Courageous Joy

"Family" Fun Night

We live in an amazing W TX town that LOVES and SUPPORTS their military. Many businesses put their $ on the line to support their advertising claims with reduced prices for services and fun activities. Last year, I had talked to a business about having a giant welcome home party for Mike. We never worked out a DATE as Mike wanted to GET OUT OF TOWN and INTO THE WOODS with us more than he wanted a big party....so we went. The owners, however, said at that time that they loved the military, wanted to support the miliary, and liked my idea. I like to think that those discussions played a small part in the big extravaganza they planned for the military community last night.

For three weeks my children have been counting down to Military Appreciation Night at The Rink. Entrance and skating were to be free for ALL military families. Food, Go-carts, laser tag were also free to all who have a spouse deployed or who have had a spouse deployed in the past year. That would be us. Jamin had to work. I ended up in BED by 2 p.m. with too much pain to lift my head. It made me very sad for Zander to say, "Mom, I sure miss you" as they left the house without me. BUT I AM CHOOSING JOY! It's joy that Mike was home and could take them. It's joy that Josiah had the night off work. It's joy that Mike took some photos. Here you go in no order....