OCTOBER 2022!

  QUOTE OF THE MONTH:

"It is no kindness to treat unhappy people as helpless, hopeless, or inadequate, no matter what has happened to them. Kindness is having faith in the truth, and that people can handle it and use it for their benefit. True compassion is helping people help themselves.”
~William Glasser, Choice Theory

OCTOBER MEMORABLE MOMENTS

• Fun with friends at Rachel's birthday brunch in Tulsa!
• Joining Mom and the kids to watch Carter Lee play football
• Kyndal Faith's first book being dedicated to me!
• Seeing Mean Girls in theaters just for fun
• Two Taber walk-throughs to ask for and approve small corrections
• Fun with friends at the "Marvel movie night" where I only saw five minutes of the movie
• A good dinner talk with Sarah Elizabeth at Charleston's
• Helping Rach update her resume and cover letter
• Closing day, moving weekend, Mom joining me for my first night in the new home
• The Wilson fam's surprise visit on moving weekend!
• Lots of help from Kristin and Al and the Parrish fam
• Tons of unpacking, organizing, and decorating work (and lots more to go)
• My second role play video CCU homework -- less intimidating this time, so yay progress!
• LIFE-GIVING:  Feeling so much support from friends and family!!  Learning about plant propagation - more on that later, but the metaphor for my life at the moment made me happy!
• LIFE-DRAINING:  Moving.  Happy to be here, but the process is draining for me until things truly feel settled (which will happen over the next couple weeks).  I'm verrry glad I took a rest day on Sunday!

HAPPY LISTS

I Listened To:

• Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John

• The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why it Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It by Kelly McGonigal

• Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls (and Everything in Between) by Lauren Graham

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

• Choice Theory: A New Psychology of Personal Freedom by William Glasser

• The usual favorite podcasts!

I Watched:  

• Finished The West Wing, Season 3

• Mean Girls in theaters

• Fixer Upper: The Castle on Hulu (with Mom)

• Schitt's Creek on Hulu

I'm Celebrating:  

• My new home - YAY!
• Persevering through exhaustion/doubt to keep pursuing school goals and other dreams

Yay, Taber Homes!

Happy Halloween, friends and family! =)  It's the first Halloween in several years where my house isn't brimming over with Christmas decor, but we'll remedy that soon!  What a month this has been!!  I hope your October held lots of good memories, and I hope to see you again soon, maybe at my new place! ❤

"May you enter His gates with thanksgiving
and His courts with praise!"

(Psalm 100:4)

A Day of Rest

Happy Sunday!!  Mom and I are both worn out and feeling discombobulated, so we decided to take today off from any moving/decorating work, which is super appropriate since it's the Sabbath day.  And I'm guessing it'll be lovely and refreshing, and we'll be ready to get back to it and finish things up this coming week!

I've been looking at wall art options lately, which is kinda dumb since my goal was simplicity, and I have a lot of stuff I already own that I don't necessarily want to hang in this house.  I've ordered something for my living room wall that I'm SUPER excited about and will post here when it arrives.  And now I've randomly decided I need a hot air balloon pic somewhere in my house. lol  All the pictures I see with them feel so cheery and hopeful and whimsical to me!

See!? lol  I clearly need that in a frame somewhere, right?

My high school class had their 20-year reunion (crazy) during my moving weekend!  So many people showed up, and it made me happy to see this picture.  (I immediately recognize and remember everyone but one guy - so maybe he's someone's husband who hopped in this picture accidentally?)

I have a fridge - huzzah!!  It's the first time I've had the French doors and the freezer on bottom, and I like it so far.  I also have a dryer now, but not a washer because Home Depot is incompetent and surprisingly unhelpful.  It really feels as if no one cares about customer service at this point, which has become increasingly frustrating to me.  *BUT* I can't fix or control it so I shouldn't worry about it, and it will all get done eventually and be a lovely home!

A few pics from Jaceman and I taking a delightful neighborhood walk on my last night at Mom and Dad's house!  We got Domino's for dinner, and Rach and Dad both pulled in and chatted with us as we were walking by the gate!

Kristin and Frankie and the boys came by for a bit yesterday... it made me happy to see them excited about my house, and I love that they quickly called my pink couch and ottoman a "cotton candy couch!" lol

Donuts delivered from Dad. =)

In the failed wall art department, I ordered this cute pantry sign on Etsy, but I didn't measure things first, and it's too big to look right on that wall... so we hung it up *inside* the pantry! lol  Whatever - still cute, and I have something cute to hang above the door too!

I did my first Peloton ride with Cody in my new office/workout room on Friday - it was fantastic and fun, as usual!

Another meme from Chet Lee that feels appropriate now! lol

Speaking of The Office, here's a Dwight pic someone put up at the courthouse that makes me laugh on my walk in...

And here's some encouragement for you from my Write the Word journal this week:

The God who called us is faithful!  And He wants to enrich our lives with vibrant relationships, hopeful thoughts, and experiences that help us grow!  Hope you have a lovely and restful and refreshing day, friends!!

