Lori –

It was a pleasure being there that day to see you win this award! Best of luck this year and know that you are making a difference in the lives of military spouses worldwide!

Big Hugs & Lots of love from the Design Company of Military Wives!

When my husband is home I want to capture as much as possible.

I want a lot of pictures to hold and look at after he has to leave.  It’s such a great idea to have that camera out capturing time with daddy!  Take it to the park, the zoo, on a walk or anytime your family is together. Capturing even those everyday moments such as a family dinner is such a great idea too.

When he is away, I want to capture what we are doing so I can share it with him.  I want to be able to send him picture after picture. I want him to see how the kids are growing and all the fun things they are doing. I want him to still feel apart of the family as much as possible.

Looking for a fun photo project to get motivated to take more pictures?

Commit to taking a picture a day.  This is a great way to get use to having your camera out more often.  And it can be a lot of fun!

Time moves by quickly and kids grow very fast.   Isn’t it so great that we can capture life on film?

There are many holidays that honor our servicemen and women. Each holiday is different, but they all hold the same theme. Recognition. Armed Forces day is upon us, and I like to take the time to consider just how important our Armed Forces really are.

Armed Forces day is celebrated the third Saturday in May, and was created in 1949 following the combination of each branch of military in the Department of Defense. It was established to acknowledge those who serve in any war that America is a part of.

As an Army wife, I can’t help but beam at the fact that there are holidays to honor my husband. Being a military family, you can’t help but wonder sometimes if it’s all worth it. I mean, sure, there’s the healthcare, the occasional military discount, and the housing allowance.

But with all the other things we go through to support our loved ones in uniform, the only thing we can really rely upon is the sense of pride that we have for what they do.

My husband just returned from his second year long deployment, and as much as I hated him being gone, as much as I wanted to yell at the Generals I’d see on Fort Hood for sending my husband to fly around in a combat zone, (Even though they had nothing to do with it. I still was as proud as a peacock that my husband was doing what so many before him had done….defend our nation.

The Armed Forces have done so much for our country, and without those who have sacrificed life and limb, time from wives and children, and the comforts of home, we would not be where we are today.

As far as I’m concerned, every day honors the work that our veterans have done. The fact that I was able to enjoy Mother’s Day with my family, order pizza last night, and take a walk in my neighborhood yesterday is all because of our Armed Forces.

So thank you…to all those who have served, are serving, or will serve.

What does Armed Forces Day mean for you? Is it just another holiday,or is it something more?

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!

Five Steps Worksheet

At the end of this post there is a worksheet that you might find helpful when working on dealing with your stress.

Go through the worksheet and answer the first five questions in regards to the situation that is causing you stress. Then move onto the guarantees & explain what their choice is but how you deal with it.

Say you are dealing with deployment & your civilian friends just do not understand –  you have to tell yourself “I cannot control what they think because they have never had to deal with this life so they do not really understand it.

Finally…

Since April is Stress Awareness Month lets make sure that we are all watching our stress levels. Do not let it get out of control. You do not want to make yourself sick of something that you have no control over.

Life throws us curve balls…Its just part of living…Which is better then the alternative. Make the most out of life. Why live it constantly stressed & worried? Be happy live your life to the fullest & you will find a brighter day everyday of your life.

¤Worksheet¤

The Situation:

The Five Question Method

1. What do I feel about this situation?
2. What do I want in this situation?
3. What do I need in this situation?
4. What am I responsible for in this situation?
5. What do I need to do to take care of myself in this situation?

The Five Guarantees

1. You cannot control what other people choose to think.
2. You cannot control what other people choose to feel.
3. You cannot control what other people choose to do.
4. If you attempt any of the first 3, you will feel inadequate, frustrated, angry, & depressed.
5. What you DO have control over is…

• 1. What you think?
• 2. What you feel?
• 3. What you do?
• 4. How you choose to respond to what others directly express & do.

Everyone has heard the saying, “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself,” but what if there is something out their greater to fear?

I’m not talking about diseases…well I suppose it is for some but I am talking about stress. Fear is certainly a mind killer but so is stress. Stress can make you sick & severely impact your life.

