Flashback Photo Friday!!

Just in case you were wondering, the Finale of American Idol Season 1 was 13 years ago today!!

September 4, 2002

Aww, Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini... 
was there ever really any question as to who would win!?

Randy, Simon, and Paula... the original judges, back when the show was new and epic!

I didn't get into it until the last 5 weeks of that season, but then I was ALL ABOUT IT and rooting hard for Kelly!!  Girlfriend can SAAANG!!  I remember Paula crying when Tamyra Gray was voted off, and I still have several burned mix CDs with songs by Nikki McKibbin, Tamyra, Justin, and Kelly!!  Good times. =)

Crazysauce that it was 13 years ago... the same year I graduated from CHA.

...and the year of my one and only semester at OBU (Oklahoma Baptist University) in Shawnee!!

Since I'm also all about the record keeping, I know that this exact day 13 years ago was a Wednesday, and that Mom, Rach, Jordan Law, and Mark Richards drove to Shawnee when they got done with school to see me and my new dorm room!  We all had an early dinner at the happy Garfield's restaurant on Kickapoo Street, which I'm sure was fun for me, as I was still pretty set on marrying Jordan at the time. lol

Then they drove home, and I went back to my Kerr basement dorm room (#106) and watched the finale.  And I was SO EXCITED that Kelly won!!  I still love her and her music today, so yay for that!

By Season 2, I had moved back home to start Court Reporting classes at Rose.  Me, Mom, and Rach were obsessive about watching Clayken and co., (and I still contend that he was robbed)! #AmerAikenIdol lol

Anywho, here's one last pic of me and Kayla White, one of the few new friends I made that semester at OBU.  She was hilarious and expressive and a good person for my quiet self to know that year.  That was also the first time I'd ever dyed my hair red, and I loved it!  And aww, I miss that red cross necklace (a high school graduation gift from Trish Randolph).

Okay, that's all for now.  Lauralai is on vacation in Virginia (we miss you!), so I'm doing a bit of bailiffing, which is always intense.  I came in early to get the insane Tuesday Prep checklist completed... because Judge decided to close at noon today, which = awesomesauce!

HAPPY FRIDAY & LABOR DAY WEEKEND, friends!! =)

Quotables

"I mean, I'm saying this in the nicest way... Tommy: Disappointment. Eric: Utter Disappointment."  ~Chettles explaining to Sarah why she should be the favorite child lol

"I had a LOUSE on me!!"  ~Sarah telling a dramatic story about taking care of a PICU kid who had lice - I never knew that "louse" was the word when it's singular, but it cracked me right up! :) Mouse and mice, louse and lice - makes sense, I guess.

"Wellllll, it's about time for you guys to go!  We've got lice and bronchitis over here!!"  ~Chetley when they had me and Sarah over for dinner

"Yeah, or since he bombed a building, they should just put him in an old abandoned building somewhere, then blow the thing up!!  ...I've got so many solutions, but no one listens."   ~Chet on solving the crime problem by killing those who kill others for fun without giving them 100 years to file appeals first

"Because you know we got BAD blood!  ...Bullets don't make bullet holes!!" ~JEM happily singing T-Swift as I was quietly shaking my head
"In fact, that's exactly what bullets do!"  ~Laura
"Is that not right?"  ~JEM
"No, but keep trying!" ~Chettles =)

"If I have to be injured, I can't think of a better way than taking a warm yeast roll to the face!"  ~Chet discussing the idiot that sued Lambert's for being hit by a roll

"He had cancer.  ...Then he got over it."  ~Jeff's semi-awkward interjection in our conversation about Matt Chandler's church lol

"Oh. Well, that's good for you!"  ~Chet (about Paul moving)

"May there be nothing in my life that is dishonoring to God, destructive to myself, or hurtful to others!"  ~Pastor Craig in a sermon on sin

"This cake is so good.  It's probably the best cake in the world!  (pause)  ...Except for God's - God's cake is probably better."  ~Triston complimenting Mom's chocolate cake! lol

"You gotta keep an open mind and at least try things before you decide."  ~Uncle Alan
"I know I don't like broccoli and I've never tried it.  It's pretty obvious!"  ~Triston (with some attitude)

