Reconnecting ....

The countdown has begun ... 

I leave Saturday morning for my Annual Kentucky Missions Trip!

This trip to the mountains of Eastern Kentucky reconnects me with 

what is truly important in life. 

Note... Joe hanging from the rafters here.... who's the kid?!

Joe and I have dedicated our last week of June to this trip for almost a decade now.

Many have commented over the years...

"Wow, impressive but don't you want a week doing something fun?"

"Nice, but a week with teenagers? That has to be trying!"

"This is what you call a vacation?"

"Wait, Lisa you staying in something other than a 5 star hotel?"

"Ummmm, you actually pay to go on this trip?"

"I don't know ..... a church trip?"

This group of teenagers framed the floor and the walls on this house in two days ... then moved on to the roof 

The truth is Joe and I couldn't imagine not being part of this amazing week. 

It's so much more than building or rehabbing homes for those in need. 

We've built cross generational relationships...

A little fun with the kids... including my own 

It's really cool watch teenagers and adults actually enjoying each other's company!!

Many of these kids we've watch grow up right before our eyes.

We've attended graduations & weddings. 

We've been one of the first calls they make after they've landed that perfect job!

We've stood proud for photos as they shove off to serve our country

and we've welled up with tears when they call us years later 

just to say thanks .... 

Our dedication was recognized with great honor this past weekend,
 Joe and I were commissioned as Kentucky Colonels.  

An honor bestowed upon individuals to recognize their service and accomplishments 

on behalf of others. 

We are now in the company of some very well know Kentucky Colonels 

Winston Churchill 

President Lyndon B Johnson 

Ashley Judd 

and Bob Hope just to name a few....

If you would like to make a donation to LINKS (Lower Income Housing Coalition of Eastern KY)
 you can do so by clicking here

Success in the New Year.....

I kicked off the new year with my dear friend Mary Jones, as a guest on the Mary Jones Show.  Mary, along with her guest co-host and life coach Marge Piccini, devoted the entire show to Success.

Mary started the show with the burning question how do you define success .... Marge responded in her usual fashion, with an eloquent, poignant and insightful answer.  I sat back in my seat, sighed a little and thought...."oh boy, Mary, hope you're not looking for a great life lesson from me?!"


Mary then turned to me and asked "how about you Lisa .... define success" I smiled and said the first thing that came to mind.......

"well I guess it depends on the day. Today, success was that I folded a load of laundry and all the socks matched!" 

Honest to Pete I did! Yes, it got a few laughs, but sometimes success is just the simple things in life! I did follow up with my true successes in life, my marriage and my two beautiful kids.  Its amazing that it all falls into place when your priorities are in check. 

Yet even on those successful days when the socks are paired, I get out of the house on time, and I somehow make it through an entire day in white pants without spilling coffee on them ... its not such a bad idea to reconnect with our life goals.  

So as we venture into 2013, lets share our successes and goals! Curious what some of mine are? 

Here's a taste........

Hike the  Presidentials

Blog more Often

(finalize a name for my blog!)

Shop Local & Promote Local Businesses

Network More

Ask my Kids every day to share one thing they're Thankful for 

Eat more Salads

I'd love to hear from you share your success & goals on my Facebook Page or comment below. 

Lets Rock 2013!