"These are a Few of My Favorite Things"

Friday night was Kelly Marie's "Favorite Things" Christmas Party, a fun girls night pajama party with a really cute gift exchange!  JEM was mostly hanging out upstairs watching movies with Ellie, but I got a Christmas tree selfie with him and Kelly right as I came in - yay, Moss fam! ❤

There were 19 women total - a great crowd - several who were new to me, but a few I've known for several years!

Ellie Faye was tired and uninterested in being in a photo, so we tried a selfie that cropped her out. lol

Each of us brought 3 unwrapped gifts - one of our favorite items in the $15-$20 range... there were cozy blankets, nonstick pans, Dawn powerwash, mascara, seasonings, coffee, journals, books, snacks, moisturizer, scented candles, geometry towels, perfume, and more!  I went with Write the Word journals and a fun glitter pen... but one didn't show up on time, so I substituted a cute copy of Little Women, one of my fav books!

There was the classic naughty and nice drink options (reminiscent of the Convivial Cozy Christmas parties!!)

And so much great food, including the awesome slider sandwiches, chips and dips, bundtinis, brownies, cheesecake, cookies, fudge, fruit trays, and more!!  

We drew numbers 3x for the order to choose our three gifts... I was #1, #3, and #13, which felt very Swiftie-themed and fun!  I grabbed a cute pic with Jessie on my way out while holding my new blanket, balsam fir candle, fuzzy socks, and new mascara! ❤

This was a fun and creative Christmas party idea, and it was nice to catch up with a few old friends and meet some new ones!  I'm grateful for the invite and for Kelly being a great party hostess!!

❤ ❤ ❤

Comfort Cobras?

Day 26:  What movie or show do you return to again and again, and what comfort or truth does it offer you each time?

Gracious, that is not a short list.
I love rewatching my favorite episodes of familiar shows and/or movies!

For today, I'm going with Cobra Kai.

Johnny Lawrence never fails to makes me laugh... but I love his grit and determination and the way his character grows through this series!

...I find comfort in the ridiculous lines and familiar characters, and reassuring truth in watching these very messy-but-lovable characters gradually learn to find their strength and fight well.  The coaches and their students are all immature and dealing with unhealed brokenness... at first, their focus is naturally on protecting themselves and fighting perceived bullies/enemies, and their relationships are all comically fraught with tension, unhealthy competition, and turmoil... but if you can make it through that early drama and chaos, over time, there is a very. strong. redemptive arc where former enemies come together and fight to protect others.  It's messy and imperfect, but they all grow and improve.

There are strong themes of persevering through pain, leadership growth, trying new things, team unity ("protect the egg"), compromise over competition, strategic self-defense, and building your chosen family.  So yeah, I enjoy the ridiculous cheesy comedy and the absurdly intense villains, but the redemptive arc also really resonates with me in this season, and I've watched every episode at least 3x now!  (Because Cobra Kai never dies, but their hyper-aggressive stance does get a much-needed reframe.)

 

Shoutout to the Jaceman for his persistence in convincing me to watch the final two seasons!!

In other news, shoutout to Carter Lee for putting up my parents' Christmas lights this year!

And big thanks to Mom, Triston, Carter, and King Handyman Service for helping me remix several things in my own home... we're nearly done now, and I'm loving the changes!!  

My bookshelves are now in the entry hallway... they're surprisingly unobtrusive in that space, I seriously pared down the books I'm keeping, and it makes me happy to see this fun 'library' more often! ❤

The big L-shaped desk moved from the tiled room into my new home office (with much more happy sunlight for my new mostly-work-from-home job and CCU homework days - an improvement, as I've been doing that at the kitchen table the past 3 years. lol) ❤  Wall decor, plants, and state-issued computer coming soon.

The double bed is going to Katie from my lifegroup, and the new queen bed moved into the new guest room (formerly known as the nursery room).  Bedskirt and headboard on the way, and I feel like this room actually has more space for anyone who stays with me!

I got a 'miraculous' mattress upgrade (with a very extra salesman), but it is nice, and I'm thankful and love my bedroom setup with the pink couch!

And the only tiled room now houses the pink writing desk, navy rug and pink ottoman (which really soften that space), my painting and board of empowerment, my exercise bike and weights, and my Roku TV from work when it comes home with me next month!  It will be the blogging and biking room. lol  YAY! ❤

This took a bit of effort, but it's a functional and visual improvement in every space, so I'm very happy with it!! ❤

Okay, that's all for today.
Happy Thanksgiving Eve!!

