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Heads Up - A Military Spouse Scam

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I just received a notice in my email from our family support center about a scam that is targeting military families. 

The email, as I received it, is posted after the jump.  Please take the time to inform yourself of the situation - that's your protection. 

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A Sneak Peek at "Army Wives"

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The television series Army Wives will debut on June 3 at 10:00 EST on Lifetime. The series is based on the book, Under the Sabers: The Unwritten Code of Army Wives by Tanya Biank. "Real" Army wives have been buzzing about this for a few months. Will Army Wives be a sensational, Hollywood portrayal of life as an Army wife, or will it be pretty close to the real thing? I had the opportunity to view the first episode of Army Wives, and it's too early to make a definitive judgment, but after viewing the DVD four times, as of now, my answer is... yes, and yes.

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Have Dog, Will PCS

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There are dogs all over my base.  Obviously, military people have a lot of dogs.  In general, we like dogs.  Our kids like dogs.  While our spouse is gone for deployments and lengthy TDYs, not only is our dog extra company with undying devotion and love, but they bark if someone comes to the door.  I can't speak for everyone, but having that extra alarm system makes me sleep much easier at night.

Our dog will go wherever we go.

Sometimes, though, that creates quite a problem.

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The SpouseBUZZ Book Club Features "Shared Courage"

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Shared Courage: A Marine Wife's Story of Strength and Courage, by Michelle Keener is our pick for the third book to be featured in the SpouseBUZZ Book Club.

The Quantico Sentry has a nice summary of the book:

‘‘Shared Courage” by Michelle Keener is a touching story of a country at war, a husband on deployment, and a wife searching within herself for the courage to keep her family afloat.

Keener tells the story of the back-home warriors, the women who fought the good fight on the home front while their husbands fought the war abroad.

From the beginning, military life was not easy for Keener, and she shares her struggles to – as Marines would say – adapt and overcome. Before Keener married, she was studying to become a nun. Unlikely as marriage seemed to her at the time, she followed her heart, which led her to Paul Keener, a Marine communications officer. After their short courtship and marriage, Keener found herself in unfamiliar territory.

A stranger to the Marine Corps, Keener describes her intimidating arrival at Quantico and her adjustment to military life. But suddenly her problems with base housing and meeting the neighbors seemed obsolete: on Sept. 11, 2001, planes hit the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and marked the beginning of a long and emotional road for Paul and Michelle Keener, as well as for the rest of the country.

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Memorial Day Meaning

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I am very privileged to have contact with some of the personnel, military and civilian, in-theatre.  People I have universally come to admire and will, unfortunately for me, probably never meet!  I was recently blessed with an email from one such person about his Memorial Day experience down range today.  It was too good to keep to myself. 

Thought I'd share with you that this email was sent to me by a civilian working in support of the military.  He has been in Iraq for two years and has volunteered to extend his stay through December in order to finish out the tour with the troops who are there with him now!  Thanks to all who are willing to serve, civilian and military.  Your sacrifices are monumental and mostly unknown! 

If you are sitting there thinking that no one really gets Memorial Day anymore....read on and be renewed!

If you know someone who may not really understand Memorial Day anymore...pass this on and allow them to be renewed.

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It’s Important We Remember

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Memorial_day_decorated_grave_1

In between the BBQ and spending time with family and friends, it’s important we remember.

A Tribute to the lost boats of WWII - Click to watch Video

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Our Little Patriots

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I have a quick story to share, which I feel is appropriate this weekend as we remember the men and women who gave their lives in the name of freedom!  Happy Memorial Day to all... may we Never Forget!!! 

This is about my 7-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter.  We have a flag hanging on the front of our house next to the garage.  We come and go and see it every day... it is a "normal" part of our lives.  Until one day my son did something that made me so proud I was near tears...

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"Out of the Blue"

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One of the cool things about SpouseBUZZ is that we've got civilian readers too.  I think it's really great that our civilian friends take time out of their days to try to learn about us and our lives.  And sometimes they ask questions that I wouldn't have thought to address.  I got an email from one of our civilian friends asking this:

If you're ever at a loss of things to say on SpouseBuzz, I'd be curious about the difference between women (or men) who married men (or women) who knew they were joining the military or were already in vs. those that found their spouses making a decision "out of the blue" after a long marriage/relationship.

I know that no one expects what they get when they marry into the military. I just wonder how different it is when they've been married and the military finds them after the fact.

