Summer 2011

It looks like this summer seems to be quickly ending. I have been busy with becoming the FRG leader, half marathon training and yoga certification. I am definitely not complaining because I thoroughly enjoy being back at the house with my husband. He is finally running!! We are very lucky we can even say that after the year he has been through with his heel. I am extremely proud of him too! I apologize for not writing more recently. I hope to give this blog a little makeover in the coming months. Stay Tuned!

 

Howitzer Run during PT

 

5K run on the water! 

 

Hale Back!

Versatile Blogger Award... my first BLOGGY!

My husband has been teasing me for the last year about winning a blog award; also known by him "a bloggy." This is a term he created himself one day and ever since then I crack up when he mentions it. Today I had the pleasure of being nominated by, Melisa at <3 Army Sweetheart <3, a newly married Army Officer's Wife. She was so sweet to name The Peacock Tale as one of the blogs she enjoys reading. While I read her joyful consideration, I was also speaking to my husband overseas. He didn't believe me when I told him I won "a bloggy."

I am not even sure where this blog award started. I have seen it on almost everyone of my favorite blogs, but I am not sure it traces back to anyone specifically. The rules state three things:

1. Thank and link back to the person who nominated you.  

2. Answer 10 Questions about yourself.

3. Pass it along to other blogs that you recently discovered and enjoy. 

4. Leave them your recipients a note telling them about the award.

Ten Questions

1. Why did you create this blog?

In the beginning this blog served a purpose to keep our families informed with our life since we were no longer in our home state. Since I began blogging, I realized there was this HUGE community that served our silent ranks and I wanted to help too!

2. What kind of blogs do you follow?

I obviously am an Army Wife and I enjoy a lot of other Milspouse blogs and not just Army. Everyone of these spouses has something interesting to say. They come from all walks of life. I also enjoy food, photography and kid blogs. 

3. What is your favorite clothing brand?

I enjoy lots of different styles. If I could afford it, I would buy every seasons wardrobe from Anthro, but I like shopping at jcrew, target and thrift stores too! I haven't shopped in forever...retail therapy?

4. What is your favorite brand of makeup?

Hands down Mac or Nars for blush and bronzer. The pink tube mascara from the drug store (I think Cover Girl?) Lancolm eye liner and any lip gloss Sephora is the best too!

5. Indespinsable make up?

Eye liner and mascara... probably some blush since I am so pale this winter

6. Favorite color?

Blue

7. Favorite Perfume

Stila Creme Bouquet (they don't make it anymore)I have to buy it on ebay. I also bought a special fragrance for our wedding day so I would always remember it when I smelt it. Flower Bomb

8. Favorite Film

Too many to name, but mi piace il ultimmo basso (the last kiss)

9. What country would you like to visit?

Italy. Italia ITALIA!! FOr sure! My mother is 100% and I took Italian language and culture classes throughout college. I was an art history major and I dabble in art works myself. I love wine and good food. I am Catholic and would like to see the Pope. I guess those are good enough reasons! 

10. Would you rather forget to put mascara on one eye or blush on only one side of your face?

Depends on how much blush was added. I have dark enough eye lashes, but I am pretty pale. I am sure it would be more noticeable to see red cheek, white cheek. 

Thanks again Army Sweetheart.

I nominate: 

Mrs Sergeant at Air Force. Wife. Life. 

Leslie at Army Soldier. Army Wife. Army Life. 

Rheanna at Cammo Style Love

Calling all Military Wives!!

This is a wonderful opportunity for many of you spouses who use your artistic expression of blogging to make a difference. The more we read, the more we know. Someone has to write what we read, and you could be it! If you have any additional questions, let me know. Thanks!

How to stay happy while your husband is deployed....

Ok, for those of my male readers, you might not be interested in my post. I am sorry ahead of time.

