Journal of Many Thanks

1. The ability to go to college and graduate. I am thankful for my parents always pushing me to strive to the next level. No matter what they had to offer, they always wanted me to reach one step further than they could provide. I thank my parents for everything that they gave me to help me get a college education!
2. My husband. I am thankful that God placed such a wonderful man into my life. I had given up on men before I had met Chadd, and sworn them off for good. I had decided I was going to get my college education and save up money until I could afford to be a Mom. I concluded I no longer needed a man in my life, and then Chadd moved in across the street from my townhouse. God placed the man of my dreams right underneath my nose to keep me from giving up all hope. We fell in love, and are now happily married. :-)
3. My family. I can never forget how thankful I am for my family. When I hear stories about another's family, it scares me. I do not know what I would do if I was in any other situation. My family is very close and very supportive. My mom is one of my best friends, and my dad and both of my brother's are very protective over me. I come from a very entertaining family, full of crazies, but FUN crazies. They say you can't choose your family, but you choose your friends, if I could choose my family....I would choose them all over again!
4. My in-laws (again, my family). I know that they are included in my family, but this is kind of like the family I had a choice in. I chose to be a part of this family, and I do not regret it for a second. The Holmes'are very similar to the Smith's in many ways, and the two families get along great. I could not ask for more. I can not imagine having a mother-in-law (or any in-law) that did not like me in any way. I enjoy the fact that I get along with them and feel comfortable around them. I look forward to many memories and the rest of my life, sharing it with my whole family.
5. Food and shelter. I am thankful for the food and shelter that my parents provide me now. I am a 21 year old married woman that has moved back home immediately after college. My husband just left for Basic Training on Monday and I leave for Fort Lewis in two weeks. I will return 30 days after that to live at home with my parents until further notice. In the mean time, my parents are providing me with a place to stay and the food that I eat (minus what I purchase myself of course). I am most grateful because I do not feel strong enough to live alone without knowing when or where I am going to move. I would rather live in my storage unit of a room until I get a duty station in the near future.
6. My first letter from my husband while he is at Fort Jackson for Basic Training. I was very excited when I received it. It did not say much, but it was nice to see that he did take the time to sit down and write me a letter. I miss him more than ever and can not WAIT until I can see him again on Aug 11 :-)