t-giving challenge: thursday - family

I am thankful for my family.  I have been so richly blessed to have wonderful parents who love me without end.  They have provided for me and made sure I had a good childhood filled with great education, strong friends, and a solid faith.  They taught me the important things in life like playing well with others and being honest.  They supported me through everything including 10 years of volleyball practices, games, tournaments, and summer camps.  They cheered me on in the classroom as well and really pushed us to earn good grades.  They were thrilled with my decision to attend ACU and supported me while I was away for four years.  They supported my decisions to go to New Zealand and study abroad {and even came to visit me down under!}  They have watched me make decisions, both good and bad, but have stood by side through everything.  I know I made a good decision in choosing to marry Jeff.  They just love him... and how could they not?!  They have watched me earn a living and support myself but have always been there with open arms a full pantry any time I wanted a home-cooked meal.  They have been an example of a strong marriage (38 years) and what it takes to keep that love alive.    

{the harbour bridge in sydney - it's WAY famous}

I have always been Daddy's little girl.  I just adore my dad.  He has always worked hard to provide for us and has taught me the value of a strong work ethic.  My dad has a lot of love for life and bleeds purple and gold {geaux tigers}!  He is full of spunk and personality and loves to tell jokes - it's his way of making sure everyone has a great time.  But underneath all of that LSU / Saints pride is a man who loves his family immensely.  He recognizes his blessings and doesn't take anything for granted.  He never hesitates to remind me just how much I am loved. 

Since I left home for college, my mom and I have developed a strong relationship.  She has become one of my best friends.  She was there for me during every hard heartache whether it was caused by family or friends or organizations.  She always reassured me that my identity was not in who I was dating, who I was friends with, or to what group I belonged.  She has always encouraged me to do my best and above all to be the best person I can be. 

I am bummed this year we can't celebrate Thanksgiving with my brothers.  They are hilarious and fun to be around, especially since I don't get to see them very often.  Growing up, my brothers tormented me {what older brother didn't?!} but we have grown much closer these past few years.  They still see me as their baby sister, but also as an adult and friend. 

Since marrying Jeff, I have been blessed with another amazing family.  The Stringer crew has taken me in and loved me from the beginning.  I think the first time I met anyone in the family was at a reunion with aunts, uncles, cousins... the whole she-bang.  I guess I did well enough to make the cut!  Jeff really has a great family and I am so fortunate to be part of it.  I have been blessed with extended brothers, sisters, parents, and an adorable niece and nephew.  I love the holiday gatherings in the country because it means we get to see everyone.  There is guaranteed good conversation, laughter, and magic snow!  To the Stringer ladies - I still think you should all join the blogging world so I can keep up with you {and so I have more blog friends!}

 
To all my family - thank you so much for being who you are.  Thanks for loving me the way only a family could.  Thanks for challenging me and making me a better person.  Can't wait for Christmas to spend more time together!

t-giving challenge: wednesday - bffs

Today I am thankful for my best friends... specifically these two:

I met Mares in second grade and we have been good friends from the beginning (that makes us friends for about 18 years).  We became bff during middle/high school and I am so grateful for her.  She is a wonderful friend who is authentic and such a joy to be around.  She loves to have fun and is a great person to call when I want to induldge in some chocolate or a cookie monster.  Mares always makes an effort to stay in touch and our friendship has really grown throughout college and during the first few years in the real world.  I am so grateful she lives nearby and married such a fun husband.  We love being around them - it is a guaranteed good time!

If I had to pick one picture that describes our friendship it's this one:

Mares is a princess {and knows it! jk!}.  She loves the fine things in life but has a good head on her shoulders and is completely content in the blessings she has.  She is a true encourager and always wants to know what is going on and if there is anything she can do to help {that might be the counselor side coming out}.

