tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7472260058064393632024-03-19T07:56:33.521-05:00Blessings of a Military LifeA Guide to living the good life the Military has to offer!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747226005806439363.post-56755419562947517472010-09-08T22:51:00.003-05:002010-09-08T22:55:02.365-05:00Sending Prayers...<strong><span style="color:#6600cc;">God wants to breathe new life into your dreams and heart! You may be about to give up...but God wants you to hold on! I am sending prayers and love to all of my fellow Military Wives!</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#6600cc;">Much Love and Military Blessings!</span></strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747226005806439363.post-71496923490756440762010-07-12T09:23:00.004-05:002010-07-19T20:46:02.809-05:00<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#6600cc;">**</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#6600cc;">Determine </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#6600cc;">to live your Military Life </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#6600cc;">with </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6600cc;"><em>FLAIR, LAUGHTER AND GRACE</em></span></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#6600cc;">because y</span></em><span style="color:#6600cc;">ou are the epitome </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#6600cc;">of Military </span><span style="color:#6600cc;">Wife class!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6600cc;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6600cc;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#6600cc;"><strong><em>Thought of the day...</em></strong></span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#6600cc;">Do right...Do your best...Treat others as you want to be treated!</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747226005806439363.post-13995358261587534922010-07-04T12:47:00.004-05:002010-07-04T12:59:47.623-05:00<div align="left"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><em>Blessings of Independence Day...</em></span></strong></div><div align="left"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></em></div><br /><div align="left">Happy <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">FOURTH OF JULY</span></strong> and <span style="color:#ff0000;">INDEPENDENCE DAY</span> to everyone! </div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">As my Family and I go about our day together enjoying Barbeque, Carnivals and Fireworks, we will be grateful for the fact that my Husband is safe at home with us this year. For he will be deploying again to Afghanistan in a few months and we will spend the next Fourth of July apart.</div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Thank you God for the blessings of being together now and of Family! </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 275px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490111774072314834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9j_CC2DerZc_TN19MV6VOiZrBoaDfBDteYCMki1UX3sQnGV1QOQ-MNGMYaoiy5GsfpMHiOsHLkSLzFyVTRpJ67Ci5suah6ab6UCDNRvUcSz8McIMkBVo03rBLmT61TBeykHj9M-Nk33c/s320/Picnic.png" /> <div align="left"></div><p>I hope as Families around the Country go about celebrating our great Nation, that everyone takes just a moment to say a prayer. A prayer for the Soldiers that have served our Country from the Revolutionary War, to World I, to the Greatest Generation of World War II, to Korea to Vietnam to the Soldiers of today that at this very moment are working in 140 degree heat in full uniform in the deserts of Iraq or in the treacherous mountains of Afghanistan. </p><div align="left">Thank you Veterans and current Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen and Guards!</div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#ff0000;">GOD BLESS!</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747226005806439363.post-54024480904794292362010-06-29T15:10:00.004-05:002010-06-29T15:30:29.838-05:00<span style="font-size:130%;color:#993399;"><strong><em>Blessings of Guidance, Grace, Class, Faith, Forgiveness, Strength and Wisdom...<br /></em></strong></span><br />Today, I am saddened to say that I was on the receiving end of a "cussing out" and a "telling off" by another Military Wife. It is so <strong><em>disappointing</em></strong> and <strong><em>disheartening</em></strong> when I witness and/or experience one Military Wife being so vicious to another. There is absolutely no reason for it- no matter what the circumstances may be or how you are feeling in that moment.<br /><br />There is so much I wanted to say in return, yet I asked God for GUIDANCE in showing me the grace to rise about the profanity, insults and disparaging of my young daughter. I want to set a good example of how Military Wives support each other with kindness. I want to bring honor to my Husband and his Military Career. I want to especially speak, act and behave in a way that my Children will be proud to call me "Mom". I don't think that you can yell at, cuss out, or tell off another Military Wife or Mom and still be those things above.<br /><br />Thank you God for the GRACE to know the difference, the CLASS to rise above it, the FAITH to know that you will handle the situation better than I ever could alone, the FORGIVENESS for this woman, the STRENGTH to hold my tongue and the WISDOM to know how to handle this situation for my emotional and spiritual betterment.<br /><br />If you have ever attacked another Military Wife in words, actions or violence, I hope you will pray and reflect on your motives and actions. And ask God to help guide you to be the version of your best self and a supporter of your Community!<br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 176px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 30px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488294469724803458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTeX8eYd9eVi2p4vEPxvtvi63Yeib4ir4zoVDWpIiAQGkmCbMTDJBLy05zziAN_a_txdnyx0ewLw-47fwWFZDRy7VSh4sw-joB49P2ECxOdghp4CBAsdiHqtOAdcmo2cApXtd5svSlQl4/s320/MLs.png" /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747226005806439363.post-7436023449582339692010-06-24T08:12:00.005-05:002010-06-24T11:49:38.886-05:00<div><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">Blessings of moments like these and the great Men who speak them...</span></em></strong><br /><br />I wanted to share a video link with you today that was sent to me by a sweet reader. Lori is a very PROUD Army Mom that raised one of America's Heroes!<br /><br />I am blessed for the sacrifices of all of our wonderful Military Moms and the children they raised into BRAVE Men and Women serving our Country! </div><div><br /> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 252px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 201px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486383124370293586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicESFMfn3Es3oaaOiy2Wl9iJbdhZObtemX4rRTbx2p2uQMa0fQaQ9w3czBbC7AiTPYjRv8NZqdFynHni8_-7ofVEQXWFurilfIjP9iljxqy_tFzhx_L0JLm0bKGFJcZYNpQhROoUozVs8/s320/vintage.png" /><br />You will LOVE this posting. You will want to watch it over and over again and share it with as many Military Families (and those that love them) as possible! Grab a hankie...<br /><br />Thank you Lt. Col. Oliver North for the speech. And thank you Army Mom Lori for sharing this with us!<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://www.nragive.com/ringoffreedom/">http://www.nragive.com/ringoffreedom/</a></p><br /><p align="center"></p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrDX4254p5epEsUSWvXh4Shf_af8BdbHmGvHRJMD4R6iqQJ2rYHH8m4F86VDcj349Zow0AQTKjSgOCjpkSfbZtHC2FbNcdeWJ9rjNijyeCPDybFQyQoCz7xSPKG7Se6eVSVKtZOTdiXI/s1600/MLs.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 176px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 30px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486338186335582290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrDX4254p5epEsUSWvXh4Shf_af8BdbHmGvHRJMD4R6iqQJ2rYHH8m4F86VDcj349Zow0AQTKjSgOCjpkSfbZtHC2FbNcdeWJ9rjNijyeCPDybFQyQoCz7xSPKG7Se6eVSVKtZOTdiXI/s320/MLs.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747226005806439363.post-3592645899954220952010-06-23T13:54:00.007-05:002010-06-23T14:22:56.514-05:00<span style="font-size:130%;color:#993399;"><strong>Blessings of THRIVING in our lives...</strong></span><br /><br /><br />God is longing to shower your life with the blessings you need and deserve!<br /><br />If you are struggling in your Military life today, whether through deployment, marriage issues or a situation with a fellow Military Wife and neighbor, please turn your struggles over to God.<br /><br />God does not want us to merely "survive" in our Military lives- he wants us to THRIVE in our <em>blessed</em> Military lives!<br /><br />When we have God first place in our hearts, and we are looking for ways to give back to those around us, we can be such powerful, loving role models for our Community! I try to be mindful to put those feelings out into our community, so that our community can send them back to me in return.<br /><br />A wonderful quote that comes to mind is <strong>"Be the change you want to see in the world."</strong> I want to see and feel kindness, acceptance, appreciation, love, patience and pride! And I know I must do my part, live in faith, and extend it to others.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 142px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486050168052539794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Dipwy475mUkgYFa8FESurnJ6JJzRA480dLa7dBaGScWXgObe_R5FX-mgqKtlHhBZUX2178Adn2tUpPegmNMBegCiqy2oU0mdGqiA1ohhaH2zssF1f7yCGYu_Xb8fe1fW2lyEYJyBu3k/s320/MLTag.jpg" /><br /><br /><br />I want you to THRIVE and be the most successful Military Wife and Mother that you can be!<br /><br />Please pass this along to every Military Family that needs and deserves a <strong><em>blessing!</em></strong><br /><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#993399;">Much Military Love To You!</span></em></strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747226005806439363.post-24843261714821956372010-05-26T09:43:00.013-05:002010-05-27T11:18:42.039-05:00<span style="font-size:130%;color:#666600;"><strong><em>Blessings of Good Old-Fashioned Love Letters...</em></strong></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#333333;">To keep in the <span style="color:#666600;"><strong>Vintage WW II</strong></span> theme from <strong>"GI Joe and Lilly",</strong> I thought I would share with you a design I created for our note card line. I LOVE any and everything from that time period. As I see so do some of y'all. Thank you for sharing!</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#333333;"></span><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 188px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475983544743293474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi333yZbp1nJ0rqCCVzp-5COSA0zIJ5S0Bd-cIWe7NHE4qbyEu0ct7bplxHHQFCkJXP1XLqujXOY_OUALK1Jiq0gM0WbWOdKXEqvp6pLL0NP-05Mr-pU7vUmzIuqai4yYJJN3GP5df4jnY/s320/Vintage+Note+card.jpg" /><br /><br /><div align="center">I hope you like them. They are my absolute favorite!