Wikipedia says: "Anxiety is a psychological and physiological state characterized by cognitive, somatic, emotional, and behavioral components. These components combine to create an unpleasant feeling that is typically associated with uneasiness, apprehension, fear, or worry. Anxiety is a generalized mood condition that can often occur without an identifiable triggering stimulus. As such, it is distinguished from fear, which occurs in the presence of an observed threat. Additionally, fear is related to the specific behaviors of escape and avoidance, whereas anxiety is the result of threats that are perceived to be uncontrollable or unavoidable."
Did you ever just feel down? Anxious? Then you stop and wonder what do I have to feel anxious about? Most Army wives carry anxiety around as other wives carry their purses. Our husbands are deployed to combat zones every other year, being anxious is part of the life. But when the guys are home, there are other issues to be anxious about; Money, Marriage, Kid Rearing, Moving, Friendships. Extended Family Drama. It never seems to end.
Yesterday morning when I woke up, I felt fine... and now... I just don't know. Anxiety seems to hit from all sides. I guess I feel weird that I have nothing to really worry about any more.
- I worried my entire pregnancy. I hated being pregnant. I was so afraid something would go wrong. Carrying a child and not being able to raise or hold your baby is the hardest thing in the world to go through. Luke is a healthy, bouncing boy!
- I was worried I would be a terrible Mom. I think I am doing an okay job.
- I was worried about moving to Chicago. But everything has worked out.
- I was worried about Dennis' career. But his BN Commander has really taken care of us.
- I was worried about Dennis being deployed, but he came home in time for Christmas! We've spent a whole year of Holidays together.
I wonder if Army wives just have to anxious in order to survive? And when we don't feel anxious we don't know what to do...
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
You know you're an Army Wife when....
We've all heard of these little sayings... Here are a few I've made up in my own day-to-day life:
You know you're an Army Wife when...
... You have a conversation with another Army wife that consists of only acronyms and you understand each other perfectly.
... You can put toys together faster than your husband.
... Your language could make a Sailor blush.
... You can push a stalled car out of a busy intersection while carrying your child in a sling in front of you.
... You would rather move 36 weeks pregnant than to have your Soldier deploy again.
... When you can, without hesitation, tell another the time differences between not only east and west coasts (because you have friends on both) but also what time it is in Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan.
... You can read a Reg better than most Civilians can read a Map.
... You can read a Map in German/Japanese/Italian.
... You've driven on both sides of the road, legally.
... Though you can change that tire without problem, you know it's easier to call USAA and their fabulous Road Side Assistance.
... You know what grade of oil both your vehicles take off the top of your head, where as your husband does not.
... You get care packages from "home" full of grits, Vidalia Onions, and seeds from the other part of the country where your family lives.
... You're excited to live a place where you can fly home for only $300 round trip.
... You like to PCS because it gives you a chance to clear out all your junk
You know you're an Army Wife when...
... You have a conversation with another Army wife that consists of only acronyms and you understand each other perfectly.
... You can put toys together faster than your husband.
... Your language could make a Sailor blush.
... You can push a stalled car out of a busy intersection while carrying your child in a sling in front of you.
... You would rather move 36 weeks pregnant than to have your Soldier deploy again.
... When you can, without hesitation, tell another the time differences between not only east and west coasts (because you have friends on both) but also what time it is in Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan.
... You can read a Reg better than most Civilians can read a Map.
... You can read a Map in German/Japanese/Italian.
... You've driven on both sides of the road, legally.
... Though you can change that tire without problem, you know it's easier to call USAA and their fabulous Road Side Assistance.
... You know what grade of oil both your vehicles take off the top of your head, where as your husband does not.
... You get care packages from "home" full of grits, Vidalia Onions, and seeds from the other part of the country where your family lives.
... You're excited to live a place where you can fly home for only $300 round trip.
... You like to PCS because it gives you a chance to clear out all your junk
Tricare and the Healthcare Bill
I don't know your stance on the Healthcare Bill. This is not a debate nor an opinion about what was passed and signed into law earlier this week. No, no, no. I know better than to start that mess.
I just want to share some information our Battalion has released today about TriCare.
"TRICARE is not affected by the health care reform provision to cover dependent children in health plans up to age 26. By law, TRICARE covers eligible dependent children up to the age of 21, or up to age 23 if enrolled full time at an accredited institution of higher education and reliant on the sponsor for more than 50 percent of their financial support. Coverage ends on the child's 23rd birthday or at the end of that school year, whichever comes first."
