NOVEMBER 2022!

QUOTE OF THE MONTH:

“I DON'T CARE!" Harry yelled at them, snatching up a lunascope and throwing it into the fireplace. "I'VE HAD ENOUGH, I'VE SEEN ENOUGH, I WANT OUT, I WANT IT TO END, I DON'T CARE ANYMORE!"

"You do care," said Dumbledore. He had not flinched or made a single move to stop Harry demolishing his office. His expression was calm, almost detached. "You care so much you feel as though you will bleed to death with the pain of it.”
~J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

NOVEMBER MEMORABLE MOMENTS

• Watching Jace and Kyndal in their Saturday basketball games at Destiny Christian!
• House progress:  Spray painting the iron thing, James hanging all the big stuff, getting my tree bridge picture, SealWise floors
• The MWC Tacos 4 Life finally opening - two dinners there so far
• Sarah Elizabeth coming to stay with me!
• OSU game with Dad and Charlene
• Learning that Sharon Hainzinger died
• Long overdue lunch with Ashley
• Baking and cooking a bit more in my new kitchen
• A Mockey Little Christmas with the Moss family coming to visit
• Mom getting her new red Escalade
• Pentatonix concert (really great) + catching up with Tulsa friends that day
• Dad's fam touring my house then a belated Thanksgiving dinner at Justin and Anna's on Black Friday
• Rainy but super fun OSU game with Kristin!
• Celebrating a belated Friendsgiving #11 with a fun small group!
• Decorating the KW office with Mom and Chet Lee
• LIFE-GIVING:  Quality time and good talks with friends and family!  Two OSU games with some of my favorite people!  Seeing family members I hadn't seen in a while!  Encouraging people who are hurting.  Listening to some really great audiobooks! 
• LIFE-DRAINING:  A bit of family drama in an ongoing custody battle.  Feeling discouraged about habit changes - it's much harder to eat healthy through the holidays, although it never comes "easy" to me.

HAPPY LISTS

I Listened To:

• Acts - Colossians

• The Bodyguard by Katherine Center (light and fun)

• In the Wild Light by Jeff Zentner (really good!)

• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling (*my favorite fiction book)

• Good Boundaries and Goodbyes: Loving Others without Losing the Best of Who You Are by Lysa TerKeurst (cannot read books like this without thinking of my broken friendships, but it's well written and has some solid, Godly advice from a woman whose faith has been tested!) 

• The usual favorite podcasts - started back through Annie and Eddie, which always makes me happy!

I Watched:  

• Glass Onion in theaters (entertaining)

• The Newsroom seasons 1-3 on HBO Max (written by Aaron Sorkin - loved it - went through it quickly)

• Spirited on Apple TV+ (meh... good cast, bad script)

• Chuck, the last 4 episodes of season 2 on HBO Max -- (I've come back to that exact 4-episode arc again and again - soooo good!)

I'm Celebrating:  

• Sustaining faith in God's goodness, His love and grace, and His power and authority to bring justice!
• Personal growth
• Several mutually beneficial friendships with healthy boundaries =)

We've made it all the way to December, gang - crazy that 2022 is almost over!  This was a very eventful month with work and school ramping up + lots of gatherings and several fun events!!  I am grateful for that... and I am tired.  Only two more weeks of school this year - YAY!  I hope you have a lovely Christmas holiday ahead! ❤

May you be kind and compassionate to one another,
forgiving one another,
just as God also forgave you in Christ.

(Ephesians 4:32)

The Order of the Phoenix

I listened to Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix again this month, and I've decided to write about why it's my favorite fiction book ever... I could write a lengthy paper on that topic, but since I have an actual lengthy paper due this week for school, I'll try to keep this brief. lol

More than any other book in the series, this one correlates to our situation as Christians living in today's culture - the massive final battle is not here yet, but we know it is coming and would be wise to prepare.  The fierce determination, hope, courage, strong friendships, and willingness to fight are all powerful and poignant in this book.  Harry knows the truth about their hidden enemy, and there are a few loyal people who believe him and are banding together and preparing to fight.  But mostly, Harry is being mocked and belittled and isolated for speaking truths people do not want to hear.  They prefer to stay in denial, and that tension makes his life increasingly difficult.  When Luna reminds him that the enemy probably wants him to think he is all alone because he's less threatening that way, I love that so much!