According to the Washington Post…

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in January found that army wives whose husbands deployed for one to 11 months were 18 percent more likely to experience depression than women whose husbands stayed home.

When soldiers deployed for longer than 11 months, their wives were 24 percent more likely to suffer depression. While military families with mental health issues can access services such as the Military OneSource program, experts say spouses often resist treatment for fear of appearing weak or harming their spouse’s career. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/09/AR2010040900112.html)

Do Not Let It Get That Far!

If you are starting to feel that stress is getting to be too much you need to talk to someone! I can tell you from personal experience stress can get out of hand very fast & it can easily be a downward spiral after that. I am lucky that my family encouraged me to seek help; I was afraid at first & yes even a little ashamed.

All I could think is “I’m not crazy why do I need to see someone?”

Well I definitely learned why…Seeing a counselor is one of the best things I could have done for myself. Having a third party to talk to who is not directly involved in your life is extremely helpful, it’s amazing how deep you can get into conversation with them before an hour passes.

April is Stress Awareness Month

For the 18th consecutive year, April 2010 has been designated Stress Awareness Month. During this thirty day period, health care professionals & health promotion experts across the country will join forces to increase public awareness about both the causes & cures for our modern stress epidemic.

Sponsored by The Health Resource Network (HRN), a non-profit health education organization, Stress Awareness Month is a national, cooperative effort to inform people about the dangers of stress, successful coping strategies, & harmful misconceptions about stress that are prevalent in our society.

“Even though we’ve learned a lot about stress in the past twenty years,” says Dr. Morton C. Orman, M.D., Founder & Director of HRN, “we’ve got a long way to go. New information is now available that could help millions of Americans eliminate their suffering.” (http://www.stresscure.com/hrn/april.html)

Check Back Wednesday, April 21st, For The Rest Of This Post!

The sun is shining and the temperature is rising. That can only mean one thing; springtime is here! It’s definitely giving me inspiration to reach my health goals.

GET INTO THAT BATHING SUIT
I’m not quite used to the North Carolina weather yet. It’s only April and I’ve already been to the beach twice. That’s nothing like Maine where we’re crossing our fingers that we don’t get any April snowstorms. Unfortunately, that means I need to get in my bathing suit a lot earlier than usual so I’ve started a workout routine to shed some extra pounds. I’ve got access to the base gyms for free, which is really helpful.

This week I had a free consultation with the Nuco personal trainer and she showed me some exercises to help my problem areas. She kicked my butt! I’ve been going to the gym for an hour five to six days a week for about two months and I can already see a difference. I’m not expecting to be in my bikini with a six-pack but just aiming to be more in shape.

TIME TO CHECK OUT THE FARMER’S MARKET

I’m also trying to eat better. Now that it’s spring I can start visiting the Onslow County farmer’s market down here in Jacksonville. I’ve always grown up with garden grown food so it’ll be a reminder of home. Nothing is better than spring peas! Two of my girlfriends are also dealing with deployments so I’m going to have them over for dinner and cook them something great and healthy too.

GROW IT YOURSELF
I know it’d be even easier if there were healthy foods growing right outside my door. So today I invested in rosemary, tarragon, basil, and a great planter. I love the greenery out on my balcony and getting my hands dirty. I am a farm girl after all! They look awesome and they smell great too. Now I just have to make sure my naughty dog doesn’t take any nibbles out of them.

Needless to say, I’m so happy for Spring to be here so I can get more active and eat fresh foods! My husband will be pleasantly surprised when homecoming day is finally here. I’m going to be one hot mama!

So let’s meet them -

BJ Thomas aka USMCtankmama
Hello!  I have been a Marine Wife for 11 ½ years.  My husband has 18 years in The Corps and we are counting down to retirement….WOO HOO!!  I am a stay at home Mom to 4 daughters ages 13 through 5.

