Compliment from my son (and he doesn't even know it :)

Yesterday I was checking my 10-year-old son's homework and he unknowingly paid me a compliment.  My rule with checking homework is that I will check it twice (at most) and after that it is my son's responsibility to make corrections.  I don't give him the answers, but I tell him which answers are incorrect and help him problem-solve to find the answer (if he asks).

While checking his homework yesterday, one of his friends stopped by to see if he could play.  My son left the front door wide open and he was talking to his friend through the screen door.  My son was more focused on hurrying through his homework so he could go outside, rather than listening to what I was telling him he needed to do (typical 10-year-old behavior).

After checking his homework twice, he went back to his friend and said he had to write a complete sentence on one final problem.  His friend said, "Well I just wrote..... but I didn't have to write a complete sentence."

My son replied, "Yeah.  Well you don't have MY mom checking your homework."  (THAT was a compliment for me!)

I have expectations of my children and maybe I am a stickler at times.  They don't usually like it (especially with homework), but I know in my heart that some day they will thank me.  SOME day...

DoDEA Virtual Schools

I became really excited for my children when I read an article title.  I do truly know better than to let a title get me excited before I understand the program details, but I got excited anyway.  I did the same thing back in the day when my MyCAA first came out.

My Sailor Dad

 

Back in May, some of the SpouseBUZZ authors spoke at the MOAA symposium.  While there, Air Force Wife took the time to get a signed copy of My Sailor Dad for my two boys.  Because she is awesome like that.  At the time Seadaddy had just left for the first stop of his countrywide summer school adventure to gear up for his unaccompanied tour (that didn't happen).  It was another example of the perfectly timed gift Super Power that Guard Wife told us about.

I had already made a little laminated social story book with photos we took of Seadaddy leaving with his sea bags packed, coming home, running in PT gear, sleeping in his barracks bed, skyping on the computer, etc for my two year old to go through each day.  Which Little Man liked, but did not love.

My Sailor Dad has been a big hit! Little Man's favorite things in life right now are vehicles of all kinds, so the colorful illustrations of so many ships and a few helicopters and planes really brought out his high pitched excited voice.  I love hearing that voice! 

The story is a great mix of fun and message.  The author, Ross H. Mackenzie, is a Naval Officer himself and did a fantastic job putting the sense of duty and pride in terms our younger children can appreciate.  The concept of separation during a deployment is explained in a clear and helpful way.  I love the illustrations and think Marvin Jarboe did a fantastic job!   I also think it is great there are messages to decode using nautical flags.

Oh, to be a kid again!

As an Army brat, I grew up with the idea that moving was a great thing.  There were new adventures to be had.  Items that had gone missing (possibly under or behind large pieces of furniture) were rediscovered.  New friends were waiting to be made.  Moving was a wonderful thing!  As a result, I was profoundly disappointed when we reached a point where we stopped moving as a family.  It took me quite some time to realize this had happened, though, as I kept expecting to move for years.

Then, I married a Marine and I thought, "Oh, I can handle this, especially the moving part!"  And to be honest, the first few moves really weren't too bad.  I couldn't complain when it only took half a day to pack us and half a day to load us onto the truck! 

Pet Peeve #795476

It drives me nuts when we PCS and I don't know anyone local to put in the "Emergency Contact" section of paperwork.

Virtual Road Trip--Who Wants Shotgun?!

Some of my fondest memories from childhood were the road trips.  I especially remember my mom's habit of stopping at the brochure walls at restaurants or highway rest areas, collecting the ones that were "on our way" either to or from our final destination, and stopping at some really incredible places.  Sometimes, they were historical and other times hysterical, but memorable nonetheless.

Last summer, we were in the official beginnings of my husband's deployment to Iraq.  Fast forward to this summer and we've added a kindergartener to the fold and my husband isn't traveling anywhere.  Because of our until-further-notice sentence of being housebound, I've become even more nostalgic about summers past and have already begun fantasizing about future summers where we can actually have fun.

I realized I'm likely not the only one whose summer is passing by at warp speed with nothing good to show for it.  I thought maybe someone in the crowd would want to join me on a virtual road trip and maybe we could have some fun without spending money or packing bags.  And, for those in our group who can go places or have already been traveling, pull out those travel tips and be ready to share!  Military families are some of the most well-traveled folks in any given room, so I KNOW you know how to have a good road trip.

Whose coming along for the ride?

 

Perspective From the Flipside

When my husband deployed to Iraq, it seemed like most people thought my fears and worries would be focused on a worst case scenario that involved my husband not coming home.  To me, it seemed like that fear was almost inherent to deployment to a war zone.  And, because I treat worrying like a competitive sport, I couldn't just stop there.

Nope.

I concentrated on the smaller things.  Things that wouldn't end his life, but would impact his civilian career.  A wrenched back, a twisted knee or something else that would prevent him from putting on the Brown and doing it for you.

What would happen to us if that happened?

I Went There

Last weekend my third daughter, the evil blond one, had her first gymnastics exhibition.  She was very excited and ready to go, but also sad because her Dad is deployed and wouldn't be able to make this event (like many, many others in her life). 

However, she perked right up when I promised to record it so that he could watch when he gets home.  And so that was my plan.

Until I got to the gym.

The Things We Do For Our Kids

As I type, I am sitting on the floor in a hotel room, watching through the door to the adjoining room as my daughter and seven of her closest friends watch a movie.  I have to say, never in my life could I imagine that I would allow such a thing.  A two month early birthday party in a hotel?  With pizza and expensive fruit and veggie trays from the grocery store and a hotel on-demand movie that cost $13.99?  What sort of spoiled child am I raising?  But then I look at the bigger picture and just hope that somehow this is going to create a good memory to offset all that she puts up with because her dad is in the Navy.

How do you handle "Good Bye?"

I hate to say "Good Bye."  Whether I am moving, my friends are moving, or my husband is deploying, I do NOT like it!

Your Kid Might Be a Mil-Brat When...

You are watching the news at the doctor's office and your child turns to you and asks, "Shouldn't Major Garrett have been promoted by now?"

Touche,  AF Child.  Touche.

Defining Success

From Merriam-Webster.com, edited to remove irrelevant stuff:

Main Entry: suc·cess
Pronunciation:  \sək-ˈses\
2 a : degree or measure of succeeding b : favorable or desired outcome; also : the attainment of wealth, favor, or eminence
3 : one that succeeds

I think that the dictionary's definition of success is awfully flat, and unsatisfactory since it includes the word succeeding in the definition.  For that, we have to go to another definition:

Main Entry: suc·ceed Pronunciation: \sək-ˈsēd\

1 a : to come next after another in office or position or in possession of an estate; especially : to inherit sovereignty, rank, or title b : to follow after another in order
2 a : to turn out well b : to attain a desired object or end <students who succeed in college>

3 obsolete : to pass to a person by inheritance

Okay, so why is She of the Sea rambling on about success?

Borrowing Trouble

It's an old expression, but one my family swears I invented.  I'm always "borrowing trouble" or worrying ahead.  I find, though, that preparing for the worst is the best way for me to be prepared for it.  And, even if the situation turns godawful, my imagination proved approximately 45% worse.  So, worrying ahead made it seem not as bad as it could have been.

Did I mention I also rationalize things in a circular manner?

As if I didn't have enough to worry about on a daily basis, we mixed it up in March.

My husband arrived home on a Monday from his year-long deployment to Iraq. At his homecoming ceremony, our adoption agency called to tell us we needed to be in Ethiopia that following Tuesday for our Embassy appointment.  That meant we needed to leave that Friday to be in country in time.

And so begins the trouble borrowing...

Open letter to Devil Pup-1

(background)  About a year ago, I wrote about our oldest daughter's continuing issues a year after my husband's year-long deployment on my own blog:

Five Signs Your Kids Might Be Used To The Military World

1. They plan their August birthday parties for May and June, so that they'll have someone to invite.


2. They have opinions on MRE parts.


3. Their entire 9th year is spent in anticipation of getting a military ID, which they can never keep track of once they turn 10.


4. They are quite serious when they ask, "Can we move to Paris?" yet totally understand when you reply, "No dear, no jobs for Daddy in Paris.  But we can move to Italy."


5. They remind their siblings not to spend their allowance on candy at the civilian grocery store, with the logic that "it is so much cheaper at the commissary."

I know that this list could fill up the entire page.  What do you have to add?

Famous Military Brats

It is the month of the military child.... 

I just watched this slideshow of famous military brats. I had no idea several of these celebrities were milbrats. Learn something new every day...

Operation Purple Deadline Extended

Regular registration for the National Military Family Association's wonderful Operation Purple camps ended last Friday, April 16, 2010.  However, registration has been extended  for certain locations.

When you first look at the site, it seems as if the registration has been extended for every location.  However, if you click on a particular camp, there will be a block at the upper right of the page (right under the location name) that either says "Register Now!" or "Camp registration has closed."  There doesn't seem to be a way to sort by just the camps that are still accepting registrations.

The registration deadline has only been extended until April 26th, so don't wait!

Soldiers' Angels supports Month of the Military Child

Soldiers' Angels is showing their love and support to children of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans during the Month of the Military Child.  By clicking the "Solders' Angels" link, you will be taken to their website where you can order (for free) either Soldiers' Angels dog tags or a bracelet for a child.

Please read the information on the site before placing your order.  You can order for your own children or for other children.

My family has been blessed in countless ways by Soldiers' Angels and I have been volunteering with this incredible organization for almost 5 years.  No matter your branch of service, Soldiers' Angels is there to support ALL military families and veterans.

Many blessings to you and our military children!!!

Month of the Military Child 2010

 

This month we celebrate our military children.

"Talk, Listen, Connect” 2010 Tour

USO Announces Sesame Workshop Tour Dates

The Sesame Street/USO Experience for Military Families, a free traveling USO show based on Sesame Workshop’s award winning “Talk, Listen, Connect” initiative and produced in partnership with Vee, is back in the United States after an around-the-world tour.

The show, which is exclusively for military families, kicks off its second swing through the United States on April 17 at Fort Knox, Ky.

Audiences will experience a 25-minute character performance and receive promotional items and outreach materials, officials said.

The Sesame Street Workshop/USO partnership put on its first show at Twentynine Palms, Calif., in July 2008. Since then, The Sesame Street/USO Experience for Military Families has traveled more than 45,000 miles to 76 bases in nine countries. More than 120,000 servicemembers and families have been entertained during 176 shows.

“The momentum that this show has gathered since it first performed for military kids and families is unbelievable,” said Gary E. Knell, Sesame Workshop president and CEO. “To see how families come together and then use the messages from the show to talk to their kids is the greatest reward that we could ask for. We at Sesame Workshop are thrilled to continue this work with our partners and friends at the USO and reinforce our commitment to military families.”

Sloan Gibson, USO president, noted the positive impact the tour is having on the military community.

“The fact that more than 100,000 troops and family members have attended these shows so far speaks volumes about the tour’s relevance to today’s military,” Gibson said. “We listen to our troops and understand the challenges they face at home, and are proud to call Sesame Workshop our partner in helping to ease the daily stresses on military families.”

Up In The Air

Although it is grammatically incorrect and it may make a nice title for a movie, the title of this post is not my favorite way for things in my life to be.  The end of deployment is upon us.  I'm not trying to be sly when I say I'm not sure when my husband will be home, but that I just know it's soon.

Not that I have to tell YOU that because you get it.

It's everyone ELSE who seems to think I'm keeping secrets.

An Open Letter..

To my military brat

Dear Little Man:

I’ve been thinking back on recent events and realized something. All this time you were there secretly making sure I kept my sanity. You redefined what it meant to be a “battle buddy” to me. When it came time to move back and forth between states, you were there to remind me to have fun. It wasn’t always about unpacking all the boxes before the week was over, sometimes we had to take the time and jump on the bubble wrap too.

I have to admit, I’ve felt very guilty at times. You may be young, but you’ve already spent more than half of your life without your Father. You accepted the military lifestyle and never questioned your surroundings. I think life can get so chaotic at times between deployments and moves, we sometimes forget how amazing and resilient our kids truly are. It is amazing to me, as I sit back and reflect, to realize how much of an impact you’ve had on my life.

I originally wanted to say “Happy Birthday Little Man” but now what I really want to say is, “Thank you for bringing such an indescribable joy into my life. For reminding me to not stress out about the big things and take time to enjoy the small things. To say it’s ok to jump on the bed every once in a while and sing along when the mood strikes. ”

I feel so lucky to have you in my life and love you with all my heart.

  Little Man at Homecoming. I took this photo when he saw the Soldiers marching onto the field and you can tell he realized something was up.

Like a band of gypsies we go down the highway...

A few weeks ago, our gypsy family finally found out where we're moving to this summer.  By all accounts, it will be a great duty station with good family time.  Yes, I've heard all that before so I won't hold my breath but it really does sound like it will be a good place for all of us.  The kicker?  We'll only be there for a year.

The Odds Are Going to Improve (For Me, at Least)

Things in the parenting department have been a little slack around here lately.  Over the course of the last year, I've tried to keep up with some regular order and general sense of discipline.  Sometimes it has worked, sometimes it hasn't.  Let's face it - I am seriously outnumbered.  There are four of them, and only one of me, and the one of me has been stretched a little thin.  There have been many days when I've thought, "I don't care what you do as long as it is quiet!"  Best not to say that out loud, though.

Fortunately, we're adding another adult here pretty soon.  We are all super-excited to have Daddy come home, but I am a little concerned about how my kids will react to this shift in power.  We've all heard the stereotype of a military dad coming home and imposing his military order on the household.  I'm guessing that isn't exactly what's happening  at least not all of the time.  It seems more likely that it is a simple math calculation:  twice as many parents means twice as much parenting.  I've got a house full of kids who have grown a lot, taken on new responsibilities, gained some privileges, and gotten away with some stuff that they shouldn't have managed.  They have had more control than they ever had before this deployment.  Adding Dad back into the equation means twice as many chances to get caught doing something wrong, twice as many opportunities to be reminded to do your chores, and twice as many times that someone is going to be checking on you when you are reading under the covers.  The odds are shifting in favor of the grown-ups, and that can't be fun for the kids.

I've talked to my kids about this idea and they act as if they understand.  I have my doubts that they've really internalized what I was saying, or that they'll care when they realize how Dad's return is going to change their world.  Hopefully, there won't be any dramatic explosions or meltdowns (though I'm not particularly optimistic about that) and we can easily transition back into a family where the parents are pretty clearly in charge of stuff.

Yeah, I'll let you know how that plan works out.

They Ache

This deployment has flown by for me because I've been distracted with my pregnancy.  It's a major event that keeps my mind off missing my husband.  When I do think of him, they've been self-centered or baby-centered thoughts: I wish he were here to feel the baby kick, or fetch me a glass of water, or discuss middle names in person.  I've also tried to come up with some silver linings for why it's better that I've been alone all this time.  And I have contingency plans in case my husband doesn't make it home in time; I've assured him that I am capable of doing this myself and that the baby and I will be fine if he can't make it.

I've tried to be mindful of how he must feel too, to be so far away while his only child is growing and developing.  To miss out on ultrasounds and milestones.  But after I got lukewarm responses to the ultrasound and pictures of my belly that I emailed to him, I figured he's a guy and maybe they don't care about that stuff as much as I would.

But then he wrote me an email one night that broke my heart.  He was lonely and homesick and let down his guard: he said that he longs to be here with me and the baby and that he's "jealous of [my] privilege" to be near her, even when it is uncomfortable.  It was unbelievably touching.

I think it's easy to dismiss our husbands as being "just a guy" who doesn't care about the tender moments.  They may not let on, but I think it probably affects them deeply to be away from us and their children.  I would've never imagined my husband saying that he "aches" to be near his unborn daughter, but he did.

And it made me fall in love with him all over again.

Hearts Aren't For Sleeves

I can tell the end of this deployment is in sight.

Aside from the long to-do lists, the bags beneath my eyes, the new white hairs popping up all over my head (note to self:  root touch-up tomorrow night...STAT!), and my constant desire for but inability to sleep, I'm also not explaining myself anymore.

I've kind of decided it isn't anyone's business what's going on with me and, especially if you don't know me, if you have an issue with how my show is running at this point?  Well, too bad.

Coming in Last Place for the Mother of the Year Award

I'm pretty sure that you'll see, tucked in whatever-millionth place on the list of all American mothers this year, my name.   Number whatever million and three - airforcewife.

Thank you very much.

Locate caregiver services and more - for free!

Could you use some help with locating a babysitter, daily childcare, pet care, senior care, tutoring or a house cleaner?  If so, then this service is just for you.  And for military families - it is totally free!

When Homeschooling Meets Military

We have four children, and they have all been home-schooled.  It works for us.

Anyway, one of the books we use for early reading is called "Explode the Code."  My kids LOVE Explode the Code (and I would heartily recommend it for early reading even if your children are attending regular school - it is fun and it works wonders), which uses silly sentences and pictures to teach all sorts of reading rules before the children even know they are learning. 

One of the exercises the books use is to take silly sentences (like:  Do Barby and a classmate ride horseback in rowboat?) and then ask the child if the sentence makes sense.  Today we got an interesting question:

Can an army on the hillside see in the darkness?

My six year old son said yes, the answer book said no.  My son, very exasperated, argued his point, "Haven't these people heard of NIGHT VISION GOGGLES?"

Touche. 

Boy Issues

This deployment has been weird.  Partly because, well, I'm kind of tired.  And by "kind of" I mean "really."  A lot.  I also feel guilty about being so tired, because even though Air Force Guy has been gone more than he's been home the last few years, I also know that it could always be worse.

But as Sarah said before, deployments are like snowflakes.  And for this one it's been easier for me to just keep my head down, my feet moving forward, and think about other things.  Like Boston Cream Pie.  Or looking forward to my next boxing class when I get to hit things in a socially acceptable manner (and work off that Boston Cream Pie).  

But this is also the first deployment my husband has had where my son has boy issues come up while Dad is gone.  And figuring out THAT maze has been interesting, to say the least.

'The Art of Being a Military Child'

The Military Child Education Coalition has put out information regarding the 2010 Call for the Arts.

Military children pre-k to 12th grade are eligible to participate.

Drowning in Homework

Calling all moms with school-aged kids--how do you handle all this homework?!

I'm sure having a deployed spouse does not help at all, but I'm needing some encouragement, tips, strategies, ideas on how to organize, keep track of, and help the kids benefit from homework.

If you're willing to spill it, meet me after the jump.

I went to Disney World...

...and it just might be the happiest place on Earth.  I know I was particularly happy when I realized how much we saved due to Disney's Armed Forces Salute.  As far as I'm aware, this is the first time Disney has offered something like this to the military and it ends December 23.  I sincerely hope they will offer this again.

Doing Delivery Alone

Reader SJ left a comment on Doing Pregnancy Alone:

Reading all of your responses makes me feel a little bit more comfortable about having a baby while my husband is gone. We have been talking about trying and he would be gone about half way through. This definitely makes the decision a little easier. I just hope he can manage to come home before I have the baby, I dont know what I would do if we wasnt there for the delivery.

My husband and my baby are in a race against the clock.  My husband thinks he will get permission to go home two days or so before my due date.  It's a toss up who will arrive first.  I have contingency plans in the back of my mind in case he's not here, and I keep telling myself not to get too hopeful that he will arrive in time just in case he doesn't.

Many of you have had babies alone during deployment.  Do you have any advice to put SJ and me at ease?  Did a family member or friend take on the role of birth partner?  Did you get a doula?  How did you get the news to your husband when you went into labor or once the baby was born?

I'd like to hear your stories...and give you an attagirl for doing it alone!

Greener Grass and All That Jazz

Why is it that even when you are sure of your decisions and that you chose wisely, that the grass STILL looks greener in someone else's yard?

The latest example of this for us?  Our decision that my husband not come home for R & R.

Would you want your child to serve?

On Veteran's Day I received a sweet note from a friend - she thanked me (back in the day I was in the Army) and my husband for serving, as well as a handful of her other military (or former military) friends.  My friend mentioned that she would be very proud if any of her sons (she has 3) ever joined the military.

Two of the other recipients of this note from my friend did a "reply all" and I was surprised at their reaction to my friend mentioning her sons ever possibly joining the military.

A Change I Would Like To See

I usually try not to complain, but darn it, I am cranky.  And it seems such a simple problem.  And I'm sure I'm not the only military family member who has been frustrated by it.

One of my children recently turned 10 and therefore is required to get a military ID.  The ID offices nearby are only open during school hours, and I thought it sensible to wait a few weeks until a school holiday before getting her ID.

My Children Have Lost Their Minds

We are remarkably close to my husband's return home for R&R, or mid-tour leave, or whatever it is called nowadays.  We're all obviously a little excited, but I am overwhelmed by the level of wackiness coming out of my children.  Really, I don't know how we'll get through two weeks of Dad without some sort of colossal collision of kid craziness X4 and one Dad who hasn't been around kids in a long time.  Of course, it is possible that the conflict will actually be between the kids and me, since I have visions of a pleasant two week visit that is free of any friction and foolishness.

One part of me wants to believe that this is normal and expected, and the other part of me thinks that they should STOP RIGHT THIS MINUTE.  Even though we're all different, and I can see that my kids are each responding in their own ways, I'd still love to hear your experiences, thoughts and tips.  Anything to help me remember that it's all going to turn out OK - please share!

Substance Abuse and Military Kids

An online educational campaign is underway to help you and your military children discuss substance abuse.

The Brat Life

I'm often surprised at the things my kids pick up from their Dad.  After all, he's really gone quite often.  And yet, somehow, he is one of the most powerful influences in their every day life.  I also mention that little fact to my husband quite often, to reassure him when the TDYs and deployments add up to depressing amounts of time gone.

But it's the little things they do that surprise me and often crack me up.

Take, for instance, our current voyage to California to combine a visit to family with SpouseBUZZ Live this weekend at Camp Pendleton.

Child Care

Finding the 'perfect' child care situation can occasionally prove to be difficult, but there are many resources available to assist you.

The End of an Era - Changing My Venn Diagram

Yesterday my 6 year old son told me something that nearly made my heart stop.

"Mom," he said.  "I think I want a normal haircut now."

Why Does It Feel So Different?

My girls started school yesterday.  Not just a new school year, but they began their school year at an entirely new school.  The first grader showed only a moment's hesitation with the entire process.  The fifth grader, however, had more speed bumps.

I kept thinking, "This is so much harder with my husband deployed!  If only he were here, this would be so different!"

I realized as I walked from the school building after delivering each child safely to her respective classroom, that I have taken that walk alone, every year whether my husband were deployed or not.

The Ugly Truth

This post has been riding with me for awhile.  I've rolled this around, considered not posting it, considered curbing some of the truths, and then became comfortable enough with the truth that I determined I could handle whatever comments people may want to lob my way. 

Discipline: Military mom style

A good friend of mine, another Marine spouse, recently called me and told me about an incident involving her 2 sons.  They’d been in the car for several hours and were about 30 minutes from home when the kids’ bickering reached a fever pitch and my friend reached her limit.  She pulled over on the side of the road, under a tree. 

Then she kicked the boys out of the car.  She sat in the air-conditioned vehicle and told them to stay out in the heat and humidity until they’d solved their problem.  Each time they tried to reenter the vehicle, she’d ask, “Are you done?” and wouldn’t let them back into the car until they’d resolved their disagreement and were completely done with the bickering.

I heard from her again just last night.  Earlier in the day, her oldest son was mouthing off to her while they were in the car.  This time they were on the Marine base where they live.  She pulled over to the side of the road and told him to get out of the car.  Then she told him to do 10 push-ups.  After 2, he thought he’d done enough.  She informed him he had 8 more to go.  Around this time, my friend noticed a Marine running by doing his lunch-time PT.  He looked like he was trying to not laugh.

And lest you think my friend is alone in her discipline technique, I know another Marine spouse who often made her 4 kids do push-ups as punishment.  I’d try this myself, except my girls would probably just think it was fun.  They get that from their dad.

Military Girls Conference Set

National Guard Daughters Plan 'Sisterhood' Conference

The Greater Good, or the Greater Good?

You know, military spouses tend to be a "jump in and get it done" group.  Or maybe a "go and get'em" group.  (And I know that I'm making a huge generalization here, but play along with me.)  And when we have the opportunity to do something that will benefit lots of people (your spouse's unit, your kid's school, your neighborhood), it seems obvious that we should do it.  It can be hard to remember that we've got people at home who need us, too, and our impact on them is a lot bigger than our impact on the rest of the world.

Last week, I was asked to do something that could, potentially, have helped military families as a whole.  I was very excited and it sounded like fun.  I immediately started scheming to stash my kids with friends and neighbors, reschedule swimming lessons, and generally juggle stuff so that I could participate.  Then I realized - it was the last day of camp for two children, and they were having a little presentation.  I quickly decided that it couldn't possibly be that important to them, and they'd be fine without me.

Military Kids Blog

A new web forum for military kids is available!

Lost In Translation

If you are a regular reader of SpouseBuzz you may or may not know a few things about me.  Lest I lose YOU in translation too, let me tell you two things.  First, my husband is deployed.  Second, we are in the middle of an international adoption.

That, apparently, is a combination ripe with frustrating possibilities.

You Might Be a Military Family If...

Everyone in the family has their own personal Camelbak...