Under the new Bill, dependents (non-Military) can stay on their Parent's/Guardian's insurance until they are 26 years old. This is not the case with TriCare. It remains to be seen if TriCare will change in the future as this Bill takes hold.
I just want to share some information our Battalion has released today about TriCare.
"TRICARE is not affected by the health care reform provision to cover dependent children in health plans up to age 26. By law, TRICARE covers eligible dependent children up to the age of 21, or up to age 23 if enrolled full time at an accredited institution of higher education and reliant on the sponsor for more than 50 percent of their financial support. Coverage ends on the child's 23rd birthday or at the end of that school year, whichever comes first."
Under the new Bill, dependents (non-Military) can stay on their Parent's/Guardian's insurance until they are 26 years old. This is not the case with TriCare. It remains to be seen if TriCare will change in the future as this Bill takes hold.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Disney Deals for Military!!
I love Disney World!!! Happiest place on earth for sure... And now Military can get a discount for the theme parks. So pumped.
Here are the details copied and pasted from an AWN Blog. Notice the dates. It is now through July 2010.
DISNEY DEAL
Military & Civil Service Ticket Discounts
2009 Special Ticket Offer for Military
Walt Disney World has rolled out a special ticket deal for military guests, valid 1/4/09-12/23/09. Each qualifying Military Service member* will receive a complimentary 5-Day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute Ticket" with Park Hopper and Water Park Fun & More Options. To receive the FREE ticket, visit any theme park Guest Relations window and show proper ID.
In addition, up to 5 guests of the Military Service member can purchase a $99 (plus tax) "Disney Armed Forces Salute Companion" ticket. This is a 5-Day Base Ticket. Companions can add on Park Hopper and/or Water Park Fun & More Options for $25 (plus tax) per option, which is half the
regular price.
Guests can pre-purchase the companion tickets (in the form of an exchange
voucher) at Shades of Green or at a military base, TAX-FREE! The exchange voucher is then taken to a theme park Guest Relations window, where it is exchanged for the actual ticket.
The companion tickets can be purchased at the theme park Guest Relations windows, but if you do this, you must pay tax.
*This offer is available to anyone on active duty in the US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard or Reserve, and retired military. Activated members of the National Guard and Reservists must present active duty orders in addition to valid military ID. You must
have been active for any length of time between 1/1/08 and 12/23/09. Dept of Defense (CIA, FBI, Secret Service) and Coalition Forces are excluded.
Entire party must be present at time of purchase, except that spouse and military dependants can receive the companion discount without the military service member being present, if they can show proper dependent military ID. Offer available once per service member during the offer
period.
Tickets expire 12/23/09. No Expiration Option cannot be added to these tickets. Complimentary tickets cannot be upgraded in any way. Companion tickets may be upgraded to Premium, Annual or Seasonal Passes. (Seasonal Pass upgrade requires proof of Florida residency.) No other upgrades,
such as adding additional days, will be available.
Active duty and retired military, DOD civilian employees and their dependents qualify for discounts on Walt Disney World tickets. The savings mainly come from not paying tax (6.5%).
Disney has the right to check ID at the gate. Military personnel may bring in non-military guests with the military discount as long as they accompany the non-military person(s) and at least 50% of the group are qualified for the military discount (i.e., active duty, retired, DOD and dependents). If military personnel purchase tickets and give them as gifts to non-military users that they will not be accompanying, they risk having the recipient denied entry and the tickets confiscated. Discounted military tickets are available through your local base MWR office. The prices and the exact passes that are available will vary from base to base.
Another place where active duty and retired military can get discounted tickets is a small Navy Exchange in Orlando that has an ITT/MWR office. It is located near the airport on Tradeport & Earhart Drive. The MWR office phone number is (407) 855-0116 or (407) 851-4396, or you can email them at mwrorl@aol.com for current hours and prices.
Those with Military ID (and their dependents) can purchase discounted tickets (including Annual Passes) at Shades of Green (SOG), the military-operated resort located on Disney World property.
Active duty or retired military, reservists, National Guard and DoD personnel can order discount tickets by mail order by calling the Navy Region Southwest at (619) 767-6000 or the Air Force Central Ticket Program at (210) 652-2855.
