fiesta time in San Antonio and, after 13 years of living here, I FINALLY made a Fiesta wreath. I still think it needs more streamers at the bottom but that'll come later...

I feel like I've been so busy. One of the biggest things consuming my time has been an ongoing kitchen update. I can't say it is an entire renovation or overhaul but we've finally done some things that we've been wanting to take care of for a while and felt like we could afford. It seems like some people get to just do everything at once all throughout their house but we seem to have to exercise more delayed gratification...So far we've been blessed to:

• Replace old formica countertops with granite
• Replace our sink, fixtures, and garbage disposal
• Replace the linoleum with tile
• Replace the formica backsplash with stone
• Remove the old hood over the stove. Our new hood (black) was delivered today, so that'll go up soon (right, Don?!)

We still need to add hardware to the cabinets. I'm not fond of our cabinets but they're going to have to do. We also are in the process of ripping down wallpaper and then we'll paint. Eventually, we'll make some modifications to light fixtures, too. Then we can accessorize and make it fun!

All of this has required a great deal of time and many trips and countless hours to granite yards, tile stores, L*we's, and H*me Dep*t. In fact, you know you've been spending a lot of time at the DIY stores when your kid says during pretend play, "Here you go Mommy. It's a _____ and I built it at L*we's."

I'm a bit embarrassed to post before and after pictures because the project isn't finished but I'll do it anyway to give you an idea of how things are progressing.






As you can see, things look very different and I'm pleased with how things are coming along. I do, however, have a long way to go before it'll be complete. We owe very special thanks to Don's parents who were here nearly two weeks from Colorado. Don's dad did much of the tiling and backsplash and his mother helped with sealing, grouting, peeling wallpaper off walls, and consulting with design ideas. At times during their stay, the refrigerator was in the formal dining room, the dishwasher was in the family room, the washer and dryer were in the garage, and the microwave was on the floor of our kitchen. I still have stuff all over because we're still sealing grout and making finishing touches.

Hmmm...what else?

I joined a produce co-op organized by my wonderful friend, Elissa. I am excited to be saving money on fresh fruits and vegetables as well as look for ways to incorporate more of them into our diet. Honestly, I have typically purchased more frozen vegetables than fresh. Nothing wrong with that--perfectly healthy. However, having so many fresh veggies on hand is kind of a cool way to experiment some different ways to prepare vegetables such as roasting, using in stir fries, etc. I also am getting better about eating fruit as a snack or with meals.

Would love to gather some of your favorite fresh vegetable recipes!

Moving on...

I love to read. However, since motherhood I've read far less for pleasure than I used to when I was footloose and fancy free! (Ha!) This year, I've continued my love affair with the library and am trying to have something going constantly! Although so many of you have surpassed me on this, I've read the first two books of the Twilight series and look forward to the next two, as well as seeing the movie. Most recently, I read The S*hack. It was probably the most unusual book I've ever read. If you read it, I think it is important to remember it is a work of FICTION. While it is a very BIZARRE story, I think it does an excellent job showing that God is loving and desires a relationship with His children.

This week, I just started W*icked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. I'm not sure it is grabbing my attention. I was reading it, along with listening to the soundtrack because I don't think we'll be able to see it on stage anytime soon. I've started looking at non-essentials in terms of things I want to do around the house. Two tickets to W*icked equals SEVERAL knobs and pulls on the cabinets! I also have S*ame Kind of Different as Me up next on my nightstand. I've heard great things about this book and nearly had to walk out of church this past Sunday for fear our minister was going to tell too much about it.

Do you have a great book to recommend? Let me know! I'm always interested to hear what others are reading.

Well, has this modge podge of randomness sent you into a deep slumber?! I promise to try to stay away from posts like these in the future. I thought after three years, blogging would be like riding a bicycle but I think I just crashed into all the parked cars trying to get back in swing of it!

I hope it won't be as long until I post again. I also hope anyone who is reading this is doing well and enjoying life.

Blessings~
Lisa

Random Acts of Kindess giveaway winners and other random thoughts

Back on February 9th I announced I was holding a giveaway in conjunction with Random Acts of Kindness week. Either I'm down to just a handful of readers from the original two handfuls I had (which could VERY well be true), or my readers were too shy to "brag" on themselves. I say this JOKINGLY because I was kind of surprised and well, okay, disappointed when I only had two entrants which probably could break some record when it comes to blog giveaways.

