New resources help military spouses

STORY, PHOTOS
By MONICA WOOD

Hundreds of military spouses
received information on resources
and referrals at the Field Exercises:
Priceless Packages, April 23 and 24 at
the Gunners Inn.
The event was led by two Army
spouses, Tara Crooks and Starlett
“Star” Henderson, who are cofounders
of the newly debuted Army
Wife Network Interactive Web site.
They co-author a syndicated question
and answer column Field Problems.
Crooks and Henderson also host the
online broadcast Army Wife Talk
Radio called Field Problems, based
on the column.

Crooks said the seminar is part of
their ongoing efforts to provide support
and service to military spouses
nationwide through a deployment
survival and resources seminar. The
intent is to empower military spouses
by combining a night of appreciation
and pampering with real life solutions
for most any situation the military
family might encounter.
“We share tips and personal experiences
to allow spouses to learn and
teach about deployment survival
resources and “priceless” care package
ideas for deployed loved ones,”
she said. “These opportunities for
sharing information, trading ideas
and strategies, networking, and building
lasting relationships are just some
of the benefits spouses deserve and
receive at this free ‘time-out for them,
Crook said.’”
Cori Barden, whose husband
recently redeployed, said the event
was a great chance to get out with
other military spouses and have some
fun. “This event is a great way for
mom to get away and enjoy herself
and socialize with other spouses.”
According to Crooks, whose husband
is stationed here, the turnout for
the event was everything she had
hoped for. “Seeing so many fellow
Army spouses at Fort Sill attend the
event gives me the warm and fuzzies.
We believe that seeing people in person
and having them share the experiences
such as finding a battle
buddy, together is what empowers
them,”she said.

http://www.swoknews.com/main.asp?Search=1&AdId=1700&SectionID=22&SubSectionID=305&S=1

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Real Army Wives Homecoming

View so many more homecomings at http://www.mylifetime.com/original-webisodes/real-army-wives/video

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Fort Sill Spouses Go Through ‘Field Exercises’

Tara Crooks, foreground, and Starlett "Star" Henderson, founders of Army Wife Network, listen to spouses share their personal deployment experiences during a "Field Exercise" event held April 23-24, 2009, at Fort Sill, Okla. More than 300 spouses gathered for the two-day event, created to empower and rejuvenate military spouses whose husbands are deployed. Courtesy photo

By Sharon Foster
American Forces Press Service


WASHINGTON, April 29, 2009 – More than 300 military spouses attended one of two "Field Exercises" recently at Fort Sill, Okla., designed to assist them in dealing with life while their deployed spouses are away.

Tara Crooks, foreground, and Starlett "Star" Henderson, founders of Army Wife Network, listen to spouses share their personal deployment experiences during a "Field Exercise" event held April 23-24, 2009, at Fort Sill, Okla. More than 300 spouses gathered for the two-day event, created to empower and rejuvenate military spouses whose husbands are deployed. Courtesy photo
(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Starlett "Star" Henderson and Tara Crooks, founders of the Army Wife Network, created the program so deployment-weary spouses could enjoy a break and connect with other spouses facing similar challenges.

“The Field Exercises were created to empower and rejuvenate military spouses,” Crooks said. “We are devoted to changing the lives of our warriors and their families through a sincere desire to help military spouses where it matters most: in the field. These families deserve a night of appreciation and pampering. They need information and an opportunity to meet other spouses in order to succeed in military life.”

The April 23-24 event featured tips and shared experiences, allowing spouses to learn about deployment survival resources while empowering them to make the right choices in their relationships, careers and personal lives and encouraging an outlet for relief and creativity in the often-stressful military lifestyle.

“We talked about the myths surrounding deployment, reintegration and ideas for staying connected,” Crooks said. “After the break, we went over themed care-package ideas and talked about ways to send care packages and get others involved.”

Book lists for military spouses and children also were shared at the event. As an added bonus, registered guests received giveaways such as an iPod Touch, a digital camera, pearl earrings and spa certificates, and they also got well-stocked gift bags containing massage gel, key chains, books and snacks for them and their servicemember spouses.

“Overall, this opportunity for sharing information, trading ideas and strategies, networking and building lasting relationships was a free ‘time-out’ for them,” Crooks said.

Attendees of the event were pleased.

“I attended both days,” Carol Herrick, a Fort Sill Army spouse, said. “I enjoyed spending time with other Army spouses who have experienced deployment and this challenging Army lifestyle. Tara and Star are high-energy, and you feel instantly connected to them as they tell their story.”

Carla S. Norris, another Fort Sill Army wife, agreed.

“The information about resources that are available was so vast,” Norris said. “Even as a spouse who has been in the Army for 15 years, I learned about resources that I had not previously been aware of. It was wonderful to share the camaraderie with other spouses. The Field Exercises were a very enjoyable event!”

Previous “Field Exercises” have taken place at Fort Stewart, Ga.; Fort Bragg, N.C.; Fort Hood, Texas; and Fort Campbell, Ky. The Army Wife Network will visit Fort Bliss, Texas, on June 4 and 5 for Field Exercises.

“Field Exercises will always be about getting servicemembers and families together to see the faces of individuals who also experience military culture shock and to allow networking for long-lasting, satisfying relationships on their post or in their community,” Crooks said. “Without the support of sponsors like USAA, these exercises would not be possible.”

Fort Sill, Okla., Army spouses look over deployment kits provided by USAA at a "Field Exercise" event held April 23-24, 2009. More than 300 spouses attended the survival and resources seminar presented by Army Wife Network founders Tara Crooks and Starlett "Star" Henderson. Courtesy photo

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=54123

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Keeping us on our toes?

Go to America Supports You (AmericaSupportsYou.mil) and what do you find, another attempt by the good ol' Defense Department and US Army to KEEP US ON OUR TOES.

Thus follows......You are about to be redirected....


You are about to be redirected to the new Department of Defense Community Relations web site, www.OurMilitary.mil.

America Supports You, one of many initiatives managed by the Office of Community Relations, is intended to communicate citizen support to the men and women serving in the Armed Forces and their families. All America Supports You related content will continue to be featured under the "Citizen Support for Our Troops" section of www.OurMilitary.mil.

In addition to the America Supports You initiative, www.OurMilitary.mil features a variety of educational information about the Department of Defense, its people, mission, requirements, and other programs managed by the Office of Community Relations. We hope you enjoy our new site.

In the same vein, if you haven't visited MyArmyLifeToo.com recently, you'll need to know that they've changed to MyArmyOneSource.com.

Just add a PhD in navigation to our Army Wife list of credentials. Hoo-ah!

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Taking Chance

I've yet to see this film myself, but I've heard some remarkable things and wanted to pass it on right away. I can't wait to view it. The film will be released for purchase on May 12th. Below is an article from Lieutenant Colonel Michael Strobl and the link to the HBO showing times:

In April 2004, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Strobl, USMC, came across the name of 19-year-old Lance Corporal Chance Phelps, a young Marine who had been killed by hostile fire in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Strobl, a Desert Storm veteran with 17 years of military service, requested that he be assigned for military escort duty to accompany Chance's remains to his family in Dubois, Wyo.

Witnessing the spontaneous outpouring of support and respect for the fallen Marine - from the groundskeepers he passed along the road to the cargo handlers at the airport - Strobl was moved to capture the experience in his personal journal, writing Taking Chance.

Taking Chance
Chance Phelps was wearing his Saint Christopher medal when he was killed on Good Friday. Eight days later, I handed the medallion to his mother. I didn't know Chance before he died. Today, I miss him.

Over a year ago, I volunteered to escort the remains of Marines killed in Iraq should the need arise. The military provides a uniformed escort for all casualties to ensure they are delivered safely to the next of kin and are treated with dignity and respect along the way.

Thankfully, I hadn't been called on to be an escort since Operation Iraqi Freedom began. The first few weeks of April, however, had been a tough month for the Marines. On the Monday after Easter I was reviewing Department of Defense press releases when I saw that a Private First Class Chance Phelps was killed in action outside of Baghdad. The press release listed his hometown — the same town I'm from. I notified our Battalion adjutant and told him that, should the duty to escort PFC Phelps fall to our Battalion, I would take him.

