The other day I was very much feeling sorry for myself. I was tired, sick with a stomach bug, my house was a mess and I was missing my husband. He called and I gave him the woe-is-me spill (yes, even though he is the one at war)..."life sucks right now" I said. He stopped me very quickly. "No Melissa, don't say that, your life doesn't suck." He reminded me of all my blessings, especially compared to some of the people in Afghanistan. So this Thanksgiving I reminded to see the blessings in even the things that I complain about daily and to know that God has a plan for me, even if I do not know what it is.
I am thankful for….
My dirty house and the endless bottles that I am cleaning because it means that I have a home and a child to make it dirty.
My long and exhausting days as a stay at home mom because that means I am financial able to not work and to enjoy my son and watch as he grows, changes, learns and surprises me everyday. It means I am able to raise my own child in the 21st century.
My busy life of being a FRG Leader. As much as I complain about the work and the constant phone calls and emails that bombard me everyday… It means that I have something to occupy my time during this deployment while helping others who are going through the same thing.
My husband being in the Army because it means that I married a man who is honorable, brave, strong, smart and a leader. I married the man who defends his country and our right to be free. I married someone who is doing his best everyday to learn more about the world and the best ways to bring it peace.
This deployoment. It makes me a stronger women. It makes my marriage stronger too...if we can survive this, we can survive anything. It makes me appreciate life in a whole new way. I don't sweat the small stuff (well usually) because I am doing bigger things and so is my husband. This deployment forces me to take a step back, think about the world we are living in (as opposed to "my" world that I live in)...think about the past and the future, but only for a second because I have to live in the moment in order to survive this year.
I am truly blessed and truly thankful for all that I have. I have the most important things in life…friends, family, health and love. There is nothing more that I could ever want.
Jude was geared up for the big Texas vs. Texas A&M game. He is a total momma's boy in his burnt orange attire. I had to get him dressed up while I had a chance, this may be the last year before his dad has him in some Aggie overalls or a mini corp uniform!
Hanging with Grandma! She's the best!
Chilaxing in his pajamas....notice my Grandma's burnt orange carpet...yes it's true....70's time warp or true Longhorn spirit?
Jude was able to eat a lot of yummy new foods...he especially liked his Mom's cranberry sauce!
Walked to the neighborhood park. Jude's first time in a swing. He loved it!
It's official....family+football+food+fall weather+fun= A Happy First Thanksgiving for Jude!
Jude did manage to try on his Popeye costume. I just wanted to see if it actually fit....it's tight!
