To be thankful....

Wow....the last few posts have been down....so I think it is time to be thankful and positive for just a minute or two...

I have a great family. My children have adapted to their lifestyle and have really had some rewarding experiences because of it..

Had we not been a military family:

We would not have been able to travel to almost every place in the United State. We have been through nearly every state and seen things that most people never have the opportunity. We have been forced to camp and learn to survive. Looking back, those were great times. We always made the best of it...we laugh and we get the opportunity to really get to know each other. The forced camping has lead us to some wonderful cabins on the lake.... some tent spots that really have cable... and some traveling in the travel trailer that will not ever be forgotten! We saw a giant frying pan in Washington along the ocean!!

We would not have gotten to live in a motel for six months in Arizona. What family gets to live in a motel with a swimming pool and free breakfast every morning for six months? I don't know many...

We wouldn't have been exposed to the many diverse cultures that we have experienced. We have met so many people and we have been given a gift of understanding and acceptance for others. Not to mention, when we want to take a vacation, we have friends all along the way that we can stop and visit. There are not too many places that we could go and not know someone. Even in other countries!!

We have learned independence. I am not afraid to attend things alone or take on new challenges. My oldest son is attending his 11th school. Can you imagine being able to walk into a new place almost every year. He even goes to church camps every summer in new places by himself. I think this will help him when it does come time to leave home. He will know how to push onward and achieve his goals. He has the ability to adapt! (I can't say that I was very successful at this in my early adult years.)

We definitely have an appreciation for the quality of time we have together thanks to the military. Watching the neighbor get "notice" by the men in "formal" military attire leaves a great appreciation and impression in your heart. We may not have much time together but, we sure try to make it good. We can even look back and laugh about the things that we didn't find so funny at the time.

Oh...I am thankful!