30 Days of Thanks- Day 12

I am thankful for good books.  Good, quality books are so enjoyable.  I have several books that are almost like old friends---I love rereading and reconnecting with the characters, story, and emotions.  I have been sick today, and so, just curling up on the couch with one of my favorite old books, has made my day so nice and relaxing. 

30 Days of Thanks- Day 11

Today I am thankful for medicine and health insurance.  Evan got sick today when we went to Applebee's for Rick's military appreciation thingy.  I just loved how kind the waitress was, from getting our food out quickly to making sure that Rick's meal was still free.  We gave Evan medicine when we got home, and if we need to take him to the hospital for an emergency, we have amazing health insurance as a great benefit.

30 Days of Thanks-Day 10

This is a little late... But, yesterday (11/10) I was thankful for good friends.  I've had to learn to come out of my shell since Rick joined the military, but I am so grateful for all of my friends, those that I grew up with, those that I met in college, those I met in Arizona, those I met in Biloxi, and my newest friends that I've met here at Fort Meade. Friends are always close to my heart, and I love that we have technology like blogs, facebook and email so that I can keep in touch with all of the wonderful people that I've met so far in my life.

30 Days of Thanks- Day 9

I am very thankful for technology.  Especially internet and cell phones.  I can call my parents or am at least able to communicate with them everyday.  When Rick was at Basic Training, the majority of our communication was through the mail.  He only called me about 4 or 5 times that he was there for those 8 weeks.  But I am so happy that we were able to stay connected through letters.  It made me realize how lucky I was to listen to his voice on the phone when he did call.  So, I'm thankful that I can keep in touch with family, friends, etc.  And I am so thankful for Skype... I am sure that I will be putting this to good use with Rick whenever he has to leave for extended periods of time. 

30 Days of Thanks- Day 8

Today I am thankful for sleeping.  I know this is silly but I just love laying in bed and getting sleep.  Sometimes it's a lot harder to get sleep than I'd like, but I love how it feels when I wake up from a nice rest.  :)

30 Days of Thanks- Day 7

Today I am thankful for knowledge.  I am thankful that I had the opportunity to be educated for free in this country, and I am thankful that I chose a moderately priced, good university to attend.  My school loans are not outrageous, and I have learned a lot from the things I've learned.  I am thankful that I also have a LOVE of learning.  I love learning to do new things, and to make improvements in my life, whether those improvements are spiritual or temporal. 

I have been really worried a lot lately about our country's education system.  I could just homeschool Evan, but I don't think that's a choice I should make yet (he's only 2 :) ).  But,  I am happy that I have the knowledge and means to prepare him for kindergarten and school.  Right now, we're just working on expanding his vocabulary, talking a lot to him about the world around, starting to work on crafts, and introducing shapes and colors.  Sometimes it seems overwhelming right now... I am worried that he won't be ready.  But, I also know that I have the knowledge and means myself to get him to where he needs to be. 

More pictures from Nana and Poppa's Visit

I am so grateful that my parents could come and visit our family last weekend.  We had a lot of fun, and we didn't do too much, so it was a really nice, low key, relaxing weekend for all of us. 

At my cousin's house in Silver Spring when we had the first snowfall of the year.

Sarah and Evan

Claudia, Uncle John, Sarah, Rick, Evan, Jared, myself, Dawn, and Andy

Another shot of all the cousins, Uncle John and in-laws.

Adding Aunt Cathy into the mix.

Evan playing with his favorite puzzle.

Evan and I---I don't look good at all.

Evan and I on the couch.

The baby clothes that my mom and Sarah bought for the new little guy.

Nana and Evan together before Nana left.

Poppa and Evan. 

We are looking forward to seeing the whole family (and Rick's family in AZ, of course) at Christmas in California.  It will be a lot of fun, and we'll even get to go to Disneyland as one big family also!