I didn't hear back the rest of Monday and all day Tuesday until 1800. The Battalion duty NCO called my cell phone and said I needed to be ready to leave for Dover Air Force Base at 1900 in order to escort the remains of PFC Phelps.

Before leaving for Dover I called the major who had the task of informing Phelps's parents of his death. The major said the funeral was going to be in Dubois, Wyoming. (It turned out that PFC Phelps only lived in my hometown for his senior year of high school.) I had never been to Wyoming and had never heard of Dubois.

With two other escorts from Quantico, got to Dover AFB at 2330 on Tuesday night. First thing on Wednesday we reported to the mortuary at the base. In the escort lounge there were about half a dozen Army soldiers and about an equal number of Marines waiting to meet up with "their" remains for departure. PFC Phelps was not ready, however, and I was told to come back on Thursday. Now, at Dover with nothing to do and a solemn mission ahead, I began to get depressed.

I was wondering about Chance Phelps. I didn't know anything about him; not even what he looked like. I wondered about his family and what it would be like to meet them. I did pushups in my room until I couldn't do any more.

On Thursday morning I reported back to the mortuary. This time there was a new group of Army escorts and a couple of the Marines who had been there Wednesday. There was also an Air Force captain there to escort his brother home to San Diego.

We received a brief covering our duties, the proper handling of the remains, the procedures for draping a flag over a casket, and of course, the paperwork attendant to our task. We were shown pictures of the shipping container and told that each one contained, in addition to the casket, a flag. I was given an extra flag since Phelps's parents were divorced. This way they would each get one. I didn't like the idea of stuffing the flag into my luggage but I couldn't see carrying a large flag, folded for presentation to the next of kin, through an airport while in my Alpha uniform. It barely fit into my suitcase.

It turned out that I was the last escort to leave on Thursday. This meant that I repeatedly got to participate in the small ceremonies that mark all departures from the Dover AFB mortuary.

Most of the remains are taken from Dover AFB by hearse to the airport in Philadelphia for air transport to their final destination. When the remains of a service member are loaded onto a hearse and ready to leave the Dover mortuary, there is an announcement made over the building's intercom system. With the announcement, all service members working at the mortuary, regardless of service branch, stop work and form up along the driveway to render a slow ceremonial salute as the hearse departs. Escorts also participated in each formation until it was their time to leave.

On this day there were some civilian workers doing construction on the mortuary grounds. As each hearse passed, they would stop working and place their hard hats over their hearts. This was my first sign that my mission with PFC Phelps was larger than the Marine Corps and that his family and friends were not grieving alone.

Eventually I was the last escort remaining in the lounge. The Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant in charge of the Marine liaison there came to see me. He had Chance Phelps's personal effects. He removed each item; a large watch, a wooden cross with a lanyard, two loose dog tags, two dog tags on a chain, and a Saint Christopher medal on a silver chain. Although we had been briefed that we might be carrying some personal effects of the deceased, this set me aback. Holding his personal effects, I was starting to get to know Chance Phelps.

Finally we were ready. I grabbed my bags and went outside. I was somewhat startled when I saw the shipping container, loaded three-quarters of the way in to the back of a black Chevy Suburban that had been modified to carry such cargo. This was the first time I saw my "cargo" and I was surprised at how large the shipping container was. The Master Gunnery Sergeant and I verified that the name on the container was Phelps's then they pushed him the rest of the way in and we left. Now it was PFC Chance Phelps's turn to receive the military — and construction workers' — honors. He was finally moving towards home.

As I chatted with the driver on the hour-long trip to Philadelphia, it became clear that he considered it an honor to be able to contribute in getting Chance home.

Read the full article on ChancePhelps.org.
TAKING CHANCE HBO

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FCC? Do you know what that is?

What is FCC? It stands for Family Child Care. You've seen the commericals about it (AFN), you might have a FCC provider for your children, or you might even be thinking about becoming one. I have had previous experience as an FCC provider while stationed overseas in 2001. I highly recommend anyone who wants to become one because it lets you stay-at-home and yet become a working military spouse.

What can you do? Who do you call? You can call your installation Family Child Care office---or call CYS and they will direct you to the right person.

What does it take to become a FCC provider? Here are some things to consider:

1. Are you healthy, physically and mentally?
2. Are you calm and clear-minded in an emergency or crisis?
3. Do you like children?
4. Are you willing to follow regulations that don't allow hitting, humilating, frightening, or threatening children in your care?
5. Are you financially able to purchase nutritional meals, arts and craft materials, and other equipment?
6. Are you willing to attend training sessions that help you learn new ways of thinking about children and working with them?
7. A provider can work long hours. Can you manage your stress and find the energy you need?

If you can say yes to these questions, then you are taking a step in the right direction to becoming a FCC provider! Family Child Care is a business in your home. You'll go through free training (may have to pay for CPR/1st Aid certification), but FCC program/training staff can help you train and get set up for no or little cost! Once you open (your FCC home) you have the freedom to schedule your own hours and run your own business!

On the flip side....Is your child(ren) in a daycare setting? May is the month of the National Provider Appreciation Day on May 8th.

Provider Appreciation Day is a special day to recognize child care providers, teachers and other educators of young children everywhere. Started in 1996 by a group of volunteers in New Jersey, Provider Appreciation Day is appropriately celebrated each year on the Friday before Mother's Day. The founding organizers saw the need to recognize the tireless efforts of providers who care for children of working parents. Momentum and support for this event has grown each year and recognition presently includes individuals and government organizations throughout North America, Europe and Asia. A national study, The National Economic Impacts of the Child Care Sector, sponsored by the National Child Care Association, found that there are at least 2.8 million people who earn their money by teaching and caring for young children or by working in directly related jobs. As the demand for child care continues to increase, who's minding the kids is crucial.

Today's child care professionals are the world's unsung heroes. This profession is one of the most underpaid occupations in the country; yet research shows that early childhood is the most critical developmental period in a child's life. It takes a special person to work in this field and the contribution these individuals make to the quality of children's and families' lives too frequently goes unnoticed. Provider Appreciation Day offers a unique opportunity to recognize and commend the unselfish dedication, commitment and compassion that child care providers demonstrate every day.

We challenge you to take action now. Provider Appreciation Day needs your support to continue to be successful. Individuals and community leaders can network with child care groups to plan events, schedule media coverage and issue proclamations. Begin now to contact parents, community groups, child care agencies, government leaders and others so that everyone who wants to support child care providers has the opportunity to participate in this important recognition event in your community. Even the smallest of efforts mean so much to those who have your children in their care. Your provider's smile will be your reward.


Give your childcare provider a gift to let him/her know that you appreciate them taking care of your most precious asset(s)---YOUR CHILDREN!!


Family Child Care

Provider Appreciation Day

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So you are an Army Wife and a…

So....

So you are an Army Wife and a successful woman…climbing this ladder filled with success and challenge. On the bright side you have a support system to cheer you along the way…just do not get too depended on that cheer leading team! From time to time people will let you down and that green-eyed enemy called jealousy can bully its way into the closet camp. The climb to success isn’t always the most fun…however it can be the most fulfilling or so I am told. I am counting on the “fulfilling” part of the journey to hold a large measure of truth. After all over the past year if I have learned anything it is that marrying a soldier meant more then marrying the man I love…I married into a completely new world.

A world where my personal /professional success is important…but it has to be designed in a way that forms well with this “new world”! This doesn’t mean that your dreams and aspires are put on hold or a distant second…absolutely not…it just means that your forward thinking and go-getter mindset must rule over your vision and your goals!

You are a natural born entrepreneur! Yes…you are a dreamer on a non-stop course called “I will win!”

As Army Wives I take pride in thinking that we are naturally creative individuals who understand that nothing is perfect…but we can still make things happen! We can support our families and our dreams!

Army Wives see you at the TOP! :-)

Wishing you the best,
Tara JW

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Amazing FE, Silly Tara!

What an amazing week last week was! I was so thrilled to have Star and Leah come stay with me at my house. I'll admit it was a bit more nerve-wracking then going to hang out in some hotel room but it was alot easier having a "home" to go home to.

Our team just continues to grow and it continues to amaze me. I felt so blessed. The sponsors are genuinely involved and it just warms my heart.