For those of you working out for your new year's resolution, trying to stay busy, healthy and happy, I think you should reward yourself. There's no reason you have to wear grammy panties because your husband is deployed. You are still a woman and you are STILL sexy. Furthermore, I suggest picking up or clicking on the link, Women's Health this month and opening to their Style Lab section. It has some wonderful clothing (bra and pantie) suggestions based on body type; straight, pear, athletic, and curvy.

Personally, this is my favorite. It is Cosabella and seems pretty patriotic. So if you are feeling down in the dumps today, take a nice warm bubble bath. Bring some hot tea or wine, shave and put on your favorite undergarments that make you feel special! Hopefully this will change your state of mind!

Some other great lingerie websites include:
Bra Experience This is new to me. The website is a little old school, but they have good prices.
Eberjey
Her Room Typically you can find Cosabella, Hanky Panky here and they always have sales (unlike Neimans)
Obviously Vicy's Secrets

Happy Shopping!

Foto Friday, Friday Fill In & MilSpouse Weekly Round Up

"Stairs" is the theme for House Hold 6 Diva's meme Foto Friday.

Friday Fill In


1. What are you looking forward to most in 2011? from Jessica Lynn Writes

I am looking forward to my husband returning from Afghanistan into my arms!!!

2. What is something random you do on a boring night when your significant other is away? from Lovin Ma Soldier
I enjoy watching trashy tv shows (real houseswives, millionaire matchmaker, basically anything on Bravo) without any comments about how trashy it is! I know it is! haha (Even though I secretly think he enjoys it just as much... ) I also like to do puzzles.


3. What has been your greatest adventure as a MilSpouse? from Misadventures of An Army Momma
This life is an adventure, but I think my greatest is learning how this life style can change the way you thought your life was supposed to be for the better. It's a blessing and there is so much I can give back. I cannot wait to do more of that.

4. What is the ugliest fashion trend you ever bought into (I’d like to make fun of you, so can you please provide a picture as well)? from More Than An Army Wife
This is a funny question. I probably would go with pink ugg boots and a jean skirt when I was 19 for a canada night. Too cold and just not cute!Sorry, there is no evidence to back this up.

4. What was the high point of last month?
Before my husband left, we made a snow man and he cooked me veal marsala for my birthday. I think that was the high point. Also, when my parents and sister came to visit and we played catch phrase at night!

Thanks again for some great questions this week! Look forward to more! Head on over to Flip Flops and Combat Boots to link up with this week's Milspouse Weekly Round Up #19. You can also help her to create her button. I think her blog name is so cute and she has to have a cute button too! Happy Friday

True Love

The New Year is upon us. A new decade. A fresh beginning. A clean slate. It's like one of those etch a sketches wiped away for a new piece of artwork to display. What if we lived every day that way? A fresh start over, make things better, communicate with loved ones, forgive, open the heart to new possibilities, take a bold step forward and make a splash! Hopefully you are doing that very thing today and tomorrow! Best of luck to all of the new year's resolutions.

I particularly want to mention something. My mother told me today, "People think the grass is greener, but it isn't. It's just newer... not better." When things are tough and you believe somebody else has it easier or better, remember to be thankful for what you have... especially in marriage. Our lifestyle prevents us from having a 9 to 5 schedule year round. There are definitely "business trips" aka deployments, trainings and 24 hour guard duty. We have to believe our husband's when they say, "I cannot go into detail" or "I cannot tell you what I am doing." I doubt many civilian homemakers would appreciate that response to "Why aren't you home for dinner? or "why are you home so late?" Communication is key, even when some details cannot be explained.

So here is to all of the people feeling envious of someone's green grass. Hopefully, instead of contemplating what you do not have, think about all that you are blessed with in this world.

Happy 2011!

Control

I realized, the things I find important, are not so important, except for my mental state of mind. It's only me trying to take control of situations, since I cannot really do that with anything else in my life; i.e. army. I am taking a conscience effort to eat right, exercise and bring the holy spirit in every part of my life. It's hard though, when your best friend, your spouse, is on the other side of the world and in danger. To compensate for this state of mind, I like to make lists, cross of the things off the list, including things I keep adding. Do you do the same thing?

