My irrational fears...part II

I HATE BUGS. 

When the husband is around, I don't really have to worry about killing them because I just point and squeal like a little girl and he immediately becomes my knight in shining armor.  He saves the day squishes the bug, and then gets rid of the body.  Ick.

Last night, when I was turning out lights and heading to bed, I noticed a dead bug in the corner of the room.  Ugh.  Normally, I will suck them up in a vacuum so as not to have to directly touch them at all.  Even through a napkin, I can FEEL them and it just freaks me out.  Well, the munchkin was sleeping of course.  No Vacuum.  My inner little girl whined.  I had to be brave and pick it up with a napkin.  I decided that I would tackle this challenge head on.  I would proudly put my big girl panties on.  For all women everywhere, I would pick up that bug and flush it down the toilet.  I had resolve!

I walked into the bathroom and grabbed enough toilet paper to protect myself.  I calmly walked over to the bug and reached down to smother it with the tissue.  I picked it up and started to walk to the bathroom when all of a sudden IT STARTED WIGGLING!!!

ICK! ICK! ICK!  IIIIIIIICK!!! 

I dropped it and jumped about eight feet in the air.  New plan.  Forget about the munchkin and suck up the bug that was obviously playing possum.  The bug was going to die--it had messed with the wrong military wife! 

As I was frantically trying to get the vacuum plugged in and fired up, all I could think about was how the ONE TIME I had decided to be brave, the bug came alive.  And almost ate me.  Of course that last part is not true--that's why it's an irrational fear, I guess. 

My irrational fears and why I miss my husband.

My son has this adorable little walker that he runs all over the house in.  He loves having the freedom and control to walk around and do as he pleases.  He'll roll over to a little table we have and open the drawers, he'll explore the handle of the vacuum, and of course--he chases our dogs.  He'll get going really fast and run into furniture and over your feet if you're in the way.  I cannot even count the number of times that my poor little toes have fallen victim to this walker. 

Today I was walking down the hallway back into our bedroom to finish getting ready.  As I heard the munchkin chasing after me--at a full sprint, I couldn't help but be freaked out.  Let me explain.  I have issues being chased and followed.  When I was a kid--tag wasn't a game I enjoyed much.  I cannot tell you why--it's just one of my idiosyncrasies.  Whenever I am chased or followed--I freak out.  My husband seems to think this is hilarious.  He'll add in the phrase, "I'm gonna get you" and hold out his hands like he's the tickle monster.  My immediate hysterics always result in oodles of laughter from him.  I, however, am not amused. 

Aaaaand we're back.

Today, I was actually a little freaked out because I was being chased.  By my 8 month old.  Who can't even walk.  I quickened my pace and as soon as I got into my bedroom, whipped around and talked myself out of the anxious feelings that were welling up.  As soon as the babe came around the corner, all I could think was about how ridiculous I felt for having such an irrational fear.

Why does this make me miss my husband?  He would love this story and we would laugh together about it.  Because he can appreciate all of the little weird things about me.  And because he knows me like no one else does. 

Seven years ago tomorrow, he and I met in college.  And now, his little boy is learning to tease mommy while daddy is away just like daddy would.  I'm thinking that once this kid is old enough to play pranks with him, my life is going to get a lot more interesting...

Reflection.

Warning: No editing or filtering for this post.  Just transparency and honesty.

One of the things that I love about the military lifestyle is that it defines "seasons" in your life.  Time still moves quickly, but with each PCS (move), you are prompted to reflect upon your time at that particular duty station(at least I am).  It's so neat to have this "default slow down" in my life.  I love to think about who I was when I arrived, and how different I am when I leave.  It's amazing how much your life, your viewpoints, and your relationships can change within the course of a year.

Although we are not leaving our current duty station, we did receive orders to stay here for the next three years.  After living in three states, and four towns in the past four years, staying in one place for three seems a bit daunting.  We are currently in the process of buying a home here--which means we will move again--but this time, on our own without military help.

