Empty Nest, PCS and All the Rest

New Job...New Adventure...

2012-01-07T07:41:00.000-08:00

Hello blog friends!!
Boy oh boy how things have changed in the last month. First off, it’s been an amazing time. The holidays were amazing, our son was home, my husband was home and we did absolutely nothing! Part of the reason was because I started a new job!!!! Yes, on Dec 15th I started my first day as our battalions Family Readiness Officer. My dream job, a job I never thought would happen since it is a pretty elusive job too most. Not because there aren’t a lot of super candidates, well yes, that is part of it, but it’s just really hard to get a foot in the door. About a year and a half ago I thought maybe one way to actually do that was to volunteer to be our battalions Family Readiness Advisor, and I think it helped a great deal. I was able to see the inner workings of the job I may have missed had I not. Long story short, when our FRO (who I loved and was an amazing mentor) was served with orders via her husband I finally got the chance I was hoping for.
I have now been in the job for about 3 weeks. Luckily over the holidays I was afforded a lot of time to try to figure things out, feel my way around the office and try organize. Needless to say I was left an immaculate office so it didn’t take long to get all my ducks in a row.
So now the work starts. Hubs is leaving for a month for some Senior PME at Quantico and even though I hate he is leaving it will give me time to set up a cot in my office and get to work! Lots of training and lots of communication and hopefully I will be the type of FRO our amazing families deserve. Wish my luck everyone.....I am super excited!

Not So Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-21T18:24:00.000-08:00

During this holiday season please take a moment to remember our wounded warriors. I am posting a photo of two of the several Wounded Warriors who are recovering from our last deployment. The courage these young men exhibit makes me want to be a better person. Although these are certainly not the first nor will they be the last, they are our bravest and still fighting their own fight..for recovery. Please do not forget them, please do not turn away from them. Instead of staring please go up and thank them and ask them what happened. I have been told they prefer that to the stares. So to The Darkside Families of our wounded, know we are thinking of you all and we are still here. And of course to our Darkside fallen, we are forever grateful and we will never forget....to all our Wounded and Fallen from every service across this nation...THANK YOU.

Please Read

2011-12-09T15:32:00.000-08:00

My friend Mary who lost her husband on our last deployment is getting ready any second to deliver her and Lukes son. This is their third son. Please take a minute to go to her blog and read about what it is like for her to grieve at this time and read how beautifully she expresses something we should all remember...no one knows how it feels to go through this unless you have yourself. She is amazing...I had to share

http://mynewkindofpregnancy.blogspot.com/

Wordless Wednesday. I Miss This Face

2011-12-07T13:14:00.001-08:00

Some Good and Surprising News to Share!

2011-11-26T17:10:00.000-08:00

Well fellow bloggers. I know I have been off line a bit with my blogging. But as usual I promise I am keeping up with all of you and what you are up too. With homecoming, our trip to Slovenia (I promise to post pics soon) and our ball things have been crazy. Well I forgot I didn’t share some super exciting and unexpected news.
Last month we were up in Kingman preparing for our trip to Europe. My hubs and I were at a tattoo parlor (post for another day) when I see my hubs checking his phone for an email (I had heard the notification) . Well as usual I see my hubs looking with interest at the email and was waiting for him to share the email with me for what seemed like a long time. So I asked him, “what is it babe?” I was sure it was bad..he wasn’t sharing and he seemed incredibly pale so I was starting to worry. Again, I asked him, “What is it babe?”. After what seemed like an eternity my hubs came up besides me and laid the cell phone next to me on the bench and just pointed at it. I picked up the phone to see an email from SgtMaj Cochran, Gregs old SgtMaj from our last duty station. And I read the contents, “ Congratulations on your selection to SgtMaj” ........WOWSA.
Now I was in shock, surely this wasn’t right, a joke maybe? Someone with the same name? Just couldn’t be right. The reasons being a few. My hubs was in the below zone for SgtMaj, not just in below zone but way down buried in the below zone. So far down we weren’t even sure if he would be in zone next year. No one ever gets pulled out of the below zone for SgtMaj. at least not that we were aware of. It wasn’t even on our radar this year...we were so out of the loop with looking for this message to come out because we figured there was just no way. Those of you that read my blog and understand, above, zone and below will completely understand our shock.
It took about a whole day of not believing and about 100 congratulatory emails and text before we realized it was true. So I guess this may mean a possible PCS for us, and exciting new adventure. When I met my hubs he was getting ready to go in the Corps and I asked him what he wanted to be, he said he wanted to be a SgtMaj....well babe, you did it. And I could not be prouder.

Marine Corps Birthday Ball 2011

2011-11-25T22:06:00.000-08:00

This year our son attended his first Marine Corps Birthday Ball with us. He has just attended his own at school for ROTC but this was his first with us. It was so nice, he came with a lovely young lady who dressed so nice and was so polite, our son has great taste. What I loved was how some of the Marine Corps Officers that were ROTC Midshipmen came up and introduced themselves to him and asked him about his program. Michael was feeling a bit out of place wearing a midshipmen uniform to a Marine Corps Ball but that quickly went away when he felt the camaraderie with other ROTC Alumnae.

This picture was taken at the Caesars bar the night before the ball, we had a great time just sitting there and as we did more and more people were coming to celebrate. Lets just say I drank a bit more then I would have liked but still had the best time.

more

more, me and my hubs...

This was taken at Shadow Bar after the ball, if you notice I have changed out of my fancy wear since my feet were killing me and I didn’t have any flip flops to put on or I would have, these ladies are the best!

Me, Dawn, and Michelle. These girls were my rock during deployment and well Dawn is being Dawn! LOL

Me and Dawn. Dawn is about 5ft Tall and well I am not..I look like an amazon next to her!

Me and my handsome hubs. He always looks so handsome and he always makes me feel like the prettiest girl in the room.

Some of the Lima ladies with Dawn.

The ball was amazing this year. The room was beautiful and the mood was awesome. We started off the ball with a montage of our fallen, it was a bit hard to swallow and I did my best to hold back the tears but it was hard not to think of those not with us that night. I felt like they were, and I wished more then ever my friend Mary could have been there. She was home awaiting the birth of her son but when Luke flashed on the screen I felt like she was there with us. We also were able to see some of our severely wounded Marines that were able to make it as well. It did my heart good to see the spirit of these young men was not left on a piece of ground in Afghanistan, but it was fully intact and evident in their smiles in that ball room. I know some of them have a long way to go but I have no doubt they will get there. What an amazing night, I love the Darkside and I love that we have these memories forever.

Veterans Day 2011

2011-11-10T23:56:00.000-08:00

Happy Veterans Day to all of you that serve or who have served this great country of ours. And to a Veteran that never got the thanks deserved, R.I.P. dad and thank you for laying your life on the line for an ungrateful nation and to all his friends that came home to the U.S. of A. only to have backs turned to them, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. Let us hope that no other veteran ever knows the pain of our Vietnam Veterans and their families. My father was K.I.A. in Vietnam and I know today he would be proud to see how we honor our vets coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan. Let not another single vet ever be forgotten or rejected ..... THANK YOU.

3/4 Memorial Never Forget

2011-10-31T08:59:00.000-07:00

Lo there do I see my father. Lo there do I see my mother and my sisters and my brothers. Lo there do I see the line of my people, back to the beginning. Lo, they do call to me, they bid me take my place among them, in the Halls of Valhalla, where the brave may live...forever.