<br /></div><br />As Military Wives, we face alot of struggles when our Husbands are deployed. But at times when I am feeling overwhelmed, I think about all of the Military Wives and Sweethearts that came before us. And how truly more difficult they had it. When their Soldiers left, they didn't have the benefit of knowing that in 12 or 15 months, they would be home. For as hard as it is on us at times, I guess we are blessed to know exactly how many days to count down before they will be home. When their Husbands left, they had no idea how long it would be before they saw them again. As it turns out, it would be years.<br /><br />We are also <em>blessed</em> with the technology of email, computer cameras, yahoo messenger and cell phones. We are able to hear from our deployed loved ones frequently and instantaneously. I think about the ladies before us who waited months to receive a single letter from their men letting them know they were ok and where about they were. Which of course had all changed by the time they received the letter.<br /><br />But I also think about how <em>romantic</em> it all was. The anticipation and excitement of receiving a letter. And if you have ever read one of those old letters, you realize that men surely did know how to write back then. The letters were sweet, complimentary and gentlemanlike. And so were the letters that the ladies holding down the homefront would send. It was all about what they were doing to support the war effort and to make a home to nuture their Soldiers when they returned.<br /><br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 255px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475982502144250146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlzf57DEWmMzhIXMpmsBCRd7koIG6JP4nthefHNuWiQbmF4pz4iof811DQiy-tt1PAQu_vIPY4-5pKZGbm2Fw6ODNXjBQ9GnScl4MSe0nMiwdbLvfqIGvp7A5jmaT4tsNcvx1JmpToQg/s320/wedding1.jpg" /><br />It seems in our days of technology that the art of letter writing is being lost. And that is such, such a shame. Will our children and grandchildren even know? You know that nothing is more exciting than to receive an unexpected letter, card or package in the mail. I am going to make a great effort to be better at sending "memories" and not let technology take over. </p>I am going to use my Vintage note cards above and put them to good use when my Husband deploys. And hopefully they will be a part of our belongings that will be passed down to our children and grandchildren, as some of these old WWII letters are to us.<br /><br />I encourage everyone to put down their blackberries, cell phones, texting, etc and pick up a pen with colorful ink and some pretty paper or cards and write sweet, old fashioned words to the people you love and the Soldier, Marine, Sailor or Airman that is so far from home. Send them <em>love from the Homefront</em> that can be passed down to your future generations!<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><span style="color:#666600;">~Military Blessings To You!</span></em><br /></span></strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747226005806439363.post-58522991853841542052010-05-24T14:35:00.009-05:002010-05-24T18:02:36.141-05:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Blessings of Military Wife Role Models...</span></em></strong><br /></span><br /><span style="color:#333333;">I was thinking about one of my favorite books the other day. It is a real life love story between a Soldier and his amazingly dedicated and loving Wife. The story is set during World War II. If you have not read "GI Joe and Lillie", it really is a must read for all of us Military Wives. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#333333;">The story is so beautifully written that you will find yourself both laughing out loud and shedding tears. It is one of those books where I felt I was right there in the middle of it all witnessing it first hand.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#333333;">But for me, the most amazing thing about the book is the love, dedication and faith of Lillie for her GI Joe. Lillie is an exemplarary role model. And if I can be even a 1/4 of the Military Wife she was, I will have considered myself a success in this Military Life!</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#333333;"></span><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 263px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474969423825088514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zDeNDIvG38aj3l1caRD-i1lGfmocJ8msMZ0TmEooKe5HqFsV_jcZs007dozyeX7pySiLnJO8efKO05r0VE-ZIgCyiTRbW8IlX-FZyod9jGFJgXWZ9bJucNvhigwxT2Jvu64Y2B2sip4/s320/GI+Joe+and+Lillie.jpg" /> The Author also wrote a song with the most moving lyrics to honor GI Joe and Lillie.<br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">He was a streetwise kid from Philly</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Just nineteen in forty four</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Joined up in Uncle’s Army</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Hit the beach and fought a war</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">A decorated hero</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">He never talks about those days</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Because of guys like G.I. Joe</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Our Country’s free today.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">She was Women’s Army Corp</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Raised in Carolina dirt</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Escorting wounded young men home</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">From a burning hell on earth</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">The first time that she saw him</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">He was broken and alone</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Lillie fell in love that day</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">When he winked and said ‘hello’</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Lillie sang this song to G.I. Joe</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Let me hold you in my arms, handsome</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">soldier</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Take my hand for we are going home today</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Let me kiss away your tears</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Let me pray away your fears</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">I’ll stay here with you</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Til’ they carry us away</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">They married in the spring</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">All dressed up in Army green</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Took out a loan and bought a home</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">And raised a family</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">The War returned to G.I. Joe</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">In Nineteen Sixty Five</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">The old wounds came back to haunt him</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">But, Lillie’s love kept him alive</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Now they’re living in a Veterans’ home</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">They’ve both grown old and gray</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">The medals earned so long ago</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Now hang there in a case</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Sometimes she finds him weeping</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">As he lays there in his bed</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">The distant sound of battle</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Still echoes in his head</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Lillie sings this song to G.I. Joe</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Let me hold you in my arms, handsome soldier</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Take my hand for we are going home today</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Let me kiss away your tears</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Let me pray away your fears</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">I’ll stay here with you</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Til’ they carry us away</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Someday they’ll rest in Arlington</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Neath' the Red, the White and Blue</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Safe in the arms of Jesus</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">When their journey here is through</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">An American love story</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Not unlike a lot of others</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Except that G.I. Joe and Lillie</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Is my father and my mother</span></div><p><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color:#333333;"><em>Ahhh...</em></span></span></p><p><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color:#333333;">Here is the link to this book and it's wonderful Author, Joseph S. Bonsall. Joseph is one of the singers for the Oak Ridge Boys and is also a very talented writer. <a href="http://www.josephsbonsall.com/pages/main.html">http://www.josephsbonsall.com/pages/main.html</a></span></span></p><p><span style="color:#333333;">I feel <strong><em>blessed</em></strong> that he shared this story with us.</span></p><p><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color:#333333;"><em>I hope you will take the opportunity to find this book, curl up with a cup of tea and bless your Military Heart with this Military Love Story!</em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><strong><em>~Military Blessings!</em></strong></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747226005806439363.post-75817216155527347252010-05-23T15:15:00.003-05:002010-05-23T16:13:15.837-05:00<strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#339999;">Blessings of Peace In Your Life...</span></em></strong><br /><br />Hello to all of my sweet fellow Military Wives! Sorry to have been away so long. As I have started on my road to healing, I have also been helping my Husband through his surgery and healing. Our family has been very blessed! Because of being a Military Family, not only has my healing being taken care of, but my Husband's as well. We were blessed that my Husband received excellent care in a Military Hospital, prescriptions for pain and wellness, while receiving paid leave to recuperate. We do not have to worry how we will pay the hospital bills, pick up the prescriptions or struggle in our family finances while being off of work. Unlike others in similar and unfortunate situations, my Husband can heal peacefully and not worry about forcing a recovery to get back to work to support his family in a mere couple of days or risk losing his job. The Military has blessed us with the PEACE to heal!