The original "Order of the Phoenix" included Harry's parents, their friends, some of Harry's professors, Neville's parents, and more.  The enemy army was powerful - Harry's parents were murdered and Neville's parents were tortured into insanity.  In this book, Dumbledore and the adults around them are forming a new Order of the Phoenix... and Harry and his friends form "Dumbledore's Army."  Harry wrestles with self-doubt, but he is just beginning to see himself as someone who could lead and teach others.  He starts to step into that role in this book, and I could not love it more!  It's a subtle but critical shift for him and his friends to begin to see him as the leader.  When he and Neville look at the picture of their parents and Neville says he's proud to be their son, then Harry says, "We're gonna make them proud, Neville!"  Get out - I can't even handle that - it's so good!!

P.S.  I adore Neville, and the Christmas on the Closed Ward chapter (#23) will always make me cry.  Harry and his friends are teenagers who are just beginning to grasp the gravity and seriousness of the situation they are facing - they do not take it lightly.  When the woman who tortured Neville's parents breaks free from prison, he gets very serious about learning to fight, and his skills improve drastically.  Neville is one of my favorite HP characters for sure, and I love that he gets to kill the snake in the end!

Ron is a loyal friend and one of my favorite characters, as well!  Ginny is finding her voice and she and Harry are developing a better friendship, which makes me happy, as does the idea of him marrying into the Weasley family and doing all the holidays with them - it's so freaking perfect and just as it should be!  Fred and George are determined to fight back, making quite the scene as they leave school behind for good.  They are all realizing that fighting this enemy is more important than school rules, grades, etc.

The relationship between Harry and Sirius is so well written!  For Sirius, Harry has stepped into the role of James as his closest friend.  And for Harry, Sirius has stepped into the father role since James cannot be there.  They need each other and are protective of each other.  It is a short-lived but intensely meaningful relationship.  When they're fighting side by side, it's the very best... 

And then there's Bellatrix, an incredibly well cast villain... she murders Sirius in front of Harry in the "Beyond the Veil" chapter, which I already wrote about here.  Harry's parents died before he got to know them, and his mentor will die later, but this is a massive and very personal loss, and you feel it with him.  I appreciate that Lupin is there to help him.  And toward the end of the book, Luna saying, "Things we lose have a way of coming back to us in the end, if not always in the way we expect" is a lovely  subtle reminder that the people we love and lose are not gone forever.

The loyalty of Harry's friends in his time of need is touching... the way the six of them (three future couples) work together in the Department of Mysteries is phenomenal.  The light vs. dark as the Order rushes in to rescue them from the trap = also great!

Then that final scene of the movie is epic... an exceptional depiction of good vs. evil, the battle between Voldemort and "the only one he ever feared."  When he tries to control Harry, and Harry is able to resist him and push him away by focusing on people he loves - brilliant.

And in the end, Dumbledore and Harry sit down to talk, and again, I love everything about it.  The whole "you do care" scene, followed by Harry learning about the prophecy that set all of this in motion.  Finally understanding that he had been singled out by the enemy, and boldly choosing to prepare himself to step. up. and. fight.

There is more goodness, of course.  It's a very long book with many stand-out lines for me.  But that's the gist of why it's my favorite!

"It was, he thought, the difference between being dragged into the arena to face a battle to the death and walking into the arena with your head held high.  Some people, perhaps, would say that there was little to choose between the two ways, but Dumbledore knew - and so do I, thought Harry, with a rush of fierce pride, and so did my parents - that there was all the difference in the world."
~the absurdly brilliant J.K. Rowling (*this quote is actually from the next book in the aftermath of what happens in the Order of the Phoenix) ❤

Traveling Weekend Recap!