On another note, at the Px today, the Christmas decorations were already gone and VALENTINE's DAY items were already OUT! I'm sorry, I like the idea of having a little bit of DWELL TIME! How about you??

Christmas is giving!

Mother Mary, you lived your life by welcoming Jesus in your womb and enabled us to draw near to everlasting life. I am so grateful that you lived a faithful life. I pray that I also have the courage to stand in faith on God's promises. It's hard as a military wife of a deployed soldier who actively patrols scary places to remain strong. I hope since it's the season of Jesus' birth, that I can remain just as you did every day of your life channeling God's grace.

I would like to give a couple examples of women that exemplify this everyday life.



This woman's skills are wonderful. She definitely does not take for granted her God given talents. I love how she combines music, poems, art and life within her blog and photographs. She definitely shows the spirit of Christmas. It's my favorite! Her blog is called "Quiet Life." Check her out!

The Six of Us
It's nice to be appreciated! I am so glad that my MILSPOUSE Secret Santa gift exchange with Wife of a Sailor, went so smoothly! Kim thoroughly enjoyed her "loot" as she put it! She is a wonderful Mom and has such a positive outlook on life! Thanks Kim. I hope you and your beautiful family have a Merry Christmas.

Army Soldier, Army Wife, Army Life!
I may be biased, because she is one of my dearest friends, but this beautiful, young mother really exemplifies Mary. She has an enormous heart that beats for her family and God. I can always count on her to shed a positive light on our crazy life! Thank you!

Lily Burana

"Only when we are no longer afraid do we begin to live in every experience, painful or joyous, to live in gratitude for every moment , to live abundantly." -dorothy thompson.

I wanted to share with you an army wife that I have great respect for her writing skills and her courage. Her name is Lily Burana. In her recent book, "I love a man in uniform" she honestly describes her relationship from the beginning when it's fresh and new to the hard times after september 11. She truly is a marvelous, modern day woman. I am certain, Martha Washington would be proud of her. After reading her book, which everyone should, I decided to see if she had a blog. It turns out she does. I found this article she wrote for the new york times back on veteran's day 2010. I love the way she shares the emotion of watching a war film with her husband. She describes how very different the emotional state of army husband and army wife is through the film. Please take a look here. If you aren't truly moved by her writing, I don't know what will get you then! She is fantastic!

She also has a course on Burlesque dancing with a boa and satin gloves exclusively for army wives. It would be fun if she could do a tour of that! HOW FUN! Thanks Lily for what you do! You may have only received a plastic letter when your husband retired, but what you do trickles down to all of army wives. Thank you.

Picture taken from LATIMES

Wives in Bloom

Wives in Bloom 
If you are a woman, you will appreciate the article from Christian Military Wives by Corrie Matthews, chaplain's wife located at Ft. Carson, CO. 

Are you a lifegiver? A lifegiver is someone who enhances your life with inspirational words and actions. They are someone who puts the swing back in your step. I am sure you know someone that is a lifegiver. I am thankful for you milspouse bloggers, family and friends who also do that for me.

shutterfly

Hey bloggers out there!! If you have any desire to send a CHRISTMAS card this season, please take a look at shutterfly. They are offering 50 complimentary holiday cards to those that blog. How cool!! Hope you take advantage of this great offer! I know I will! We have a big family and this would save us some dinero this season.

We are going to do a little bit of a spin on the typical "christmas card." Last year, I don't even think we sent one. We probably could have done the typical wedding photograph, since it was our first year of marriage. However,  he was in Korea and I was working at the family business. In addition, I was planning for my visit to see him...half way across the world. There was not a lot of time for Greeting cards. This year is different. We are together, for at least the beginning of the holiday time and we decided to do a photo card. I had the idea of an ugly sweater christmas card. You know, those obnoxious sweaters with bells and whistles (literally) and santa hats with snow flakes and tight turtlenecks. You get the idea? Somehow I talked my macho, army, officer, to take part in this photograph. We have crazy outfits and even goofier facial expressions. Our family will be in for a funny surprise!

