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Hiking in the Cold North
I set a personal record for a winter hike yesterday! It was a cold day but not bitter like it had been for a while (seemed like months actually). It was a long ways from those hikes in Panama, Nevada, Florida, Virginia, Texas and other warm places that the Air Force sent us. Much closer to Iceland, Illinois and Washington state in many circumstances like the wind chill (about zero during the hike), the snow covered surface and cloud cover. Maybe I should explain why I hike outside in the wintertime? I think they forgot to plow us today!First, I like a challenge! Yep, it is a challenge to get…
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Apple Chips for your Next Care Package
Are you looking for something new to put in your next care package? How about a slice of home? A reminder of autumn? The taste of crispy apples. But how do you get it overseas without it turning bad, mushy, yucky? Enter the power of the dehydrator! To make these yourself you will need: Apples – 4 or 5 per batch An Apple Peeler / Corer (Here is an example over at Amazon) A Food Dehydrator (An example at Amazon) Wash and core your apples, but leave the peals on for some yummy added fiber. If you use a corer similar to mine you can simply push the peeler-arm back and it won’t…
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Military Deployment: Waiting for Dad to Come Home
Books! You find a good one and you jump into it, lost in another world. A good book can teach you sympathy, empathy, show you that you are not alone or that the world is much bigger than you. Sometimes it is nice to know it’s not just you… and when a military child is missing his or her Mom or Dad a good book about other children coping with separation can be just what they need! I had the pleasure of reading a new book by author Kristin Ayyar. She is an Air Force wife, mom, author and so much more. The title is Countdown ‘Til Daddy Comes Home and shows how…
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Valentines Care Package Ideas
It is that time of year. Time to pull out the USPS Flat Rate Shipping box, decorate it with hearts, smooches and words of endearment and fill it with love. What will you put in your Valentines Care Package? It is nice to have some economical ideas. Items he can use but show that you love him. Things that are small and easy to store that remind him of you. Love that is shared in a note, a kiss, a smell. If this sounds up your alley here are some great ideas for your very own Valentines Package: A homemade card or two from the kids would be great. Leave…
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Away for the Holidays – Care Package Ideas and More
There are a few Christmases that stand out in my life. I remember our first Christmas in Iceland after being separated from my dad for six months while we waited for a house to open up at Keflavik NAS. He had to report without his family but just before the holidays new friends opened up their home to us so that we could be together as a family. Our house would be ready when they returned from a vacation back to the states. That was the Christmas of Homecoming. (Although a new home, but home none the less). Another very memorable Christmas for me was the year my husband was in…
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Father’s Day Care Package Ideas
Sending a letter to Dad Kids say the darndest things! It is the truth. I got some wonderfully done papers for Mother’s Day from my first grader. My favorite line on one was, “What my mom likes best about being a mother is _____.” His response was “Being the boss”. Who knew being bossy was so much fun, right?! 🙂 I would amend his answer to include giving hugs, kisses, sharing smiles and tickles, ‘Rise and Shine’ and ‘Goodnight Moon’ and every hour in between … but I’m sure he just ran out of space 😉 Now it is time to move from Mother’s Day and on to Father’s Day,…
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Tips, Tricks, and Photos from Pinterest
A few of my favorite tips, tricks and photos for the week: Care Package Ideas Source: Uploaded by user via MilitaryAvenue.com on PinterestCreate a pillow case for your soldier, sailor, marine, airman or coastie. Iron on a picture of yourself and write cute sayings with a fabric marker! Our US Military Source: militaryavenue.com via MilitaryAvenue.com on Pinterest‘Returning Troops Find New Dangers on Civilian Roadways’ – Report from USAA. Very Interesting Military Discounts Source: militaryblog.militaryavenue.com via MilitaryAvenue.com on PinterestMilitary Discounts in your area – monthly email with local businesses that support the military-families. Easy to sign up. Military Children – Ways to Support Them Source: militarykidsconnect.org via MilitaryAvenue.com on PinterestFrom our…
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A Contrast Between Men
A Contrast between MenBoth professors, trained, educatedProfessors at same school of lawOne serves his country The other rebukes those who support the troopsOne shows honor by resigning when he disagrees with position of law schoolOne hides behind freedom of speech while he dishonors with false claims those that protect himProfessor Robert Roughsedge, Major US Army Reserve in Kabul Afghanistan – Serves and ProtectsProfessor Michael Avery, Suffolk University Law School Via email “I think it is shameful that it is perceived as legitimate to solicit in an academic institution for support for men and women who have gone overseas to kill other human beings.” Where is the loud sound of bells…
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A Book Review: “Home and Away” A Story of Family In A Time Of War by David and Nancy French
I laughed and I cried (mostly laughed)! What a great book for military couples, their families and even their civilian friends! “Home and Away, A Story of Family in a Time of War” by David and Nancy French brought back memories and new images of warfare and families! This book will help military families see themselves during the two wars that our country is fighting! Or maybe, not the whole country as David felt as he read about a soldier with a family, wounded in war? “Why not me?” asked David. As a 37 year old, comfortable and living well as a lawyer, he was convinced of a gap between…
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Father’s Day and a Military Deployment
Three quick things: Father’s Day is just about a month away and if you have a deployed-father in your life /now/ is the time to get shopping, boxing and shipping! If you are looking for some care package ideas be sure to check this blog out: Father’s Day from Afar: A letter from our oldest, 14; Some pictures from our 3 and 5 year older from their “Write from the Heart” books; My 5 year old made a ‘dot to dot’ for Dad. I’m not sure it actually makes a picture – but he sure enjoyed doing it and that is what counts!; A copy of my 5 year-old’s preschool…
