Seven Swans A-Swimming

1.  Walking to the Big Dipper after Sarah's Birthday dinner at Charleston's!
2.  Pool party with the Whitaker fam around Diesel's birthday!
3.  Chet Lee's Birthday dinner at Whataburger!
4.  Seeing Superman in 4Dx with the Parrishes!
5.  Happy summer pic with two of my favorite people!
6.  Pool pic with presh Parker Elizabeth!
7.  My candidacy website launch... (it will make a comeback eventually)!
8.  Final Tulsa pic with the Shoemakers after the Farewell Fiesta party!
9.  Girls pic, 4th of July party at Mom and Dad's!

This = month number 7 in my 12 Days of Recaps with a few blog quotes and my top nine photos from each month of 2025!

JULY:

"You know when a player lobs the basketball from half-court as the buzzer goes off, and the shot goes in?  Well, in light of knowing it was the final day of the first half of 2025, yesterday felt kinda like that! lol  ...I received an email from Dallas IVF approving the embryo match, so that's big news and further than I've ever gotten before! ...I also finished setting up my HIPAA-compliant business email, simplified website, and Pyschology Today page, so YAY for getting those time-consuming-but-important things done yesterday!!"

~Halftime Pep Talk, 7-2-25

"Every once in a while, I'm just gripped with intense thankfulness to have a friend group like this.  Seeing Parker and Hope and Kristin holding hands while Chet prayed was one of those times."

~Food & Fireworks with Friends, 7-7-25

"Exactly six years ago today (7-7-19), Chet invited a few friends to help his clients paint their new home.  That was my first time meeting Mark and Rachel.  They came to Friendsgiving that November, and to nearly every fun friend group event over the past six years!  I so appreciate people who show up and participate and engage in conversation, and they've been top-tier, dependable friends in that way through the past six years!! With this move, they will be closer to their families and better able to support Rachel's mom through her cancer treatments.  So I'm sincerely happy for them, while being genuinely sad to see them go!"

~A Fond Farewell Fiesta, 7-7-25

"After 10.5 months without counseling a single client, my LPC-Candidacy has finally begun.  My first session back took every bit of two hours, but it went well... It's such a learning curve in the beginning with all the new software and mountain of paperwork and regulations and more, but the actual real life connection and the sense that (with God's help) I am capable of helping someone improve their life in a real and lasting way makes the rest feel very worth it... Trying to reframe the nerves as being excited - and honestly, both are true."

~I'm Back, 7-16-25

"Signed the contracts to officially adopt 2 living-but-frozen Snowflakes embryos (on 7-18-25 - YAY!!), writing a thank you note to the placing parent today, and navigating next steps and medical appointments moving forward... I'm planting good seeds, and God will decide what grows from it!"

~In God's Hands, 7-28-25

"Dr. Burkhart:  "I have seven weeks with you, and I want to push you as hard as I can, but I want you to know that I am doing that because I actually care.  I am 100% here to support you… My motto when it comes to teaching classes is: High expectations and high support!"

~High Expectations and High Support, 7-29-25

"The exit on the way to Dallas IVF is "Legacy Drive."  Reading that made me happy, so I snapped a picture... My emotions did such an intense down-and-back-up swing during that appointment - I feel truly relieved and grateful that I get to move forward here!"

~A Clear Path Forward, 7-30-25

(*The very next day, I got a voicemail from Dr. Ku that changed the entire trajectory of that story, but for that one day, things felt glittery and perfectly aligned.  Reading that post is still hard for me now, but I'm also highlighting it for myself to remember how easily we can get it wrong and misinterpret things as "signs from God" when we want something and get caught up in our emotions about it.  Not a shame-based thing, just a reminder to try to be emotionally healthy and prayerful and wise and maybe a bit better at guarding my heart in the future - not putting expectations on God for things He never directly promised.  Hard but important.)

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Random Christmas Cheer

After mocking it for a tiny minute, I hypocritically jumped on the AI Christmas portrait trend. lol. Umm, yes, please to this flat stomach and glittery dress!  ChatGPT randomly making my hoop earring a hook is funny to me - AI does so many odd little things like that.