I met Steph in high school through mutual friends.  We had a class together in 10th grade and became good friends right away.  I have been beyond blessed to have this girl in my life the past 10 years.  She is a true friend who is real in all aspects.  She has such a love for life and travel and is always up for trying anything new.  Steph is always a great listener and gives people the benefit of the doubt.  I am so grateful she took a job here in town a few years ago and I have the blessing to hang out with her pretty often.

If I had to pick one picture that describes our friendship it's this one:

Steph is not afraid to get soaked in the rain for a good concert.  She loves to have a good time and makes anything a fun event.  Her laugh is contagious and her spirits are always high.  She has a true joy for life that can only be found beyond all circumstances.  Steph sees the good in all situations.

To my wonderful bffs - thank you so much for the joy you bring to my life.  Thanks for being my support system... for always listening to me and encouraging me.  Thanks for always wanting to have fun together and being the best friends a girl could ask for.  I can't wait to see where the next 10 years take us!  CHEERS!

t-giving challenge: tuesday - mr. stringer

Of course I am thankful for my other half.  I wouldn't be who I am without him.  I love Jeff with every ounce I can.  He truly is such a blessing in my life. 

I don't want to get all gushy on here because I don't want to make you sick.  And I know the mister always shies away from any attention he gets.  But I feel like sometimes he just needs to know how much joy he brings to my life. 

He adores me {who wouldn't - jk!} and never lets a day go by without reminding me of his love.  He doesn't sweat the small stuff and might be THE MOST laid back person I know... you don't know how thankful I am for this!  He is a big dreamer and isn't scared to share his ridiculous thoughts with me.  Most often his dreams have to do with baseball, the Texas Rangers, or winning the lottery.  We often talk about what we would do if we hypothetically won the lottery.  His first response is always to give it away.  To give it to things we believe in... from clean water wells in Africa to local organizations providing hope to those who have no hope.  I love his heart because he doesn't just talk about giving but makes it a priority in our everyday lives to think about and act justly for those who have far less than we do.   I love that I can be so proud of him not becuase of his accomplishments {although I am proud of those as well} but because of who he is and who he strives to be.  He constantly extends grace and mercy to me.  He challenges me to think differently and meet others where they are.  He leads our marriage and makes our relationship a priority.  He is a true joy to be around with his light-hearted attitude and warm spirit. 

I could continue to brag about how wonderful Jeff is... and I am sure he would secretly be okay with that!  But, I'll just say my life has been radically different since we met a little over five years ago.  I am beyond blessed and grateful I have such a wonderful friend to walk with through this life.  To my best friend and soulmate - thanks for encouraging me and loving me with all your heart!

t-giving challenge: monday - education

Today I am thankful for my education.  I know a lot of people take it for granted {and I'm sure I do as well a lot of the time} but it is an incredible blessing.  I keep going back to the site with statistics on what our world would like if it were condensed to 100 people and the information just blows me away.  Essentially, one person (1%) has a college education.  It's crazy how caught up we can get by comparing ourselves to millionaires and celebrities, but simply having my college degree means I am pretty privileged. 

I am grateful for my family who worked hard to support my siblings and me to ensure we had a good education.  My parents pushed us to earn good grades to help us go to college.  These good grades paid off and relieved some of the financial burden from my parents based on generous scholarship donors who believed in the importance and value of a quality education.  I was incredibly fortunate to attend ACU where I have been equipped to perform well in the marketplace.  I have so many wonderful memories from college between the lifelong friends I made and the husband I married.  I love the ACU culture... where everyone really does kind of know everyone else.  It was much more than a college - it was my community.  I learned a lot about myself during college and I know I wouldn't be who I am or where I am without the friends and professors who challenged me during those four years.  I met people who were real and authentic... who didn't care what the world thought about them... who knew without a doubt that this life is not the end and there is hope.  I met people who encouraged me... who believed in me... who knew the life lessons learned would carry me forward. 