<br /><br />We have and will take this time to be so grateful that God has allowed us to be a Military Family. We take this moment of <em>peace </em>as a family before we commit 100% back into the world of careers, businesses and the like. As we strive to always work hard, do our best, and give back to others, hopefully we will be kinder and gentler to ourselves as well, so that healing and surgery will never be necessary again. Numerous deployments (as well as every day things) can really take their toll on our Military Families. We can easily become worn down, tired out and mentally, physically and spritually depleted.<br /><br />As Military Wives and Mothers, we tend to take on the stresses of our Husband's careers, our careers whether inside the home or out, our children's heartaches, as well as the cleaning, cooking, yard care, errand running, bill paying, dog walking, Spouse Clubs, deployment care box shipping, grocery shopping...and well, the list goes on. And of course our Spouses have their own mental and physical stress that we try to nurture and protect them from. How many times have we made sure that our Husband's have a good and hearty meal and that our children eat healthy, balanced meals, only for us to go all day without eating anything but a handful of cheese puffs and M & M's because we are busy?<br /><br />We are women, ladies, Military gals. God put us on this earth to care for and nuture the world and <strong><em>we rock at it</em></strong>. But, we also need to make ourselves as much of a priority as we do everything else. Our children will never remember if our houses were clean on May 22, 2010. But they will remember that we had the energy to be kind, patient and loving towards them, because we took the time to be kind, patient and loving towards ourselves. I will admit that I have not been as balanced about this as I should have been. That is why my health is where it is now. My body said...enough. I hope that it is not where you are at today. I hope you are showing yourself some love. If it is where you are at, please know that you are not alone! I am sending you prayers, blessings and all the old fashioned kindness you can hold. I wish you <em>peace</em> in every area of your wonderful life!<br /><br />You are such a blessing to the people around you!<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#339999;">Military Blessings!</span></em></strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747226005806439363.post-37520745557867718422010-05-07T09:28:00.003-05:002010-05-07T09:51:25.294-05:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Blessings of Being and Feeling Appreciated...</span></em></strong> </span><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468535254397964754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAzHWwHY2Y7jrCcT5a4404RwpgvYRm78s8kOVVSZzky5KSDS1UKJM9oMlaXEJ42U9Fq_iWxuUYMWKrjrZpm-lV7uTWOppakgRs8nR64F0vMYbMYfcBErUreS84dTmVtaQUEgevgje7UQ/s320/MSAD.png" /><strong><span style="color:#993399;">History behind <em>Military Spouse Appreciation Day</em>...</span></strong></p><p><span style="color:#663366;">It is celebrated on the Friday before </span><a class="mw-redirect" title="Mother’s Day" href="http://www.blogger.com/wiki/Mother%E2%80%99s_Day"><span style="color:#663366;">Mother’s Day</span></a><span style="color:#663366;"> in the </span><a title="United States" href="http://www.blogger.com/wiki/United_States"><span style="color:#663366;">United States</span></a><span style="color:#663366;">. United States citizens take this day to acknowledge the significant contributions, support, and sacrifices of spouses of their </span><a title="Armed forces" href="http://www.blogger.com/wiki/Armed_forces"><span style="color:#663366;">Armed Forces</span></a><span style="color:#663366;">.<br />Military Spouse Day has been observed since May 23, 1984, when a proclamation by President </span><a title="Ronald Reagan" href="http://www.blogger.com/wiki/Ronald_Reagan"><span style="color:#663366;">Ronald Reagan</span></a><span style="color:#663366;"> recognized the profound importance of spouse commitment to the readiness and well-being of military members. The </span><a class="mw-redirect" title="US Secretary of Defense" href="http://www.blogger.com/wiki/US_Secretary_of_Defense"><span style="color:#663366;">US Secretary of Defense</span></a><span style="color:#663366;"> standardized the date by declaring the Friday proceeding Mother’s Day as Military Spouse Day.<br />Each year, the </span><a class="mw-redirect" title="US President" href="http://www.blogger.com/wiki/US_President"><span style="color:#663366;">US President</span></a><span style="color:#663366;"> normally commemorates this day with a ceremonial speech and proclamation.</span></p><p><strong><span style="color:#993399;">I wanted to wish all of you <em>wonderful, fabulous, brillant, strong, creative, kind</em> and <em>blessed </em>Women (and Men) a very <em>special</em> Military Spouse Appreciation Day! I appreciate everything you contribute to our Community!</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#993399;">We truly <em>are</em> the "Force Behind The Force"! <em>What a blessing!</em></span></strong></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;color:#663366;">* Stop by Camolove.com and check out the wonderful complimentary graphics Dani has to celebrate Military Spouse Appreciation Day! <a href="http://camolove.com/blog/graphics/military-spouse-day-snags/">http://camolove.com/blog/graphics/military-spouse-day-snags/</a><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;color:#663366;"></span></p><p><span style="color:#663366;"></p></span><span style="color:#663366;"><p></span> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747226005806439363.post-9340618391801017872010-05-04T23:49:00.009-05:002010-05-05T00:36:40.425-05:00<div><div><div><div><div><div align="left"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#330000;">Blessings of the Patriot Guard Riders...</span></em></strong></div><br /><div align="left"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#330000;"></span></em></strong> </div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467654763193861234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYrQnHafFq50m4RTHgfMrlnmIUdvqVxlbanWoWEoQWvOLTczMOqHPLRx8bl8p3_Ih9cdzHcqDOo81ZFGhxP95gvGE3c-Tbqss-dU5TQeQc6qZ-P739cQvWQzUlJgBdQ96nVMN2w7TK2o/s320/PGR4.jpg" /> <div></div><div></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"></div><div><br /></div><p>I am sure if you have a loved one in the Military, that you are familiar with this wonderful group of selfless Americans. But if you have not, <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">The Patriot Guard Riders</span></strong> have an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security. </p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467654156140541858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffiHJKDuR4bGCPAHmbhMg-OerOUdTp6SZwUGY2fxY3OT6-vheZSXrm409PFkwkzha5W_kWHagZwJJSG-gCQdTUyk405muuZjE-WFs4bH6p6HnKT3gzNUbC7umYVCg0CXOwm49oUAeVxA/s320/PGR3.jpg" /> Their main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes. Each mission they undertake has two basic objectives:<br />To show sincere respect for fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.<br />and to <strong>Shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors.<br /></strong></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 128px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467649525523427058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ailiLmctay7wAC_OFqsbd2kUyVN96-56pBE4F03Xt-SMBLFXJ7H6vXesKR2Vn9yu72z2B6j84k-Fi4dmvBRsOYXfZyp2p12XUUNx4mMFP67Q5_R3iTf0an11JZ-Odr-N3gfM7-xybsY/s320/PatriotGuardRiders2.jpg" /><br />The group was initially formed to shelter and protect the funerals from protesters from the Westboro Baptist Church, who claim that the deaths of U.S. service members in Iraq and Afghanistan are retribution for American tolerance of homosexuality. <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">The Patriot Guard</span></strong> positions itself to physically shield the mourners from the presence of the Westboro protesters by blocking the protesters from view with their motorcade, or by having members hold American flags. The group also drowns out the protesters' chants by singing patriotic songs or by revving motorcycle engines.<br /><br /><p>If you have the stomach or the blood pressure that can tolerate reading about the above named Westboro Baptist Chruch, please do so. It is sickening and will make you want to cry and scream, but I think it is so important for our Community to learn about these people, and what a true blessing it is to have <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>The Patriotic Guard Riders</strong></span> to love, shelter and protect us!</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 149px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467649872994250018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUhLzJHG-BWqGw_3zHPWQM6qeM6DDGVOwcVNs7bKrJBrH0TV6_A3kBtGyupIbWQiPh1togQQVMXCgUk-qI0pN8RYmhD0lTjLqmSQmGp6qcvEnJ6EGShJQAf-tBDpC9tS_S9j92Aa2XCs/s320/PatriotGuardRiders1.jpg" /> They are such an amazing group of Americans and deserve all of the moral and financial support that we can give them. I for one, feel <strong><em>thankful </em></strong>and <strong><em>blessed</em></strong> by <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">The Patriotic Guard Riders</span>!<br /></strong>I hope you will check out one of their sites froma round the Country...<br /><br /><div>Here is just one of many <a href="http://www.patriotguardks.org/DeghandMSGTBernard.htm">http://www.patriotguardks.org/DeghandMSGTBernard.htm</a><br /><br /><br /><p> </p></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747226005806439363.post-51954501298860728792010-05-04T23:01:00.005-05:002010-05-04T23:20:55.376-05:00<strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#330000;">The Blessing of Blessing Others...</span></em></strong><br /><br /><span style="color:#333333;">Hello Military Friends! I have received so many blessings today that I would like to turn around and bless others. I have a few <span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong>"Small Military Gifts From The Heart"</strong></span> that I would like to send to you. Complimentary in every way!</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#333333;">If you are in need of a little kindness, or a little bright spot in your day to know that another Military Wife supports you and is here for you, please let me know!