Author Archive
It’s that time of year again!
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My house is so quiet today….you could hear a pin drop, if there was anyone here to drop a pin that is. It’s quite a change from the last couple of months of ‘summer vacation’ of listening to four girls pick fights with each other, or hearing “MOM!” a thousand and one times a day. There is no Disney Channel or Nickelodeon on the television…..
You see, today is the first day of school! After all of the primping and preening and photo taking, everyone made it onto their bus on time dressed in their new clothes with their new school supplies safely tucked into their backpacks.
When they were all gone, I sat and enjoyed my coffee with no distractions…no one was arguing over the TV?! I even got some housework done. It sure was a nice change to pick up the family room and have it stay that way for more than five minutes. I even got to eat a snack without having to share! 
But now, as the day wears on, I find myself checking the clock to see how much longer until they come home so I can hear all about their first day…
- How was the bus ride?
- Did you see your old friends?
- Did you make some new ones?
- Do you like your teacher?
I can’t wait to hear the answers, probably all at once! Only a couple of hours left……
On a side note…
I have some good news to share! My Blogger Brigade post in July was about preparing for my husband to deploy to Afghanistan…I am happy to report that his trip was canceled at the last minute! So continues the roller coaster ride we call being a Military Family…HANG ON!!
Coast Guard Day
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Happy 220th Birthday to the United States Coast Guard!
Click here to read the Commandant’s Coast Guard Day message.
Semper Paratus!
Having Fun as a Family
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August is Family Fun Month!
The month of July is almost over and school will be starting soon in most areas. Why not take advantage of August, also known as Family Fun Month, with some great activities that the entire family can enjoy?
Let the games begin!
Amusement parks usually offer a variety of activities for kids of all ages and adults alike, but can be pretty expensive. If you are looking for something a little more affordable, check out your local area for festivals, fairs, and other celebrations.
Maybe camping is more your family’s style. You could utilize a campground or if you are lucky enough to have a yard, you don’t even have to leave home. Pitch a tent in the backyard and build a fire. Weather not cooperating? Camp in the living room! Make a tent with blankets and watch your favorite movies. Speaking of movies, have a family movie night. Make some popcorn or other favorite snacks and pick out a few movies to watch. Another idea is family game night when you can play board games, cards, or even video games.
Go hiking and pack a picnic or go for a leisurely walk around the neighborhood and have a picnic in your yard or the local park. Take along the frisbee or kite!
Swimming is another fun activity for families. Check out your local pool or beaches if you don’t have your own pool. Sprinklers are always fun and a great way to cool off on a hot day.
The fun doesn’t have to end…
The possibilities are endless to spend some fun, quality time as a family. It all depends on your particular family’s likes and dislikes and how much money you want to spend or not spend. Family fun doesn’t have to end with the month of August either! Make it a weekly or monthly priority for your family to spend some quality time together, even if it is just sitting down to watch your favorite TV shows together.
As a military family with a looming deployment in our near future we are taking advantage of all the family time we can get…
Preparing for Deployment
Posted by: | CommentsPreparing for Deployment….
As I sit at my desk and start writing this blog, my husband’s combat gear, packed and ready to go, is sitting 10 feet from me. I loathe the sight of his flak jacket, Kevlar helmet and miscellaneous other gear that is designed to keep him alive because I know that means he is leaving us again soon. But, at the same time, I am thankful that he has this equipment to keep him safe.
Several different emotions and feelings come to the surface when he gets ready to deploy….anger, guilt, fear, apprehension, sadness and…PRIDE.
Anger and Guilt
Some days I feel ticked at the world because he has to go again. Then the guilt kicks in because I don’t believe I have the right to feel angry because he had already been in the Marine Corps for 6 years when we got married….I knew what I was getting myself in to…this is his job, after all, but the anger still rears its ugly head, regardless if I have the right to feel it or not.
Fear
The fear gets overwhelming at times…fear that he will be injured…or worse. I have to shut my brain off sometimes or my imagination will run away with itself and that is never good.
