Thankful Thursday #230

"Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that His kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?" ~Romans 2:4

Today, I am thankful for...

1. Dr. Burkhart's encouragement, and his willingness to meet with me regularly, and him preparing and bringing several great book recommendations... all of which I fully intend to read, so yay!!

2.  Walk-breaks at work... I'm grateful to be at a job where that is allowed and modeled, and in a cooler fall season where it's becoming more enjoyable again!

3.  Good connections with clients lately... seeing them grow feels exciting, and I love being in a role that strengthens and encourages that!  Krystal had me lead our supervision group this week to practice Written Exposure Therapy, which I'm excited to try with clients moving forward!

4.  The arrival of September and cooler weather and a school break week all = lovely de-stressors for me! 

5.  This reminder.  I haven't been in the best headspace over the past month, but I prayed through a lot of shame last night.  Even as a "trained therapist" who is supposed to know all the best tools for this kind of stuff, I need God's help soooo continually with renewing my mindset and the way I see myself!  ...Fortunately, He is willing and ready to help us whenever we call on Him. ❤

6.  This #cakefail memory from Rachel's 30th birthday, which is honestly even funnier to me now that I understand what we were actually missing.  Perhaps God was behind the earl-grey-cake-with-lavender-icing mishap, because I wasn't about to try the Laurannae bakery based on that, and it's probably for the best that I didn't know about their exceptional brides cake when I lived closer to it! lol

7.  One year ago, I was seeking healing in therapy after a major shift I did not see coming.  That was a turning point where I held on to my own strength in a new way, recognizing bad patterns, carefully approaching important conversations, praying for wisdom and clarity, and allowing a relationship to be broken/remixed without it breaking me (not internalizing negative messages or personalizing the loss).  So today, I am grateful for personal growth, for all the "keep going" memes, and for T-Swift's reminder that we can "come back stronger than a '90s trend!" ;-)

Bonus:  I am thankful for The Gilded Age, which I'm currently binge-watching during this short school break!  Loving the Russell fam... "Defeat is not your color."  So good, and pretty perfect timing to get me even more excited about visiting NYC next weekend!! 

❤ ❤ ❤

NEW NEWS!!

Happy T-Swift Engagement Day!! ❤

I was so happy to open Instagram and see this during my lunch hour!

Hooray for Travis Michael Kelce and Taylor Alison Swift!!
87 + 13 = 100 ❤

I texted several people, including my Supervisor, who I learned was a Swiftie because she'd set a timer and stopped our group meeting last Monday to check Taylor's website and see what the countdown was leading to. lol

Jason is a funny one!  I finally listened to their whole podcast last week and thoroughly enjoyed it - (hence this post title - that's a regular segment on the New Heights podcast)!  I'm glad the whole Kelce fam seems to love and celebrate her!  (Also, please note the 777 comments at the time of my screenshot - random but fun!)

Sometimes I look at other Swifties and think I'm not really that big a fan, but then I spend 9 hours in theaters watching the Eras movie the week it comes out. lol  I really didn't love TTPD era, but they said her new album is "much more upbeat" aligned with her current season of life, so I expect to enjoy that, and I will gladly spend my lunch hour celebrating her exciting personal news! lol  So yeah, still in the #Swiftie club, and I'm ridiculously happy for them. ❤

Tiffany was on the list of Swifties I had to celebrate with! lol

I'm quickly reminded online that there will always be unhappy people who feel the need to reduce, minimize, and belittle people who are thriving. #villainmode #letthem  I hope their bitterness does minimal damage and that they eventually make better choices, and I hope to rise above that attitude in my own life and in my reactions to the good fortune of others. #celebrategoodnesseverywhere #personalcommandment5  I like that they are both fun-loving, kindhearted, well-rounded, highly successful people who are secure and okay with or without each other, but happier together!  She said Travis is a whole vibe, like a human exclamation point or "enhance color" button.  I love that!

GACC jumping in on the marketing train. lol

In other news, this perfectly sums up something I have struggled to articulate.  The need to teach my mind that growth is safe - that it's okay to struggle as you're learning new things, that it's good and right to push yourself and keep moving forward!  I'm working on that. ❤

This morning also included my second one-on-one Zoom meeting with Dr. Burkhart.  It went well, and I so deeply appreciate and value his insight!  I've wanted more of an ongoing mentor-style relationship there, and today, he sent me a reusable calendar link to set up future meetings whenever he has available time.  I promised not to overuse it, and he responded saying, "I truly enjoy investing in the people I see great potential in." which totally made my day, even before hearing T-Swift's big news!! =)

(MAC Res 3, July 2024)

Happy 9th Anniversary to Steve and Sarah today!

I'm catching up on things at work, and tonight is family dinner.

All in all, it's been a peaceful and joyful 8-26, a former grief anniversary that feels redemptive now.

