Thanks be said

Just some thoughts on Thanksgiving this year.

~It was nice to not have to "travel" to see family. Or to worry about having to make arrangements and swing the time off. Family came to my moms in Boise. I did drive the hour or so in everyday, but it was so worth the time I spent with my sisters and Julie and Grandma and Grandpa and, for Landon, Grandpa's new kitty.

~I still miss you Kentucky.

~I feel so....... tender..... lately. Is that the best word? I was on our base in the morning of the day of the Fort Hood shooting. It was such a sunny day and as I drove out of base, over the 4 foot deep cement walls that pop up in protection, I thought what a calm place base was. Really. I think we have regretted a bit that we chose to live off base. I came home and happened to see on the news that a soldier shooter had unloaded in Texas at army base Hood.

~I had been worrying myself a bit to sleeplessness some nights. I think it is important to say that we have had no regrets about our decision to go military. There are some definite "misleadings" that you are told about your commitment, but Ryan and I knew he could be deployed. We still signed. I have felt so very honored to be married to someone that is working for the military. He feels a strong sense of pride in his work. We love our country. I am more than awed as I see these young kids in uniform on base. I wonder, how did their parents teach them to be so selfless, and courageous, and duty-driven? They salute Ryan (and he feels akward about this), and I think, these are the kids going and fighting the battle. We should salute them. What got mixed up here? I love those soldiers fighting for our freedom.

~ As I mentioned, I was worrying over Ryan's possible impending deployment. I was praying for perspective and strength. And I had the strongest thought come to my mind. I was walking into the commissary (the base grocery store) and noticed two young airman. They were so young. If I was their mother's, wouldn't I want a good, prayerful, doctor taking care of them if they were sick or wounded so far from home? I would. My perspective changed a bit. Instead of worrying about me and how life will work without him, I've been trying to think about those he can help.

~I love this time of year. We kicked off December FHE with a lesson/reminder on why we have Christmas. Is it about Santa or the Savior? We wanted them to think about what they can do for each other and for those in need. Tanner started crying. He said he didn't have enough money to buy himself a present and one for everyone else that "needed" one. We sure know how to raise em right. Every time you give someone a present you give one to yourself. Isn't that how it works? According to Tanner.

~My little kids. I feel so busy. Doing the same thing over and over, day after day. Meals, laundry, cleaning up messes. But I find daily, they make me smile and study them. I am always asked by Emma, what are we doing today? I gave her my list today and heard her repeat back in her play. First I have to pay bills, then we have to go to the dollar store..... my exact list I told her. But, next time, she asks me about our day, I'm going to tell her: First, I'm going to squeeze you like silly and kiss you and love on your little brothers. I want her to know that that is what makes my day. Each of my kids. That came because I love their dad so much.