Luke and I had an absolute blast! Dennis will never admit it, but he had fun as well.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Medieval Times
There is a Castle in Chicago... That's right, you heard me, a Castle! A Medieval Times Castle, but a Castle none the less.
Luke and I had an absolute blast! Dennis will never admit it, but he had fun as well.
Luke and I had an absolute blast! Dennis will never admit it, but he had fun as well.
Lincoln Park Zoo
One big thing you need to do as a Military Family is enjoy the local flavor. You should always see what the area you are Stationed at has to offer. Chicago offers TWO zoos! One is a massive size ordeal and there is a smaller one, that is FREE, right by the lake. We went to the latter one, the Lincoln Park Zoo. It was pretty fun! A little cold, but tons of fun.
Dennis and Luke with the Rino
The Rhinoceros
Luke and I riding a Hippo!
Luke and Dennis watching the Zebra.
It was a fun day!
White Sox Game!
One of the perks of living in a big city: Major League Baseball. And if you live in the City, you can a great deal on tickets. Yup, Our seats were literally 16 rows from 1st base. I could see the sweat on the players brow!
The night we went was US Army night!
Hooah!
Future Soldiers swear in on White Sox Field
My friend, Amanda, and her Princess joined Luke and I for the game. Gotta love a girlfriend who is game for anything! God has blessed us with some amazing friends here in Chi-town.
Luke and I with a Sox security guard. Pretty cool!!
The family at the end of the game.
I highly recommend baseball games of any caliber.
It is as American as apple pie and good time to be enjoyed by all.
God Bless the USA (and the White Sox)!
Friday, April 16, 2010
IRS Grants Military Spouses Six-Month Extension to Pay 2009 Tax (MSRRA)
I've already filed our taxes, but I didn't work last year. For those wives getting a little nervous, here you go! I know this year is beyond confusing with the passing of MSRRA, but the Government is meeting us halfway.
Good Luck filing ladies!
"IRS Grants Military Spouses Six-Month Extension to Pay 2009 Tax
Good Luck filing ladies!
"IRS Grants Military Spouses Six-Month Extension to Pay 2009 Tax
On April 15, the IRS issued Notice 2010-30, which gives certain civilian spouses of service members on active duty an extension of time through Oct. 15, 2010, to pay their 2009 federal income taxes. However, civilian spouses were not granted an automatic extension of time to file a return.
The extension applies to civilian spouses of service members who were away from their tax residence during 2009 to be with their service-member spouse serving on military duty in American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands and who maintained their tax residence in a state or in D.C. under the terms of the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act (PL 111-97), which was enacted Nov. 11, 2009.
To be eligible, the civilian spouse must have worked in a U.S. territory and claimed tax residence in a state or D.C.; however, federal employees working in American Samoa, Guam or the U.S. Virgin Islands are not eligible for the extension and neither are individuals working in Guam or the Northern Mariana Islands to whom IRC § 935 applies (under which taxpayers may treat amounts withheld and paid to the relevant U.S. territory as being paid to the IRS).
The notice provides procedures for eligible taxpayers to follow. These include marking “MSRRA” in red ink at the top of the tax return and attaching a signed and dated declaration, using wording specified in the notice.
Under the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act, the fact that a military spouse is present in or absent from a jurisdiction in the United States will not affect that spouse’s residence or domicile for tax purposes, as long as that presence in (or absence from) the jurisdiction is due to the service member’s compliance with military orders. In addition, any income the military spouse earns in a jurisdiction will not be treated as income from services performed or sources within that jurisdiction if that spouse is not treated as a resident of the jurisdiction under the act.
According to the notice, certain taxpayers who worked in a state or D.C. in 2009 and who claimed residence in a U.S. territory in 2009 under the act can apply for a refund of federal taxes that were withheld by the taxpayer’s employer or for estimated tax payments. The notice outlines the procedures civilian spouses should use to submit a refund claim under these circumstances."
http://ow.ly/1zbRt
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Airplanes and Infants
This Easter weekend, Dennis and I flew down to Savannah to spend a long weekend with my parents. It was such a wonderful vacation! The wisteria and azaleas were blooming, Savannah was lush and green... Plus Luke was such a cutie in his little Easter outfit that his Nana got for him.
I will tell you this about the trip; it was a learning experience about flying with a baby. I learned:
- You need your child's birth certificate, shot record, and SSN card to fly according to the FAA.
- TSA will not tell you that you need proof of your child's identity if you call them asking about flying with a 4 month old.
- You have to take your child's coat, sweater, and shoes off to go through security. Yes, I will repeat that: You must remove your 4 month old child's shoes, coat, and sweater to go through security.
- Buy your child a seat if you are flying alone. Holding my 18 pound son for 4.5 solid hours wore me out! Though my biceps do totally rock now.
- Fly Southwest if you can. They are fabulous and you can check two bags (under 50lbs each) for free!
- Don't check a bag if you are flying US Airways. They sent my husband's bag to Miami instead of Chicago. But I can see how anyone could make that mistake.
This is why I love my life. It is always an adventure!
I will tell you this about the trip; it was a learning experience about flying with a baby. I learned:
- You need your child's birth certificate, shot record, and SSN card to fly according to the FAA.
- TSA will not tell you that you need proof of your child's identity if you call them asking about flying with a 4 month old.
- You have to take your child's coat, sweater, and shoes off to go through security. Yes, I will repeat that: You must remove your 4 month old child's shoes, coat, and sweater to go through security.
- Buy your child a seat if you are flying alone. Holding my 18 pound son for 4.5 solid hours wore me out! Though my biceps do totally rock now.
- Fly Southwest if you can. They are fabulous and you can check two bags (under 50lbs each) for free!
- Don't check a bag if you are flying US Airways. They sent my husband's bag to Miami instead of Chicago. But I can see how anyone could make that mistake.
This is why I love my life. It is always an adventure!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Fear, worry, disappointment.... ANXIETY!
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...
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...
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
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