"We draw our identity from others, specifically from the person upon whom our life has had the greatest impact!"  ~John Eldredge

"That was straight up God, because that does not just happen!"  ~Me after hearing the story of Jon accidentally touching a live wasp nest and not getting stung
"YES!  Thank ya, Jesus!  Hallelu-yer!!"  ~Jon Foster

"I'm laughing in horror!"  ~Chettles after hearing my story about Babah getting hit by the car

"What were you two arguing about?"  ~Policeman questioning Babah that morning (funnier if you know how sweet Grandad is)

The rest are from Sound of Music because I watched it recently and remembered all these great quotes:

"What is the most important lesson you've learned?"  ~Reverend Mother
"To find out what is the will of God, and to do it wholeheartedly!"  ~Maria

"Still eating, Max?  Must be unhappy!"  ~Captain VonTrapp (aka Captain VonSexyPants #Rachael)

"Oh dear, I like rich people!  I like the way they live!  I like the way I live when I'm with them!!"  ~Uncle Max

"You're far away; where are you?"  ~Baroness
"In a world that's disappearing, I'm afraid."  ~Captain VT

"My daughter, if you love this man, it doesn't mean you love God less... You have to live the life you were born to live!"  ~Reverend Mother

"He has got to at least pretend to work with these people. You must convince him!"  ~Max
"Max, I can't ask him to be less than he is."  ~Maria with the best line of the movie!

And we'll end with an adorable scream from Miss Kyndal Faith!  I just love how she throws her little hands out!! :)

Feeling Grateful...

*My apologies in advance for the ridiculous length of this post.

Last night, I hosted a potluck dinner and movie night with a few of my favorite people (the Vegas 7, to be exact).  I dusted and vacuumed my house, set out my new foldup chairs, went to Reasors for groceries and fresh flowers, then cooked the "KFC" (Kristin Foster Chicken) Recipe and some penne pasta with tomato sauce and parmesan!!  The Wilsons brought the movie (Get Smart, which was fun to see again) and some roasted vegetables, JEM and Kelly brought potatoes with rosemary (all from Jeff's garden), Kyle brought a tasty selection of drinks, and Laura brought a Reeses pie for dessert! =)

Here's a group shot of us after the movie:

(I'm a little shiny, but such is life when I do any cooking... it always makes me hot. lol)

Seven plates, happy yellow daisies, seasoning mix for the chicken, potatoes, chicken, veggies, pasta, more veggies, and drinks! =)

JEM and Kelly reminiscing with my 2014 Scrapbook... The guys ready to spray and kill a wasp by my front door... Lauarlai and the fluffelpuff girlfranz!

Table setup with my new foldup chairs (yay - crazy that it took me 8 years to buy them!)... Karli grading schoolwork, and Tall Kyle wordlessly taking the least comfortable seat for watching the movie - always so thoughtful... the cozy couch - Laura "resting her eyes" and JEM and Kelly watching the movie... and a rare non-posed pic of Chettles! lol

Chet with his Whole30 guacamole and JEM with a random sprig of rosemary! lol ...The leftover Reese's pie... the night is not complete until JEM puts something on his head (it's the same rosemary, but you can't really see it thanks to my decorated cabinet tops... Laura and a smiley Sammich!

All in all, a very fun night!!  I was relieved and happy that everyone seemed to enjoy the chicken, and felt proud of myself for finally stepping up to cook and host! =)  This has been a great season for me trying and cooking some new things, and the best part of it is getting more comfortable with hosting fun dinners with friends!!

* * * * * * *

I read a post today that reminded me that everyone goes through the struggle of waiting and comparing themselves to others who already have what they want -- there are a number of steps we can take in obedience to God, but we all have to lean on His grace and learn to trust Him in the areas that we truly cannot control!  Sometimes Satan can convince us that waiting means we are unworthy of having certain things, but it's a lie -- not having something yet does not mean you don't deserve it.  Everyone's journey is unique, and God is working behind the scenes when we don't see it yet.  I absolutely still want to get married and adopt and have a family, and I believe that wanting that is good.  But today, I am feeling extremely grateful for the strong community of friends and family in my life... that I don't have to go through this time of prayerful waiting alone!!

