my top 10 guilty pleasures of 2009

let's face it, 2009 wasn't the most spectacular year but as we come to the end i wanted to share some of the things that made me laugh every now and then (sometimes even snort laughing, but you didn't hear it from me) and some of the things that made 2009 bearable.

10. the accessory game in sorority life on fb. i initially started with just a little, then my habit was getting the better of me. as i kept leveling up (which i had no clue what that was about) my only concern was with gaining enough energy to play it as long as i could. i was dreaming of the accessory game at night, it was a sickness.

9. the website f u, penguin. you get a giant dose of adorable animals looking even cuter and sometimes doing something that just makes you melt. THEN, you get the creator of the site making the snarkiest of comments, it's genuis.

8. perez hilton. yeah, it's trashy and gossipy but sometimes i like to just shut the noodle down and not have to think about all the hard topics we've had to deal with.

7. go fug yourself. it's a fashion blog by two girls who have a fantasy relationship with george clooney. it helps when i am forced to wear funky outfits that keep me warm but doesn't aggravate my fibromyalgia (think long corduroy skirts and extra big stretchy thermals). even my funky outfits aren't as bad as the things bai ling wears (or doesn't wear).

6. david sedaris. i have been a fan of his for years, but as i was unpacking this summer, i rediscovered all of his books. i love the fact that when you start his stories, you never know what you are going to find within them or the conclusion of them.

5. jen lancaster. she has written a few books and is not apologetic about being loud mouthed. she is not for everyone, but i was glad when i found her books. there were moments that i found myself shoving my face into a pillow as i was snorting, laughing, crying and turning red so as not to wake up the kids in the house. more than once i found my husband watching me with one eyebrow raised as i was rolling around on the couch.

4. awkward family photos. on this website, people submit family pictures and a caption is written that highlights the awkward looks, poses, subjects, and backgrounds. truly funny. it's always good fun when you wonder "what made these people take that picture?" or " why would they dress up like that?" as will ferrell said once "it's mind bottling".

3. laurie notaro. i, am a dork. i have too many random vomit or pooh stories, more than i feel anyone should have. i don't feel bad though, because i know i am not alone in my dorkiness. laurie writes the idiot girl books and there have been many times that i will be sitting in my car waiting for my kids at school, and i will just burst into wild hyena laughing. it's hard to regain your composure after you picture her gnawing on a candy apple only to get her teeth stuck while waiting in a bank line and being caught by fellow bankers. she is awesome.

2. blogging for awn. i am so happy to have found awn, the group and the site has been more help than any frg has ever been. to read the other blogs and share my perspective has been more than i could have ever hoped for. thank you tara.

1. my husband. sure there were times when he annoyed me, but i always thought about how hard it was while he was gone. how i used to wish to see him or even witness his annoying behavior, yeah, i was THAT desperate. it was just so nice to be able to sit with him at the end of the day and share our lives.

i wish you all a wonderful new year.

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Household 6 aka Family Manager : Training for a reduced rate through Dec 31

There's Never Been a Better Time
"In response to the economic downturn and many moms who want to become a Family Manager Coach. We're offering a $200"Recession Discount." Contact Cari Pemberton, our Director of National Outreach, for all the details. If you've every thought about starting a homebased coaching or organizing business, or adding Family Manager Coach Certification to an existing business, now's the time to sign up!

QUESTIONS? Join FM's live Conference Call with Kathy Peel about Family Manager Coach Certification on Monday, December 28 at 2:00 Eastern time.

Contact Cari : carip "at" familymanager.com. She'll tell you everything you need to know about the call."

Read about Army Wife Network's very own 2010 Family Manager Certified Coach, HH6 Janet:


Eustis spouse wins scholarship contest
Originally posted via Fort Eustis' The Wheel:
By Tetaun Moffett, Photojournalist

One evening while surfing the web, Janet McIntosh clicked onto a network of Army wives who all had one thing in common - building strong Army families.

McIntosh, an Army veteran, spouse of 13 years and mother of three children, found herself within a few key strokes away from eventually becoming a certified Family Manager Coach. While continuously dedicating countless hours to her family and community, she entered the 2010 Household 6 scholarship contest sponsored by Kathy Peel, founder and CEO of Family Manager Coaching Inc. and the Army Wife Network “Household 6s,” a military inspired term coin by Army wives citing them as the one in charge of the household.

McIntosh’s essay aimed at family organization skills and Army readiness was enough to land her first place in the competition. The Army Wife Network awarded her full tuition at Kathy Peel’s Family Manager University program, monthly online internet hosting for the Army Wife talk radio “Household 6,” monthly rights to the “Loving a Soldier blog,”and other online network responsibilities.

“Winning the 2010 Household 6 scholarship was wonderful,” said McIntosh. “I always wanted to take the training, but it was rather expensive so this was one of the reasons why I entered the contest.”

McIntosh, who has a heart for community service and the needs of the Army family, said she wants to be able to encourage those spouses and let them know they always have someone they can turn to. “I’m excited to have an opportunity to work with the Army Wife Network because I want to reach those spouses coming into the Army experience for the first time and be able to help them become Army equipped, knowledgeable and informed,” she said.

McIntosh already gives back to the Army community, on her off time, she volunteers at General Sanford Elementary School, she is a member of the Parent Teachers Association, and she is the secretary for the Fort Eustis Spouses Club.

“Janet has been selected to assist the network, but also to lead the way for other military spouses interested in an exciting home-based, portable business like coaching,” said Star Henderson, co-founder of Army Wife Network. According to Henderson, it is through Peel’s program, spouses can be given the tools and become certified to assist others in running a ‘happy organized’ military family.

