The Holidays we ARE Together: Sure, we have celebrated way too many holidays in separate time zones. But the times my husband is home are times I really treasure. We make an extra effort to spend time together, create family memories, and establish traditions… because we have to make each celebration count for the next year too.
Over the years, we have adapted to all the challenges, and have learned an important lesson about celebrating holidays: the military IS your family. So no matter where you find yourself this year, here are some creative ways to adapt and have a great time with your military family.
One great way to stay in touch with your spouse during deployment is by sending some love in the form of a Care Package. But sending a care package overseas can be a confusing experience. I'm here to make it easier. Now, there are tons of ideas on Pinterest telling...
Let's talk about Reintegration after deployment homecoming The cycle of Deployment does not end at the deployment Homecoming. Sure, Homecoming Day is an exciting day to welcome them home, but it is followed by a huge period of adjustment for the service member, the...
Why is the last month of deployment so hard? “I should be happy!” I told myself at the end of deployment. “Why am I so cranky and angry at everyone?” We had made it to the final weeks of our 6th deployment. It wasn’t an easy one, since I had 4 kids at home by myself...
There is no “right” choice about where to live during your spouse’s deployment. Some prefer to stay in their current house or apartment. Other people downsize to a smaller place, or even move in with a friend, to save money during the deployment. Finally, there is the option to move ‘back home’ and live closer to family members. Which choice is best?
The problem: You are facing a military deployment. Why you should read this: It will tell you what to expect and how to cope with the first week of deployment (whether this is your 1st or your 10th)! Military deployments are never easy. Whether or not you have been...
The problem: You are preparing for deployment and don't know where to start! Keep reading because: This pre-deployment checklist and Ultimate Deployment Guide will tell you everything you need to know about how to get ready for deployment! Here is the pre-deployment...
Deployments are hard--not just for the deployed service member, but for the family left behind. Stuff happens. Things break. Kids get sick. Emotional breakdowns must be overcome. The spouse becomes a single parent, responsible for all the kids, the house, the...
The effects of September 11 hit home a few weeks later, when my boyfriend went off to Boot Camp. I watched my boyfriend prepare for war. I watched our country declare war. I stood by and supported him as a girlfriend, then his wife, while he fought on the front lines of that war. Again. And again, and again. It is a war that we continue to fight today.