For the record, ChatGPT taught me that you have to be extra-specific in a way that feels a bit comical in the prompt:
"Create an ultra-realistic professional portrait using the uploaded image as the exact identity reference. Maintain exact facial structure, proportions, and likeness of the person in the photo. Confident female realtor, early-40s, modern hairstyle. Wearing a tailored silver sequin gown. Holding an oversized pink and white lollipop prop. Luxury Christmas editorial photoshoot, candy-themed holiday set with soft snow, decorated Christmas trees, warm glowing lights. Bright, natural smile, relaxed confident pose. Studio lighting, sharp focus, shallow depth of field, high-end fashion photography, 85mm lens look, cinematic color grading, magazine cover quality realism. Do not change facial features. No face swapping, no age change, no exaggerated jawline, no extra fingers, no warped hands, no cartoon style, no AI artifacts, no blur, no over-smoothing skin.”

You're welcome.  Obviously, you change the age, gender, and clothing according to what you're wanting.  The no extra fingers or warped hands made me laugh!  (It only says realtor because that's what started this random trend - I saw two posts like this on FB, then made one to text Chet to be funny.)   In Debbie's photo, I told it to keep the dog, and it did a good job!  It makes me very happy seeing her and Mia! lol  She was texting Chettles not to jump on this trend right before I sent the pic of him, then he had me make one for her too and she said they should both be on FB! lolol

We need a higher quality pic of Rach for it to start from - it kept changing up her face (and giving her less modest clothing).  Her commentary was entertaining, as per usual, and we laughed about that whilst halfway watching the CHA Christmas program!  It was reminiscent of me trying to use ChatGPT to make a flyer for Chet a few months back when it kept his exact clothes but made his face about 10 verrry different people. lol

It's got the face-matching down for the most part now!!  Look at this Christmasy cuteness - fun! =)  I believe the quality level of the original photo makes a big difference in the result.

Anyway, back to reality, Kristin and I took a lovely winter-wonderland walk at the Station on Wednesday!  A nice warm-up before our delicious Hideaway pizza! =)  It was great to catch up with her!

The Mini-Miss K had her final CHA Christmas program Thursday night (it's elementary only and she's in 6th grade)!

Haydenn, Kyndal, (not sure), Story, Colin, and Talon!

Proud grandparents! ❤

My lovely prayer plant or peacock plant from Trader Joe's - both names make me happy.  I've always loved that it moves every day, but I didn't know what it was called until this week.

The last-minute group pic after Kyle's bday lunch with the guys at Napa Flats!  I so appreciate them humoring my love of pictures even as I'm 100 miles away. lol  Looking forward to seeing Jeffrey Edward and Chettles and their families in MWC tomorrow morning!!

This was my final Friday working at the Cleveland County Courthouse, and it was a half day thanks to the OU Alabama game (they shut the courthouse down early due to the extra traffic in Norman). lol  Google tells me Alabama is up 34-24 right now.  As per usual, I don't really care who wins, but I have friends and family who are passionately cheering for one team or the other!  I was just happy to have the afternoon off, and very thrilled that Mom and I went to get new phones today - yay for quality photos for Christmas!! ❤  This is a pic taken before my arrival at work this morning of lots of Cleveland County employees (Judge Brockman included) in their best OU gear. lol

On a related note, I think about this scene a lot! lol

Mmkay, that's all I've got for you today.  Happy Friday!!

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Six Geese A-Laying

1.  Me and Sarah after lunch at The Collective in OKC!

2.  Mom and Dad's 44th Anniversary group pic at Bricktown Brewery!

3.  Program from Kristen's funeral service ❤

4.  Pic with Dr. Burkhart and Dr. Philip at CCU, Day one of the PhD Program

5.  Pool fun with Jace and Kyndal Faith!

6.  Dinner and a movie with the girls at the end of our first doctoral Residency weekend!

7.  Celebrating Rach passing her CPC-A exam!

8.  CFA lunch with the Wilsons after Kristen's service!
9.  Thunder playoffs game with Dad, Rach, and Kyndal!

This = 12 Days of Recaps with a few blog quotes and my top nine photos from each month of 2025!

JUNE:

"Over 80 people applied, 18 were admitted, and 17 are in our current group! "

~Doctoral Residency, Part 1, 6-6-25

"Dr. Elliott:  "You are where you are supposed to be - do not let go of it easily!  You made this decision with fortitude and faith and determination... and the only way you won't make it through at this point is if you choose not to make it!" 

~Doctoral Residency, Part 2, 6-8-25

"The rejection I've endured means it usually takes me a whiiiiile to really trust people and be vulnerable with them, and when I finally get there, not everyone has handled it well.  I’m so very thankful for the people in my life who have loved me well -- not perfectly, but consistently... they have been a tangible picture of God's love and His refusal to give up on me - it's why loving others well is so important to Jesus."