...I remember vividly my first night in the dorm at OBU, my RA made a speech about how we might miss our families right then, but pretty soon, the girls on our hall would become our new family.  She obviously meant well, but my 18-year-old already homesick self felt repulsed by the thought of anyone there ever replacing my actual family.  Now I have a clearer understanding of what she meant about friends who become like family.  I have my immediate and extended family, two women's lifegroups, a new mentor relationship I'm excited about, my amazing friend Klambster (Kristin Foster), and the nine Tulsa friends that have become "my people" over the past eight years!!  

I am deeply thankful for this group... Laura, Chet, Karli, Jeff, Kelly, Kyle, Sarah, Jessica, and Evan!

So many memories and quotes and trips and celebrations and prayer nights and good times with these people!  They were quick to be there for me in a very real way when I needed them most two years ago.  And at this point, I genuinely feel thankful that I have a solid group of Godly friends rather than one single best friend that I always turn to!

I'm thankful for all the fun we've had, and even more so for the deep conversations and heart connections!

"We can choose to let suffering soften us or harden us... We can choose whether we will love Jesus in it or resent Him for it! Only one set of choices will make us more beautiful." 

~Stasi Eldredge

The above quote is so true.  (It was on my Timehop as something I shared two years ago... I'm sure at the time, I was trying to convince myself to love Jesus enough to let go of bitterness.  Not gonna lie, it took me a while.)

But God is faithful, and He pursues us even when we stop pursuing Him.  And there is abundant grace for us when we struggle and go through suffering, so I feel no condemnation over that!

I am so thankful that Christ in me is stronger than depression, stronger than wrong desires, and stronger than apathy.  I am thankful that God pulled me out of the dark pit I felt trapped in.  And I am thankful that Christ in my friends helped me get through a season when I was too bitter or numb to sense Him working in my life.

"He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm."

~Proverbs 13:20

"My command is this:  Love each other as I have loved you."

~John 15:12

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

~Proverbs 27:17

"The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray."

~Proverbs 12:26

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."  ~Romans 15:13

These guys are especially hilarious, and I'm so thankful for all the laughter and joy they've brought to my life!!

"Your love has given me great joy and encouragement."

~Philemon 1:7

  

Almost done here!  Just feeling thankful for God's grace, and wanted to write a tribute to this group of friends who have shown me grace and brought a lot of joy and encouragement and fun to my life!!

I know I am weak on my own, but I feel so much stronger lately, and that is purely the joy and power of God!  I'm feeding my spirit and body with better things that foster strength and life, and I'm thankful for the spiritual strength of my friendships to sharpen and keep me going!!

With Love,

Words of Wisdom Wednesday

Happy Wednesday, friends!  

Here are a few "words of wisdom" to encourage you today:

"But the Lord is faithful; He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one... May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ."

~2 Thessalonians 3:3,5

"There has never been a single great leader who has self-identified as a victim...  The more a person can self-identify as STRONG (even if they really are a victim) the more they will be chosen to lead!"  ~Donald Miller

Oh, and Happy National Dog Day, apparently!!  It's been fun seeing pics of everyone's puppies on Facebook! =)

I'm sure that Sam-Sue and Bellsy-Bells are making the most of this momentous occasion. lol

Memory Monday (Random)

So first off, here's a cute rainy-day pic from this Saturday morning with the LG girls, before the Walk to End Alzheimer's was officially cancelled due to lightening...

And now, two screenshots with several FB pictures that I'll caption for this Memory Monday post!!