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Everyday Joys (Thankful Thursday #234)

Day 20:  What are five seven small things that never fail to make you smile or brighten your day?

Throwing in two more so this will also count as a Thankful Thursday post! =)

"Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good,

for His steadfast love endures forever!"

~Psalm 107:1

1.  Cute corgi puppy videos and reels!! =)

I mean, get out already with this much cuteness!  I will watch those videos every time I see them. lol  I also love American Eskimo puppies (the dog in The Proposal).  Neither breed is hypoallergenic, so I'm unlikely to ever own one, but the endless array of cute FB reels will do for now. lol

2.  The audiobook's first scene on the Hogwarts Express where Harry and Ron quickly become friends and Harry buys loads of candy for both of them whilst Ron teaches him all about wizarding life. lol  It comes right after Harry meets the Weasley fam and they help him through Platform 9 and three-quarters, which is among the many scenes that make me tear up, but this scene brings me so much joy every time - for that moment and for knowing all that Harry's friendship with the Weasleys will become! ❤

3. The family dinner tradition we've established over the past couple years... although Jace still refuses to join us in eating home-cooked food, this is where we get to hear the details of each others days and learn about everyone's thoughts on various teachers and teammates and jobs and world events and a variety of other topics. lol

4. Phone conversations with Chettles... if only because each of these photos brings me sincere joy. lol  I also very much appreciate that he listens well and genuinely cares and remembers details, a rarity in today's world!  Staying strongly connected to their family (who lead or host 90% of the fun events for our friend group) makes me feel okay about not living in Tulsa... yet. lol

5. Wednesday walks with Kristin Michelle... we don't make it every week, but even on the days when I'm feeling lazy enough to talk myself out of it if not for her, I always enjoy it and I'm glad I went - it's nice having that time to catch up on each others lives and families, and walking outside always makes you feel better!  Walk-and-talk therapy, you might say. lol

6. Summer pool parties & a happy Parker Elizabeth - two of my favorite things combined in this pic! lol

7.  Blogging!!  For real, writing here is a seemingly small thing that has brought me a lot of joy (and clarity and confidence and connection) over the past two decades! ❤

Along those lines, in my own writing and with all the people I love and care about, I really value and appreciate creative joy and attention to detail - it's a relatively small thing that many people tend to overlook/take for granted, but it brings me joy to see it!!  For example, I love seeing Mom's vibrant Christmas decor and the joy she gets out of the decorating process, or Dad's generosity and joy in making others happy, or Kyndal Faith's colorful handmade cards and her joy in party planning, or Rachael's chalkboards and joy in decorative painting, or Jace caring for his fish and loving all the details about them, or Chet and Karli planning/hosting fantastic events for family, friends, coworkers, and clients.  The details matter and make things special (and are well-documented here), and I believe God finds joy in them, too!!

Happy Thursday, friends and fam!!

❤ ❤ ❤

Metaphors and Masterpieces

Day 11:  If your life were a metaphor (e.g., a race, a garden, a song, a book),
what would it be and why?

Pic from my 5k training run this weekend

I'm all about metaphors, and I heard one yesterday that I LOVE:

Jon Tyson was on John Eldredge's podcast (yes, please, to that group hangout!), and he talked about a book called Great by Choice (already purchased as my next audible read).  He shared a story about two very different training approaches for serious mountain climbing... One group did 20 miles a day regardless of the weather.  They were consistent and focused, never allowing the weather or outside circumstances to dictate their gameplan for the day.  The other group was reactive, really pushing themselves and going 30-40 miles on the beautiful days, but setting up camp and waiting it out if there was a blizzard.  The first group reached their goal working together, and in spite of very rough weather, everyone survived and did well.  The second group experienced several deaths and losses, and most failed to reach the summit.  Jon compared that to our walk with God, emphasizing the need to be consistent in our spiritual disciplines rather than reacting to our daily mood or circumstances.  (It could apply to any number of things - consistency over reactivity.)

I'm happy God loves metaphor, too.  He uses a lot of metaphorical language, mostly gardening (Vine and branches, the parable of the good soil; trees planted by rivers of water; oaks of righteousness) and racing (the race marked out for you; throw off everything that hinders; run with endurance).  