May you be enriched in every way
as you live in Christ Jesus! ❤

The Golden Calf

Just got a big transcript order, and I have a homework essay that's due today.  So naturally, I'm in the mood to write a blog post. lol  ...whatever, I'll make it quick!

I've been thinking a lot about idols lately.  One of Jace's CHA notebooks was open yesterday, and I noticed pictures of Transformer toys cut out of magazines, along with a pic of a nice house.  He came over to tell me the pictures they chose were supposed to represent their "golden calf," things they really love or really want that had potential to be idols in their lives.  He said, "so for me, it's Transformers (points dramatically)... and nice houses because I love nice stuff!!"  It was super cute and hard for me not to laugh.

But in reality, all of our idols are equally ridiculous when you think about them in comparison to the healthy, vibrant, powerful relationship with the creator God of the universe that we are giving up!  It's a bowl of soup versus the birthright blessing.  The ridiculousness of the Israelites melting down their own jewelry and then worshipping something they sculpted from it is matched by the little things we allow to get in the way of our having real power in our walks with God.

For me, the current pictures would probably be junk food and fun TV shows that are way out of line with my Christian values.  I want them in a way that feels more like a need or craving.  The enemy wants me to have them too - increasingly easy access.  It's easy to view them as mostly harmless, and they will never be easy to give up.

In Kings and Chronicles, the Bible records the stories of Godly kings and wicked kings... along with several kings that were mostly good in their lives and leadership, BUT they failed to tear down the pagan shrines and idols.  The kings who chose to honor God and smash, cut down, and remove all idols -- they were able to build up new things, fortify their kingdoms, and enjoy peace and rest from their enemies.  (This post HERE describes it in more detail.)

God kept a very clear record of all of that:  He blessed those who chose to fully honor Him, and He called out the sin of those who did not, even when they were decent leaders who worshipped Him.  He also records how their choices affected the following generations.  It seemed like a small people-pleasing thing for them, but it mattered.

Getting rid of idols is sooooo much easier said than done, but I'm reminding myself today that these little things that I work so hard to convince myself don't really matter -- they DO matter to God.  He sees. He knows. He cares.  It's mediocrity versus excellence.  It's living with God's anointing versus living without it.  I understand that I am saved and going to heaven either way, but my earthly future can be good-ish with loads of little compromises, or it can be filled with a radiant, God-given authority and peace.  My legacy can be "she lived a meaningful life that honored God and changed the lives of so many others" or "she was nice."  It's my choice.  And it matters.  And I need to remember that!

May you flee from idolatry...

and may the Lord give you rest from your enemies!

Moving Weekend Recap!

Happy Monday, dear friends and family!  I am officially a homeowner again - huzzah!  Moving is a lot of work - I don't recommend making a habit of it - but I felt lots of love and support from my family and friends this weekend, and that part of it was pretty awesome!! ❤

And now, a ridiculously detailed moving weekend recap with all the photos:

YAY for my new welcome sign (Cracker Barrel gift shop) and welcome mat (Hobby Lobby) and festive red bow (courtesy of Taber homes)... welcome, welcome to my new place!!

Friday was closing day - the closing was at OKC Abstract out by Quail Springs... lots of paperwork to sign, but it was smooth and fully completed in about 40 minutes, which was awesome!!  I got a couple pics with Hunter, my realtor (technically, my realtor was Shane, and this is his son, who is also a realtor).

Some celebratory champagne + chocolates + house keys! =)

I was pretty happy to see a pink moving truck!!  And also happy to be done dealing with the surprisingly unhelpful Public Storage - fare thee well, Unit 1027!  (The team from All My Sons worked hard and fast and did a great job, once again!!)

Mom stayed with the movers as I went to meet Rayco Pest Control to get my house sprayed... what a fun surprise to see this bow and welcome mat, then the gift bag and letter in my kitchen - really nice!  The bag included some paper towels, toilet paper, soap, trash bags, popcorn, plates, and this Taber tool kit, which was all VERY helpful on moving day!

Our first (and only) tragic loss so far... I so adore these dishes, but I still have a set of 10, so no major harm done.

The Parrishes came by to help out on Friday and Saturday!  Miss K made me the lantern Rachael's holding... which matched her shirt almost perfectly!  They worked hard and helped A LOT, even though these pics aren't the best representation of that. lol  We also looked at scrapbooks and talked about pictures... and Miss K made the T-Swift heart in my new pantry! lol

The first pair of shoes to rest on my new chair belonged to Miss Amelia Belle! lol

Al came by both days to bring the chair and help with lots of heavy stuff, and Hilary and Amelia came by to see the new house, too!

Kyndal being sad she couldn't help as they were shaking out the kitchen rug! lol

This particular moving box with the "GL" covered cracked Jace and Kyndal right up! lol

Mom and I stayed past 10 and put up this lovely little (very little) photo wall!  We made 12x18 adhesive posters at Walgreens.  I love it, and it was so much more simple (and easier to remove) than our first method!

