Phoning It In #20

And now, a fun-filled Photo Friday post where I just throw in all the pics from my phone that haven't made it to the blog yet! ❤

"Movie Mondaaaay!!" ~Michael Scott

I took these three to Warren Theater for a fun movie night on Monday... hooray for movie theaters and icees and candy and time with the niece and nephews!!  Jace and Kyndal were seeing Sonic 2 for the second time, so Jace was kind enough to narrate THE ENTIRE THING for me, just in case I'd gone blind or something.  "Those footsteps you hear, that's Knuckles!!"  "He's gonna come in right over there -- I knew it!!" lol  He was so excited to be there and kept talking louder than necessary, so I was encouraging him to use his whispering voice... we'll work on that. lol

A week ago, Kristin called to see if I wanted to do lunch with her and the twins -- yes, please!!  We went to the Chick-fil-A by the courthouse... hopefully the first of many lunch dates to come! =)

Then we came back so they could take a quick tour of my new courtroom and office.  Yay for a cousins pic by the bench!

On the witness stand! =)

Our cutest jurors, Nash and Wesson!

Hard at work at my computer! lol 

Mom and I came to Tulsa for an exhausting weekend of packing... we made SO MUCH PROGRESS and are very nearly done now!  We made lasagna to save time, then realized we had packed every bit of silverware and didn't know which of the kitchen boxes it was in... so we were off to Casey's for some silverware (and dessert items)! lol

Larry and Becky (my neighbors) wrote a nice card and gave me this plant for my new home... I laughed when I saw that it was the Sweet Rose planter Kristin had gotten me!  So now I'll have one for work and one at home, and that makes me happy!

My Mother's Day collage for my wonderful Mom, who has definitely gone above and beyond in all the ways lately... helping me pack up the whole house and discard several carloads of trash and Goodwill boxes, surprising me with some new suits and boots (the general dress code is a little more formal here), and packing me a lunch before I leave on a couple mornings (super cute and thoughtful).

We had a Mother's Day brunch on Sunday at Cheesecake Factory in Tulsa... sadly, we were not the only ones who had that great idea! lol

Mom was very concerned about the Christmas reindeer since their antlers are fragile and Hobby Lobby no longer sells them... so we took them ourselves to keep at her house instead of having the movers put them in storage.  My car was fully loaded where nothing would move.  Seeing this reindeer standing tall in my rearview mirror on the drive home made me laugh!

Happy treats from Dad when we arrived back home that night!

A precious drawing of an angel panda bear from a precious Miss K to her Mom on Mother's Day!  Is she not the very cutest!?

This Foster family pic delights my soul, and the way God has timed everything makes me very happy, as well!

I took the kids home after the movie, and they had the car doors open longer than usual getting their backpacks, etc. out of my car.  Then on my 10-minue drive home from Rachael's, I was shocked and dismayed by the presence of some sort of flying bug that looked very wasp-like INSIDE MY CAR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD!  Nope.  I was at a red light when I saw it and immediately put my car in park... then I saw cars behind me and took a very deep breath and womaned up and drove forward and made the turn into the first neighborhood I could find!  Whereupon I immediately got out and called mom, rolling down every window and putting the sunroof back.  Couldn't find the bug again, but I drove home with all the doors down and my lips pursed so he couldn't fly in my mouth. lol  Needless to say, my feelings on stinging/flying bugs mirror Monica's sentiments on jellyfish!!

A friendly reminder from Chick-fil-A that I figured I'd pass on! =)

Side note: Did you know that the "F" in Chick-fil-A is not capitalized!?  One of many random things I've learned while proofreading!

An important reminder.

Mom and I went down on Wednesday just to check out my storage unit and make sure we knew how to get there and open it, etc.  Very thankful we did, because there was a leak, and now we've been able to switch units before we arrive with all my stuff on Monday!

I've already deleted this app, but here's a lovely painting-style profile pic it created for me, just for fun!

Dear Governor Stitt,

Please sign this bill and give me and all my court reporter and bailiff friends a raise!
Sincerely, Lindsey Claire

A lovely, strengthening reminder from one of my favorite Psalm chapters this morning... "God remains the strength of my heart" - yes, David, so good!!  A translation I memorized years ago phrases it: "But God is the Rock and firm strength of my heart; He is my portion forever." ❤

So I guess I'll bookend this post with the niece and nephews!  T-man and I took a delightful golf course walk after our swim last night... we saw a cute turtle and had a good talk (J&K wanted to rollerblade, and that's not as easy on the golf course).  I adore the scenic nature of golf courses, but I do not adore golf. lol  They did some renovations and are not opening that course back up to golfers until July 1st, so I'm hoping to get in a few more scenic walks before that!!