❤ ❤ ❤

Carousel of Progress

After Ashley's book signing event, I grabbed a cupcake-lunch at Laurannae (YUM!), then met Chettles and the kids for H-Tea-O and Woodland Hills mall... Karli Marie wasn't feeling well, so he took the kids so she could enjoy some peace and quiet as she recovers.  It was happy hour at H-Tea-O, something I didn't know about, but it definitely draws a crowd!!  The free samples are a treat... and Chet paid for mine, so the free tea was a treat, as well!  The seasonal cherry and the Texas chai were both better than I'd expected, but my fav sweet blueberry green tea was the winner, as always! 

We walked over the the mall, entering through the new Scheels - yay for a Tulsa-themed photo op!!  On our way out, the kids wanted pics with the statues, so I was happy to oblige! =)

They have a pretty cool mini-aquarium or massive fish tank at the entrance.  We stood there for a while as Tate and Parker watched "Nemo and Dory!"  Chet FaceTimed Jace (who was excited to chat and see all the fish)... then Jace told Mom later that Chet and I had called him from Dallas (bc that's the only Scheels he knows of). lol

Whilst Chet and Tate went to the bathroom, I got to shop with Parker Elizabeth, which was an entertaining treat.  Every dress was her favorite, and she would hold them up to herself and say "Oooh, it fits me!!" lol  This "favorite" white dress that she loved was a bit big, but she'll grow into it!  The way she carried it (for the very short time she wanted to hold it) made me laugh.  Garment bags for the win!

We rode the mall carousel and I got dizzy very quickly!  Still fun, though!

I told Chet her odds are looking good for being my most-photographed person once again this year. lol #somuchcuteness

Anyway, fun afternoon with the mini-BFFs and Chettles... then a delish Los Cabos to-go dinner + going to see Freakier Friday when I got back to Moore - all in all, a pretty perfect "rest day" from life's responsibilities! =)

Truth... still deciding where I want to be moving forward, but I am grateful that I have the power to choose that and don't feel "stuck" anywhere.

Some Shutterfly gems from this week 17 years ago (summer 2008)!  Movie with Jennifer Diane, Morgan Elizabeth, Sarah Bliss, MiMi's Cafe with Malori Riah, Haley and the Switch Youth girls, Melting Pot with Megan from lifegroup, and helping JB at Deer Creek!  Okay, to sum up my deeper thoughts on this: I'm grateful that all of these pics hold equal weight for me in this moment; I no longer feel pain, longing, or loss when I see photos with Malori.  Thanks to the '7 years and 12 days' revelation from God, the soul tie that was gripping for me is finally gone.  The difference I am talking about is internal and intangible, but I am deeply aware of it - the power this once had over me is gone, and that's not a small thing.  Outside of JoBug, all of these were seasonal friendships, and I'm grateful for the memories and what I learned from each of them.  And I'm thankful for God's ability to heal and change us over time!! ❤

We find what we look for. ❤

Calming Song of the Week = Be Still and Know by CeCe Winans

Okay, now I'm off to bed early to try to make up for going to bed very late last night!  Yay for the accompanying sounds of the storm outside.  Now I'll be focusing on homework and will see you back here next week.  I love you and believe in you, and I am confident that God can heal the deepest wounds in your soul as you keep seeking Him!

❤ ❤ ❤

I've Never Been Here Before

So I've been following Ashley's blog and Instagram stories for. a. minute.

(15 years and counting now).

Saturday, I had the privilege of meeting her in person for the first time! ❤

She had a book signing event at Book and Bloom in Broken Arrow... an adorable bookstore & flower shop that she said reminded her of You've Got Mail.  For real, Main Street in Broken Arrow is the best, and they chose the perfect location for this event!  Oooh, and I stopped by the Laurannae Bakery Ashley had recommended afterward and had the very best cupcake ever, but let's not get sidetracked. lol

The entire Campbell family was there... they're all kind and down-to-earth people who probably found the book-signing dynamic a bit awkward, but they're basically celebrities from my vantage point!!

Fun fact: My favorite photo wall at 522 was inspired by Ashley Ann!!

Campbell fam exactly ten years ago on Saturday. ❤ 

I felt very happy and proud for Ashley that there was a steady crowd of people from 10am to 1pm for this book launch event - amazing!!

Love the whole Campbell fam more than you might think possible - their childhood stories and photos, and the way Ashley celebrates what makes each of her kids unique - gracious, it's been subtle and gradual, but her writing style, eye for detail, love of adventure and color, exceptional photography skills (#snapshops2011), and her genuine love of humanity have shaped my life and taught me so much!! ❤

For a while, Chris and Ashley had three boys and one girl, and that dynamic reminded me of my preshface niece and nephews.

After a long road in the adoption process, in 2012, they traveled internationally to adopt Evann, who completes the awesome Campbell fam party of 7! ❤

In 2022, they took a highly-anticipated year-long trip around the world, visiting 20 different countries and learning from all the people and places along the way.  Ashley wrote and published her first book detailing their memories and stories from that trip, and it is phenomenal!  Genuinely.  Highly recommend it!!

I loved seeing their whole family there in BA supporting her and signing books with her!!  Blogging creates such a fascinating dynamic... I understand that I'm a kind and supportive stranger to them, but I feel like I've known them well for years, and I am so cheering for them right now!!