On the flip side - some pretty funny moments at the Field Exercise! I guess I get an award for stupid things to say for the Friday morning event when my silly self attempted to describe a "flat baby" and ended up saying "you know, seeing something is 22 inches and someone telling you it is 22 inches is completely different." I would have probably been ok if I hadn't caught myself and laughed...saying "I hope that isn't taken out of context somehow." Geesh - sometimes you have to wonder if my brain thinks before my mouth opens! :) Next up - Tara teaches BACKWARDS ETIQUETTE 101! (What NOT to say and DO - I should be good at that!)

That's ok though because Sarah News 6 tells me "you do what you have to do to keep the youngsters attention". I'm not sure what to think of that - am I old? Ha ha ha! Ya, humor is the only way I can cope. At least we got a good laugh!

All in all, a very successful event. I cannot believe we are already gearing up for Fort Bliss, TX! Lookout ya'll! (that's my best TX accent!)

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Remember it never hurts to be on the safe side

I thought I would take this time to share the below press release...remember it never hurts to be on the safe side of this stuff.

Tara JW


Worldwide Military Screening Program Prompts Fast Swine Flu Identification
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service


WASHINGTON, April 27, 2009 - The Defense Department's worldwide influenza monitoring program and decisive action by the medical staff at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, is being credited with helping to identify two cases of swine flu early to help prevent a potential spread.
Two 16-year-old boys, both military family members and students at Steele High School in Cibolo, Texas, reported to the Randolph Military Clinic in mid-April suffering from fever, coughs and chills. Air Force Lt. Col. Gregory York, deputy commander of the 12th Medical Group, said both exhibited "classic flu-like symptoms."

Rather than simply sending the boys home to rest and hydrate, their doctors took the extra step of harvesting "nasal washes" and submitting them for testing through the Defense Department's Worldwide Influenza Surveillance Program, York explained.

The Air Force established the lab-based influenza surveillance program in 1976 at what is now Brooks City-Base, also in San Antonio. The lab routinely monitors suspected flu cases from military bases around the world, as well as from targeted "sentinel sites" to detect local respiratory outbreaks and emerging strains.

The lab identified both boys' cultures as "Influenza A," but couldn't pin down the specific influenza sub-type. That automatically triggered staffers there to fly the cultures to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta for additional testing. Those tests confirmed late last week that the cultures were swine flu.

As the testing was conducted, both boys were at their homes, getting bed rest and drinking fluids as their doctors had advised. But even more importantly, York said, they minimized contact with other people – critical to "breaking that chain" of spreading the contagious flu virus.

Both boys have made full recoveries, and no additional cases have been identified at the Randolph clinic, York said.

But that's not stopping the staff at Randolph from taking a strong, pro-active approach to preventing further infections, York added. In addition to an aggressive base education program being conducted in cooperation with the CDC and Texas Department of Health, the clinic is screening all incoming patients who exhibit flu-like symptoms.

Patients with fevers of 100.5 degrees or higher or sore throats and coughs are issued protective masks and isolated from other patients to be evaluated for influenza, York said.

While emphasizing that Randolph is at no higher risk than anywhere else, York said the staff has become especially vigilant in trying to identify those with possible symptoms as early as possible. "Our antennas are up a bit higher," he said.

"Surveillance and infection control are the keys to avoiding contact and the spread of the virus," York said. "It all falls on prevention and being on top of this to identify individuals up front as fast as possible to break the chain."



Related Sites:
Defense Department Worldwide Influenza Surveillance Program
Randolph Air Force Base

Related Articles:
Military Monitors Swine Flu With Focus on Protecting Force

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KSWO TV at the Fort Sill Field Exercise

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FYI

The next time you walk into the Commissary, make sure you check to see if the asphalt on the speed bumps in front of the store happens to be crumbling or missing. Why you ask. Well, because if you hit the speed bump with a full cart of groceries and the part of the speed bump that helps you transition from flat to bump is crumbling or missing your cart will stop dead and groceries will fly through the air. The height that the groceries reach is directly proportional to the speed at which you are traveling. Jogging across the road to avoid getting hit by a car will absolutely guarantee that you will hit the crumbling speed bump full force and your groceries will pop out of the cart in a manner resembling a mini fireworks display. The groceries will achieve extra height because you asked for paper trying to be green. This will naturally cause a backup of traffic and so there will at least be six cars waiting for you to retrieve your tampons and the blueberries that have escaped their plastic clam shell and rolled all over the ground. By the time you have rescued your groceries stuffing them back into your paper bags, you will have forgotten where you parked your car.


Hypothetically of course.....

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Changes abound

At the beginning of the year, I said that 2009 was going to be a year of Change for our family with the deployment, etc. I just never realized how much change would happen.

On Wednesday, we had a transition meeting for Kiersten heading off to Middle School next year. I was a little apprehensive about the meeting, partly because I had to accept that she was old enough to go to middle school.

She's not a baby anymore , thats for sure. Kiersten was very excited about this meeting and the electives she wanted to take next year.

SGT Daddy was able to get some time off from work and off we went to the meeting. This was different from the previous IEP meetings as Kiersten was there. The transition team shared with us what special needs classes she needed in order to be successful and meet the needs of Kiersten's IEP. She would need extra Math and Reading classes.

Then, they hit us with a BOMB!

They told us that because of Kiersten's extra classes , she would have NO electives at all. I was a little confused because it didn't make sense to me at all. The team confirmed that she would have no electives, not even PE/Gym. The Middle School Case Manager assured me that other special needs kids did just fine and had no problems with a full academic day. I didn't buy that load of BS she was trying to sell.

I don't know.. I just felt like they were punishing Kiersten for having special needs. I mean after all it is not her fault that she needs the extra classes. I believe that kids (especially Kiersten) need some FUN in their day. The schedule that they were proposing had ZERO fun, except maybe her recess time. SHe is such a creative child and loves to perform. I would hate for her to lose that!

I spoke with her regular ed. teacher Wednesday afternoon and she agreed with me. Kiersten needed to have some electives (fun) in her daily schedule to give her some time for "release". She didn't think that the schedule was fair to Kiersten or any kid.

I spoke with the current school Asst Principal as well as Kiersten's special ed. teacher today about our concerns about her middle school schedule. Both understood the concern but also wanted to make sure that Kiersten had what she needed academically.

Basically they told me that the only way she could participate in any electives was to drop one/both of her extra classes. Ultimately, any decision will be left up to SGT Daddy and I. I know this is far from over , so stay tuned for updates.

On a more positive note, I have BIG news! I'm going to be writing a book!

Can you believe it? I'm pretty excited about the whole thing yet a bit overwhelmed at the same time. I'll be sharing more about the book as the I go through the writing process....

So like I said, there are lots of changes happening around here. I wonder what else is in store for this year?

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Happy Earth Day!

If you have children the age that watch Nickelodeon than you know it's Earth Day. Tonight they are asking families to shut off their lights at 9pm for a minute as part of "The Big Green Help." What is really cool is the Empire State building, the Sears Tower's antenna and the Space Needle's exterior lights will be shut off as part of the power down.

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I get by, thanks to my friends

Hey, I just want to thank everyone for the notes and well wishes
during Monday night's show and since.

David is en route to Afghanistan via a pre-mob site, which he
could be at for the next 3-6 weeks. They keep telling me that "new" policy
is that he'll only be away for no more than 365 days to include this
stint at the pre-mob site. That's yet to be seen for other deployments, so
let's not hold our breath.

Wife and kids are fine (LOL), and again...I thank you for your prayers and support.

I want to take a moment, for a tactical pause if you will allow me, to recognize
that I'm not the only one going through this, not the only one at the beginning of this year-long sub-journey, and there are those out there in the middle and some trying to adjust to the reunion...I pass on the thoughts and prayers I received to you, seven-fold.

For all of you, I have this to share:

The beatles, "With a little help from my friends"

What do I do when my love is away.
(Does it worry you to be alone)
How do I feel by the end of the day
(Are you sad because you're on your own)
No, I get by with a little help from my friends,
Mmm I get [by] with a little help from my friends,
Mmm I'm gonna to try with a little help from my friends

I kid you not; this song was playing as I drove David to the bus.
We enjoyed an out-of-tune, resounding sing-a-long.