I had so many wonderful opportunities in college from Siggies to study abroad to a summer in New Zealand.  I am so grateful for all of these blessings and for the education gained during each experience.  Through club, I learned to see others as they were.  I learned just how much we can truly accomplish when we come together.  I learned the importance of strong friendships.  Through study abroad, I learned how to navigate foreign countries.  I learned how to put our heads together as a team and provide companies with valuable recommendations.  I learned that though this world is huge, we are all people who hunger for something more.  Through my summer in New Zealand, I learned how to drive on the left side of the road.  I learned to stop and appreciate my surroundings.  I learned the importance of mentors.  I learned that there are people just like me halfway across the globe ready to make a difference.  

I learned a lot in class as well.  I can say I enjoyed probably 80-90% of my courses - not only because of the content, but often because of the professor.  I don't know a lot of people outside of ACU who can say they knew their professors on a personal level... that they attended dinners at their houses or met them for coffee.  My professors were key mentors during my time in college and weren't afraid to be honest about the 'real world'.  I knew when I graduated that I had earned a wonderful education and was equipped to start my career successfully.  But my professors taught me so much more than what was written in the textbooks.  They gave me an education full of perspective... that I am not 'owed' anything and will have to continue to work hard at whatever I do with all of my heart.  They taught me that life isn't always fair and that there will be tough days at work or difficult situations.  They taught me that it's not about the money or the job title but it's about what you make a priority.  They taught me to always act with integrity and above all to show love to others. 

  {sweet Siggies}

{NZ countryside}

{precious study abroad friends}

I am truly grateful for my education in and out of the classroom.  To the friends I have made along the way - thanks for challenging and growing with me!  I wouldn't be who I am today without you!



t-giving challenge: sunday - watermark family

The Mr. and I struggled a bit trying to find our place in Dallas after getting married.  We both love people and really wanted to make friends who could relate to us when it came to our core beliefs and goals in life.  We have been immensely blessed to find community with six other families.  I have made friends of a lifetime who challenge me to be a better person and pursue the things that matter most in this life.  This group has become the friends I run to when I have a rough day, struggle with my purpose, or just need a good dose of humility and reminder of who I am in the big world. 

It's crazy to think we have only known everyone for a little over a year... it feels so much longer that I really can't believe we waited so long to find community.  I am always amazed by our group.  We have many different personalities and everyone brings a different strength and perspective to the table.  I'm so grateful for the memories we have made this year:

-white elephant christmas party

-camping trip {i survived my first camping trip!}

-countless games of nertz {you can always count on the Stringers for an easy win} 

-geocacheing at chick-fil-a

-cooking class

-tubing the guadelupe river {and nearly dying!}

-and any excuse to have a dinner party

-celebrating new life through adoption for our dear friends and mentors

I can't wait to see what this coming year has in store for us.  Life is tough and has it's difficult moments.  I am so richly blessed to walk through this life with wonderful friends who constantly offer up encouragement and advice grounded in true wisdom.  Here's a shout out to my foundation group - thank you for being a blessing in my life.  Thanks for challenging me to be a better daughter, sister, wife, co-worker, and example.    

t-giving challenge: saturday - home

I am thankful we have a home.  We have a roof over our heads and shelter from the storm.  We have been blessed with a wonderful house with room to grow and a great neighborhood.  The commute is a bit long when heading downtown, but sometimes I enjoy sitting in traffic and having the opportunity to clear my head or listen to my jams. 

We have so much more than the rest of the world when it comes to shelter.  Sure, I look at those crazy home magazines or shows on HGTV... and there is an occassional twinge of desire for the grandiose loft featured on Selling New York. 

source

But, then I come back to reality and know such lavish purchases are unnecessary and often don't serve a purpose to meet the needs of those who have-not.  I am always amazed by the stats calculated if you condensed this great big world into 100 people.  According to the site, 25 people would not have shelter from the elements.  Something we take so easily for granted, whether we live in a spacious home or shoebox apartment, is unfathomable for one-fourth of the world's population.  I am challenged to think about the 25% of our world who have no safe haven and am quickly humbled to realize my furniture wish-list is fleeting and not crucial.  The material treasures I desire will bring only light and momentary fulfillment.  My wealth may seem miniscule to celebrities and CEOs but a fortune to the rest of the world.  I am so richly blessed!

t-giving challenge: friday - work friends

I am beyond thankful for the friendships I have developed during the first few years of my career.  I was a bit intimidated when I first started my job 3 and half years ago fresh out of college.  I moved to the big city with a big girl job at a big 4 firm... talk about BIG changes.  I took the job not really knowing what to expect and unsure if I made the right decision. 