In my spare time (insert laugh here) I enjoy reading novels; my favorite author is Diana Gabaldon.  I also love to ride my motorcycle whenever I get the chance and like to take pictures.  Someday I would like to go to school for photography.
I was born and raised in North Western Pennsylvania but have lived in North Carolina, Washington State, Kentucky and California since being married to my husband.  We currently live in North Carolina…again

Julie Provost aka JulieTheArmyWife
I am Julie, 31 and been married to my Soldier Ben for 7.5 years now.  We have two little boys, 5 and 3.  My husband and I are both originally from California.  We just moved to Ft. Campbell after spending 4 years in Germany.  We have been through 2 deployments and been an Army family for 4.5 years now.  I am a SAHM, photographer & blogger.

Audra Kelly aka UH60 Sweetheart
I am a veteran of the US Army, and the US Navy, and now I am serving my country through my husband, who is a Blackhawk Pilot in the Army. I am a stay at home mother of 3. 2 girls, ages 5 and 3, and my son who will be 1 year old in July, 2010. I have a passion for writing, as well as helping military spouses through tough times. I am the treasurer for my FRG, and am an advocate for the humane treatment of animals. We are currently stationed at Fort Hood, TX, but will be PCSing to Fort Rucker, AL this summer.

I work with All Fired Up and Jane Wayne Gear as a consultant, and love the products they offer, as well as the mentoring for fellow military spouses. I absolutely adore being married to a soldier, and I am constantly beaming from his accomplishments as a pilot, husband and father.

Angela Martin aka NavyWife1220
I am Angela! I have my AA in History & I plan on receiving my BA in European History. I’ve decided I want to be an author. Writing is the only profession where no one considers you ridiculous if you earn no money. I was born an east coast girl but raised to be a west coast girl. I love tank tops and believe in wearing my flip flops and sunglasses no matter the weather.

Being a Navy wife means even more of an adventure! Home is where the Navy sends us but our hearts will always be in California. Look beside each sailor and you will find the people who fight with them. The spouses, the sons, the daughters, the families, we serve too and I am proud to call myself an Navy wife.

Megan Murphy aka A Grunt’s Wife
I am the mother of four beautiful children (three from a previous marriage) and wife to an 0369 Marine Grunt.  He served 12 years at Camp Lejeune, NC, and got 8 deployments under his belt before they made him stop deploying and take a new duty station. 

We are now in Virginia Beach, VA, where he serves as the Staff Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge (SNCOIC) for the Designated Marksmanship course during a 3-year non-deployable B Billet.

I stay at home to take care of the youngest bundle of joy. Rhyan came into the world 3 weeks into her daddy’s last deployment and missed getting to know him for the first 6 months of her life. I write often about the joys and struggles of military life, the stressors of being a non-custodial parent to my oldest three children, and the beauty in the small things in life.

Stacie May aka  StacieLynn
I hail from the “Vacationland” state of Maine, though I lived in Massachusetts until I graduated high school. My husband and I got to know each other the old fashioned way; through letters while he was deployed in Iraq. After he came home and he could deal with my sarcasm, I knew he was a winner. We married in September 2009 and drove down to Jacksonville, North Carolina with everything we owned packed in a Subaru. Since then we’ve acquired much more including our miniature Dachshund named “Sookie”. Despite an often absent husband, I’ve learned to love this life and the awesome “marine wives” I’ve met along the way.

Traci Cook aka MyArmy Life
Sixteen.  Seven.  Two.  Answers to my basic Army-wife questions … How many years in the Army?  Sixteen and counting.  How many moves have we made?  Seven (and counting).  How many totally adorable children do I have?  Two (and not counting on more).

My husband and I are native Texans currently stationed at Fort Hood.  I love volunteering for my kids’ school and sporting events, blogging, social media, and reading.  I work parttime from home as a website content administrator and social media coordinator … so you can see me online a lot of the time.

We’ve thrived through three deployments and are enjoying some good ole Army dwell time right now.  We love the Army life, challenges and all, and look forward to more fabulous fun to come.

Basically … Each month you’ll get a 160z 100% Natural Soy candle delivered right to your front door! Not to mention 15% coupon on any of our JW Gear (all product lines included). How awesome is that ??

Hey Guys – Mother’s Day AND Military Spouse Appreciation Day  is right around the corner!! This makes a great gift for your favorite girl!

To join the program or find out more details – click  HERE

* Our April  Scent will available till April 15th