</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#333333;">Just take a moment and grab our "I Am Military Blessed" Button so you can show your great PRIDE and BLESSINGS to everyone, follow along with us, please feel free to contribute your kind ideas and bright spirits. We LOVE that! </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#333333;">Just send me an email with your name and address and I would be most happy to pop a <span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong>"Small Military Gift From The Heart"</strong></span> to you in the mail. And who knows, it may inspire you to send one to someone else and our <em>Kindness Campaign</em> will grow and grow from there! Heartwarming!</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUu2EV_B___faks6CcgZKr-3wsrIYod9K_4rhIvyFhT2Dn-sMr1t69bVG57oD9b8zZ106HCOPmMlpMXGqCxRPZhzdPWcbgxBrR9BzKVfjh8eDEADLn34ytqGvVCfCl99we4yTR2zk3Nko/s1600/MLs.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 176px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 30px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467633993153037618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUu2EV_B___faks6CcgZKr-3wsrIYod9K_4rhIvyFhT2Dn-sMr1t69bVG57oD9b8zZ106HCOPmMlpMXGqCxRPZhzdPWcbgxBrR9BzKVfjh8eDEADLn34ytqGvVCfCl99we4yTR2zk3Nko/s320/MLs.png" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#330000;"></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#993399;"><em>Thoughts of inspiration...</em></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#330000;"><em><strong>An act of kindness enriches the heart of both the giver and the receiver!</strong></em></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747226005806439363.post-52463401646991682752010-05-03T13:06:00.005-05:002010-05-23T18:56:34.415-05:00<strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#663300;">Blessings of Military Medical Care...</span></em></strong><br /><br /><span style="color:#333333;">Over the past couple of weeks I have been dealing with Medical concerns and ailments that have been with me for quite some time. Some have escalated and could just not wait for me to "have time to take care of them." I hope this month to be a month of healing for all of us!</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#333333;">I thought it appropriate to share one of our biggest blessings in the Military Community. And that is of Health Care. We are blessed to have complimentary care from Doctor's visits to X-Rays, to surgery to prescriptions. I have been blessed this week to have received thousands of dollars worth of wonderful medical care and will receive thousands more this month.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#333333;">I realize that it does not always happen this way, but the Universe and God's blessings aligned for me to receive immediate appointments, dedicated and kind Providers, Nurses and Technicians, h</span><span style="color:#333333;">ealth saving medications and testing. Every step of the way my Husband and I felt so blessed by our great fortune of Medical Care. I know some people do not feel it is free or adequate. But I feel is. On Post, I never have to come out of pocket for any care. And my Family's needs are met.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#333333;">Yes, sometimes you do have to wait for appointments or in a long line at the Pharmacy. Sometimes you wait hours in the Emergency Room. But I have had to do the same in Civilian Doctor's Offices and Hospitals- all the while paying a great deal of money. And there are special circumstances where you may have to see a Civilian Specialist and pay a part of or all of the costs. I am okay with that too. I realize that I save so much all year long with our blessing of Military Medical Care that I am able to be able to afford the other when it arises.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#333333;">There are alot of people in our Country who are suffering and do not have any Medical Care. I am so blessed to know that my Family, most especially my Children, will never have to go without the care of Doctors, Hospitals and Medicines. That is such a <strong><em>comfort </em></strong>and <strong><em>blessing</em></strong> to my heart, soul and spirit! I hope it is to yours as well!</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#333333;">If you or your family is hurting today, please know that you will be in my prayers. I pray for your healing as I pray for my own. As Military Wives and Moms, we have to be so mindful of the fact that we are always trying to take care of others (and at times alone because our Husband's are deployed) that we forget to take care of ourselves like we should.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#333333;"><strong><em>The best gift we can give our Children is to take care of their Mothers!</em></strong></span><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#993399;"><div><span style="color:#333333;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8480JrcVYAWF2Y5BeluvaU0GrgPWi81JE3xh8TXz6CCc2uaJaKeXHcBCrMFgrpoLHn0-AcyF6xDG03FL3QTfXjyqZ6CjSJ2Rtq09tKEqkJyS0v47p0H2U5-LD46vMdFSPYCroDzmM1J8/s1600/MLs.png"></a></span></div></span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#993399;"><div><span style="color:#333333;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8480JrcVYAWF2Y5BeluvaU0GrgPWi81JE3xh8TXz6CCc2uaJaKeXHcBCrMFgrpoLHn0-AcyF6xDG03FL3QTfXjyqZ6CjSJ2Rtq09tKEqkJyS0v47p0H2U5-LD46vMdFSPYCroDzmM1J8/s1600/MLs.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 176px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 30px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467114439458350914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8480JrcVYAWF2Y5BeluvaU0GrgPWi81JE3xh8TXz6CCc2uaJaKeXHcBCrMFgrpoLHn0-AcyF6xDG03FL3QTfXjyqZ6CjSJ2Rtq09tKEqkJyS0v47p0H2U5-LD46vMdFSPYCroDzmM1J8/s320/MLs.png" /></a></span></div></span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#993399;"></span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#993399;"></span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#993399;"></span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#993399;">Thought of inspiration...</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#333333;"></span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#333333;">Strive to be first. First to nod, first to smile, first to compliment and first to forgive.</span></em></strong><br /><span style="color:#333333;"></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#333333;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8480JrcVYAWF2Y5BeluvaU0GrgPWi81JE3xh8TXz6CCc2uaJaKeXHcBCrMFgrpoLHn0-AcyF6xDG03FL3QTfXjyqZ6CjSJ2Rtq09tKEqkJyS0v47p0H2U5-LD46vMdFSPYCroDzmM1J8/s1600/MLs.png"></a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747226005806439363.post-30149415078914553652010-04-23T09:50:00.005-05:002010-04-23T10:13:15.681-05:00<strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#663300;">Speaking Blessings Over Your Life Today...</span></em></strong><br /><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#663300;"></span></em></strong></div><br /><div><span style="color:#333333;">This morning I just wanted to take a moment to speak blessings over your life. The attitude we adopt each morning can set us on a happy, joyous day- or do just the opposite. If you are having a blessed day, keep going, it is going to keep getting better and better! </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#333333;">If you have started out down, I hope you will take a moment and remember to be kind to your self. <strong>Be as kind to yourself as you are to other people.</strong> You deserve the same goodness! </span></div><div><span style="color:#333333;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#333333;">It comes easy to most of us to compliment other people. But for some reason, we have a difficult time being as kind to ourselves. You are probably known for telling other ladies that they are good Mothers or good Wives. When was the last time you told yourself that and really believed it? Say it to yourself now- because you are!!</span></div><div><span style="color:#333333;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#333333;">The way that you speak to yourself internally and the way that you carry yourself is the way that you <em>feel</em> about yourself. And people will see you as you see yourself. And today I hope that you see yourself as the <strong><em>beautiful, smart, capable, funny, lovely Military Wife</em></strong> you are! It is what your Family sees in you, it is what I see in you! Show yourself some love and see your true value!</span></div><div><span style="color:#333333;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#333333;">Take a quiet moment now to close your eyes, breathe in deep...say something good about yourself and feel how blessed you are in your Military Life! The best gift that you can give your Family is a happy, healthy, confident YOU!</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#333333;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#333333;">I am sending you <strong><em>blessings</em></strong> today. I hope you receive them into your spirit and then pass them along to someone else in our Community!</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#333333;"></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxiVbXXDT-K8uwnCIBeH49GjjosMbXn0l8vAN0rY4c-3ysuwMamFkW6Yp246oUBCWWjl2jR5RqX0DU48uaI59UN3-V24xTcrTXYeK2vF_9u7LdI9Ml8dFmWt5kFy4BL3OYVU12PdBB2ic/s1600/MLs.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 176px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 30px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463349304397465714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxiVbXXDT-K8uwnCIBeH49GjjosMbXn0l8vAN0rY4c-3ysuwMamFkW6Yp246oUBCWWjl2jR5RqX0DU48uaI59UN3-V24xTcrTXYeK2vF_9u7LdI9Ml8dFmWt5kFy4BL3OYVU12PdBB2ic/s320/MLs.png" /></a><br /><div><strong><em><span style="color:#663300;"></span></em></strong></div><br /><div><strong><em><span style="color:#663300;"></span></em></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#993399;"><em></em></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#993399;"><em></em></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#993399;"><em></em></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#993399;"><em></em></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#993399;"><em>Thought of Inspiration...</em></span></strong></div><div></div><div></div><div><strong><span style="color:#993399;"><em></em></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#333333;"><em>Do good for yourself and bring out the good in others!</em></span></strong></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747226005806439363.post-53957789479604791442010-04-22T11:29:00.007-05:002010-04-22T21:59:20.157-05:00<span style="font-size:130%;color:#663300;"><strong><em>Blessings of Supporting Military Wife Owned Businesses...