Wordless Wednesday----HOME

2011-10-26T18:32:00.001-07:00

Love and Gratitude

2011-10-19T09:30:00.001-07:00

On Monday, after a 24 hour delay, the love of my life finally made it home. On Sunday the day before, finally , after a very long and stressful deployment, I had a mini break down at the main gate hanging signs for my love and some of the others that couldn’t make it to homecoming that I offered to hang signs for. I thought I had been doing good, I thought I had kept it together....and I did, until we were 24 hours away from it all being over. At the gate with one of my dearest friends, Dawn...I almost completely came apart. I was agitated, I was irritable and I was throwing a temper tantrum. I was feeling the complete opposite that of a woman that was 24 hours away from getting her husband home safe. It was really difficult for me to try to understand why I was feeling that way, I actually knew why but up until then I hadn’t given those feelings a voice. To be quite blunt, I was seriously pissed off.
I was pissed off because there were 5 families that weren’t getting to hang signs, to know the joy we were all feeling at the end of this deployment, from all accounts one of, if not the most difficult deployments some of our Marines have been through. Not only did we lose 5 brave souls, we had 90 of our men, wounded. These are the statistics the media doesn’t report, and how about the countless others that were going to come home or who were already home with invisible wounds. This deployment sucked and at the end of it I found out I was pretty angry. I wanted to be thrilled that day, hanging our sign, welcoming our men home but I found myself really angry and I wanted to hit someone. I expressed this to my friend Dawn who told me if I hit her she was going to hit me back, and she would have no doubt, so that kind of made me snap out of it.
Monday the morning of our homecoming our men were again delayed several hours, I was called by another great friend Michelle who let me know , her husband had come home on Advon so she was anxious as only a real friend would be for me to have my homecoming and as excited as she was on the day of her own homecoming. So her and Dawn came over to my house that morning, Starbucks in hand to sit with me to help keep it together for this day, another friend came to do my hair so I would looMk pretty for my husband. During the day I had chatted with the mother of one of our fallen, and the wife of another of our fallen, who I also consider a dear friend. Their pain was palpable, this would have been their homecoming day as well, these were 2 of our Lima boys, and they were having a hard time, rightfully so. I didn’t want to tell them that I was angry they weren’t getting their day, so much so that is colored my whole day the day before, because if I have learned anything going through deployments it is that these things didn’t happen to me, it’s not about me, it’s about those families, the Goyets, the Lucas’s and the countless other families that have lost their heros. They both assured me that although they were struggling they were so happy we were all getting our Marines home safely. And I know they meant it.
The day of my homecoming I decided to take off my “advisor” hat and just be a wife waiting for her husband, the whole day I stayed home waiting to hear that our buses had rolled on to base, once I got the call that my husband was on base I made it to the field. It was a festive day, we had a family drive all the way from Texas to BBQ for their son and all his brothers, it was quite amazing and a huge task that we will never forget so thank you Delay Family. I found a corner to hang out in with my dear friends and we all gathered getting frequent updates about their arrival at the armory, and it took FOREVER, Did I mention the Commandant of the Marine Corps along with the SgtMaj of the Marine Corps decided to go greet our men at the armory and after came over to the field to chat with the families, it was really nice and they had come the night before as well to greet our PMT and some others. I will tell you there were countless times that I would look at children playing waiting for their their dads that I didn’t wish I would see Zach and Tyson waiting for their daddy, smiles ear to ear. Or hugging one of our moms wishing it was Martha as well here to greet Mark, their absence was so obvious to me, as I am sure it was to many others that day . I would like to add I keep referring to Mark and Lucas because they were Lima Marines, but in no way does it mean our other fallen didn’t cross my mind on countless times that day. Paul, Christopher and Jason were with us on that field that day as well...and we will always say their names at every give opportunity. Jasons grandmother and mother left lovely comments on my facebook the day my husband came home, Jason would have been home this week as well, and I will be at that homecoming and I will be wishing and thinking of his family as well. They are amazing woman that I feel lucky to have had been able to have a dialogue with.
Ok I am rambling. What I want to say is I am thankful, and my heart is full of gratitude to have my husband home, and my sons father. I know I am lucky, I will never take it for granted the gift I have received to have him come home. And I am grateful for friends that “get” it. I am also looking forward to helping my friend Dawn on her homecoming day, and until they all come home, I will keep waiting.
To our Darkside Families that lost their heros...we love you, we support you and we will never forget.

My Dog loves too....Well, Walk Dogs..

2011-10-15T17:21:00.001-07:00

Wordless Wednesday-- Some of 3rd Platoon

2011-10-12T08:23:00.001-07:00

When We Were Very Young

2011-10-08T15:16:00.000-07:00

When I was growing up I was very tall and awkward. When I was 12 I was taller then most the boys I knew. It made me have terrible self-esteem issues and I never felt like I was pretty. It didn't help that my cousin Joni was what I considered a beauty. She was of average height and blonde hair and what I thought "perfect". Obviously many years later as I grew into my height and felt comfortable in my own skin I was so happy those "awkward" years were behind me. I have a husband I adore, that adores me. We have a son we are so proud of that will do great things in the world, at the very least he is a young man of great character and empathy and he just never ceases to make us proud.
So back to my story. I was on a Facebook page that was about the neighborhood in Philadelphia where I grew up . The admins put up a question everyday and todays was, Where did you hang out as a kid? So I answered. So long story short I get a message from one of the woman who read what I had written and asked me who my mother was (I don't have my maiden name on Facebook) and when I told her she was so excited that she knew me. She said I hung out with her cousin and she was a bit younger then me. She said she will never forget me because she thought I was a "Supermodel" because I was so "tall and beautiful" and that she loved when I came around because I was so nice to her and she thought when she grew up she hoped she was a "beautiful" as me. I have to say that pretty much floored me. So I was talking to my son about it later. I told him about the exchange and I told him, boy I wish I would have known that because I felt so ugly when I was growing up. And my son says to me, "mom, most beautiful girls feel that way." WOW...really? Now don't get me wrong, I don't in any way think I am beautiful , I am sure my son does and I am positive my husband and parents do because well, they love me. But I just thought what an interesting day...why do we spend so much time as young people so insecure, why don't we tell others how beautiful we think they are? Why is being a teenage girl so hard and why are we so hard on one another as females. I know it's deep....but really, don't you think it matters?

Wordless Wednesday--

2011-10-05T15:34:00.001-07:00

Unexpected Finds

2011-09-28T09:19:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!! I know bad blogger. I have been reading all your blogs and enjoying them as often as I can. Nothing like sitting down with a cup of coffee and catching up on all your bloggy goodness.
I have found myself really distracted these days, for those of you that have been following my blog you know we have been dealing with, going through, suffering through, holding our breath through.....deployment. The good news is we are XX amount of days from homecoming!! I couldn't be happier for everyone of us.
One thing I do know for sure about deployment is you never really stop learning and having new experiences as a person alone with your thoughts, a lot. I had a lot of eye opening moments this deployment. I learned what true Grace was by seeing a woman and a mother carry herself in a way I didn't even know possible at the loss of her husband. I thought I knew the true meaning of Grace, I was wrong. I feel blessed to have been witness to it and have it become part of what inspires me as a mother and a wife.
I have seen friendships tested, some have failed miserably and some have blossomed in a way that more then makes up for those that failed. Some lessons (especially at my age) you think you have learned, only to realize that basically some life lessons are garbage in and garbage out, and need to be re-learned.
The good thing about re-learning a lesson is you see it through more mature lenses...and reminds you to keep focus on the things that are truly important.
I have gained a few very close friendships through all of this that I have no doubt will last longer then this duty station, and I will be in touch with these woman for a long time.
So....stay tuned for some happy news coming soon and pics!! Happy Days are right around the corner.

My Son...I Miss His Face

2011-09-25T15:27:00.000-07:00

I love facebook, and I love that my son is my facebook friend. And every now and then I find a gem that I can lift off his page...here it is, let me share...

I WON!!!

2011-09-12T13:24:00.000-07:00

Ok, so the title of my post is deceiving, what can I say? I didn't actually win, but when I am done you will see I in fact did. A few months ago they were having a Spouse Appreciation contest with MCCS. I had seen the flyer about it because well I glanced at it and after almost 2 decades of marriage, I knew it just wasn't something my hubs did. I knew he appriciated me, I have no doubt but he really isn't a contest kind of guy. So I will admit when I found out that he did in fact enter, and write something from the hell hole he currently resides at I was FLOORED. My hubs?? Did what??? So when I was lucky enough to be given the essay he wrote I read it with tears in my eyes. I mean, I know I am a lucky girl, always have, and never needed to "win" a contest to know it. But after reading this essay I had realized that I did win. No matter what MCCS says, no matter who they deemed the "winner" of this contest, I have in fact hit the jackpot and I am definitely the winner in my eyes. Thank you to the worlds best husband for this amazing gift, I love you and miss you more then words could ever express, you are my prince. I hope you enjoy the essay as much as I did.

How Can I Not?
The question at hand is why I appreciate my military spouse. The simple answer is how can I not? How can I not appreciate a woman that has been my base of support since before my career even began? A woman that was there the day I shipped off to Recruit Training, and has been there every day since. A woman that has lifted me up when I was down, held me accountable when I was wrong, and never failed in giving me a dose of reality when I got too full of myself. A woman that helped me raise a son that is now an Honor Student in college and future Marine Corps Officer.
How can I not appreciate a woman that followed me first to Japan, then to Europe, then to Africa, and then to TWENTYNINE PALMS! A woman that has had multiple careers so that I could excel at one. A woman that has been with me for my lowest of lows and helped me through my deepest darkest moments? A woman that has stayed home through multiple deployments as a single parent. A woman that has attended funerals for my friends and my Marines in my stead. That has borne the brunt of the grief of their families alone because I could not be there where I should have been to see them off.
A common saying amongst spouses is that “the hardest job in the military is being a military spouse”. If asked, Heidi would tell you that is certainly not the case. She would tell you that military members have a huge responsibility and therefore so do their family members, but that being a military spouse is a privilege. She would tell you that being a military spouse is a life chosen and therefore doesn’t rate any special appreciation.
Over almost two decades I have had very little to disagree with her on. However, seeing her over the last months of my current deployment as she has held the family members of my Marines together, bolstered them during the tough times of which there have been many, shared in their successes and in their grief, helped the young ones figure out this Marine Corps life and shared faith with the seasoned ones, I have found I must disagree with her on this.
How can I not appreciate a woman who is just as responsible for my successes as I am? Not just career successes but life successes. How can I not appreciate a woman that has made me a better Marine, a better leader, a better citizen, a better person?
So why do I appreciate my military spouse? How can I not?

Simple Words

2011-09-11T08:05:00.000-07:00

I can't verbalize what that morning in September has meant to me, my family and the country. But I know people were lost that day and our troops have sacrificed every day since. I think the words that are important are the words inscribed on the memorial itself.