“Army Wife Network is honored to help equip Army spouses in a way that betters a deserving spouse and impacts a network of individuals who proudly serve along our nation’s defenders. We are offering spouses the chance to become Army Wife Strong,” said Tara Crooks, co-founder of Army Wife Network.

The Army Wife Network is a social network designed to empower Army spouse with a myriad of invaluable resources, programs, training tools and information. “I just want to encourage spouses to take initiative and get involved. You have to seek out information and be proactive with your military life,” McIntosh added.

To learn more about the Army Wife Network and other military spouse related services visit www.armywifenetwork.com.

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Mrs.Clause Must be a Military Spouse

Mrs. Clause Must be a Military Spouse

Ten reasons we know.

by Candace Lindeman


(Yes, we know there's not an "E" on the end of Santa Claus, but given the military's penchant for "clauses" we enjoyed the humor! We hope you do, too.)

Faced with the prospect of spending another holiday alone, military wives might recognize a kindred spirit this Christmas season: Mrs. Clause. She must be a military wife! How do we know?

1. Mrs. Clause supports her spouse. Because she works tirelessly as part of "Team Clause the general public defines her by his job. We military wives realize, though, that she is so much more!

2. Mrs. Clause will move anywhere to be with Old St. Nick. This is perhaps the most convincing evidence. Who else but a military wife would follow her husband on assignment to the freezing North Pole?

3. Mrs. Clause makes the best of every situation. Her generous and kind spirit makes even the coldest of places warm and inviting. She could do wonders with post housing!

4. Mrs. Clause worries about her husband's dangerous job. When Santa is off flying around the globe, Mrs. Clause keeps her concerns and tears to herself. But we all know she has more than her fair share of gray hairs! Perhaps she has installed a Web cam on Santa's sleigh so she can see (if not actually hold) him on Christmas Eve.

5. Mrs. Clause keeps the home fires burning. Imagine her leading a family support group meeting for residents of the North Pole. In turn, she's surrounded by love and good will.

6. Mrs. Clause understands that the mission is first priority. Even when Santa is home, he is so busy at work that Mrs. Clause hardly sees him. Like all members of our special society of spouses, Mrs. Clause understands that, though she may be last on Santa's schedule, she is first in his heart.

7. Mrs. Clause is frugal. Santa's salary is not published, but I suspect Mrs. Clause clips coupons to support a household of hundreds of elves and eight reindeer (plus the newest addition, Rudolph). Let's not even start on her heating bill!

8. Mrs. Clause knows how to keep her mind occupied. To stay busy, Mrs. Clause pitches in with the toy making (although it really is someone else's job), bakes hundreds of cookies (we all know how Santa feels about cookies) and volunteers her time (she is just as generous as her husband).

9. Mrs. Clause is underemployed. To take her mind off of her husband's safety (and to help with the bills) Mrs. Clause probably has a paying job, too. Although we know her for her kindness, Mrs. Clause is also a smart, independent self-starter. Since she has to work seasonally and values family life above all else, however, I doubt that this job fully uses her considerable skills and training.

10. Mrs. Clause is married to a genuine hero. For Mrs. Clause and military wives alike it's worth all of the sacrifice to be married to someone you truly respect and admire.

Mrs. Clause assists Santa and encourages him in his meaningful work. Just as Santa performs his duty selflessly with an attitude that could best be described as ... well, jolly, Mrs. Clause also knows how to accentuate the positive. Surely Mrs. Clause is one of us, part of the special breed called the military wife.

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AAFES gives back to MWR - Army Wife Network

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Save with your Military Star Card - Army Wife Network

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USO Coloring Contest & Fort Knox Comics Join Forces!

WASHINGTON, December 17, 2009 – Fort Knox cartoonist Paul Jon has created five special pieces of line art for a USO coloring contest for kids. The art features the Fort Knox characters, Major Joe Knox, his wife, Jane, and their two boys, Donald and Wesley, as well as typical scenes of USO events for kids. The top entries will be featured on the USO's blog site, http://blog.uso.org throughout the week of December 27th.

The USO reported an immediate, record-breaking response, with more than 130 downloads of the art in the first two hours the contest was posted. You can read all about the contest on the USO's web site at http://www.uso.org/whatwedo/specialprograms/default.htm.

Fort Knox Cartoonist Paul Jon is a military brat himself, and he approached the USO with an offer to help military families. The USO came up with this project to give children something fun to do for the holidays.

Paul Jon is the son of an Army colonel whose tours of duty included Fort Leavenworth, Fort Jackson and Fort Knox. In addition to his daily and Sunday Fort Knox duties, Paul Jon runs the creative services department of a software company, and his artwork has appeared in newspapers, magazines and online publications across the country. He earned his B.A. in journalism from the University of South Carolina. He is married and has two beautiful goldfish.

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Christmas...traditions die hard sometimes

Sometimes it is interesting , how changes, no matter how well intentioned, can mess with your mind!

Our early Christmas was a great idea, and we loved it, but now that Christmas week is here, it feels like we are missing something. many Military Families change things around, alter the traditional to make room for what is most important. The people we are with, not the date on the calender is the important thing. All that is true, but there is a price to be paid, when as Tevia sings in the Fiddler on the Roof..Tradition!

What traditions do you love at Christmas? Have you had to alter them to make room for something new?

If so, do you know what I mean when I say, I am glad, but ( as Paula and I wrote in our second book) our quiet little Christmas is lonely...

Well, my intention this year is to look into the manger, to let my heart rejoice in the newborn King, and to bask in the beauty of the truth of the season, hope you do the same! Merry Christmas!