I can't help but feel so incredibly blessed about the past year.  I have an amazing, healthy baby boy who brightens my life everyday!  I am FINALLY starting to feel like I didn't JUST have a baby.  (I don't know about other women--but it's taken a long time for me to recover physically and hormonally)  We are in the process of buying a beautiful home to raise our precious little one.  But, one of the main reasons I feel so blessed and happy is because of my relationship with my husband.  Marriages have seasons.  There are challenging times that stretch you and your partner to be better.  There are wonderful times, that are just so easy--and you just work so well together.  Either way, a marriage is a living, breathing relationship that requires work daily.  For this duty station, I reflect upon my marriage and am realizing that we have had our tough days while here.  That we had to work at this thing called marriage--especially with taking care of a new baby.  But, for the most part, we were in a state of bliss.  We developed a rhythm here and I can honestly say that not only do I love my husband more today than the day I married him, but I can say that I am just so IN love with him.  He is such a wonderful man, provider, and friend. 

It is bittersweet though.  Because this next year, will be a challenging one.  He will be deployed for more than half of it.  I know that our relationship will pass this test.  I know we are committed.  I know I can handle the requirements of being a single parent at home and keeping the "home fires burning" while he is away.  And I am so thankful that we are in such a wonderful place to start this journey.  But, I am also sad--because I will miss him terribly.  I know that watching him leave, watching the distance between us grow, will be gut wrenching.  But, I also know that it's the life we have signed up for, and that this is what we are called to do. 

As I watch my friends and their husbands join the fleet around us, I see husbands leaving and returning.  And it has suddenly become all too real.  For so long, we've all had our men around--for training.  Sure, they would leave for a weekend here and there, but we've been blessed to have the deployments left for the future.  They have been locked away with words like, "One day" and "a long ways off."  Here we are...not a long ways off. 

As hard as it's going to be, I wouldn't trade it.  I wouldn't trade the friendships, the experiences, the beauty and intimacy that a military lifestyle builds in a marriage--having only each other to rely on, and I wouldn't trade the good parts of deployment (the return--a second honeymoon, the appreciation that comes with not taking your spouse for granted, and the pride that comes from the everyday tasks that you accomplish by yourself--consistently doing things that you didn't think you could do).

I am so thankful for this past year--for this time with my family before deployments begin.  And I know that this next year, although difficult, will provide opportunities to build rich, relationships with other wives and with my husband.  It's going to be a good year. 

Family Pictures--pilot style

I just wanted to share some fun pictures of our little family (minus our pups). My husband is an E2 Pilot for the Navy. One of the perks of being a pilot's wife is getting to take fun pictures, like these:

We were literally feet from the runway--the wings of the plane were almost over us!  And, my wonderful husband, was flying the plane.  Some day, the munchkin will be old enough to point and say, "Daddy" with that wonderful childlike innocence.  On this day, he just stared and enjoyed the breeze as his Daddy flew by.

Pretty cool. :)

Easy Vegetable Stew

I'm really looking forward to the fall--which has me thinking about my favorite fall dishes!  Cue the delicious vegetable stew!!  This one has a lot of ingredients, but only a few steps.  There isn't much preparation, it requires few dirty dishes, and is done within an hour!  Give it a shot--I committed it to memory after a few attempts.  It's worth it! 

1 1/2-2 lbs stew meat
32 oz frozen bag of vegetables (I buy the bag that has corn, green beans, carrots, and peas in it)
1 Can tomato Sauce
1 Can diced tomatoes
One Garlic clove, minced.
One medium onion, minced.
1 large or 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped.
1/2 Cup Ketchup*
Pinch of salt
Pinch of pepper
Two bouillon cubes
1 Tbs. Olive Oil
Water--about six cups
Optional: Better than bouillon

*Ketchup is very important to this recipe.  It tastes very bland without it.  So, I wouldn't recommend skipping it. 

• Sear meat in oil and garlic.  Add "Better than Bouillon" now if you wish. 
• Add the rest of the ingredients and cover with water (usually at least 6 cups)
• Simmer for 45 minutes to an hour.  Make sure potatoes are soft before serving. 

I love to serve this stew with cornbread.  Also, I'm convinced it's more delicious the next day.  Even my husband, who isn't a huge fan of vegetables, loves this recipe!  Best of all, besides the potatoes--you can consider all of this non-perishable food!  So, you can keep it all on hand for when you are in a bind!  :)  I hope you enjoy this stew as much as we have!!   

