Thanksgiving

So I have to admit, I've not been so good at keeping up with the blog over the past two months. OK, so I haven't even posted one thing :-) In my defense, Adam was away on a mission for the entire month of October and then another one in early November. Since coming back, he has primarily been working on constructing buildings and a bridge on his home base in Marez. His unit is the last vertical construction unit left in Iraq, so there is no shortage of things for them to do. The unit left two days ago for another mission, but Adam didn't go because he's coming home on leave in a few weeks and the unit probably won't be back in time.

Anyway, I know it's cliche, but it's the time of year when you naturally start thinking about all of the things you're thankful for. This year, Adam and I spent time talking about all of those things, and we wanted to share some of them with you.

First, we are thankful for such a benevolent God, whose love and grace never cease to amaze us. Every day we become more convinced that He holds the ultimate plan for our relationship, and that all things are under His control. We know that, without Him, we would not have made it through the past five years, and that it is only by relying on His strength that our relationship will continue to grow for many years to come.

We are thankful for each other and for the absolute committment we have to our marriage.

We are thankful for our families and friends who have always and continue to support us, advise us, and love us unconditionally. Adam is especially thankful for everyone who keeps him in their prayers and sends him packages, cards, and other things to keep his spirits up while he's deployed. I'm particularly thankful for everyone who has supported me in more ways than I can even name as I've gotten used to Adam being gone.

We are thankful for the ball of fuzz named Brady, who has provided me with lots of love and company over the past few months. He has totally surpassed our expectations for our first family dog, and we look forward to many more years with his crazy antics.

We are thankful for the full-time employment that will begin for me in January during a time when so many are facing the awful struggle of unemployment.

We are thankful for a warm home as the weather gets colder, for plenty of food and clothes, and for having all of our other needs met, even those we don't even realize we have.

We are thankful for Adam's continued safety, and for both of our continued good health.

Finally, we are thankful for another year of life, love, and happiness that we have been able to share with each of you. Be well, and be blessed!