-
Express Scripts and Tricare on Twitter and other social media
Yikes, a week of a much needed medication on hand and the refill is disapproved by Express Scripts/Tricare! What next? We have been a beneficiary of the military medical system for almost 43 years and have found it to be caring, responsive and helpful in most cases but last week we ran into an illogical response to a refill request for a non-formulary medication. I did find a new way to reach out when we needed help quicker than “you can appeal, provide documentation and fill out the paperwork”, etc, etc when you have a week’s worth of medication left. Our family doctor had tried to explain but received…
-
Life is an adventure not a race
How often do you take the road less travelled? Driving home from a weekend with college friends. A trip across state lines, many state lines. Time with just hubs as my boys were at home with Grandpa and Grandma. Ahead of us was Breezewood, PA and hubs was already grumbling about that “gosh awful” interchange. (I just might have edited that grumbling to make it more family friendly.) A last minute decision between the two of us and we found ourselves driving the passes of the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains instead. It was white, pristine, beautiful, a lovely change of pace. The Cumberland valley was wind swept, quiet, peaceful. The countryside…
-
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. …
-
Frankenstorm and Gratitude
My friend, Ann Marie over at Household 6 Diva recently posted on Facebook this epiphany: There is always, always, always, always, always,something to be thankful for. #pinterestproverb We were really walloped by Frankenstorm Sandy. Folks in my area lost power in the storm on Monday, October 29th, and finally had it restored Sunday morning, November 4th. (I’m one of the lucky few to never have lost it.) Kids were out of school for ‘inclement weather’ (to say the least) for two, three and four days. Basements were flooded. Trees were down. Roads impassable. Yet, there were SO FEW posts on Facebook from my friends that were negative. A Hurricane and Gratitude? Can it be? Keep Reading…
-
Fight Like a Girl
I am surrounded by boys. Not only am I the mother of all boys (four to be exact), I am also the sister of two brothers (no sisters for me). Boyhood smells, sounds, sights and visions have encompassed my life since my first baby brother was born about 36 years ago. To say that I have had an impact on all of these boys’ lives is an understatement; the princess, the queen, the “only” girl. But I also come from a long line of strong-girls. My mom, my grandmothers, aunts, cousins, friends. All had an impact on my life and helped me know what it was to be a girl. My…
-
On this 9/11 in 2012, It is Never too Late for our Veterans to seek Help!
“…he did not get help for more than 3 decades – yep, 35+ years and then he felt like damaged goods.” Today is one we do not forget in the United States. Our service men and women have been at war for 11 years since the terrorists struck at us on 9/11/2001. We have lost so many of our service members following the initial terrorist attack during combat and way too many to Suicide. They survive the ravages of war but then the pain comes through … It hurts, they close up, feel isolated and do not seek help or the help is not enough. Their families feel it too……
-
Homework Help
From Kindergarten through High School, homework is a recurring theme through the school year, usually met with loud, obnoxious groans from around the world. If you struggle, like I do, with motivating, encouraging and helping your kids to ‘get the job done’ here are some great resources. What can Parents do to Help with Homework?As millions of children return to school, the burden of homework and new schedules can often lead to anxiety and almost certainly new amounts of stress. This is not only true for the children, but for their parents as well. Homework can be frustrating for students and for parents as well. Research shows that parents can play an…
-
Fathers Day Messages and Care Package Ideas
Three Cheers for Dad!!Whether the Dad you adore is biological or adopted, active duty or a civilian, Stars and Stripes wants to help you pay tribute to him by posting a free message for Father’s Day (June 17). Visit fathersday.stripes.osd.mil to enter yours. If your recipient is overseas and your message is received by May 29, it will be published in the Stars and Stripes newspaper of your choice (European, Pacific or Middle East edition). All messages will also be available online as soon as they are approved. Please be sure to read The Fine Print, which explains our deadlines and other details. Happy Father’s Day to all of our Dads,…
-
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…
-
Bullying and our Military Children
I am a mom. Mom of a senior in high school, a 3rd grader, a 1st grader, and a toddler. My 3rd grader is a bit on the small side. He’s never been on the ‘charts’ and we have even been to a specialist just to be sure all is well. All is well, medically, and his stature has been chalked up to genetics and that is a-ok with me. However, already at 9 years old I have witnessed a few instances of the ‘bigger kids’ picking on the smaller (same age but some twice his size). One instance of apparent bullying was a fellow soccer player, church friend and school mate pushed my…