My work is not very glamorous.  I'm not saving lives every day with my well-documented bank reconciliations, flow charts, or spreadsheets.  But, I am constantly making and developing relationships.  I love people and I love this part of my job.  I interact with my project team and different clients every day.  {Don't get me wrong, sometimes this part of the job is not so fun}.  It's the people I work with who get me through the really tough days.  It's the friends at work who can relate to me the best on my day-in / day-out frustrations and successes.  It's the people I work with who make my day by getting me a kitty cat cookie cake for my birthday and embracing my love for cats!

  
It's the people I travel with and get to know really well because there is nothing else to do in some of these fine locations {take for example: secaucus (nj), erlanger (ky), amarillo (tx), sandy (ut), etc}.  It's the people who take the time to get to know me beyond my working knowledge... and still choose to include me at happy hours.  Ha!  It's the friends who plan the much-needed happy hours, parties, and other shindigs not because we all need to vent about work occassionally, but because we really are friends and enjoy each other's company.  It's the friends who get real with you and let you know what's really on their hearts and minds. 

I am so richly blessed to have found these friends.  I know many people who leave this job for various reasons, but still remain friends... and they all seem to say the biggest thing they miss about the firm is the people.  To all my work friends out there reading this... thanks for being a blessing in my life.  I couldn't do this job without great friends!

thanksgiving challenge

I am taking up the challenge to document what I am thankful for everyday this week leading up to the big day.  What could be better for my spirit than to reflect and truly appreciate the abundant blessings I don't deserve!

What are you thankful for this season?

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catch-up

No blog posts in the past month since I have been on the road for work.  I've got a little bit of a reprieve this week and am so grateful the holidays are among us!  I haven't had a lot of time for crafting on the weekends, but I was able to finish this beauty late last night while watching repeats of old CSI episodes.  I probably should have been writing a report for work, but a girl has to get creative sometimes...and I am pretty sure my manager would rather me not get too creative in my reports :)

What do you think?  I'm working on 2 more for the french doors on the study.  By the time I finish them, though, my fall wreaths will not be necessary because Christmas will be here!  I saw the inspiration for these wreaths on my favorite craft blog.  She spotlights different crafts and I was thrilled to see this tutorial.  I might just make one for every holiday - super cute and easy on the wallet {I know the Mr. appreciates that!}

Last Friday night, the Mr. and I got to see my bff {she just doesn't know it yet} perform at House of Blues.  She overdelivered an incredible show.  I was in such need to hear some REAL music with depth and be reminded of how much more there is to life.  The best part about her show is that she doesn't make plugs for herself (sure there is a merch table) but pleads for the crowd to do something to make this world better for those who have less.  For her 27th birthday, she is trying to raise $50K for clean water wells in Africa.  How many people do you know that choose to refuse all gifts and ask for support for those who can't help themselves?  How refreshing!  I love the message and I love the power that clean water provides.  It brings hope to those who have no hope.  The Mr. and I have joined the water crusade - and it is amazing to see how many people are supporting this vision today.  I read a lot of blogs to get craft or recipe ideas, to catch up with friends, or to just escape.  I love seeing this movement on other people's minds and in their words and using their blogs to promote a better world.  Watermark also supports clean water dwelling and I hope you will consider the impact of clean water on your life... and give thanks especially during this season.   

To continue with the water theme... I'll leave you with Brooke! 

Next up - a week full of posts for thanksgiving!