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oh the weather outside is indeed frightful.......

as i was performing the glamorous job of putting trash in the trash can, a man was walking to the store (as he does everyday). he asked me if i was ready for the coming snow storm. i knew it was supposed to snow, but i wasn't REALLY paying attention to more than the info of "eh, it might snow friday and saturday". so i was surprised when he told me how severe it was, i did what most people in town were doing. i ran down to the kroger and starting throwing things in my basket that could be considered "essential" in our house. coke, cheetos which there was a shortage of (i found a few bags hiding in the toilet paper aisle behind some t.p.), twinkies.......yes, i was stocking up on the things that if need be, could let us survive days on end without worrying they would go bad. then i waited, i waited to see if school was going to get let out early, because i was ready. as i sat in the car pickup line, i saw the first flakes coming down and wondered if maybe i overreacted with the quantity of "essentials" i picked up.

when i woke up this morning, my husband's jeep which has a big lift off the ground was buried up to the top of the stupidly big tires. the highway has been shut down. let me stress this point. the HIGHWAY has been shut down. so, now i have been sitting here coming to the conclusion that when we retire we are going to have a serious discussion about our previous decision of settling in maine or vermont. with my fibromyalgia, i have been in such massive pain that if we lived in maine or vermont, i would not leave the house for months on end if i have to deal with snow like this. then people would wonder what happened to me until they saw me again at the end of winter knowing that with a sighting of me, spring must be on it's way. much like punxatawney (sp?) phil the famous groundhog that they rely on during groundhog day.

so i decided to blog, and say to all my fellow east coasters who are in this snow storm: i hope you all are warm and safe.

p.s. if you can't find cheetos at the store, go check behind the t.p.

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Treasure the Moments!

I love it when people ask me “how do you do it?” As if I grew up all my life thinking I would love to take on the challenge of Army wife life. Oh gee, I’m so excited let me marry some guy that is going to potentially be away from me for very long periods of time while constantly in harms way.

I’ll get to parent on my own? Fabulous!

Oh, he’ll miss anniversaries and my birthday? Yippee!

What? I get to live somewhere far from my family in the middle of nowhere? Yes!

In this day where terrorism threatens our world and evil may lurk around any corner, we can live in fear that we are not safe, or that our soldier is not safe or we can celebrate the moments we have before us.

There will be times when you and your soldier are together that you can’t help but think about the next time you’ll be apart. You’ll spend one day counting minutes hoping they’ll go faster and the next hoping time will stop. The only thing you can do is “seize the day”.

Military life has ups and downs. One of the greatest things is that we never really ever get a chance to have a static or mundane life. We always have to live in the moment because our moments come and go so quickly. We are lucky in that we are forced to learn the ability to treasure and appreciate those moments for most of our civilian counterparts take them for granted or are never given the opportunity to experience those emotions.

I can’t tell you how I “do it” or how you’ll “do it” either, whatever “it” really is. What I can tell you is that you’ll live one crazy life full of hurry up and waits, frustrations and celebrations, extreme empowerment and independence, and complete and total passion. And every single minute will be worth it.

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Deployments DON'T Get Easier

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 15, 2009
Army Wife Network
1316 NW Sheridan Road
PMB 303
Lawton, OK 73505
1-888-866-5041
info@armywifenetwork.com
http://www.ArmyWifeNetwork.com

Lawton, OK — Army Wife Network (AWN) frequently asks spouses in their network if deployments get easier or harder over time. It’s not a trick question but rather a pervasive myth to those spouses who have not yet experienced multiple deployments and neighbors who never will. A recently published study by Rand supports what AWN has found to be true from many families who have endured long and frequent deployments, deployments don’t get easier.

Interviewed on NPR’s Tell Me More, the Network co-founder Starlett Henderson discusses Rand’s study on longer parental deployments and the effects it has on her children and herself as the parent at home.

“The repeated deployments really contribute to something called compassion fatigue, maybe in our neighbors, and then passion fatigue in our own families,” says Henderson.

“So, it's just that we're all getting tired.”

“Most people in their second or third might be tempted to say that, yes, they do get easier. But, as we experience our fourth and fifth [deployment], we get tired. And, it's harder just to manage the differences, you know, the older children, your own age and your own fatigue.”

In the interview and study, author Anita Chandra makes the point that the mental health of the children undergoing long deployments is directly related to the mental health of the caregiver. This is another facet found to be true among the wives and families who Army Wife Network supports. What started out as a mental health saver and therapy for Tara Crooks, creator of Army Wife Talk Radio—AWN’s beginnings, has proven to be relief and empowerment to hers and countless other military families online.

Interviewer Michel Martin recommends a spa day in light of that fact.

“We do take those, yes. And it is definitely recommended for other spouses,” Henderson closes.

To hear Star’s full interview, click here. To check out Army Wife Network’s online community, click here.

To read Rand Scientist Anita Chandra’s study, click here.
---END---

Army Wife Network is the internet’s leading Web site for Army Wives, by Army Wives. We boast the only internet talk radio show designed specifically for military spouses – Army Wife Talk Radio – in its fifth year of broadcasting. To find out more about AWN’s history and interactive empowerment tools please visit our Web site at http://www.ArmyWifeNetwork.com. Crooks and Henderson, co-founders of Army Wife Network, have been featured in several media outlets such as CBS Evening News, FOX report with Sheppard Smith, Armed Forces Press, Military Spouse Magazine, American Legion Auxiliary, USAA Magazine, MOAA Magazine, Army Times, Stars & Stripes, and Guard Times.
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"Camouflage & Christmas Lights"

Merry Christmas:

To our Soldiers...thanks for your service, near or far
To our Families...thanks for staying strong this year

We hope for a blessed and silent night this Christmas.