I thought about going up to the local walmart to have our holiday card developed, but then I remembered how shutterfly did them a couple years ago for us. I liked the way they turned out and I also wanted to get address stickers. PERFECT! Then,  I hear that because I am a blogger, I have the opportunity to get 50 complimentary cards. DOUBLE PERFECT! I am also applying for a contest picture with our pups. We will see how that goes, because there are some really great participants.
Take a look!

Contest details

Today or Tomorrow?

Do you ever feel like you are on a ride that won't stop? You want to get out, stretch your legs, go to the bathroom, and maybe get a snack, but the driver keeps trucking along. Sometimes we need to take a breath in this life. I know I need to. Make sure you let the driver stop once in awhile... especially if you are the driver. We are always in a rush to get to the next stop. "As soon as I pack and the movers come, then I can relax." or "As soon as I unpack and get things the way I want them to be, then I will be happy." We have to remember that life is a ride we want to enjoy. We can't always look towards the future or else we are not going to enjoy what's happening in front of us. However, this countdown of ours, is winding down, and we only have a couple little things to complete before we are back in each other's arms. He is busy the next couple weeks with his Ranger Packing List, cleaning up his hell-hole of a room and getting the heck out of there. He is pretty pumped about it (going home, not the cleaning). I am a little concerned with how well he will get that room cleaned. He told me he might have to get a wax machine. I am busy with the movers here and finishing my last week of work. I am also trying to register for a couple of classes this fall for my masters in teaching and a YMCA type Photography class. Fun Fun FUn! SO Enjoy your day today and all the days ahead.

Army Wife Friends

For those of you who do not already know, one of my favorite past times is blogging. I am desperate to know more about this art. (I currently am purchasing Blogging for Dummies...we'll see how that goes). I am constantly wanting to add, change, delete edit my blog to make it as beautiful and artistic as some of my other milispouse's.

These invisible soldiers take the time to share with the world (internet) a different battle besides war. They tell the home front stories. They give us strength because we know we are not "blogging" or living this lifestyle alone. I find it comforting to know that I am not the only female in the world that knows how to fix the garbage disposal or unclog the laundry tub. I am not afraid to drill a hole in the wall or take the "smelly" trash outside. Home Depot and Lowes are not stores I have never frequented. While their husbands serve this country, the wives battles are over when their soldiers return home. They are honest with their battle wound scars. They are strong, hard working, self-sufficient and independent. When they long for their husband, they grab a bottle of Old Spice to "smell" (or wear). They sleep next to an old worn t-shirt or clink dog tags together for a familiar sound. I am similar to many of these women whom I call my blogging friends. We might not know each other personally, but sharing with us gives me a sense of calmness.

This year was our first year of marriage and we had to spend it on different continents, 6,000 miles apart. As this year long deployment comes to a close, I would like to personally thank some important women in my life. Some of you are my family, but some of you I have never met. Thank you to all!

Linda (Mom) - Thank you for your hospitality and helping with Charlie.
Alexandra - Thank you for being such a great sister and friend.
Mother Mary - Thank you for including me in family affairs while my husband, your son was away.
Leslie - You are a wonderful friend and our talks mean so much to me.
Lisa - Thank you for giving me a job! It was fun and it kept me busy.
Meghan and Diana - P90x girls. Thank you for encouraging the healthy exercises with me.

Happy life as an army wife - Thank you for your posts, pictures and sharing your life. I think my life parallels with you at times and I enjoy sharing that connection.

A little pink in a world of cammo - Thank you for being very honest. You have had a world wind of a year, but your strength to keep going is inspiring. Not one of us, wants to talk about the chance of a combat death. However, there is always that chance and reading your blog about your life shows women they can go on with their lives and honor their fallen soldier. You have a beautiful baby and I wish you the best of luck.