</em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#663300;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#663300;"><span style="color:#333333;">I think it is important for us to always support businesses in our Military Community. Military Wives are so creative and innovative and create items, projects and causes that cater to our Military hearts and lifestyles. I am a Military Business Owner myself. My Company was created <strong><em>for</em></strong> Military Families, <strong><em>by</em></strong> Military Families, and give back proceeds <strong><em>to</em></strong> Military Families. I want to be successful for my family. And I want just as much for other Military Wives, Moms and Dads to be successful for their families as well!</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#663300;"><span style="color:#333333;">I will always try to support a Military Family Owned</span><strong><em> </em></strong><span style="color:#333333;">Business first. There may be times that they are a bit more expensive because they are operating on a much smaller scale than big Companies. And there may be times that it takes a bit longer to receive items simply because they are PCSing, on Block Leave, or preparing for a Homecoming. But for me, it is all worthwhile showing my support for my fellow Military Wives.</span></span><br /><br /><p><span style="color:#663300;"><span style="color:#333333;">I am going to frequently showcase a Military Family Owned Business so that they can be introduced to as much of the Community as possible. I want them to be successful. I want us to look for ways to support them. I know some blogs and sites ask people to submit one of their items for review so they can write about them. I do not want to do that. I simply want to <strong><em>share</em></strong> any cute product, great service or worthy cause so that we can ALL be a part of making our great Military Community a success! I hope you will join me!</span></span></p><p><span style="color:#333333;">I ordered this sign from a Military Spouse Owned Company named <strong>Household6Handmade.<br /></strong>Their site is <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/household6handmade">http://www.etsy.com/shop/household6handmade</a> and they offer a wonderful assortment of Military Inspired signs and gifts!</span></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463006961793939458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIOw72rJ7yDOLxL7NwaJOXIeaxA9QuSWNuz_RSwz5m-GHfvEUGIY_UK65P3ecbPWCjg5CKDHDnDf22_LawzRkQ6pGRdLLCwHQCUXhx3UzW2tybchFf0bubEyL8m0Ir1wryxnPkjXfgE0/s320/Chow+Hall.jpg" /><br /><p><span style="color:#333333;">This is just the most adorable sign! It is well made, it is cute, had great shipping, wrapping and sweet Customer Service. I hope you will help support another Military Wife and check out what <strong>Jennifer</strong> of <strong>Household6Handmade</strong> has to offer! I think you will love this in your kitchen as much as my Family does!</span></p><p><span style="color:#333333;">Please look for ways to support Military Family Owned Businesses and help them to be a success in our Community!</span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySZ8wP0vxC4PT0cU8bIP5Lyvx1NJsryMvNxSHn1pMxkWO7LG_5On6BxN_r85sRdtDAgUOyi6au-RIjv8V-vVXysbG4GcBLB763NE-_9bJ7KqTw4KNk7MLhaUJvZtKrXouGyZc1IfDFdg/s1600/MLs.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 176px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 30px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463000189780891298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySZ8wP0vxC4PT0cU8bIP5Lyvx1NJsryMvNxSHn1pMxkWO7LG_5On6BxN_r85sRdtDAgUOyi6au-RIjv8V-vVXysbG4GcBLB763NE-_9bJ7KqTw4KNk7MLhaUJvZtKrXouGyZc1IfDFdg/s320/MLs.png" /></a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747226005806439363.post-46679841578821465912010-04-21T17:34:00.004-05:002010-04-21T22:40:01.601-05:00<strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#663300;">Blessings of Welcoming New Military Wives...</span></em></strong><br /><br /><div align="left">A sweet, new Military Wife recently wrote to me thanking me for writing kind and encouraging words. She and her Husband are new to the Military and are finding their new path to be both scary and exciting. Something I think we have all felt from time to time. She wrote how she was trying to be optimistic about everything they are facing. </div><br /><div align="left">I want her and all of the other new Wives to know that we are here for them. We have all traveled the path they are traveling now. Where it seems as though we will never learn the acronyms and vanacular of the Military. One of my all time favorite movies is <em><strong>Renaissance Man</strong></em> with Danny DeVito. There is a hilarious scene where he first arrives on an Army Post and asks for directions. The directions are filled with every acronym and abbreviation known to a Military Installation. Finally Danny Devito says, "Can I buy a vowel with that?" The scene seems so normal to some of us who have been in the Military World awhile, that sometimes we may forget the new fellow Wives around us trying to find their place.</div><br /><div align="left">All Military Wives have something special to offer to each other. I encourage all of us to reach out to new Wives who may be struggling to understand and fit in. Help them feel "included in" and "a part of" our wonderful Military Sisterhood. </div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">If you are looking to spend a couple of hours of quality time with your family, why don't you get some crunchy popcorn, gooey chocolate, bubbly coke and rent <em><strong>Renaissance Man</strong></em>. You will laugh, you will cry and you will be proud to be part of the Military Community!</div><br /><div align="left"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 130px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 182px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462800915905569570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_vTe0C0gLiOv7s4aBGOKLb0E_iqiAHUKmFD9baS_Oq6gAv2BRSQZbgrIgQKSospleLLIpwJeVU1wkhkUZ4TlguGGFV4o8YckHgCDA-XS9UqM6pGDzXvez8etYVU32vdEnWdJlUUcimo/s320/Renaissance+Man.jpg" /> <div align="left"></div><div align="left">So <strong><em>welcome</em></strong> new Wives...and please know that we are all here for you! I hope your Military Life brings you as much pleasure as mine has brought me!</div><br /><p><strong><em><span style="color:#ff6666;">Military Blessings!</span></em></strong></p><p></p><p></p><p><em><span style="color:#993399;"><strong></strong></span></em></p><br /><p><em><span style="color:#993399;"><strong>Thought of Inspiration...<br /></strong></span></em><em><span style="color:#333333;">An act of kindness enriches the heart of both the giver and the receiver</span></em></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747226005806439363.post-21084928611259266452010-04-20T14:21:00.006-05:002010-04-20T14:36:13.672-05:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em><span style="color:#993399;">Smile of the day...</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#993399;"></span></em></strong><br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDIW5L2BbLr9jUdfl8umli1LHPfGNDvdpbKqLP_3wkkS4pQj2c_pSAoUtP67klpysrNk_be7r1g_3Vi7LB-vxOahCyUldeUYS0yJ8lWeRNpfcCfcc4wyuBwn2Yqy0QLne0VkZbClGW-4/s1600/chocolate.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 131px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462304279375835586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDIW5L2BbLr9jUdfl8umli1LHPfGNDvdpbKqLP_3wkkS4pQj2c_pSAoUtP67klpysrNk_be7r1g_3Vi7LB-vxOahCyUldeUYS0yJ8lWeRNpfcCfcc4wyuBwn2Yqy0QLne0VkZbClGW-4/s320/chocolate.jpg" /></a> <div><strong><em><span style="color:#663366;"></span></em></strong></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnp8kO8ZVp_acJu4wJqqTm1zGGOF9pTjuVqP68PO7urxnzUsCKPg4AjEYYIh8OW-gN18fTdR4g-ZdR_D4OyF3oJPUS_wL8KUChT_AhFuAYnIu8swKh2nYrNZ1_bpmZm5nE4wXJEC_Tcpw/s1600/chocolate.jpg"></a></div><br /><div>This is another humorous and original design by the lovely Dani at Camolove.com! I hope ya'll will stop by and check out her designs. They are everything you are looking for to express your Military Pride!</div><div></div><div align="center"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747226005806439363.post-48568772676040490432010-04-16T11:43:00.003-05:002010-04-16T12:14:17.313-05:00<div><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#663300;">Blessings of Military Sounds...</span></em></strong></div><br /><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#663300;"></span></em></strong></div><br /><div><span style="color:#333333;">As I was working outside in the yard yesterday, the sun was shining, the birds were chirping and my child was happily skipping through the water sprinkler. All of those things along with working in my garden makes me very happy. Digging down into the cool dirt to plant a beautiful blooming flower brings a great sense of peace to my life and beauty to my family.<br /></span><br /></div><div><span style="color:#333333;">But I also realized that it was not just the sounds of Spring that were surrounding me with pleasure. It was all of the Military Sounds that were playing in the background. Sounds of helicopters and airplanes overhead. Sounds of live range fire in the distance. The sounds of Reveille and Retreat. To some, these may be sounds that seem so common that you no longer notice them. And to others they may be a nuisance. But I hope like me, you will come to hear those sounds and feel them as a <em>blessing</em>.<br /></span><br /></div><div><span style="color:#333333;">To me, they remind me that I live in a safe community that I love. To me, they are sounds that signal our heroes are home (for now) and are working hard training to keep our Country free and safe. Range fire and chopper blades, PT cadences and Humvees bring me peace and happiness. The next time that you step out of your front door, or come onto Post/Base take a moment to breathe in, close your eyes and listen to the <strong><em>Blessing of Military Sounds</em></strong>!</span></div><div><span style="color:#333333;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#333333;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4xdllcSzN99ZNCm6n8p2GFyq6uGcjODrCG6xMsGUwtUBlASM-DqR3dkbCgD_Rrabc3U8m_65S-UIYApQQcIk6TUArbCYLhsLuWGcw_hMlCjusXfbyCPnuJkkmkABETxyBlrZLyb1n3w/s1600/MLs.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 176px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 30px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460782607117250386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4xdllcSzN99ZNCm6n8p2GFyq6uGcjODrCG6xMsGUwtUBlASM-DqR3dkbCgD_Rrabc3U8m_65S-UIYApQQcIk6TUArbCYLhsLuWGcw_hMlCjusXfbyCPnuJkkmkABETxyBlrZLyb1n3w/s320/MLs.png" /></a></span></div><div><span style="color:#333333;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#333333;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#333333;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4xdllcSzN99ZNCm6n8p2GFyq6uGcjODrCG6xMsGUwtUBlASM-DqR3dkbCgD_Rrabc3U8m_65S-UIYApQQcIk6TUArbCYLhsLuWGcw_hMlCjusXfbyCPnuJkkmkABETxyBlrZLyb1n3w/s1600/MLs.png"></a></span></div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#663366;"></span></em></strong></div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#663366;"></span></em></strong></div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#663366;"></span></em></strong></div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#663366;"></span></em></strong></div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#663366;"></span></em></strong></div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#663366;"></span></em></strong></div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#663366;"></span></em></strong></div><div><span style="color:#333333;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#333333;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#333333;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#333333;"></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747226005806439363.post-7839302774954076462010-04-15T23:21:00.007-05:002010-04-16T00:20:32.825-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_feto_7mQbgTn1J3NFXat4UJfPKtq4g_9sCpiVcflELkNHYW2Ss0YYGI_ta1wqseDQsIungzLSbYZ0ErRuvT_xzJzTw4WNbso7i6t8exTLWA3T8k2IZUUkVu5qUUUtVQVGVXnrbnYeXU/s1600/Blue+Ribbon1.