My Vietnam Veteran

Today I am thankful for my Dad, for about a million reasons. I chose to write about him today because one of the reasons I am thankful for him is for his service in the United States Army. My Dad joined the Army when it wasn't popular, went to war and risked his life, and came home to a nation who did not respect or support him. My Dad has shared stories with us from this time-including stories about being spit on and called foul names, all because he chose to serve his country. All of this could have made my Dad a bitter, angry person, with no respect for his country. But he isn't. My Dad is the most patriotic person that I know. From the time I was very little he has taught me to respect and honor my country, our flag, and our freedoms. I have such a great respect for my Dad and his service in the Army, and for all that he has taught me..
Each year on Independence Day, our community has a flag raising ceremony, and each year they honor veterans from different eras. This past summer my Dad finally got the respect and honor he deserves for being willing to serve his country as the community honored him and the other Vietnam veterans. Stories similar to my Dad's were shared, but the best part was when the community stood and applauded our Vietnam vets, and then all of the veterans in the audience. Tears streamed down my face as I saw my Dad and the other veterans being recognized for their service and sacrifice. It was a day I will never forget.

This is only one reason why I am thankful for my Dad. Like I said, I have at least a million, she here's the short list: my Dad is my confidant, my strength, my comfort, the one who will always listen, my cheerleader, my example of Christlike love, my example of service. He is the one who can get me to smile when I'm having a bad day (it's a risky endeavor, but he's willing to try!). I am a Daddy's girl through and through, and I am proud of it. There is so much to say, but I think I will stop with these last thoughts.:
Dad-I love you, and thank you for all that you are, and all that you have taught me. I am one lucky girl to have you as my father.

A Weekend Get-Away

I am thankful for the weekend get-away that I get to take every weekend. Since the beginning of October I've been spending the weekend at my sister's house to help out with the boys. It makes me smile because it's the reverse of what I used to do-spend the week at her house and go home on the weekends. Either way, it means getting to spend time with my boys and their parents. I get about an hour more sleep than I do during the week, and my alarm is much cuter and easier to wake up to. :) I love spending time with each of the boys, and I especially enjoy the time I get to spend just talking to my sister. It's nice to be able to come here, away from the cares of my weekday life, and just relax. Or at least focus on something different. I love being "Nanny," and couldn't imagine a better way to spend my weekend. I am one spoiled Nanny, that's for sure!

Warmth

Today I am thankful for warmth. We got some pretty good snow today, especially where I work. My feet got wet and cold early on in the day, and they pretty much stayed that way the rest of the day. Finally, I have on a nice pair of socks, in a warm house, curled up in a blankie. Life is good. I am so thankful for the warmth in my life: the physical warmth that my home provides, the emotional warmth that my family and friends provide, and they warmth that the gospel of Jesus Christ provides. I am blessed to not have to be cold, at least not for very long. There are always things to warm me up: socks, hugs and kisses from the three most adorable boys in the world, and a sure knowledge that God loves me no matter what. Yes, today I am thankful for warmth.

The Best Medicine

I am thankful for those moments in life that just make you chuckle, chortle, giggle, fracture, bust up, roar, snort, roll on the floor...and just plain old flat-out laugh. Life is meant to be taken with a good dose of laughter. Here are a few of the moments that have made me *laugh* (insert favorite synonym here) over the past week or so:
*"He doesn't bite! That man doesn't bite!" (said by a 3-4 yr old about my Dad)
* "You sure 'bout that, Nan?" (said by Sam as I told him to sit down and eat breakfast)
*"Just so you know, the slated spoon in the..." Not sure if I'm allowed to finish that sentence, but I got a very good chortle out of it!
*Cannon-Cole (it was a horrible and funny experience)
*Pulling a Drew Barrymore from "Never Been Kissed" and falling UP the stairs at the high school-on my way to teach my 9th graders
*Mark's drunkard approach to the sippy cups he found on the floor
*And my favorite from today: a man wearing a headlamp equipped with magnifying glasses smelling my foot. The best part-I paid him to do it! Hahahahaha! (after watching him I had to seriously ask myself who in their right mind would willingly go into a profession where smelling people's feet was an everyday routine?!)

I can see clearly now...

Too bad today isn't a "T" day, because I could've come up with a good slogan! But alas, I must settle for just telling you that there are two things that I am thankful for today.
One: I am thankful for the gift of sight, and for modern technology that can correct my sight. I've been wearing glasses since I was in 4th grade. In 9th grade I finally got to make the switch to contacts. I am so grateful for these things that allow me to function in my everyday life. Today I went in for my yearly eye exam. I have been noticing lately that my eyes feel tired, and that I can't seem to focus as quickly as I would like, but other than that I felt like I could see pretty well. The Doc checked everything out and made some adjustments to my prescription. I got home and put in my new contacts and was amazed by the clarity of the world around me. I had been living in a haze of sorts, with the world slightly blurred around me. The thing is, I didn't realize how hazy things were. Now I can see much more clearly, and the haze is gone. It's a miracle what those little adjustments can make. If it weren't so late I would go into a spiritual analogy here, but since it is late, I'll let you come up with your own.
Two: I am thankful that God knows exactly who to send into my life when I need them. Tonight I got to spend some time with my friend Kim. KP is one amazing woman! She has been a stronghold in my life since we were roomies at CEU. KP is someone who willingly points out your strengths when you might not see them, and is fiercely loyal. She is an amazing friend who has always been there for me, and is someone I admire. She is stronger than she knows: I know this because I draw strength from her. Spending time with Kim tonight was a lot like getting adjustments made to my prescription, allowing me to see better. Kim is a great listener, and I really appreciated having her listening ear tonight. I talked her poor ears off, but I feel like some of the life-haze has been lifted, and my sight is more clear.
Basically, I am thankful for the removal of the haze in my life.

American

Tonight my THANKS is a no-brainer: I AM THANKFUL TO BE AN AMERICAN! I am thankful to live in such a great country. I am allowed to be the woman I am, doing the things I do, because I live in the United States of America. I am thankful to have had an opportunity to cast my vote today. The election may not have turned out how I would have liked, but that is what this country is about. I am thankful for my freedom. I am thankful to live in a country where I can practice my religion. I am thankful that Mr. Romney had a chance to show the American public that "Mormons" are not the crazies that we are portrayed as.
"And I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the men who died and gave that right to me. And I'll gladly stand up and defend her still today. 'Cause there ain't no doubt, I love this land...GOD BLESS THE USA!"

The Home-Stretch

I am thankful for the chance that I have had, and currently have, to continue my education and get a degree in a field of study that interests me. Sometimes school is crazy, and I have a million assignments all due on the same day, and I don't understand everything, but somehow it all comes together and makes me a better person who will be more prepared to face her future as an educator. The road isn't always easy, and there are plenty of bumps along the way, but there are also smooth patches and pleasantries along the way. Along with being thankful for my education, I am especially thankful that it is almost over! I student teach in January-which is INSANE! It will all work out the way the Lord has planned. I trust Him completely. What a ride this whole experience has been, and all in all, I really am thankful for it.