Household Diva - Thank you for teaching me about privacy, the beauty of children and how it's fun to be a mother in this army life. You make it look easy!



Everyone of you is unique and there is no question that any of us are superwives all the time, but we are not the hot mess pining for our husbands at the door either. We are somewhere in between this. NO matter where we PCS, we have this blogsphere to socially connect. It is a bond shared that I am thankful for.

army vs marriage chain of command

So this is what I did today:
Woke up at the crack of dawn. Charlie decided it was time for his walk at 6am. Instead, I showed him and ran 2 miles. Then, we went to puppy play time. He was exhausted. I thought it still wasn't a busy enough Saturday. We went back (we went Friday night) to the Plymouth Art in the Park. Here is a picture with us, Al and some theatrical man who would only move if we gave him a dollar. (I felt bad when I left because, I left him hanging). It was fun and a definite distraction.

If I keep myself busy, I don't notice the time. Wait. Wait. Wait. One year is almost done but,

waiting on Aaron's curtailment to go through is like

waiting

for

water

to

boil.

The water is starting to boil, but it's not quite ready for the pasta to go in....

It has to pass through the company, battalion, brigade and division. It takes up to 5 weeks for it to be approved. It could sit on one commanders desk for one week each. (What else is on there desk that is more important??) There are so many soldiers in the army, I thought it would be a good idea to list the army's chain of command and to understand why things take so long to be CERTAIN in the army.

You hear me say things like, "well if _____ happens, then we will do ________, but if _________ doesn't happen we will do ____________" or " We won't know when we move until we are put on the waiting list. We won't be put on the waiting list until Aaron signs his papers to leave Korea." It's like a really bad calculus problem that NO ONE can understand.... except maybe Mr. Dawson, the best math teacher ever! (ha!)

I am stronger when I have a sense of direction. I like to be spontaneous, but I feel the need to be in control organized and plan. BUT, the army's chain of command comes before "The Wife" (me). We won't know when he can sign out of Korea until his curtailment is approved. Ok... by the way, What the heck is a curtailment?. You definitely hear me say this word. I kind of like the way it sounds. Say it out loud! It sounds happy! Basically it's a piece of army documentation that shortens his original orders. He will leave Korea earlier then his one year commitment if it is approved. (There is "IF" again).

If you click the website below, it has an extensive explanation of the chain of command.

How the Army is organized.

UNIT                                                  Soldiers                                                             Commander
A Division                                 10,000 to 30,000 soldiers                                       Major General

A Brigade                                 3,000 to 5,000 soldiers and 2 or more battalions    LT Col or Brig Gen

A Battalion                               500 to 1500 soldiers and 2 to 7 companies            LT Colonel or Col

A Company                              75 to 200 soldiers and 2 or 3 platoons                   Captain or Major

A Platoon                                 16 to 50 soldiers 2 to 4 squads                              LT and assisted by the    
                                                                                                                            (NCO),  Platoon Sgt

A Squad                                   8 to 13 soldiers                                                    (NCO) Staff Sergeant

A Fire Support Team is broken up within a squad consisting of 4 to 5 sodliers.  A Fire Support Officer, the Fire Support (NCO) and Fire Support Specialist.

A Fire Support Officer (ADP's job) helps plan, coordinate and execute the company's fire support.


Have a fabulous weekend! My favorite little 13 year old is graduating this weekend! Much love to Miss Abigail! So excited to see you Sunday! Your brother and I are sooo Happy for you!

Milspouse

I've discovered a new term... "milspouse." It's pretty much slang for military spouse. When you are married to a man in service you are known as a spouse. You are not a civilian, you are a spouse. If you are looking for a title, apparently that is it. After this year long unaccompanied "deployment" (in quotes because it's not in a combat zone), and almost a year of marriage, this is my title; spouse. I believe that is not all that I am, but it's a BIG part.