To our Network...thanks for sharing your stories and support
A special thanks to network member Paige T. for creating and sharing
this Christmas tribute. Our soldiers are doing the best they can,
remember them and their families--each one of you and yours--this Christmas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yogDCh02S2I


From the AWN team, we say again, "Merry Christmas!"

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Waiting

Waiting One Wife's Year of the Vietnam War is the title of Linda Moore-Lanning's memoir of the year she spent waiting while her husband was fighting in Vietnam.

There are books that you read and enjoy and then there are books that you read that touch your soul. Waiting is the kind of book that touches your soul and stay with you forever. As a waiting wife of the Iraq War I connected very deeply with the story of a Vietnam wife waiting for her husband to return. There were times that I had to check to make sure I was still reading a book about Vietnam because her experiences and emotions were so similar to my own.

Linda asked that her husband Lee write and tell her exactly what was going on, the result is a very detailed narrative not only of the time Linda spent waiting, but also of the time Lee spent in contact.

Any wife who has had a baby while her husband was deployed will connect with Linda's experience having her baby and wondering when her husband would know he was a Dad.

Waiting is not just a good book about an Army wife, it is beautiful story that has a heart and a soul. I couldn't put it down.

Waiting is the December book club selection.

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Build a sign offer, Click here!

This wonderful company has continued to give free banners to Military Families for Homecomings, and just great support for our troops. Here is one they sent us when Justin came home from Iraq in September. It is very durable and can be used over and over. You can also get free cards..they are really big. When he was deployed we had everyone from friends and neighbors to former coaches and teachers sign it, then sent it to hem, he loved it!

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Holiday Happenings

With Christmas right around the corner, it seems like there is so much going on! Last Friday night, Mommy and Daddy took me to my very first concert: The 77th Army Band's Christmas Concert! The concert was titled: "The Gift of Music" and what a gift it was!!! The fife and drum team opened up the show and they were AMAZING! In addition to the band playing their instruments, there were also a couple of songs sung. Each of the singers had a wonderful voice and sang great songs!

My favorite part of the concert was when SGT Sheldon and Mr. Juarez (I thought there were 3 guitarists but the program only lists 2) rocked out on the electric guitars! It was awesome! If you've never attended an Army Band Christmas concert, I HIGHLY recommend it!

As if the Christmas concert wasn't exciting enough for one weekend, Saturday night Mommy and Daddy took me to Chickasha's Festival of Lights! For those of you who are in the Ft. Sill area, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND making the trip up there to see it!!! It's a park decorated with thousands and thousands of Christmas lights. It was absolutely breathtaking!

When you get to the park you have the option of driving through the park in your car, parking your car and walking through or taking a horse drawn carriage ride through the park. They have a concession stand there with snacks and LOTS of places to take super cute pictures! Again, if you live in the Fort Sill area, try and make it up there...it's FREE and a super fun place to go!

Just a few of the thousands of lights at the Chickasha Festival of Lights!

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Littlest Supporters

I mentioned in a previous blog that my daughters insisted we "have" Thanksgiving before Pachenko left for BCT so in September (of course it was a Thursday) we celebrated Thanksgiving Turkey and all the works. Well the real Thanksgiving rolls around the girls and I celebrated at home and Pachenko celebrated with a 1000 or more other Soldiers at Ft Benning GA. My daughter Olivia is 4yrs old and in pre-school her teacher is always asking what the class can do to help show support for Pachenko and the other soldiers in BCT. So the class made these adorable wreaths a week before Thanksgiving to mail to the 4 platoons in Delta Co at Ft Benning. I was so happy when they came home with Olivia she was so proud of what her and her little friends made for her daddy and his soldier friends..The Pre-School class invited Pachenko to visit when he is home for Christmas Exodus. When I told Pachenko he said he would be honored to go have lunch with the little patriotic artists...I think it's important that our children know what a great service our soldiers do for our country by serving...it only takes a minute to tell a soldier how proud and thankful we are for them and their sacrifices..Supporters come in all sizes even pint size..

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A LITTLE FUN!

O.k. so--I am not an avid football fan...NFL or College, but come on guys, 3-7?
It's time to take charge and win it for the TROOPS!

Tommorrow I know there is a game... December 12 Army vs. Navy at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia 2:30 p.m (want to wish the Black Knights GOOD LUCK!) I think they need it... Well what's the score?? 2009-10 Army-Navy Series: Navy leads, 7-3 OUCH!

Meeting for the 110th time in series history, Navy (8-4) and Army (5-6) are set to square off in the annual Army-Navy Game Presented by USAA.

A little information on ARMY FOOTBALL:

Tommorrow's Event Timeline
Schedule 2009 (to view opponent and results for the season so far.)
Schedule 2010 (article and schedule)
Black Knight Blog (Good info from author below to which I will use since we don't have AFN channels)

Don't forget, my blogging duties will continue during Saturday's game, so if you can't get to a TV to watch the national CBS broadcast, tune-in on www.goARMYsports.com around 2:15 or so to follow along.

History of West Point

Army Mascot- Three Mules? (I learn something new every day)

Alma Mater/Songs (in case you don't know the lyrics)

Resource information on all ARMY SPORTS go here. (www.goarmysports.com)

And last but not least...my FAVORITE part of any event pre-game (with a twist);
America's unofficial national anthem
sung by Army's SFC Mary Kay Messenger...God Bless America (played during the World Series)---yes I know different sport, but is, so far, my favorite rendition of the song....




GO ARMY, BEAT NAVY!!

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How was your Thanksgiving???