Crawling, diarrhea, and a hurricane! Oh my!

Aren't you jealous?  Wouldn't you just LOVE to spend the weekend dealing with these three items?  Well, the first is kind of exciting.  The munchkin has finally started to crawl!  He has spent the past few weeks rocking back and forth--and scooting along.  But, this weekend, he FINALLY put it all together in the fluid "crawling" movement.  Hooray!!  I'm so excited!  (and slightly terrified!!!) 

Then there was the diarrhea--happy day!! (Note the sarcasm)  My little one had issues this weekend.  I feel so bad for him.  At first I thought it might have been the cold that he was finally getting over, or perhaps the change in his schedule.  But it occurred to me that his formula cans that were delivered looked a little different than the old ones.  (My son has formula delivered because he has a severe allergy to the protein found in milk.  So, he has to drink prescription formula--which is delivered.)  I wondered if that could be the problem.  Perhaps they had changed more than the packaging.  So, today, I called the company.  They changed the formula--and somehow, no one informed me.  More than 36 hours of diarrhea later, they are overnighting the old formula to me so that I can slowly switch him to the new stuff. 

Finally, the lady of the weekend--Irene.  Of course, the men are away right now, which left the women and children (and dogs) to fend for ourselves.  The actual hurricane part of a hurricane isn't where the work is.  The work is in the preparation and cleanup.  Ugh.  I won't write the details, but let's just say that us women did a fantastic job of prepping our homes and vehicles for this storm.  We survived TWO storms this weekend.  Irene, and the storm of having three wives, four kids, and two dogs in one house.  For an entire weekend.  Ah...memories. 

Military law.

mil·i·tar·y law [mil-i-ter-ee law] : The proposition that if something can go wrong, it will (the instant your husband leaves town).

It's military law.  Everything is fine....things are going great....no major repairs on the house.  All electric appliances are working.  All children are healthy.  Then, BAM!  Husband leaves and it all just goes haywire.

This week, military law has struck.  With a vengeance. 

Let's start with my seven month old having a terrible cold.  TERRIBLE.  He can't breath when he lays down--poor lil guy.  So, laying down to sleep can be quite precarious. 

Then, yesterday, my phone was stolen while at the mall.  My lovely, wonderful, iphone4.  :( It had all of my pictures on it, my applications, my music....

So, yesterday, was spent running around looking for it, then running to AT&T to suspend my account, running home to get my husband's old phone, going back across town to AT&T to get the old phone working, and finally heading home.  All of this with a baby....with a cold. 

Today, my dogs broke down the fence and got into the neighbor's yard.  Joy.  I had to run a few errands, and while leaving walmart, I spilled coffee all over the driver-side floorboard.  Awesome.  (It had cream in it too--so I'm sure my car will smell delightful...)

Dare I ask what tomorrow, or this weekend holds?  Oh wait!  There is a Category 3 hurricane headed our way.  Glorious!  Have I mentioned that we haven't had a hurricane all year?  Of course, it makes perfect sense that we would have a hurricane roll in during the ONE weekend that my husband won't be here. -_-

I am not enthused. 

So, let's HOPE and PRAY that this hurricane doesn't cause major power outages.  Because THAT one, my friends, would really just take the cake. 

A message, from a member of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of 2006! Whoop!

As I was perusing facebook today, I saw a nasty comment directed at Texas A&M about this whole SEC thing. 

If you aren't from Texas, then let me prep you with the background info.  UT (or t.u. as my Aggies call it) and A&M are big rivals.  I will admit that the University of Texas has done very well in football over the past decade and A&M has been hot and cold.  Because of this, there are a lot of fair weather fans of UT.  These people pick which school to support based on their football program.  Which is fine.

I don't have a problem with people that support UT football--whether they are UT students or just people that like UT football.  But, if you didn't go to UT, yet are a UT football fan--why do you then feel entitled to put down the A&M football program?   As if you are a PART of that university?  NEWS FLASH!!  You are not.  Just because you went out and bought a burnt orange shirt with horns on it doesn't make you a Longhorn. 