His Word also has a lot to say about battle (your enemy prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour; the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds; put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground).  Importantly, this is not a fiction-based metaphor, but a literal spiritual reality that God wants us to be deeply aware of and on guard for.  Since John Eldredge forever changed my worldview about that in 2007, I have done my best to put hard things into that warfare context, but it's so easy to forget or lose sight of.  Our hearts are truly being targeted by a vicious enemy, and God is fighting to free our hearts (and wants us to join Him in setting others free)!  I've been reminded of that truth even earlier this week, and it is always crazy-helpful to view childhood trauma or any difficult things we face as adults through that context!!!  Everything begins to make more sense.

Since the war context doesn't count as an official metaphor, I will go with marathon training/running as the metaphor for my life - you can look back at any of my Marathon Monday posts for more cheesy musings on that topic.  Life is a marathon, not a sprint.  Consistent pacing and planning is key.  Training in all kinds of weather is helpful.  Inner grit and a solid community will keep you going.  You also need proper fuel and strength.  Take it one step at a time, celebrate the small milestones along the way, and be aware of the course marked out for you.  There are uphill battles and downhill coasting seasons, and that's all normal.  Having a clear prize and end goal in mind is really motivating.  It also helps to remember you have people supporting you and cheering you on (including a very real great cloud of witnesses in Heaven)!! ❤

But wait, there's more!! lol  Painting is another one that often comes to mind since it's a creative activity I enjoy... I've tried several abstract art paintings, then I continually rework and tweak and improve them. So I like thinking of my life as a blank canvas, and God and I are working together to create something beautiful there.  Some of the colors I thought would be most prominent are fading into the background now, while others that I didn't see clearly at first have started to shine and stand out.  I've tried to quit or assumed I did something irreparable a few times, but God carefully covers and corrects my errors (beauty for ashes, and love covering a multitude of sins).  It's all a bit messy and unfinished right now, but already deeply unique and valuable and worthy of love!  God is the master artist, and only He knows the planned design for where it's all headed, so asking for His direction is always the best course of wisdom.  Fortunately, He is still actively at work and enjoying the whole process, and He never gives up on the projects He begins.  And little by little, my life-canvas is growing in beauty and color and depth, being gradually perfected to better reflect the Creator artist. ❤ "For we are God's masterpiece.  He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago."  ~Ephesians 2:10

Yay, metaphors! ;-)  Okay, that's all I've got for you today - which was probably more than you asked for or expected. lol  

Happy 14th Anniversary to Bill & Jill!!

Also, Happy Veteran's Day, and a very sincere thank you to everyone who has served!!

❤ ❤ ❤

Time Travel

Day 8:  If you could visit any moment in history—or your own past—for one day, when and where would you go?

Any moment in history? 

I would join the crowd listening to Jesus give the Sermon on the Mount.  There's not really another historical event that could top hearing and seeing Him live here + paying attention to how the crowd reacted to it all.

Any moment in my own life? 

Coming from curiosity, I would love to observe and/or relive my own life on 12-27-1990, 7-23-1996, 9-12-2001, 6-12-2005, 9-28-2007, 12-17-2008, 7-3-2010, 2-17-2017, and 11-14-2024. =) 

For the record, that's the day Mom led me to Christ, the day the "magnificent seven" won Team USA gold at the Atlanta Olympics after an injured Kerri Strug landed the final vault, the day after 9-11 (it would be super interesting to me to re-experience the questions, emotions, and nationwide unity we saw at that point), the day I met JMM at 9121 and knew pretty quickly I wanted to marry him, the day I met Malori, the Christmas party where I met Chettles and Sarah, the VCGO trip on our One Republic beach concert day, my entire 33rd birthday, and my 4-park Disney day!  I'd genuinely love to revisit any or all of those and pay attention to so many little details I likely missed the first time around but would see more clearly now. =)

But since time travel is not a thing (at least until we get to Heaven), I'll continue to write about my favorite memories so I can mentally relive them here... and I'll let this post remind me to be more present and attentive, not leaning on my own wisdom but praying for God to open the right doors and close the wrong ones, and living each day to the fullest right now!!

❤ ❤ ❤

Gender Reveal!

The wonderful Wilson family will soon be a party of five, plus one in Heaven!
...I'm realizing even as I write this that the above sentence now holds true for three of my favorite families on earth, which makes me feel even more grateful for the ironclad reality of Heaven.  For those who choose Christ, our "firm and secure hope" lies in knowing that everything that is broken, partial, and incomplete here will be healed, whole, and complete there.  Seriously, what a gift!