The Thanksgiving break for the Adams Family was good, tiring, but good (go ahead, you know you’re dying to… snap, snap!! Believe it or not, you’re not the first to do it). We had dinner at the Dining Facility this year. My husband served dinner in his nicely tailored dress blues and looked absolutely stunning. It was nice to have a traditional Thanksgiving meal without the typical the blood, sweat and tears that go with it. It was also nice to see friends and colleagues fancied up for the holiday. I bought a new jacket just for that special day. Winter white blazer and matching turtleneck, great fitting black dress pants with my black heels! I was looking good!! I made it all the way through dessert before I did the despicable, I spilled coffee all down myself! Yep, dress me up but you can’t take me out-apparently! My kids didn’t even make a mess! You can imagine how proud my husband was! All he could do was laugh at me.

Once we had our bellies full and rested a little, I drug my hubby out in the middle of the night at 0 dark thirty and we did some Black Friday shopping. We went from store to store and stood in line after line grabbing all the great deals we could hold. He was such a good boy! He lasted several hours-I was so proud of him! We have it down to a science to where we take turns standing in that forever long line while the other shops. It actually works out quite well for us! You should try it! We shopped until I heard the dreaded words, “I’m going to pass out". We’ve been married long enough that I know that's code for him saying he's shopped out, totally finished, stick a fork in him, he’s DONE!! We’ve also been together long enough that if I hear that sentence come out of his mouth I know if he doesn't get out of the store right now, he's going to make me crazy! I’m talking shopping with your kids crazy and if you’ve ever shopped with kids for any length of time, whether they’re yours or not, you know when it’s time to hang it up and get out of there!

I dropped him home, picked up my daughter and out we went again. All and
all, I shopped for a whopping 10 hours and only had to change shopping partners once! I got most of my shopping finished in one day so I was a happy girl. After shopping, I went home and made a modified Thanksgiving dinner for the gang. Turkey, mashed potatoes, and my mom’s homemade stuffing. It was yummy and gave us leftovers that lasted us the weekend.

The rest of the weekend consisted of putting up Christmas trees and decorations. I’m pretty sure I had more boxes and bins of decorations than I had in my kitchen when we PCSed! I now have 10 lit trees in my house and I love it!! I walk through the house singing "It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas" and "Walking in a Winter Wonderland" at the top of my lungs and drive my kids nuts! It's so much fun!!!! I think I get more of a kick out of that than any other torture I could inflict on them! It’s evil, I know, but it doesn't leave bruises and I've never heard of anyone being arrested because of singing Christmas carols!! So that was my weekend… What did you do?

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NORAD Tracks Santa!!!! Don't miss this!!!

For more that 50 years, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and it's predecessor CONAD, have tracked Santa's Christmas Eve flight. The tradition began after a Colorado Springs-based Sears Roebuck & Co. advertisement for children to call Santa misprinted the telephone number, so instead of reaching Santa, the phone number put kids through to the CONAD Commander-in-Chief's operations "hotline." The Director of Operations had his staff check the radar for indications of Santa making his way south from the North Pole. Children who called were given updates on his location, and a tradition was born.

The web site, www.noradsanta.org, opened on Dec. 1, and each day a new game and shop are available for the children to play up to Christmas Eve when, starting at 2 a.m. EST, children can watch Santa get ready for his worldwide journey. At 4 a.m. EST, Santa will depart the North Pole and travel throughout the world, then at 6 a.m. EST, children can call 1-877-HI-NORAD and ask volunteers at the Operations Center on Peterson Air Force Base about Santa’s location.

Updates on Santa’s whereabouts will be provided in real time, along with periodic videos capturing Santa’s flight, on both the web site (www.noradsanta.org,) Facebook (www.facebook.com.noradsanta) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/noradsanta.)

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Post Tree Lighting Ceremony

Monday evening was the official tree lighting ceremony here at Ft. Sill. It was SO SO SO cold outside but we bundled up from head to toe and headed out! I am so glad we braved the cold because it was a great time!

Some members of the Army band were there which was super fun! The tuba player even had lights all around his tuba! They played lots of beautiful Christmas music and I can't wait to go to their concert Friday night! Once the ceremony started, there was a reading of "The Soldier's Night Before Christmas" which made both Mommy and I cry. It made me cry because Santa was in it and, even though I know he is a good guy and brings presents to good boys and girls, he still scares me! Mommy cried because it's such a touching story.

The best part of the night was when Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Field Artillery came and sang a special version of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" It was the best part for two reasons: their mascot Big Deuce the donkey was there AND every time they sang the line "and a salute to reveille" they fired off REAL artillery!! To be honest, it scared me at first but then I thought it was awesome! Being able to see real artillery pieces being fired is one of the great things about being at the Home of the Field Artillery! No matter what the occasion, there is always some sort of artillery being fired!

After a few tries, Santa and General Halverson got the Christmas tree lit and it was BEAUTIFUL! After the tree was lit, there was story time with Ms. Clause and carriage rides around the the Old Post Quadrangle, however we were cold and it was late so we headed home. It was such a fun night and I'm so thankful that Daddy is here with us this Christmas to be a part of all the festivities! After 2 Christmases in a row without him, I was beyond ready to have him HOME!

"And a Salute to Reveille!!"

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Let me introduce myself!

Let me introduce myself! My name is Valarie Adams, and I’m a compulsive volunteer! There, I said it! It makes me think of an AA meeting, chairs organized in a nice circle in a big, otherwise empty room with the drowned out, monotone voices in unison with their greeting… “Hiiiiiiiii Valarie!”

I’ve been an Army wife for almost 16 years and I think I’ve done pretty much every volunteer position known to man. I started out as bright eyed 20 year old newlywed with high expectations of learning absolutely everything there was to know about the Army and my husband’s brand new career. I had very little background with the military, so I was an empty canvas waiting to be filled. I sat in the front row of my very first Newcomers Brief ready to be a sponge and write down every word that was said. Ready… set… absorb!!