Like last year, I am giving two prizes away which worked out great given the circumstances. So, please join me in congratulating Sara from Football and Fried Rice and Tish from 1st Time Mama who are the winners! Both ladies had great responses and I appreciate what they shared and am thrilled to send a little love gift their way.

Along the lines of kindness, I just have to share that two Fridays ago I was the recipient of a very kind and thoughtful act. My darling friend, Jaime, whom I've posted about before surprised me early one morning with coffee, kolaches, and donuts. I was just overwhelmed that in the 8:00 hour she would cart her two boys out in the brisk cool morning air to surprise us with such a sweet and yummy treat.

Then today in Ladies Bible Class I was reminded of just how important it is to love one another during the good times and bad and that being nice is not optional. The even harder part is that we don't really have a choice of to whom we show that love and kindness--it is meant for everyone.

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.^" Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12: 9-21

Over the next several days I plan to meditate on these verses and pray that they will take root in my heart. I hope you will do the same...

Love & peace~
Lisa

Thankful Thursday

"...I know that the Lord is always on the side of the right. But it is my constant anxiety and prayer that I and this nation should be on the Lord's side."--Abraham Lincoln

It has been a long time since I've done a Thankful Thursday! I don't even remember the last time. I am emerging back into blogging kind of slowly, so I am not committing to doing them on a weekly basis but here goes for this week...

1. I am thankful for Abraham Lincoln. Today is his birthday and I think our country is a much better place because of his leadership and wise decisions. I wish all leaders would adhere to the quote above.

2. I am thankful for my pancake breakfast date on Monday with Elissa. Adoption brought us together but we share much more than that in common.

3. I am thankful for the hard work Don put in this past weekend installing a new fence on one side of our house. I truly don't acknowledge him enough for the hard work he does outside of the home and then at home.

4. I am thankful for the RAIN we got on Tuesday night. It wasn't much but it was wonderful and OH SO NEEDED.

5. I am thankful for Jaime. Her birthday was on Monday and we got to celebrate a bit earlier last Thursday. You may remember reading about her last year when she turned 30.

6. I am thankful my parents will be here in eleven days! Yikes, eleven days. I better get moving!

7. I am thankful for renewed hope.

What are you thankful for today?

A love letter

It's that time of year when love is in the air. If you're a romantic, then you love the notion of a love letter. Perhaps you've received some in the past, or perhaps you've written them. They do seem to be a thing of long ago when words were actually lovingly written on paper and not typed in emails or abbreviated in cryptic text messages.

Not all love letters, however, are from a romantic love. I've received beautiful letters of love from my parents, family, and dear friends. I've also received beautiful letters of love from God, my heavenly father. Sometimes I'm just too lazy to read them and I don't always cherish them like I should. I ran across a compilation several years ago and received it again last week at MOPS. I hope you will take a few minutes to read the beautiful love letter here. After you read it, I hope you will remember how truly loved you are EVERY single day and dwell on the words and its meaning.

Blessings!

It's a giveaway...

Lindy during our visit to an assisted living home in September 2007.

Well, as I posted on Friday, this week is Random Acts of Kindness week. Last year I asked you to tell me how you had been blessed by an act of kindness. I really loved reading those posts. In turn, I awarded two people with a little token of kindness for sharing your experiences.

This year, I'm asking you to brag on yourself. NOT an easy task for many of you, I know. Tell me what acts of kindness you do, try to do, aspire to do, do with your family, etc. I know you're nice people, so it shouldn't be that hard...

To say thank you for sharing, at noon (CST) Monday, February 16th, Lindy will randomly choose someone to bless with a little kindness.

Thanks in advance for your participation and bless and be blessed!

It's coming, it's coming...

Next week is Random Acts of Kindess Week. Most of the people I know are really good people. Many of them routinely practice kindness--both of an intentional nature and random nature--on an ongoing basis. It is who they are. They don't do it for praise or for something in return. They just do it because it is the right thing to do.

As with many things in my life, I am not operating at the level I'd like to be when it comes to being kind. My good intentions don't come to fruition nearly as often as they should.

Next week will serve as a great reminder for me to get in gear and be a kinder person to everyone. Being kind doesn't have to be a really big thing. It can be a smile or letting someone in a lane of traffic when everyone else is whizzing by.

I hope you'll join me in this effort to make the world a kinder place. If you have kids, have them join along, too. There are tons of ideas and ways to incorporate this with kids here. Check it out!

"Today, make an investment in someone else's happiness."--Unknown

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.