military family
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Daily Prompt: Excitement
We military spouses have a distinct advantage when it comes to the excitement department: homecoming. There is no word that stirs such excitement, anticipation, and impatience like knowing your spouse is coming home from a long deployment. My spouse recently came home after a 1 year deployment cycle, and as each one comes and goes,… Continue reading
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Should I Marry Military?
I get asked this question from time to time. It’s also phrased by non-military friends as statements: “I just don’t know how you do it. How do you go for months and months (and years!) without being together? Isn’t it hard?” Well, yes. (Duh.) It’s extremely hard. Could you do it? Sure. You can do… Continue reading
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On Transitions
I don’t like transitions. Point A is fine. Point B is great. The messiness of the in between is scary and uncertain. I don’t like the messiness. At all. And for me, this applies to multiple areas of my life. In potty training my daughter, the convenience of Pull-Ups is great. But, I am overjoyed at… Continue reading
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Freedom
Ahhh, Independence Day. Yes, the big one for our country, but also the one that’s a bit more personal for our family, and for me. I ran my first run yesterday. The first solo-non-stroller-pushing/non-dreadmill trail run in about a year. No races. No bib numbers. No PRs or time clocks. No having to ensure the minions in… Continue reading
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Child Labor
Although my 10-year-old self would never admit it, I am completely thankful that my parents made me do chores. Things around the house that, at one time or another earned me an allowance, or was just to help out the family. Part of being a family is chipping in, doing what needs to be done.… Continue reading
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Dear Military Mom Facing Your First Deployment With Kids
Dear Military Mom on your first deployment: Oh mama, there really isn’t anything I can tell you to prepare for this adventure. It is hard. Simple as that. There are days (hours, minutes) that are going to feel like forever. Dragging so slow you swear it’s been an hour and it’s only been 4 minutes.… Continue reading
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Reason #472 Why I Am Over this Deployment.
The countdowns have begun in my head: “Only 1 more gallon of milk until he gets home.” “Last 2 episodes of Deadliest Catch until we can watch them together.” “The next grocery run, I’ll be stocking the fridge with his favorites.” “The next time I mop the floor, will be the last time I mop… Continue reading
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What Homecomings Are REALLY Like
Most of us are familiar with this image: With all the romance and nostalgia this photo evokes, you might be led to believe we military folk lead extraordinarily dramatic lives. Well, we do. Sort of. For some, the deployments get easier. I don’t agree. The longer we are together, I seem to love him more… Continue reading
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Victorious Not Nauseous
This time last year, we were gearing up for what we thought was to be a 6-month deployment. Those in the military know, sometimes the plans get changed. Six months turned into a whole year deal with a 6-week “home port visit” over the holidays. What a difference a year makes. Here is some of… Continue reading
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This Actually Happened. Today.
My Day After this day, I think I’m just done The novelty worn off: me-0, deployment – 1. The kids were crazy, stuck inside this rainy wet day While making lunch, nearly chopped half my finger away! “Stop teasing your sister!” “Leave your brother alone!” Even I can’t stand the sound of my going on… Continue reading
Life and Other Stuff 