Thankfulness 2013: Day Eleven and Twelve

Though the military irritates me more often than it doesn't, I am still very thankful for the opportunities and family it has provided us.  The military background helped my husband find his great civilian job.  I don't love the way it is run but I absolutely love the men and women in service.

On those days where the incessant whining, cries, demands, and questions all pile upon my near-to-bleeding ears, I remember my great appreciation for today's luxuries.  I won't lie, I am very thankful for 24/7 kid television programming!!  Disney Junior, Sprout, The Hub, etc.  There isn't a minute that I can't find something appropriate for my toddler to gain five minutes of distraction if needed.  Pair that with DVD's, educational tablet apps, crayons, chalk, books, toys, puzzles, and food, one would think that this would all add up to a full and busy day without draining a parent.  It is never the case, but it certainly maintains parental sanity until bedtime...most nights anyways!

Honestly, any distraction of little to no risk to the health of my kids is appreciated.  I'm always looking for suggestions too!  *hint hint*

Thankfulness 2013: Day Six

Hobbies are great.  Mine (you may or may not have noticed) is card making.  I've had a lot of fun doing it this past year.  Tonight I'm headed in to my local Archiver's to use their craft room for an evening of working on our Christmas cards.  It was going to be a girls' crafting night but schedules aren't aligning.  It very likely will be just myself there this evening so I guess I'll be thankful for Me Time.  I'm looking forward to my crafting time no matter the company that joins me tonight.  I'm especially happy to have this adult night considering the week I'm expecting coming up.  Drill has been extended for this family from two days to six days.  No Papa in the house for that stretch plus a party on that Saturday (day 5)...EEP!  Did I only say I was thankful?  I meant exceptionally thankful for Me Time tonight!

With this ring...

Nearly six years, one deployment, and a nearly non-stop honeydo list for my DIY-er.  This is what my husband's ring has lasted through.

That is a Tungsten ring.  Those ones that they bang around and scratch with metal files to show how tough they are.  I have no idea when this happened precisely, but my husband is at annual training for the Army Guard....so yeah.  TaDa!

I guess we will be looking at new bands when he gets home and figuring out where in the budget timeline that goes.  Still, I'm rather impressed with that damage (and so was the jeweler when I asked if it could be repaired at all--Tungsten isn't repairable).

Too Much Fun

Some days are full of fun!  We had a long day playing at drill (family day).  Our toddler had story time, art projects, and an obstacle course in the gym while the adults took care of some classes.  Then there was more playing (for everyone) after lunch.

After all this, we drove the hour home and went grocery shopping for the week.  After supper Alyssa really wanted to go outside so we took our little dog on a short walk.

Toddlers, full day of fun, tired, and won't hold hands....end result, a sad and hurt little girl.  Her face met the concrete after tripping over some invisible nothing.  Poor kid had too much fun.