I'm so glad I'm here with AWN and LAS to pass this time,
with a little help from my friends.

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Military Spouse Appreciation Day? What is that??

As an FRG Leader and trying to plan for an event to celebrate Military Spouse Appreciation day for May 8th, 2009, I am pondering on the question of: What is a military spouse? As a military spouse going on 12 years, all I can say is that I am my husband’s helpmate. What is a helpmate you ask? A helpmate (according to Merriam-Webster.com) is defined as: one who is a companion and helper.

My own decision to be a stay-at-home mother was not taken lightly (truthfully). I was prior military service destined to become a high-ranking quality NCO, but then I met my husband. Mind you, the moment I met my husband, I was a PFC and my future husband was a SPC. Needless-to-say, while in-processing at Fort Polk, La, I had a run-in with a certain ‘higher ranking person’ than myself and the event was not pleasant!! LOL! Through miscommunication and certain words said, I became acquainted with the most annoying and (at the same time) interesting person to date (for me) was and is my husband. I did not like him nor did he like me…but through the course of only 6 months from introduction---we got married over a 4-day weekend. Shortly after I became pregnant with our first son (out of four sons) I decided to leave the active duty component.

This decision isn’t for everyone, but it was made for our family. Throughout the years, I have thought about my role in this life….I am just a wife and mother??? What kind of life is that?? But, over the years, I have come to appreciate that my role as a helpmate and it is truly what I needed and wanted. Taking care of the husband and now four children (all boys) is such a blessing. I know that deep down inside it takes a lot more stamina, managerial skills, and commitment to being a military spouse. I can’t quit my job. It’s here to stay and I feel a sense of joy, pride, and respect for myself and ALL spouses whom attend to their Soldier. Military life is not easy. WE all know that. Even if there is no parade in my honor as a military spouse, I know that alongside my Soldier, I am also doing my duty—for this great country and for my family.

Have a wonderful Military Spouse Appreciation Day on May 8th! I just want to quote that, “Marriage is the most precious relationship we have on earth.” –Debi Pearl --even if we (as spouses) get discouraged from time to time—I say keep enjoying the fact that you are a key factor to this great Nation and Army!! HOOAH!

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Introduction of Jessica Stemmerding

Loving a Soldier? Living the life…. (Well, let’s face it---some days that is true and some days that’s NOT true! Yes, when I was first introduced to this blog—I found it to be exciting and interesting. In the past, I have seen others but I find this one to be the best! As I read through the blog, and noticed that they (we) use Twitter and Facebook, I have become a FAN to Army Wife Network as much as possible –on what we call the World Wide Web…. Great information, personal, funny, and awesome!

So it is my delight to become a part of the team for this blog. I quick overview of me:
1. Military spouse (duh)and a Christian.
2. Married to a Soldier for almost twelve years (in July)
3. A marriage equals babies (in my opinion) times that and comes to a total of Four Boys!!
4. Finishing up a B.S. degree in Healthcare Management (need one class, three more credits) (Yeah, I kind of did the opposite of what most people do; I got married, had babies- then started college years later…) Pearl of Wisdom: IT’S NEVER TO LATE TO GET AN EDUCATION!!!
5. Living in Germany --- that’s a whole other story for another time.
6. As the blog title states, “Loving a Soldier, Living the life.”

Thanks for letting me be a part of this wonderful blog! Glad to have the chance to tell my story! Stay tuned because we have a crazy life (especially with four boys) and you would not want to miss out!!!

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Buy an Iced Coffee... Support Homes for Troops

Dunkin’ Donuts is having a special "Iced Coffee Day" event TODAY, when Dunkin’ stores throughout the country will sell small iced coffees for the reduced price of only 50 cents. Five cents from each one sold will go to Homes for Our Troops, a national, non-profit organization that builds specially adapted homes for severely injured veterans.

Dunkin’ Donuts is also launching a nationwide call to recruit one million new volunteers to support Homes for Our Troops’ efforts. The first 200 people to sign up as volunteers will receive free Dunkin’ coffee for one month.

If there isn't a Dunkin Donuts in your area or you just want to donate directly to Homes For Troops, CLICK HERE!
If you are on Facebook, you can also donate your facebook status to the cause ! Also make sure to check out the video on their YouTube Channel. (i would have embedded it here but it wouldn't let me )

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A picture is worth....

We all know the old saying....

A picture is worth a thousand words...

Well my husband and I have seen some very interesting stuff over the past 15 months......

Wishing you the best!
Tara JW

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Army Wife Life: April 20, 2009

This edition of Army Wife Life discussion is brought to you in partnership with Lucky Army Wives! (www.LuckyArmyWives.com)

Please leave your answers to the questions below by commenting on this post. Listen for Tara & Star's answers on Show 210: Week of April 20, 2009 using our AWTR Player to the left!

Excerpt blog post: Remember and appreciate why you are so lucky; have everything in you closet and house organized; and can start and finish a triathlon, you’re ready to rumble (rumba?!) in 2010! Grab your flowing, beaded skirt and tummy covering tube top; your check book; your recipe cards; and your alligator tails (absolutely not a mistype!) Another part of this blog hilariouslyreads: To ponder - in Africa and Asia both men and women perform the BD, mostly during social gatherings and times of celebration – not necessarily drunken celebration either! (Dear God! Burn the horrible image of male belly jiggling and wiggling from our mental hard drives!)

What do you think?

Shakira dancing (aka. Belly dancing – covertly referred to as “BD” amongst us girls to help us refrain from giggling every time we use the term) is the ancient art of mid-section wiggling – are your belly dancing moves shaking down the house?

One of the most popular New Years resolutions is to “Lose Weight” or to “Get Fit”. Did you make that resolution?

What are your favorite ways to workout/de-stress as spring comes around?

April is our designated "Spring Cleaning" month – do we need to crack the whip or is everyone giving the clutter the heave-ho?

Do you perform the traditional spring cleaning or is that only myth in your house?

What is your biggest spring cleaning tip?

Does doing the big CLEAN help you to feel less stressed?

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Armed Forces Recreation Centers Great Getaway Sweepstakes

I had to share this press release...
Such a cool sweepstakes! Best part - You can enter DAILY! Good Luck!


Armed Forces Recreation Centers Great Getaway Sweepstakes
ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Imagine attending a luau on Waikiki Beach; golfing in the shadows of the Magic Kingdom; sightseeing a seventh-century city in The Land of the Morning Calm; sunbathing beneath a famous lighthouse on the Atlantic; or skiing or hiking in the Bavarian Alps.
One of those dream vacations awaits the winner of the Great Getaways Sweepstakes, an Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command-sponsored contest that began March 1 and runs through May 31 at www.afrcresorts.com.
The grand prize includes a seven-night stay at one of five Armed Forces Recreation Centers, a luggage set, a digital camera, a set of golf clubs, and $2,500 for travel expenses. As many as four people may occupy the room.
The AFRCs are the Hale Koa Hotel on Waikiki Beach, Hawaii; Shades of Green on Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.; Dragon Hill Lodge in Seoul, South Korea; Cape Henry Inn and Beach Club on Fort Story near Virginia Beach, Va.; and Edelweiss Lodge and Resort in Garmisch, Germany.

The Edelweiss Lodge and Resort sits at the foot of the Bavarian Alps.
- Photo by Tim Hipps, FMWRC Public Affairs
Ten $100 winners will be randomly selected each month of the contest. $100 winners can only win once, but all monthly winners will be eligible for the grand prize, as well. Active duty U.S. military personnel from all branches of Service, Reserve, National Guard, retirees, Family members and Department of Defense civilians 18 and older are eligible for the contest.
Eligible patrons may enter online or via a 3-by-5 card with name, address, telephone number and e-mail address sent to Great Getaways, PO Box 150304, Alexandria, VA, 22315. Limit is one entry per day.
The sweepstakes is not open to employees of FMWRC, USAA, Stars & Stripes, Armed Forces Recreation Centers and their Family members, or any other employees of companies providing prizes, products or services used in conjunction with the contest.

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Help Raise Money for Soldier's Angels!

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Senior Spouses: What's the message?

