i am thankful for ...

... being blessed and able to talk to donovan regularly

... great friends near and far, and their wonderful support system

... my family and our five and six way skype calls

... skype, allowing me to see my husband, my new niece, and everyone

... chocolate milk

... being able to give back through the USO

... dancing

... having a roof over my head, food in my fridge, running water, and everything we sometimes take for granted

... my kitties who make me smile every day

Thanksgiving was bitter-sweet for me this year.
I wasn't able to spend it with any family, and I didn't eat any turkey.

I volunteered to work at the USO center. I didn't have any plans and didn't want to sit at home alone on on turkey day. The director bought sandwich trays and most importantly, pumpkin pie. So I had my pumpkin pie for the day, which was wonderful. The other volunteers there are really great and even though I couldn't be with family, they made the day a little brighter.

The 1CAV is on their way back from Iraq. I have been volunteering at the welcome home ceremonies with the USO Cantina, giving out snacks, and hot and cold drinks to the anxiously awaiting families. All the soldiers get off the buses from the airport, and march on the field. After a prayer and some words from the commander, the family members are told to rush the field and there is a mad swarm to find their loved one. It is great to see and now going on my fourth and fifth ceremonies today, never gets old and always puts a tear in my eye.

These last few weeks have really flown by for me, another thing I am
very thankful for. December will fly by as I head home to Virginia for
the holidays, and before I know it Donovan will be home for R&R
hopefully at the end of January, and then there is just a few months
left till he is home!