Thankful on Paper: Week 2

It's time for Thankful on Paper: Week 2.








This week, I really thought about to whom I wanted to express my gratitude. There are so many in my life, I may have to extent this project past just four.


But for now, I chose my best friend for the past 15 years.

Michele was with me before this crazy life I call my own, before my marriage, before my kids, before the Army. We met in college and instantly hit if off. I am so happy she chose to put forth the effort to stay in my life even though we were constantly moving around the country. It didn't hurt that she loves to travel as much as I do.

She walked with me through many trials and a whole lot of triumphs. We have really had some good times together.

She's been there for the birth of all my babies.

 

Trina at 1 month

 Josh at 4 months

Jamie at 1 day

I've seen her kids grow up.

And she's seen mine.

She has taught my kids a lot through the years.

Both good...

And bad.

I am so thankful she's been in my life. I know that no matter how far apart we are in miles, no matter how long it's been since we have visited one another, we will always be best friends.

Yep, that just about sums it up!

Thankful

I am thankful for my family

 

 For this guy who works so hard for me.

For this guy who makes me laugh all the time.

For this guy who brings such joy to my life.

For this girl whose laugh is so infectious.

I am so thankful that God provided a wonderful church

 

Where we can all worship

For old friends

And new ones

And I am thankful for the Army that provides our way of life

What are you thankful for?

Thankful on Paper: Week One

I thought a lot about Week One of this project. There are so many people in my life for whom I am so very thankful.

But, when it came right down to it, there was only one person I wanted to express my gratitude for right away.

My mom.

 

Mom at age 16. Isn't she a stunner? Like Hollywood movie star stunning!

Mom and Dad with the 3 kiddos. Chris, Joy, and me, the baby of the family.

Growing up, I had my share of fights and arguments with my mom, but for the most part, she was the one person I looked up to the most. Through all the trials of adolescence, she was always there for me, cheering me on, letting me make hard decisions, and loving me no matter what.

I want to parent my kids with the same style and grace my mom displayed.

I've got a long way to go.

But, maybe, with her as my example, my kids will some day look at me for help with their own kids.

So, I wrote a letter to my mom expressing my thankfulness for all she is and all she has done for me.

 

I love you, Mom.

Halloween

I love Halloween. Everything about it is fun. The parties, the costumes, jack-o-lanterns.

The candy.

Yep, I raid my kids candy stash every year. That's a perk of being mom.

Hey, I get their costumes, make them up, and take them trick or treating. Every year.

So, I get first dibs. They know the drill. They bring the buckets in, pour it out, I check it to make sure no murderers or druggies have tampered with it. And I pick out my favorites.

Don't judge.


Friday night we went to a costume party with friends from church.

20's gangster and Little Red Riding Hood. Goes together perfectly.

Jerry got attacked by the kids. He loved it.

 Boys

Trina won the donut eating contest. I think she had a slight advantage.

Josh gave her a run for her money, though.

 Pumpkin carving time. This is the kids favorite part, I think.

Josh named him Bob. I see the resemblance. 

The it was time for Trick or Treating. We went to Commander's Row, where apparently the entire post trick or treats. It was crazy busy, but so much fun. Personally, I wouldn't want to be them on Halloween. They must spend a fortune on candy to hand out. But, I suppose they can afford it. They seemed to enjoy it, anyway.

Two ninjas and a 50's girl. Josh lost his ninja mask, so he was only half a ninja. He didn't care.

 Wait, Superman doesn't wear glasses. Clark Kent does. Now, the world knows his secret.

My favorite costume of the night. Captain Picard. I love a man who embraces his baldness. (sorry about the blurry image, I was trying to keep the kids from leaving me behind)

Remember, send out your Thankfulness notes today. I'll be back tomorrow to share my first one with you.