'Twas an eventful Thanksgiving week for me!  I already wrote about coming to Tulsa on Wednesday to see Pentatonix (excellent) and getting to catch up with Laura, Tiffany, Chet, Sarah, and Steve that day!  Thanksgiving Thursday was Salt Grass lunch with the fam (minus J&K who were with Josh), followed by a movie with Dad and Triston and a restful dinner at home (just me, not at all sad about it).  

Black Friday was our big Thanksgiving celebration with Dad's side of the family, hosted by Justin and Anna!  (Our first big get-together since this one in 2019).  Here's a picture of the kids from oldest to youngest, minus Triston and Carter, who I'm sure would've thought they were too old to join this group.  I love that it is bookended by two sets of twins!

Most of the fam came by to see my new house for a bit before going to the Peavlers, so that was fun!

Saturday, Kristin joined me for the OSU game!!  I had to grab a picture with Pistol Pete!

We accidentally went to the wrong floor, but they gave us special tickets to be able to use both floors, which came in handy when we were grabbing free candy from a few different stations. lol

It was an 11am game, so they served breakfast and lunch and dessert... cheesy hashbrown casserole, waffles, white cheddar mac n' cheese, pulled pork sandwiches, nachos, Snickers ice cream bars, and more!  We stayed inside for most of the game.  I got a picture to commemorate Kristin "waving the wheat" after OSU's last touchdown, and we left just after singing Friends in Low Places one last time in the 4th quarter -- it was OSU's last home game this season, and I'm grateful we got to go enjoy it!!

It rained through our entire drive both ways, and on our walk back to the car, my glasses fogged up and I got soaked (in spite of my cute rain jacket).  

I took Kristin home then went to my house and changed into dry clothes... then I got back in the car pretty much immediately to drive to Tulsa for the second time that week for Friendsgiving!!  Chet felt that it was a hot mess, but I enjoy smaller groups and was happy I came!

Something that makes me happy -- This was Friendsgiving #11, and it was attended by 11 people, comprised of four different families (four kids there, two more on the way)...

Friendsgiving #1 was also attended by 11 people, single friends from 11 different families.  Each of us have moved at least once since this photo was taken in 2012.  The group dynamics have changed and shifted drastically, as all small groups tend to do.  There have been engagements, weddings, children, moves, career changes, health issues, changing lifegroups, and relational ups and downs, not to mention a global pandemic!  But this tradition has held strong, and I am super grateful for it!  (I also love that Chet, Karli, Jeff, Kelly, and I were there for both events - the "Mockey Little Christmas" crew going strong! lol)

I laughed a lot when I looked up and saw this over their balcony!

Mockey and the boys! lol

We had tacos, chips and queso, rice, pies, whipped cream, and brownies!  And we all went around saying what we were thankful for - each person taking their time since it was a smaller crowd.  Tate mentioned trains, trees, leaves, and Parker's OSU hoodie on his gratitude list, and that all made me happy!  Then we got a few photos.  Fun!!

The Mosses offered me their guest room, and I am very thankful for their generosity and kindness there!  But I didn't have all my stuff, so I made one last rainy drive home on Saturday, then rode with Mom on my 3rd Tulsa trip for the week on Sunday, coming to help decorate the Keller Williams office, per Chet's request!  This = an ornament chandelier Mom made!

A few pictures of the work in progress...

We went with Chet's plan to make it a "winter wonderland" with an elegant flocked tree with white, gold, silver, and champagne decor!  It turned out better than I expected, but I won't be veering away from color anytime soon. lol

We ran out of the fun white curly stuff, but one more layer of that, and this tree will be complete!!

Mom glued those ornaments, etc. onto the ring to make this table centerpiece, as well!

The garland and wreath... it all turned out great!  Chet did all the ladder work, and I applaud him for that!  It was nice to see Mom's vision come together from the ground level this time! lol

I decided to get a quick photo just as we were all about to leave, and I just love it!!  The Mueckes and the Wilsons - cuteness! ❤

It was over 11 hours of Tulsa/Stillwater travel for me this week, but all very worth it -- and it gave me loads of audiobook, podcasts, and music time, which I always appreciate!!  And that's all for my weekend recap! 