Anyway, tonight was the Baby Wilson GENDER REVEAL Party!!  How cute is this cookiecake by Karli Marie!?

...I don't like incomplete story loops, so for the record, I found out Karli was pregnant back on August 9th when she was too sick to join us for this hangout at H-Tea-O and Woodland Hills!  They found out the week they finished their foster parenting classes and got their home study approval with DHS, so that timing was entertaining and ironic!  Karli has dealt with more fatigue and morning sickness this time around - it's finally beginning to lift a little.  Chettles is training for a marathon and was pretty sore and exhausted after running 20 miles this morning.   Right now, they are serving as respite foster care support, which means low-sleep weekends caring for a newborn as they prepare for their own baby due late March or early April AND continue to parent their children well and serve regularly at their church and help out at the kids' schools and process grief and hold onto hope and train for a marathon and attend/lead weekly Bible studies and support their family and friends well and handle ongoing work and life responsibilities and plan and host multiple big events!   They are truly exceptional and deeply-loved and valued people, so please join me in praying for extra grace, good health, and renewed strength for all of them in this demanding season!!

From learning Karli was pregnant during the summer 2017 Mercantile trip to now, today is the first time anyone has known the gender before the birth of their children.  Chet and Karli did not find out early with Tate or Parker, and the wait was rough on me and Melissa and Teresa. lol  Chet loves a good surprise as much as I love being the first to know something.  I very kindly offered to go pick up the cake today, and he said, "Girl, I don't trust you (not to look)."  I will say he was not wrong, but I wouldn't have ruined it for anyone else. lol  All that to say, I'm very thrilled that they decided to find out ahead of time with this baby!  They've had the envelope containing the gender from their doctor since our Los Cabos hangout on September 27th, but Bill and Melissa were on a cruise through most of October, and Chet and Karli were in no big rush about planning this event, in spite of Melissa and I thoughtfully offering multiple date options for them. lol

Today was FINALLY the big day.  And when I realized that they were mourning a miscarriage two years ago, this really felt like God's perfect timing to give them something joyful and redemptive to counterbalance that painful grief anniversary!! ❤  With my own circumstances, my heart feels every bit of this more this year, but there is so much joy to be found in life, and I would sincerely rather my emotions be heightened than numb.

Before they cut the cake, we all went around the circle with every person guessing/voting the gender they expected.  A classic Chettles move...

Predictably, Tate wanted a boy and Parker wanted a girl, and the other kids at the party mostly voted for their own gender.  Chet was hoping for a girl, but they had convinced themselves it was likely to be a boy.  Sarah and Melissa both guessed boy, as well.  I said girl, just as I did when we all voted on the chalkboard at the Farmhouse back in 2017.  I was obviously wrong back then, but I got it right this time!  They used two knives to cut this cake together, revealing the pink icing for a beautiful baby sister for Tate and Parker!! ❤

The cake was a Laurannae bride's cake, so yay for that!  (It wasn't quite as good as their cupcakes I have loved, but still highly preferable to earl grey and lavender.  lol)  They told Chet this size would serve 8 people, which was quite the understatement!  Also, since Chet vetoed me grabbing the cake for them, I came over around 4:30 to help Karli decorate, and my job was tying the pink, blue, and silver streamers for the backdrop behind them here, so I just felt compelled to point out my hard work there!  ;-)

Gracious, I love this group, and love this group pic taken with Kristin Renee's phone!!  Note to self: Find out what type of phone she has and get it next time I upgrade... look how crisp and clear the photo quality is here - umm, yes, please!

We had Chick-fil-A nuggets and wraps + CFA tea + Honest juice boxes for the kids + fries + salad and fruit salad, along with cake and cookiecake - thanks, Wilson fam!!  Top middle pic = the actual envelope from their doctor.  Top right is Evan and Jon moving a recliner downstairs.  Bottom row = a cake closeup and Chet and Karli hanging the banner!

The Wilsons are the most fun!!  They have permanent LED lights outside where they can use an app to change the color for different holidays/events.  They set it to blue and pink before this party, then changed them to all pink after cutting the cake - FUN!!

Speaking of quick changes, I went from Halloween fun to Christmas queen in less than 24 hours! #bringonChristmas  (Right pic = me texting Rach to ask which headband to wear with my new sweatshirt, which felt like a perfect choice to ring in November. lol)

We stayed and chatted longer than I'd expected, which means I'm up late and back-dating these three blogs now! lol  This = one final pic with the Wilsons and Fultons as we were leaving!