I think this is a really interesting question. In my case, my husband was already in ROTC when I met him, and we got engaged after 9/11. I think I can say that I kinda knew what I was getting myself into. But I sometimes wonder about those of you whose spouses sat you down and asked you if they could join the military. What was that discussion like? How did your family make the decision to join up?

It starts with the softest of rumbles ...

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A couple of days ago, I noticed the slightest change in the sounds of the 'hood.  Being the son of a jet engine mechanic, and then a maintainer myself (and yes, a "boy"), I notice the sounds of cars and trains and planes.  Most of us (boys!) begin identifying these sounds at the age of 4 or 5 (easily!).  One sound many of us relate to is the sound of the UH-1 Huey helo as it alone captures our imaginations as it whop whop whop's its way across our sky.   But this ... this was another sound.  A low, thud thud thud'ing ... almost a word, po-ta-to, po-ta-to, po-ta-to ...

Then it dawned on me ... it was THAT time -- How could I have let it slip up on me??

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Sad...

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The body of the US service man has been identified, after much speculation. I have been unplugged from MSM for weeks now, because I have been traveling.  And when I went to the only place in town for wireless service, I was not surprised to see CNN on the flat screen. About every 6 minutes, I heard the talking heads speculating on "this body", and speaking of the condition in which it was found.

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Because Spouses Serve Too

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I love to look at my husband when he's in his Dress Blue Uniform. When I look at the ribbons on his chest, I'm keenly aware that each one has an important story to tell. My husband doesn't serve to gather medals and ribbons, and yours probably doesn't either, but gather they do, and each award has real significance.

I once heard General Peter Pace say, and I'm paraphrasing, that spouses don't earn medals and can never be recognized adequately enough for taking care of the homefront. A few days ago, a soldier told me that his sacrifices pale in comparison to those of his wife. This, from a soldier who has completed three combat deployments, one in Afghanistan and two in Iraq.

There's a creative new way to recognize the sacrifices of those who take care of the homefront, or, as we're often called, The Hidden Heroes.

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The Real Show

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There have long been shows and movies purporting to be about the experience of being a military family, a military spouse, a military member during wartime.  I think that at this particular junction in time, with such a historically low number of Americans with actual ties to the military and yet everyone having an opinion about the history we are writing, there is probably more interest than usual at looking into "what it is like." 

I know I get questions all the time.  What is it like... to be alone for months at a time?  What is it like... to be pregnant while your husband is gone.  What is it like... to live on base and hear the National Anthem every night?  What is it like...

And then there is the flip side to the "what is it like" question,  "I saw on TV..."  Yep, that's right.  On TV.  Without a whole heck of a lot of input from people who actually live the life and with extra drama thrown in for ratings. 

So, I have decided to put together my own outline for a show that offers a REAL look at the military family experience.  My first rule:  lose the beatifully tousled hair and kicky outfits.  And NO MAKE UP. 

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A Conversation With Marna Krajeski

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The second book in our SpouseBUZZ Book Club was Household Baggage: The Moving Life of a Soldier's Wife, by Army wife and author Marna Krajeski. Household Baggage is a hilarious look at the challenges that military spouses face.

Several weeks ago, some of the SpouseBUZZ authors sat down with Marna to talk to her about her book. I had some technical difficulties editing the podcast, and it took far too long to get this up. I'd like to thank Marna, who has the patience of a saint, for being such a good sport. Joan D'Arc, airforcewife and Guard Wife joined in on the podcast.

If you haven't read Household Baggage, order a copy and read it. You will laugh - a lot, and you might just look at your military experience with a whole new appreciation for the sacrifices you make by simply being a military spouse.

You can click the "get podcast" button on the right navigation bar to subscribe to the podcast feed and receive SpouseBUZZ podcasts in your iTunes folder, or you can click the "play" button below to listen.

Turn the volume all the way up during the first half because Marna's voice is a little faint.

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"Fighting for Life"

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I didn't have the privilege of attending the premier of “Fighting for Life” at the National Air and Space Museum’s IMAX Theater in Washington, DC on May 15, 2007.  The film is the brainchild of Mrs. Tammy Alvarez, the President of “Friends of Uniformed Services University”. Filmmaker, Terry Sanders and his production team told the story of the dedicated people of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) and the importance of the university to the Nation and the military health system.

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The Doctor is In "Love" - Tessa Welcome Aboard!