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 227px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460599641255921410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_feto_7mQbgTn1J3NFXat4UJfPKtq4g_9sCpiVcflELkNHYW2Ss0YYGI_ta1wqseDQsIungzLSbYZ0ErRuvT_xzJzTw4WNbso7i6t8exTLWA3T8k2IZUUkVu5qUUUtVQVGVXnrbnYeXU/s320/Blue+Ribbon1.png" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc33cc;"></span><strong><em><span style="color:#663300;">The First Recipient of our "You are a Blessing to our Military Community Awards" is...</span></em></strong><br /></div><div><br /></div><div align="center">We would like to introduce <span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc66cc;">Sonja A</span>. as our first<br /><span style="color:#000099;">"You are a Blessing to our Military Community Award" Recipient!<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc66cc;"><strong>Sonja</strong></span> is an Army Wife, Mother of 2 young children, one cool chick and an absolute supporter of her <span style="color:#666666;">Soldier</span> while he is training at Warrant Officer School.<br />Her family recently returned from an assignment in Germany and will be looking towards their new assignment in New York.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc66cc;">Sonja</span> is exactly the kind of Military Wife Gal that exemplifies our<br /><em><strong>"Military Kindness and Blessings Campaign"!</strong></em><br />After reading her comment to our blog, then reading through her<br /><strong>wonderful</strong> blog <a href="http://bamachik.blogspot.com/">http://bamachik.blogspot.com/</a>... we came to see what a kind spirit<br />she has, what an unwaivering support she shows for her Military Man<br />and how she views all things in her life as "Blessings".<br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;color:#cc66cc;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Sonja</span></strong> </span>fits in perfectly here with us positive gals.<br />And our hopes are that <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>Sonja</strong></span> </span>will become a frequent contributor to<br /><em><strong>Blessings of a Military Life</strong> </em>and will share her wisdom with other Military Gals!</div><p align="left"></p><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROFuV-MxqOMEFNGALnQZUaEOPYqnON-3_Eiu_AKt7EFssGyZisoFtw7Qjod2SNz52_c1JGOWUM07oH35MDzcw844qnWnx0V1ZX1aMMFpk_bWvqNDGkoZzaPejXmGfFzxEyi_6CwNoirk/s1600/TOI.png"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROFuV-MxqOMEFNGALnQZUaEOPYqnON-3_Eiu_AKt7EFssGyZisoFtw7Qjod2SNz52_c1JGOWUM07oH35MDzcw844qnWnx0V1ZX1aMMFpk_bWvqNDGkoZzaPejXmGfFzxEyi_6CwNoirk/s1600/TOI.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 210px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 36px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460597594271964114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROFuV-MxqOMEFNGALnQZUaEOPYqnON-3_Eiu_AKt7EFssGyZisoFtw7Qjod2SNz52_c1JGOWUM07oH35MDzcw844qnWnx0V1ZX1aMMFpk_bWvqNDGkoZzaPejXmGfFzxEyi_6CwNoirk/s320/TOI.png" /></a></p><p align="left"><em></em></p><p align="left"><em></em></p><p align="left"><em>Give to another human being without the expectation of a return.</em></p><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2cdl0H4zmOnqYt_NV-puSy61BhldgUh9vJ5hdiSBImgnbRs4EZPtXxbnzs86zuO-E9iveMFX6i4vx-uiOhbYCEr9DPdMO1kvcxNPxmdcMrQ4uxoFgMg8Es8U9R2fo_jbbTVCtXg_h3o/s1600/sonjacakeEaster--2010.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460593574071800450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2cdl0H4zmOnqYt_NV-puSy61BhldgUh9vJ5hdiSBImgnbRs4EZPtXxbnzs86zuO-E9iveMFX6i4vx-uiOhbYCEr9DPdMO1kvcxNPxmdcMrQ4uxoFgMg8Es8U9R2fo_jbbTVCtXg_h3o/s320/sonjacakeEaster--2010.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmtyAsBnLr4W3T8bu_f5LEiO3IzJVQgAxBO46FyMTc5o7hz4j67C7KuxjFW397Pynp58kYkxzM3UuGpU2sEhALl9fzcdX44iwZ6cwWjuZkWkEb8-EkATcrWFbGlCUK_PRd7SwJYuN7LU/s1600/Blue+Ribbon1.png"><br /></div></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmtyAsBnLr4W3T8bu_f5LEiO3IzJVQgAxBO46FyMTc5o7hz4j67C7KuxjFW397Pynp58kYkxzM3UuGpU2sEhALl9fzcdX44iwZ6cwWjuZkWkEb8-EkATcrWFbGlCUK_PRd7SwJYuN7LU/s1600/Blue+Ribbon1.png"><div><br /></div><p align="center"></a></p><div></div><div><br /></div><p align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc33cc;">Congratulations Sonja!</span></em></strong><br /></p><div><br /></div><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em><span style="color:#cc33cc;">You rock as a supportive Military Wife and Mom and as a </span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Kindness Ambassador for our great Military Community!</span></em></strong></span><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747226005806439363.post-27655204292700967922010-04-15T22:27:00.007-05:002010-04-16T12:20:46.440-05:00<strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#663300;">Blessings of Military Leave and Spending time With Family...</span></em></strong><br /><br /><span style="color:#333333;">Hello All! Sorry we have been away. We have been enjoying the "Blessing of Family". A wonderful thing occurred when my Husband's return from Afghanistan partnered with my Daughter's Spring Break at school. We took an unexpected, spur of the moment trip to honor being a family again. We traveled, we ate, we played, we ate, we swam, we ate...you get the idea. We had a ball reconnecting our family again away from all work, business, email, and cell phone distractions. God showed us his favor, blessings and protection the entire way. We couldn't help but realize how blessed we are to be in the Military and receive the fortune of 30 days paid leave. I know of no other Company that provides that. And I know that we use every single day to it's advantage. So whether you take a fancy trip, or travel back to your home state to visit with Family, or stay home and barbecue while working on home projects, my wish for you is that you take every single 30 days and make the most of them with your family.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#333333;">We thought alot about how we spent last year's leave. Every ounce of regular leave, along with every ounce of accumulated deployment leave in addition to alot of compassionate leave was gladly used to travel back and forth to Texas to visit and care for my beloved Father who was a vibrant, warm, funny, Southern Gentleman, who had just had a stoke. We were not able to be there everyday with him like we wanted. But we came often, stayed long, worked hard to rehabilitate and care for him, then heartbreakingly had to leave again until the next little bit of leave. We were really convinced that my Father would recover and would be out in his garden showing his Grandkids a little bit about this flower and that one. But sadly, at the end, my Father had a long, agonizing, painful, undignified passing. It was the most awful thing to watch, yet there was no place in the world that my Husband (who also considered my Father to be his own) nor I would want to be. We had the great honor of holding his hand and stroking his head and listening to his wisdom and "I Love You's" until his last breath was gone. It has only been a few months since my father's passing and I am yet to think of him without the tears flowing. We loved him, we respected him and we enjoyed his humorous stories in the backyard while he barbecued. <strong><em>The world feels like a completely different place once your Daddy is no longer in it.</em></strong> I miss his hugs. The ones that only a Daddy can give. After we had used our 30 days leave, and after we had used the 40 days of deployment leave, my Husband's Unit gave him indefinite compassionate Leave to "Go and Care for Your Family" as they put it. The generosity of Military Leave allowed us to do all we could to save our Father, then to spend his last few weeks at his bedside day and night, and then to plan a Memorial befitting of the man he was.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#333333;">2009 was a difficult year for our family, but we were able to see and appreciate the <strong>"Blessings of Military Leave".</strong> Again I say, thank you!!</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#333333;">My Husband returned from a 15 month deployment in 2009. We cared for and buried my Father. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#333333;">In 2010, My Husband has just returned from a short Afghanistan pre deployment trip. At the end of 2010, he will deploy again for a year. Which makes taking and enjoying every single day we are granted leave as a way for our family to connect, to honor and love one another and to create <strong>lifelong memories</strong>! </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#333333;"><em><strong>My wish for you is that you do the same....leave everything behind, focus on the ones you love and create memories!</strong></em></span><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#333333;"></span></em></strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1TT1oIeDNM25s23n7mYN7cPhEazJfFHgDL3CUJnQhOIO5sJOVuVIyEhtgx1L6IKzZpVglmgMNhKvEDNaFtUlbcmfVWcbIPSPGaRqh6iJ5Xnls5D5nMQ8MV9cTUg8O0jLrUTrN_ckBG0/s1600/signature.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 68px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460582252556168706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1TT1oIeDNM25s23n7mYN7cPhEazJfFHgDL3CUJnQhOIO5sJOVuVIyEhtgx1L6IKzZpVglmgMNhKvEDNaFtUlbcmfVWcbIPSPGaRqh6iJ5Xnls5D5nMQ8MV9cTUg8O0jLrUTrN_ckBG0/s320/signature.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747226005806439363.post-66021793733802753922010-04-01T07:50:00.009-05:002010-04-01T17:54:02.581-05:00<div align="left"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#663300;">The biggest jewel on any Military Installation- the little Movie Theater...</span></em></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><em><span style="color:#663300;"></span></em></strong></div><br /><div align="left">One of the greatest jewels on our Military Installations is our Movie Theaters. Not only is it one of our greatest jewels, but one of the best kept secrets. Unlike the bigger, off Post theaters, our little jewel plays one movie at a time and is usually only open Friday thru Sunday, depending on where you are stationed. Where we live, there is a Friday and Saturday showing at 19:00, and a Saturday and Sunday showing at 14:00. But some Installations still show movies 7 days a week.