A Friend out on a BIG boat

I have an old friend from HS that is out on a aircraft career right now and I have been thinking about him and his family today. He has been out there for more than 5 months and has another few to go. 

I am so thankful for him and his unit for giving their lives for us and their country.

 Along with other things (that I am not aware of) he is protecting other troops that are on the ground. I am not sure about all of the dangers he is in daily, but I do know that landing a big aircraft on a strip in the middle of the ocean can't be easy. 

So, today I am thankful for:

the men and women who protect our country (and the many other countries where they are protecting innocent people)

On a daily basis I forget about all of the families that are affected by having family members serving. I am sorry. I AM thankful for them all because the family members that are left behind are serving us too. So, thank-you family members for your very high sacrifice that you give on a daily basis. 

Thank you, Ian and Joelle for your service. We look forward to the next time that our paths cross. 

You are all in our prayers. 

Thankful for:

the quiet of the night. 

I know that all you moms out there know that in the dark of the night, when all is quiet, is a sacred time 

both kids are sleeping and it is a beautiful thing. It is so nice to have the kids awake to laugh with, to watch them grow and learn. Once they are tucked in their beds and asleep I feel as though I can finally relax a little bit and catch my breath. This time goes by so quickly and I know tomorrow will go just as fast so tonight I am thankful for a few minutes of silence before another day of laughter, smiles and a little bit of runny noses. 

Day #9

I am thankful for laughter.

I seem to laugh throughout the day with my daughter and son. 

It is so funny to see her dancing around and playing pretend with almost everything that she touches. 

M2 is making me laugh daily too.  Just take a look at what was happening tonight in our living room. 

Day #8

I am thankful for child's play

We have had a fun day today; not all that exciting..just fun. 

This morning we were surprised by our friends that stopped by to see if we wanted to play. Matt was going to go blow leaved with Isabella and jump in the leaves. So, the boys decided to play here. They seemed to have a fun time together and it was a beautiful clear morning. I was just thankful that I got to watch them be kids and have fun. Sometimes I think I need to do more of that; 

just stop and play and have fun with my kids. Should we all be doing a little more of that?

Day #7

I am thankful for a full nights sleep

This might seem simple but I realized today after 4 nights of solid sleep that that has not happened for about 9 months or so. I can not believe I have gone the better part of 3/4 of a year without sleeping thru the night. 

WOW! That is amazing for me; for one who loves to sleep. So thank you, Lord, for giving this gift to me. I just pray that it doesn't end and that M2 continues to sleep well at night. 

It makes for a happier, more rested mama. 

F.R.I.E.N.D.S

I am thankful for FRIENDS. 

Friend = watching your kids when you are having a particularly bad week
Friend = playing foosball until your wrists hurt
Friend = telling you the truth even when you don't really want to hear it
Friend = knowing when to listen and when to talk
Friend = getting you some chocolate just because
Friend = walking through the fire with you
*these are just a few*

Friendship has always been very important to me. I value it more and more as we move from place to place. God has always provided people where ever we have lived that I can connect with and live life with.  There are some friends that come and go. I realize that those friendships are important; there are many I remember with a smile and even a laugh.  Then there are some special ones that you know will stick it out with you no matter where you live. Thank you to all of my friends are past to present.

Sibling Fun

We don't get to hang out with my brother and sister-in-law very much and so when it does happen it seems very special. My brother, Brian and his wife, Jen, came up to speak at a "Weekend to Remember" conference in St. Louis. So, we got to see them on Friday and then Sunday-Monday evening. We were sad that they did not have their kids with them..but it also seemed as though we were able to actually talk and get some real conversation time in. I have always looked up to my brother and it is nice that even though we are 8 years apart our relationship seems to get closer as we get older.  

And Jen is the sister I never had. 

We took them to the Budweiser Brewery and surprised them with how much fun it is. 

Don't they look so cute?

I realize the picture is not good... I am still learning about photography. Help me!

This are some of the brewery buildings. The place is huge!

They even enjoyed a little free beer at the end. 

M2 did great! What a trooper...he didn't get much sleep at all this whole day. 

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