No day will erase you from the memory of time.

from Vergil's Aeneid

Please Read

2011-08-29T10:02:00.000-07:00

I want to share a new blog with you all. It was started by Mary, Mary is an amazing lady. She is the mother to two fabulous little boys and one on the way. She is a woman of deep faith and Grace that I have rarely witnessed. Mary is a Marine (I would say Former but once a Marine always a Marine) and a volunteer, a teacher to her boys, and a wonderful supporter to fellow mil-spouses. Mary is also a brand new War-Widow. I didn't want to add that, because she is so much more, but she may forever be defined by that last title she has recently earned, not by her choosing, just the hand she and her boys were dealt. Her husband SSgt. Leon Lucas (Luke) was much loved and respected by all those who knew him and will never be forgotten. His loss will be mostly Mary's and her sons. We will stand by her in dark times and good times and hopefully for the rest of time. But I want to share her blog because in the short time I have come to know Mary, she has taught me so much. So please if you can support her blog please do so.
Thank you!
PS..couldn't hyper link her banner please just click Mary, Mary..thank you...

Wordless Wednesday--

2011-08-24T14:20:00.000-07:00

Hubs with 2nd Platoon..

Amazing gRACE

2011-08-22T10:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday a group of the wives from our battalion went down to San Diego to be part of the America's Finest Half Marathon. Not all of us were runners, and some of us were but just couldn't run 13 miles for various reasons and some were running. But here is the what we all were doing, no matter if we could run or not, we were going to honor our fallen from our 3/4 family. This day wasn't about running, it wasn't about a single one of us but it was about reminding people that they should remember our fallen, our bravest this country has to offer and to NEVER FORGET. We all wore these fantastic shirts that were made by one of our Darkside Moms and on the back listed in order were our fallen. Our men are still in the fight, and we want to honor them as well. I have to tell you, if you can run, if you can't , whatever your shortcomings or strengths you have a voice, you can remember our fallen and our men still fighting. Put a sign in your front yard, take a marker to your shirt and put some names on it. Pick a name at random from the MANY there are. Take a name from a past war, put it on your facebook status, twitter it. The point is find a way to remember them, to say their name, to let others know them. To NEVER FORGET.

LEON LUCAS Jr.

CHRISTOPHER CAMERO

MARK GOYET

JASON HILL

PAUL ZANOWICK

Perspective

2011-08-15T10:49:00.000-07:00

Today while I was getting my son's stuff together to take him back to his sophomore year in college it dawned on me. When the wars started my son was in the 4th grade. Now he is going into his second year in college and his dad is still in the fight, we are still doing this. It has been such a huge part of our lives, a dominating force that has controlled so much of the last 10 years I can barely remember what we used to have to plan around.
It really puts things in perspective...how long we have been doing this.

Do You Want Your Homecoming in a Music Video???

2011-08-11T12:27:00.000-07:00

I very rarely have guest bloggers and never promote contest, but this one is well worth posting. It's for a great cause and I would love to see some of my readers have a chance of getting their homecoming featured in a music video. Also the sale of the CD as mentioned promotes Fisher House which I endorse 110%. Do you know there is a Fisher House at Dover AFB? It is a great place of comfort for families going to see their heroes final return to their final duty station. Fisher Houses are also a place where the families of our Wounded Warriors can stay to help care for their loved ones and spend quality alone time with their hero. Please take a minute to read and think about submitting your own homecoming, I can not wait to see the finished product.

I want to thank Heidi for letting me be a guest blogger on her Empty Nest & All The Rest blog. I'm helping a company promote a contest where they will be featuring videos of military personnel coming home/seeing their families for the first time in a long time. The cool part about this contest if you're a music fan is that 10 of the videos we get will be featured in a music video that will be played on channels like GAC, CMT, and other music channels. The person who uploads the our favorite video will be flown to Nashville to be on TV and introduce the premiere of the music video with the artist on GAC.

The song is "Soldier Coming Home" by Jamie O'Neal. If you're a country fan you probably remember Jamie's number 1 hits "There Is No Arizona" and "When I Think About Angels". It will be released on a CD called My Country Smash Hits 2 in November. The CD also features songs by Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Miranda Lambert and more.

What's special about the CD is that some of the proceeds go to the Fisher House, which provides housing for military families when their loved ones are injured so they can be close to them while they heal.

You can upload your videos at www.soldiercominghomecontest.com right now. Hopefully one of the readers of this blog will be lucky enough to win the trip to Nashville or get their video featured in the music video. Thanks again Heidi for letting me share this info with your readers and I hope you get to see your husband soon.

Thanks!

Adam Moore

NOT JUST A NAME

2011-08-03T09:01:00.000-07:00

My heart is heavy, my head wants to explode, this deployment may be too much at this point. Is it ever going to get easier? Is it ever going to stop? Will I come out of the other end of this without anger, bitterness and feeling defeated? We have another name, not a stranger, not a young man I may have passed in the hallway while visiting Battalion, or maybe a young man that held the door for me while coming to visit my husband. But a name I can put a smiling face too, a person that I laughed with, and who my husband had great affection for. A man with a wife I have spent hours chatting with, who I was really looking forward to getting to know better. Of a young father I witnessed pushing his sons around in a cart at the commissary while finding food to make for his wife while he was home briefly from some training, a man that has left the world with 2 young sons and another on the way, each one that has eyes that look back at me with the gleam of their fathers. My heart is heavy, my thoughts now with Mary, his wife and their sons. Knowing how this is hurting me, and imagining his brothers still in the fight, mourning one of their fierce warriors, one of their brothers, another name for the hero scrolls, but to us not just another name.
RIP SSgt. Leon Lucas Jr. KIA 8/1/11 We will never forget you....

Anatomy of a Military Spouse

2011-07-19T10:35:00.000-07:00

**This is a blog post from my friend Kama, our husbands work together and are deployed together. Kama is a rare soul. She is a military spouse, she is an athlete, she is a mother but most of all she is a great friend. Always upbeat, always optimistic and always trying to help others better themselves in a non preachy very helpful way. She blogs on Semper Finest Care Packages and this is one of her latest post and I wanted to share it with you all. I hope you all love it as much as I do.

Anatomy Of A Military Spouse

You walk past a woman with two kids in tow. She seems frazzled, as her kids begin running around her in circles, though she barely seems to notice. On her wrist is a band you recognize, but only abstractly. You can tell it must be her last name, and that the print is military in nature, but you aren’t sure what branch she is representing. It doesn’t matter now, it clicks in your head – she must be a military spouse. Since it is a Saturday afternoon at the park and she seems to be alone, coupled with the bracelet adorning her wrist, you make up your mind her husband is deployed. You are right.

You feel bad for her, for her ‘situation’, as it looks like she could use some help and might not be getting any for quite some time. Her kids are fighting, and she swoops down with the calm of a mother and sternness of a father, dousing the fire before it gets out of hand. You are impressed at her swiftness, and how able she seems despite being a single parent. You catch her eye and she smiles, and you see something more, something beyond the basic observations you made earlier. She is strong. She’ll be fine. You are right.

At this point you sit down at the picnic table where she has now opened a book and settled into her afternoon at the park. You tell her your name, and that of your kids’, and she gives hers as well. You get up the nerve to ask her if she is military and she says that yes, she is. You go one step further and ask if her husband is deployed. He is. Wow, you say. For how long? How do you manage at home with two little ones and no help? She smiles and says, A year, but I have help. She goes on to tell you of her ‘sisters’, other military spouses who are going through the deployment with her, some with kids, some without, all unified in their strength to not just survive this, but thrive in it. They take turns running while one watches the kids. They get together in the evenings for a glass of wine once a month at least. They understand that with loneliness comes solitude; that with his absence comes independence. Interesting. She seems like she has it all under control. You are right.

She works full time, takes the kids to soccer and ballet, recitals and school plays, doctors’ visits and dentist appointments, and sometimes – just sometimes – she reads a book at night till she falls asleep. She smiles guiltily like she considers it a vice. She runs marathons, has a college degree and again, sheepishly, confesses to love The Real Housewives of L.A. Most of all, she loves her kids and her husband. Wow, you say again, this time to yourself, this is one of the most amazing women I have ever met. You are right.

Aren’t you scared, you ask her. Of what, she replies. That he might not come home you answer somberly. Her smile fades, and a look of peace and wisdom beyond her years creeps over her face. I am a military spouse, she says with pride. I chose this life as much as my husband did. I am prouder of him and his sacrifices than I could ever be afraid. Because the thing I fear most is having nothing to stand behind, to stand up for. I believe in him and if he doesn’t come home, I will let my kids know what a hero their dad is. You take this in a moment before you reply. You don’t want to sound corny, or out of place, but she is the hero too you say. You are right.

It Could Have Been Mine

2011-07-18T17:20:00.000-07:00

Our battalion lost another Marine this past week. A young Marine, a LCpl by the name of Christopher Camero. It hasn't made it to the Media yet, but I am sure it will soon. LCpl Camero turned 19 years old this past February, just 3 months older then my son. LCpl Camero graduated from High School last year with the class of 2010. The same year as my son. But this wasn't mine, but it could have been, it hit close to home. My heart goes out to this young mans family, his mother, those he loved. Christopher was from the beautiful Island of Hawaii. I am not sure where he will make his final resting place. I am not sure how he will be honored and remembered but I do know I will never forget this was someones son. Aren't they all someones son? Please remember this young man and say his name.