I understand that everyone is entitled to their opinion, and that's fine.  But, go back to your ACTUAL school and pick a rival in your own division.  Or, graduate from UT.  Until then, you should keep your opinions about my Aggies to yourself. 

Thanks and Gig 'em!

The feather duster: Good enough for company (except the in-laws)

There are important truths in life that you can never learn from a book. 

Truth #563:   The feather duster: Good enough for company (except the in-laws).

This morning, while the coffee brewed, I ran a quick feather duster over the house.   As I was dusting a few pieces in my son's room, I got to thinking--this is good enough for now...but when my in-laws come to visit, I need to be much more thorough about the dusting (and cleaning for that matter)

Don't get me wrong, I love my in-laws.  They are wonderful.  But, my mother-in-law keeps an immaculate house.  IMMACULATE.  While I was growing up, my mother kept an amazingly clean house too.  I remember as a young child thinking that Mom vacuumed to keep the lines on the carpet straight.  (She vacuumed every day)  I too vacuum every day--or at least every other day.  However, my house is not immaculate.  You see, I have these two giant dogs.  They shed, bring dirt in, slobber, and are generally a nuisance to me.  I still love them dearly, but my house would be cleaner and would stay cleaner if they didn't reside here.  Seeing how clean my mother in law keeps her house is a little intimidating.  I mean, it's perfection.  My house will never be that clean...but I can try, right?

I don't want my in-laws to think that I'm raising their grandson in a pig sty. I have resigned myself to the fact that no matter how many times I sweep, vacuum, or mop, my little crawler will still have dog hair on his hands and probably in his mouth.  It doesn't seem to bother him.  :)

So, in order to put my best foot forward with the in-laws, I'll be a cleaning fiend before their arrival.  How about you?  Do you do anything special when your family comes to visit?  Do share!

Easy Crockpot Pulled Pork BBQ

Need to feed a large group?  Don't have a grill?  Try this!

Easy Crockpot Pulled Pork BBQ
Super easy!  Delish!  Good for days--so make extra!

Ingredients:
1 pork roast (about four pounds)
Root Beer--a six pack or a 2 liter
1 Bottle of BBQ sauce (I recommend staying away from sweet sauce--you'll get sweet from the root beer)
1 onion (you can have more if you like onion in your BBQ--we just use it for flavoring)
Salt and Pepper--just a few sprinkles

• Cut an onion in 3-4 pieces.  Leave them big enough to take out easily later.
• Put the pork roast in the crockpot.
• Fill it with root beer so that the roast is half way covered.
• Salt and pepper
• Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 5-6 hours
• Take out roast, pull apart with a fork on a plate
• Get a ladle and drain some of the rootbeer (more than half)
• Take out onions and discard
• Add roast back, and pour bottle of BBQ in the crockpot
• Add minced onions if you like
• Mix and add more rootbeer as needed (depends on how juicy you want your BBQ to be)
• Let it cook in the crockpot on high for an hour or so
• Serve on buns with whatever sides you like (we like potato chips--so easy!)

This is so easy, and pretty amazing.  It's good to make and then have a BBQ sandwich for lunch all week!  I highly recommend it!

I'm no Betty Crocker...

Alright. I wish I was one of those women that just loved cooking. I wish that I enjoyed the smell of something baking in the oven, the aroma of something simmering on the stove, or the beauty of a meal plated perfectly.  But the sad truth is--I don't like to cook. I find it tiring, stressful, and it gets very hot in the kitchen. Being that I am only six months postpartum, I tend to have hot flashes these days. (More on the joys of motherhood in another post)
In fact, it is not uncommon for me to ruin a recipe.  I'm kind of a disaster in the kitchen--needing multiple trips to the store for one recipe, misreading directions and making dishes that are inedible.  My husband just grins and shakes his head.  Never critiques my cooking. He's so kind.

But...I do enjoy feeding my family. I decided that I would occasionally post recipes to my blog. However, I must warn you. These are not recipes that require lots of dishes, measurements, effort, and time in the kitchen. They are--what I strive to find. The easiest recipes ever that require minimal effort but are still quite delicious. They are difficult to screw up--because I am no Rachel Ray. Also, most of the time, you can remember them--so no cookbook required. (Although I do keep them written in a cookbook of my own--I just rarely have to use it.)

