Thankfulness Day 27

Day 27 - Today I am thankful for warm fuzzies. Sometimes they come when we least expect it and other times they come when we watch Hallmark Channel Christmas movies. <--i love="love" p="p" them.="them.">

Thankfulness Day 26

Day 26 - Today I am thankful for Day/NyQuil. I was over the flu before we left on the cruise but it seems that most everyone else got a cold so I am feeling pretty bad again. Great. Some family, huh? ;) However, after some Quil, I am feeling a bit better.

Thankfulness Day 25

Day 25 - Today I am thankful for our Calvary family. We may not be in Moncks Corner right now but they are still a big part of our hearts. 

Thankfulness Day 24

Day 24 - Today I am thankful for air conditioning. Last night some of Mark's cousins and I stayed up to play a game and the cruise line actually turned off the AC at one point!! It got HOT. We, no lie, congregated in the hallway because it was SO hot in the rooms!! So I am thankful for AC and the control of it!!!

You Are Blessed!

Have you ever stopped to think about just how blessed you are? So many time we allow the stresses of life to get the best of us and overtake us. YOU ARE BLESSED!!  No matter the tough times you may go through. You are!! Did you wake up to another day today? Another breath? Another meal? Another laugh? Don't let the stresses of every day life take over your life. Remember, you were given another day to live, to love, and to laugh. YOU, my friend, ARE BLESSED!

How do you remind yourself to breathe and remember that you are blessed? What or who is it that you can always count on to remind you?

Thankfulness Day 22

Day 22 - Today, I am thankful courage!! We went sailing today and it was AWESOME! I wasn't as scared as I was when we went white water rafting but I was a bit nervous.......it was amazing! I had SO much fun!! I also have to say that Mark is my courage. He pushes me to my limits and sometimes farther and I love him for it. (Zip-lining will NEVER make the list though! No, sir! No, thank you!!!!)

Sailing

I sailed today!! Like, honest to goodness, was the crew of a sailboat! My boat was The Stars and Stripes and we were competing in the American Cup race...well, a reenactment. Apparently, the Americans held the American Cup until 1983 when Australia won it from us. We held it for, like, 131 YEARS! Pretty awesome, huh? I didn't know that until today but, um, awesome!! I was a Wench on the crew but I had a job to do...not what you think. haha I actually helped with the sails and all. It was incredible! How many people can really say that they have been on the crew of a sailboat before??? Well, this girl can now! And I had a blast!! I wasn't too nervous initially but once I heard that we would be tilted like 20-25 degrees one side or the other when turning it made me stop and go "um..." But it was nothing like I suspected! No fear at all!! Oh my goodness, I'd do it again! Kind of like white water rafting, I suppose. I was SUPER nervous then and have the pictures to prove it. Haha But I'd do it again...I think. *wink* Anyway, awesome, AWESOME!! 

Do you face your fears or do you run from them?

A Perfect Husband

So, as every woman in a happy marriage says, I pretty much have the best husband EVER! Not only does he put the girls and I first but he does whatever he can to make us (me) happy. He truly realizes that "if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." What brings this post on?  You ask? You always say that. You say. Well, tonight we are on our Thanksgiving family reunion cruise and while I normally want to go to the shows, especially the comedians, I really didn't feel like going so Mark, though I'm sure he didn't necessarily want to, went. He left it up to me and offered. Such a good man. 

There are not too many men these days who put their wives before themselves and I am lucky, and honored, to say that I have one of them. He is pretty much the epitome of a good man, a great husband, and a perfect gentleman (most of the time. *wink*).

Excuses, Excuses!!

