Thursday, November 12, 2009

Thankful Thursdays

During a search for a blog Thankful Thursdays meme to link to, I found this cute picture at the Rose Colored Glasses that seems to say it all.

Thankful Thursdays Seriously!  I don’t think that anyone else could have said it better (Thanks God). 

 
I was unable to find a blog that hosted this meme and offered a place where others could link and also give thanks, but I did find Grace Alone which seems to be the Home of Thankful Thursdays.  If anyone is interested in joining in giving Thanks then, click on the link and grab a button.  You are welcome to link up here and share your Thankful Thursday blog post or if you would like, please feel free to use the comment section below.
 
I always enjoy hearing from another person’s thankful heart.  It brings a smile to my face and sometimes it can change our own hearts, even revealing things that we may take for granted.

All that being said, here’s my list for this Thankful Thursday:

*** My God

I am so thankful for the love that He has shown me throughout my life.  I am thankful for the grace He has given me and for forgiving me for the stupid mistakes that I have made in my life.  I am thankful for the many amazing blessings that He has given me.  (My kids are the best).  And I thank Him and rely on Him daily to help make me a better person so that I may do HIS will. 

*** My Husband

IMG_0194_coreyI love the way that he makes me laugh.  I love his silliness.   I am thankful that I am married to this crazy man.

*** My Daughter

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I had a hard time choosing just one photo of my little princess.  I love and am thankful for her sweet tender heart.  I pray that she doesn’t have to endure any great hurts that may harden that beautiful heart of hers.  She is so caring and always wants to help take care of others.

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And like her daddy, I love her silliness.  She adores making people laugh and has no problem with making them laugh at her expense.  I pray that her little light will always continue to shine just as bright bringing so much happiness to all around her.

*** My Son

IMG_0104 Oh MY!  Am I ever so thankful for this little man!  He melts my guarded heart with his tenderness.  While some people go out of their way to hurt and cut people down.  He goes out of his way to build people up and make people feel loved.  I pray that this love of his will continue to teach others to be kind and loving and that the world will not change him, but instead he will change the world.

*** Health

Lately, so many people have been fighting sickness and I am very thankful that he have all been fortunate and have remained healthy. I pray for the others that have been exposed to sickness and I hope they all get better soon.

*** My Boxers

IMG_0222 They are the sweetest little yard destroyers that I know.  I do love them and am so thankful that Corey bought them both for our family.  They are a gift that keeps on giving.

*** My Extended Family

We have been blessed with amazing parents, grandparents, siblings and now nieces & nephews.  I am so thankful for all of them.

*** My Camera

I still have so much to learn and am enjoying the journey.  I am thankful for being able to capture so much wonderful memories to share with future generations. 

*** My Online/Offline Friends & Readers

Every individual wants to feel loved and understood and I am thankful for the support and friendship of all.

*** Lauren Lynn

The amazing magician that colors my hair.  ok. Seriously, I just had my hair highlighted and colored and she did an absolutely amazing job.  I love it.  I just want to swish my hair around like the girl from the shampoo commercials.  Thanks Lauren.  If anyone in the Tulsa area wants to make an appointment with her because she is that awesome… her business number is 918-587-2566.

*** A Clean House

 IMG_0113_bCorey bought us a new vacuum.  I am super excited.  For the last few months I have been sweeping our carpet with a broom and borrowing vacuums from  others.  I know that this may be a  silly thing (materialistic) but it’s the convenience and all the free time that I see in my future that makes me excited.   And a clean floor… just the thought of the clean, dust free floor makes me want to roll around on the carpet.  Thank you baby.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.

*** Paying it Forward -

Here’s the full story.

I know time is sparse during this time of the year, but if you have a moment to spare I would love to hear why you are giving thanks today.


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Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Beware of these Sly Little Devils

I will be honest here, calling these CROOKS a devil is one of the nicest names that are coming to my mind at this moment.

Here let me back up a moment to fill you in, then you will sympathize and we can call them names together.

Earlier today I was responsibly working away on my computer when I came across this email: 

****************************************************

VerifedbyvisaVerifedbyvisa

Hello Guest Visa Card

Your credit card is suspended, because we notice a problem on your card.

We determine that someone may be using your card without your permission. For your protection, we've suspended your credit card. To lift the suspension, Click here and follow the instructions indicate to update your credit card.

Note: If this is not complete on 11 November 2009, we will be forced to suspend your card indfiniment because it can be used for fraudulent

Thank you,
Customer Support Service


Copyright 1999-2009 VerifedbyVisa. All rights reserves.

**********************************************************

If someone is quickly glancing at the email, and they overlook the fact that these CREEPS can’t spell (I don’t have much room to talk here) one would think that this email just might be legitimate.

If my grandmother was to receive this little note or even my mother, I could see them clicking on the link to correct the situation and to make sure that their card wasn’t cancelled.

When I saw it I knew it wasn’t valid because I don’t have a bank account linked to this email, so instead I grew angry on behalf of all the other people out there that may have had their identity stolen because of  the THEIVES that mass distributed this email. 