There’s a real beauty of being an Army wife. I think it’s instilled in us subconsciously to help others and to make a difference. We do our part of making the community, where ever we might be living at the time, a better place. We give and give until there’s our little fingers are raw. There are so many places that need volunteers, why shouldn’t it be you that steps up to the plate? I think we “hopeless helpers” see that and want to pitch in where ever we can. Once we start, it’s hard to stop. It’s almost like a sickness. Someone says “can you…” and we say, “Of course, what can I do??” Once you go out and see what’s out there for you, you see a need and want to help the other poor souls who are just like you and can’t say no.

What’s the moral of my story?? Hhhmmm…. If I was to leave you with Val’s words of wisdom, I would say for you to bloom where you are planted, and replanted, and replanted! If you see something that you don’t like, fix it! If you don’t like the way a club is run, join the board! Don’t settle for things that can be improved, make it better! Your community is only as good as YOU make it! Go and BLOOM!

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Cherry Mistmas! (For Thirsty Thursday)

Jose Cuervo Christmas Cookies

1 bottle Jose Cuervo Tequila

1 cup of water
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup of sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup or brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup nuts
2 cups of dried fruit

Sample the Cuervo to check quality.

Take a large bowl, check the Cuervo again, to be sure it is of the highest quality, pour one level cup and drink.

Turn on the electric mixer. Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl.

Add one peastoon of sugar. Beat again.

At this point it's best to make sure the Cuervo is still ok, try another cup just in case.

Turn off the mixerer thingy.

Break 2 leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit.

Pick the frigging fruit off the floor.

Mix on the turner.

If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaters just pry it loose with a drewscriver.

Sample the Cuervo to check for tonsisticity.

Next, sift two cups of salt, or something. Who geeves a sheet. Check the Jose Cuervo. Now shift the lemon juice and strain the nuts.

Add one table.

Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink. Whatever you can find.

Greash the oven.

Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over.

Don't forget to beat off the turner.

Finally, throw the bowl through the window, finish the Cose Juervo and make sure to put the stove in the wishdasher.

Cherry Mistmas!

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Paulas response to Sarahs letter and song

I have a very talented business partner! I am going on complaining about the song that Sarah's child has to deal with at school, and what does she do? She rewrites it! Check this out...maybe Sarah this is a way that the teacher can support her military children and families. The lesson for me here is, that instead of me complaining...call Paula! No wonder kids love our books!

Bring Him Warmth, Santa

Dear Santa, I need to change my Christmas list
There's one big thing I missed

My Daddy serves his country far away from here
And I know, Santa, I asked for a Barbie doll
And a brand new soccer ball
But I'd trade it all, for just one gift this year...

Bring him warmth, Santa, bring him love from Mom and me
Let him wake up Christmas morning, and find all countries free
You can join with us and pray, and bring some comfort in your sleigh
So he won’t spend Christmas all alone
Bring love from home

And Santa, here's a picture that I drew
Of him in his dress blues
Give him a country that remembers him there
That honors his sacrifice, honors him good
And I was hopin' you could
remind America to keep him in prayer.

Bring him love Santa, bring him victory and speed
Let us wake up Christmas morning, and find we’re still free.
Can you help us stand tall as he answers his call?
So he won’t spend Christmas all alone
Bring love from home

Bring warmth from home.
Bring hugs from home.
Bring love from home.

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Breaking My Heart

I received an email from my 1st Grader's music teacher requesting that all the children who have family members overseas this Christmas to bring the photo to the Holiday Music program and hold up the picture while they sing Bring Him Home Santa.

My heart stopped. I can certainly see how this teacher might think that this would be a touching tribute to deployed soldiers, but all I see are military children who will suddenly think that Santa can bring their Dads home and the heartbreak when Santa doesn't deliver.

Elementary kids still believe in the magic of Christmas and my heart aches at the thought of my son singing or listening to this song believing that if he gives up toys Santa will bring his Daddy home. He already has a plan to make the bad guys listen so that all the Dads and Moms can come home. He has been asking me to drive him to the White House so he can tell President Obama.

I know that at a civilian elementary school military kids are a minority, but I just don't think it is too much to ask for a little sensitivity particularly during the holidays. I just can't imagine him singing Bring Him Home Santa in a room full of other kids' Dads. I breaks my heart and I think it would break his.

The lyrics are below.

Bring Him Home Santa
Dear Santa, I need to change my Christmas list
There's one big thing I missed
You see my Daddy's working for away from here
And I know Santa, I asked for a Barbie doll
And a brand new soccer ball
But I'd trade it all, for just one gift this year...

Bring him home Santa, bring him home to mom and me
Let us wake up Christmas morning, and find him standing by our tree
You can pick him up on your way, he could ride there in your sleigh
Don't make him spend Christmas all alone
Bring him home

And Santa, here's a picture that I drew
Of him in his dress blues
Mama says our country needs him over there
And you know Santa, this whole year I've been good
And I was hopin' that would
Do all you could to answer her prayer...

Bring him home Santa, bring him home to mom and me
Let us wake up Christmas morning, and find him standing by our tree
You can pick him up on your way, he could ride there in your sleigh
Don't make him spend Christmas all alone
Bring him home

Bring him home
Bring him home
Bring him home

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Army Wife Life December 7, 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 Star and Janet's answers on Show 243: Week of Dec 7, 2009 using our AWTR Player in the right sidebar!