Lately I've heard/seen SO MANY senior spouses "pass over" military events. I don't know why they do this. Do they think they aren't spouses too? They don't deserve the benefit? Do they think their families aren't going through the same things as other families? Do they not have time? Are they just not interested?

Probably not. The funny thing is the people I see do this are the most hard working people I know. They are the most deserving to get that free dinner or pampering session.

You ask them why and they tell you - they are just "giving others an opportunity". I get it. I understand. That's very admirable.

Welcome to reality. Truth is when you as a senior spouse don't attend an event because you are "giving others an opportunity" the real message you are sending by not attending the event, utilizing the resource, or taking advantage of the opportunity is that it doesn't matter.

Think of all the wonderful things our Army Community Services and Morale Welfare and Recreation create for our military families. If people don't see their leaders taking advantage of the wonderful progrmas they won't follow.

So, sure, if it means the difference between me getting a free book or an E-4's wife with four kids - I'm going to give up that book in a heart beat. But I'd rather call SPC's wife Amber and say LET'S GO GIRL!

Let's face it - most of the time our military events are under attended anyway - so do your part senior spouses/leaders - get out there and rally the troops and show them what is important!

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Becoming a legal resident

Getting married is wonderful! ... The paperwork that goes with it - let's say - a little less. Paperwork in a binational marriage is - let's say - breathtaking (it actually does take ones breath away from time to time). Besides changing martial statuses, names on formal documents, driverslicences, getting enrolled in Deers, etc. there's that big cloud hanging over every newly wedded binational couple.... IMMIGRATION / becoming a LEGAL PERMANENT RESIDENT. An obstacle to conquer, no matter if the spouse is a soldier of the U.S. Army or not.

But, being a soldier's spouse actually makes that whole process easier, and a lot faster than being a "normal" U.S. Citizen's spouse.
On every post is (should be) a person working who is responsible for immigration matters of relatives of a soldier. That person is attached to the legal office and (usually) the people working in JAG should be able to point you in the right direction.
Nevertheless, it took me and my husband approx. 8 visits to finally get to the "right" person... don't be discouraged - there is help and, the best part, the service is free!!

When I finally found my "personal immigration lawyer" things were coming along a lot faster and without hassle (or a lot less I should say). She helped us with all the forms that needed to be filled out, answered all our questions, and communicated between us and USCIS / Department of Homeland Security.
With her help I got my permanent residency within 10 months...
...If I were a "normal" spouse I would most probably still be waiting ... for another 10 months...

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Self Help

If you are like my family then you live on your military installation. We are stationed at Fort Stewart and honest to goodness we ENJOY it! We are doing things all the time and we are kind of it he middle of it all. Fort Stewart has so many opportunites for families, but by far my favorite thing about this post is that the opportunites are there for you to seek and do independently. Much like our Army Wife Network motto: INTERACTIVE EMPOWERMENT FOR ARMY WIVES... the post is EMPOWERING us to do things on our own. For some that may seem daunting, but let me explain. Everything about our soldier's career is told to us, thought out and carefully scripted. Do this now, be there when, this is how, and to the detail. However, you can now take some things into your own hands. I like the Self Help at our post. It's this tiny building that we can got to get simple items for our home: paint, lightbulbs, AC filters, bolts and more. Simple things that us spouses can handle and do on our own whether the boys are here or away. They give us the items for free and we do the work. It's how we grow ourselves and make ourselves stronger and better educated. I know for me I feel much more secure knowing I can handle the little things while he is away. Infact, just today I stopped and received 3 new 4ft flouresent bulbs for our utility room and bathroom, as well as new filters. Gals, take advantage of this offer! Visit your Self Help building and give yourself the strength :)

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It's ALWAYS New...

I'm not too sure that at any point in our military spousedom that we stop learning. From the moment we move to our first post, wait no... from the moment we marry our soldier or they enlist, we are flung into a world of endless opportunities, adventures, and unknowns. Everytime we relocate we need a new seamstress, spa, hairdresser, vet for our pets, home, cable company, dentist, shopping center, favorite restaurant and MORE! I try to think of this as an adventure. We get this unique chance in the military life to go to different places and try new things out all the time. Not only that, but how cool is that we are also able to pass that information on to new spouses to the area or military. It's a great way to make a new friend or perhaps even become a mentor. I have to believe that even as you grow in maturity and knowledge with the military you will still have questions. The life in the Army is every changing. Heck, I'm an Army brat and things are drastically different since I was a kid. The housing is upgraded, the family covenant, even our FRGs. Things are improving around us all the time. This is an exciting and wonderful time to be a part of this world. It's kind of cool to know that it's always going to be fresh and NEW.

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Military Spouse Career Advancement Account Program

With Congressional authorization in Public Law 110-417, the Department of Defense is implementing the Military Spouse Career Advancement Account Program, providing resources and assistance to spouses of active duty services members, Guard and Reserve with a spouse on orders for one year, supporting their pursuit of a successful, long-term, portable career.

This centralized, virtual program, accessed through Military OneSource, will provide counseling and funding, up to $6,000, to assist with licensure, certification or education opportunities leading to portable employment opportunities.

· A spouse will call the Military OneSource Center (1.800.342.9647) and speak with a Career and Education Consultant.
· The Military One Source Career and Education Consultant will assist the spouse in selecting a career goal and entering a Career Plan into the online system “My Career Advancement Account.”
· Upon approval of the spouse’s Career Plan for education, training, certification or licensure, Department of Defense will provide direct payment to the Payee (school, institution, or program) though the designated government Portal.
· The spouse will report back to Military OneSource upon completion of the Plan and receipt of employment.

This Department of Defense funded program will be available April 2009. Program specifics are available for your review at http://www.militaryonesource.com/.

The DoD point of contact is Mr. Mike Tevnan, 703.908.1237, mike.tevnan@moscenter.us

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Fort Sill! Free Time-Out!

We're so excited that things are shaping up for an awesome couple days at Fort Sill. Seats are filling, and can we just say "WOW" Fort Sill knows how to advertise with billboards, posters, banners--"WOW"!

Still our best asset is our Network, word-of-mouth advertising, our grass-roots gang. We've fashioned a press release and using the link below you can post it to your facebook, twitter, mySpace, etc. Please do so! We don't want one seat empty and not one spouse who didn't know that they could be showered with gifts, prizes, and a much needed "time-out."

So, add this press release to some famous social bookmarking service websites like del.icio.us, Google.com, and Yahoo.com to pack the house. Click here to add now: http://www.free-press-release.com/news/200904/1239908028.html#bookmark. Look for the bookmark button at the bottom.

Additionally, we just want to say that these events are NOT just for spouses with a currently deployed soldier. We welcome ALL. If you are not going through a deployment, you either will be or just did recently. There's a lot to learn and a lot for you seasoned spouses to pass on.

If you've been to one, and you know of people in Fort Sill, let them know about this...and let them know about the one coming up in June at Fort Bliss.

Looking Forward, Star

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The Meaning of the Folds of our Flag

I received this in an email - not sure where it's from or all of the accuracy - but it was VERY interesting.

All Americans should be given this lesson. Here is how to understand the flag that laid upon it and is surrendered to so many widows and widowers.

Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?

Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the United States of America Flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!

The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to the country.

The 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie. It is with their heart that They pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America, and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic.

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding them of their nations motto, 'In God We Trust.'

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today.

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Thank you FORT SILL!!

Look at this! Star and I have to be proud b/c as you well know it takes an act of Congress to get a private organization anywhere near an Army post. We are very excited to see our Field Exercise get such great promotion! Hope you are registered!!!!

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Agent Orange

It seems that a lot of military spouses have military fathers and fathers-in-law, for that reason I wanted to put something on every one's radar. My Dad was a Marine in Vietnam and for the longest time he stayed away from reunions and veteran groups. About two years ago my brother found some of the guys in his platoon and my Dad has been in touch with the guys he was in Vietnam with. The upside is that he is reconnecting and healing, the downside is that several of the guys have died from Agent Orange related cancer. My Dad went to the VA and there is a screening program where they put Vets in different groups based on their level of toxicity.

I highly encourage you to let the Vietnam Veterans in your life know that they can go to the VA and get screened for Agent Orange issues. We are still waiting to hear the results of my Dad's tests, and it is nerve wracking.