Civil Service employees of certain branches of government (such as NASA) can purchase discounted Disney tickets at their exchange shops at the same rates as military. Typically the tickets must be ordered and will take a couple of weeks to arrive. While the employee must purchase the tickets, reportedly anyone can use them.
Luke, the dancer
About two weeks ago, Dennis and I noticed Luke was starting to get bored with his toys. You could tell the "I've already figured this out Mom!" look. So we bought him a Jumperoo. Best. Invention. Ever.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Can you have pets in On-Post Housing?
Short Answer: This is the Army... You should know better! There are no short answers.
**Each Post is different. You should always call your current Housing Office for the most up to date information.**
Generally, you can have cats and dogs. You shouldn't have an exorbitant amount, no more than three cats or two dogs. Ferrets are usually banned, but Hamsters and Gerbils seem to be alright.
There are breed restrictions for dogs, I am sad to say. The good news is you can get around this. Just have your dog pass a Canine Good Citizen test with the AKC. It is a very simple test, but requires your dog to be well trained, which they should be any ways.
This is from the AKC Canine Good Citizen Program website (http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/training_testing.cfm):
"AKC’s Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program
Training/Testing: CGC Test Items
Before taking the Canine Good Citizen test, owners will sign the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge. We believe that responsible dog ownership is a key part of the CGC concept and by signing the pledge, owners agree to take care of their dog's health needs, safety, exercise, training and quality of life. Owners also agree to show responsibility by doing things such as cleaning up after their dogs in public places and never letting dogs infringe on the rights of others.
After signing the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge, owners and their dogs are ready to take the CGC
Test. Items on the Canine Good Citizen Test include:
Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger
Test 2: Sitting politely for petting
Test 3: Appearance and grooming
Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)
Test 5: Walking through a crowd
Test 6: Sit and down on command and Staying in place
Test 7: Coming when called.
Test 8: Reaction to another dog
Test 9: Reaction to distraction
Test 10: Supervised separation"
Just find an evaluator for your area (http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/cgc_bystate.cfm) and take the test! We own a beautiful Rottweiler who is the sweetest dog you will ever come across.
**Each Post is different. You should always call your current Housing Office for the most up to date information.**
Generally, you can have cats and dogs. You shouldn't have an exorbitant amount, no more than three cats or two dogs. Ferrets are usually banned, but Hamsters and Gerbils seem to be alright.
There are breed restrictions for dogs, I am sad to say. The good news is you can get around this. Just have your dog pass a Canine Good Citizen test with the AKC. It is a very simple test, but requires your dog to be well trained, which they should be any ways.
This is from the AKC Canine Good Citizen Program website (http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/training_testing.cfm):
"AKC’s Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program
Training/Testing: CGC Test Items
Before taking the Canine Good Citizen test, owners will sign the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge. We believe that responsible dog ownership is a key part of the CGC concept and by signing the pledge, owners agree to take care of their dog's health needs, safety, exercise, training and quality of life. Owners also agree to show responsibility by doing things such as cleaning up after their dogs in public places and never letting dogs infringe on the rights of others.
After signing the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge, owners and their dogs are ready to take the CGC
Test. Items on the Canine Good Citizen Test include:
Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger
Test 2: Sitting politely for petting
Test 3: Appearance and grooming
Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)
Test 5: Walking through a crowd
Test 6: Sit and down on command and Staying in place
Test 7: Coming when called.
Test 8: Reaction to another dog
Test 9: Reaction to distraction
Test 10: Supervised separation"
Just find an evaluator for your area (http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/cgc_bystate.cfm) and take the test! We own a beautiful Rottweiler who is the sweetest dog you will ever come across.
My SoBe! He looks like he is laughing!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
The Army is a small world!
As those of you who have been in the Army for longer than a month, you know the Army is a small world. Growing up stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, there were two other families with girls close to my age. We all became best friends. We would walk to school together, play in the snow, play in the sun... our Moms would hang out and chit chat while we played or took turns babysitting so they could run errands kid-free.
A few months ago, through facebook, I reconnected with the other girls. Sarah and Lauren, who are sisters, and Jenny. Jenny married a Military fellow and is now living overseas. Sarah is teaching Kindergarten. And Lauren moved to Chicago!!!!! SO excited to have a great old friend so close. Tuesday night Lauren and her father stayed the night before moving her into her new apartment in the city. It was wonderful to catch up and reminisce about the past.