Excerpt blog post: Some of us – no names, no hints, no next door neighbors called out – have possibly crossed the proverbial “bridge too far” in our genuine effort to support our soldier, their Battalion, the Army, the military, the US of A……… right, we’re talking to you with the 13 stickers covering up the back of your vehicle (we tried to read through them all at the last stoplight but had to actually engage in driving around the seventh sticker – so now we’ll never know who or what else to support!).

We’re not against spousal support but we thought we should bring our concerns to your attention – primarily our concern that some of us – “us” being used a bit liberally here – have entered a parallel universe of dressing, walking, talking and spitting like our soldiers.

If you friends, family and commander’s wife have NOT invited you to a semi-lit room, put a plate of finger food in your hands, and asked you to join the circle of love to discuss why exactly your soldier’s company logo is emblazoned on the side of your head, you might be okay. If, however, anything previously described sounds even vaguely reminiscent of last weekend, squint your eyes and take a look down the “where has my identity gone to?” tunnel………….

Discussion Point 1: Should you sew your husband's unit crest AND his top tank crew patch onto your child's jacket, long-sleeve denim shirt, and favorite sweater?

Discussion Point 2: Should Pearl repaint her infantry blue entrance wall armor yellow due to her soldier’s branch transfer?

Discussion Point 3: On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being a roadie), how much of an Army groupie are you?

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A Soldier's Christmas

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
HE LIVED ALL ALONE,
IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE MADE OF
PLASTER AND STONE.

I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY
WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE,
AND TO SEE JUST WHO
IN THIS HOME DID LIVE.

I LOOKED ALL ABOUT,
A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE,
NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS,
NOT EVEN A TREE.

NO STOCKING BY MANTLE,
JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND,
ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES
OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.

WITH MEDALS AND BADGES,
AWARDS OF ALL KINDS,
A SOBER THOUGHT
CAME THROUGH MY MIND.

FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT,
IT WAS DARK AND DREARY,
I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER,
ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.

THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING,
SILENT, ALONE,
CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR
IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.

THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE,
THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER,
NOT HOW I PICTURED
A UNITED STATES SOLDIER.

WAS THIS THE HERO
OF WHOM I'D JUST READ?
CURLED UP ON A PONCHO,
THE FLOOR FOR A BED?

I REALIZED THE FAMILIES
THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT,
OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS
WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.

SOON ROUND THE WORLD,
THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY,
AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE
A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.

THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM
EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR,
BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS,
LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.

I COULDN'T HELP WONDER
HOW MANY LAY ALONE,
ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE
IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.

THE VERY THOUGHT
BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE,
I DROPPED TO MY KNEES
AND STARTED TO CRY.

THE SOLDIER AWAKENED
AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE,
'SANTA DON'T CRY,
THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE;

I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM,
I DON'T ASK FOR MORE,
MY LIFE IS MY GOD,
MY! COUNTRY, MY CORPS.'

THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER
AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP,
I COULDN'T CONTROL IT,
I CONTINUED TO WEEP.

I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS,
SO SILENT AND STILL
AND WE BOTH SHIVERED
FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL.

I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE
ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT,
THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR
SO WILLING TO FIGHT.

THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,
WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE,
WHISPERED, 'CARRY ON SANTA,
IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE.'

ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH,
AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT.
'MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND,
AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT.

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December 7th? Any other day, right?

Not many know of what happened on 7th of December, 1941 or forget what happened on this day. In a congregation (last year)the speaker asked us what is the significance of this day -December 7th. Sad to say, less than 5 percent of the people knew, (with me being part of the 5% who did know.) Forget the young adults, teens and younger ---they had no clue!

With him being a Navy man (the speaker), he of course knew the date and of its significance. December 7th, 1941 was the day Japan (declared war) on U.S. Soil at Pearl Harbor. Mind you, I am not historian or expert, but I am a military spouse. War happens---many of us can account to the sacrifices and many of you know of it personally.

No one likes it, but sometimes it is definitely necessary. NOT to compare, but I do feel that this was an attack beyond measure on U.S. soil. 9/11 was a surprise to the American people, but I would also say the same of the attack at Pearl Harbor. Servicemen or not, they are still Americans.



Pearl Harbor

Explosions in Honolulu started three major fires, and at least 57 civilians were killed and nearly as many seriously injured.60
Casualties among American service personnel were of course much higher. The Navy and Marine Corps have counted 2,117 killed or died of wounds, and 779 others wounded in action.61 The far smaller Army casualties are difficult to determine with exactitude. General Short, in his report on the battle, listed 228 Army men dead or died of wounds, 110 seriously wounded, and 358 slightly wounded, a total of 696 Army battle casualties, as of midnight, 10 December.

Now more than ever, I feel for our country. I pray for our country, for our president, for other key leaders in our world. Because these people do affect our lives, whether or not we realize this…

I just wanted to make note of this day, because I seldom read about it in the news. It was 68 years ago when this tragedy occurred.

Pearl Harbor Attack

The first dive-bomber appeared over Pearl Harbor at 7:55 AM (local time) and was followed by waves of torpedo planes, bombers, and fighters. The "date which will live in infamy," as U.S. Pres. Franklin Roosevelt termed it, unified the American public and swept away any earlier support of neutrality. On Dec. 8, 1941, Congress declared war on Japan.

America got through World War II successfully with prayer, support and sacrifices of the American people. And now in 2009, I am grateful that my husband has served over 19 years in our nation’s great military, Army to be specific.

As a reminder that there is hope, I personally want to say that I will have a moment of prayer for all who made the ultimate sacrifice on the day of 7th December, 1941. For the generations after who have reaped in the success from the ultimate sacrifices of our military that year (1941)and the following years of World War II.

I also want to say, “THANK YOU” to all Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, and Navy personnel for a JOB WELL DONE…and keep your heads up and your hearts strong.