~Love and Leadership, 6-11-25

"Kristen shared about her daily routine and the physical pain she was experiencing and the loneliness of some friends/family distancing themselves from her suffering... She was feeling pretty good that night but had been diagnosed with pneumonia earlier that morning, and neither of us had any idea how quickly things would shift... The day before their trip back to Oklahoma, she texted: "God is giving me a peace and looking forward to going home."  I so appreciate the double meaning there."
~Love and Leadership, 6-11-25

"I am beyond grateful for Emily's validation, gentleness, empathy, support, example, and wisdom!  Feeling seen and heard matters, and even if we only discussed some of the above one time, it's made a difference for me."

~Therapy Takeaways, 6-13-25

"I had a real chat with God during my walk yesterday... God helped me see that using AI through this doctoral program would be a lot like driving myself through the marathon course... That inner picture and thinking about what I want my "finish line" to feel like made it all very clear to me."

~Moral Authority and Finishing Well, 6-26-25

"I am just beginning to lean into the new identity of seeing myself as a leader... my goal is to grow in that and become an author and maybe a speaker eventually."

~Thankful Thursday #227 (Leaders), 6-26-25

"When it's just me, I feel more freedom to feel my own emotions (as opposed to monitoring others and making sure they're okay), and I cried more than I have cried at any other funeral."

~Night Will Be No More, 6-30-25

"Without sugarcoating the brutal realities she faced here or the grief her parents will absolutely deal with until they die, I simultaneously feel great confidence that Kristen is more alive and fully well today than she ever was here on earth.  She is wholeheartedly present, surrounded by a newly-defined family, basking in the love of God and family and friends, not feeling sad or lonely or short-changed based on anything she didn't receive here."

~Night Will Be No More, 6-30-25

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Five Golden Rings

1.  Jace (purple suit) and friends celebrating their final day of elementary school!

2.  Cap and gown pics with the fam in Mom and Dad's backyard!

3.  Ballet afterparty pic at Braums with Parker Elizabeth!

4.  Master's Graduation day; bejeweled cap by Rach, awesome pic by Mom!

5.  Thunder playoffs game with Rachael LaJo, courtesy of Dad!

6.  Rach icing her ankle while curling Vivian, just before our trip to the ER! lol

7.  Diploma pic with Mom after Graduation (in Loveland, Colorado)!

8.  Andy's afterparty to celebrate Chet's Summer Block Party success! =)

9.  Graduation day pic with Michelle, Lauren, and Amy (CCU Roomies, minus Joy)!

This = 12 Days of Recaps with a few blog quotes and my top nine photos from each month of 2025!

MAY:

"My foundation is still rock solid... I am tethering myself to the Anchor... praying for renewed strength and endurance, and joining David in declaring:  "You are my God - my future is in Your hands."

~The Anchor Holds, 5-7-25

"Rach is often funny to me, but never more so than when she's mildly flustered or irritated, which she definitely was by the end of the night!  Earlier, while Rach was curling my hairpiece - LOL - I freaked out about the curling iron and dropped it on the ground right where she'd just cleaned up a pile of blood.  Five second rule!? lol  ...In the end, we laughed a lot and all was well.  And we spent zero dollars and less than 30 minutes at the hospital."

~A Family Dinner to Remember, 5-7-25

"It is with passion, courage of conviction, and strong sense of self that we take our next steps into the world... remembering that first impressions are not always correct, you must always have faith in people, and most importantly, you must always have faith in yourself!"  ~Elle Woods ;-)

~Graduation, 5-10-25

"Mom's distaste for white cars and white walls has rubbed off on us, and we for sure all tend to LOVE color and glitter and confetti and sparkly things, cars and clothes and jewelry and shoes and hair and home decor that make a unique and bold statement.  And if I'm being honest, I LOVE that journey for us!!"

~Life in Vibrant Color, 5-14-25

"Today, I am struggling to know what God wants from me, specifically in the adoption journey.  I'm unsure if pressing forward shows faith or foolishness... if letting go would be wisdom or fear.  It’s been setback after setback, and I'm in limbo again after some discouraging news... sitting in the tension of hope and grief, asking for wisdom and craving comfort."