We are preparing for our big move to New York. Let me tell you what an ordeal this can be! "I have moved a total of ______ times in ______ years." This statement is getting a little ridiculous. I have learned to keep my office in my purse. I have my POA, Orders, Marriage License, ID, Passport ready to flash at the next office. LUCKILY, the transportation office here in Michigan is very accommodating (maybe that is how the AF works?) Since all of our belongings are in storage, the movers will arrange to pick it up from there and transport it to Ft. Drum.... with no address, because we do not know where we will live yet! They will store it in a government warehouse for 90 days. Of course, we will not be able to conveniently use our government warehoused belongings. We will move to NY and most likely rent an apartment.... but wait... not furnished, because we have CHARLIE. No place will rent month to month with a dog or let us stay in a furnished apartment with a dog... understandable. It looks like our first month will be on sleeping bags. HOW FUN! :) We will be on the waiting list for an Officer's house on post once Aaron is signed out of Korea. They will use the date he left FOR Korea (sept 13, 2009) as the date we are on the waiting list. Hopefully, with luck on our side (HA! Luck is said loosely) we won't be on the waiting list more then a month! (Waiting list is currently 3-4 months).

This month Aaron will be in the field for a week in July. He hopefully will return and we will leave for ny right before our anniversary. I am currently working with the summer camps at Lawrence Tech. 

I hope everyone has a fabulous fourth!

Military Wife

I received this email from one of my friends who is also an Army wife. I thought I would share it on the blog.


Military Wife

Lots of moving... Moving...Moving...Moving far from home...Moving two cars, three kids and one dog...all riding with HER of course. Moving sofas to basements because they won't go in THIS house; 
Moving curtains that won't fit; Moving jobs and certifications and professional development hours.
Moving away from friends; Moving toward new friends; Moving her most important luggage: her trunk full of memories.

Often waiting...Waiting...Waiting...Waiting for housing. Waiting for orders. Waiting for deployments.
Waiting for phone calls. Waiting for reunions. Waiting for the new curtains to arrive. Waiting for him to come home, For dinner...AGAIN!

They call her 'Military Dependent', but she knows better: She is fiercely In-Dependent.

She can balance a check book; Handle the yard work; Fix a noisy toilet; Bury the family pet...

She is intimately familiar with drywall anchors and toggle bolts. She can file the taxes; Sell a house;
Buy a car; Or set up a move........all with ONE Power of Attorney.

She welcomes neighbors that don't welcome her. She reinvents her career with every PCS; Locates a house in the desert, The Arctic, Or the deep south. And learns to call them all 'home'. She MAKES them all home.

Military Wives are somewhat hasty...They leap into: Decorating, Leadership, Volunteering, Career alternatives, Churches, And friendships. They don't have 15 years to get to know people.
Their roots are short but flexible. They plant annuals for themselves and perennials for those who come after them.

Military Wives quickly learn to value each other... They connect over coffee, Rely on the spouse network, Accept offers of friendship and favors. Record addresses in pencil...

Military Wives have a common bond... The Military Wife has a husband unlike other husbands; his commitment is unique. He doesn't have a 'JOB' He has a 'MISSION' that he can't just decide to quit.
He's on-call for his country 24/7. But for her, he's the most unreliable guy in town! His language is foreign: TDY, PCS,OPR, SOS, ACC, BDU, ACU, BAR, CIB, TAD
And so, a Military Wife is a translator for her family and his. She is the long- distance link to keep them informed; the glue that holds them together.

A Military Wife has her moments...She wants to wring his neck; Dye his uniform pink; Refuse to move to Siberia; But she pulls herself together. Give her a few days, A travel brochure, A long hot bath, A pledge to the flag, A wedding picture, And she goes. She packs. She moves. She follows.

Why? What for? How come? You may think it is because she has lost her mind. But actually it is because she has lost her heart. It was stolen from her by a man, who puts duty first, who longs to deploy, who salutes the flag, and whose boots in the doorway remind her that as long as he is her
Military Husband, She will remain his military wife. And would have it no other way.