Thankful to be Finished!

Day 27: I'm thankful that I don't have any cavities!!

This is a big deal for me.

3 years ago, I might have had approximately 10...at one time.

I have been trying to take much better care of my teeth, and keep up with regular dental visits ever since. 

I still get super anxious when the dentist does the exam of my teeth though.

And there is always a huge sigh of relief when there are NO CAVITIES!!

*You would think that it would be such a problem for a 26 year old. But nope.

Day 28: I am thankful for random encouragement through social media.

My dad shared this video from a friend's page and I loved it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vnt7euRF5Pg

I've seen these before, but never dedicated solely to Jesus.

Watch it. 

You won't regret it.

Day 29: I'm thankful for a day to sleep in, and some down time to relax.

December is already getting the best of me - and it hasn't even started yet.

I am going to racking up some major miles this month, and have several parties to throw, 

and I'm a little overwhelmed with everything.

With all that is going on, it is nice to have some quiet time to just breath and relax.

Day 30: I'm thankful for my husband's determination.

He has had some trouble with Christmas lights this year (understatement of the year!)

He has probably spent about 20 hours on the roof/working on lights all together.

It started to seem as though lights just weren't in the cards for us this year.

He was determined though, and here is what it looks like today!

And the night time view

I must say, the icicle lights have won me over!

I love them!!

It has been fun doing the 30 Days of Thankfulness,

but I'm a little glad that it is over.

I have loved the opportunity to stop and think about what I'm thankful for, 

and I hope that this will help me to be more thankful every day,

but it has been challenging to make an interesting post about each one.

*No comments about whether I succeeded in this or not

HAPPY DECEMBER!!

Hopefully some Winter weather will be headed our way soon!

Its November 26th and it was 87 degrees outside today

We are home.

The house is decorated. (Photos soon!)

And I am back to work...wishing I was still on break.

Unfortunately, my brain thought it was still on break, and I really struggled through the Monday.

But I am here, and I am blogging. 

Day 21: I am thankful for my nephew, and my nieces.

We don't get much time with them, but we treasure every minute that we do have.

Michael is the fun one, so they usually choose him, but once those girls get a little older, I know they will change their mind every now and then.

Favorite Quote from this week:

After asking Oliver his favorite color (red and blue) he said he could guess mine.

He guessed pink and purple (got it!) and when I asked how he knew he said,

"Because I like you!"

Melt my heart...

Day 22: I'm for time with my extended family!

It has been 4 years since Michael and I got to spend Thanksgiving with my family.

Well, with my family in Oklahoma. 

Which includes my grandparents, my uncle, our close friends that are pretty much family, and whoever else wants to join us.

There is lots of food, way too much football, and we usually end the day with games.

It is perfect, and I'm so happy that I was able to spend the day with everyone.

Day 23: I'm thankful for the being able to spend the day decorating with my mom.

Granted, I didn't do much, but she let me pretend that I was being helpful.

I mostly just watched movies, and took naps.

Here is one wall of her decorations.

*I wrapped that Santa picture on the far left...and hug the Believe sign.

That was my contribution.*

Day 24: I'm thankful for a husband who drives the entire 8.5 hours from Enid to Houston.

I got to sleep a lot, and snuggle with my pup, and it was great!

I'm also thankful for a Sooner win in the Bedlam game!!

Day 25: I'm thankful for my family-in-law.

I'm thankful for the way they have welcomed me into the family, 

the way that Michael's parents treat like their own daughter, and mostly I'm thankful 

for the wonderful man they raised their son to be. He would not be him without them, so I am forever thankful!

Day 26: I'm thankful for my beautiful Christmas tree!!

It was a gift from Michael's parents when we got married and I am obsessed with it!

I get a little worried that the lights won't turn on every year when we get it out, 

but it still works, and it still looks perfect!

Michael is really happy that you can see it through the window this year too!

Birthday Blessings

Day 20: Today I am beyond thankful for all the kind words and love shown to me for my birthday!

The texts, phone calls, facebook posts, tweets, and cards have filled my heart.

Coming from family, friends, and even people I haven't seen in years.

God has placed amazing people in my life, and I feel very blessed today.

Besides just those things, my parents and Michael have made the day even more perfect.

It started with brunch at Wee Too.

And opening some very sweet cards from family, that almost brought me to tears.

Then we went shopping at Park Avenue Thrift - quite possibly my favorite place to shop in Enid.

And I got a sweet, tacky Christmas blazer!!

We spent the day relaxing, and watching movies, and ended the day with a delicious homemade dinner!

Last, we all ate some of the delicious cake my mom ordered,

wedding cake flavored - yum!

Isn't it beautiful?!

And then I made a wish...

It has been the perfect day thanks to those in my life that love me!

Home for the Holiday

Day 16: Today I am thankful for time with friends celebrating my birthday.

I know I have already talked about these two women in another post, but I am so happy to have them in my life.