~Ambiguous Grief, 5-16-25

"A volleyball was coming in hard right at me, but a little 6- or 7-year-old girl ran by and hit it back to the court just in time... then Sailor's dad sitting behind me sang in his best Mariah impression: "And then a hero comes along..." and I laughed about that for a stupidly long time. lol  What a great song I'd mostly forgotten about!"

~Framily Fun, 5-18-25

"Chet and Karli go all out and do an amazing job planning and hosting this every year!  It is never lost on me what a privilege it is to be in their close circle."

~Block Party Summer, 5-27-25

"Whew... the last five months have been tiring and hard on my sense of calling and identity as a counselor.  Satan meant for them to be... I'm grateful to Mr. Smith for the reminder that the Lord will make my paths straight and show me which path to take.  For now, that looks like giving my best effort here... surrendering and saying yes to what He has placed before me, even when it looks nothing like the life I once imagined."

~The Lord Will Make Your Paths Straight, 5-31-25

"Jesus told Peter when he asked about John: “What is that to you? You follow Me.” And that’s what I keep coming back to.  I'm not responsible for what others justify—I’m fully responsible for my obedience... God has good gifts and wants good things for us: abundant life, strong relationships, and a future that reflects His character and goodness! ❤"

~Pure and Blameless, 5-31-25

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Christmas Remix

Happy Wednesday, fram!  (My final Wednesday at the Cleveland County Courthouse, no less.)  Judge Brockman treated Doris and I to lunch today - a Christmas farewell lunch for me, as he put it!  We had a good talk, and I got a picture with them on our walk back! ❤

They made me choose, so I went with Neighborhood Jam - no regrets! lol  This = gingerbread with caramel and cranberry topping, lemon poppyseed blueberry, and chocolate chip pancakes - all good, and the leftovers will be good later too! =)

Mom and I came here and carted home most of my stuff from the courthouse on Sunday... it feels strange being in my office with it this bare!  

But my home office space is shaping up nicely and feeling very cute and cozy!  This remix has made my whole house feel freshly alive and vibrant to me, and I'm feeling really good about the new job starting after Christmas!  ❤

I'm never likely to turn down a remote job, but I want to be very clear that I've loved my time in Cleveland County and been treated very well here!  Judge Brockman has given me his own gated parking space, worked with my school schedule, supported my adoption and counseling goals, and been great about taking care of the record (slowing fast attorneys down, having people spell their names, etc.)

I appreciate him and genuinely like all the judges in this county!  This is their 2025 Christmas party pic... left to right, it's Special Judge Scott F. Brockman (my current judge, in his "Walking in a Winter Thunder-land" sweater), District Judge Michael Tupper (a fellow runner with so many medals from various races, so we've talked about that a lot), District Judge Thad Balkman (only covered for him a couple times), Special Judge Nathaniel Hales (don't love the setup of his basement courtroom, but he's always kind), Special Judge Kim Conyers (the juvenile judge at the Couch Center - love her), Special Judge Bridget Childers (family law), Associate District Judge Bethany Stanley (love covering her adoption docket), District Judge Lynne McGuire (treats all the court reporters really well), Special Judge Cory Ortega (also does prelims), McClain County Special Judge Lori Puckett (used to be Cleveland County, so I've covered for her in both places), McClain County District Judge Leah Edwards (who I worked with when she was an ADA in Grady County back in 2005/2006), and District Judge Jeff Virgin (who approved Marla and I's busy internship schedules in 2023) - YAY, District 21 Judges!!

Last night was Evergreen Academy's Christmas program... I'm excited to attend some of those in the future... here's Tate Haywood, Parker Elizabeth, Hope Renee, and Miles Matthew all dressed up! ❤

Best. ❤

Fun fact:  Today marks my golden friendiversary with Chettles and Sarah Elizabeth! (17 years on 12-17)

I can't tell you how much this new ad calling the Great World Race "The Global 777 Challenge" makes me wanna do it! lol  So epic.

The original Muecke fam, 20 years apart (Christmas 2005 and 12-15-2025 at Jace's basketball game).

I'm so happy to be on a school break, and I've been very productive with finalizing everything at work lately.  I am 1/6th of the way done with the PhD program... yay!? lol  But after next semester, I'll be over 1/4th, and those final semesters of working on my own to write my dissertation actually sound infinitely better to me than more group projects!

I got an email today from Blossom with my official "Before photo" that Lori took the morning of my surgery.  They are closing that clinic soon, so they're sending a final email to all their patients, and this is the first time I've seen this particular photo.  (Something helpful to remember whilst every attorney in town is dropping off fudge, chocolate boxes, bundtinis, toffee, etc. for us for Christmas. lol)  I am grateful to be down 70 pounds from where I was in the before pic (taken at the end of my very effective pre-op diet), and I hope and plan to be down 100 by the two-year surgery anniversary next June! ❤

I was trying not to interrupt the 12 Days of Christmas posts so the titles would be together on the sidebar, but I really cannot be expected to avoid blogging for 12 whole days. lol

Excited for walking and dinner with Kristin Michelle tonight - it feels like it's been ages since we've gotten to talk!  That's all for now... more recaps tomorrow! =)

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Four Calling Birds

1. Ted's with the fam to celebrate Triston and Carter's birthdays!
2.  Believe sign pic the night before my first full marathon!
3.  JEM and Ellie coming to support Kyndal Faith in her Tulsa tournament!
4.  Maybe my favorite photo of myself mid-Marathon run!
5.  My amazing support crew post-OKC Memorial Marathon!!
6.  With Parker Elizabeth at her 4th Birthday Belle Party!
7.  Myriad Gardens for pictures before Triston's Junior Year JSB!
8.  Seeing Back to the Future with the Wilsons at the Tulsa PAC!
9.  Easter Sunday + cap and gown pics with friends in the Wilsons' backyard!

This = 12 Days of Recaps with a few blog quotes and my top nine photos from each month of 2025!

APRIL:

"T, I see you.  I believe in you.  And I'm confident you will change the world!  ...Happy 18th Birthday!!  Love you!  ~Aunt Lindsey"

~Eighteen, 4-2-25

"Hearing "You have the qualities that can't be taught as a therapist who genuinely connects with people, and we can help you with the knowledge and diagnostic tools" felt like a high compliment (with room/encouragement to keep growing)."

~Thankful Thursday #224, 4-10-25

"The physical progress is exciting, but more importantly, the sense of mental breakthrough that comes with crossing this painfully-stubborn milestone!  I'm ready to stay on this side of 200 and keep moving forward in pursuing a strong and healthy mind, body, soul, and spirit."

~ONEderland, 4-11-25

Chettles:  "Turn around so I can get a picture of the [graduation] cap."

Me - standing with my head thrown back for said photo

Chet:  "Well, don't be awkward about it." lolol

~Cap and Gown, 4-21-25

"Since December, I’ve submitted over 15 applications and completed at least eight job interviews—with places like CREOKS Broken Arrow, CRS-Tulsa, FCS-Tulsa, Charlie Health (virtual), Red Rock OKC, and Moore Counseling Center.  (That doesn't include the work of applying and interviewing for the PhD program - it's been a lot)... I’m a prime target for spiritual warfare in this in-between season.  Thankfully, God keeps dropping little pearls of wisdom and encouragement just when I need them."

~On Finishing Strong, 4-22-25

Kyndal:  You wanna play too?

Me:  No thanks, I'm not very good at volleyball.

Kyndal:  Oh, that's okay - Mom's not either!

Lolol #false but also #buuurnDavid

~All That's Best of Dark and Bright, 4-25-25

"The first half of the race was me and Jesus and Peloton!  ...I'm thankful that most of my support came in the second half.  It had a strengthening effect for sure!"
~Marathon Monday #20!!!, 4-28-25

"I had pictured myself feeling all the metaphorical meaning in it and crying when I reached the end of the race, but my main thoughts in that moment were deep gratitude and joy about seeing all my people lining the Finish Line path, genuine shock that the announcer pronounced my last name correctly (thanks to Chettles, who thought ahead and had a convo with him about it!), puuure physical exhaustion, and of course, annoyance that I didn't have lipstick or gloss to put on for my crossing-the-Finish-Line photos!"

~Marathon Monday #20!!!, 4-28-25

"Marked "Lose 100 pounds consecutively" and "Finish a Full Marathon" off of my Life List goals this morning... I'm so happy I did it, and I'm so happy I never "have to" do it again!"