RIP LCpl CHRISTOPHER CAMERO

Day is done, gone the sun
From the lakes, from the hills, from the sky
All is well, safely rest
God is near.
Fading light dims the sight
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright
From afar, drawing near
Falls the night.
Thanks and praise for our days
Neath the sun, neath the stars, neath the sky
As we go, this we know
God is near.

Wordless Wednesday--3rd Battalion 4th Marines Lima Co.

2011-07-13T10:16:00.000-07:00

Pride

2011-07-10T14:23:00.001-07:00

My hubs, he has grown some hair which is so odd to me, I am so used to the bald head. He is under strict orders to return home sans hair..!! This is the first image of him I have seen for months!

Nothing can take away the pride I feel for my husband and his Marines. The Marines of 3rd Battalion 4th Marines rock. And the Marines of 3/4 Lima Co. Well I have an extra soft spot for these guys. They have faced a difficult deployment and they still have a fair amount of time left, but my heart could literally explode when I think of them, of all the 3/4 Marines in general. I think of our families of our wounded, the ones you don't see in the paper, or the news crawls, the ones that have seen their Marines come home missing a body part or nursing a gun shot wound or wounds. Who although their deployment is over, it isn't really because now they are nursing their wounded Marine, and knowing that their Marine wants more then anything to be back in the fight, back with their brothers. And even though they have done their part and their brothers are grateful they are still alive, it is something that will sit with them until they are ALL home. My heart aches for the families of our fallen, how they are dealing with their grief while we are still waiting for our Marines to get home. Are they still waiting? Does that feeling ever go away for them? It's a part of my thoughts every day, at least once maybe twice or more, "how are they doing today?"
I reflect over the first part of this deployment, and how far we still have to go and I am grateful for the friends I have made, some I know will be friends for life, you don't go through this stuff without finding what people are made of, that is for sure. I am so grateful to a handful of ladies that make all this bearable. We have been there for one another and we will continue too. I think some of our husbands will be so surprised to see that some of us are now as close as some of them are, it should make for an awesome Marine Corps Ball this year that is for sure. I just hope everyone is thinking about those still out there. As our current administration spins tales about the draw-down and those of us in the know want so badly to think it is true but know deep inside that it's still a long road for our loved ones. We know that our husbands have not stepped on the sand in Afghanistan for the last time.
Well I started this blog just to show you all my handsome hubs but thought I would write something to go along with it...
Please send your good thoughts to all our Marines of The Darkside.

FREEDOM

2011-07-04T06:17:00.000-07:00

Freedom is never free. ~Author Unknown

It Wasn't My Intention....

2011-07-01T06:04:00.000-07:00

It was never my intention to have to turn my blog into a Memorial site but I am afraid that is what it has become these last few months. I learned earlier this week that my husbands company lost another Marine, our Battalions 3rd in 6 weeks. My heart breaks a little more with every Marine that we lose, every family member that we have to say good-bye too. I am friends with this young Marines mother on facebook, as the family readiness advisor I have the pleasure of getting to know a lot of our families. I am not sure if that makes it better or worse. It just is what it is. Marks father as you will read below is a Navy Commander, which makes Marks mom a Navy Wife as well as a Marine Mom. She is asking for prayers and healing and I wish I could hand deliver those both to her I would in a second. Please keep this family in your thoughts, please like I have asked and will continue to ask from my readers is say this young mans name, let us never forget his sacrifice.
Please keep 3/4 "The Darkside" in your thoughts as well. Thank you.
Thank you Cpl. Mark Goyet, we will never forget you.

CORPUS CHRISTI — A Sinton Marine killed Tuesday in Afghanistan has been promoted posthumously and is being honored for valor in combat.

Mark Goyet's family learned Thursday he was advanced from lance corporal to corporal and is being awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with "V" for Combat Valor.

Goyet, 22, was killed in action Tuesday during combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

He enlisted in the Marine Corps on Feb. 25, 2008, and was in his second combat deployment. He volunteered for service in Afghanistan after serving in Iraq.

A Marine casualty assistance case officer visited Goyet's family for several hours Thursday and informed them of the increased rank and medal, the Marine's father Navy Cmdr. Raymond Goyet said.

Mark Goyet's body was expected to arrive in Dover, Del. Thursday, but U.S. Department of Defense officials told the family it could take several days before he will return to Texas.

"Plans for funeral services and memorials will be made as our son arrives home," Goyet said.

The younger Goyet was a mortar man assigned to 3rd Battalion, 4th Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Ground Combat Training Center Twentynine Palms, Calif.

His other service awards include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and Afghanistan Campaign Medal.

Say His Name

2011-06-24T08:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the honor to attend the funeral of a young Marine from our Battalion that was KIA on 11 June. His name was LCpl. Jason Daniel "Iron Man" Hill. He loved fishing, running, his friends, and was described as a fierce protector of all who knew and loved him. He was raised by a single father with 2 other brothers, he was the middle child. I would also like to mention his mother Patrice who also is mourning the great loss of her son. As a mother myself this type of loss is unimaginable. I believe Jason found god with the help of his mother and his grandparents. At the end of Jason's service they played a beautiful rendition of the national anthem and we were all blown away by the depth of this song. We found out that Jasons mother had actually recorded it and it was beautiful. His father was a Marine, his older brother is currently serving and was also deployed to Afghanistan when he was notified of his brother being killed and he escorted his brother home. He also has a younger brother who intends to follow in his families footsteps and join the Marine Corps as well.

The Hill men were amazing yesterday, I could see that the loss of this son, brother and friend will leave a huge hole in their lives, but they wanted no one to mistake that Jason died doing what he loved, and what he believed in. His father wanted us all to go speak of Jason, to tell them that he was a hero, that he understood what he was doing, and he chose to do it. He wants everyone to remember men like his out there still, Jason's other brothers. I have to say his father was an incredible man and did everything he could to make us all "know" who his son is and was.

I would say for me the most touching part of the service, there were many, don't get me wrong but the one that resonated with me was when a friend of Jason's spoke and talked about text messaging Jason up until he got on the plane to leave for Afghanistan. She asked him to be careful and he answered her and said, "I am so excited, I am about to go do what I have been waiting my whole life to do."...This was his first Deployment.

The Hill family laid their hero to rest at his final duty station, Point Loma National Cemetery. It was easily one of the most beautiful serene places I had ever seen in my life.

God Speed, Jason Daniel "Iron Man" Hill You will never be forgotten, as long as I have breath in my body I will say your name.

Finally Some "Light"

2011-06-18T10:22:00.000-07:00

I know my blog has been a bit of a downer the last few weeks, even maybe months. But deployment and knee surgery has worn on me a bit. Our Battalion is having a rough go of it, and being hobbled since November has not helped my normal "sunshiney demeanor". We still have a bit of a way to go with our deployment, and we are getting through it, together. I have some fantastic ladies in my life, all of us in the same boat. We are getting one another through this, any way we can. But we are and that is what matters. So on to something a bit "lighter".
My knee! So as some of you who follow my blog know I have had a knee issue for awhile, a friend and I decided to go to a spin class the day after Thanksgiving to work off our big meals. During that class I was hurt, I sucked in up for a few weeks hoping it would get better on it's own. It never did, and after a misdiagnosis, and physical therapy I was finally sent to a fantastic orthopedic surgeon in Rancho Mirage who found out the real issue (torn meniscus) and he operated on me and I am now, about 6 weeks out feeling fantastic!
One of the ladies in our battalion started a running/walking club. Until recently I was the limper of the crowd, but I still did it, got myself out there and limped week after week, but really envious of the runners and wanted so badly to join their ranks again. Well about 2 weeks ago I went back, not as a limper but a walker, forward progress that I was happy with. One of the ladies, asked me if I would like to try and walk with her instead of the 2 days a week our club meets, maybe 5. I said, Sure! So we did, first week walking and sometimes running and it felt really good. This week we decided we should start trying to do the C25K program and I happily agreed and we completed our first week yesterday! I have to say it killed me, and at times I thought I was literally going to fall out on the track but I pushed through and did it! My endurance has taken a huge hit, I feel like I may be about 100 years old. And not only that but in 29 Palms it is about 100 degrees 8am in the morning so we moved ourselves to 7am .
Next week we start week 2, I am a little reluctant but determined to just get through it, if it doesn't kill me it will without a doubt make me stronger, and I have lost 12 pounds since my surgery so I am feeling very optimistic about getting back in shape again!
So that is my "light" I can see shining brightly in my tunnel right now. Thank goodness for support networks during deployment and training cycles. Thanks goodness for having a goal to focus on during tough times. I am truly a lucky girl to have such great friends that even when I want to give up on myself they throw up the BS flag and tell me, "not so fast"....THANK YOU.

Great Bracelets

2011-06-16T15:14:00.000-07:00

I don't advertise on my blog, just something I am not comfortable doing it. But a friend of mine Dawn makes the cutest Name Tape Bracelets ever! She has been our go to girl this deployment to get our Marine Pride Gear and I know she is doing Navy as well. Just go check out her blog at http://pinkdivascamidesigns.blogspot.com/ and check them out. She also makes Keychains and pacifier clips and I think she is even going to do yard signs. Dawn is incredibly artistic (she used to be an Art Teacher) and she loves making things that make us all smile. I think you will like them so go check it out!
Thanks

Wordless Wednesday--RIP LCpl Hill

2011-06-15T12:36:00.001-07:00

Thank You

2011-06-12T08:55:00.001-07:00

Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.
Marcus Tullius Cicero

I want to thank you all for reading my last blog post, especially those that were able to share it on their own blog as well as Facebook and twitter.
We in the military community that have experienced loss in our Military family know how important it is to not forget the names of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Ryan kept repeating that wish at every turn, even in the depth of her pain that was what she wanted us all to do, remember Paul. Remember Cpl. Zanowick. So for those of you that helped get his name out there, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Cpl. Zanowick went to his final resting place yesterday, but it is up to us to shout his name and all the others that went before and will go after.

Please Say His Name

2011-06-08T09:19:00.000-07:00

On Friday our Battalion lost our first Marine.

Cpl P. Zanowick II

. When I heard the news I was devastated as you always are when the reality sinks in, "my husband is at WAR" Not that you ever forget but until the first man falls it's easier to compartmentalize what is going on. Ok, we have had wounded, ok but they are going to be ok. But a death is final, stinging and sobering. When I received the news it was a double blow because Cpl. Zanowick's wife and son were a big part of our group. She belonged to our Thundering tHERD running club and she was well liked and cared for. To now imagine that she was in such deep pain was almost too much for us to bear. I was comforted by the fact that I knew she had people with her, people to look after her and Uriah and a lot more people willing to drop everything to help her. Ryan is also a Marine, she no longer serves but as you know a Marine is always a Marine. She more then all of us understand what it means to make that commitment. Of what you as a Marine are willing to give for your country.
Over the last few days Ryan has been expressing her desire to keep her husbands name on our memory. To remind us all that his sacrifice deserves at least that, to be remembered and in doing so he will not be lost to us forever. So please if you could spare a spot on your blog to post a little bit about Cpl. Zanowick please do so. Please let your readers know he was a fantastic human being, a loving husband and a great dad to his little boy Uriah who will be turning 2 in August. Thank you and thank your CPL PAUL ZANOWICK Third Battalion 4th Marines "The Darkside"

Fallen Marine's family honors his life
Updated: Wednesday, 08 Jun 2011, 7:19 AM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 07 Jun 2011, 6:29 PM EDT

Megan O'Rourke
Miamisburg, Ohio (WDTN) - Tuesday afternoon, the Zanowick family found a peaceful refuge on the back porch of their Miamisburg home. It was a quiet escape from the emotional events that have unfolded over the last few days.

On Friday, 23 year-old Corporal Paul Zanowick Junior was killed by enemy fire while on patrol in Afghanistan.

"I just want people to remember him for who he was," said Ryan Zanowick, Zanowick's wife. "You know not only was he a great Marine, but he was also a great son, brother, husband and father".

Moved by the tragic of events of 9-11, Paul Zanowick Senior said his son knew early on that he wanted serve his country. Zanowick enlisted in the Marines in January, 2008.

"He had such a sense of wanting to protect us," said Paul Sr.

"You don't want this day to happen. That was a huge fear, but i respect what he choose to do and I honor it, but I would gladly have gone instead," he added.

Cpl. Zanowick made the ultimate sacrifice, but it has not gone un-noticed. American flags now hang in his honor throughout the Zanowick's Miamisburg neighborhood. A touching tribute that the family says is helping them heal.

"Overwhelming," said Zanowick Sr. "I just want to thank everybody who has contacted us, tried to contact us, prayed for us. If not for the prayers I'm not sure we could do this".

When I Wake Up

2011-06-04T10:38:00.000-07:00

I am sharing a post my friend Kama left on our Battalion facebook page. She is an incredible lady with a lot of strength that really gets what is important when your husband is deployed. Not allowing yourself to wallow in misery and keep going to honor what your husband is doing by keeping yourself strong. I was so incredibly moved by her writing I asked if I could share it all with you. So here it is..I hope you like it as much as I did.

When I Wake Up.

When you left, I wanted nothing more than to fall asleep. Not the quick-20-minute-I-forgot-my-coffee-this-morning-catnap kind of sleep, but more along the lines of Forever Young, Mel Gibson’s 50-year-long, deep kind of slumber. The kind where you sleep through the hurt, your body only registering a pang of hunger when it shakes the dust off, instead of the longing it aches through now. The kind where you wake up and everything is better, different. You have skipped the hard stuff, the sleepless nights filled with worry, and awaken like Aurora to your prince charming. It would be a nice dream you had instead of the nightmare I feel like I’m in now. I would tell myself it was worth it too – worth the aging on the other side for the relief right now. No delayed gratification here. I want the easy way out.

When I wake up you will be there, by my side, the valiant hero coming to get me – the princess in waiting. When I wake up you will be home safe, and that will be enough for me. But wait, no, I didn’t get your letters. Sorry, I was sleeping. And oh, I am sorry I missed your calls to check in on us. We’re fine, don’t you see? We meant to send you packages to let you know you were loved, but we figured you wanted us numb to the war you wage across the planet. I’m so very sorry you felt like we weren’t there for you – we were, but just with our eyes shut… heart barely beating… brain stagnant. I also meant to do so many things; paint you pictures, read you stories, hike new trails to take you on when you got home, raise our daughter to remember you and make you her hero, take a class or two. Wow, you’re right, I am thirty now. Asleep through the end of my third decade. Well, yes I guess there are worse things. Like the fact that our daughter is three. How could I miss that, knowing now you don’t even have pictures of her happy day? And I’m sad that she doesn’t know who you are because I wasn’t there to teach her that, yes, you are away fighting for our country and our freedom, but not far from our hearts. I missed so much while I slept through this, and was it really all worth it? No. I take it all back. I want to fight with you. For us, for our love, for our daughter and her unshakeable love for you I don’t ever want her to lose. For adventure and growing while we are apart so we fit better when you get back. For the knowledge that anything worth having is worth the struggle, the heartache, the pain.

So I will be there when you get home, arms tanned with the sun of summer days spent teaching our daughter to swim, legs made strong with the weight of her in a backpack on the trails of our new town, a heart built up with love and pride and strength that I played my part in this fight and met adversity with the gloves off – ready for anything that came my way. I will be there for you like you are there for me; even when the phone doesn’t ring and the postman’s bag is empty, I know what we have is worth it all.

Why I Love Marines

2011-05-31T09:55:00.000-07:00

I love Marines. I love the families of Marines. I love how once you are a Marine you are always a Marine. I love how Marines remember and share their history. I witnessed it growing up when men that served with my father would show up at important events in my life because my father could not. Like an unspoken oath to look after one another. I am so proud that I have had the honor to share my life with these men. Know that the truth is , "The only people that understand Marines are the Marines and the enemy." I feel privileged to have known some fantastic Marines. I was reminded of this today when I received an email from my husband telling me he received 6 care packages from someone in North Carolina and it was accompanied by this letter....

1stSgt Harting,

It is we who thank you and all the Marines of Legend 3/4 for answering the call and defending the freedoms we hold so dear. Know that your cause is respected and supported by those you defend, and please pass along our gratitude to all the Marines of the “Thundering Third”.

My father was a platoon commander with Lima Company 3/4 in Vietnam during Operation Hastings and went on to serve 31 years in our beloved Corps…I am certain he is looking down from his final resting place with admiration as you continue to create the history and legacy of that fine fighting establishment! As he once told me, “Keep your head down and your powder dry”.

Semper Fi,
David Richards

I was so moved by this, because I know that most of us in the military community feel like most of America is checked out on us. But to know we will take care of one another no matter what is what gets me through the day sometime.

Memorial Day---I Love You Dad

2011-05-27T16:51:00.000-07:00

Every year on Memorial Day I have always made it a special point to talk about my father. My father who was killed in Vietnam when I was an infant. A father who I never met, and have no memory of. I almost feel like he belongs to someone or something else. When I was growing up every year on Memorial Day our family was always asked to participate in Memorial Day activities. It was always something we did and we were so proud. I honestly had never met another person that had lost anyone in a war. I was an oddity. We actually never talked about it and it really only came up around Memorial Day. I always had such a great sense of loss, not only for losing my father when I was an infant but for losing him is such a way that was so abstract to most kids my own age that no one really understood. So fast forward many years later and the current wars, Iraq and Afghanistan people started to pay attention, a whole new generation and a whole lot more people to remember. Now I didn't only have a father to remember on this day but friends, and sons of friends. And now there is no shortage of people who speak at and attend Memorial Day events. I wish it wasn't that way, but it is. So please take a moment this weekend and remember all those who sacrificed for us, who gave all. Its not a lot to ask, at least I don't think so. And Daddy, I have never stopped thinking about you, you were my first hero, and I know you are in good company.
I love you.

Early Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-24T20:29:00.000-07:00

Hypnotizing. I think so.

NO IT IS NOT

2011-05-21T13:02:00.000-07:00

I Know it is cute to say so, to have the sticker in jest...
but being the wife of a military man is not the toughest job in....
The Marine Corps....
The Navy.......
The Army......
The Air Force.....

Dreams....

2011-05-21T09:20:00.000-07:00

I received this picture from my husband of one of the local children in his area of operation. He told me the kids there are so cool. Aren't kids everywhere for the most part? This started me thinking again on how hard it must be for our men fighting over there. During the day they interact with these wonderful children and at the same time fight the men that sometimes these children grow up to become, the Taliban. I can't imagine how these children view their world. I know they love the Marines, I know the Marines love them. I am thankful that my son doesn't experience this type of world. There is a huge difference between knowing your father is going to fight in a war and all that means then actually living in a war zone. I have lived in a lot of places, and I can tell you all people are the same. A quote I heard somewhere but can't recall from who was, "all men have a dream for their families" I know that is true, even in the villages of Afghanistan where the simple farmer raises his children, whatever it is this man has a dream for his children. I am comforted in knowing that after the harvest and before most of the fighting starts, the farmers leave with their families. It comforts me to look at this photo and know when the bad stuff starts hitting the fan this little boy will have hopefully been long gone. I hope someday these children can live in a place where roadside bombs are not part of their lives, where the fear of the Taliban doesn't stop a little girl from going to school. After ten years I wonder if these children will ever be born in too a better place. This young boy looks like maybe he is 5-6, and that means he has never known anything but war. Actually all of the children have known only the Taliban. I wish for a better life for all these children, of freedoms we know and liberties only they can imagine. Their life is a simple one, to live off the land, and provide a life for their children, probably the same simple life they have or maybe even a better one. I just hope the day comes when they will have a choice for themselves.

The military wife stereotype: Fact or fictional? - Richmond Military Marriage | Examiner.com

2011-05-20T18:42:00.000-07:00

Good article worth the read.

The military wife stereotype: Fact or fictional? - Richmond Military Marriage | Examiner.com

Man, My Man is HOT!

2011-05-19T17:46:00.001-07:00

I was lucky enough to get some pics of my hubs from the front. I am only going to share this one because of OPSEC and stuff like that , not sure what types of landmarks in the others could give away his location...a lot of people don't think about that but it has been drilled in my so many times. Yes the tree line could be identified and pin point your Marines exact location. I think this one is pretty generic, so I thought I would share. I love this man, I miss this man and all I am focused on is his homecoming and getting to do all the things we like to do. I still do all those things since life doesn't just stop when our men are gone but it's never really as much fun when he isn't there. I love you babe, hurry home!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-18T09:26:00.001-07:00

Knee Surgery

2011-05-16T16:58:00.000-07:00

High everyone!! What not high? Well I am! Tee hee hee. And it's the best kind, the legal kind. Today I had knee surgery for a Meniscus repair, or ectomy..not sure what the doc did because I wasn't able to speak to the doc but he will be calling soon. Anyhow the above picture is what my knee would look like, if it wasn't covered with tons of ace bandages and padding, but I just wanted to give you an idea of what it looked like before it was all bandaged up.so there is the pic, not mine but had I had a pic. So not bad, a bit swollen and I am off it for 3 days for the most part but it's really not that bad. What it is, is a new start to get myself back in shape so I can again, run, workout and just get around without pain. I have been living with this since the day after Thanksgiving last year. I am ready to get it over already.
I also find myself surrounded by some amazing women. I had my surgery in Palm Springs about an hour and a half from base. When I got there with my son (who is really taking care of me so wonderfully) one of the ladies stopped by to see me, just to make sure I was good. Since I have been home I have had 2 complete dinners delivered to me, flowers and texts from other ladies that have the rest of the week covered. Nothing makes the heart swell more then seeing people want to help you out for no other reason other then they just want too. I have found this group of women some of the most fantastic in our 17 years in the Corps as a whole. We have just banded together to get through what we know will be a rough Spring and Summer.
My son is also a huge help and has already won over all the ladies, they see now why he is so special to me. Not only because he is my son but because he is just a wonderful human being.
Still no word from my hubs which kind of bothers me, not for any other reason then I know wherever he is he is worrying about my day, hoping everything went well with my surgery and I hate that I know he is doing everything he can to call and he just may not be able too.
Well here is to the start of me getting back on track with my knee pain free!!

Love

2011-05-15T09:02:00.000-07:00

Sometimes life gives you exactly what you need. Exactly when you need it. I love you babe and miss you too.

5 Weeks

2011-05-13T11:10:00.000-07:00

The Poppy is beautiful...

Hubs hooch

Hubs and his CO's racks...

My hubs loves the village kids, look at that face. Who could blame him?

My hubs is tall, as you can see it really makes the living quarters tight for our big American guys...

So happy for the passage of days but even more for the passage of WEEKS! Things are going along well. Picked up the kiddo from college this week, so glad to have him home for the summer. Something very comforting about having your kid (no matter how old they get) under your roof. My hubs ability to communicate with home base has been sporadic. Apparently MCCS has what I call an "Ice Cream Truck"..it is actually a mobile Exchange with Wi-Fi and when the Marines see it coming they run to it like an Ice Cream truck. I was actually able to skype with my husband for a little bit ... the truck was only there for the day but it was an awesome surprise to see him and see he is ok. He was able to send some photos which I will share, nothing to give anything away, just the general scenery and living conditions. His guys are doing ok. Any good thoughts to send their way would be appreciated. I have to say I like to think of my hubs being on a tropical vacation ... it makes my days go by much easier and less stress induced insomnia.
But this brings me to another thought, sharing information. A few days ago I get a call from one of our wives about an incident she heard about with our Marines concerning wounded and contact with the enemy. She was very upset, and told me another wife had called her telling her all this stuff was happening and I would have bet a weeks pay that the wife was lying, making things up. I of course knew this because I had just talked to my hubs and he looked relaxed, sounded very good and no signs of anything like this happening as of yet, I mean we are expecting it but it hadn't happened yet. So like I always do I draft an email to my hubs and tell him about this craziness his Marines are reporting to their wives. Well low and behold I was replied to by a very upset husband explaining to me that this information doesn't serve any purpose other then to upset us back home and he had explained this to his Marines and the fact that this information is being relayed to the homefront in his words, "is pissing me off". So now I am left in the position to talk to this young wife and explain to her that she shouldn't be sharing this information with the other wives. This is her first deployment and she views deployment through the eyes of a novel, very romantic and starry eyed. Not realistic at all and she is sharing information that other wives do not necessarily want to hear. Ugh, I am sure her husband will not be sharing much information after the tone of my hubs last email. I have spent a lot of time with a lot of the young wives, and new wives and I have to say, I am concerned with their views on deployment and the repercussions of their actions. Have you come across any of this in your encounters during deployment? I realize in the infantry our population is very young, most of the wives are very young and facing first deployments. How have you approached the wife that feels it is her duty to report on all the happenings her husband tells her? How does it make you feel?

Mothers Day

2011-05-09T16:39:00.000-07:00

My son definitely has his fathers sense if humor. Which I love by the way. This was my first mothers day away from both my husband (deployed) and son (college). But I did receive this great little gem in the mail Friday. I just love it and so proud my son thought far enough ahead to get it for me. Love you son. Your the best.

Thank You...Pass it Around

2011-05-06T08:15:00.001-07:00

Wordless Wednesday--Lima Company

2011-05-04T08:59:00.000-07:00

So proud. Taken from the Marine Times Battle Rattle Blog..no OPSEC violation.

I Should Be Happier..But

2011-05-03T11:19:00.000-07:00

So I have been listening now for 2 days of all the excitement about Usama Bin Laden. Funny thing is this, I always hear the news first, I am plugged in too everything. Iphone, Laptop, TV, Ipad...everything. But that day I was not. I went to a movie and dinner with some friends, friends that are sharing this deployment with me. We had a great time, went to see Fast 5..great movie and distraction, had a nice dinner. Too much talking in the car to listen to the radio..end of night. We come to the base, and right away we see something is different. Elevated force protection..me being me leans my head over from the driver side as I am presenting my ID card and I say, "Hey what's going on? Why the extra security tonight?" and to that the very young Marine at the gate strapping his M-4 with a death grip says, "Oh we have been invaded by Mexico"..ok smart guy..but whatever we laugh it off and he nicely says, "well Ma'am (I know ugh) there is a lot of chatter right now so we are looking out" so knowing what chatter means, I say "well thank you" and we go on our way. So as we are pulling in to get in our cars to go home all of our phones start ringing with the news and people are coming out of their homes and we get the news. Simultaneously we all look at one another and we know what the other is thinking, "What does this mean for our husbands?" Our husbands are currently in one of the most not so nice areas of Afghanistan, without saying where lets just say...this is not the time we want to hear they have just Martyred Usama Bin Laden. So we all talked for a bit, we decided it is just a thing, nothing to worry about knowing our men already had a tough mission so this was just another obstacle they may or may not have to face. But the whole night and up until this moment it has left me very uneasy. I am happy he is gone, I am happy that all his victims, from the Embassy bombings, the Cole and all the other horrible acts this man ordered have justice, or at least the figure head of this is gone. My wish was that he be captured alive, and he be paraded in front of the world media and exposed as the frail little man he was, to take away the myth of this all powerful Oz. But that wasn't the case, and I wouldn't have wanted that if it meant even one more of our brave troops was put in harms way.
But I have to tell you, this happening when our men are still in the fight makes it hard to be overly excited. I haven't spoke to my husband but I have a feeling that he celebrated at the news, that he felt a victory for all they have done in the last 10 years that led to that, and I am reminded of what he always says,
"Babe, the Taliban do not need a reason to kill us, given the chance that is what they are going to do."
Please keep our service members still in the fight in your thoughts , know that their mission is not over.

That's our boy on the right.

2011-04-30T09:00:00.000-07:00

Plankowner .... ASU Class of 2014

2011-04-28T07:38:00.000-07:00

Today I head to Tempe, to Arizona State University to be exact, to attend my sons Plank Owner Ceremony. Well it isn't his alone, it belongs to about 85 members of his R.O.T.C. unit at ASU. Michael went specifically to this school to be part of this brand new unit. He wanted to help be a part of starting it and seeing it off the ground. What he didn't expect, but worked for, was placing as the first ever #1 Midshipmen as well as the only one is his class to receive the Marine Corps Side Load scholarship. We knew he would do well but he has exceeded all his own personal goals and has continued to make us proud. If you are not familiar with Plank Owner please read below for a description. I will share pictures from the day as I am sure to take many. His dad is deployed but will be there as usual in spirit.

Plankowner

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

(Redirected from Plank owner)

A plankowner[1] (also referred to a plank owner) is an individual who was a member of the crew of a ship when that ship was placed in commission. Originally, this term applied only to crew members that were present at the ship's first commissioning. Today, however, plank owner is often applied to members of newly commissioned units, new military bases and recommissioning crews as well.

[edit] In U.S. military

Plankowner is a term used by the United States Navy,[1] and has consequently been variously defined by different units. The origin of the term is the implication that a crew member was around when the ship was being built and commissioned, and therefore has bragging rights to the "ownership" of one of the planks in the main deck.[2][3]

Historically, a plankowner in the United States Navy and United States Coast Guard, or his widow, could petition the Naval Historical Center's Curator Branch for a piece of the deck when the ship was decommissioned.[3]

Sailors who are plank owners at their current command often have the word "PLANKOWNER" embroidered on the back of their uniform ball cap to denote this designation. A plaque is placed aboard the ship with the crew names. When in port, the departure of a plank owner for the final time is usually announced on the 1MC public announcing system with a bell-ring, as "Plank owner, departing".[4]

In lieu of an actual "plank" from the deck of a newly commissioned ship (these being pretty hard to come by in this day and age) crew members are presented with a Plank Owner Certificate commemorating their unique status of being part of the Original Crew when the ship became part of the U. S. Navy.

Milspouse Friday Fill In #38

2011-04-22T09:14:00.000-07:00

Please stop by Wife of a Sailor She started all this a long time ago so stop by to say hello!!

1. How many pets do you have? And what type? submitted by Life and Times of a Displaced Jersey Girl

We have a cat we got in Japan about 13 years ago and a dog we got in Spain about 10 years ago. Yes our pets are world travelers. I love them dearly and they are members of our family.

2. What are your favorite projects to do while hubby is away? submitted by my-inspired-nest

I am our family readiness advisor so I spend a lot of time with the wives (no men as we are an infantry battalion, not leaving them out)...just to see how they are doing and handling the deployment. We have a very young population and for most of them it is their first deployment.

3. What are the must-haves in your deployment care packages? submitted by Christine’s Little Blog

Notes and pictures, I don't send a lot of stuff he can't carry around. Honestly mostly baby wipes and chapstick. You would be surprised how much they get from Americans that care about what they are doing, it's overwhelming and they are very grateful for all the love they have coming their way.

4. If you could star in any TV show, which would it be? submitted by Just a Girl

Hmmm...right now Coming Home...man what I would do to have my hubs coming home right now!

5. What was the biggest hurdle that you faced during your/your significant other’s first deployment? submitted by The Pavlik Perspective

The lack of communication. In the early days of Iraq no coms where the rule of the day, it could be months. I think we have gotten spoiled by the coms but I have been reminded on my hubs last two deployments (this one included) to Afghanistan that coms again are very sparce. I think it's become more of the rule again not to hear once they get to their final destinatiion. But I always tell younger wives that no news is good news.

Military Families Face New Battles

2011-04-21T13:07:00.000-07:00

I was asked to post the following article and after talking to the gentlemen I decided to go ahead and allow it. I know sometimes we take for granted that all of us military families are aware of the struggles our service members face and our families but maybe there are still some that do not know why and what is going on with their loved one.

Military families face new battles

Military families always seem to face more burdens than most in a normal family dynamic. The time after a soldier returns home is often regarded as one of the happiest times for these families. In some cases, however, that time can be extra confusing and difficult, primarily as a result to some of the health problems that are common with soldiers following their tours of duty.
PTSD, or post traumatic stress disorder is one of the most common examples of the invisible wounds that plague many soldiers these days. This is a type of anxiety disorder that is not exclusive to the military, but is a risk that is rather high with soldiers because it usually involves a reaction to a traumatic event. For soldiers, much of their time spent overseas or in service can contain life altering events. Treatment for PTSD usually requires cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a long and extended process that can often add more difficulty to the dynamic. A family’s support throughout this process can be of major importance, as a shoulder to lean on or someone to talk to can always be a break through.
Traumatic Brain Injury, also known as TBI is one of the signature wounds of the past ten years of war on terror. It involves a bruising of brain tissue and usually is the result of a violent accident or collision. Many cases of TBI go unknown; therefore observation of the symptoms is particularly important. Headaches, sleep problems, dizziness, and blurred vision are all common traits of soldiers with TBI. There is an absolute necessity to look for some of these symptoms. A family’s eye will allow any cases of TBI to be diagnosed and treated with the proper care as soon as possible.
Just like TBI, mesothelioma can often go unnoticed for years after any type of original exposure. This disease is a type of cancer that infects the lining of the body’s organs, often in the chest or abdomen area. Soldiers are often at risk to this because it has a direct correlation to asbestos exposure. Asbestos was a commonly used material throughout the past century in shipyards and bases all over the US. With many soldiers working in ships and barracks that contain this fiber, exposure was often inevitable. A family’s lookout for the symptoms of mesothelioma may end up being very important in the treatment process. Diagnosis for this disease is particularly important because of the severe outlook. Mesothelioma life expectancy is often as short as a year.
The general awareness of some of these common military wounds and health risks is particularly important in cutting down more severe cases. With the support and structure of family and friends upon arrival after a tour of duty, soldiers who may have to face any of these health risks will be as prepared as possible.

"Taylor Darden is ardent supporter of our troops and dedicated advocate of veterans' benefits. Having just recently graduated from college he is currently working to raise awareness of the dangers of invisible wounds. He currently lives in the southeastern United States, and is proud to live in the greatest country in the world. If you have any questions feel free to email him at dailydardan@gmail.com"

Wordless Wednesday. Pat's Run

2011-04-20T10:38:00.001-07:00

Chugging Along---Choo Choo

2011-04-18T17:13:00.000-07:00

So almost 2 weeks!! Awesome. I have to say I have had ups and downs so much more on #5 Deployment..why you ask? (Ok maybe your not asking or caring but I am telling)...EMPTYNEST! Yes, I started this blog during our last deployment and it was because I was dealing with a Senior in High School and a hubs gone and a PCS cross country upon his return. AND taking our kid to college via our new duty station!! Dealing with all that was a bit much but I have to say...sitting in this big old empty house on the other side of that and in the infancy of a new deployment...gotta say..NOT EASY.
Too much time on your hands is never a good thing, ever. I do have our family readiness group to keep me somewhat busy and a group of awesome supportive friends but there is just something about a big old empty house in the beginning of the day and the end.
My son will be coming home in a few weeks and that will help and I have a trip to Slovenia to visit my friend in September so I do have things to look forward too. I am also thinking of taking yet more classes. I finished school last deployment but no work here in the stumps leaves me needing something to do and school sure will fill up some of the hours.
I don't want anyone to think I am complaining, I am not. Just sharing. My blog is a huge outlet for me to say things I want to say and I don't even know if anyone will ever read this. But if you are, thank you for just stopping by and checking it out.
On another note..I hope all you in the tornadoes path this last few days are ok, well and safe. It hurt my heart to see the devastation this brought to so many including some of my Marine family in NC. Glad they were all ok.

A Week?

2011-04-15T09:49:00.000-07:00

So yesterday marked a week since I have last put eyes on the love of my life. I think I am kinda in denial but I am not sure. I have had some contact from him as he makes it to his final destination. I am not worried about OPSEC here because I have no idea where that will be, just a general idea. I am free to say he is gone, when he left, and he's in Afghanistan, the base paper clearly stated all those facts. So no nasty OPSEC lectures, I am clear on the rules. This is going to be a tough spring for The Darkside. I have confidence in their training, I know they are "bad ass". I just think I have become numb at deployment. I was asked yesterday, as happens when you converse about deployments with civilians "How do you handle it when he is gone?", I quite easily without hesitation stated, "I am so used to it by now, after all it has been 10 years." and that was that. Not a second thought, not a blink of an eye, just very matter of fact. Problem is I meant it and felt it, I am just used to it. I know I am just going through the motions to the point in deployment where you are no longer "used to it" or could you ever be, the point when the wounded start coming back and when we start taking casualties. I almost said "losing our Marines" but we don't really "lose" them. They get killed. No easy way to say it, it happens. No one is immune to it, the infantry especially. So maybe I should enjoy my litter river in Egypt for a bit because I know sooner rather then later the reality is going to crash into me, and to those people that I care so deeply for. It's been a week.