They are such amazing women, and I learn so much from them.

What a blessing to have people like this for friends.

And bonus: they aren't youth group kids!!

(Though I love them too!)

We went to the cutest little restaurant called Tiny Boxwoods.

It had a nursery attached to it, and the food was DELICIOUS!!

*I am also very thankful for a safe and easy flight tonight,

though I might have been the crazy person on the plane.

Day 17: I am so thankful for the community where I grew up.

It is a difficult thing for most people to understand.

Pre-k thru 12th Grade...all in one place...with only about 250 students?

8-man football?

Graduating classes of 13??

What?

I know, its strange, but I loved every minute of it.

One of my sister's showers was held at the school, and it was a little weird to be back there,

but it also brought back so many wonderful memories!

(Elementary building, parking lot/football field/track, cafeteria and basketball gym/middle school, and then the high school)

Day 18: I'm thankful that I was able to be at both of my sister's wedding showers this weekend.

This weekend Bailey had a shower in Kremlin, and a shower at our home church.

It was so fun to be there, and write down all the gifts, and coach her on her speech ;)

I'm so happy for her and Jon, and all the love that was shown to them.

Day 19: I am thankful for game time with my family.

Yes, it gets a little competitive.

It wouldn't be family game time without the competition.

And attitudes.

Mostly from me and Michael.

But we love it, and are looking forward to many more games this week.

Cuddle Bug, Cul-de-sacs, Cakes, and Cards

Day 12: I am so thankful for my little pup, Buster.

I mean, look at those eyes. How can you not love him?

I love when I don't have to go to work until later in the day, because Buster loves to snuggle while I drink my coffee. 

I'm aware he is just a dog, but I am obsessed with him, and so thankful we found him 2 years ago.

Even Hobby Lobby thinks he's cute.

Day 13: I'm so thankful for the home that we live in, and that we are able to open it up to the youth group every week for Bible Study.

We have lived here for about a year and a half now, and we absolutely love it.

The house is well taken care of, but the neighborhood is even better.

It is old, and cozy, and full of huge trees. 

We love everything about it.

And we love that the kids love coming here.

*Even if it means Michael will show them awkward photos and tell embarrassing stories about me.

Day 14: Today I am thankful for my coworkers at the counseling center.

They are always so encouraging and uplifting, and always there to help if I have questions.

Today they made me feel extra special as they celebrated my birthday.

The inside of the card was even better than the outside.

I'm so blessed to have such a wonderful work environment. 

It makes going to work every day easy and enjoyable.

Spiritual Family

Day 10: I'm thankful for time spent in fellowship with other Christian women. 

Saturday morning was the first women's prayer brunch that I have been able to be a part of at JV. 

We had a good turnout of women, delicious food, and a wonderful speaker.

This was just what I needed going into the busy holiday season.

I needed the reminder that God is in control, and that I don't need to worry about anything.

We were also split in to prayer partners, and I was given the perfect one!

I am excited to see the ways that God works in our lives through this prayer time.

*I'm also VERY thankful for my new iPhone!!

I have been waiting for this for so long, and I love it!

Happy Birthday to me!

Day 11: I am thankful for my church family. 

We have been welcomed into the JV family from our first day there,

and it has only gotten better since.

I am thankful for the women that encourage me, and support me.

I am thankful for our life team group, and the bond that we share.

I am thankful for the parents of our youth group that put so much time and work to support us in our ministry. 

I'm thankful for the elders, that continually work for our congregation and still take time to build us up and encourage us.

And I am thankful for the youth kids...but I already talked about them last week.

Here are some pictures of our Spiritual Family:

Words of Encouragement

Day 8: I am thankful for the kind words that some of my clients said to me. 

Working as a therapist, or counselor as many prefer to call it, can sometimes be a thankless job.

However, no one I know got into this field to be thanked.

We do it because it brings us joy and blessings, even without thanks.

Thursday I was given many thanks from my clients during the day.

One came from the sweetest, most encouraging message from a client I haven't seen in 2 months.

Another came from a crying, single mother, who was so happy to see her daughter smile.

And another came from a little girl, who gave me 3 hugs before she left.

These are rare jewels in the therapy field, so I know not to take them lightly.

I'm so thankful that God placed me in these peoples' lives, and that He knew exactly what I needed yesterday. It is only through Him that I have the wisdom to help them with whatever they are going through, and I give Him all the glory.

Day 9: I'm thankful for my parents. 

I'm thankful for the way that they raised me, the values they instilled in me, the faith that they taught me, the opportunities they gave me, and the woman they made me. 

As I was browsing through the Hobby Lobby Christmas decor (our 3rd Christmas store of the day) I caught myself thinking the exact phrase that I always here my Mom say:

"Well, that is too bright of a green."

"That is not the right color of red, it is too dark."

This is just one way that I am just like her - which is apparently just like her mom.

 *Sneak peak of what I bought today.

I'm so excited for the Holiday Season!