~Packet Pickup, 4-29-25

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Three French Hens

1.  Dave's Hot Chicken downtown OKC with the Wilsons and Fosters!
2. Lovely sunset jog at Central Park/The Station in Moore!
3. Accepting my place in CCU's PhD program!
4.  My first segway ride at The Science Museum!
5.  Chick-Fil-A lunch with Kristin and the boys!
6.  Miss K being awesome in her volleyball tournaments!
7.  Parker's ketchup fingers at Mission BBQ!
8.  Red Rock belated birthday brunch with the Wilsons and Fultons!
9.  Jaceman watching his new fish tank like a TV! lol

This = 12 Days of Recaps with a few blog quotes and my top nine photos from each month of 2025!

MARCH:

"God does nothing without purpose... I so wanted this finding-my-first-counseling-job part of my story to be smooth and easy, but it's okay that it looks different than I planned... God is at work in ways I cannot yet see... The best is yet to come.  And everything happening in this waiting season matters."

~Double Brunch Weekend, 3-2-25

"Completing 21 consecutive miles is huge for me, and these endurance runs are reeeally boosting my confidence and resilience in an emotionally draining season!  ...I am craving spring and new growth in all aspects of my life, and it's hopeful to see the first hints of it popping up!! ❤"

~Marathon Monday #14, 3-17-25

"This has been a long-held dream for me, and God has finally opened the door now.... I'll be the first to acknowledge that hope is much easier to feel and believe after the acceptance email than before - the "renewed strength" part is awesome; the "waiting on the Lord" part is rough!"

~Doctor of Philosophy, 3-17-25

"I told the Fosters about being accepted into the doctoral program, and Kristin cracked me up saying, "Congrats, that's awesome... and here we all are at Dave's Hot Chicken to celebrate!" lol  I said, "It's just what I always dreamed!"  But for reals, I'm happy to be with this group any day, any place!"

~Happy Spring, 3-20-25

"As a single woman, I sometimes feel like I'm winning the bronze medal in life no matter what I accomplish.  But I'm reframing that...  I believe God has good things in store.  And in the meantime, I'm training in some areas and winning gold in other areas, and I'm going to celebrate all of that!"

~3-2-1 Let's Go!, 3-21-25

"She said she enjoyed them all, but she didn't really have a favorite...
Me, unironically:  "Yeah, I get that... they're all really good, and J.K. Rowling is just brilliant!  ...My favorites in order of preference are 573-1642!!  It used to be 1462, but book 6 has grown on me."  Lol true story."

~Book Bag, 3-24-25

"I got sad and sobering news last night (3/25/25) about a former CHA coach and current headmaster at another Christian school who was arrested for possession of child pornography... that news made me pause and think about the value of personal integrity and excellence... I'm in the small beginnings phase, but I'm stepping into the Christian leadership arena, and I need to seek and follow God with fierce loyalty, paying attention and cutting out pride and other sins that entangle my heart, and pressing forward with a confidence that is grounded in Christ!"
~Marathon Wednesday (Week #15), 3-26-25

"I still feel confused and disenchanted sometimes, but the lack of purpose I felt for most of my 20s and 30s has vanished.  There is so much I want to do and accomplish, and I'm more concerned that there isn't enough time for all of it (but whatevs, we have eternal life ahead of us - what a gift!!)"
~Marathon Monday #16, 3-31-25

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Two Turtle Doves

1.  Me, Kristin, and Karli at Tate's Party!
2.  Fam Dinner for Rachael's 39th Birthday!
3. Cousin pic with Kristin at the Twins' Birthday Party!
4.  Nash and Wesson with their Bday Cakes!
5.  My 41st Birthday Group Pic at Los Cabos!
6.  Tate's out-of-this-world 7th Birthday Party!
7. Jace and Jace celebrating Jace Michael's Birthday!
8. Kyndal's Club Tournament in Tulsa!
9.  Helping with Kyndal's Valentine's Cards during the Super Bowl!

This = month #2 in my 12 Days of Recaps with a few blog quotes and my top nine photos from each month of 2025!  *Happy Birthday to Kyle Brandon today!!

FEBRUARY:

"Little by little, I am starting to see myself differently and believe that lasting change is possible."

~Marathon Monday #8, 2-3-25

"Everything about it is funny and quotable, and I love Tina and Amy's friendship and how much they enjoyed this (according to both of their audiobooks)!"

~SNL Top 10, 2-8-25

"Chettles, talking about his open house:  "Yeah, it's just down the street and to the right.  You can't miss my sign in the yard!!"