I woke up to a call from Home Depot on Saturday morning... they gave me 5 minutes notice rather than 30, and I was not at the house, and they were unwilling to wait 15 minutes.... so I won't have my fridge and other appliances until tomorrow. #lamesauce  

Kristin came by that morning and stayed to help us through most of Saturday!  And we got to catch up on some important life events toward the end of the day, which was also great!

I had a very fun surprise that morning when Chet and fam arrived from Tulsa!!!  They brought me this easy-to-manage plant in the supercute Friends planter!!  Along with my closing gifts from Chet and Debbie, and a cute throw pillow Karli made for me!  YAY, Wilson fam!!

In the meantime, Best Buy came by to mount my TV - no internet at that point, but it looked good (and I'm thankful you can't see the small scratch I caused with the tall lamp back in April)!

So much great help with unpacking and organizing and more!!  Chet and Al worked together to rearrange some heavy furniture and make the rooms perfect - I'm pretty excited about the pink couch fitting in my room now!

First time visiting the neighborhood playground with the Wilson and Parrish kids... fun!

Followed by a group lunch at Slim Chickens!!  (Mom was also there and took these photos).

Peek-a-boo with Miss Parker Elizabeth!  Babies are the best peeking at you while thinking they're hidden! lol

Over the past three days, we got every box except the Christmas decor unpacked, which is awesome!  Haven't hung up any pictures aside from the adhesive wall, but lots of progress on arranging and decorating the rooms!

It's interesting figuring out what fits where and reorganizing things in the new space!  I'm excited to hang some things on the walls and have it completed soon... but enjoying the process more than expected too.  Decorating bookshelves is always fun for me!

Since I won't have a washer until Thursday, Dad took lots of laundry to their house and did it for me... so nice!!

Loving my new headboard and navy bedding... with my old bedding mixed in!!  Navy alone is too dull, and the paisley alone is too much, but this combo feels right for me! =)

It was a good and very productive weekend!  And I guess that's all I have for you today.  Hope you have a great week ahead!

"May God, who gives this patience and encouragement,
help you live in complete harmony with each other,
as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus."
~Romans 15:5

Phoning It In (#21)

Happy Wednesday, friends!

"I praise Your name for Your unfailing love and faithfulness,
for Your promises are backed by all the honor of Your name.
On the day I called, You answered me;
my strength of soul you increased."
~Psalm 138:2-3

God is faithful and kind.  His love for us never waivers or fails.  He cares, and He is right there with us in hard times.  And He has good things in store for our future!  

Unfailing love and faithfulness.  Promises backed by all the honor of His name.  I needed that reminder this morning, and I hope it increases your "strength of soul" today, as well!

Anyway, here are some pictures I had saved on my phone, both new and old!

Miss K driving the golf car with Grandpa whilst Jace hops on top for a photo op!

Mom's favorite chocolate chip-less cookies! lol  (I'm a big fan, as well - the dough is also pretty great!)

An Instagram pic of Melanie and Sophie from The Big Boo Podcast that I've listened to for a few years!  They're hilarious and laugh a lot on the podcast, so this picture made me happy!

Mom and I have been tasked with helping decorate Chet Lee's Keller Williams office for Christmas.  I hadn't thought much about it, but Mom quickly made a "Chettles Christmas" pinterest board and pinned a bunch of ideas. lol

We considered making a Tulsa trip, but ended up staying in OKC and Facetiming with Chet while we were in At Home in Edmond and he was in the same store in Tulsa. lol  They're leaning toward a silver/champagne/gold/white theme, so that'll be a fun new thing to try!

My new Betsy Johnson "graffiti" charm purse arrived this week - the back one covered in colorful hearts + a few gold charms that include a lightning bolt that makes me think of Harry Potter. =)  Kudos to Betsy for designing my three favorite pink purses!  And that should probably be enough now. lol

Dad took the kids to Main Event during Fall Break, and I was proud of him for taking several pictures as they did the ropes course...

His newer iPhone takes much better quality photos, so they turned out really well!

Yay - I remember well when K was too little to qualify and J was too scared to try to do this, so it's nice to see these pictures now!

Dad had around 2,000 pictures on his phone (every photo he's ever taken with any iPhone), so I went through and sent myself some of the cute pics and videos before helping him clear the clutter.  Rach and the kids pulling weeds?  Jaceman joining Grandpa on a park walk!  J&K at the feet of the huge Transformer Bumblebee!  And Dad and Jace riding back to their car after his first OSU game!

Dad had some golfing videos with Jace that made me very happy!  This = golf, Chuck E. Cheese, park, and more golf!

Toddler Jace was the very cutest.  He loved to put the ball in with his hands, then say, "yaaaay!" lol  That 2013 pic of him with Riley is super sweet.  And his expression in the right pic makes me laugh!

And two pictures from around this time last year when Dad and Rick went to see Michelle get baptized - yay, God!

I have one final walk-through this afternoon, then my closing on Friday.  Then it'll be a whirlwind of moving and unpacking and installing new appliances and rearranging and setting things up and Christmas decorating until my new house feels like home... yay!

That's all I have for you today. 

"May God's grace be eternally
upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ."