Military Spouses, Bloom Where You're Planted!

Bloom Where You’re Planted
© Tara Crooks

Army spouses aren’t usually afforded the luxury of stability. We’re here one year and there the next. The friends we make tomorrow may not be there next week. Our happiness along this journey is definitely a “state of mind” but there are things we can do to bloom where we’re planted.

Uproot
Closure is important. Allow time to say goodbye and tie up any loose ends. It may not be easy, but the fact of the matter is you’ll be much better off cutting the emotional now, rather than when the moving van is pulling out of your driveway.

Especially if you have children, be sure to communicate openly and get everyone involved in the move. Plan activities during packing and unpacking and let them take part in making decisions on movement of their things.

Last but not least, have some fun and throw a going away party.

Transplant
Don’t feel like just because you’re moving you’re leaving everyone behind or saying goodbye forever. Keeping in touch with friends and family after a move can be difficult to say the least. You have to make a conscious effort. Three quick and simple ways for you to keep in contact with those you won’t see as much anymore are emails and e-greetings, handwritten notes or cards, and phone calls.


Plant Seeds
Once you arrive at your new location you’ll need to take care of the basics – housing, schools/colleges, utilities, phone, cable, internet, medical care, grocery stores, vet, dental, specialty care, church, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Have a list and a plan of how to take care of these details.

Add Water
Once you’ve got the basics down then you can add the fun stuff. Check out your local phone book or ask around to find a good hair stylist, nail salon, and gym. Don’t forget to throw in something to do Friday night! Where are the local movie theatres, theme parks, and really good restaurants?

Sprout
Don’t forget to get the kids involved in their new location. Those little things need nourishment too! Find local daycare, play groups, and extra curricular activities in which they will want to participate. Don’t forget the value of a same aged neighborhood kid. Those can be a lifesaver!

To help you to plant, water, and sprout check out some of these helpful resources or simply www.Google.com your new city or it’s Chamber of Commerce to find out what is available in your area. If you are near an Army post you can easily find the post’s Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) website and find all sorts of activities.

http://www.city-data.com/
http://realestate.yahoo.com/neighborhoods
http://www.militaryavenue.com
www.justmoved.org
Smart Moves: Your Guide Through the Emotional Maze of Relocation
by Audrey T. McCollum, Nadia Jensen, and Stuart Copans

Cultivate
To really bloom you’ll need some cultivating. And that means getting involved in your community. Meet your neighbors, volunteer with local clubs or organizations. If you’re near an Army post, check out Army Family Team Building (AFTB), Army Community Services (ACS) or Family Readiness Center (FRC) as well as the installation’s Spouses Club.

Make that effort, to get out, go places and stop feeling lost. Coach yourself each week to do something you wouldn't naturally do. This may be as simple as deciding to walk your dog every morning.

Buy a map and start exploring. Or just get on a bus and let yourself be driven around. Seeing your new place is fun and right away gives you something in common with other people. And you'll start developing your favorite haunts—a true sign of home!

Expect change, embrace diversity and keep moving. It's not easy but you must make an attempt to bloom where you're planted. Tomorrow, you may be uprooted but having that knowledge and making an attempt at happiness, is all and everything, that life is about.

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Kevlar Heart Protection

It is official, I now have food in the refrigerator that will expire after my husband has left for Iraq. I am trying to stay positive, trying to have a HOOAH we can do this attitude. Last night I held my six year old on my lap while he sobbed, so afraid that his Daddy won't come home. I know I have to keep it together because my boys are watching me and gauging how upset to be by how upset I am. I feel like I am on a run away train. I can't stop it, I just have to hang on tight for the ride.

I want to cry.

I want to scream.

I want to beg him not to leave.

Instead I ordered our Daddy Dolls, our Flat Daddy, and all the deployment books I could get my hands on. I am pulling myself up by my boot straps and wishing someone made body armor for my heart.

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Get to the CHOPPA!

I have to be the biggest Ham Bone in the Army family. The tiniest things get me all fired up about being a military spouse. Yesterday I was driving to work. It's a bit of a long drive as I have take Fort Stewart's infamous "Green Tunnel". This is the loving nickname given to the 20 mile span of bright green trees on a two lane road that reaches from the back gate all the way to the actual edge of the post property. Once you reach that end mark you are FREE! Civilians actually exist! I’m being a little silly here. I personally find the drive to be relaxing and beautiful. Ranges line the way and it's just fun to be "in" the LIFE.

Back to my story...
I was driving to work down the Green Tunnel and all of the sudden out of nowhere comes three, very loud Chinook helicopters from beyond the tree tops. They couldn't have been but 50 feet over head! I was totally digging it! I thought to myself, “How freaking awesome is this? This is my life! Hooah!" Oh I just love the Army! Dude, long story short, I had an Army moment. I embraced it. You would have thought I had never seen a plane or helicopter in my life before. I'd just never seen it like that. It was like a scene from a movie.... they just appeared in all their glory; LOUD – STRONG – SO MILITANT. After my moment past I had to say aloud, "Get to the Chopper!" Then I just laughed, picturing the baby in all those internet photos swirling around.

I'm such a dork! Does this mean I'm still a "newbie"??? LOL

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Wedding for Warriors in the Savannah area

The program is put together by some Patriots in Savannah to provide free weddings for Military Personnel on Veterans Day, Nov 11, in Savannah.
All of the contact information is on the website www.weddingsforwarriors.com

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goodbye sen. kennedy

years ago, my friend andy's husband was killed in iraq.  she and i became fast friends one night at a coffee event, so much of our lives we alike from meeting our husbands on the exact same night to how we thought of the same things at the same time.

when our husbands left for iraq, we cried together. it was the first deployment we were experiencing, and we had a count down going. we saw our husbands for their r&r, and with one month to go (after an extension), we were ecstatic awaiting the return of our husbands, although we never forgot how dangerous it was.  

i was preparing to move back to texas (ft. hood), i had already secured housing on post, and was getting ready to just get the kids and myself there to wait. it was a week before our planned return and we were staying with my in-laws in massachusetts, and one morning my father in-law had called the house. he asked me, "does your friend andy have a son named danny?". i thought it was weird that he would call to ask me that out of the blue. "yeah", i said, "how did you know that?". i don't remember the words my father in-law used, i just remember my legs crumpling underneath me while tears formed. all i could say for a few minutes was "oh god andy! i have to go help her!".

she had already moved back to ft. hood, and i was having a hard time getting her on the phone, understandably so. when i did speak to her, she asked me to be with her for the funeral. it was to be in massachusetts because her husband, like mine, was from there. my in-laws told me that they would take care of the rest of the preparations to move while i went to be with andy. it had been days since i heard from my own husband, and just before i left for the drive to be with andy, he called. he told me he had been the one on duty to get the call that her husband had been seriously injured, and that he wasn't going make it.

i told him where i was headed, and he said he was glad i was still there so i could help her. i was with her while she made arrangements, i was with her in the line literally holding her up at times while she accepted condolences. at one point, sen. edward kennedy came in to give his condolences. he spoke to her, and his words were very heartfelt, there were no politics, just sincere regrets for this young widow and her young son who would never know his father.

he spoke to andy's mother in-law and said "i am so sorry, when we lost my older brother, i saw how it hurt my mother and then when we thought we lost jack in the war, the toll on my mother was great, i shall never forget how much mothers are hurt too".

later, as i came from getting a drink of water, i had the chance to speak to him and his wife. he asked how i knew andy, and i told him our husbands were in the same company and that they were friends too. he thanked me for my service, as a military spouse, for it was quite obvious given where we were, that we too sacrifice. he was very kind, even more so to my friend's son that day, it was that kindness i think of whenever someone mentions him. goodbye sen. kennedy, thank you for your kindness. 

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Army Wife Life: August 24, 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 228: Week of Aug 24, 2009 using our AWTR Player in the right sidebar!

Excerpt blog post: As summer was rapidly approaching, Pearl & Mercedes found themselves considering summer vacation plans - generally known as “where should we stop on our way to our next duty station?” Forgetting that they’re in the Army… Mercedes’ children are arguing for an actual vacation with an on-board potty – as in “let’s buy an RV and go to France”. Economics and geography aside, hurtling down the road at 35MPH with no excuse to pull into a Starbuck’s is not Mercedes’ first getaway choice. However, when compared to the usual Army life vacation (say PCSing to Ft. Irwin), disengaging toddler hands from an on-board potty sounds like a trip to Disenyland. Pearl’s children, old enough to know that RV is code for “wave goodbye to your best friends in the rear-view mirror” are making their case for the relatives that should be avoided en route to their next home.

Discussion Point 1: Do you prefer Relatives or all-inclusive resort?

Discussion Point 2: Spontaneous or no-go unless every detail or mishap can be discussed, reviewed, and/or debated and a risk mitigation plan stored in your escrow lock box?

Discussion Point 3: Drink and eat with the locals or load up on packaged products prior to take-off?

Discussion Point 4: What is your dream vacation?

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The Time Traveler's Wife aka The Army Wife

I spent a ME day last weekend at the movie theatre because I have been dying to see The Time Traveler's Wife. About half way through the movie I had a deja vue moment, I just knew that I'd seen this before, five minutes later, Claire, the wife, says to Henry, the time traveler, "My life doesn't stop just because you are gone." This wasn't a movie I'd seen before, the deja vu was because I was watching my life.

I had to look at my ticket again just to make sure I hadn't inadvertently sat down in The Army Wife. I think that the author must have been channeling an Army Wife when she wrote the book the movie was based on. There is a point in the movie when Henry pops into and out of the future and after he disappears Claire has that look in her eye. You know that look, where for about a half a second you think she is going to collapse under the stress and pain, that moment before she steels her spine. The next second, she smiles wryly and picks up the clothes he left behind (because of course he time travles naked) and folds them until he comes again. How many times have we as army wives picked up the civilian clothes they leave behind waiting for them to come back and put them back on?

I went to the movies to get away from our impending deployment and instead I got a science fiction version of my Army Wife life. It is good to know that we Army Wives are not alone, the wives of time travelers have similar occupation hazards, waiting, never knowing when they will return, facing major life events alone, and missed holidays. This is particularly good information in case you are ever stationed away from a major installation and need a battle buddy, just look out for a couple who has odd piles of clothes everywhere and a husband that is naked or missing frequently.

The Time Traveler's Wife is a good movie, it is just a little eerie to watch a science fiction version of military life.

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Hello Again

Hello Fellow Army Wives!!!!!

I know it has been a long time since my last blog! Life has been extremely busy beyond my greatest imagination! MW and I have relocated to the Maryland area…this place is completely different from my dear Atlanta, GA! Such is life…many times we face the anticipated and unanticipated! MW has been back from Iraq since December! This time last year I was placing an X over each day pressing forward to his return.As a new Army wife faced with my 1st deployment I had no idea what to expect while he was deployed. To be honest…I had even less of an idea of how to prepare for his return (however I did my very best and he was pleased with it or at least that’s what he said! lol). All I knew was that I was so excited that the love of my life would be home very soon.