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FREE MEAL at your commissary!

To say thank you to hard working military servicemembers, Hormel Foods is offering a free lunch of HORMEL COMPLEATS. The free-lunch event will take place at all 180 military commissaries April 1 through May 15.

At the events, servicemen and women or their families can redeem a coupon for a free HORMEL COMPLEATS meal at their local commissary. The one-day free lunch event date will vary by location. Military personnel and their families should ask at their local commissary for more information and to find out when they can redeem coupons to enjoy a tasty lunch of HORMEL COMPLEATS.

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I'm a Postie

I love living on Post, LOVE IT. I love being close to the Commissary and the PX. How can you not love living in a gated community with armed guards? It has been really difficult for me to decide to live off post, but I knew I needed to try because, gasp, there are only eight and a half more years until my husband can retire, which means no more housing. I think in order to save myself some serious angst in the future I must venture of post and prove that I can fall asleep without hearing Taps and rise without Reveille. A friend recommended that I get it on cd and get over myself, she is probably right.

In the next couple of weeks I will be saying a fond farewell to cheap carpet and free utilities and a nervous hello to a mortgage and civilian neighbors (who am I kidding, they will probably all be military.)


I can only hope that artillery will still shake the pictures on the wall.

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Guete Tag u schoeni Oschtere!

Hello and Happy Easter!

I am Sonja - a foreign born spouse from Switzerland.

A little over three years ago, I decided to take a break from my routine "working-eating-sleeping" type of life. I wanted to explore, experience adventure, see what else life can/could be. So I booked flighttickets and started my extended trip soon after in Hongkong, flew further to Singapore, traveled all the way up through Malaysia and Thailand with public transport only.
Yeah, it was great. I saw a lot, i learned a lot,... but it was nothing compared to what I was going to "explore" in Hawaii.
After 5 weeks in Asia, I continued to Honolulu, Oahu to attend a language school to get, after a 12 week course and a final examination, a certificate in "english". That was the "purpose" (besides partying, learning how to surf, and enjoy all the wonderful beaches)!

After two weeks there, my "purpose" (and focus) changed dramatically.
While enjoying a saturday night out with classmates in a really small club in Waikiki Beach, ... I met my husband!
Just like that - he stood in front of me - and there he was!
Everything seemed to be clear - we belong together - so simple as that!
Yeah, I always hoped/thought there was such a thing called "love on first sight" but I was never quite sure - until then - it does exist!

As my stay on "the islands" was timed we soon started talking about the seriousness of our relationship and how we wanted to go on. We agreed for me to continue my planned travels (from Helsinki, Finland to the Northcape, Norway and back) and then going back to Switzerland for now.
TC chose to rejoin the Army (active duty).
Half a year (after saying "goodbye" in Hawaii), many e-mails and phonecalls later he graduated from AIT and I flew to Augusta, GA to get married to my "american boy".
We spent the Christmas holidays in Switzerland with my family.
After reporting to his new duty station he found out that his unit is deploying. I, still living in Switzerland, jumped into the next airplane and spent the remaining 3 weeks with him - in lodging.

I spent the whole deployment in Switzerland and finally came to the United States last May....
AND THEN THE NEXT ADVENTURE STARTED....

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Happy Easter and good deals!

Happy Easter out there to all of our Military Families! When the alarm went off this morning, the radio station had some kind of a talk show on. There was a lady named Becky in the area who operates a coupon blog called Nickel-N-Dimes. You can visit her website at http://www.nickels-n-dimes.com. On there she has links to other great coupon websites, etc. There is one in particular that I wanted to share called Simple and Delicious (http://www.simpleanddelicious.com/special-offers/walmart-coupon-booklet.jsp). This particular link will get you to part of the site where you can register for a booklet of $10 worth of coupons for things like ketchup and popcorn. With summer coming up, we will be grilling out a lot and so the ketchup will be needed - popcorn can be a semi-healthy snack, so there ya go. Take a look around at the Nickels-N-Dimes website. Last year during December, she had her "Christmas Crusade" where people would donate money - and EVERY dime that was donated went to the Matt Maupin Scholarship Fund through the Yellow Ribbon Center. I don't know if any of you remember who Matt Maupin was, but he was an Army Reserve soldier who was captured in Iraq on April 9, 2004. Last year on March 31, they found his remains. When I heard that she supported that cause, I was definitely more interested in taking a look at her site. Plus, who can't use the coupons and savings right now?

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Book Club Update

Our selection for this month is Army Wives by Tanya Biank, and I am so excited to tell you that Tanya Biank is going to be with us this Monday night for the Army Wife Talk Radio Book Club segment!! Join us in the chat room to discuss this amazing book that the Lifetime Series, Army Wives, was based on.

Tune in!!!

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Meeting Tanya Biank (Authour of "Army Wives")

This past week I attended my first OSC/ESC event (Officer's Spouse Club/Enlisted Spouse Club). It was a wonderful luncheon with about 125 women in attendance. There were even a few vendors to include our post spa, craft shops, children's items and more. The mixing and mingling was fun. I met many new wives and even was able to catch up with a few I've known for quite some time. If you are a regular listener to our radio show then you already know Starlett. She even made the drive down to attend this particular event. Why, you might ask? Well, our guest speaker was none other than Tanya Biank, author of "Under the Sabers", better known now as the book turned TV show "Army Wives". Star and I, with a handful of other friends, dined and listened in while Tanya spoke of how the book came about and the true stories compiled within, also her own pride and joy in the Army as a spouse. She even was able to tell us a bit about how the show came about and let us know that this next season (3) will be by far the most accurate to military life. By the time she was done speaking we were so excited! I know I can't wait to see the next season, as I am an avid watcher and fan. Though, I must share that I had read the book before the show ever aired and really liked it then. All and all it was a great afternoon. We even had our copies of the book autographed. Tanya is a sweet woman and was a joy to meet, very, very kind.

For those who don't know already, we will be interviewing Tanya this Monday LIVE on our show so be sure to check it out at 8pm-10pm EST. www.blogtalkradio.com/awtr SEE YOU THERE!

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Miracle kiss, sweet sentiment from 1950

Good morning everyone, so I'm about to walk out the door for the 1st of 2 "last 4 day weekends" before my husband heads out to pre-mob, across the country. He's been home on weekends the last 6 weeks, and that's been a roller coaster, a whole other blog post, when he leaves/I can face telling you the truth, good and bad/and I've got more time on my hands.

But this, I wanted to share right now, while I had just a moment...

The Kiss
Not many years past, there was a time of War. And Roberta's father belonged not the Navy of these United States. And lo, he fought for three years on many seas. Yet always did he bring Roberta to school as he began a new mission for his Uncle Sam.

Thus it fell out one snowy morning that he rode the little damsel into the schoolhouse piggy-back fashion. And the twain did make a pretty picture: The tall man with gleaming stars and braid, and Roberta with her yellow curls floating out over his shoulder.

And while he lowered her slowly in his arms he said,Daddy hath a cold today. Wherefore he cannot kiss his Honey Bee upon the mouth.

And he touched lightly with his lips that spot on Roberta's cheek where the dimple is wont to come and go.

Now when he was departed, Roberta reached up swiftly to the place where he had mislaid the kiss. And straightway she did perform a miracle. Yeah, she caught that intangible caress between her determined little thumb an forefinger. Then with a pretty air of triumph she did place it squarely upon her mouth.Heaven in my hand, Alice Lee Humphreys, John Knox Press, Richmond, 1950.

Why, when I had no time this morning, and how I wonder did this get into my hands? A random book from my church library that I grabbed to read on the way to Daytona...

Well, all I have time for is to tell you that it reminded me to slow down, pause for the miracle my children are and to remember, we are not alone. This story is from 1950! I have always told myself I'll make it through, my husband will too, because there are those who have gone before us, and made it...

Ok, I really have to go...and get some last, miracle kisses in...Happy Easter!

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She is ...Army Wives!

