30 Days of Thanksgiving

So, first, you need to know I am not one to jump on many bandwagons, but this one really struck me as an important one.  I think, in general, we (as people and, of course, my household) are thankful for lots of things in our lives, but I also believe we don't often take the time to realize all that we have and should be thankful for each and everyday.  And, beyond that, we definitely don't take the time to vocalize and express these things we are so grateful for, thus, I am jumping on this bandwagon!

November 1:  Employment

I am so thankful that both Adam and I are employed.  Don't get me wrong, it's a little difficult to be thankful for this job as I walk out the door leaving Mason Lee behind and, I'm sure, each day that Adam has to leave the house at 4:30 a.m., he might struggle to remember to be thankful.  But, I am thankful for our employment while so many other struggle to find jobs.

For those of you who don't know, Adam is an Apache pilot in the U.S. ARMY and is able to provide for us because of this employment.  I am currently employed by Aptitude Habilitation Services as a Behavioral Therapist for children diagnosed with Autism, thus, allowing us the extra income to do the fun things we desire and, of course, travel cross country to see our fabulous families!

So, while there are a lot of days we might forget to be thankful for something that has become a part of our daily routine, I am thankful that we have these jobs in order to provide, above and beyond, for our precious family of three.

November 2:  Ms. Abby

Sometime between Adam leaving with Mason this morning and sitting at work, I am beyond thankful for my new friend, Abby for a multitude of reasons.

First and foremost, Abby watches Mason Lee is the mornings while I am at work.  She will never know the weight that was lifted from my shoulders the day we met. And, now I am thankful for her even more each day when she gets so excited to see the most important little man in my life.  I could never pay her enough the hours she has him and allows me to work, worry free, knowing that she is loving him and engaging him while I am away!  And, somehow, she gets him to nap...for that, I am also grateful!

Secondly, I am thankful for our quickly formed friendship that started with a walk pushing our joggers. I've quickly learned in the ARMY friendships form quickly and deeply.  As ARMY wives, we don't get to take months forming friendships or we would be alone for a majority of our lives.  Instead, we form friendships quickly to get through the craziness that the ARMY brings us.  For me, a PCS which landed me across the country from every family member and friend that I have.  For Abby, a husband that is gone for training several hours away.

November 3:  Family Time

It's Saturday, so it reminds me that even with all of the hustle and bustle of a busy week, we have time for each other.  I am thankful that despite a first week of work for Adam, a congested little bug, and football on every other station...there is time for family.

I am so thankful for these moments because I know before I know it, our family of three will become a family of two for weeks and months at a time.  So, for the minutes we have together NOW...I am thankful.

November 4:  God's Intervention

I'm thankful that just when I need it, God intervenes.  Remember that busy week I talked about, well, it didn't slow down for me.  I was supposed to work today, thus, preventing us from continuing our search for a church home.

Back story:  Adam and I committed to each other and God that we would not spend months searching for a church.  We both feel convicted that months spent "church shopping" will prevent our own spiritual growth, so attended a few highly recommended churches is key to avoid this!  Last night as Adam started to talk about where to try today (this is week 2 of "church shopping"), I softly reminded him that I had to work this morning.  He was so disappointed.

Here comes God's intervention...a 8 am text this morning informed me that I would not be working today, thus, to 9 am church we could go.  Of course, thinking it was too late because Mason hadn't eaten, neither of us were showered and a 20 minute drive in front of us...we did the best we could!  It's amazing how God can slow minutes to allow us to fit everything in to make it to church:)

Little did we know, the church we walked into at 9:01 this morning would allow us to get in the car after church and give each other the look and, "Well?" followed with smiles.  We were so encouraged this morning by the worship, message, and nursery (Mason didn't go, but I scoped it for next week).  And, side note, I love being in the Pacific NW where people are totally okay with cloth diapering:)

So, tonight I am thrilled because we were able to find a place to grow spiritually, develop friendship, and fellowship with other Christians.  But, it all couldn't have happened without a little, much needed, intervention!

November 5:  Monday

I never thought I would be one to appreciate Monday's, but the more Monday's I encounter, the more I am grateful for them.

Monday means a fresh start and this particular Monday, I got lots of "fresh starts".

First, I fit into a pair of pre-pregnancy jeans...the first pair I have been able to fit into since the little bug came along:)

I am also thankful for the ability to finally start a fitness/running routine.  Now that we are all settled in Washington, it only seems appropriate for me to get my routines back in place and this Monday of fresh starts provided just that!

And, of course, this Monday brought a BRIGHT sunny fresh start to the week, which if you have every lived or visited the Pacific NW in October, you know that is something to be thankful for each time it happens!