After MW returned the truth is that the true work actually started and we are still in that process of rebuilding our life together. Some days have been very smooth…while others have been complicated and emotional. I am extremely thankful for the beautiful support system I have in family and friends. I look forward to being in touch with all of you to share all the many updates…for example….a beautiful 4 year old princess has joined our family! Yes…I have taken on the new role of Mommy/ Auntie Tara!!! I am very excited about this she has brought sunshine into our life at a time when we truly need to take some of the focus off of ourselves. She is the perfect example to me of how the sun does shine even through the rain! Until next time……stay blessed!

Wishing You the BEST~
Tara JW

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From the fry pan into the fire...

I started writing this blog with a huge “whoa is me” attitude and as I filled the page with my whining, it was actually annoying me! I sat here typing all my tales of this summer getting smaller and smaller in my chair when I suddenly realized that I really didn’t feel as negative as I was sounding. I’m starting over…… let me back up and explain the craziness of this adventure.

Now, please understand these are the facts – not complaining, no whining, not even embellished, just the facts…..


Our family has been stationed at our current assignment for two years, that’s about a normal tour time for our job. Back in March our branch called and asked if we were interested in moving, (this doesn’t usually happen, but our daughter will be a senior in high school and that was taken into consideration), as it was, we were not all pleased with the school our daughter attended and honestly neither was she, we talked to her, and she said – it’s OK, let’s move. We received orders to move to the Washington D.C. area. Just as we received the orders our daughter (did I mention she is a teenager) decided she didn’t want to move. As time passed everyone became excited, we decided to live in an area close to a good friend of our daughters’ with whom she could go to school with. Life was moving along pretty good, found an awesome house, good friends, great school. The day we enrolled our daughter in the new school was the day we found out our orders to the DC area were revoked. We were asked to continue at our current place and “hold”, we would be moving, just not to DC. That in it self is a little disconcerting, but OK, it’s the “needs of the Army and all that”, so we waited, and waited – it really wasn’t more than a few of weeks, but, it felt like forever. Finally we received word we would be moving to Fort Hood, Texas. That’s awesome, great job for my husband, our son goes to college just outside Fort Hood, and it’s a huge installation so the chances of our daughter knowing someone is good. Oh, did I mention – with a move to Fort Hood comes a deployment, scheduled for February. That’s a whole other story ……..

My initial thought was “why”?? And as my husband and I discussed this, we decided – why not??

It’s been over two years since our last deployment and we honestly feel like it’s our turn. We know a countless amount of soldiers who have deployed many times without even a year in between. We have been very fortunate. We are not happy about the deployment but, we understand it, this is what being a soldier in today’s Army is about.

We’ve done deployments before and I’ve learned a lot and grown from each experience, I know each has and will be different. It’s my choice how I’m going to react, and role model for my family. I feel very empowered by this experience and I’m choosing to embrace it head on. I’m not sure if I’m convincing you or me of this?

For now anyway, I’m filled with a lot of mixed emotions, I guess I’ll take each day as it comes. I’m going to put a smile on my face and enjoy every second together before the deployment!

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Time is relative when the world is your classroom!

For K¹² International Academy lead teacher Kasey Johnson, time is relative when you have students in 32 different countries and enough international time zones to make your head spin.

But the veteran K–8 teacher views her global student body as one big happy—and exciting—classroom.

“We have students from all over the world—China, Dubai, Australia, and the United States, for example—and we have clubs, socials, and extracurricular activities where we all meet for educational purposes, and to have fun,” says Johnson.

Through the K¹² International Academy, students create a global community that enhances their collective education, learning firsthand from each other about different cultures and ways of life. For example, there is an International Club that lets students “travel” to different places all over the world and learn about a country’s culture, food, trade, religion and much more. And the Global Gab newsletter keeps everyone up to speed on the latest school news, events, reminders and fun things, such as cool new websites. “And we also produced a student yearbook this year for our graduating seniors,” adds Johnson.

What impresses Johnson most about the K¹² curriculum for grades K–8 is that it is “mastery” based. Students can pace themselves to master objectives, creating a solid foundation for continued academic improvement.

“One of the reasons I originally got into teaching was to devote time to the individual student,” Johnson says, adding “You often can’t do that in a traditional school. Now, I find that I can spend more time with students and families on individual students’ needs, even though we are global.”
Just how does Johnson manage students in different time zones throughout the world? “It was quite challenging at first because someone could send me an e-mail about a meeting ‘tomorrow,’ but it was ‘yesterday’ here in the United States,” Johnson recalls. She eventually solved the problem by taking advantage of the academy’s online scheduling tool and free “world clock.” The clock, which students also have access to, uses an Internet-based application that converts different time zones throughout the world for coordinating meetings.

Says Johnson: “We use dateandtime.com. That does all the work to schedule meetings so we don’t have to spend the time doing the calculations. It’s been great, especially since every country has its unique school and work week.”

Time truly is relative when the world is your classroom (www.k12.com/enroll-or-buy/find-a-school-and-enroll).

About K12
K12 is America's largest online curriculum provider for grades K through 12, with more than 1 million online course enrollments to date, delivered worldwide.

More information can be found at www.K12.com or click here for information specific to military families ( http://k12.com/who-we-help/military-families/)

Options include:
Tuition-free, full-time public schooling (www.k12.com/schools-programs/online-public-schools/) in many states.

An accredited online private school (www.k12.com/int) available worldwide
Over 150 individual courses including world languages, AP, and electives available for direct purchase.

Active duty families can always save 15% on independent study courses or full-time options with teacher support.

For more information on K12, click here

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Growing Spouses....makes me Army Strong!

This past week I have had the honor of seeing something that I have poured my heart, soul, and a whole lot of effort into come to fruition.

You see, months back a mentor of mine (consequently a blogger here on LAS that you know very well!) involved me in a project that has become so near and dear to my heart. Yes so near and dear that I've risked getting into some pretty steamy waters for it! Nevertheless, the program was worth every minute spent in the pot of hot water and even those wrapped in red tape!

This week I was able to be a part of Fort Sill's Fire Center of Excellence Growing Spouses Army Strong course. This course is meant to be a course for battery commander's spouses to help them learn expectations, roles, and duties associated with becoming a battery commander's spouse. You know all that good stuff from protocol to family readiness groups.

When we first came to Fort Sill we were assigned to the TRADOC side of the house. My husband is a small group leader for the Captains Career Course. That naturally put me in a position of leadership with the student's spouses. I was able to reach out to a fellow SGL spouse and ask her to help me in creating a coffee group for the student's spouses. The stars aligned in that the coffee group was started, I met my mentor at Sill and she was working on this class, and everything just fell into place.

The first session of this class was conducted this past April for students. We took their feedback and we re-wrote the version that we just did here in August. It is/was amazing! The class was complete with a mock change of command on day 1 and just recently we finished day 2 with a mock FRG meeting that literally made me laugh so hard I cried! We're learning...and we're having fun.

The point of this blog is to tell those of you out there making things better for those that come after you, putting your hard work and sweat into something that you may never see the benefit of, that it's worth it! I am a lucky one, I got to see the results of our work in action. Many of those spouses that have worked on this never got to see it all the way through. They need to know that it's worth it!!! (I'm sure they do! At least I hope they do!)



We head back into the second week of class this Thursday and Friday. We're wrapping up things with a symposium day and a spouse panel and graduation. It should be a very eventful class!

You know I always say that my favorite word is empowerment and I have to say that last week - my heart grew three sizes as I saw empowered spouses "get it" on this journey and feel as if they had been given the knowledge to go forth and lead...successfully! Growing spouses...made me Army Strong!

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Faith, Hope, and Love

a devotional by Starlett Henderson (Happy 14th Anniversary David!)

Truth is that David had me from: “I prayed for you.” But my interest was piqued initially from “I enlisted.”

David and I have a long history. We were in the same circles since junior high. We dated in those circles, but we didn’t really know each other. That became very apparent the day I started hearing rumors that David had enlisted via the delayed entry program.

“In the Army? Can he do that?” I questioned. He was seventeen. My own young life had been shaped by family members who served. I had a deep interest through the military instruction I received in JROTC classes. To me, the military symbolized—symbolizes still —selfless service, compassion for others, a level of personal responsibility. It was a world I deeply respected. This young man was put on my heart as “the one.”

Thus my journey with the military began by writing daily letters to David at Basic Training in 1989. He came home, we dated, and he told me one day that he prayed for me, as in he asked for me from God. The gifts just kept on coming.

Soon I was a soldier myself, then an Iraqi Freedom military spouse, and now Enduring Freedom spouse. This Army wife life brings the best and worst of times. I choose to reflect on the best experiences: a greater love, a life of service, and children who have learned what it means to be dedicated and selfless.

Without our children and me, I feel David would not have made it this long, this far. Without him and his brothers—he calls them—we would not have the free living we enjoy. We’re a team. It’s hard to feel that way, especially when we’re apart as often as we are together. But we have our faith and hope—and bigger than Enduring Freedom—we have enduring love.

None of it would be possible except for my heavenly Father bringing our two loves together. His hand has carried us from that first hello through many good-byes, and he’ll deliver us to our final reunion, whenever that may be.

“Three things will last forever—faith, hope and love—and the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13 NLT).

Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for bestowing peace upon us. I pray for those military couples whose faith and love may feel less than enduring. I ask that you cover them and give them hope.

Starlett Henderson, an army veteran herself (Bosnia 1999), is a military lifestyle writer and Internet talk radio host for Army Wife Network. She is the wife of Maj. David Henderson, Georgia Army National Guard, Iraq 2003–2004, 2005–2006, Afghanistan 2009–2010.

*This devotion is an excerpt from Stories of Faith and Courage from the War in Iraq and Afghanistan (forthcoming, AMG Publishers, fall 2009), which I <Jocelyn Green> co-authored with Jane Hampton Cook and John Croushorn. Preorder your copy from Amazon.com.

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Household 6: August 17th "Organizing Your Pantry"

Tonight we are discussing ways to organize your pantry.

Have you ever spent a few minutes rummaging through your pantry? Maybe even the very back of your cupboards? Did you forget you even bought that box of cake mix from 1998 or perhaps that jar of sauerkraut from 5 years ago? Then maybe this segment will help you! I know what you are thinking, “Wow! A cake mix from 1998, that’s just wrong! I mean they only cost a buck. Toss it and replace.” Anyway, back to the topic, we all have busy lives and anything that can keep us on task and make meals a little easier is great for me.

We want to share with you 3 tips to keep you from asking “What is this, and where did it come from?” the next time you walk into the pantry.

Tip 1: Purchase inexpensive bins or baskets and place all dry food items in them for one meal. Keep these on the shelf. Perhaps have 7 bins, one for everyday of the week. This way you will know which meal is each day and have all your ingredients except those in the fridge ready to go. It also helps your family to know what to expect in advance too!

Tip 2: Keep dry ingredients such as: sugar, flour, rice, oatmeal and others of the sort in see-through labeled containers. You can easily identify the item and it keeps bugs and pests away. You can also get a better feel for how much you still have at home before heading to the store for shopping.

Tip 3: If you have children (or really if you have a hubby with a sweet tooth) create a snack box. Repurpose an old Rubbermaid bin – without lid for easy viewing- to keep the “can eats” in. These are items like chex mix, fruit snacks, granola bars, etc that are okay for having as an after work or school snack without interfering with your meal items. Let your family know that these items are okay for the grabbing. You may want to use the same strategy for EMERGENCY foods. These are things like water, can goods, maybe even a few MREs in case of tornado, hurricane or other circumstance. It never hurts to be prepared.

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Grateful for the opportunity...

I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve my family and my community as a military wife. And grateful for the opportunities that come my way because of that service....(and once I untie myself from all this red tape I will actually realize I lucky I really am!! ha ha ha)

This weekend Wrena and I went down to Dallas, TX for an "American Girl" weekend. On our way we stopped in and visited our *new* but very good friend from AAFES, Eric (AKA Ken Doll) at the AAFES corporate office. He gave us the royal treatment!


I know that we were just a spec on the radar that is AAFES but we were greeted with such warm smiles and wonderful comments. It made us feel so warm and welcome. Wren wasn't really "feeling" the stop as she was way too excited for American Girl but Eric quickly changed her mind by showing her signs with our names on them in the hallway and whisking her away to the Video Production suite where we promptly made an impromptu commercial complete with reading on a teleprompter. We were able to walk through and see how an AAFES catalog is created from start to finish (and trust me there is ALOT in between). It was very interesting!!!


I know she doesn't realize it but it donned on me when we were walking out the door - we are so very lucky. Not just your "average joe" gets the opportunity to tour the halls of AAFES. I mean, sure, we could get jobs there, but that surely wouldn't be as much fun!?!

I definitely owe a big thank you to AAFES - Eric & Tami especially as they are the AWN AAFES team! We love you guys and THANKS AGAIN for your wonderful hospitality. Oh, and when do we get to see the commercial?

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ReNEWed LOVE

I know it has been AGES since I last blogged. Life has a way of just happening. I love still being the NEW kid on the block. I feel as if the Army is always offering a new perspective. My husband is currently on TDY. For this (and just this one time) I am thankful he is away. Okay, okay... hear me out! This is the VERY FIRST time we have been apart since his last deployment. It breaks my heart and the days are awefully long while I await his return. However, I was able to fly in my VERY BEST FRIEND and my BESTEST COUSIN for the last week and weekend. We took advantage of his TDY location and went to visit him for just 48 hours. THANK YOU ARMY! We enjoyed the sunshine rays, surf, amazing ocean life, laughter and reconnection. Being a part of the Army community and family, I am sure you all experience many days, weeks, months and years away from not only your Soldier, but your loved ones. However, I want to encourage you all to look at these "sad" times instead as an opportunity. If you can work it out, go for that weekend visit. It's like an extra honeymoon! Maybe even a family reunion. I understand this is not possible everytime, or often, but it's always worth the try, right? Today I just want to encourage your hearts to always believe and give it a try! Army Wives are STRONG! We work hard and LOVE hard. Maybe I still have that "newbie" glow, but I love the ARMY!

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Calling All Army Wives!!!!

We need your help. AWN is writing a book to help raise money for Army Wife Talk Radio and Army Wife Network. The book is going to be a travel guide for Army Posts, so whenever you pcs or travel to a new installation you will have a book to turn to for information on restaurants, shopping, hair stylists, dentists, preschool, etc. So if you could spare a couple of minutes, could you email me some info about your favorite places or services at the post you are currently stationed at or even former posts. I am looking for the Mom and Pop kind of places, not necessarily chains, because I can look up Chili's or Outback. Also if you have a great hair stylist, dentist, preschool, private school, gym, playgroup, whatever you can think of!!! I would really appreciate your help.

Thank you so much ladies!!! I appreciate your help.

Please pass this along if you think anyone else would be willing to help!!

THANK YOU!!!!!

You can email me at sarah@armywifenetwork.com

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Official Winners List

2009 MOM'S DAY PROMOTION FROM QUAKER
Official Winners List

You may remember the contest held this spring in commissaries and on AWTR w/ Quaker Oats. Here are the winners. Congratulations all. And how cool is it that three (Sims, Nelson, and Liddell) all heard about the contest on ArmyWifeTalkRadio.

You can read the winning essay by clicking on the Grand Prize winner.

Winner , Prize , Base

Katie Rice GRAND PRIZE - $500 Tiffany's Gift Cert. Sheppard AFB
Payton Sims First Place - $100 Spa Finder Gift Certificate Schofield
Marae Marlatt First Place - $100 Spa Finder Gift Certificate Moody AFB
Laketa Liddell First Place - $100 Spa Finder Gift Certificate Ft. Bragg
Giovanni Maza First Place - $100 Spa Finder Gift Certificate 29 Palms
Jiffy Seto First Place - $100 Spa Finder Gift Certificate Randolph AFB
Candace Nelson First Place - $100 Spa Finder Gift Certificate Ft. Hamilt.

And our tribute to them and those who stand proud with them is summed up by this new video we found on YouTube, Sal Anthony's Satin and Steel.

Congratulations again; we're so proud of you all!

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Looking For A Few Good Recipes

Military CookBook Project with Chef Kate

Hello Everyone! Looking for a Few Good Recipes:

AWN welcomes Chef Kate Gabriele in a partnership to assist her in obtaining recipes from Men & Women who have served or are serving now in the military.

The gist is that the submission focuses on what meals they missed most from home while they were away... was it Mom's apple pie or Uncle Ben's BBQ ribs smoking hot off the grill...she wants what THEY missed- why they missed it so much and the memories that it brings back.

Plus a picture of the soldier, sailor, airman, etc....in uniform or civilian clothing would be great!

If you'd like to submit a recipe on b/h of your soldier, please visit http://www.militarycookbookproject.com and click on Recipe story. Her goal is 100 by January 1, 2010 and 200 by July, 2010. We know our Network can show her some love and help her out.

We'll feature the recipes she spotlights on AWTR Mess Hall, here on LAS, and in our message boards.

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DoD SEEKS INPUT ON INTERNET POLICY

By Tim Kilbride, DoD Emerging Media Directorate

WASHINGTON, Aug. 10, 2009 -
The Department of Defense is in the middle of a policy review on how to manage Internet-based capabilities like social networking and social media. These applications have a huge positive impact on certain missions like public affairs, recruitment, internal communication, and maintaining quality of life for our servicemembers and their families. At the same time, providing access to these sites from official DoD networks opens those networks to security threats. To help inform the decision-making process that will balance these concerns, we are seeking your input.

Please consider: To what extent do Internet functions like social networking impact quality of life for military servicemembers and families? Is access more important when servicemembers are deployed? Are there specific Internet-based activities you feel are crucial to family bonding, family readiness, and community support?

To capture your responses, DoD created the “Web 2.0 Guidance Forum” blog:

http://web20guidanceforum.dodlive.mil/2009/08/06/use-of-web-20-capabilities-by-military-families/

Please visit the blog and take the time to share your thoughts, experiences, and specific applications of Internet tools in the comments section. Also, please pass on the link to your family, friends, and contacts to help provide DoD leaders with the information they need to make informed decisions on Internet-based activities.

Thank you for your feedback and your assistance in this important mission.


If you're unfamiliar with social networking and social media, please take some time to see how Army Wife Network uses Twitter, Facebook, this blog, message boards, podcasting, YouTube, and our weekly live chats (archived). We use these social media tools for Interactive Empowerment for Army Wives. Many facets of DoD are doing the same, and so this is important policy to comment on.

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Walt Disney World Salutes the Men and Women Who Serve

Active or Retired Member of the U.S. Military
Through December 23, 2009, each active or retired member of the U.S. military may obtain one complimentary 5-day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" ticket with Park Hopper® and Water Park Fun & More options.

This ticket is valid for five days of admission into the four Walt Disney World® theme parks, plus a total of five visits to a choice of a Disney water park, DisneyQuest® Indoor Interactive Theme Park or certain other attractions.




Friends and Family
During this offer period, active or retired U.S. military personnel (or their spouses, but not both) may purchase up to a maximum of five 5-Day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets (one theme park per day) for $99 per ticket, plus tax, for family members (including spouse) or friends. Although this ticket for family members and friends does not include either the Park Hopper® or Water Park Fun & More options, this ticket can be upgraded to add either such option, or both, for an additional $25, plus tax, per option. Actual prices may be less. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by December 23, 2009.

Activated members of the National Guard or Reservists (presenting orders showing active status after January 1, 2008) and active or retired members of the United States Coast Guard are also eligible to participate in this offer.

"Disney's Armed Forces Salute" tickets can be obtained only at participating U.S. military base ticket offices (including at the Shades of Green Resort at the Walt Disney World® Resort), or at main entrance theme park ticket windows. Tickets are not valid until activated at the main entrance theme park ticket windows.




*Tickets are not valid until activated at the main entrance theme park ticket windows. Valid military identification will be required to be presented by the service or National Guard member or Reservist (or their spouse) for all ticket transactions (including to activate tickets at the main entrance theme park ticket windows). See your military base ticket office or click here for details. All parties must be present when purchasing or activating tickets at main entrance theme park ticket windows.


Visit your local ITT office for details and to book or get your tickets by December 23, 2009.

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Army Wife Life: August 10, 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 226: Week of Aug 10, 2009 using our AWTR Player in the right sidebar!

Excerpt blog post: Our thirties were all about recovery! Sure, with summer birthdays looming bright on the horizon, we’re somewhat concerned that our foreheads appear quite a bit more expression-full than those of the "Fox & Friends" commentators. And that crows’ feet is apparently one word and has nothing to do with the actual bird. We’ll even confess to surreptitiously reading the labels on the bevy of spot minimizing, wrinkle reducing, pore diminishing, and skin highlighting creams, gels, and potions in the fancy makeup section of the PX (and, dear God, hoping that youth can be purchased for $68 – no tax!). But, during our IM therapy session, we realized that, as we mature (NEVER, NEVER use the term “age”), we’re actually looking forward to growing by one calendar year! There is nothing all that exceptional about turning a year older in 2009 – it’s highly likely that you will as well! In fact, feel free to high-five yourself in the bathroom mirror for knocking back another year – literally for some of us! We’re soooooo much more relaxed now – handprints on the white doors? Art! No time to cook? Dream Dinners! Is your yard in disrepair? Indigenous landscaping! Late for school? Okay – you’re on your own with the uptight hall monitors. Basically the point is, we’ve calmed with age. Maybe!

Discussion Point 1: What do you think? Are you more like/want to be the New Mustang or Classic Corvette?

Discussion Point 2: Aging is nothing in the hands of an experienced Brazilian plastic surgeon. Do you think it’s more beautiful to become yourself or to strive to stay younger?

Discussion Point 3: Perhaps you're not quite sure what this blog is all about (surely Dick Clark disclosed the location of the Fountain of Youth when his autobiography published in late June)? Do you feel like you are losing the “young” factor? What is something that has happened that made you say “oh my, I must be getting old!”?

Discussion Point 4: What is one thing you do to stay youthful (whether physically or mentally)?

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August Post With The Most

Actually, it's the Base with the Most! This is what's going on at Offutt AFB in Nebraska!

“Lunch Bachs” Recital SeriesNeed a break in your day? Grab your lunch and join us! The third annual “Lunch Bachs” recital series is beginning, held from 12 – 12:45 p.m. in the Community Center Banquet Room on August 27. For more information, call 294-0482 or visit http://www.heartlandofamericaband.af.mil/.

http://www.offutt55fss.com/recreation/communitycenter-whatshappening.html

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Capture Cincinnati

There's a photo contest in the Greater Cincinnati Area going on called Capture Cincinnati. I took some photos of my husband's re-enlistment and have entered them in the contest. I'm asking for as many votes on this (http://www.capturecincinnati.com/photo/237810) photo as well as this (http://www.capturecincinnati.com/photo/238148) photo. I want to see one of these end up in the book that they make using the different photos. DH doesn't know that I've submitted these photos. If/when one of these end up in there, I want to surprise him with a copy of the book.

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What is a Military Wife

Each one may look different and each is wonderfully unique,
But this they have in common:

Lots of moving...
Moving...
Moving...
Moving far from home...
Moving two cars, three kids and one dog...all riding with HER of course.
Moving sofas to basements because they won't go in THIS house;
Moving curtains that won't fit;
Moving jobs and certifications and professional development hours.
Moving away from friends;
Moving toward new friends;
Moving her most important luggage: her trunk full of memories.

Often waiting...
Waiting...
Waiting...
Waiting for housing.
Waiting for orders.
Waiting for deployments.
Waiting for phone calls.
Waiting for reunions.
Waiting for the new curtains to arrive.
Waiting for him to come home,
For dinner...AGAIN!

They call her 'Military Dependent', but she knows better:
She is fiercely In-Dependent.

She can balance a check book;
Handle the yard work;
Fix a noisy toilet;
Bury the family pet...

She is intimately familiar with drywall anchors and toggle bolts.
She can file the taxes;
Sell a house;
Buy a car;
Or set up a move...
.....all with ONE Power of Attorney.

She welcomes neighbors that don't welcome her.
She reinvents her career with every PCS;
Locates a house in the desert,
The Arctic,
Or the deep south.
And learns to call them all 'home'.
She MAKES them all home.

Military Wives are somewhat hasty...
They leap into:
Decorating,
Leadership,
Volunteering,
Career alternatives,
Churches,
And friendships.
They don't have 15 years to get to know people.
Their roots are short but flexible.
They plant annuals for themselves and perennials for those who come after
them.

Military Wives quickly learn to value each other:
They connect over coffee,
Rely on the spouse network,
Accept offers of friendship and favors.
Record addresses in pencil...

Military Wives have a common bond:
The Military Wife has a husband unlike other husbands; his commitment is
unique.
He doesn't have a 'JOB'
He has a 'MISSION' that he can't just decide to quit...
He's on-call for his country 24/7.
But for her, he's the most unreliable guy in town!
His language is foreign
TDY
PCS
OPR
SOS
ACC
BDU
ACU
BAR
CIB
TAD
And so, a Military Wife is a translator for her family and his.
She is the long- distance link to keep them informed; the glue that holds them together.

A Military Wife has her moments:
She wants to wring his neck;
Dye his uniform pink;
Refuse to move to Siberia;
But she pulls herself together.
Give her a few days,
A travel brochure,
A long hot bath,
A pledge to the flag,
A wedding picture,
And she goes.
She packs.
She moves.
She follows.

Why?
What for?
How come?
You may think it is because she has lost her mind.
But actually it is because she has lost her heart .
It was stolen from her by a man,
Who puts duty first,
Who longs to deploy,
Who salutes the flag,
And whose boots in the doorway remind her that as long as he is her Military
Husband,
She will remain his military wife.
And would have it no other way.

--Author Unknown

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A Funny

I couldn't resist posting this.

When we were at our last Field Exercise, I broke out into a chia commercial.
Tara was talking something about growing grass or sending dirt and grass seeds for a "Touch of Home" care package. I thought grass, growing and started with the "Ch-ch-ch-chia"....

Sorry. I'm not known for such outbursts.

"Star made a funny" Tara gaffawed!

We all broke out laughing, which (with all due respect President Obama) is exactly what I did when I saw this commercial.

They're serious, or shall I say determined. You can buy your "Yes We Can" Determined or Happy Obama as the latest and greatest in Chia products.

Not me. But I do have something to recommend from their chia.com web site.
This looks interesting. It's a holiday chia tree with a pretty star light.
How about sending that for a touch of home this Christmas?

Or Garfield, or Scooby-Doo, or just the original cat.
The Obama is just TOO MUCH! LOL!

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AVAILABLE TO ALL -- DESIRED BY NONE.

ALL GAVE SOME -- SOME GAVE ALL

Scanning the internet as usual between diaper changing and homeschooling, I came across another blog Veterans Today. Well, truthfully I subscribe to their newsletter... An interesting fact that I came across is that: August 7th is Purple Heart Day - a Day to Honor America's Combat Wounded and Fallen Heroes. EXCELLENT!! History has always been a love for me. American History is the most fascinating for me above all else...well except for the Bible. But, while coming across this day (August 7th) for celebration, I can honestly say that I do not know the history of the Purple Heart award. So I did a little research:

PURPLE HEART RECIPIENTS

War I: 250,000¹
War II: 964,409
Korea: 136,936
Vietnam: 200,676
Persian Gulf: 590
Afghanistan: 3,495 *
Iraq: 34,808 *
Total Estimated: 1.7 M¹

NOTE¹: Estimates only. Battlefield awards and incomplete records; 1974 fire in St. Louis repository.

*Data as of 6/20/2009

As stated by the AR 600-8-22


2–8. Purple Heart
a. The Purple Heart was established by General George Washington at Newburgh, New York, on 7 August 1782, during the Revolutionary War...

b. The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States and per 10 USC 1131, effective 19 May 1998, is limited to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under component authority in any capacity with one of the U.S. Armed Services after 5 April 1917, has been wounded or killed,or who has died or may hereafter die after being wounded—

A great online and free material to learn more about the Purple Heart award is at: The History of the Purple Heart

I am positive that there are numerous websites (not the mention your local library) and various other venues to learn about the Purple Heart, but I just wanted to highlight the significance of the day, Aug. 7th. I do not personally know anyone who has received a Purple Heart Award, but I did want to personally thank them (in mind and heart) for their service to this great country, to the American people that they stood for and protected. I know some gave it all!! And the Families that only have the award and not the loved one...I am praying for you and may God bless you and your family. You are my hero and well as the recipient of the Purple Heart award.

Please, I ask that each and every one of us take a moment of prayer or silence for our fallen heroes and for all our American Military Members and their Family Members.

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Armed Forces Ticket Association (AFTA)

If anyone out there is thinking about a visit to the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area, there's a group called Armed Forces Ticket Association. Go onto their website: http://www.afta-cincinnati.org/index.cfm?&referrer=afta.donordrive.com&appLanguage=DEFAULT;en_us and register. They will send you emails about free tickets available. There's also a place to look for discounted tickets. Kings Island tickets are just $29.99 for military members and other adults with them (up to 6 people) while children's tickets are just $24.99. The Beach Waterpark, which is near Kings Island, also has a military discount. Take advantage of AFTA if you're travelling to the Cincy area!

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What do you think?

So, I am such a planner that I sometimes can't stand myself. I've been thinking about Christmas (and it's just now August!). I would LOVE to do something, like a Christmas party, for my husband's platoon. I was just wondering if any of you know if a platoon sergeant and his wife have ever had a Christmas party - or other get together for that matter - that you've been invited to. What did you think? Is this a good idea? I would just like to get to know some of the families in Matt's platoon a little better. I thought that maybe on a smaller level than company, some of them might be more open to it. It's just an idea I have and I wanted to get your thoughts.

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To Whom it May Concern

Dear Moving Professional,

I can understand that you may not love your job. It is easy to imagine that wrapping other people's things in paper and putting them in boxes can be physically imposing and perhaps boring. I can also respect that perhaps it is not your first job choice. (This of course does not apply to the few movers who are professionals and take pride in their work.)

I would like to point out a few things to you. While moving may just be a job to you, the things that you are packing and moving are my earthly possessions. While the things most important to me are indeed my family. Some of my possessions are the only links I have to friends and family dear to me who have passed on. Please do not wrap my great grandmother's crystal vase in one layer of paper and dump it in a box filled with toys. I save my children's artwork because it is dear to me, please stop folding it into tiny squares and shoving it into tiny corners of boxes that need to be filled.

As a military family we move frequently and are unable to store memories in the walls and floors of a home. Instead we carry our memories around with us. What may look like a knick-knack to you is actually the holder of a memory of a friend or loved one that we had to leave behind.

I am sure that my furniture looks cheap and beat up, but I learned a long time ago that frequent moving and good furniture just don't mix. Please stop dismantling my furniture into smaller pieces than it originally came. Use a single box for screws and bolts, don't tape the hardware to the furniture, because I can never identify the tiny piece of wood you chose.

If at all possible do not pack trash. I used to think that the packing of trash was an urban legend, but I now know that it is the truth. I understand that you may be feeling snarky when you come upon a trash can full of trash, I don't blame you I should have emptied the trash. However if there is trash that is set aside because it is trash, do not pack it, please. In particular please refrain from packing the trash that is leftover from the lunch that I purchased for you.

In closing I would also like to ask that you not befoul my new bathroom. While I understand that sometimes military quarters and rented homes are not always new, it is new to me, and I would like to be the first to sit upon my new porcelain throne. If however you are without other options, at least clean up after yourself and turn on the fan.

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to mohawk or not to mohawk, that is the question

so, i have been noticing lots of little kids with mohawks lately. when i say little i mean, no older than 2nd grade age kids, sometimes babies. i'm wondering if this is just a regional thing going on, or is this widespread? have you noticed this as well wherever you all are? now, i am going to date myself here by saying when i was a kid and punk was new, you got a mohawk if you were a punk. punk as in, you lived by punk thinking, safety pins were a sought after as an accessory.....through your nose. we were living in europe and i had the chance to see it in it's heyday. to see a toddler running around with a mohawk with parents who (gah!) are much younger than i am and therefore may not really understand what it used to mean kind of makes me angry. i have no idea why really, but when there's a kid who is barely used to walking with a spiky blue mohawk ambling past, i get all twitchy. i have no problem with mohawks don't get me wrong, if a kid is old enough to want to do that, so be it, but a kid who has no idea what the hair on his head looks like with blue paint and enough gel to make their hair board-like, then i kind of do. what say you? is this going on everywhere? what do you think? i don't want to offend anyone, so if you have a mohawk on your child, why? i really want to understand. 

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