They also gave Luke the most beautiful set of baby dishes from Germany. Luke will never use them but we will pass them along to his children.
This is why I love the Army life.
A few months ago, through facebook, I reconnected with the other girls. Sarah and Lauren, who are sisters, and Jenny. Jenny married a Military fellow and is now living overseas. Sarah is teaching Kindergarten. And Lauren moved to Chicago!!!!! SO excited to have a great old friend so close. Tuesday night Lauren and her father stayed the night before moving her into her new apartment in the city. It was wonderful to catch up and reminisce about the past.
They also gave Luke the most beautiful set of baby dishes from Germany. Luke will never use them but we will pass them along to his children.
This is why I love the Army life.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Today was a bad day.
For some reason, today was a bad day... It started off so wonderfully! COL and Lauren Shufelt got off without a hitch (story to come later). Luke slept okay... but he was in a good mood this morning. Somewhere around 10am it just took a dramatic nose dive.
First Luke wouldn't take his bottle.
Then I had to change my outfit three times because of spit up (come to find out I didn't need to go where I was getting ready to go. Very frustrating.)
Next: (Here is the story behind this) My phone isn't working properly, I don't receive text messages until hours later, I miss phone calls all the time. I get PISSED when I miss phone calls because of device failure. So we called T-Mobile and got a replacement. They sent the wrong phone. The. Wrong. Phone. So now I have to wait another week for a crappy phone I hate.
Continuing on: It's St Patrick's Day. And I did nothing. I have never done nothing for St. Patrick's Day. So depressing.
To be the ultimate pessimist. I HATE Chicago. It's expensive, cold, no other Army wives, cold, snow blows, and when I reach out over Facebook I get completely beaten up by my fellow wives. Everyone has an opinion on my parenting or the fact I am a Stay at home Mom. I choose to stay home with our son. It is my choice. I choose to vaccinate my child. I choose put him in a Jumperoo (He just laughed and laughed today in it). I do not appreciate any one attempting to make me feel less of an intelligent female because of my choice. That is utter crap.
I guess I am frustrated because I don't get to go out in the sun like I used too... I miss my Mommy. I miss Savannah. I miss my iPhone. And I miss my friends. They support me and show me so much love that I don't know what to do when I am in this vortex of hate.
Dennis came home and gave me a hug, so I do feel better... but if I am cranky this weekend when it is supposed to SNOW you know why.
First Luke wouldn't take his bottle.
Then I had to change my outfit three times because of spit up (come to find out I didn't need to go where I was getting ready to go. Very frustrating.)
Next: (Here is the story behind this) My phone isn't working properly, I don't receive text messages until hours later, I miss phone calls all the time. I get PISSED when I miss phone calls because of device failure. So we called T-Mobile and got a replacement. They sent the wrong phone. The. Wrong. Phone. So now I have to wait another week for a crappy phone I hate.
Continuing on: It's St Patrick's Day. And I did nothing. I have never done nothing for St. Patrick's Day. So depressing.
To be the ultimate pessimist. I HATE Chicago. It's expensive, cold, no other Army wives, cold, snow blows, and when I reach out over Facebook I get completely beaten up by my fellow wives. Everyone has an opinion on my parenting or the fact I am a Stay at home Mom. I choose to stay home with our son. It is my choice. I choose to vaccinate my child. I choose put him in a Jumperoo (He just laughed and laughed today in it). I do not appreciate any one attempting to make me feel less of an intelligent female because of my choice. That is utter crap.
I guess I am frustrated because I don't get to go out in the sun like I used too... I miss my Mommy. I miss Savannah. I miss my iPhone. And I miss my friends. They support me and show me so much love that I don't know what to do when I am in this vortex of hate.
Dennis came home and gave me a hug, so I do feel better... but if I am cranky this weekend when it is supposed to SNOW you know why.
Monday, March 15, 2010
MSRRA; An email to my husband from the Office of Legal Policy
Recent email from the DOD to my husband about MSRRA:
"In November 2009, the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act (MSRRA) became law. This new law changes some basic rules of taxation that could affect you and your spouse. Now, a military spouse who is present with a Service member (SM) in a particular State under military orders does not have to pay State income tax on wages earned in that State as long as that State is NOT the spouse's domicile (permanent home). However, the spouse would have to pay taxes to the State of domicile, if the laws of that State required such payments. Some States, of course, don't have State income taxes.