So, here is your fair warning. My recipes will not make you feel or look like an amazing cook.  They aren't made from scratch.  They  are not gourmet, or intricate.  They are simple.  Delicious.  And very casual. :)

But I am le tired...

I have always heard the term, "Oh, I slept like a baby"---exactly what does that mean?  Does it mean that you wake up at the most inopportune times?  Sleep for a few hours and awake screaming for a bottle?  Wake as soon as your sweet mother falls asleep?  UGH.

First of all--if you don't know me very well, I need to tell you something.  Sleeping in, for me, is the most glorious thing in the world.  When I have the opportunity to sleep in, nothing else matters.  All I care about it getting to stay asleep.  Falling asleep has always been difficult for me.  But sleeping in--late into the morning---ah!  That's just heaven!  When I was six, my mom and dad had to come wake me on Christmas morning to tell me that Santa had come!  I told them that the presents would still be there later, promptly rolled over, and fell asleep again.  In the mornings, I am constantly running late because EVERY morning, it is quite possibly the most difficult feat of my life to drag my body out of bed.  What can I say, I am a sucker for sleeping in. 

In college, I adopted a puppy--Molly.  I was convinced that she was my puppy soul mate because at 8 weeks old, she slept until 10am and didn't wake me until she REALLY had to use the potty.  I was in love.  I would get up, let her potty, and return to bed--and so would she! :) 

I knew that when I became a mommy, I would have to kiss this love affair goodbye.  Babies don't "sleep in"--I knew this.  I had fully prepared myself for this.  I had prepared myself to have to get up with him in the beginning.  I knew I would be getting up to feed him for a couple of months.  However, I had optimistically hoped that my son would take after me.  I was sleeping through the night--12 hour stretches at three weeks old.  THAT is how much I LOVE sleep.  I thought, perhaps, he would be a good sleeper. 

Cue the Ruiner of Things.  My munchkin is still not consistently sleeping through the night.  We had a spell for about a week and a half where he would sleep great.  The past few nights, it's back to the old routine.  Up an hour or so after I fall asleep to eat.  
I was not ready for this.  Six months later, and I'm still having to get up.  I feel violated.  This interrupted sleep is really starting to get to me. 

One day, I'll look back and miss this, right?  I'll just keep telling myself that.  :)

I know that in the grand scheme of things, it's no big deal.  I love that little boy so much.  He's such a blessing from God.  I love being his mommy, and I'm so thankful that he is happy and healthy.  But I am le tired...

The Ruin-er of Things

A few years ago, some dear friends of ours had a precious little girl.  And I do mean precious!  They would affectionately call her, "Monster" when they spoke to or about her.  "Hey Monster, whatcha doin?"  "The Monster is hungry" etc.  She was SO precious, and such a sweet little baby.  We couldn't figure out why.

Then we had a baby of our own. 

Sure, he's precious.  And cute.  And I sometimes want to eat his face a little--the cuteness is overwhelming. But, he is definitely a little monster.  Napoleon-esk.  Because he's angry and little.  Not all the time, of course.  At times he is a happy baby.  But if he's tired, or hungry--he's angry.  Napoleon. 

When I push him in the stroller, I often think of this scene.  A tiny being that is in control.  The entire video is funny, but the specific part I'm speaking of is at 2:40 into the video. 

Ok...back to the topic.  When my son was only a few weeks old, my husband and I were chatting about how different our life had become.  Now we understood why our friends called there little girl, "Monster" and decided we should have a nickname too.  We threw around a few titles.  Beast was a favorite.  The "Beast" is waking up, or the "Beast" is hungry.  We thought that was ok.  I decided it sounded kind of like a WWF wrestler.  Then, it came to me.  We shall call our child, the "Ruin-er of Things"--yeees!! 

