Military and Veteran Life
My husband served in the US Army from May of 2007 to May of 2013. During that time he endured two year-long combat deployments to Afghanistan, while I stayed behind to “keep the home fires burning.” We were stationed in Fort Hood, Texas and Fort Knox, Kentucky during his military career. These posts share some of the things that we experienced as a military family.
Our Unforgettable 10th Wedding Anniversary Trip to Texas

We’ve been talking about our 10th anniversary for several years now. We’ve been throwing ideas at each other of where we should go, what we should do, how we should celebrate. We thought about New York City, the Florida Keys, going back to Boulder Crest for the 3rd time, and visiting a variety of other … [Read more…]
Honor our warriors by nominating a veteran to win a free motorcycle!

This summer Adam Sandoval is hitting the road with Harley-Davidson for a cross-country motorcycle ride to honor those who have served and give away motorcycles to eight lucky vets. Adam is an avid H-D rider, and he and his chihuahua Scooter have crossed the country in support of military vets. His ScootinAmerica initiative has raised … [Read more…]
When the Christmas spirit is no longer broken and joy is less of a choice

I sat down to work on our yearly Christmas e-mail this past Wednesday. Three hours later I was still typing and formatting. I got done and was completely overwhelmed and undone. December has already been so full. Just. So. Full. Of. Goodness. Sunday two weeks ago, we joined a Sunday School class that is discussing … [Read more…]
What America Means to this Veteran’s Family

As I write this, I am in the backseat of our minivan on the way home from our family’s 4th of July Summer vacation. For now, everyone is behaving. My heart is full, but I am unsure quite where to begin. Every patriotic holiday evokes emotion for us, but Independence Day is the happiest. It is … [Read more…]
Memorial Day: What it Means to a Veteran’s Wife

She walks down the center aisle of the chapel – shoulders back, head held high, dog tags around her neck. She carries her six-month-old son in her arms. They are there to say goodbye to the daddy he never really got to know. I sat there near the back in a simple black dress, my … [Read more…]
Military Spouse Appreciation Day & Freedom Day: It Matters

I’ve always felt like Military Spouse Appreciation Day was a bit of a joke. Why? Because the only people who tell me they appreciate me are my fellow milspouses and so I say, “Back at-cha” and move on with my normal day. But this year feels different. I’ll be honest, I had no intention of writing … [Read more…]
I’m going back to school: my dream and the plan

My college years were filled with drama and exhaustion. Going back to school was pretty much the last thing I wanted to do. Ever. Until a year ago. But this story begins long before. I remember the first time I sat in the office of the “Behavioral Health” clinic on post at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Checking … [Read more…]
What my dying plants taught me about self care

I grew up in a house full of plants. My mom has a real knack for tending for houseplants, and it showed in the Fika trees, ivy, African violets, and spider plants that reproduced like bunnies at Easter time that always graced our household decor. When I got married, our house had plants. It wasn’t … [Read more…]