The MSRRA does not allow a spouse to pick or chose a domicile in just any State. Domicile is established, not arbitrarily chosen. The spouse must have actually been present in the State, established it as his or her domicile, and maintained it by forming and maintaining the necessary contacts, such as registering to vote, owning property, registering vehicles, holding professional licenses, declaring a homestead, or indicating a State of probate in a last will and testament. Similarly, the MSRRA does not allow a spouse to "inherit" or assume the SM's domicile upon marriage without the necessary contacts with the State.
DON'T WAIT TO GET HELP! The law is complicated, and because its effect will depend on the interpretations of each State, SMs and their spouses are encouraged to seek free, confidential advice from a military legal assistance office. Legal assistance offices can be found at http://legalassistance.law.af.mil/content/locator.php .
For members of the Coast Guard, more information is available at: http://www.uscg.mil/legal/la/Legal_Assistance_Home.asp
For all other Service members, more information is available from Military OneSource at: www.militaryonesource.com/taxfilingservices, under the heading "Find out about the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act."
P.S. This email is for informational purposes only. Responses to this email will not be answered. Please use the links listed above for more information."
"In November 2009, the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act (MSRRA) became law. This new law changes some basic rules of taxation that could affect you and your spouse. Now, a military spouse who is present with a Service member (SM) in a particular State under military orders does not have to pay State income tax on wages earned in that State as long as that State is NOT the spouse's domicile (permanent home). However, the spouse would have to pay taxes to the State of domicile, if the laws of that State required such payments. Some States, of course, don't have State income taxes.
The MSRRA does not allow a spouse to pick or chose a domicile in just any State. Domicile is established, not arbitrarily chosen. The spouse must have actually been present in the State, established it as his or her domicile, and maintained it by forming and maintaining the necessary contacts, such as registering to vote, owning property, registering vehicles, holding professional licenses, declaring a homestead, or indicating a State of probate in a last will and testament. Similarly, the MSRRA does not allow a spouse to "inherit" or assume the SM's domicile upon marriage without the necessary contacts with the State.
DON'T WAIT TO GET HELP! The law is complicated, and because its effect will depend on the interpretations of each State, SMs and their spouses are encouraged to seek free, confidential advice from a military legal assistance office. Legal assistance offices can be found at http://legalassistance.law.af.mil/content/locator.php .
For members of the Coast Guard, more information is available at: http://www.uscg.mil/legal/la/Legal_Assistance_Home.asp
For all other Service members, more information is available from Military OneSource at: www.militaryonesource.com/taxfilingservices, under the heading "Find out about the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act."
P.S. This email is for informational purposes only. Responses to this email will not be answered. Please use the links listed above for more information."
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Discounted Flights!
American Airlines will give the Military a discounted rate apparently! I have not personally used it yet, but another wife told me about it.
Just call 1-800-433-7300 and ask them for the Active Duty discount. They also will wave your baggage fees.
I would double check on Kayak.com to make sure you are getting the best deal before you call, but still every dollar counts!
(US Airways wave all baggage fees too)
Just call 1-800-433-7300 and ask them for the Active Duty discount. They also will wave your baggage fees.
I would double check on Kayak.com to make sure you are getting the best deal before you call, but still every dollar counts!
(US Airways wave all baggage fees too)
Friday, March 12, 2010
Homewood BullDAWGS!
Dennis with his Company.
Today was Safety Standdown day for BN. While they were in briefings, I and my friend Kristena were outside selling candy bars, sodas, and chips for our FRG. Dennis and I are hitting the ground running. We hope all our dreams for the Bulldawgs come into fruition.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Huggee
You've heard of Daddy dolls... Here is a really cute website that has them: http://www.huggeemissyou.com/
You can even record your Soldiers voice for your children. I am definitely getting these when Dennis deploys again. A huggable picture frame! So cute!
You can even record your Soldiers voice for your children. I am definitely getting these when Dennis deploys again. A huggable picture frame! So cute!
MyCAA is coming back!
A Message from DoD:
In the days following the announcement of a temporary pause of the Career Advancement Account - MyCAA - we have heard your feedback, suggestions and concerns.