Apprehension
Will I be able to keep the home running smoothly and take care of the kids by myself? I KNOW I can, I KNOW I am capable…but some days I just don’t want to! I want my husband here to help with the day to day routine and chores of the home. I want him here to help with decision making. Sometimes I’m afraid I’ll make the wrong choice.
Sadness
It makes me incredibly sad to think of the life moments he is going to miss…3 of the 4 kids’ birthdays, first day of school, the entire fall and winter holiday season and our 12 year anniversary just to name a few.
Pride
Words can not really, truly express how proud I am of my husband and all he has accomplished in his 18+ years as a Marine and for stepping up to defend this wonderful Country we call home.
I’m not sure that Preparing for Deployment is an appropriate title for this blog because I don’t think you can ever totally prepare yourself for the roller coaster ride that is deployment. We just have to buckle our seat belts and hang on tight!
So, I am going to dig out my yellow ribbon and tie it around the old oak tree until he comes home to us….again.
My yellow ribbon tied around the oak tree in my front yard.
Old Glory
Posted by: | CommentsWhat do you think of when you see the American flag?
The Stars and Stipes
Pride. Patriotism. Honor.
Those are just a few of the words that come to mind when I see the “Stars and Stripes”. I asked my two oldest children what they thought of when they think of the flag. My 13 year old replied “the Pledge of Allegiance, our Country and all the lives that have been lost to defend it.” My 10 year old said “everyone who has served for our Country.” I have to say that I am very proud of their answers. It seems that too many citizens have lost respect for our flag and all that it represents…that makes me very sad as a Patriotic American.
What do the red, white and blue mean?
“The 13 stripes represent the 13 original colonies of the US: Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Virginia. The 50 stars represent the individual states that make up the nation. Popular history states the red of the flag represents valor, white stands for liberty or purity and blue represents justice, loyalty and perseverance. These meanings are unofficial though.” (http://www.worldflags101.com/u/usa-flag.aspx )
JUNE 14TH ~ FLAG DAY
On June 14th, 1777 the Continental Congress authorized the “Stars and Stripes” as the official symbol of the United States of America. On June 14th, 1785 a school teacher in Wisconsin, Bernard Cigrand, declared that date to be the birthday of the flag and dedicated his life to teaching children and adults alike the meaning and history of our Nation’s flag.
Show your pride…fly the colors!
For more information and the history of the “Stars and Stripes” and Flag Day:
Just Ride!
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Since April is Stress Awareness Month, I wanted to share one way that I personally ease stress in my life….
I ride my motorcycle!
What do you think when you see a motorcycle on the road? Do you think of gangs like the Hells Angels? Do you think “that person must be crazy to ride that death trap?” Or do you think “That looks like fun! I want to do that!”
When I ride my motorcycle I think freedom and empowerment. The feeling of riding down the road with my hands on the handlebars and the wind whishing past me is indescribable. There is nothing like it.
I have only had my motorcycle license for 2 years. When my husband came home from one of his deployments he stated that he would like to get a Harley. I said “fine, but I want my own!” So that is what we did…we both got our very first bikes.
I’m sure we probably did this backwards but…we bought the bikes first, then got our permits and then we went and took the BRC (basic riders’ course) on base. At the BRC the instructors start you out from the very beginning and teach you the basics of riding so even if you have never even touched a bike, you will feel pretty comfortable. Check out this website for a BRC near you: Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
A good way to see if a motorcycle is right for you is to check out a “Garage Party” at your local Harley Davidson dealer. They are for women only and they let you sit on the bikes and get a feel for them and you can ask any questions you might have. Go to Harley Davidson to find a dealer near you. Another good idea is to talk to someone you know that has a bike, ask questions!
I always feel refreshed and renewed after taking a ride on my bike, even if it is just around the block.
How do you relieve stress?
P.S.~ May 7, 2010 is International Female Ride Day!