Each of her kids wrote a personal essay that is included in the book, so I marked their pages for them to sign! =)

Chris was greeting people in the line, so he was the first to sign my book... then I reached Corbett, Hudson, and Everett... the awesome men of the Campbell fam!  I loved following their Instagram posts and stories during their world-traveling adventure, and it made me happy to see them in person!!

I was also really happy to see Breese... fun fact: she has loved baking since she was little (left pic)... she now has her own side business called Sunshine Baked Goods.  And this summer, she baked and decorated the cake for her oldest brother, Corbett's wedding - so cool!

Finally, I was delighted to meet the youngest member of the Campbell fam... following Chris and Ashley's adoption journey was inspiring for me - I was among the hundreds who donated to the Incubator Project for the orphanage, and I cried when Ashley cried the day she met her daughter almost 13 years ago.  I so LOVED reading Evann's essay about conquering her fears and food aversions and embracing new things throughout this trip!!

Ashley Ann was the last person I connected with at the signing table.  The friendly woman next to me in line knew their family well and announced that I had traveled from OKC to be there.  Ashley thanked me for that, and I told her I've followed the blog for years and congratulated her on this massive accomplishment!!  We talked about the cute bookstore and the book launch team and got a photo together, then I stepped forward to keep the line moving.  All in all, my time in the bookstore was relatively short, and there was no way to adequately convey my deeper thoughts or level of gratitude there... but it was a fun Saturday in the Tulsa area, and I'm really glad I came out to support them!

This ended up being more of a tribute to their family than an official book review... but the book is exceptional!  How could it not be!?  I'll write a shorter review for Amazon later this week.  Ashley is a gifted writer and photographer, and her debut book is brimming over with high-quality photos from their trip - (mostly taken by her, but some courtesy of Corbett's impressive drone photography).  Anyway, following their family's trip in real-time was great fun, and it's awesome and expansive to get the behind-the-scenes stories in the book, vicariously experiencing the new people, places, foods, and great memories they shared!  

As a long-time blogger who aspires to be a book author someday, I can appreciate what opening this box meant to Ashley!  Well-deserved joy!!  I really love that Chris and each of the kids wrote their own essays that are included in it - what a gift and keepsake this book will be for their family, and what a gift for everyone who takes the time to read it!  Even the way Ashley formatted the book has inspired me creatively - it's unique, and it's exactly what it should be.  I am deeply thankful for Ashley's wisdom, warmth, and personal strength - over the past 15+ years, her subtle influence on my life has been positive and profound.  The Campbell family is such a light in the world, and I'm happy this book will carry that light a little further!!

❤ ❤ ❤

Chettles!

Friday was also the 37th birthday of Chet Lee, aka Chettles, everyone's favorite realtor and the core of our awesomesauce friend group...

We celebrated that with a fun ice cream bar and pool party + Whataburger dinner on Saturday!

Here's Jeffrey Edward in his Wynn-ing hat and Gathering Place t-shirt, Lindsey Claire in her 2009 peasant top and a regrettable absence of lipstick, and Chet Lee in his classic realtor shirt... "Mockey and the boys."  Love it!

Chet has been committed to a gluten-free lifestyle for several months now, along with regular workouts with Evan, nutrition coaching with Rachel, and recently adding marathon-training runs to his schedule!  His dedication in all of the above is inspiring, and the consistency is paying off, and I love that for him!  I'm gearing up to push myself in running workouts and feeling excited about our Chet-side relay team in November!! =)

Sarah Elizabeth with Katherine Claire and Parker Elizabeth!

Chet with the aforementioned ice cream bar!  They pre-scooped it to make the line move faster - smart and creative, like most of Karli's party ideas!

Fun at the pool, under the shade of my very favorite "junk tree." lol

The statue of ice cream cones!

I blew up the balloons, Chet tied them, Karli and Melissa added streamers...

And it came together in this super-cute balloon chandelier effect!

I also helped with the charcuterie board of ice cream toppings - look how fun and colorful! =)

❤

Chet's Whataburger group selfie - love it!!

Sparklers and one final pic for his 37th bday party!

A post-party test drive of what may very well be Chet's new car!! =)

Karli and the kids made 37 candles using pool noodles to decorate their front yard!! ❤
Debbie surprised Chet with birthday desserts!

And the guys (minus Mark Anthony, the classic Umbertos-era version) went to lunch at Meddys for his birthday earlier that week!

I participated in exactly zero percent of that, but still felt it was important to document it. lol

On my Facebook memories were these pics from Chet's 2014 party... I really love that most of this friend group is still getting together regularly 11 years and 10 added children later... what a gift!!

I'm on limited time, so that's all for today.

My schedule is *very full* lately, but full of good things.  I'm growing and making progress, and I have to be more intentional with budgeting my time and energy!  I'm excited about all the new things God is doing in this season - in my life and the lives of many of my closest people!

Okay then... I love you and believe in you, and I believe in your ability to gently challenge yourself, strengthen your self-respect, learn new things, and build a life you love!!

❤ ❤ ❤