Okay, I'm really done now!  This will be moving weekend, so pray all goes smoothly!  For now, I'm off to meet Laura to catch up on life over Napoli's dinner!  Happy Friday the 13th, friends, and I hope you have a blessed weekend ahead!! ❤

"May" Blessings

This idea came to me while reading Psalms and noticing all the great verses that started with "May you..."  Then I looked it up in the concordance and found several more gems.  So in honor of the month of May, here are some wonderful blessings verses I collected... may they fill you with hope and encouragement as you read over them today!! ❤

• May Christ's power rest on you!
• May Christ dwell in our hearts through faith!
• May everyone see our progress!
• May God be all in all!
• May God's name and our teaching not be slandered!
• May He strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being!
• May I impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong!
• May you walk before God in the light of life!
• May others see your good deeds and glorify God!
• May our dying bodies be swallowed up by life!
• May our eyes be opened to see wonderful things in Your law!
• May our faith not fail!
• May our Father in heaven forgive our sins!
• May our God make you worthy of His calling!
• May our light shine before others, that they may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven!
• May our Lord Jesus Christ encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word!
• May sin not rule over you!
• May the body of Christ be built up!
• May the joy of Jesus be in us, that our joy may be complete!
• May the Lord silence every boastful tongue!
• May the message of the Lord spread rapidly and be honored!
• May those who love Your name rejoice in You!
• May those You love be delivered!
• May times of refreshing come from the Lord!
• May we be brought to complete unity!
• May we be complete, equipped for every good work!
• May we be truly sanctified!
• May we become wise!
• May we declare the gospel fearlessly!
• May we have an undivided heart to fear Your name!
• May we have discernment to understand your statutes!
• May we have peace in Him!
• May we live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness!
• May we not cause offense!
• May we not grieve as those who have no hope!
• May we number our days and gain a heart of wisdom!
• May we repent and turn to God, that our sins may be wiped out!
• May we approach God with freedom and confidence!
• May we be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming!
• May we be delivered from wicked and evil people!
• May we be encouraged in heart and united in love!
• May we be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law!
• May we be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith!
• May we become children of light!
• May we believe that God sent Jesus!
• May we devote ourselves to prayer!
• May we discern the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God!
• May we have life, and have it to the full!
• May we have the right to the Tree of Life!
• May we know and understand that the Father is Jesus, and He in the Father!
• May we know Him who is true!
• May we know the certainty of the things we have been taught!
• May we obey Your word!
• May we proclaim the mystery of Christ!
• May we rely on Your faithfulness!
• May we understand what God has freely given us!
• May we work together for the truth!
• May you be proved right when you speak!
• May you be thoroughly equipped for every good work!
• May you fight the battle well, holding on to faith and a good conscience!
• May you be able to discern what is best!
• May you be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God!
• May you be filled with joy!
• May you be glad and have less anxiety!
• May you enjoy good health and may all go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well!
• May you have great endurance and patience!
• May you know that you have eternal life!
• May you live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God!
• May you may enjoy long life on the earth!
• May you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit!
• May you stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured!
• May your daily life win the respect of outsiders!
• May your heart be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you!
• May your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight!
• May Your will be done!
• May Your word to me be fulfilled!
• May Your unfailing love be our comfort!
• May all who gloat over my distress be put to shame and confusion!
• May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You!
• May God arise; may His enemies be scattered!
• May God be gracious to us and bless us and make His face shine on us!
• May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through!
• May God's grace cause thanksgiving to overflow!
• May God's blessing be on His people!
• May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed!
• May He remember all your sacrifices!
• May He send you help from His sanctuary and grant you support from Zion!
• May He strengthen your hearts!
• May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ!
• May I dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple!
• May integrity and uprightness protect me!
• May our words benefit those who listen!
• May the church be one as Jesus and God are one!
• May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us!
• May the foot of the proud not come against me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away!
• May the glory of the Lord endure forever!
• May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him!
• May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had!
• May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all!
• May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance!
• May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other!
• May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way!
• May the name of our Lord Jesus be glorified in you, and you in Him!
• May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!
• May the whole earth be filled with His glory!
• May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer!
• May the Lord answer you when you are in distress!
• May the Lord cause you to flourish, both you and your children!
• May the Lord grant all your requests!
• May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness!
• May those who hope in You not be disgraced because of me!
• May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God!
• May we work so that we have something to share with those in need!
• May we sing for joy and be glad all our days!
• May we take hold of the life that is truly life!
• May we wholeheartedly follow Your decrees!
• May You have mercy on me, Lord!
• May Your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing!
• May Your love and faithfulness always protect me!
• May Your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need!
• May Your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in You!
• May you declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light!
• May you live to see your children’s children!
• May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ!

522 (Memory Monday)

"There are places I'll remember all my life, though some have changed."

