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The Insecure Military Brat (That’s Me)
I started a wonderful book over Spring Breaktitled ‘The Artist’s Daughter’, a memoir by Alexandra Kuykendall. MOPS International gave it to me and I have a hard time putting it down each time I pick it up. If you ask me about my identity (a key question in this memoir) I struggle to answer. I have grown a lot through the years. Especially now, as a mom, wife, a resident of the same city for the last 12 years. But years before that? I was (and still remain) a Military Brat. I was always a little awkward. I had a SUPER hard time making new friends. The shy introvert who just wanted…
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Full of Thanks
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday by far. Christmas and Easter shape my life but have become way too commercialized and, in general, we’ve lost the meaning. There’s not much pressure with Thanksgiving though. Wednesday I’ll turn the music up, bake some cookies, pies and bread. I’ll enjoy having the kids’ help once in awhile (especially with the cookie part) and then Thanksgiving, this year, we’ll head to hub’s family gathering; sixty to seventy of his closest relatives. No fuss, just family. I also love taking the time to enjoy what we are thankful for. This year, at dinner, we have gone around the table each day and said something we are thankful for. …
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New Friends, Motherhood and Growth
We are well into the autumn schedule. Boys are at school, my toddler and I are settling into a great routine, which includes some Disney Channel, Lego-time and lots of books. Plus lots of crock-pot time, a newly-painted bedroom and garden canning and storage for the winter months. It has been a great fall so far! But I’m taking on new adventures too. This year that includes MOMSNext. I’m a huge advocate for MOPS. That organization turned my life around from being a lonely mom with not many friends in a new area with a toddler and baby, to an involved mom part of a group; wanted, loved, befriended, needed. …
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What is essential …
Three very different churches. Three very different congregations. Three different families. But one common belief, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – Jesus Christ, John 14:6 Worship today was once again a gift. It spurred thoughts and reminded me (this time) that we (my family, my church-home) are getting it right. I am blessed to have been raised in a Christian home and am raising my family in that same tradition, the same knowledge that without Christ we are nothing. Three very different churches. Three very different congregations. Three different families. Our church is big. Hip to hip, four services…
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Just Wait, military spouse suicide
Spouses looking out for other spouses, Her War, Her Voice! has teamed up with Not Alone to combat military spouse suicide rates and to ensure there is a safe haven for quality help. Melissa and Christina of ‘Her War, Her Voice!’ continue groundbreaking holistic military spouse retreats, as well as Just Wait, a place where military spouses can empower, encourage, and inspire each other through their art and their stories. Who do you turn to when you need help? Make a plan because when you hit that pit – and I know that pit, I don’t know many milspouses that don’t – you need a plan already in place. We are military-spouses and…
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A Minute out of the Norm: Painted Candle Holders
There is something about a candle in Autumn. Even a small flame gives off heat as we adjust to new temperatures outside. Something as simple as looking at a warmly-lit candle can heat me up from the inside out. Temperatures have fallen here in NE Ohio and my neighbor friend and I enjoyed a craft that can be enjoyed of all ages, from 4 years old to 37 and older. What you will need: A glass jar. We used two mason jars that I have used for canning garden veggies in previous years. You can also make smaller candle holders with baby-food jars. This is a great job for recycling…
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Staying Healthy: Get Support
Caring for an older relative, a Wounded Warrior, your own children or any loved one is emotionally and physically exhausting. That’s why it is important to seek support for yourself so that you can remain strong for them. Remember that you don’t have to do it alone. Ask for help from family and friends. Get help from a support group. Support groups are a place to share stories, feelings and information with others who are going through what you are going through. Groups like MOPS are perfect for new mothers. Many churches have support for Cancer Caregivers. Learn more about the New Family Caregiver Benefits if you are caring for a Wounded Warrior. (Caring for Our…
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How Did I Miss this Great Information Resource? The USAA Educational Foundation
What do you know about the USAA Educational Foundation? I have been a USAA member for over 40 years and have to admit that I knew little about this non profit resource provider! They are totally separate from USAA since USAA donated a one time gift to establish the foundation and have completely separate missions, leadership and absolutely no ties for products or services, etc. With an opportunity to talk to Barbara Gentry, the President and Steve Finley, the Director of the USAA Educational Foundation, I thought I could tell others about another resource for your challenging military lifestyle! I spoke briefly to Barbara about the mission of the education…
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Postpartum Depression
Postpartum Depression … I’ve lived it, breathed it, been held tightly in its grasp wondering when I’ll be allowed to come up for air. Eight years ago was a very dark period of my life. I did suffer from depression after my first son, Baby *E*. I spoke to my OB/GYN at my 6 week check-up and was put on an antidepressant. I am thankful for the medication but in many ways I wish there was more to it then that. I wish there was some sort of six-week required psychological counseling, not just a “be sure to see a counselor if it gets worse” from my doctor. The medication…
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MY Deployment Story
Forewarning: I know I have some MOPS friends that read the blog. THANK YOU! But if you haven’t been to your MOPS meeting yet I kind of spell out my ‘talk’. You might not want to read this if you don’t want to see it all spelled out before hand 🙂 (Our church is fortunate to have three chapters of MOPS … I spoke for the first chapter and have two more to go.) I DID IT! I was nervous … I worked over the course of the weekend (with some help from my mom, a retired Air Force wife) to get the words right … I got up a…