Today I am rounding the corner to drop Chloe off at childcare and feeling very overwhelmed with my day - meeting, house, company, website, business, upcoming events....yada yada.....and I see this mom. She had three kids (under the age of 4) in a triple stroller. She had make up on, cute sweatpants, a hat (ok so she didn't shower before noon - who does?), in her little jogger uniform. She had two big brown laborador retrievers on leashes in her left hand and she was driving the stroller with her right.

My first thought was - DAMN I need to get my act together - if this woman can get up this early get three kids dressed and fed, in a stroller, make up on and dress herself, AND get her dogs to cooperate - and then drive the stroller AND find time to take care of herself with exercise - then I NEED TO GET A GRIP!!!

I smiled.

I got out of the car and got Chloe inside. On my way past her driving away I stopped. I said "hey supermom, you gotta quit you're making the rest of us look bad." She smiled. "Daddy's deployed - I guess I've lost my mind!". I started to tear up. I said to her "you're amazing. I want you to know that." In any other place except a military installation they probably would have looked at her and thought she had. I knew.

I stopped.

I felt her pain.

I thought about how lucky I was to have my hubby home and remembered the times I had two dogs, a stroller, a six year old, and a cat in tow walking to school in GA. Vividly. I reminded myself that no matter how crazy or hectic that I was pretty lucky right now. I also remembered how much stronger it made me to go through that time in my life.

She is strong. She is amazing. "She", is Army wives!!!!

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Last Easter was a Shock...

Last Easter was a Shock…this Easter he is home Thank God!

War is war...no matter what day it is...last Easter morning MW and I were having our special holiday greetings call...when our call was ended by the computer screen shaking like a blender...a huge blast and MW saying “I have to go. Love You!!!” All of this happened in a split second...I was terrified and all I could do was cry and pray…while my parents could only watch and pray…then a hour later I saw it on the news…bombs dropped and demolished buildings in an area very close to my husband….he would not confirm it…but I knew it!

By the grace of God he was ok…so much happened over the course of a year…I am sure many of you understand. That is why I am making sure we enjoy everything we missed…I am making it my business to be thankful for this time we have been given together….because the sorrow of separation can not compare to the beauty of time together! It is funny somehow our disagreements do not seem as important as they did before this deployment experience. My thought is that we should always cherish our special moments and keep hope and faith very close to us with each passing day!

Below you will find an article with a great way to make your Easter dinner special!

Easter Sunday Dinner Ideas
Easter is the perfect holiday to get together for a nice family meal. Some of my best memories are of sitting around the dinner table after church on an Easter Sunday with my family.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/668535/easter_sunday_dinner_ideas.html

Wishing you the best!
Tara JW

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Back From Iraq, a Year Later

Will has been home from Iraq a year now. Wow, it doesn't seem that long ago, I was nervously waiting for his plane to land. Time seems to have just flown by in comparison to how slowly it past when he was gone. Deployment in it's own silent way changed us forever, some good, some bad.
One of the hardest things for us to get back into was routines. The children had grown and changed activities, the family was at a faster pace than when he left, and I was use to handling it by myself. We are still working through some issues ... like the children still only consult Mom for permission, ahhhh but I'm really hoping that stops soon.
One of the best things we did do during the year was we attended a marriage PREP weekend course, which was offered to the whole unit through the State. We had a wonderful instructor and found so much useful information.
During deployment I learned not to sweat the small stuff, I carried this lesson over and am still using it. I have to say it has helped a whole bunch. I keep what my Mother used to say in mind when it seems as if Will and I have two different ways of doing the same thing, and I think my way is the "right" way. My Mother used to say, " it doesn't matter what road you take as long as you get to where you are supposed to go."

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The New Army Wife Network

It's new! It's fun! It's LIVE! Go visit http://www.ArmyWifeNetwork.com

Register on the message boards.
Chat LIVE on the home page.
Post your favorite recipes, household tips, newbie questions - and more in the boards!
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SO MUCH SO MUCH! Have a great time!!

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Going to the Movies

The post movie theatre can be a great and fun resource to you and your family. The cost of viewing a new film is minimal, and sometimes even FREE. This past weekend I attend a pre-screening for a new movie that comes out this following weekend. Yes, isn't that neat, they even do special showings and events in advance too! What I really wanted to share with you, however, is that I had NO idea that before they begin the movie at an on post theatre the National Anthem is played. I really think it's a great way to carry on the American tradition in all aspects of military life, but I wish I had been prepared. I stood quickly and joined the rest in attendance. I just had to share this interesting experience with other newbies. This is something that happens Army wide so be prepared. There is a never ending SLEW of things to learn LOL

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Ugh, Spring!

This is a first time EVER that I've had allergies! Welcome to spring in Georgia. It feels like it's just me suffering, perhaps because it's all so new, but I hear that the weather here can cause these seasonal allergies in many NEW folks to this area. It's just awful! Runny nose, itchy eyes, constant coughing, and NO sleep! I did finally get into the doctors office and the medicine definitely helps. To top that my doctor was WONDERFUL. A Christian like me. We had a great conversation about how important date nights are and also about the new movie "Fireproof" (Which I HIGHLY reccomend). I've always been one to never take medications. They usually make my tummy feel ucky, but these are helpful. Allergies are just no fun. So for those of you who have them I do now completely sympathize. This is a "perk" (LOL) to being a newbie wife! As Forrest Gump says, "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what [Allergy] you are going to get. You never know what to expect as you move from post to post :)

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the Power of Power Napping

Seriously!

We "power" everything else...power walk or power up.
But have you ever just "powered down"?
If you know me even a little, you know that I highly recommend napping.
But, not just falling asleep in place or snuggling up with a good book
and the zzzzzzzzz monster coming along.

I mean building the healthy habit of Power Napping.

How to Power Nap - wikiHow wikiHow article about How to Power Nap. ... Scientists have been studying the power nap--when to take it, how to take it, what to take before you take it, ...

Sleep Your Way to 100 With Power Naps on Yahoo! HealthNov 9, 2007 ... Sleeping your way to 100 means power naps. Power naps: 10, 20

Seems I'm not the only one who swears by them. Now you can check out the articles above (I haven't), or you can just follow my tips, but soon you'll be on your way to feeling restored, focused, and livin' la vida siesta. Something like that....

Recognize that this will only work as a habit. It takes 28-30 days to find a place in your routine, but the goal is to identify when you can "REGULARLY" take 20-40 minutes out of most days. This does not come naturally.

I started napping about 4-5 years ago. It started out that I couldn't help it. I was home alone for a deployment or two and taking care of children during the day and studying for school at night. During deployments I "sleep" at night only from midnight to 5AM or so, 2AM to 6AM if I stayed up to chat to overseas.

I needed a nap, so why fight it.

My two best times were and mostly still are: 30 minutes before I expect the bus back with the kids and somewhere in the hour after they go to bed.

So my sleep pattern looks like: 12-5AM, nap at 2:30, nap at 9 or 9:30pm.

Knowing the benefits of napping and accepting it as routine, helps circumvent those thoughts that you are lazy or irresponsible. (Now if you're rolling from one side of the bed to the other "to take a nap", then we've got a problem. But, if you've been up and active/productive, then allow yourself this break.)

Determine your allotted time and stick to it. 20-40 minutes is ideal. Set an alarm. This puts something else in charge of getting you up. You can give up being in charge, which helps you relax a little bit. What I mean is, if you trust your "nap" button on your alarm clock, then you'll not sit and check your watch the whole 20 minutes. Building trust with your alarm clock takes the 28-30 days mentioned above. Most alarm clock radios have a nap button.

Get in your comfortable spot. Lie horizontally, so if nothing else you give your feet and rear a mid-day break, redistributing the blood and such. Take your shoes off. I put sleep socks on. I also turn on the fan and cover my eyes. The darker the better; it signals the brain that it may be nighttime. Lastly, I attempt some deep, cleansing breaths. I avoid caffeine after lunch and I DON'T play music I could sing along to.

I've done this enough now where I've learned how productive I am afterwards. I meet the bus refreshed, or I can focus on late night couple time without that sleep deprivation headache or sheer exhaustion. I think about that and all the good work I can do when I get up and that rests my soul, which in turn rests my body. It's a powerful thing.

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Take Back the Night

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Do something about it!!!