1.  Me and Natalie G. in her new house (in the process of being built.)
2.  Scott, Kim, and Alli in my living room for a Changie LifeGroup hangout!
3.  Me, Kim, Alli, and Natalie in a super-random bathtub pic... (this was right after I bought my house in 2007, and we wanted to see if we could all fit in it.)  :)
4.  Me and Courtney hanging out at Utica Square!
5.  Getting ready for S'mores at the LifeGroup Hayride and bonfire at Camp Loughridge!
6.  LG Halloween 2007...  Kim = Nurse, Alli = Christmas tree, Me = Pam from The Office, Caleb = Mike Gundy, and Chris = Doctor.
7.  Me, Kimberly, and Ruth at the Cheesecake Factory!
8.  Bobbi, Marcy, me, and Tara Lynn ice skating!
9.  Marcy, me, and Natalie Lovenburg in all our wintery cuteness!
10.  Klambster... that's my new nickname for her because it combines them all... being adorable on the ice!
11.  Me, Bobbi, and Angie shopping at Target to fill LifePacks
12.  Natalie and I at a Christmas parade promoting the soon-to-open South Tulsa Campus!
13.  Kristin, Angie, me, and Nat L. at Bobbi's 1st Christmas Shenanigans PJ party!
14.  My awesome halo pic - still love it!!
15.  Duke, Mark, me, and Bobbi on the Bourne Trilogy night during the epic Ice Storm of 2007!
16.  Klambster cheering for Alli playing Jenga at my 2007 Christmas party!

1.  Laura, me, and Liz in our matching bridesmaids dresses at Kristin's wedding (...we each got to pick our own and all 3 of us got that one! lol)
2.  Me and Cassie at her wedding reception!
3.  Me and Jennie Curran after Cassie's wedding
4.  The happy poster to sign for Cassie and Philip
5.  Former roommates pic - Annie, LB, and Sarah
6.  Jon Foster and I at their reception
7.  Me, Michelle, and Rebecca
8.  Kristin and Jon cutting their wedding cake
9.  Kristin, Laura, me, and Ingrid getting ready at the salon (not sure why these are in such a weird order)
10.  Me and Laura at Purple Glaze
11.  Klambster and I at her bachelorette party!
12.  Gabby Douglas winning the gold (whilst we were at the Sand Springs Roller Skating joint! lol)
13.  Group pic at the bachelorette party
14.  LB, me, and Kristin at Charleston's
15.  Grandad and the Jaceman at Cheddar's for Grandad's b-day
16.  Chet's Murder Mystery B-day group pic!!

(And now I feel torn between getting red vs. blonde hair next time I go in. lol  Brown or Red for fall is always fun, though.)

*Happy Sidenote:  This blog (started in September 2013) hit 25,000 pageviews yesterday - yay, milestones!

A couple encouraging verses to end on:
"I felt my strength returning. 'Don't be afraid,' he said, 'for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!'"
~Daniel 10:18-19

"So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless!"
~I Corinthians 15:58

Thankful Thursday! (70)

Well, it turns out this writing stuff is hard work!!  But I'm keeping my promise to myself not to blog unless I've written 1,000+ words a day, which is why I'm starting this post at 11:08 tonight. lol

This will just be a quick "Thankful Thursday" note!  Today, I'm grateful for...

1.  Getting to take off work today and attend the Catalyst Conference with my Dad and my Aunt Charlene!!  (I didn't expect to be able to get people to cover for me in court, so it was a great happy surprise!)  And it was fun to randomly run into Tall Kyle... "So is this conference gonna be your next blog post?"  "Very possible!"  "I don't have any great quotes for you!" lol

2.  Hearing Craig and Andy Stanley give several great mini-sermons about leadership and influence through the day... and getting to meet Andy and get his autograph - YAY! :) 
(*Andy and Kyle's shirts kinda match!)

3. Getting to have Andolini's Food Truck (Vesuvio pizza) for lunch and Ted's for dinner (plus a McAlister's brownie last night)!! lol  I'm not making any restaurant purchases, but the brownie was my choice of "payment" for this calligraphed verse for Chettles, and Dad bought lunch and dinner today! #awesomesauce

4.  Finally getting the girlfranz vet and grooming appointments out of the way! lol  :) #lionmane

5.  Planet Fitness -- I'm still loving it and feeling good about my new routine!
6.  The Jaceman starting Pre-K yesterday!!  (It's a 2-hours-a-day, 3-days-a-week little school, but he loves it... despite being put in "time out" today. lol)

"I had so much fun, Mamaw!" -Jace when Rach and Mom came to get him

7.  Getting over this bronchitis, slowly but surely!

(You know I had to use this. lol)

Verse for the Day:
"For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of Light! For this Light within you produces only what is good and right and true... Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them."  ~Ephesians 5:8-11


May we be bold and let the light of Christ shine in us and through us!!