Deployment Log: How We #America (Week #4)

November 5, 2018 by
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It’s no secret that some of the hardest parts of deployment are the missed special occasions. Today, my dear friend (and our company FRG leader) celebrated her birthday AND her first wedding anniversary, sans her husband (because he is deployed with my Beloved). BUT… Friends don’t let friends face special days alone! I took her out to a “romantic” lunch at Cici’s Pizza Buffet, complete with flowers, balloons, tablecloth, and a handmade “Reserved” sign. Flat Daddy made it a bit awkward because he insisted on being the third wheel.

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For the days you have to chew your coffee

October 30, 2018 by

“Those” days come at me without warning.

I gracefully glide out of bed (yeah right– more like roll out with a groan) and shuffle to the kitchen.

(I try to shuffle quietly because our son’s room is right there. I’m a shuffling, covert, early morning ninja).

I fire up the espresso machine (we fondly call him Juan Valdez) and will Juan to be as quiet as possible.

Finally, the manna from heaven in a cup is ready.

I take a sip and… GAK. Coffee grounds. [Read more…]

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Deployment Log: How We #America (Week #3)

October 29, 2018 by
Image may contain: 3 people, including Dietrich Knobloch, people smiling, people sitting and child

Goodness! Flat Daddy is such a good sport! He agreed to watch Cars 3 with the Tiny Humans for the 13th time (not exaggerating) since deployment see-ya-later day so that I could run the Twitter feed for Army Wife Network during Army Wife Talk Radio’s live broadcast tonight. PS: Notice Malick is not looking at the camera… he’s looking beyond me at the TV because #BeepBeepTrucks!

Deployment Log, Day 15: Brought to you by the Department of Motor Vehicles, Jason’s Deli and incredible Jesus-multiplying minutes.

1. It’s been a good day, Tater. (Not sure why I’m calling people “Tater” at the moment…) [Read more…]

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Army Wife Network: “Deja Blue” and the Deployment See-Ya-Later

October 26, 2018 by

For the most part, milspouse life is pretty great.

There’s new adventures, great people, lessons to learn, places to see, things to do… But of course, it’s not all roses, sunshine, and puppy dog tails.

In my personal opinion, one of the most uncool parts of the Army wife life are those pesky see-ya-laters that crop up when facing a TDY or deployment.

Just a few days ago, I had to conquer yet another see-ya-later with my Beloved Infantryman.

Gross, I know. #LeSigh

Unlike previous see-ya-laters (because I refuse to say “goodbye”), this one was different. Because we now have two tiny humans who are part of the equation. 

Military see-ya-laters are just so weird. A few of my wife friends in the battalion liken it to pulling off a band-aid. Naturally, the preferred method is to yank and go, then deal with the sting later. (And boy-oh-boy does a deployment band-aid-ripping-see-ya-later sting! #Medic!) [Read more…]

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You Incredible Mama, You!

October 23, 2018 by

This momming thing is no joke, folks.

For serious. Just the half-millisecond I think I have it sorta-kinda-figure out, ka-chow! Something new pops up and I feel clueless.

(Sorry for the Lightning McQueen “Ka-chow” reference. My son has watched Cars 3 no less than 14 times in the last two weeks. #NotExaggerating)

But me feeling clueless is so stinking weird. I would say I am reasonably intelligent human. Some might say I’m even nerdy book-smart. I’m working on my PhD and I’ve always tried to get the best grades possible.

So how can it be that the things my children do (and don’t do) throw me for such a big loop? [Read more…]

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Deployment Log: How We #America (Week #2)

October 21, 2018 by

Deployment Log, Day 7: Brought to you by Costco Pizza, the Blessing Box and, as usual, Jesus.

1. Today was probably my “twitchiest” day since see-ya-later day. I was just wound up all day, trying to deal with what Billy Ray Cyrus refers to as my “achy breaky heart.” I’ve still only gotten like 3 text messages and one 5 minute Facetime convo in the last week with my man. His sched is super busy, but I sure miss his face!

2. I think today got off to a wonky start because the kindergartener decided to rebel, starting at 0554 this morning. I was trying to get my quiet time in with Jesus and she had found the skimpiest pair of shorts left in her collection (I thought I had done a recent modesty sweep, but apparently she was hoarding them). The windchill factor this morning was 38 degrees, so I told her she had to wear pants under the shorts.

3. Epic 45 meltdown ensues. #ParentingIsHard [Read more…]

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Right in Front of Our Face

October 18, 2018 by

Have you seen those memes on social media that depict a kid “looking” for something but can’t “see” it so they come to their mama to help them?

Yeah. Happens ALL the time in our house.

Me: “Charis, pick  up the crayon, honey.”

Charis: “Where?”

Me: “Right there.”

Charis: “Where? I don’t see it?”

Me:…

You get the picture.  [Read more…]

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Army Wife Network: Introducing “Forward, March!”

October 17, 2018 by

Newsflash: Things are ALWAYS changing in our Army wife life.

Ok, so maybe that doesn’t classify as “breaking news.” More like “Well, yeah… that’s no surprise.”

But since things are constantly changing at AWN, we want to try and stay contemporary, and thus we would like to introduce a fresh, shiny, new blog series called “Forward, March!”

We not only want to talk the talk as military spouses, but walk the walk. Or, in this case, march the march? [Read more…]

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Deployment Log: How We #America (Week #1)

October 15, 2018 by

What a crazy last month it has been. Yes, we are still alive. And sorry to confusing being all like, “Hey-o, I’m back!” then disappearing again (briefly). Apparently, deployment prep, parenting two kids and working on a PhD is no joke.

But here we are. And for the next 9-ish months, I will be documenting our deployment journey one time per week (I could probably break them up into separate blog, but this really isn’t a deployment-only kind of blog. I will still be writing about other things too).

These posts will probably be a bit long, but hey, I confess I’m doing this for selfish reasons too– it’s nice to have all of our adventures in one place! (Plus, it is a joy to share the journey with you– it forces me to find the good in the tough seasons!)

So grab your ruck sack (optional) and strap on your army boots. Here we go, ready to #America.

***

Welp. Yesterday was “See-ya-later” day for this deployment, hence why I was quiet in the social media world… OPSEC (operational security), folks.

Yesterday was rather lame (of course– it is expected!) But good news, the kids and I are doing well, moving forward and beginning the transition. Thanks to EVERYONE who reached out, called, texted and cheered us on in person and from a distance! It really helped to lessen the sting as we finally “ripped off the band-aid” after talking about it for what feels like 17 years. (It’s only been a few months, but sheesh).

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Find Freedom, Fearlessly Focus & Flourish in Faith (Part 3)

August 31, 2018 by

(If you are just joining us today, get caught up on this mini series by reading Part 1 and Part 2).

I believe that complacence is one of the most dangerous tools of the enemy within the church today. The status quo is not a threat to Satan’s plan. That is where he wants us to stay, and let me tell you—it is very easy and comfortable! We can fall into the trap of “Maybe tomorrow” or “I will start Monday.” Well, guess what? Monday is coming!  [Read more…]

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