We are pleased to announce that the MyCAA program will resume operations on March 13, 2010, at 12 p.m., noon (EST), for military spouses who currently have existing MyCAA accounts. Those who have an existing account will have access to the entire Web site, including the ability to create and have financial documents approved.
We are currently developing options for the long-term management of the program and expect to be able to announce the details soon. Until then, no new accounts can be created. During this time, Military OneSource Spouse Education and Career Consultants will continue to be available to provide education and training, career exploration, assessment, employment readiness and career search assistance.
Tommy T. Thomas
Deputy Under Secretary of Defense
Military Community and Family Policy
https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa/default.aspx
In the days following the announcement of a temporary pause of the Career Advancement Account - MyCAA - we have heard your feedback, suggestions and concerns.
We are pleased to announce that the MyCAA program will resume operations on March 13, 2010, at 12 p.m., noon (EST), for military spouses who currently have existing MyCAA accounts. Those who have an existing account will have access to the entire Web site, including the ability to create and have financial documents approved.
We are currently developing options for the long-term management of the program and expect to be able to announce the details soon. Until then, no new accounts can be created. During this time, Military OneSource Spouse Education and Career Consultants will continue to be available to provide education and training, career exploration, assessment, employment readiness and career search assistance.
Tommy T. Thomas
Deputy Under Secretary of Defense
Military Community and Family Policy
https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa/default.aspx
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
PCS and Money
PCS – Permanent Change of Station – or moving. Relocating. Completely uprooting your entire family and trucking across the country. It is one of the things that are certain in the Military life; Death, Taxes, and PCS’ing.
Let’s talk money. Moving is expensive. No one is disputing that, but the Military has a few extra allowances to assist in the cost of moving.
DLA (DisLocation Allowance): The purpose of DLA is to partially reimburse a member, with or without dependents, for the expenses incurred in relocating the member's household on a PCS, housing moves ordered for the Government's convenience, or incident to an evacuation. This allowance is in addition to all other allowances authorized in this Joint Federal Travel Regulations (JFTR) and may be paid in advance. (http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/perdiem/dla.html) I highly recommend taking this in advance to help ease the cost of moving. This allowance amount changes every year. Always look up on the DOD Travel website for the current rate.
POC (Privately Owned Conveyance) Mileage Rate: Since you have to drive your car(s) to your new duty station, the Military will pay a Mileage Rate. As of January 1, 2010 the rate is 0.165/Mile/per vehicle. (http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/perdiem/faqpovpast.html)
TLE (Temporary Lodging Expense): If you have not found a house when you are due to report at your new Duty Station, you will live in the on Post lodging for a few days until you find a place. To help cover this cost there is TLE. TLE is very complicated, so make sure your Soldier/Airman/Seaman clears everything with S-1 first.
For more FAQs go to http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/perdiem/faq.html
Want free samples?
Who doesn't like free stuff? Here are a few samples I found today:
Free sample of Huggies Snug'n'Dry:
https://www.shoppersampling.com/orders/index.php?sid=86674&lang=en
And this is a wonderful resource for more free samples: http://mommysavers.com/boards/samples-freebies-offers/
Free sample of Huggies Snug'n'Dry:
https://www.shoppersampling.com/orders/index.php?sid=86674&lang=en
And this is a wonderful resource for more free samples: http://mommysavers.com/boards/samples-freebies-offers/
Sunday, March 7, 2010
What do you do about TriCare when you move?
(The credit for the idea for this post goes to one of my very good friends, who asked for this advice)
So, you're PCS'ing (that's Army talk for moving). On top of deciding how you are going to move, finding a house, taking care of the previous house, enrolling your kids in new schools, you have to transfer their TriCare too... Because if it was easy to do, then it wouldn't be the Army.
My experiences have varied COMPLETELY from the two moves we did last year.
1. Fort Stewart- Fort Jackson: (If your husband is still on 10+ days of leave when you arrive at the new Duty Station, this is what you should do.) I was about 8 weeks pregnant by the time we got there. I had to get in the system to see an OB. What we did is we went physically to the Hospital on Post and told them we needed to sign in. Since my husband was still on leave and would not in-process for another month, we had to do this ourselves. It didn't take too terribly long, but still rather annoying.