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">They show current movies at half the price as the bigger theaters. So give a new release a few weeks and you will be happy you caught it on Post/Base. The price of admission for a Family of 4 is only $10.00. Yep, that’s right, $10.00. That is most likely what you will pay for one adult ticket elsewhere. It breaks down to $3.00 for an adult ticket and $2.00 for a child.<br /><br />The Concession Stand is the same as well. Buttery popcorn, chewy candy and cold drinks are also half the price as others. Some of the theaters still offer cheesy nachos. I however, am still mourning the loss of our nacho machine. I am on a covert campaign to bring ours back. Ok, not so covert, I just ask about it every time we go and try to use my best “Kitty Cat look from the Shrek Movies. </div><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 317px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455166940773178354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCCSBDRP0wMv7BcUuXUn-6JvAuslQhF6r823_uDOWaPpQomGIyQp9elJzg4hyLcOOpw5efZus9ooxyZ5VQegcTc3QsGYYab6rKXEDlkrg61ZM_n8ezDCLvmGvaWP30J7yq5KA2IYaxAQ/s320/PIBS.jpg" /> I am not sure why everyone does not flock to our little theater. Some days you may go and your family might be the only one there. Other times, the line comes out the front door, but yet when you get into the theater, all those people would take up only a few rows. The theater is hardly ever crowded, no one is on top of each other and there is not a bad seat in the house.<br /><br />My best piece of advice is you will want to get there early so you can purchase your tickets, your refreshments and be in your seat before the credits start. Because that is actually the VERY BEST PART of seeing a movie on Post/Base. The credits are opened with the National Anthem and a patriotic video playing in the background. So you sit your popcorn down, stand up, place your hand over your heart and give honor to the National Anthem. I am always surprised when you see a couple of people remain in their seat and talk through it. Have some respect for your Country, yourself and the patriotic folks around you. Teach your young sons to take off their baseball caps as well. I have yet to not be overcome with emotion and pride in the fact that I am standing to the National Anthem while at the movie theater. Soldiers stand straight and tall, children are uncharacteristically silent and Wives are welling with tears. And this is all before the movie even starts!<br />We Military Families R-O-C-K with honor and pride!<br /><br />For Army and Air Force branches that have AAFES Theaters, you can use the link below to check out what is playing on your Installation. And hopefully someone will let us know where to check out Theaters for Navy and Marine Corps Bases as well. These Theaters are an extra special jewel when stationed abroad.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.aafes.com/ems/default.asp">http://www.aafes.com/ems/default.asp</a><br /><br />I just cannot recommend to you enough to support your Community by visiting your own Post/Base movie theater every chance you get. They are family friendly, clean, inexpensive, intimate and best of all play the National Anthem! </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747226005806439363.post-33421400401363351942010-04-01T00:11:00.007-05:002010-04-01T07:50:15.366-05:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em><span style="color:#663300;">Song lyrics about our life, honor, duty to our Country and the ones who feel grateful for it...</span></em></strong><br /><br /></span><div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000099;">I thank God for my life<br /></span><span style="color:#ff0000;">And for the stars and stripes<br /></span><span style="color:#000099;">May freedom forever fly, let it ring<br /></span><span style="color:#ff0000;">Salute the ones who died </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000099;">And the ones that give their lives</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">so we don`t have to sacrifice </span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000099;">All the things we love...</span> </div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">By the Zac Brown Band</span></em></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Song is "Chicken Fried"</em><br /></span></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 178px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455034929104527650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_Vo5EoHsMSkR_dCiRsneWDgn0dgglTT3ij3113J748b2_MHkvnkNM6Xf-GmQnhY2s4f6g_0_H4DmyWBvs9e4GooAJ37tWvFgF_LxWKCpqz2BPN74JrsduUEZgaw2VcVlEOB20RpEUX4/s320/troopsjulyfreedom.png" /> <strong><em><span style="color:#000099;">I am so thankful for all of the Service Members (like my Husband) who risk their lives and give of themselves to keep our great Country free. And I am so thankful for all of the Families on the Homefront who stand behind them and support them!</span></em></strong><br /><br /><div align="center"></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747226005806439363.post-18526138017741781392010-03-31T14:32:00.006-05:002010-03-31T16:02:44.991-05:00<strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#663300;">Bless your Military Heart and Home...</span></em></strong><br /><br />We all know that as Military Wives we are the <strong><em>heart-beat</em></strong> of our Military Homes. I want to encourage you, as I encourage myself to look for ways to bring warmth, hospitality and coziness to your Military Home.<br /><br />One of the lucky things about having your Husband in the Military is that if he is not deployed, when he is home- he’s home. You quite often get extra family time that others may not. Do something special on those days to bless your Military Family’s hearts. (A term you fellow Southern gals will be familiar with)<br /><br />Take advantage of DONSA’s (Day of No Scheduled Activity), Payday Activities and mandatory “get off work early on Fridays” that some of the Posts/Bases are going too. (A way to start off the weekend with your family.)<br /><br />The next time that your Husband is due off work early, have a little old fashioned goodness waiting to greet him and your children as they get home from school. Bake a pie from scratch. A really lovely lost art. (Note to self, learn to bake a pie from scratch) Or even pick up a Mrs. Smith’s pie and pop it into the oven. Put on a pot of coffee to brew. Make it as lovely an experience as possible with your china plates and cups. After all, your family is "the best Company" in the world to use your "Company" dishes for. Serve French Vanilla creamer for your coffee and rich vanilla ice cream for your pie.<br /><br />Imagine how warm and cozy it will be for your Husband to leave his sterile Military office, Motor pool or Hangar, and to not only come home to the family that he works so hard for, but to be greeted with the sweet aromas of pastry crust, cinnamon and coffee.<br /><br />Have a smile on your face and tell them “Welcome Home”. Fill your home and hearts with comfort, joy and blessings!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3QiysNuMxbNE-0Kq6VTurS3v5kLIfUAnuiGuYEknZwWY26mr5rqOb57FoVqR4g2aq7Iinbz-DXAo9QivUHcDFGXpZ0fP2ueEkU7I29IV808qMkl6p4tbKOEemFRepl1XQ0lykuPzAjXA/s1600/MLs.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 176px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 30px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454883663411074466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3QiysNuMxbNE-0Kq6VTurS3v5kLIfUAnuiGuYEknZwWY26mr5rqOb57FoVqR4g2aq7Iinbz-DXAo9QivUHcDFGXpZ0fP2ueEkU7I29IV808qMkl6p4tbKOEemFRepl1XQ0lykuPzAjXA/s320/MLs.png" /></a><br /><br /><p align="left"></p><br /><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FTYznlB34FZQKKUQdnj1Kf8QOsPk1iChihyphenhyphenGjSnquCYq75NN0dgTJDsW7CFJ1IYMWb8IJnlaSW6ZNihpJ-NhtiCHlXJz4aLSP9MEsb-hAWCv1pkZEMKxrLgGbQKxSSWdXK80X4VNeZg/s1600/TOI.png"></a><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454883289366188690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0f6iWsz-hIwImi8vsvZ2aIVAtnX15wsuNx7HIwkETzQNunlgSrA2ikeI4DacO3S_OfC0w4SzV4faz8iSJAFcUs_HvW8JkQ3XiKX1au03KXpUsbJP43HIjsryyyJibktX13VmJSFYvaY/s320/Apple+Pie.jpg" /></p><strong><em><span style="color:#993399;"></span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#993399;"></span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#993399;">Thought of Inspiration...</span></em></strong><br /><br /><strong><em>~It isn’t the great big pleasures that count the most, it is making a great deal out of the little ones. Anonymous<br /></em></strong><div align="center"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747226005806439363.post-84045174830364334672010-03-31T12:33:00.012-05:002010-03-31T14:42:17.548-05:00<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvo5R-24LulI5wLVjNVuTgIfszTQyntKn3OVh9lYEuCzi11-9ewUGZDKCdb8Ky2-QqGjfK202NOBHEf8RWl2-ZLuQ_4C9_Zp9SNIL4oA2jE4vaYTrHxayM1Ubrdlh3mJjsDop_ZUTcz64/s1600/TOI.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 210px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 36px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454852988250393682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvo5R-24LulI5wLVjNVuTgIfszTQyntKn3OVh9lYEuCzi11-9ewUGZDKCdb8Ky2-QqGjfK202NOBHEf8RWl2-ZLuQ_4C9_Zp9SNIL4oA2jE4vaYTrHxayM1Ubrdlh3mJjsDop_ZUTcz64/s320/TOI.png" /></a><br /><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Why our Soldiers do what they do!</em></strong><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong><em></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em></em></strong></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="left"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 192px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454854530869234690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxy_-ybQ2YedZTavFcigJ70RdknKwrN1zVEJLDNMGmECnqDnH_GvSTOMZQlWArIJvFfJH_H5Fn0jOKDslHFjqy_xDyeul1h2DlB76myuLnpwBUM3rOORruPrbnQIBuQIEKyczE88aPBoc/s320/HKW.jpg" /></p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZVTcIUlUkuZ5BL_eGdJnqjCV9DBViInqBpMKjjnvwb2lGixnaBbKJrFQVtbgYwN2_I52sJcCAgE6I3EBueMhy91BEqRANWa_BNYcsmoPPhxgUcY3O-FetTmsCNKyBzWl9Dth__xXEc70/s1600/MLs.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 176px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 30px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454853652637520994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZVTcIUlUkuZ5BL_eGdJnqjCV9DBViInqBpMKjjnvwb2lGixnaBbKJrFQVtbgYwN2_I52sJcCAgE6I3EBueMhy91BEqRANWa_BNYcsmoPPhxgUcY3O-FetTmsCNKyBzWl9Dth__xXEc70/s320/MLs.png" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747226005806439363.post-52827057091051879012010-03-30T07:54:00.006-05:002010-03-31T11:53:01.406-05:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em><span style="color:#663300;">Some days you are that Military Wife...