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A Gift of Your Time
This weekend’s 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks brought a lot of reminiscing for America and individuals. “We Will Never Forget … “ Where we were, why did this happen and how we responded as a nation. The images just flowed through my head of the towers burning in New York, the Threat Condition Delta on our military installations, locked and loaded automatic weapons at the installation entry points, a command post full of very determined airmen and the President reading to a young group of children. So many to remember … As we were enjoying our coffee and breakfast this morning, I pulled out our calendar with special…
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Ode to the Coffee Bean
Just the thought of you motivates my legs to bear the full weight of my zombied body at some ungoldy hour as I trudge down the stairs in the morning; Your sweet aroma awakens my senses, helping my eyes to see beyond my nose, aiding my nose to take in the sweet perfume of a fresh new day (I”m sure that is what it is … as opposed to last night’s garbage or yesterday’s dinner dishes); The site of your sweet juice flowing into my favorite mug reminds me that ‘this too shall pass’: the baby will someday sleep through the night, the toddler will soon not be afraid of the monsters in his…
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Norwegian Waffles for Syttende Mai
It is almost time to say “Hurra for syttende mai”! I can hear the old ladies in my childhood church chatting and clacking… most of them had dentures that didn’t fit quite so well. They had stamina, girth and a love for breads. Yes, these were Norwegian women. They were a tad formal, my Grandma referred to her best friends as Mrs. Otto Andersen, Mrs. Moy, or Mrs. H. C. Andersen. This made me smile, as I can picture these women in sensible shoes, baggy hose, blue suits of every shade, clutch purses and a handkerchief in hand. Each had an open house policy… come on over and have a…
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Disregarding Allergy: A Sweet Sensation
Allergies… disgusting.Disgruntling: scratchy throat, drainageDisparaging: headacheDisrespectful of our happiness!But my goodness seems everyone has an allergy of some type, and at some time.Our household has hay fever, pine pollen, and yucky moldy oak leaves. However, we LOVE being outside. So, will allergies stop us…. no way.So on this Earth Day… it is time to get out and check out the garden for tiny spinach leaves or pea plants that should be poking out.Time for Kleenex, hydration and hot drinks.My elixir is coffee. I know… not the best for hydration, but oh how it soothes and gives me a bit of zip.Dale cuddles his cup of tea. And today, for a…
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Who is your BFF?
The other day my 5 year old jumped off of the bus. A big smile on his face. A quicken in his step. I could tell he had a great day. “How was your day, honey?”“Good“Pause…“Guess what, Mom? I have a BEST friend.” “Who is that?” “*P*. He is in my class AND he rides my bus. *P* always asks me to sit by him.” Now that IS a reason to declare it a great day. The realization that you have a friend. Not just any friend… but a best friend! Who can you be a friend to today? Invite someone in the area you’ve lost touch with over for coffee. Perhaps someone…
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Valentines Day Dress It Up!
Valentine’s Day!Pure fun.Simple decorations can turn a coffee table into a place to sit and talk, read poetry and remember that romance is alive and well and living within! Candle holders of every shape and size bring warmth and generate smiles. Pinks and reds carry the love theme. Have fun decorating, and do not worry about perfect matches! Need some great poems? Here are some snippets. Lord Byron is there for you!“She Walks in Beauty” She walks in beauty, like the nightOf cloudless climes and starry skies;And all that’s best of dark and brightMeet in her aspect and her eyes…… “To Ellen”Oh! might I kiss those eyes of fire,A million…
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Winter Weather Driving
Brrrr … It is cold out across the great Midwest. It is winter after all and inclement weather is to be expected! Today my family will be packing up and driving several hours to meet the two newest members of our family: Twins! a beautiful niece and nephew. But with that comes a 5+ hour drive, leaving lots of room for a bumpy ride. What do you pack in your car in case of emergency during inclement weather and possible time stuck in the car on the side of the road? On my to to-pack-in-case-of-emergency is: Blankets Hats, gloves, jackets Some candles and a lighter. (I asked this question on…
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Week in Review: Week of January 2 – 8 (Military News) #MilitaryMon
Popular Articles for the week of January 2nd through 8th on MilitaryAvenue.com: The Military Family Should Be the Next “TIME Person of the Year” The Military Family is a Hero group! Self sacrifice is their first name and we come in all sizes and shapes! There is not a more diverse group of Americans who serve their country. … Have You Been “Cutting Out Coupons” for Your Bank Services? The beginning of a New Year is always a time of financial considerations for the military family! We have traveled to family Christmas and other celebrations, purchased presents and just received our bank statements for December. … Face of Defense: Soldier…
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Clumping
It is Sunday. I got up this morning in time to say good-bye to hubs. I got dressed. Sipped some coffee. Made breakfast for the boys. Nursed the baby. Then we headed out the door! Time for church. One of my favorite activities of the week. Today was my first time putting Baby *L* in the nursery. He will be 5-months old this week. Wow how time flies! So there we are standing in the church nursery entry. We checked in. I gave them the rundown (including a bottle that I admitted was more for my own humor as he refuses to take one). They gave me my pager. I…
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Care Package Ideas
Find more Care Package Ideas and muchmore from MilitaryAvenue on Pinterest I really enjoyed a blog post from the DoD’s Family Matters blog and wanted to be sure to share it with you. These are some great ideas for a wife, daughter, sister, friend that is deployed but you can always take the thought and apply it to your loved-one. [Like I’m thinking if I sent my husband curtains and a comforter he would have been more ‘annoyed’ then appreciative… but maybe that’s just my hubs ;)] The following are some care package items I found especially awesome while I was deployed:– A stack of 11×17 landscape prints from a…
