My husband's old unit in Alaska has been deployed to Iraq for 15 months. They started coming home this week. I'm in Alaska visiting my family for the holidays, and everytime I see footage of the returning soldiers on the news, I'm always scanning the crowd for familiar faces. Then I realize, I won't know anyone. The few people that we knew that were still with the 501st won't be coming home...at least, not on those planes. Two young, single soldiers that served under my husband were killed. Two of our close friends were seriously injured in roadside bombings. One of them, I'm not too sure how he's doing. The other is now almost completely deaf, medically discharged from the army, and having trouble finding a job. And the fifth guy is firmly entrenched in a murder investigation. You never really think you know anyone that would be involved in something like that. You never really think that the last time you saw someone would be the LAST time you saw them. In light of Thanksgiving being next week, it makes me incredibly thankful for what I have in my life. It makes me thankful that my husband has a relatively safe job. Well, as safe as anything can be in a war zone. I'm thankful for my two healthy babies (even if they drive me crazy some days). ;0) And, I'm very thankful for all of my friends and family who have been so supportive this past year. Really, the things that I complain about are so petty in comparison to what's really going on in the world around me. So, tell me...what are you thankful for this year?
I'm still in the middle of several projects that haven't been completed. So, I don't really have any craftiness to share today. But, I'm hoping to finish up some napkins that I am making. Maybe pics for tomorrow. For right now, I'll show you some pictures that I took of the snow here:
I've really been loving the pottery
here. The stars pattern is one of my favorites:
And I love these canisters:
I can't resist polka dots. I really have to have this teapot:
And, if all my coffee-loving friends on my gift list weren't already taken care of, I would definitely be ordering some of these:
Well, that's all for today. I'm so stoked for tomorrow. Tina and I are going to the Christmas Craft Emporium. And, hopefully we can get a yummy bite to eat before hand. Maybe some sushi? Yum. Don't forget to comment on my previous post for a chance at my Christmas RAK. :0) Happy Thursday!
10 comments:
Oh Holly I have no words for what you must go through on a daily basis. I am glad to hear that some of the troop is coming home but won't stop praying until everyone does. I am forever thankful for men and women like your husband (and wives like you who support them) who everyday sacrafice so my children can be safe. (((HUGS))) to you.
I am thankful to be alive... I am also thankful for the men and women that fight and give up so much. I try to remember about 9-11 as much as I can. I think we need a reminder of that scary and sad day. Just for us to be thankful of life and our safety. On another note.. I love polka dots.. I must have the tea pot.. What part of Alaska?? I want to visit one day.. (((hugs))) to you and your family!
LOVE LOVE LOVE that second snow show holly! we had some flurries last night! :)
and i alwyas love looking at all the links you post!
and i am thankful for friends and family who are loving me through PPD right now. mood swings and all.
xx
jill
holly you and your family are making an enormous sacrafice. we should all be so grateful. on the other hand girl how the hell do you deal with all the snow????
holly.. i welled up in tears over your post. here i sit, wallowing in my own self pity that my family - meaning brothers and their icky wives - want nothing to do with me... when i should be thankful. just plain thankful. that they don't. because they are miserable people. selfish, angry, miserable people. and misery loves company. andi don't want to sit beside such misery. because i have a man who loves me, a child who is healthy and well and that is enough. sometimes you don't realize it until your heart truly FEELS what otehrs are going through. if i were in alaska, i'd run right over to your house nad give you a BIG hug and a kiss right now. you're just so young and you never cease to amaze me. thank you fo rmaking me SEE today.
oh - and ummm.. i would LOVE to frame and hang that print of the snow and branches... it's GORGEOUS!!! i can see it in like an 11x14 on my wall in my scraproom... xoxoxox
Yes its sooo true...Do we ever truly know someone? I dont think anyone lets you know everything about them...We make think we do but sheesh look at those husbands that kill their wives....Having a husband that is a soldier is hard and my heart goes out to you! He is brave and I have much respect for them.
I am thankful for my family being healthy, happy and safe...Thats the only thing in life I really want.
I hope you have a wonderful time shopping and I love those canisters! Love me some polka dots too!
Oh shoot almost forgot your pics are beautiful! Could be christmas cards they look so pretty!
you really do have thing for polka dots?!
Sushi does sound good. see you tonight. :)
wow, that must be so scary hearing about everything going on in iraq every day. i feel so bad for you and i want your husband to come home! I guess I would say im thankful that I have my guys right here with me at home, not trying to rub it in or anything, but that's the only thing thats coming to mind right now.
anyways, on a lighter note, im so glad to hear you have lots of crafty projects going on, i cant wait to see! I hope to get lots done myself this weekend.
I hope youre having a great friday! ill ttyl! :)
I will definitely keep you, your family, and your husband in my prayers.
Your grateful heart truly inspires me. :)
I love the stuff you choosed, the tea pot is so cool (I think it makes your happy?)Hang on and I love to see you around. Mika (www.mikascrap.typepad.com)
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