So many times people are under the impression that cruise means one or two things; 1. It is uber expensive and they, therefore, cannot afford it or 2. You can't do it with children, much less young children. I used to think that way but have sense learned that both of those are just excuses. First off, the money. Just think about how much you spend going to Disney World/Land. You drive or fly there, you pay admission (which, worth it albeit, is astronomical, even for FL, and I am sure CA, residents), you pay for a hotel/motel, you pay for food and souvenirs in the park, etc. You're looking at hundreds of dollars! For the same amount, and usually cheaper, you can get a stateroom on a ship, pay your gratuities (usually about $10 a day per person), and your entertainment and meals are free. Sure, there are restaurants you can pay for onboard, if you or your child(ren) want a Coke you pay for it (or you can get a soda card for the week for about $40-$50 that allows unlimited cokes and juices, OR bring them on yourself! You can bring on a small amount of drinks. We usually bring a case of water and a 12-pack. Now, for you adults who wish to indulge in some "adult beverages", sure, you can buy them OR there are ways to sneak bring them on (we'll get into that another time, if you wish)! Not to mention, you are allowed a bottle of wine per adult so there you go (just be sure to bring a cork screw or they charge you something like $10-$15 in a corkage fee..sneaky sneaky, huh?) Other than that, some of the best times I have had in port is when we just browsed and shopped or got a cab to take us around on our own. You don't HAVE to do the excursions, and if you want to than look out in town because it is usually much cheaper to do it that way than to go through the cruise line. 

Next, cruising with kids/young kids. We have cruised with my oldest since she was 6 months old and it has never been a problem. Sure, we usually go along with my inlaw's or parents and that helps but it can SO be done with just mommy and daddy! Not only are there shows and food and ice cream but they usually have a kids camp as well where you can take your kids and drop them off and the staff play with them and take them on tours of the ship and make crafts. It is awesome! AND they give you a pager of a walkie-talking so that if your child is done and needs you they can get ahold of you. For the older kids, they have dance clubs and arcades and parties especially for them. All in all, it CAN be done and the only stress is what you put on yourself. 

Don't fall victim to the excuses and the rumors and get out there, get on a boat, and have some fun!

Thankfulness Day 21

Day 21 - Not coughing!!!! I still have a slight cough but it is nothing like it was!

Thankfulness Day 20

Day 20 - Family. I don't mean family that I was born into but family that I married into and have accepted me fully as I am. Not many people can say that but even just these past few nights on this cruise have reminded me once again how great it is to be accepted by a family with whom you chose, and whom chose to accept you.

Thankfulness Day 19

Day 19 - Days at sea. I love days at sea when I can just do what I want, when I want, and not have to go through security or customs. I LOVE sea days!!!!

Thankfulness Day 18

Day 18 - Today I am thankful for early arrivals. We got to the cruise terminal early and did not have to wait in any lines hardly at all!!! With 3 children ages 3, 2, and 1, that is quite a blessing!!

Thankfulness Day 17

Day 17 - Taxi drivers!!! I have taken taxis not only all over the US but also abroad and O.M.G. there are times I know I would die if I were the one driving!!! Holy cannoli!!! So on this day, I thank God for them!!!!

Thankfulness Day 16

Day 16 - I am thankful for pilots. Those men and women (though all of my pilots ever have been men..*shrugs*) who sacrifice parts of their lives to travel the world so that I don't have to drive for days.

Thankfulness Day 15

Day 15 - I'm thankful for my fellow CM MODS. Most of you who read this will not understand but those who do will know that those fellow MODS are not just faceless but they are friends. You ladies have been there through a lot and without you I would have gone crazy! You know who you are and you know that I love you.

Thankfulness Day 14

Day 14 - I am thankful for Facebook where I have reconnected with SO many old friends that otherwise I would have lost touch with all together. Also, for connecting me with family where I can keep up on the engagements, weddings, pregnancies, and babies. 

Thankfulness Day 13

Day 13 - I am thankful for my dogs. They are a mess and have caused me more stress and near-heartattack's than I can even count but they have been there with and for me through many times when I needed them. No matter how many times they run away, don't listen, knock my drinks over, eat off of my plate, they are also the ones who were there through my stalker (alerted me a time or two even), Mark's many underway's and deployments, and they have been there to give me laughter, smiles, and kisses when I was having a bad day; both along with and before kids. And for them...I am eternally grateful!