~In My Life, The Beatles

Lord willing, next Friday (5-20) is closing day, saying goodbye to my wonderful first home.

I'm grateful for God's timing through this transition.  And of course, I'm feeling a bit nostalgic and thankful as I look back at 15 years of wonderful memories at 522 North Willow Court... I made a lovely slideshow to commemorate that below. ❤

I was so happy to find that song... I really do believe the best is yet to come!

Still, 522 will always be my first adult home, a place that has shaped me, and a home I really loved!  

It will always be the place where...

• I survived a season of intense rejection and a very rough start at my new home, but I eventually branched out and formed amazing friendships, mostly woven together through my church small groups!
• I gained a sense of independence and strength, and I learned to depend more deeply on friends since I didn't have family in the Tulsa area!
• I hosted the Bourne trilogy night during the infamous ice storm of 2007.
• I hosted several lifegroup parties and game nights, including a 2008 New Years Eve party where I was paired up with Chet Lee and Sarah Elizabeth!
• I learned to cook and bake lots of new recipes that have become old favorites!
• I hosted Friday night dinners in 2017!
• I deeply grieved the loss of the man I hoped to marry (2007) and the loss of my best friend (2013, 2021).
• I spent a lot of alone time with God and eventually forgave and found healing.
• I hosted multiple "Mockey Little Christmas" parties with the Wilson and Moss families!
• I chose the hot pink, turquoise, purple, and lime green colors for my first Christmas there, and I'm still a fan of that theme today!
• Mom and I decorated early (like mid-October) and amassed a large collection of glittering Christmas decor! lol
• I trained for and ran my first Half Marathon in 2009... and a few more after that!
• I welcomed the cutest best girlfranz, Sam-Puffins and Ella Bellsy (2013)! 
• I learned to love baths and spa nights (which began as an escape from a stressful roommate situation).
• I lost some weight; I gained some weight; and I learned to stop seeking quick fixes and stop associating my worth and value with my weight!
• I lost some friends; I gained some friends; and I learned to stop seeking people who don't treat me well and to stop associating my worth and value with their opinions of me!
• I hosted a fun Lifegroup Thanksgiving dinner in my garage (after Chet and Malori helped me paint it and redo the floor)!
• I learned (through phone calls from Mom) about the passing of baby Anthony Eugene (2013) and Kenneth Eugene, aka Grandad (2019).
• I introduced Chet and co. to Pitch Perfect! lol  "Why did I think this was a baseball movie!?"
• Painting the entire home before moving in (2007), redoing a few rooms in 2017, and redoing a lot more in 2020!!
• Lots of dinners, movie nights, and late night talks with Malori (roommate 2009), Laura, Tiffany, Sarah, Jenna (roommate 2016/2017), and Brittany (roommate 2011)!
• I lived through the craziness of 2020 and the early days of the pandemic... I remember opening my windows, coloring, journaling, texting with friends, and taking neighborhood walks to keep my stress level low!
• I gained more confidence and wisdom (by walking with God through hard experiences and seasons of insecurity).
• I began my adoption journey and took the first steps toward becoming a mom!
• Mom and I packed up the entire house over the course of two very long, exhausting weekends... and rewarded ourselves with a Mother's Day brunch at Cheesecake Factory!

Moving week ~ August 2007
Grandad cut these boards to fit across my bathtub so I could paint the magnolias. =)

In summary, God timed this perfectly, so I'm not struggling with melancholy doubts or wallowing in sadness over this move.  My lonely nights gradually increased as most of my friends married and formed families and/or grew busier with work, so my heart was prepared and longing for this change, to move toward adoption and to spend more quality time with people I love!  I don't know all that lies ahead, but I feel hopeful for the future.  And I am sincerely thankful for the people I have loved (and still love), the things I have learned, and the memories I have made at 522!!  It was a beautiful and nearly-perfect first home for me, and I hope the next homeowner enjoys it as much as I did! ❤

Photo Friday

 Happy Friday, friends and family!

Another weekend of packing and fighting allergies lies ahead... and my third work week (and first "normal" non jury term week) is now behind me!  I've been in court a couple times, but I've had plenty of downtime at work to blog, email, watch Sister Act 2, finish and mail a transcript, create a lovely 522 memories slideshow, etc.  That makes me happy, especially in this season where my nights and weekends are chock full of activities!  I've gone to the gym a couple times in my lunch hour (and a half), and I stayed in for lunch with Cheryl, Melissa, and Desiree yesterday.  I'm getting into a good routine already, so yay for that!  Next weekend is moving weekend, so unfortunately, we have to spend part of Mother's Day weekend packing! 

Anyway, on to the photos... we had a couple rainy swims during this stormy week.  I love the backyard view at my parents' place, and I love swimming and playing sharks and minnows with the kids!