As for my Dad, I always know that anytime I have a question or a problem, I can call him and he will have the answer. 

Whether spiritually, financially, or politically - He knows it all.

This is one way that I am like him - because I know it all too. ;)

I am so thankful for you guys, and I'm sorry if I don't say it enough!

I love you guys!!

America and France

Day 6: Today I am thankful to have my faith and confidence in God.

A God who holds the world in his hands, and has complete control.

I must admit, I was a little disappointed with the election results. 

But I have faith in God, and in his perfect plan, and though I can't see the purpose now, 

I know He is going to work it all out for good.

*I loved that the people at Romney's watch party sang God Bless America

Day 7: I am thankful for my amazing birthday gift - tickets to Les Miserables

 This was my third time to see Les Mis, and I loved it more than ever.

It may even be my favorite musical of all time.

It's a tough choice between it and Phantom, it is that good.

I might have cried about 5 times during the show: partly due to sadness, partly due to how perfect it was.

My favorite songs were the two finales: One day more, and Do You Hear the People Sing.

And my favorite character was young Cosette. She had the most amazing voice singing Castle on a Cloud. Incredible.

Michael's favorite characters were the innkeepers.

He literally hated the rest of the show.

His favorite line was by Jean Valjean: ...to love another person is to see the face of God.

It was the perfect birthday gift!

And I've been singing the songs all day long.

 Here we are before the show, on the night that was full of people fighting for their voice to be heard.

Sister, Sister

Day 5: I am thankful for my Sister!

I am thankful that we have only grown closer over the years.

I am thankful for the ways that we are alike,

and the many ways that we are different.

And I am SO thankful that she found the perfect guy for her, Jon, 

and that they will be married in a little over 2 months!!

We spent a long time talking about all the details of the wedding, showers, clothes, and other festivities - which made me even more excited!

I know that it is going to be an absolutely perfect day, for the most wonderful couple!!

Love you so much Sister!!

*Photo by: Lisa George Photography

Hearts for God

Day 4: Today I am thankful for the church where God has placed us,

specifically the youth group.

If I'm not at work in the evenings, I am usually with these kids.

They never cease to amaze me with their desire to learn more.

They come to Bible Study with questions, and dig to find answers, organize outreach events, and put together their own youth events.

We are so blessed by them, in more ways than I could count.

Tonight we had almost 40 kids at our youth devotional,

and at least 5 of them were visitors. 

Love. Them.

 

Thankfulness

I decided to try something a little new for the month of November.

I've done the photo-a-day, and that was fun for a while,

but this month I am going to try writing something new that I am thankful for each day.

You've probably seen it on facebook from other people.

Michael made fun of those people.

So, I'm going to do it on here where I am fairly certain he will never see it.

*I hope to have photos that go with each one, but I have failed so far.

  Day 1: I am thankful to live in a country where I have the freedom to choose my country's leaders.

 Thursday Michael and I went and cast our votes with the other early voters.

We didn't wait in line at all.

It was awesome! 

I now I am looking forward to Tuesday when the polls will be closed.

Day 2: I am SO thankful for my husband! Duh!

But really, I hit the jackpot with him.

He is such a Godly man, a leader of our home, a hard worker, a great provider, 

and we have so much fun together!

Friday we went to see Wreck It Ralph (with all the kiddos)

and we absolutely loved it!

He is the perfect guy for me, and I'm happy God allowed me to be his wife.

Day 3: I am thankful for my Graduate School internship.

I know that it is the perfect place for me, and have already grown so much since I started working there this past June. 

Today I got to work with our director at a workshop that is part of the Houston Marriage Project.

It fills my heart to see the way that couples begin to communicate and come together in just a few hours spent focusing on each other.

It is so incredible to watch, and it reminds me why I got in to this field. 

So there you have it. 

My first few days of thankfulness.

What are you thankful for??

This Is (Was) Halloween

I was hoping to actually post this on Halloween, 

but one minute it's Wednesday, and the next it's Friday night.

I don't know what happened.

It probably has something to do with the fact that I am still taking my codine cough medicine.

Hours just slip away without me even realizing.

We had so much fun at our 2nd Annual Bible Study/Halloween Party.

Some of the kids even surprised us by wearing their own costumes!!

Here are some of the pictures from the night:

It's not Halloween without eyeball-cakeballs, and oreo ghosts

 *Please excuse the ugly ones made with lifesavers.

I was trying a Pinterest version...but I hated it.

Good ole gel icing it is!

There were some great costumes:

A Tourist with Santa

A Ceiling Fan (Most Creative)

The sweetest little Monkey you'll ever see (Cutest, duh!)

A dog chasing a cat, who is chasing a mouse.

And here is the whole group in all our costumes.

We are so blessed by these kids, and happy to have them in our home every week!

Plus, they took care of the huge caldron of candy that Michael bought since we didn't pass out any to trick-or-treaters this year.

Hope your Halloween was extra Happy!

s