Now, let me tell you--we LOVE our son!  We wouldn't trade him for the world!  So, this is definitely an affectionate term for him--which will probably be dropped long before he can understand it.  And mainly, his nickname around the house is Munchkin--said in a lovey high pitched voice.  But we also refer to him (never address him) as The Ruiner of Things.  For example, we have to hurry and eat our dinner before the Ruiner of Things decides it's time for him to eat.  We have to be home each night at 6pm because that is the Ruiner's bedtime.  And so on.

We think it's fitting.  

Babies are expensive. Sheesh.

As I was lying in bed last night, waiting for my body to decide it was time to fall asleep, thoughts filled my head.  It’s always like that for me.  My mind just races once I lie down—and it’s gotten particularly worse since I had the munchkin.  I am tired all day, and when bedtime comes, I just lie there wide awake, while my husband just snores away.   

Rather than plot against my husband—who is peacefully resting J I allowed my brain to wander for a time—in hopes that I would finally relax and drift off.

Last night, I got to thinking that perhaps I should write a post about the necessities for having a new baby around.  As a military wife, we can’t just go out and buy every little thing our heart desires.  We might have to move it all across the country—multiple times!!  Alas!  We must be selective! 

So, I decided to compile a list for all the moms-to-be out there.  Let me preface this by saying that I’m pretty practical.  The reason I say that is—this list, in my opinion doesn’t have any fluff.   

Furniture:

• Crib
• Changing table—I had a lot of people say that it was going to be a waste—but because I’m a “everything in it’s place” kinda gal—I LOVE my changing table.
• Rocker/Glider etc. 
• Dresser for baby—or a way to organize blankets, bibs, and bedding

Clothing 

• 5-7 Sleepers (more for newborn) I recommend either sleep sacks, or sleep n plays with footies—and I also recommend 100% Cotton
• 10-12 “outfits” that you would take them out in (Less for Newborn)
• 5-7 “outfits” that you would hang out in the house in—unless you are ok to leave them in their pjs (which I totally did)
• Don’t forget bibs (10), baby blankets (10-15—depending on the season), burp rags (10), and crib sheets (2)           

Tips on clothing a newborn—

• Socks are hard to keep on—so I would just leave my little one in pjs with footsies—that way his feet stayed warm.  In fact, my son is now six months old and he has YET to wear a pair of socks.
• Remember that putting them in pants might be tricky until the umbilical cord falls off (which took almost 3 weeks for us)
• Buying onesies with the little pockets that tuck over their hands are helpful and keep them from scratching their face

You’ll need a Bathtub a few wash clothes, and a couple towels.  I would recommend this tub

Gear:

• A swing
• A exersaucer/play seat
• A monitor (I HIGHLY recommend getting a video monitor)
• Stroller and Carseat
• High chair/booster chair
• Play Mat
• You might want a bassinet/cradle/packnplay for your little one to sleep in if they are in your room

Extras that I LOVE

• Baby Beaba—Steams and purees food for my LO (I make my own babyfood—much cheaper and healthier—and pretty easy!)  It’s an investment, but in the end is WAY cheaper than buying the jars.
• Noise machine
• Bottle dry rack
• Baby gate—we use it more for a doggie gate.  I’m sure that will change once my munchkin is mobile
• If you are planning on nursing—I HIGHLY recommend getting a breast pump.  They are VERY helpful!! 
• Also, I LOVE this diaper organizer.  LOVE.  LOVE.  LOVE.  It might not be a must for everyone, but for me it is a MUST.  It's called "Diaper Depot" by Prince Lionheart.

I would encourage you to register for your big ticket items so that people have the option of buying you those for your shower gifts.  Friends can go in together to purchase the large items and you will have them when needed instead of having to go buy them.   

Tips to make mommyhood easier!           

• Order your diapers and wipes from amazon.com (through the Amazon mom program—which is awesome)
• When you purchase diapers, keep the box they come in.  Then, when you need a place to put all of the clothes that your munchkin has outgrown, you can put the clothes in there and tape it up.  Free box…and, for the military wives—you automatically know that diaper boxes=baby clothing (or baby stuff).  J
• Do a load of laundry a day to keep up with it!  Then it won’t seem overwhelming.
• Ask for help. 
• Have a “mobile changing station” in your car.  Keep a basket or bag with diapers, wipes, etc. in it so that you don’t have to dig all the time in the diaper bag when you are out and about
• Also, I get free shipping through Amazon—so I order anything and everything I can to make my life easier.  I get my dog food through Amazon—and it’s awesome!  I don’t have to go to the pet store and lug the 30 pound bag out of the store while trying not to drop my new bundle of joy.  It comes right to my doorstep—for the exact same price I would pay for it at the pet store.  WIN.

