Thanksgiving Break

No, Michael and I aren't in school anymore, but it still makes sense to call this past weekend our Thanksgiving break because we were both off work most of the week. 

We left 40 degree Houston Tuesday morning, and for the first time ever the car thermometer went up as we drove. I couldn't believe it.

We got to Tulsa in time for dinner Tuesday, and were so excited to see our girls.

One of the first things Emmy said was "Oh, I like your nails!" so after dinner we had a painting party.

 ^^Immediately after this picture, Emily scratched hers off.

Whatevs.

The best part of the day was tucking the girls in to bed.

Uncle Mike and Emily both said our bedtime prayers and they were off to dreamland.

^^All the girls piled into Emily's bed

^^Sweet baby Kayley

On Wednesday we all took a trip over to the Jenks Aquarium.

This is by far the best aquarium that I have ever been to.

Okay, I've only gone to one other in Seattle, but that one was really terrible.

We had so much fun running around with the girls and looking at all the fish.

^^Ashley said later that she was feeling grumpy in this picture

^^Emily begged me to take her picture with this nutcracker.

And then she asked me to mail her a copy.

It goes out tomorrow.

Girl has me wrapped around her little finger.

Wednesday night Matt finally got to town and we all went out to celebrate his 30th birthday.

We were so excited to give him his mug from the first Starbucks.

And he was even more excited to receive it!

Of course, Ashley and Emily were just excited to play with Buster.

 Our last day in Tulsa was spent with my father-in-laws side of the family.

We don't get to see them much, so it was really fun to spend the day with them.

Not to mention that Michael's Grandma is a phenomenal cook!

 ^^With the girls on Thanksgiving

^^Johns family photo, 2013

Michael and I left Tulsa on Friday, and met my best friend Kelsey and her boyfriend for lunch.

I didn't get any pictures :( but it was such a great lunch.

Plus, we got to spend a little bit of time with my grandparents, 

and break of the long drive a little bit.

Of course, I can't go through Thanksgiving without thanking God for my own little family.

I am so thankful for my guys, and the love that they give me.

I am richly blessed.

Fall Crafts

I don't know what it is about fall that always brings out the crafter in me.

The past two years I have made wreaths.

 ^^ 2011 Wreath

^^ 2012 wreath

This year, I decided to do something different.

Mostly because I don't have anymore fall months that need a wreath for the door.

I had seen this idea on Pinterest, but can't find it to connect the original link,

so just know that some other blogger thought of this - not me.

As usual.

I'm an excellent copy cat!

First, I glittered up a bunch of clothes pins.

I used the same method as earlier this summer on my heels found here.

Its very simple. 

Just mix mod podge with fine glitter (I used Martha Stewart's) and paint it on one side of the pin.

I used 2 coats, because after 1 the wood still came through and I wanted it to be all glitter

Next, I hung some twine on the mantle. 

A good friend of mine used her Cricut to cut a bunch of fall leaves for me.

^^ A better picture of the clothes pin

What's the point of all these paper leaves??

During Bible Study each Tuesday in November, the kids are going to write something they are thankful for on a leaf. 

By the end of the month our garland will be covered in leaves.

I was really excited about the idea, and fully anticipated the kids thinking it was lame,

but they were super sweet and acted excited about going along with it.

They really are the best!

 ^^ The finished Fall mantle, but the leaves hadn't been written on when I took the picture.

My other little project is something I have been wanting to do for a long time.

We got our lamps for very cheap when me moved in an apartment with no overhead lights.

I have hated them the entire time.

They are plain, and white, and just not attractive, so I gave them a little makeover.

Much better!

The only problem is that the burlap really limits the amount of light they produce.

They look great in the daytime though!

There you have them, my Fall Crafts for this year.

I love them, and they have helped me to not skip right over to Christmas - like I really want to.

Happy Fall! 

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.