On a personal note:

We recently had the privilege to visit back home in the States and I visited with my grandfather, Alvin. My grandfather is 84 years old. Yes, he was in the Navy during the attack at Pearl Harbor.

My son, a sixth grader, had a project (research paper), and the subject of choice was the Attack at Pearl Harbor. I knew ahead of time and spoke with my son to advise him to strike up conversation with his great-grandfather about Pearl Harbor during our visit back home.

I never knew until my early adulthood about my grandfather being in the Navy, much less firsthand account of the infamous tragedy. He never spoke of it to me, but neither did I ever ask him…

Needless to say, it was a great one-on-one bond between my son and his great grandfather. My grandpa was not there during the attack, but he was apart of a ‘clean-up crew,” as he stated. I can only image what my grandfather saw on the days that followed the attack, but December 7th is a day of remembrance of the ultimate sacrifices our Armed Forces have in American history.

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Snowballs!

So, my son is so excited that it will be snowing soon! As we were driving in the car yesterday he asked the dreaded question, “Is Daddy comin g home for Christmas?” And because he knows that is Dad is deployed I answered “No Baby he can’t this year.” And a little voice from the back seat said, “So who will throw Snowballs with me when it snows?” My little heart started cracking and my response of couse was….”Well I guess I will have too!” At that moment I just wanted to cry with him but instead I solidered on and said……”Mom’s can throw snowballs tooo …..don’t you know!” Now as I sit here teary eyed writing about this day, I just can’t wait until it snows so I can help both of my sons make a memory they will hopefully remember forever!

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Deployment Is a Lonely Business

The other night I stepped outside to take the garbage out and discovered that it was starting to rain out of the blue, and my first thought was to tell my husband. I guess it was a brain reflex, because then I remembered that he is in Iraq. The kids were all in bed and I was alone.

Deployment is lonely. The holidays are pretty tough, but I think the day to day is tougher. There are all these small moments that he and we are missing out on. The kids say funny things, and I can relay them in an email or on the phone, but it just isn't the same. There are also those random thoughts and memories that crop up during the day that just don't make it into a 15-20 minute phone call.

At first I enjoyed some alone time at night, I went out and bought all kinds of crazy face masks and ate weird things for dinner. Lately I have been going to bed early, which is great, because everyone needs more sleep, but I miss those nights when we would stay up too late talking about something or watching a really great movie.

One of the silver linings of deployment is the reminder to cherish the time you have together, because the little things matter and those annoying things they do are sometimes the things you miss the most.

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A Zillion Pieces...

As Christmas Season is upon us I have to first start off by saying that I am very thankful that my daughter and I will be spending Christmas with my husband...something we can't take for granted. He did leave on a TDY trip and won't be home until just before Christmas...but Christmas will be spent as a family and we're thrilled.

As gifts for my nearly two year old start rolling in (she has a Christmas birthday so it's a doubly whammy for us)...I couldn't help but wonder if my husband didn't in fact accept the invitation to attend this TDY training course in light of the fact the he just might get off the hook for putting together some toys. I'm completely kidding here but had to let the thought enter my mind as I spent over 4 hours putting together my daughter's new kitchen...150 pieces, 60 screws, hopeless directions. I know there are other wives out there who feel my pain! I made the mistake of thinking that perhaps this kitchen might come in two or three pieces and be pretty simple to put together...who was I kidding?

I opened the box after picking up my daughter from "school" and she was stoked just by looking at the picture on the outside of the box. Once I opened it I realized I had made a mistake...this was a project that needed to be done without her presence. Somehow I was able to distract her all evening with other things and after she went to bed I tackled the project. It was way more work than I anticipated and I kept calling my husband jokingly telling him that he owed me big time! However, when my daughter awoke to her fully assembled kitchen her excitement was worth every callous on my hands! Now I just wish my husband had been here to hear her shrills of excitement! I better run...she just cooked me lunch and I better go eat!

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Army Wife Life: November 30, 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 Cindy and Sarah's answers on Show 242: Week of Nov 30, 2009 using our AWTR Player in the right sidebar!

Excerpt blog post: Lucky us - school is back in session! You can approach the start of school in one of two ways – make that two and a half – 70% of you will most likely kiss the sidewalk outside the front doors of the school as you watch your three precious darlings trot down the hall to their next torture victims.

It’s truly a religious moment for many mothers: play-dates have devolved into fight-dates as the summer drags out and the high temps drag on; your kids have figured out that you’re spending at least 30 minutes a day sitting in your closet while pretending you can’t hear anyone calling your name; they’re catching on that while your lips are moving when you’re sitting in the car with phone in hand - you might actually just be talking to yourself; family reunions in hot parks eating wilted food have found you questioning the genetic implications of your spouses’ lineage; and the "fun" family vacations have put you on a first name basis with a real estate agent in St. Bart’s and a lawyer in the nearest big city. 30% of you will roll over, hit snooze, wonder why it’s so dark out – and why did that alarm go off?! - and snuggle back under the covers!

Of these 30%, 25% will resign yourselves to getting up at Zero - dark thirty, dragging your children out of bed, begging them to eat a Snickers for breakfast as you blast through the school zone while begging God to help you make it before the bell rings so you don’t have to enter the elementary school (no less) sans-bra to sign in your children. The other 5% will immediately swear off public or private education while simultaneously placing an order with Scholastic.com for home schooling materials and Googling “non-flammable science experiments”.

Discussion Point 1: Glue sticks or Rubber cement?

Discussion Point 2: Spouses Club or Wine Club?

Discussion Point 3: Remember your favorite excuse for not having completed homework as a child – is it similar in any way to the excuse you’re about to use to dodge that volunteer request?

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