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Bachmay07

Ok, so you know I'd have to write about the season finale of ABC's The Bachelor.  I know there are closet watchers out there.  I'm also thinking some first time viewers who just couldn't look away.  ;)

Our favorite Bachelor, Andy Baldwin, gave the last rose and a huge diamond engagement ring to Tessa.   

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Mother's Day - A Week Late....or Right on Time

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This past Mother's Day I was on board an airplane most of the day.  When I arrived home, I was sleep deprived and in need of a nap.  It was 530 before I was ready to face the world and my family.  We had talked about going out to dinner, but I really preferred to stay home the rest of the evening vs. venturing out anywhere.

So, last Sunday Big K and Lil K decided to reenact Mother's Day.  It was really thoughtful and unnecessary, however who can argue with two eager to please smiling faces.  What did they have planned?  After church we headed to a local outdoor mall, did a little shopping and had lunch.  We normally don't eat out often, so it was a true treat.  Cold Stone ice cream topped off the afternoon. 

To me the day was just as special as if it was the actual "Mother's Day".

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Did you know?

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Included in this week's Military Report:

GI Film Festival Coming Memorial Day Weekend
National Memorial Day Concert
New Security Measure Added to myPay
A Soldier's Wish List
Cash Availability Easier Through Eagle Cash - cash while deployed
Marinas Offer Fun on the Water
Navy Lodge Reservations Made Easier
Virtual Family Readiness Group Website Updated
Organization Sponsors Free Flights for Wounded
Beach Cottages Open for Military
Army Opens New Military-Only Resort
Auto Group Sponsors Sweepstakes
Great American Country Plans Memorial Day Tribute
TRICARE Uniform Formulary Update Announced
Commissaries Host Health and Wellness Forum
Website Offers Assistance to Reservists, Guardsmen
Bill to Protect Custody for Deployed
Restructured TRICARE Reserve Select Coming in October
Save with the Armed Forces Vacation Club

Renter Etiquette Goes Down the Toilet

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Ah, PCS time. What a thrill. Especially when you're PCSing for only 11 months and trying to rent your house. Most renters, understandably, don't want to sign a one-year lease. I can relate to that. Who wants to just get settled in and then be told to get out?

This PCS is, so far, more trying than all the others. This is the first duty station where we've owned a home, which means that this is the first time we've had to deal with potential renters traipsing through our house at all hours of the day and night. It's also the first time that we've had to deal with potential renters ignoring "renter etiquette."

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Sisterly love

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Andi wrote a great post about the sacrifices our extended families make when we live the military lifestyle.  Missed births, birthdays, holidays, graduations, etc.  It's hard for us and our family when we can't be a part of those special days.  (If you haven't read Andi's post, I encourage you to do so!)

This post is about an amazing sacrifice my own family made when DH was wounded.  I don't think I have thanked them enough or could ever repay them for their time, energy, and love.

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Caring for the Caretaker

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I have four kids and a dog with a finicky stomach, so I rarely go any appreciable length of time without someone getting sick.  I deal with snotty noses, I deal with coughing that sounds like barks, I deal with vomiting and potty problems.  I medicate people, I talk to the TriCare nurse, I prepare hot water bottles and make sure we're stocked up on chicken soup and Sprite.

And I quite often deal with these things on my own because my husband is either gone or completely engaged at work.  I'm not complaining about that - it's just a fact of life for a military family.  When I agreed to be a military wife, I also volunteered to pull excessive puke patrol duty.

So what happens when I get sick? 

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The Grass Isn't Always Greener on the Other Side

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I've been at this milspouse business for thirteen years now. During those thirteen years, I've done my share of complaining about having to drive or fly across the country on special occasions and holidays. I would love to host one -- just one -- Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner at MY house. I would love the families to do the driving, packing and unpacking and for me to do the cooking and cleaning. I would like our family to actually see our Christmas tree in person rather than as a .jpeg image in their inbox. But alas, It's just not in the cards.

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The Bachelor - She's Gone

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Yes, it's time for the recap of The Bachelor.  I know there are closet watchers out there.  If you've never seen The Bachelor, now is the best time to watch since next Monday is the season finale.

On to the recap.  Yep, the girl I had picked is "gone".  Danielle was sent home without a rose on Monday night.

On this week's episode of ABC's The Bachelor an Officer and a Gentleman, Andy took the girls home to Hawaii.  Bevin, Danielle and Tessa each had their own one on one dates. 

I have to say that I have no idea who Andy will pick this time.  Originally, I thought Tessa, then Danielle, then the ABC producers tricked me....so now I have no idea. 

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Love is in the Details

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Im back and still on a bit of a high from the SpouseBUZZ Live 2 Mil-Spouse Conference in San Diego.  There is so much to write about that Im sure I'll be writing follow up posts as the days go forward, I just wanted to start with some first reactions and share some highlights from the weekend.

They say love is in the details.  As I walked through the meeting spaces, stuffed goody bags and watched the set up process on Friday, I felt it.  I was thinking, "The mil-spouses that walk through these doors tomorrow have no idea the work involved in putting on this conference for them, I hope the kids don't get sick, their not sick and they all show up in droves."  I was so excited for them to see all the work, meet them and to get the event started!  I must mention the gift bags.  No plastic bags for these mil-spouses, these bags were canvas with a zipper and a place to to hold your water bottle and cell phone.  It was obvious some thought went into those bags.  They were cool without anything even in them!  Although, I do think we need tissues in them next time.

On Saturday morning, as I wandered around the meeting space I was

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Love Military Style

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Are any of you old enough to remember "Love American Style"?  Well, today is my wedding anniversary and I've been thinking about how it's different than what I expected.  We've been together now for 15 years.  I'm still in MN with my son who's going through limb-lengthening and Papa Bear is home, working and caring for the other two kiddos.  It's not a typical anniversary - it's love Military style!

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airforcewife Flies the Friendly Skies

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SpouseBuzz Live 2 rocked!  I had so much fun and met so many new people that I'm still completely overwhelmed! 

I've even got pictures to share... but I think I should go in order of occurance. 

So before I get into Saturday's event, I must share the tale of the plane flight. 

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Group Hug

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When I began blogging in 2003, I had no idea that it could lead to such exciting and fulfilling moments like SpouseBuzz Live II.  Having a place like SpouseBuzz is equivalent to having a big group hug waiting in cyberspace whenever you want. 

Going to a SpouseBuzz Live event, however, brings that virtual hug into reality and creates connections that even Bill Gates may never have contemplated.

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Let's Dance

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I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance

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Colors

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I was lucky enough to have the best seat in the house for SpouseBuzz Live in San Diego. 

And as I stood at the front of the room, and I watched the young Marines, march in with the colors raised. 

I looked out into the crowd,  primarily wives- and they were all standing silently. 

And I saw right hands placed over hearts proudly. 

It was a very amazing site I am not privy to often, as a National Guard wife. 

But to see my military spouse family. My Sisters and Brothers.  Standing to honor our country, our brave men, and women. Standing for one another, and our husbands and wives.

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Welcome to SpouseBUZZ

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We want to welcome our new SpouseBUZZ readers. Those of you who are new should poke around a bit and read some of our archived posts (on the right). There you will find seven months of funny, informative, honest, perspective-filled, confessional, you-don't say, empowering and entertaining posts.

The goal of SpouseBUZZ was -- and is -- to connect military spouses in the "virtual" sense. Milspouses who visit SpouseBUZZ are from all branches of service, all ranks, all walks of life and come from all sides of the political spectrum. Speaking of politics, we don't get into politics here, nor do we advocate for or against our involvement in Iraq. We simply focus on life as a military spouse.   

We hope you find a home here, and we look forward to getting to know you.

"Thank a Military Spouse" Writing Contest

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Military.com is hosting its annual "Thank a Military Spouse" writing contest. Know someone who has gone "above and beyond" the call of duty?

In honor of Military Spouse Appreciation month, Military.com is holding its annual "Thank a Military Spouse" writing contest!

Do you know of a military spouse that has gone above and beyond the call of duty? Does he or she have a story that's waiting to be told? Now is your chance to let us know how great your spouse is.

The Military.com editorial staff will judge all of the entries. And, if your story is chosen as the 1st place submission, you could win a 2 GB Apple iPod nano! Ten runners-up will receive one Military.com t-shirt. The winners will also have their articles featured on Military.com and the upcoming Military.com newsletters. Military.com members have from May 4, 2007 to May 21, 2007 to submit entries.

Show your spouse that you acknowledge and appreciate all of his or her hard work while you protect the country. Tell us their story!

More details here.

Liveblogging Panel 2 from SpouseBUZZ Live San Diego

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Introducing the speakers from Panel 2: Andi (Moderator), AWTM, Joan d'Arc, and Shelly Hall from TAPS.

Andi is talking about the creation of SpouseBuzz, as a place to "vent" (as said on last panel) and talk to each other.  These panelists are people who've gone through the Lows that AirForceWife talked about.

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Live From San Diego

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*Please submit any questions today, in the comments discussion, we will adress them in a Q&A session, following each panel!! WE want you to participate*

You can go to the live coverage in the extended BODY of this post...

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Live From San Diego

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Video feed from SpouseBUZZ LIVE San Diego will begin at 9:30 a.m. PST.

Not only can you watch the panel sessions at SpouseBUZZ LIVE San Diego, but you can also participate by submitting questions. If you have a question of one of the panelists, please submit it in the comment section and we'll ask as many of your questions as time permits.

ArmyWifeToddlerMom will be live-blogging the first panel, The MilSpouse Experience, moderated by Guard Wife.

Sarah will be live-blogging the second panel, Overcome and Empower, moderated by Andi.

Scroll down to read live accounts of the panels.

This post will remain on top throughout the panel sessions.

Military Spouse Appreciation Day

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HAPPY MILITARY SPOUSE APPRECIATION DAY!

God bless you all for the incredible love and support you give to your spouse.  This support enables them to do their job and provide defense for our country.

Enjoy your day!  Apparently, a lot of BX/PX's are having specials for us!  I've already had a wonderful e-card to start my day!   

I'll See You the Flu During a PCS and Raise You an Online Hotel Reservation that Turned Out to be a Drug Den

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When I first made the online acquaintance of armywifetoddlermom a few years ago, a new game was developing between the various military spouses supporting each other online.

It is a wonderful game, and perfect for the military families, because just when things seem to be most hopeless and horrible - when nothing seems to be going right - it gives us the ability to laugh about the very worst.  It gives us a chance to celebrate surviving hair raising home experiences that would knock Martha Stewart flat and dinner time dynamics that would send Rachel Ray into uncontrollable spasms of fear whenever a bottle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil was placed in her sight.

The game came to be called "Military Family Poker."  And I do believe that it is time for our next match up.

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Cheaper Than Therapy

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I am really getting anxious for the SpouseBuzz LIVE 2 Event in San Diego.  I am seriously fired up, after  attending the Milblogging Conference, and I am ready to do it again. 

I think you will be amazed at what a powerful experience it can be to share with one another in a group where we all have some common ground.  I think you will walk away amazed, and inspired and empowered! 

I have had a couple of e-mails asking questions about the event.....

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What are you passionate about?

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Our church hosts a Military Ministry for the military families within the congregation and within the community. Our focus has been on 2 Chronicles, specifically Chapter 20. In Chapter 20, Jehosaphat and his kingdom are in great danger from Moab and Amon. Jehosaphat is alarmed and seeks the Lord by fasting and praying. God's assurance of victory is delivered to Jehosaphat through a prophet, Jahaziel.

Our "fearless leader" (as I like to call her) pointed out that Jahaziel, a Levite (Levites were in charge of the temple/tabernacle) was exactly where he was supposed to be. He was in the assembly. He was at the temple.

Have I lost you yet? Hopefully not. (I'm a rookie at the Old Testament. I apologize if I blew any of that.)

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Feeling Appreciated Yet?

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SO...you've been a military spouse for 10 day, 10 years, 45 years!  Are you feeling under appreciated?  Over tasked? Over whelmed?  Do you think the world doesn't notice all the stuff you endure as a military spouse?

Fear not!  Friday is Military Spouse Appreciation Day!  Seriously....

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Addicted to The Bachelor

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Yes, I know my life is really not very exciting when I'm writing about my guilty pleasure ABC's The Bachelor.  I should probably be taking AirForce Wife's advice and be writing a love letter right now...

Anyway,

The latest episode of ABC's The Bachelor Officer and a Gentleman aired last night, and I actually think it's getting better. (Did I just say that?!)

There are a couple of blogs I found out there that "Recap" the episodes far better than I could, so I am going to share them with all of you.

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Did you know?

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Included in this week's Military Report:

Special Offer: Buick, Pontiac & GMC: $1000 Private Offer
Emergency Preparedness Materials Available Online
Finance and Accounting Website Returns Home
Mortgage Bill Introduced to Benefit Troops
Military Spouse Appreciation Day is May 11
Book for Military Spouses
Commissary Case Lot Sales Coming in May
Programs Help Airman Handle Stress
Stay Safe in the Summer Sun
Talking with Children About Traumatic Events
4th Annual Marine Corps Family Conference
Mental Health Self-Assessment Program Available
Military Severely Injured Center
Getting Ready to Retire from the Army
New Lunch Program Savings in Europe
Marines Limit Time for Death Notices

STOMP

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Just came across a new site that might be of interest to many military parents with special needs' kids.  I'd like to say that I came across it myself, but a friend of mine (Hi Jean!) showed it to me!  Thought I'd share the information

STOMP Project - Specialized Training of Military Parents.  Sounds like boot camp for military parents, right?  But it's a great site for parents of special needs' kids!

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Keeping Those Home Fires Burning

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Before 9/11 my husband spent some time in Korea - without me, of course, as is usually the case.  As such things generally go, I was very pregnant with my third daughter at the time.  My eldest daughter, who was 7, made a fascinating discovery one day while I was sleeping off some of my pregnancy exhaustion.

When you pour alcohol in the sink and then toss a kitchen match in it, fireworks ensue.  And it is very, very, very dangerous.

Luckily, I smelled something odd about two minutes into the "experiment" and managed to propel myself watermelon belly first into the bathroom and put an end to the attempt to burn down my house.  Weeks of grounding and a Texas summer without rubbing alcohol followed.

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An Amazing Experience

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This weekend DH and I attended the 2007 MilBlog Conference in Arlington, VA (along with some of the other SB authors).  It was a BLAST... and emotional beyond words. 

Back in April, LMT wrote a post about relating to military widows.  It is not an easy topic to discuss, but I want to briefly share an experience I had this weekend that I know will forever be imprinted in the hearts of those who attended.

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Flashbacks

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are strange thing.

The cycle of refit, underway, turnover, off crew.....refit, underway, turnover, off crew.....suddenly came rushing through my mind this morning on a drive back from Lil K's school.

I remembered a time when I was facing a summer with BigK out at sea.  I didn't like the idea of him being gone and us having to plan our summer without him.

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You Want a Medal or a Monument?

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One of the neat things about the military is you can tell more or less what a service member has done in his or her career.  As a spouse, I have enjoyed learning about the various patches, vibrantly colored ribbons, and impressive shiny badges.

It is also good to know when I am talking with someone who has a lot of experience and seniority or who has accomplished a particularly noteworthy or brave feat.

We spouses do not have multi-hued resumes that we wear upon our chests, thank goodness!  I can barely get myself and the baby dressed in the morning, let alone properly assemble ribbons and medals on a uniform.  Imagine, though, for a minute, what it might look like if we did...

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Live Blogging from MilBlogging Conference 2007

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For those of you interested, the 2007 Milblogging Conference is currently being held in Arlington, Virginia . 

You may join the live chat at Techography.

Topics of interest include. 

Milbloggers from the front, a panel being moderated by Blackfive. 

All in The Family being moderated by our own Andi, from SpouseBuzz.

A Rapid Fire session, moderated by John Donovan, which will include military tech aspects. 

A Support Panel,  moderated by one of the SpouseBuzz Authors Husbands who was injured will in Iraq.  This will include such support organizations as Soldier's Angels, Sew Much Comfort.

You'll Miss the Oddest Things

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Last September I had to go back home to take care of the issues involved with my Mother-in-Law getting older and being diagnosed with senile dementia.  You know, it's funny the things you miss when you go from living on base to staying off base for an extended period of time.

The very first problem that reared up for me while staying in her house was that I couldn't sleep.  Why, you may ask, could I not sleep?  The completely ridiculous answer is that it was just too quiet.  I live on an Air Force base, and darn it - I NEED the sound of those planes to lull me to sleep!  Seriously!  It took me two weeks to figure out that was what I was missing, and I honestly began to consider taking my kids on a field trip to the local airport just so that we could bask in the sounds of jets taking off and landing and our souls would be soothed. 

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The One Thing...

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Before Hubs deployed, I thought the one thing I wouldn't be able to function without in my day was him.  That's an obvious no-brainer, right?  But after the deafening cone of silence dissipated after the first week or two, I began to consider the opportunity the ARNG had presented me with. 

Could it be possible? 

By removing my 'one thing' from my life for a time, I now had the chance to select something new to put on that list...

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Hospital Time

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What do you do to while away hours in a hospital?  Besides the fact that everyone has wireless laptops now?  I'm in the hospital for a few days.  My son (13) is beginning another limb-lengthening (secondary to the fact that he had cancer at age 3 and his femur isn't growing) procedure.  Today they put on the external fixator.  Nasty little procedure that!

What's a mom to do in order not to go insane?

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Prep Work

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