November 6:

November 7:

November 8:

November 9:

November 10:

November 11:  Veterans...Past, Present, and Future

Today I am thankful for those who have served, do serve and will serve our country in the Armed Forces.  There was a time that the military was an elusive, distant part of my life, however, in the last few years, it has become a very prominent part of my life.  Thus, Veteran's Day has taken on a whole new meaning in my life.

Obviously, I am married to the most amazing ARMY pilot!  And, if you would have told me five years ago on our first date, an Indiana teacher and an Indiana state employee, that we'd be living in our 4th home in 3 years and Adam would be that ARMY pilot I speak of, I never would have believed you.  And, despite the fact that he has yet deploy, I know the sacrifice he makes daily.  Whether it is a missed meal, weeks away from home for training, or being unable to attend a lengthy list of important events, Adam continues to sacrifice greatly and I have no doubt this list of sacrifices will grow.

Beyond the fabulous soldier I am married to, the number of servicemen who have impacted my life continues to grow.  Would you believe that more than half of my bridal party ended up marrying military men?  This may not seem strange to some, but we live in communities with little or no military influence and yet, we all started our married lives with someone who is or has served our country.  It's amazing that just 3.5 years ago none of us, with the exception of MaryAnne, knew that we'd be married to men serving our country.  To say the least, it has strengthened our friendships in ways that no one could possible understand.  We've taken girl trip because our guys are gone, we cried because of the distance, and we "get it" when no one else does.

from left to right

Amanda (Fulton) Ballinger:  Proud Navy Wife

Lindsey Weber

MaryAnne (Sacha) Burrows:  Proud Air Force Wife

Julia Smith (soon-to-be Cramer):  Proud Marine Soon-to-Be Wife

Erin (Smith) Fackler:  Proud Army Wife

Nicole Skovgard

Rozzie (McHenry) Berisha:  Proud Air Force Wife

Julie Cudney

To all of these men that impact my life so greatly because of the impact you have on my best friends, I pray for you daily.  I pray for your mission, for the sacrifices you have and will make, your families, and, mostly, for your safe return home when you are away.  

My list of friends, family, and acquaintances who have served grows daily, to each of these individuals, thank you.

So today, mostly, I am thankful for everyone who have served, will serve, and are currently serving our great nation.  The impact and influence they have in my life, freedoms they preserve, and sacrifices they make never go unnoticed.

November 12:

November 13:

November 14:

November 15:

November 16:  Spirit Airlines

What a silly thing to be thankful for you say, but no.  After finding out that the chances of heading home for Christmas were slim to none, Mom and Julia began playing around with the idea of coming here for Thanksgiving.  We all thought it was a long shot and that they would NEVER get ticket, but, alas, two tickets for the mere price of $175...it was a sign they were meant to be and they will be here tonight!!

November 17:

November 18:

November 19:  Wedding Dresses and a Bride-to-be

It has been so much fun having Julia and Mom here to visit.  Today, I was so thankful to be a part of Julia trying on dresses.  While we know the dress she is wearing for the ceremony, but she is still hunting for that special reception dress.  Julia, of course, looked fabulous and I would love to post a few sneak peeks, but I would hate for Mr. Cramer to catch a glimpse of here in white!!

November 20:  A healthy Little Bug

Yesterday was Little Bug's 6 month well baby check up (6 month post to come) and he is happy and healthy!  All of his stats will be in his 6 month post, but this one is easy...I am thankful Mason Lee is healthy!

November 21:  A day of REST

While I have already expressed my thankfulness for employment, I will be the first to admit my thankfulness for a phone call canceling a session.  I love that feeling of already being showered, dressed, and Little Bug ready to walk out the door and getting the call telling me not to come.  It means a day of productiveness since we are already ready to head out the door, but mostly a day of cuddles and hanging out with Little Bug!  And, today was even more special because it meant a day to hang out with Mom, Jewels and Little Bug!

November 22:  Holidays

Today is the day that inspires the entire month of thanksgiving and for today, I am thankful.  I am thankful for holidays that bring friends and family together.  And, in this crazy life, I am thankful for friends that become family.  As Mom told Jody and Dustin, "Now, that we have shared a Thanksgiving, you are family."  Well played, Mom, well played!

November 23:

November 24:

November 25: The little things

Sometimes, it's just the little things.  I am grateful that a lunch at Jimmy Johns makes us happy.  I am thankful that sometimes we can sit back and not need extravagance, but just something so simple can make it a good day...oh, and an IKEA 45 minutes away really helps too:)