2. Fort Jackson - Chicago (Recruiting): This was easy. We simply called TriCare and the hubby took care of everything during in-processing.
I would recommend calling TriCare and asking them what you should do. http://www.tricare.mil/contactus/
Every Post is different. Good Luck!!
IF YOU ARE STANDARD: I HIGHLY recommend personally hand walking your Medical Records to your new Doctors. Don't trust any one to do anything for you that you can do yourself.
So, you're PCS'ing (that's Army talk for moving). On top of deciding how you are going to move, finding a house, taking care of the previous house, enrolling your kids in new schools, you have to transfer their TriCare too... Because if it was easy to do, then it wouldn't be the Army.
My experiences have varied COMPLETELY from the two moves we did last year.
1. Fort Stewart- Fort Jackson: (If your husband is still on 10+ days of leave when you arrive at the new Duty Station, this is what you should do.) I was about 8 weeks pregnant by the time we got there. I had to get in the system to see an OB. What we did is we went physically to the Hospital on Post and told them we needed to sign in. Since my husband was still on leave and would not in-process for another month, we had to do this ourselves. It didn't take too terribly long, but still rather annoying.
2. Fort Jackson - Chicago (Recruiting): This was easy. We simply called TriCare and the hubby took care of everything during in-processing.
I would recommend calling TriCare and asking them what you should do. http://www.tricare.mil/contactus/
Every Post is different. Good Luck!!
IF YOU ARE STANDARD: I HIGHLY recommend personally hand walking your Medical Records to your new Doctors. Don't trust any one to do anything for you that you can do yourself.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Dennis earns his Gunners Badge!
Dennis has held quite a few different jobs while in the Army. After 27 months of deployments in 4 years of Marriage, he decided, after the Career Course, to take Command of a Recruiting Company. Though he the Commander of a Recruiting Company, he isn't a Recruiter... though it is tradition that he Recruit one person into the Army.
Yesterday, he took a young man to MEPS to clear Medically and join the Army. Today he will have his Gunners Badge pinned on and all the Soldiers in our Family/Company will get to beat it into his chest (Another Army tradition).
I am so proud of Dennis. He has always done his duty.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!
Today is my parents 31st Wedding Anniversary. They have been married for 31 years, 18 of those years my father was Active Duty in the Army.
My mom was a small-town, farm girl from Mississippi when she met my father. They got married and off they went on the Army Life Adventure. She raised two kids across two continents, dealt with multiple deployments, field exercises, PCS moves, and budgeting for a family of 4 on a single income.
My father is an Army Brat himself, turned Army Officer. He served in Germany in the early 80s, Gulf War, and the Haiti UN Mission. Through it all, he made time for my mom and their marriage.
By example, they've taught us kids how to be man and wife. How to have a good, strong, Christian Marriage. I am truly blessed with such Parents.
My mom was a small-town, farm girl from Mississippi when she met my father. They got married and off they went on the Army Life Adventure. She raised two kids across two continents, dealt with multiple deployments, field exercises, PCS moves, and budgeting for a family of 4 on a single income.
My father is an Army Brat himself, turned Army Officer. He served in Germany in the early 80s, Gulf War, and the Haiti UN Mission. Through it all, he made time for my mom and their marriage.
By example, they've taught us kids how to be man and wife. How to have a good, strong, Christian Marriage. I am truly blessed with such Parents.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
Saying Goodbye...
Homecoming 2nd Deployment
Homecoming 1st DeploymentWell, this morning I said Goodbye to Dennis as he went to work...
As I sit on the couch while Luke is happily batting at his toys on his mat, I think back on all the times I have said Goodbye to my husband. There were a few times I honestly didn't know when or if I would see him again. Saying Goodbye at 4am with his rucksack obstructing that one last hug is much harder than a light peck on the cheek as he goes into to work, I know he will be home around 1800 (that's 6pm for you civilians) today. It was still hard to see him go.
Man, I do not envy any wife going through a deployment right now... They are so hard. During his second deployment he did not get R&R (the two week vacation all soldiers get if they are deployed for over a year) until a year after he left. Imagine not seeing your husband for a full year... You put your life on hold almost, waiting for him to come home.
I guess that is the life of an Army Wife... You have to say Goodbye a lot. On the positive side, our Hellos are so much fun!
Okay, Luke is done playing and wants to be held.
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