</span></em></strong><br /><br /></span>Some days you are that Military Wife in the Commissary who is feeling good and looking good. You feel on top of the world and that you can handle anything that deployment has to throw at you and then some. You easily find a parking spot. You walk in and the “Pick-up Truck” cart that your children always want seems to be waiting there just for you. You swing by the bakery to find a little snack that the kids will enjoy (and keep them entertained) as you do your shopping. They both want the blue iced puppy dog cup cake. But when you arrive over there, there is only one lone blue puppy amongst the litter of red and yellows. Because things are going so well, they decide that they would like to “share” the last blue one so neither has to go without. Oh, they are angels. They stay with the cart and walk along right with you. They use their perfect manners and inside voices. You are good, they are good and Mr. Bluebird is practically singing on your shoulder. You have a warm smile for everyone you meet and they for you. You easily do your shopping, zipping down the isles and through the checkout and home with ease.<br /><br />THEN, there are the days you are the Military Wife that pulls into the Commissary and find the one remaining parking spot at the very end of the lot. Not quite across the street at the PX, but pretty close. You and the kids make the trek into the Commissary only to find that not only are there not any Pick-up Truck carts, that there are no Space Ship carts either. There is unfortunately the extra, extra long cart with the 2 side seats in it. Although navigating that monster through the slender isles of the Commissary will need upper body strength of a platoon, the kids are begging for it. You weigh their begging against the fact that you know half way through the store, they will abandon the cart to walk, and you will be left pushing the “Winnebago” of shopping carts while also looking for your children that have just run off in opposite directions. You decide to go ahead and get the cart. You head over to the bakery to discover the lone blue puppy dog cupcake. But on this day, your kids are not in the sharing mood. They begin to fight over who is going to get it. No, the red one is not good enough, the yellow either, not even the ladybug cupcake or the Dora the Explorer cookie will suffice. The kids are still arguing, the lady behind the counter is getting impatient, and you hear yourself say, “If you do not find something to share or find something you both want, then we don’t need to get anything at all.” That stops their arguing long enough to decide on one clown cookie and one brown dinosaur. So as you go about your shopping, the kids are silently eating, you dig through your purse only to find that you have left your grocery list in the car. No way are you going back out to get it. So you aimlessly wander down each isle trying to remember what you needed as “Mom…Mom…Mom” rings out. You turn around to answer your kids only to find out they are not your kids. You have become so use to "Mom…Mom…Mom" that you answer to any child saying it. Your eyes meet with another woman looking and feeling like you, disheveled hair, eyes like pinwheels. The kids have decided they want to jump ship (cart) and walk. You knew that was going to happen. But actually it is ok because the cart is getting heavier and the less weight will help. The kids are asking for everything they see. Every sugary good product that they know you never buy but thought they would ask “just one more time”. Your daughter then informs you that ALL of her friend’s Mothers buy it, and she is the only one who NEVER gets to eat it. Your son in the meantime is rearranging the shelves for the stockers.<br /><br />In front of you is the lovely Retired couple who walk cautiously and slowly through the isles enjoying their new time. And behind you is the person who is in a rush on their lunch hour. You seem to be going too fast to suit the Retirees and too slow to suit the lunch hour person. Every time the Retired couple stops, you stop, which causes the impatient person behind you to run into the back of you…for the third time. Once there is a break in the cattle lines, the impatient person behind you zips around you, giving you “the look” and races on. Once you have completed your shopping (or at least as far as you can tell, b/c you left your list, remember) you head to the checkout line. You are driving the “Winnebago” of shopping carts, it is full, items falling off. Trying to snake it through the teeny, tiny roped line is like driving an old truck without power steering. The kids have not said a word to you or asked you a question, so as you are waiting in line you decide to pick of the latest issue of Woman’s World Magazine and pass your time reading. As soon as you do, the kids want to know and ask a million questions. So, you put the magazine down to answer the questions. But once you do, they no longer want to know the answers. You decide it is too much trouble to pick up the magazine again, and decide to study your children instead. They are your angels, they are the light of your world. The bright spot in your day. You look lovingly at them. And just then, your son does a karate kick that accidentally hits his sister. The arguing starts again. You explain that it was just an accident but all she screams is “he did it on p-u-r-p-o-s-e and you always take up for him”. Ugh, you are almost there, you are next in line to hear “NEXT PLEASE”. You have your groceries, you have your kids, and you are paying attention to the sign. Then simultaneously as your son runs off to the right because he spots “bad guys” under the gum counter, your daughter while practicing her cheer moves, knocks into the Toblerone display knocking it over, and as if in unison, “NEXT PLEASE” rings out. You look to your son, you look to your daughter, you look to see which isle is lit up, you flex your muscles to get the cart started to move, and the person behind you <strong>rudely</strong> says “Excuse me, but are you going or what?” Pretty much the very last thing you needed to hear. You get to the checkout line, gather your kids and unload your cart. You reach into your wallet to get out your ID Card. It is not in your wallet. You search through your purse. No where. You start to panic at the thought of your Husband having to file a report to get you a new ID Card and all the red tape that comes with that. Finally you have to dump out your entire purse on the counter. Out comes your make up bag that wasn’t zipped so it all spills out, along with birthday party invitations, a plastic army man, a piece of gum that looks to have been chewed by your 4 year old, then wrapped back up b/c it was too hot. A pile of Walmart and PX receipts, luckily no tampons, but still no ID Card. The kids are whining, the cashier is very irritated. You look again, you find lint, the shopping list you thought you left in the car, a Hershey kiss…(oh, a Hershey kiss. It feels just like Christmas and you imagine how you will let it melt in your mouth when you get home. Now you tell yourself to stop focusing on the chocolate and get back to the ID Card). You go back to your wallet and there inside is the ID Card. Laughing at you b/c it was hiding. You check out, load everything in the car, the kids fall asleep, you pull into your drive way and now must drag all of the bags inside and unload them alone b/c your husband is deployed. You just can’t seem to face it right now. So instead, with children still sleeping, you pull out the Woman’s World, dig out the Hershey’s kiss and you silently relax in your driveway, with the car still idling. Once again, all is well.<br /><br />The point is, we have ALL been the first Military Wife and we have ALL been the second one. And probably most all of us has even been the third one. You know the one where your husband is home, the kids are playing with him, and you don’t have a care in the world as you stroll through the isles with a package of Doritos and a Dr. Pepper leisurely looking at anything and everything that catches your eye. And surrounding you are all the Military Wives who were like you were last week in scenario number 2.<br /><br /><strong><em>Gentle Tips of Reminder…<br /></em></strong><br />If you are Military Wife scenario #1 or #3- Be extra kind to Wives in scenario #2. They need it.<br /><br />* Greet them with an encouraging warm smile<br />* Compliment how well behaved her children are, so she must be a great Mom<br />* Don’t just say “Hey you dropped something”, stoop down and pick it up for her<br />* Tell her how pretty she looks in that color<br />* Let her go in front of you in line<br />* Help her retrieve an item from the shelf as she is balancing the cart, the children, and perhaps a melt down<br /><br />Look for ways to show <strong><em>kindness</em></strong> to fellow Military Wives. We have all been there!<br /><br />*And don’t be the person in line who says “Excuse me, are you going or what?” That is <em>rude</em> and <em>unnecessary</em>. And it is not how we should treat and support one another.<br /><br />*Also, be very kind and understanding to the Retirees you meet. For one day, if you are lucky, that will be you! And you will look back and feel proud of the honor you showed them.<br /><br />If you are Military Wife scenario #2- don’t take out your hard day on others.<br /><br />* We have all been where you are<br />* Tomorrow <strong>will</strong> be better<br />* People are just trying to help<br />* And you will never be proud of yourself for mistreating or being rude to someone just because you are having a difficult day<br />* Those are the days that our <em>true character</em> is shown in how we treat others when things are not going our way<br /><br />And remember, the Post is a small, intimate Community. It is very likely that you will run into the person that you showed rudeness or unkindness towards. Always try to keep your patience and manners so you do not have to be embarrassed for your behavior later. You just might have been talking to your Chaplain’s Wife, your Child’s Teacher, your new Neighbor or you Husband’s Commander’s Wife. Regardless, you are talking to another Military Wife and Mother. Speak to them the way you would like to be spoken too.<br /><br />If you show kindness in a Military Wife’s time of need, someone will be there to show kindness in yours. That is how our Community succeeds!<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSmC16uv1gDqX-tiEQ4PTmVsel1bSo8PFBwWzqMsR_oc1BuzFqB76p9YuiqhG2l5WOCQTnB40Tpl6SW1IDhJWZlAFK12zpjbepUmDufSeDYmF0BaQDMFJWk3cGOJzrPRjLEJoXZJ6C10/s1600/MLs.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 176px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 30px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454436290181372578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSmC16uv1gDqX-tiEQ4PTmVsel1bSo8PFBwWzqMsR_oc1BuzFqB76p9YuiqhG2l5WOCQTnB40Tpl6SW1IDhJWZlAFK12zpjbepUmDufSeDYmF0BaQDMFJWk3cGOJzrPRjLEJoXZJ6C10/s320/MLs.png" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1