May you believe that God exists,
and that He is a rewarder of those who sincerely seek Him!

(Hebrews 11:6)

Thanksgiving Thankful Thursday! (#152)

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
His love endures forever.
Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story -
those He redeemed from the hand of the enemy."
~Psalm 107:1-2

*I have a whole 10-point list here, but the most important thing is #10, so if you're short on time, scroll on down to that one!

Happy Thanksgiving, friends!  Today, I am thankful for:

1.  My new cherry blossom tree-bridge picture!!  Ahh, I adore it!  (*"Tree bridge" is really one of my made-up words, but it's catching on amongst my friends and family.  lol  I love it when trees are large and their branches intertwine to form a bridge-effect above you... a lovely tree bridge, and it brings in some pink to that corner of the room - yay.)  This is a real photo from the Botanical Gardens in Brooklyn, NY.  They applied an oil painting effect to it so it wouldn't look blurry enlarged.  We may try it on another wall where it has more breathing room, but I'm loving it here right now - I've spent a stupid amount of time staring at it already - the peaceful path gently scattered with petals, the glints of sunshine pouring through, and the hopeful springtime vibes with all the pink make my soul happy!  I legit think my home in heaven will have a real version of this in the backyard, and that makes me smile. =)  It's a Kingdom hope reminder for me. 

Here's a close-up shot -- my immediate favorite image that popped up when I Googled cherry blossom trees. ❤

2.  These apple dumplings (Pioneer Woman recipe) - yum!!  "Fill me with sweeeet sugary goodness!" lol #candymountaincharlie

3.  Time with family... including watching the kids in their basketball games last Saturday!

4.  Adorable children (this is during and then immediately after saying "cheese," and I love it), and stories like this that give me hope for my future family.

5.  The Moss fam coming to visit me!  (This is the only photo I hadn't already posted from that day.)

6. This book - a wonderful story about love and friendship and grief and finding your voice and your place in the world.

7.  Getting to see Pentatonix last night with Sarah and Steve!!  A fantastic concert and fun time there and at dinner with them!

8.  Also getting to see Chet Lee and his KW office... Mom and I will be back there on Sunday to help decorate it for Christmas!!

9.  Catching up with Tiffany and Laura over lunch at Patriot Cafe in Sapulpa yesterday!  Fun times!  *Also grateful for my fun new "Peloton Queen" shirt (they partnered with the band, and the back says "Don't Stop Me Now," which is a cutesy Peloton message as well as my fav Queen song!)

10.  The hope we have in Jesus.  I know that could sound trite or cliche, but I mean it very sincerely here.  I had a sobering conversation recently that served as a checkpoint for me in my witness and a reminder of the sustaining power of faith in my life.  It is literally why I am still here.  There is so much pain, chaos, anger, confusion, loss, and deep need swirling around in the world... many have left the church, and some are walking away from faith altogether.  The only thing strong enough to anchor our souls when we get pulled into those storms is the presence of Jesus - the  love and belonging and grounding eternal hope we have in relationship with Him.  With  lots of love and gratitude for everyone who reads this blog, and lots of compassion for those who are hurting today, I hope you hold on to Jesus and find comfort in His presence.  Draw near to Him, and He will draw near to you.  Seek Him with all your heart, and you will find Him.  

"May the Lord bless you and keep you."

MM ~ A Mockey Little Christmas, Part 5

The Moss fam stopped by to visit me this Sunday on their way back from Andrew's wedding in Denton, Texas!  It was lovely to see them and catch up with Jeff and Kelly.  And Miss Ellie Faye (who made a beautiful flower girl) was delightful, hugging me and giving all of us some stickers to decorate our clothes!  I baked some cookies and they brought Chipotle for us to have lunch together - yum!  I gave them a quick house tour, and we chatted a bit and watched The Santa Claus in the background (because JEM  knowing lots of quotes from it years back still makes me laugh)!  Jeff said the new house feels "very Mockey-ish," which made me happy. lol  And somewhere along the way, we decided this will count as this year's "Mockey Little Christmas" party. lol  (Much like the year when the Wilsons came over and we had Los Cabos to go.  Pretty much, if I host the Wilsons and or Mosses and have my Christmas tree up, it counts. lolol  Huzzah!)

Ellie was happy about seeing the Christmas tree, and I'm sure she'll be excited to go get their tree next weekend! =)

Jeffrey transporting Mom's centerpiece back to the table -- and suggesting I take a photo bc he knows me well enough to know I'd make him move it again if I missed the moment -- we had to move this to be able to see each other during lunch! lol

The Santa Claus - a Disney+ classic!

Ellie was a big fan of my red heart pillow, and I thought she looked super cute in this big chair!

Jeffrey pulled out the scrapbooks and we reminisced about past Vegas trips and more!

Jeff swinging Ellie like a bell! lol

Them warming themselves by my fireplace. lol

A final group photo in front of my new cherry blossom tree picture - which I adore - more on that later!! ❤

2018-2021 pictured below... all epic and well-attended parties! LOL  I'm a Christmas-loving introvert who thrives in small groups of people who know each other really well, so this "little" Christmas tradition feels fitting!! ❤

I'll try to plan ahead better and make it a legit event next year - should be easier without the chaos of moving.  But it was lovely to see the Moss fam!  Today marks one month since my closing date, and I feel so very grateful that five of my Tulsa friends have already come by to visit me in my new house!!  (Eight if we count the mini-BFFs).  I love that! ❤

Hope your Thanksgiving week is off to a good start!  

May you grow in the grace and knowledge
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Thankful Thursday! (151)

"Oh come, let us sing to the Lord;

let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation!

Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving;

let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise!

For the Lord is a great God,

and a great King above all gods."

~Psalm 95:1-3

 Today, I am thankful for:

1. The fun annual tradition of going to an OSU game with Dad and Charlene - always a treat!! ❤  (Also thankful for Dad having the suite tickets with free food and comfy indoor seating this year... they had chicken pot pie, baked potatoes, beef bourguingon, rolls, burgers, nachos, hot dogs, and more... along with tons of drinks and dessert options!)

2.  The joy I feel when the whole crowd sings Friends in Low Places!  I bolted out the door for that - I freaking love it - my favorite moment of these games for sure (right at the start of the 4th quarter)!  I also enjoy the crowd excitement as the whole team first enters the field, and being in the middle of the celebration when it's a close ending and the Cowboys win, as was the case this time... so many people cheering and high-fiving each other makes me smile!! =)  Pictured:  Me and Charlene braving the cold to sit in our outdoor seats just for the halftime show - lol (the band did a military tribute for Veterans Day that I loved)... every player touching the "Believe" sign on their way out of the locker room... not sure why we have these OSU alumni bags, but they came in handy for their clear purse rule, and for grabbing extra candy for our drive home! lol ...and bottom right is people singing and swaying in unison to Friends in Low Places! =)

3.  Sarah Elizabeth coming to see me last weekend!!  She stayed the night on Friday, and it was really nice to see her and catch up!  This = our pic celebrating the first snow of the season, which you can't see at all here. lol

Before our Charleston's dinner and BJ's pizookies to go -- yum! -- we went by the courthouse and I gave her a mini tour, which was fun times! =)

4.  Bill and Jill, who went back to Vegas to celebrate their 11-year anniversary last week - (crazy it's been that long!!)  Bill surprised Jill with these shirts, and they got a pic in front of the chapel where they got married, and that all made me very happy!  They're just cute and fun! 

5.  Fun card games with the cutest person I know... just stacking her cards in her blue putty and telling me all about her basketball game that afternoon, cracking me up with her feisty, competitive spirit!! ❤

6.  My happy Christmas house!  I've been turning the fire on when I settle in to watch TV at night, and the combo of that and the Christmas tree makes it all feel cozy and comfy!!

7.  Catching up with my cousin, Ashley, over a long lunch at Blu in Norman (the city where we both work - yay)!

"May the Lord give strength to His people!
May the Lord bless His people with peace!"

(-Psalm 29:11)