Veterans day ended on the sweetest note. It's a little early for the holiday spirit to come over my husband, but long behold this year has been very different. I can't count how many times i've watched Justin randomly put on a Christmas station or how many times I've heard him talk about how much he loves this time of year. I knew these things, but this year there has been so much more vocal delight and I absolutely love it. 

Tonight we lit the fire in our home and we watched the polar express with our girls. It was such a sweet memory for me. I'm trying to keep my spirits as high as i possibly can, but I would be lying if I said my mom wasn't in the back of my mind pretty much all the time. This is my first year without her. It's more emotional when I think about the memories I had with my mom growing up. I have been a firm believer in passing on traditions and of course I can't pass them on without thinking about who I got them from. Even still, I try to put my best thoughts forward and I try to keep a smile on my face. Last night was no exception, I was in such awe of my beautiful family. 

Watching Ava light up and actually understand the movie was the best. She knows who Santa is, she understands that Christmas is important, and she understood the naughty/nice list. The list goes on, but it was nice to have her point on select details that her minds was curious about. At the end of the movie, the main character picked a silver bell for his gift from Santa... I am going to get Ava a silver bell of her own. I know it'll add more of a connection to the film and it's something she can keep forever. 

To add to this excitement, we purchased tickets to a polar express ride this year and I know that it is going to be an ABSOLUTE blast for my sweet girl. Olivia is still a babe, but I hope when she looks back on the videos/pictures that she appreciates the fact that we tried to make their holiday so, so special. To add to the happiness that is this time of year - Texas weather has finally started to get it's act together. We have had 70/65 degree weather, so it's starting to feel like it should.. F-A-L-L. Justin had a few days off from work this week so I'm hoping the rest of his time off proves to be equally as special. 

I'm still a big fan of USAREC, recruiting, and seeing my husband every single day. I can't tell you how great this feels. Although we have to get accustomed to not taking two weeks of vacation in the winter, I think somehow we will manage. We have so many things planned for our holiday season. I can't wait to share them all with you! 

Happy Veterans day to all of the men and women in our armed forces! We are forever indebted to you for your sacrifices. 

♥- Leilani

Bright, Sun Shiny Day

My entire morning has been glorious. With Justin clearing, he's exempt from certain things that he'd normally be doing, like physical training. I guess the time interfered with a briefing he had, which gave me a whole 4 hours with him this morning, and for three of those hours, our daughter was sleeping. We never usually get time in the morning together (unless it's a weekend), and it has made me even more excited for forty days of leave. I was even able to do some yoga from home. I usually don't prefer to, due to all of Cooper's dog hairs covering my mat.

Today marks the start of a four day for Justin. Veteran's day is around the corner, I really can't wait to celebrate that! I think for part of the day we may explore a museum, monuments, something historic in Savannah. One thing about the South that I enjoy, is all the history. I took a trolley tour at the beginning of this year, and I learned SO much about almost every street in downtown Savannah. With Justin being such a history buff, I think it'll be a perfect way to spend our Saturday.

I think we are going to start buying boxes this weekend; We've received all this information about the dity (do it yourself) move, and now I'm overly excited to get started. I can't believe how much money there is to be made by moving ourselves. Not to mention the glorious feeling of knowing that our things won't be lost our damaged. Thanks to our trip to New York this summer, I'm not worried about driving with Ava in the car. She's such a good baby, I know this trip will be a breeze. If Fort Lewis, Washington is our next destination, I really want to take the road trip. Justin wants Ava and I to fly out, rather than road trip it with him. It makes sense, I just wanted to stick together, as a family.

Oh, I almost forgot! Day 7. I am thankful for online universities. If I weren't able to obtain my degree online, I don't think I'd be going back to school for awhile. I'm fortunate and very thankful that I get to stay home with my daughter, care for my home, and FINALLY get my BA in healthcare administration.

Looks like I'm off! Ava has been in a "don't put me down" phase, so I'm off to baby wear my bug, maybe take a walk in, enjoy this fresh air! Happy Thursday all!





♥- Leilani