I hope that I have given good advice!  So, other moms out there---what are your tips to make mommyhood easier?  Is there any thing I missed that you consider a MUST in your home? 

Catching you up to speed...

I decided I would use this blog as a personal blog, as well as a public forum to encourage other military wives and share information. Sharing information and helping people is one of my favorite things about the military life. (More on that another day)
This post is to tell you readers (if I have any at this point) a little more about my situation. My husband and I have been married four years now. We have moved four times (about to be five), and have lived in 3 different states. He is a pilot in the Navy and will soon be attached to an Aircraft Carrier. He flies the E2-Hawkeye. We have two crazy pups, and a wonderful son together. I love my life and even though I miss my family dearly, and of course the homeland (no, not the US–I’m speaking of Texas ), I LOVE the military life. Today that is.
There are days that it is very stressful. But, that is true with any life that I could have.
My husband is awaiting his next big block of training flights before he goes to the boat to become carrier qualified in his plane. Once he does that, our life could spin into a dozen different directions. He could be sent to California, Japan, or stay here. He could deploy right way for six to nine months, deploy for only a month, or he might not deploy for several months. What I’m saying is, I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT MY LIFE WILL LOOK LIKE IN 90 DAYS. Aaaaah! (Just breathe, Ashley)
Ok…now that I’ve talked myself off of a ledge, I just have to remember that I’ve been in this place before. The place where I have no choice but to breathe and know that it will all be ok. The place where I choose to have faith that there are friends waiting for me wherever we are sent. The place where I know at the end of the day, I love my man more than anything and that my family–while challenged quite a bit in our four short years, is resilient beyond its age. And then…I choose to be excited about the news. Excited that we will have an adventure of sorts–we just don’t know what that adventure will be!
In preparing for a deployment or a move(or both), my list is growing:

• Power of Attorney
• Passports
• Purging/Organizing
• Researching possible options for housing in each place
• Savoring all the moments we have with my husband here
• Taking lots of pictures and videos of Daddy for the munchkin to see…

Oh, and dog food. We definitely need dog food. Nice to know that even though life will be turned upsidedown, there are things that will remain constant.

Marrying into the Military...

Great–the man you love has proposed to you! Congratulations! Now is the time for you to just enjoy your engagement, smile longingly into one another’s eyes, have all the time in the world to set a date (and order anything and everything that will display your date–napkins, gifts for your guests, candies, etc.), and just genuinely enjoy planning your one special day
or
rush to find a place that will get you hitched before your honey heads out, you move across the country (or world), and have to completely start anew with said man. This means moving your things, your life, making new friends, finding new jobs, a new church, a new home, and sometimes the most daunting—finding your way around town (gasp!). Thank goodness for GPS!
My personality is to research and try to know exactly what I’m getting myself into before any decision. Ha!! If there’s one thing that you should know about military life right now it’s that you’ll never get the full “scoop” on something from your military member. Sure, they’ll tell you everything they’ve been told–and everything they know. But, things will usually have a way of turning out very different than you will ever imagine! (Which isn’t always bad!)
Ok–back to the topic–a new military wife. If you are about to become a military wife, I would go out and pick up the book, “Married to the Military” by Meredith Leyva. It’s an awesome book that will give you a ton of answers. It will also help you navigate the acronyms of the military! It was a lifesaver for me!

Hello [blog] World!

I’m new at this–blogging. However, as my title would suggest, I am simply a military wife, who thought I would never end up with a man in uniform. And now, I’ve uprooted and moved multiple times–each time making new friends, creating a home, and adjusting to a new community. I decided that, perhaps, I DID have something to say. Some knowledge to impart. Some truth to share.
I’m not always positive. I’m not always politically correct. I am not the perfect military wife. But, I love my husband, I love my country, and I will do my best to support the things I love.

Here we go…