Thankfulness Day 12

Day 12 - I am thankful for modern technology. We are so blessed to have the technology that we have today; cell phones, email, computers, internet, video games, etc. Mark had to go back to South Carolina today to get one more load of stuff and to check out of work tomorrow morning and on the way he listened to an audio book on the iPod through the truck stereo, and he was able to call me a few times on the road to check in, let me know how things were going, and tell me he loves me. And once he got to the house, where nothing is hooked up, mind you, he was able to hook up his laptop to the TV and play video games to pass the time all while texting me. And while he is deployed we will be to email and he will be able to call (hopefully) a few times. These are all recent advancements in the grand scheme of things and I thank God that He has given the people who came up with and perfected these technologies the brains to do so. Sure, technology can be used to evil but what can't in this day in age? Technology, for me and my family, has been a blessing.

Thankfulness Day 11

Day 11 - I am sure that this is a cliche' today but I am thankful for our men and women in uniform, both past and present. We had a little exhibit at church tonight after the service and some men and women of the church set up tables with awards and pictures and memorabilia from their time in service and it was amazing to see some of the stuff! Mark and I set up a table as well and it was just so nice to see so many people who have devoted their lives to serve a country who many times have a funny way of showing their appreciation. These men and women give up their civil liberties so that we can keep ours and all too many times it goes unnoticed. Now, I am not saying that these men and women do it for the recognition but they deserve to be recognized every opportunity that arises.

Thankfulness Day 10

Day 10 - I am thankful for Aunts and Uncles who spoil my children. haha My Aunt Jeanie and Uncle Karl came into town for a family reunion that is going on this weekend and they have spoiled the mess out of my girls...if nothing other than lots of love and fun.  

Thankfulness Day 9

Day 9 - I am thankful for safe travels! Mark and I made the trip from South Carolina down to Florida this afternoon and the trip went beautifully! We were in two vehicles and it was probably a perfect trip! I plugged in my iPod, turned it on shuffle, and jammed out to Backstreet Boys...along with other artists but I never get to jam to BSB anymore! haha 

Thankfulness Day 8

Day 8 - I am thankful for good business people who become friends. Mark and I met a guy when we first moved to South Carolina who is very talented in what he does...which is a little bit of everything! He is our "go-to" when we need anything done around the house...or when my dogs get out and I cannot simply leave 2 children in the house to run around town looking for them. That has happened more than once. haha Anyway, he has been a lifesaver so many times and even now that we are getting our house ready to rent, he is the one who is taking care of everything for us. Without him and his wife (who is the one who designed our beautiful entertainment center and my awesome closet) I am not sure where would be!

Thankfulness Day 7

Day 7 - I am so thankful for Navy. They really do take care of their own. If we had to pack and move everything that we own on our own it would take FOREVER! Being that shore duty is up and we are now going back out to sea, the Navy not only pays for us to move but the movers that they get to come in and move our stuff where ever we want it, essentially, have to pack everything. I loved it last time we moved TO South Carolina and I love it again this time. However, this time I must say, I think that I love it even more because not only do we have more stuff since we have 3 children as opposed to just 1 but I have been so sick that to have to pack and load and move things would have been terrible! So my thankfulness for the day is for the US Navy in doing what they can to take some of the stress off during such a crazy time.

Thankfulness Day 6

Day 6 - Today I am thankful for modern medicine. I don't know if you suffer from migraines but I sure do and they can be so debilitating. I have come down with the flu so along with sneezing, coughing, body aches, fever, chills, sweats, etc. a migraine came along. Not only have I been laid out on the couch all day but I haven't been able to open my eyes because the light has been unbearable. Were it not for some strong pain meds that I have I don't know where I'd be right now. Actually, I do, still laid out on the couch, probably in tears, not being able to sleep from the pain. I know that some people say that all you need is prayer and faith but I say that God knew what he was doing when he gave those men and women the knowledge and intelligence to become doctors and nurses and scientists who have put so much of their lives into finding ways to help people live long comfortable lives. 

Thankfulness Day 5

Day 5 - Today I am thankful for my parents. I have really been blessed with wonderful parents who have always been there and continue to always be there for me whenever I need anything. They have always pushed me to do my best at whatever I do, be my best at whatever I am, and most of all they have taught me that it is ok to not be the best and to fail as long as I did, in fact, do my best. I made mistakes and they let me but they were always right there when my mistakes brought me heartache and pain. My parents have been prime examples of Godly parents, role models, and what it means to have God at the center of a marriage. It is because of them that I know Who holds my tomorrow and because of them that I am ultimately the person that I am today.