I was already feeling this. lol  Not loving how early it will get dark now, but this meme made me laugh! =)

Okaaaay, I had a lot to say today, but I can promise you I won't write three posts a day moving forward. lol  

Hold on to hope and joy today, friends!  The God of all hope and comfort is with you and for you, working everything out for your good and for His glory.  Heaven is real, redemption is real, and the best things we experience here on earth are just a sneak preview of all the wonderful things God has in store for us when we get there!

I love you and believe in you, and Jesus does too!
Enjoy the extra hour of sleep!!
See you tomorrow!

❤ ❤ ❤

November Blog Challenge

1.  Write about a moment that changed the way you see yourself or the world.

2.  What is one misconception about mental health you feel called to correct?

3.  Describe a small, seemingly ordinary moment in your life that turned out to be a defining scene in your story.

4.  You’re stranded on an island and can bring three items—what are they and why?

5.  Write about a season when your faith or worldview guided you through something challenging?

6.  What has court reporting taught you about people and human nature?

7.  What lesson keeps resurfacing - and why might God be repeating it in your life?

8.  If you could visit any moment in history—or your own past—for one day, when and where would you go?

9.  What’s a story from your life most people haven’t heard but reveals something important about who you are?

10.  Describe a time you stepped outside your comfort zone and what you learned.

11.  If your life were a metaphor (e.g., a race, a garden, a song, a book), what would it be and why?

12.  What song best captures your personality or current season of life, and why?

13.  What’s a personal quality you’re proud of that others often notice?

14.  In an alternate universe, what does your life look like?

15.  What dreams or goals are stirring in your heart for 2026 and beyond?

16.  What has counseling taught you about people’s resilience and inner strength?

17.  If you could rewrite one scene from your life, what would you change - or would you keep it exactly as it is?

18.  You can invite three people (living or dead) to dinner. Who are they, and what would you serve?

19.  What is one truth or principle God is teaching you right now?

20.  What are five small things that never fail to make you smile or brighten your day?

21.  If your life were made into a movie, what is the title and genre, and who would play you?

22.  Who are three people who have had the greatest impact on your character?

23.  What is one quote or verse that has deeply shaped how you live or think?

24.  Which TV or film character’s journey reminds you of your walk with God, and why?

25.  If you could wake up with one superpower (serious or silly), what would it be and how would you use it?

26.  What movie or show do you return to again and again, and what comfort or truth does it offer you each time?

27.  Write a prayer of thanks for this year’s blessings, challenges, and lessons.

28.  What’s something you’re surprisingly good at that most people wouldn’t guess about you?

29.  What activity, place, or experience makes you feel most like yourself?

30.  Reflect on this year’s spiritual theme — what word or lesson has shaped your journey?

*Writing prompts courtesy of my close personal friend, ChatGPT. lol

❤ ❤ ❤

Home Sweet Home

Today marks three years since I moved into the "Taberhood," so happy home anniversary to me!!

For anyone who cares, working with Taber Homes was a fantastic experience from start to finish!  I love their design process (choosing from a few select options and upgrades - it was the perfect mix of making it my own without being responsible for designing every aspect of it), and they were very communicative and quick to work with us and fix a few minor things that went wrong.  This = our final walk-through a couple days before I moved in. =)

They also did several little things to make moving day feel even more special, and I very much appreciated that!  A care package with several random things you need during a move, welcome mat, red bow on the door, house keys, and champagne to celebrate (still unopened in my fridge, but it's the thought that counts). lol

Closing pic with Jordan (my realtor's son, who is also a realtor) + random moving day pics! The one broken dish was the only thing that went wrong, and it hasn't been missed. =)

The wonderful Wilson fam surprised me that weekend... look at baby Parker Elizabeth!  That helps mark the time for me. ❤

I got the pink moving truck... so fun!

Such a great house - love my kitchen!

And my living room!

And bedroom. =)

And navy mud bench!

Lunch at Slim Chickens (photo by Mom, who was also there). =)

Whitaker fam + me accidentally wearing the same shirt whilst decorating early a year later.

Hosting the fam Christmas Eve 2024!

Pic with the moose!

And hosting a Mockey Little Christmas Party in Moore, 2023 and 2024!

My only Taber complaint is that they don't yet exist in Tulsa.  I would absolutely go with them again if they did!  Anyway, that's all for today.  I love you and believe in you, and I hope you have a fantastic week ahead!!

❤ ❤ ❤