It’s sad that people are so cruel.  They don’t seem to even try to think of what they are doing to others or they may just not care.  Regardless of their lack of heart, I can only pray and ask  everyone to be careful this holiday season. 

Excuse me everyone, I have to go ask for forgiveness for cussing the CREEPS.  (And judging them a bit… I told you I’m a SCA member – Struggling Christian Anon)   Christians aren’t perfect, but with God’s help and a LOT of grace we can become better people through growth, maturity, and His wisdom.

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Sharp Dressed Men

   I can’t get that ZZ Top song out of my head.

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There are a lot of handsome cowboys out there, but I don’t think there are any that are much cuter than this little man.  He melts my heart with his loving ways everyday.

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Watch out bad guys… He is here to protect and serve.

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And he has incredible aim.

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I have to say, he comes by his silliness honestly.  Here is the cowboy’s disco dad. IMG_0044

As Evan likes to say, He’s superfly for a white guy. IMG_0047

I love these crazy guys!!!!

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These kids keep us young!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Paying It Forward!

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My morning today started like most mornings… too early.  I would have loved to stay in bed with my husband and snuggle up and sleep in, but duty calls.  I woke up and began getting Lauren ready for school and taking care of all the other normal motherhood responsibilities.  All the while I was thinking about my husband asleep (or should I say resting… it’s impossible to sleep when the kids & I are on the other side of the bedroom wall eating breakfast and doing dishes) wishing that I was snuggled up next to him.  God I love that man.

Sorry about that.   My mind drifted off again.  I can’t help it.  There aren’t many things that can make me happier than the feeling of his arms holding me when I’m snuggled up close to him.  Like I said, I love that man.

Ok, where was I?  Oh yea, my morning.  (I think that I just may or may not have a mild case of ADD lately.  I seem to be easily distracted.  It makes cleaning the house a LOOONG nightmare). 

So after the kids were ready and we all kissed that handsome man that was resting in my bed farewell, we took Lauren to school.  Then Evan & I were off to enjoy one of our favorite times of the day.  We take a little trip to Starbucks so that I can get a much needed dose of caffeine and he gets a dose of sugar ( a WC mocha and a box of chocolate milk).  We laugh, talk, read books, and tell stories.  It’s our special time of the day.  100% complete, undivided attention therefore building a stronger friendship/relationship.

As always I pulled up to the window to get our goodies so that the fun can begin.  It’s needless to say that there is a smile of anticipation plastered across my face, but I’ll say it anyway… there was a HUGE smile across my face.  Then the sweet barista at the window just says thank you and hands me my order.  I tried to pay again, and she tells me that it’s already been taken care of.  Well I’m slow.  That doesn’t happen to me.  So I tried to explain that she must be mistaken and I tried to give her my card… again.  She laughed at me… again.  And said that it was already taken care of by the gentleman in line in front of me. 

Then I started looking around.  It was at that moment that I realized just how UN-observant that I really am.  I was thinking to myself… there was a car in front of me?  Of course there was… I wonder what kind it was… what color was it… blue… I think.  All I could remember about the car in front of me is that the license plate holder had a phrase on it that said… Try it… you might like it.  Other than that.  I had nothing. 

After a moment I realized I had been playing with Evan… making silly faces and visiting with him.  I have a big car that sits up high and Evan was sitting directly behind me.  So to the person in the car in front of me… it probably looked like I was alone… making funny, goofy, and probably gross (I’m playing with a little boy… they like gross… it makes them giggle… and the giggle is worth it) faces.   I’m sure that the scenario was probably an entertaining one.

However, since I was unable to thank my audience I felt obliged to keep the kind gesture going and I paid for the order of the person behind me.  (I got quite a deal).   

So thank you to the person driving the blue car. 

To everyone else:  Please keep the random acts of kindness going.  It’s the first step in making this world a better place.

Back In The Day

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Nearly a decade ago, I used to live pretty close to this area of Tulsa. I loved it. I would walk my dog on the trails of Riverside everyday. I enjoyed crossing the bridge and listening to the sound of the water below.

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My brother-in-law proposed to my sister on this bridge. He lit a wooden sign that said “Marry Me” in flames. Now I can’t pass this bridge without thinking of romance. (Deep breathe… and sigh).

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I loved the site of the sun setting and the glow of the Downtown Tulsa skyline in the distance.

IMG_8052 I enjoy the peace & quiet of our suburban/country lifestyle, but I still can’t drive past Riverside without missing the area and the convenience (I didn’t have to drive far to find anything that I might need…. I would be embarrassed to tell you how many miles I put on my car just this last year).


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Monday, November 9, 2009

So Sad

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We all have our issues, but this people loving critter, Luke, has serious issues with Mondays. Lauren & Evan are not at home, and I’ll be honest… I don’t play chase or hide & seek with him. They have only been away for an hour and just look at this pouty face.


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