Also very thankful for the pool heater!

The Miss K taking her temperature every 30 minutes willing herself to be sick and miss school like the Jaceman! lol

She got to miss a bit of school due to having a tooth pulled, but mostly, she's been healthy and happy.  And precious! ;-)  Here she is Facetiming me last weekend just to show me her blue tongue. lol

Her laugh brings me so much joy!  I just love her!!

A meme that made me laugh clarifying Tornado Watch vs. Tornado Warning!

And a couple good quotes from Atomic Habits... these metaphors definitely resonate with me!

And I've thought a lot about what he says below about embracing the endless/daily nature of things.  There's not an end date for good habits, and that's something I would do well to keep in mind!

And now I'm headed to meet Kristin and her boys for lunch - hooray!! ❤

That's all I've got for today.  Hope you have a great weekend ahead!

After The Storm

"Night has always pushed up day.
You must know life to see decay,
But I won't rot. I won't rot. 
Not this mind and not this heart...

There will come a time,

You'll see, with no more tears

And love will not break your heart

But dismiss your fears

Get over your hill and see

What you find there

With grace in your heart

And flowers in your hair."

~Mumford and Sons, After the Storm

Those lyrics are a great reminder for me of our hope in the coming Kingdom of Christ!  Light follows darkness.  Our bodies will grow old and decay, but our minds and hearts will be renewed, and God will give us new bodies in heaven.  Someday, there will be no more tears and heartbreak, but a depth of love surrounding us that makes us feel continually safe and seen and treasured. And the flowers in your hair line just makes me think of the beauty and grace that will cover everything there. ❤

And now, a daily life and photo update...

We made a lot of progress in packing last weekend, but we'll be back for at least part of this weekend to keep that going.  This Sunday is Mother's Day, then next Sunday will be my official moving day - (as in moving my stuff from my first home to a storage unit).  Packing my Christmas stuff was a glitter-fest, as you might imagine. lol  We poured all these ornaments out very carefully into a trash bag, then wrapped all the glass jars and packed them (again, very carefully).  Every year, Mom wants to wash the glass containers and I talk her out of it.  So this year, we'll finally get to do that. #happymothersday ;-)

Our daily walk and talk time continues and always makes me happy!  The Jaceman is sick with a fever and flu-like symptoms, and I'm sick with an obnoxious sinus infection... so prayers appreciated for us to get well soon and that no one else gets sick!!

Today is a rainy day, and it's been a stormy week in general... this = Rach showing J&K some footage of the May 3rd, 1999 tornado whilst we watched the weather for possible tornadoes and talked about lots of past storm memories on Monday night.

T-man suggested that we get a selfie, and I'm always up for that!!  I'm excited to go see the new Dr. Strange (Marvel) movie with him tomorrow night! ❤

After the storm, Triston texted me to go look at the sky.  Mom and Dad joined me, and we all thought the bubbling clouds and the whole color outside was cool!

I got to cover an adoption docket last week... it was exciting and emotional to watch several adoptions being finalized and see the happy families clapping and taking pictures with Judge Stanley, and I found myself wondering if I'll be on the other side of the bench in that same courtroom for a final adoption hearing someday!

I also took my first Prelim record this week (the main type of case I will be in court on here).  It was fun, and I think that'll be an interesting docket most of the time!  I think part of me will always want more sass and drama from the attorneys and witnesses, and I blame Aaron Sorkin for that. lol

And here's two "Way-Back Wednesday" pics from Easter of 2011... I remember that day with cute little 3 and 4 year old Triston and Carter!  Time moves fast and life changes in unpredictable ways, so here's a friendly reminder to be present and make the most of the little moments! =)

There are six other court reporters in this building - all have been really nice when I've met them.  But one of them named Melissa has really gone above and beyond, stopping by to check in a few times, taking me around the building and introducing me to everyone, showing me where the Clerk's Office and the CR supplies are located, teaching me to work the recording system, telling me about some interesting trials, and answering all my random questions!  It's made a huge difference for me, and I'm verrry grateful for her thoughtfulness there!  We had two new reporters come to work in Creek County over the past year, and I was kind and friendly when I met them, but it honestly never occurred to me to go beyond that.  IT WILL NOW.  Change can feel overwhelming, and it's never easy being the new person in a place where everyone is already settled into a specific routine and no one sees it as their job to train or help you, but a little kindness goes a long way in seasons of transition.  So I want to remember this experience and be more quick to notice and go out of my way to check in and help others when they're the new person in the future! ❤

Here's a quote I shared on Facebook recently.  I know this to be true from life experience on both sides of it, and it's just a good reminder to pay attention and choose empathy and be kind!

That's all I've got for today.  Hope you're all having a lovely week, friends and fam!