Take Back the Night: This ACS sponsored event is an international event with marches and rallies that signify a way to speak out against violence and raise community awareness as a preventive measure against future violence. Please join us and ACS and take back the night in your neighborhood!!

Many ACS are offering Self Defense courses this month as well.

Contact your local ACS for more infomation on dates, locations, and times.
Please join us in the fight against Sexual Assault.

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Military One Source Adds Counseling Visits

Traditionally Military One Source has always offered 6 counseling visits to family members and spouses, per person. It's a great program if you need to talk about any issue going on in your military life: marital, deployment, PTSD, children, depression, joy, venting and more. However, the program has just upped it's available visits per person to 12! The best part is it's FREE! Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity if you are feeling overwhelmed and/or you just need some place to talk. Perhaps you just need a little "me" time. Visit the site at www.militaryonesource.com for more information. Best Wishes!

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NARMY Sails In

NARMY Wife Intro Part 1 of 2

When pondering why a Navy wife would want to blog with Army wives some might think I'm crazy, after all this blog is called "Loving a Soldier"?! ....and it's been years since I've done that....ohhh wait, no secrets on the first day of blogging, you'll have to stayed tuned!

I digress, here's a little bit of my story and why when invited to blog by Tara I jumped at the chance. Not so long ago my Sailor came home and said the words no Navy wife wants to hear, "I'm going to Afghanistan".



We knew it might happen, we talked about it happening, but no amount of talk can prepare you for the real thing.

Maybe you have heard the term IA? It can mean Individual Augmentee (a Sailor) or Individual Augmentation (a set of orders attached to traditionally, an Army unit). Well, IA or GSA deployments are becoming more and more common. Lately it seems in a Sailor's career it's not if you will do an IA/GSA deployment, but when.

During this new experience I discovered very few IA spouse blogs and even fewer IA milblogs.

The purpose of my joining this great group of ladies? I hope to share some stories about our IA deployment, highlight some key resources and give a voice to a type of deployment that current IA spouses are still learning to navigate. You might say they are in uncharted waters. (ohh nice metaphor)

Thanks for reading my first post. I look forward to learning more about the Army, you, my fellow bloggers and sharing deployment stories from a NARMY's wife point view. We are all in this together!

…and for you curious spouses….yes, I host that other radio show, have a blog you might have read or seen…and you might have met me at the Field Exercise at Ft. Campbell…..then again maybe not.

You just never know what will happen around here. Tara's on the edge people, the cutting edge.

☺

Stand by for Intro – Part 2 when I’ll introduce you to my beagle pups.

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Look Up! Quaker Mom's Day Contest!

Hey, you. Yes, you. Look up. See that banner? Green? Quaker's Mom's Day Contest? What are you waiting for? Enter. Chances are GREAT of winning an awesome prize for mom. You're running out of time. Hurry! Enter! (Don't forget to tell them you found it through AWTR - mama has to buy groceries you know?!)

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Kids just want to be kids…

Kids just want to be kids…

I am so happy to have MW home…out of harms way. I enjoy knowing that he will be home for dinner each night. It is so much fun watching him react to the simple things in life again. I am a step-mom of two young men (they live with their mother)…this past weekend my husband had the opportunity to speak with his youngest son (he is 10 years old)...although he tries to behave like someone much older…I know he is just this sweet kid who wants to enjoy being a kid. I had to really talk my husband into sending him an age appropriate Easter basket this year. This was not something MW wanted to do in the beginning because MW felt he would be insulted by getting such a gift. After we went shopping to pick up the supplies MW felt better about the basket.

Then something really sweet happened this past weekend when the two of them were speaking over the phone. MW told me that M ask for an army soldier stuffed bear…yes…out of thin air my husband’s son requested a stuffed animal to have on hand when he misses his Dad! MW asked him what happened to the others he gave him before…and M told his Dad they were gone. Sooooo this Easter instead of a bunny my husband will be giving his son a cute little soldier bear!!!lol

Wishing you the Best,
Tara JW

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Month of the Military Child

As a mom of 2 Army brats, I see each and every day that my kids serve in the Army too. They don't have to do PT , field exercises, TDY or deployments but they share the sacrifices that we make.

When SGT Daddy is gone, they miss him just as much as I do, sometimes even more. As an adult I'm able to make more sense of why Daddy has to go(well most of the time) or why we have to move, but sometimes they just can't.

I know this is the case of thousands of military kids all over as the US and abroad.

That is why the entire month of April is dedicated as Month of the Military Child. Yep, that's right the entire month is dedicated to the selfless sacrifice that these kids make. Military installations and support organizations around the world are holding special events just for the kids!

I also wanted to let you know of a special prize giveaway for Military Kids sponsored by United Concordia (Tricare Dental)

United Concordia is proud to once again recognize and support April's “Month of the Military Child” by sponsoring a Web-based, random drawing. Children of active duty and National Guard and Reserve sponsors enrolled in the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) are eligible for this drawing.

To enter, simply click here and complete the contest entry form between 8 a.m. March 27, 2008, and midnight April 23, 2008. Entries will be accepted via online submission only. Winners will be selected at random.

Prizes will be awarded to military children of varying ages. Within each age category, first, second and third place prizes will be awarded in each of the six TRICARE regions:

* North
* South
* West
* Europe
* Latin America and Canada
* Pacific

For more information on the giveaway and a list of the prizes, click here!

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The Big Idea – Study is Hard Work

By John Holdren, K¹² Senior Vice President for content and curriculum

As adults, we're expected to work hard. On the list of duties for a job, employers don't specify "hard work"—it's simply expected.

You work hard, whether in a paying job or in the unpaid but intensely demanding realm of home duties. Back in junior high, I worked hard while hauling wheelbarrows full of mulch at Bob and Julia's nursery. As a teacher, I worked hard to prepare classes, and I put many night and weekend hours into marking essays. As a writer and editor on book projects, I've worked hard to research information, craft engaging sentences, check and double-check proofs, and meet unforgiving deadlines.

I've not yet encountered an employer who says, "The work here is hard, but you don't have to do it if you don't like it. And if there are parts you find really hard or boring, just skip them."


No employer I know of conveys such messages—yet that message gets communicated in some schools. Many teachers feel compelled to make the learning "fun." They shy away from having students repeatedly practice the multiplication tables, memorize spelling words, or revise a composition until it's coherent and error-free. Instead, some teachers go to great lengths to create "fun" games and activities with lots of cutting and pasting and singing and dancing. Here's the irony: These teachers work very hard to shield their students from any explicit acknowledgement that they—the students—also need to work hard.

In educating our children, we owe them the honesty of acknowledging this fact: Study is hard work. About a decade ago, an admirer of the work of the nonprofit organization where I worked, the Core Knowledge Foundation, sent me a book with the title Study Is Hard Work, written by William Armstrong in 1956. I treasure this obscure little volume. Though its rhetoric is old fashioned, its wisdom remains current:

"What is study? Study is, above everything else, hard work. It has always been hard work, and there are no indications at present which hint that science is going to accomplish a vitamin-capsule method of learning that will eliminate study. Study is the total of all the habits, determined purposes, and enforced practices that the individual uses to learn. People have objected to study for a long time. The story is told of an Egyptian prince who went to the Library at Alexandria to learn geometry from Ptolemy, the great mathematician. The prince explained to Ptolemy that he had only a little time between hunting and military activities to devote to study so he wanted to learn geometry very quickly and easily. Ptolemy sent him away with the statement: "There are many royal roads, but there is no royal road to learning." The statement is still true. The road to learning is study, and it is a hard, steep, rough road."

At K¹², we often hear that our courses require a lot of hard work. It's true. We ask students to put many hours of focused effort into solving math problems, writing and revising essays, analyzing poems, carefully conducting science experiments, and much more. We ask this of our students not because we have some puritanical agenda to build character, but because the emphasis on hard work grows out of the cognitive science behind K¹²'s curriculum. It's all part of the shaping of a mind, and the shaping of habits of mind.

We owe it to our students to acknowledge the importance of hard work, to set explicit expectations that they will do it, and to support, encourage, and (as needed) prod them in their efforts.

There is no royal road. Study is hard work.

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REGISTRATION IS OPEN - Fort Sill Spouse Field Exercise

Visit www.FieldProblems.com to register!

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