Thankfulness Day 4

Day 4 - I am thankful for my husband who always puts our daughters and me before himself. He is probably one of the most selfless people that I know and I thank God every day that He picked Mark out specifically for me. Sure, we have our disagreements at times but who doesn't? And isn't it those disagreements and those hard times that really show you so much about not only yourself but your partner? I don't know where I would be without my husband and I hope that I never have to find out. In his line of work, his call of duty, I know, firsthand, what it is like to NOT have him home at the end of the day and NOT have him home for holidays and NOT know-that-I-know-that-I-know that he *will* be home "tomorrow". I try and cherish each and every moment that I get to spend with him. And along with that I thank God each and every day for those moments. My husband truly is my other half and my better half. He is the one who keeps me on my toes and in check. Where would I be without him, you ask? Not where I am today. 

Thankfulness Day 3

Day 3 - I am thankful for my beautiful daughters who are my life, my world, and my heart. They left today with their grandmother so that Mark and I could get things around the house done and packed up and moved. It was terribly heartbreaking and I was a mess. I don't know how long I cried but it seemed like forever. Usually, it isn't a problem and they are happy to be going to their grandma and grandpa's and Mymy and Poppy's houses but this time McKenna was so strong until she turned to say bye to me and she started crying "I just want to stay with my mommy!" It was SO heartbreaking!! I was a mess all afternoon. :( Going through that, however, just made me love and cherish them even more. I thank God so much that He chose me to be not only *a* mother but my girls' mother. It is because of those three little girls that I am who I am today.

Good Business

I love when businesses do what they can to please their customers. Last night we ordered pizza from Papa John's because I was sick and didn't want to cook. I did, however, want the Spinach Alfredo Chicken Tomato pizza. I placed my order online and about 2 minutes later got a phone call from Papa John's saying that they were out of the grilled chicken that they put on the pizza. Boo! She asked if I wanted to add another toping or get another kind of pizza. Well, I didn't really want anything else (we got a Works pizza as well) so I asked her just to cancel that pizza. She said ok and then looked and asked if I had paid online, I had, she then said that she couldn't cancel it because I had paid online, had I not than she could have. Shoot. I said, "oh..well then..." and she stopped me and said that if I wanted to replace that pizza with another one that she would credit my account with a large pizza so that the next time I order I will have a large pizza on them. Awesome! It really shouldn't shock me or surprise me when things like this happen because you would think that a business would want to and strive to go above and beyond for their customers who keep them in business but so many times today, with all of the entitlement that people feel, we, as customers, get tossed aside. So whether you are a business owner or simply an employee, remember how you like to be treated as a customer and also remember that those customers are the ones that keep you employed! Thank you, Papa John's, for reminding me that there are still businesses out there who care! 

Thankfulness Day 2

Day 2 - I am thankful for my beautiful friends...and the ugly ones. ;) KIDDING! I am very thankful for my friends. I am happy to say that I have friends that have been around since grade school and a few from even before then! Now, are we close or even as close as we used to be? No. But I still consider them friends because although we have moved on and grown up, talking to them is always like we are picking up where we left off. I think that is something that many people tend to not think about, just because you move away or they move away or you lose touch for whatever reason it doesn't mean that you stop being friends. Sure, that happens but if you were ever truly friends than once the opportunity arises where you see that person next or talk to that person next and you pick up right where you left off you can count your blessings that they were, and are, a true friend. 

Thankfulness Day 1

I tried this last year and I think I made it to day 13 before it got pushed to the side. Oops! So this year I am going to try it again and see if I can make it all the way up to Thanksgiving! So let's give this a try, what do you say? Of course, there are so many more things that I am thankful for other than the things mentioned but just to name a few and in no particular order...

Day 1 - I am thankful for a God who loves me unconditionally even though I fail each and every day (usually numerous time). He is always there to catch me when I fall and He never holds a grudge even when the things that I may say, think, or do break His heart.