Me, knowing I absolutely missed it on my way there:  Maaaaybe don't underestimate me. ;-)"

~February Fun, 2-10-25

"The 14-mile jog this weekend felt like such a metaphor for all that I'm wrestling with internally.  It was hella foggy when I got out there that morning, and much brighter and clearer by the time I left.  I was feeling weak and tired in the beginning, and strong and proud in the end!  (And physically exhausted.)  It was cold outside the entire time, but I felt better as I warmed up internally.  I spent 14 miles feeding my soul encouragement and truth - and my mind, body, soul, and spirit felt better for it!"

~Marathon Monday #10, 2-17-25

"Well, this is 41.  It's off to a slightly painful and slow beginning, but I am getting back up, and I'm believing it will be a beautiful year ahead!"

~Wandering Wednesday, 2-19-25

"When I need to really boil it down and clearly articulate my calling and work as a counselor, I'm going with: "My passion is empowering people who feel stuck to move forward with hope and purpose!!"

~Catalyst, 2-23-25

Me (explaining my 75-Soft plan):  "Yeah, I'm throwing myself into online dating in this season.  Sooo the men of the world have 75 days, and then..." (I was pausing trying to think how to phrase adoption/embryo adoption/focusing on motherhood)

Chettles:  "Nunnery!!" lolol

~Weekend Update, 2-23-25

❤ ❤ ❤

A Partridge in a Pear Tree

1.  4th Row Seats for Wicked on Broadway!

2.  Red Rock with the Wilsons and Fultons!

3.  Final Meeting with Abby for her Senior Thesis!

4.  Tman and I by the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree!

5.  Mom and I on her Birthday - Ludger's cake from the Wilsons!

6.  Judge Golden's Retirement Party!

7.  Jace and Kyndal dressed for Camo Day in Spirit Week! lol

8.  Flix movie day (Mufasa) with the Parrishes!

9.  Group pic for Mom's 70th Birthday Party!

Today marks 12 days until Christmas.  Instead of cramming it all into one long post, this will begin the 12 Days of Recaps with a few blog quotes and my top nine photos from each month of 2025! ❤

JANUARY:

"I don't know all that God has in store, and I'm not taking this as any sort of promise from Him that I'll become a mom.  But I AM taking seriously the responsibility to heal and be free from labels that are not aligned with God's viewpoint and design for me."

~Epiphany on Epiphany, 1-6-2025

"I prayed over our trip and intentionally looked for good and kind people, and I found SO MANY OF THEM.  Sincerely, this was the least aggressive NYC has ever felt to me, so my comfort level there has gone up a lot!"

~NYC 2025, 1-7-25

"Life always seems to slow down a bit in January - enough to hear the whispers over the whirlwind!  Having some extra time to reflect, pray, and process lately has helped me realize I don’t have God-given peace about moving for this [school counseling] job, as much as I wish I did...

Deep breaths.

We can do hard things.

No one is doing life perfectly.

We are all figuring things out as we go!"

~Marathon Monday #5, 1-10-25

"I am reminding myself (and you) to choose life in big and small ways, to draw near to God, to engage and be present with others, to set and work toward goals that mean something to you, to dwell on the ways you belong and how you can add value to the lives around you (rather than dwelling on how you don't fit in or don't really matter to others).  The enemy is always speaking, but so is Jesus, and we get to choose which voice we listen to and get to know and prioritize."

~Choosing Belonging, 1-14-25

"Happy 70th Birthday to my wonderful Mom today!! ❤  I'm excited to celebrate her with the fam and the Wilsons later tonight!  Just checked my phone, and Mom and I have had 13 phone calls in the past 3 days, and that's probably fairly average for us..."

~God's Faithfulness, 1-18-25 

"It's been absurd and ridiculous and expensive and frustrating... The long-awaited board approval will allow me to pay a fee and take the OLERE test (the Oklahoma jurisprudence exam about state laws regarding counseling)... passing that allows me to await the next board approval for being an LPCC... then I can start my 3000 supervised hours... then pay another fee, I'm sure... THEN become a freaking LPC.  I very sincerely hope and believe it will be worth all the hassle."
~Fingerprints, 1-22-25

"I was his court reporter from January 2007 to April of 2022.  In spite of some rough jury trials, boring pleas, crazy bailiffs, and often seeking work that would give me a greater sense of purpose, that job was easily my favorite and the cushiest and longest-running CR job I have had (and it will remain so, as my court reporting career will likely end for good this year).  Judge Golden was always kind to me, and I feel very grateful for my time working with him!!"
~The Golden Years, 1-26-25

❤ ❤ ❤