Wordless Wednesday -- Courageous

2011-04-13T08:19:00.000-07:00

Marines Re-deploy to Afghanistan

2011-04-11T11:38:00.001-07:00

Couldn't be prouder of my hubs and his Marines.

Marines deploy to Afghanistan, re-join fight

How Much Is Too Much?? Or Is it All About You?

2011-04-08T07:20:00.000-07:00

So this week we had our long awaited dreaded send off. I despise having to go through the motions of sending the hubs off. I've done it more times then I can say or wish to remember. I have ran the gambit of emotions on the whole thing from, sad, to depressed, to annoyed to just plain old pissed off. What I have learned to do is keep my emotions in check, and I am ususally good right up until the bus closes it's doors then I quickly rush back to my truck and have a good cry.
Now I know not everyone can do that or should they, I am a firm believer that you should feel what you feel when you feel it. My first deployment I was very emotional, not knowing what to expect, it was during the very early years of Iraq, very scary and no one really knew what to expect. I was scared, my son was scared, the war was on tv every second of every day...ya I was emotional. It didn't take me long to realize that the more upset I was the more upset my son was getting, he was young then, in middle school and he still took his cues from me. It also made it much harder on my husband, back then he was a not as out front as he is now but still he had Marines in his charge and he really had to worry about them as well as us so it was hard on him.
The next few deployments I knew what to expect so it was easier for me to compartmentalize things and keep it together, still had my breakdowns in the truck, it still was hard on my son but it was ok because he needed to know it was ok to cry and get it out and then I would drive home and we would take it from there. It was easier on my husband, I mean he knew I was upset but seeing me cry is probably the single hardest thing in the world for him. Plus I knew there were a lot of young wives on their first deployment and if I was breaking down what would they think? So I did my best with tears welling to wait until I was back at my truck. Our last deployment was the push into Afghanistan and again, unknown territory, not a lot of information, and a lot harder to stay in check. As they boarded the bus a little girl was crying so hard for her daddy it just made my tears start that much sooner. But it was ok, feel what you feel and all that. I did good, my son did good, much stiffer of an upper lip this time, after all he was a Sr. in High School and much harder for him to let the tears go but he did.
Fast forward to this past week...another going away. One of my friends was having a really hard time, understandably so. Last time her husband deployed he was wounded, shot 5 times. His recovery was 2 years of agony. They made it, they have 3 small daughters, I can imagine what images were flashing in her mind as they were getting on that bus. Her husband is one of my husbands Marines, one of his best. I went to her and hugged her and told her, "he is with the best rifle company in the Corps," "please take comfort in that." She shook her head "yes" and said, "I know." Now Marines are a funny bunch, we have a few bonafide War Hero's in our bunch. I don't say that lightly but we do, our company is pretty high speed. I don't use the word lightly. And our fearless leader, our CO is one of them. He sensed the seriousness of our situation and came over to talk to us. With his ever present smile, the guy is always smiling he comes over to me and says, " I am going to take really good care of your guys." " and Heidi, your hubs is pretty tall I am almost positive I can take cover behind him very well." and of course with that one line we all start to laugh hysterically. So for a second we all laugh and it bonds us and my friend, still very upset smiles. And this is how my morning went, going around and talking with the wives, some of them very upset some just under the surface. And it was good. So we have another company leaving that morning and they will remain nameless to protect the guilty but as the buses pull away, one of the wives from that company has a full out melt down, on her knees screaming. I quickly glance around at the other wives and they all start falling apart at the sight of this woman on the ground making a spectacle of herself. And the kids start as well, why is this lady so upset? Keep in mind her own children are with her as well.
So I ask how much is too much? I know this woman, she is a bit of a pain in our volunteer group, very much an attention grabber. Was this her need for attention? Keep in mind her husband is part of the Senior ranks, and also keep in mind he has deployed before and he is going in a training billet. Is this really the example she should be putting out to the younger wives?
So I thought to myself, if she isn't doing this for attention, if she is the type that can not keep it together, and I am not talking about crying hard, I am talking about a full out fall on the ground hysterical crying, shouldn't she maybe say her good byes at home?
So I ask you ladies....how much is too much. Oh ya and BTW, the word of this got on the bus and started a landslide of questions from some of the Marines worried that it was their wife that had the break down.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-06T13:06:00.001-07:00

Can't Daddy Play??

2011-04-05T21:56:00.001-07:00

Proud Pop

2011-04-03T16:32:00.000-07:00

This weekend we went to visit our son at college. It was a great trip as always but also a very important one for our son and also my husband. My son was finally issued his Cammies..his Marine Marpat. I kind of get why it was so important...kinda. I have been moved by my son in his JROTC uniform in High School and in his Khaki uniform in ROTC. But for him and my hubs the Cammies were pivotal. I guess it is because his cammies are identical to his dads. It's almost for me like when he was little and played dress up in his dads cammies except now they are his and he isn't playing dress up. Every step of this journey has been amazing, it's not over yet, he has a ways to go but I know he will make it and I know he will be an awesome addition to the Corps. He loves the Corps, and I am so happy he found early what his passion was and I am even more thrilled he is on this journey and embraces it.

What a journey he is on.....what a fine young man.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-29T23:52:00.000-07:00

Makes me very happy

Milspouse Friday Fill In #35

2011-03-25T09:24:00.000-07:00

Haven't participated for a bit but thought I would jump back in, so here goes...

1. What is your must have gadget?

Without a doubt my Iphone. I do everything on it. It is my lifeline to my family, my email, my entertainment, my schedule.

2. How does your adulthood compare to what you imagined it would be like when you were a little kid?

Well I grew up in a really rough area so we didn't think to much in terms of future. If you seen the movie Rocky I literally grew up down the street from where that movie was filmed. I had a great group of friends that I thought I would never be apart from. In neighborhoods in Philly your friends are just family, there is a real sense of loyalty and it's important. I grew up with a lot of my family being in the service, we were a gold star family, and we had lots of cops and firefighters. My life is so much richer then I ever thought it would be and I don't mean with wealth but with the fullness of love, happiness and respect.

3. What is your favorite chocolate recipe? submitted by Our First Deployment

Hmmm.....whatever they put in peanut m&m's.

4. How do you deal with military life when it gets to be to much or to hard? submitted by Combat Boots And Pointe Shoes

Well one of the benefits of living this lifestyle for the past 17 years is that it has taken me to places where life is really hard. Living in West Africa really opens your eyes about things being hard in a real way. I do occasionally get on a pity pot when hubs is gone and things can get stressful but I just deal. It's a quick stern talking to myself that puts me back in line.

5. What piece of advice would you give a new Military spouse facing their first deployment? submitted by The Albrecht Squad

I tend not to offer advise unless it is solicited since people tend to get annoyed. But being our family readiness advisor I do happen to get ask a lot. We have an infantry battalion and about 75% of our wives are new at each deployment. All I tell them is to go to the pre-deployment briefs, listen to the information, it is very important and accurate. Find what works for them, volunteer when and if they can to get out and meet people. You will never make friends sitting on your couch. I tend not to cudle new wives too much because this life you need to be tough.

What Did We Used to Talk About????

2011-03-24T12:33:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how long our wars have been going on. My son was in the 4th grade, now he is a college freshmen. My husband was a brand new SSgt. Now he is a Sr.1stSgt. The years have passed, each one slowly, each one with pain carried over from the last and no one has been more impacted in these past 10 years then those of us in the Military Family. My husband was in the service 6 years before the Wars started. He used to go away, 6 months, 4 months, 3 months at a time, that's what Marines do. Humanitarian, UDP, 911 Force, and CAX and WTI, and Cobra Gold, and numerous other reasons for deployment through the peace time years. But then 9/11 happened and it changed what we knew as Military Families FOREVER. The other night we were eating and as usual the topic of our conversation turned to DEPLOYMENT. How many conversations have we had in the last 10 years about deployment? 365 X 10 at least every day of every year the wars have dragged on. "When are you going?" "When will you be back?" "Where are you going?" "How are you doing?" "I miss you" "I love you" "I miss you" "Welcome Home" "I love you" and that is the start or finish of most of our conversations of the last 10 years. I can't remember what we used to talk about before this took up the majority of our conversations. I shouldn't complain, some one right now would change places with me in a second to have that conversation again with the love that fell, the son, the daughter, the mother the father. I get it, my father fell in Vietnam when I was an infant, and I was in school before that war was over so I know the feeling of people forgetting about the loss. I will never forget, but just making an observation. I look forward to the day we can all take these conversations out of our daily lives.

Wordless Wednesday--Time Flies.

2011-03-23T09:24:00.001-07:00

Lovely, Lovely Limbo

2011-03-21T16:50:00.000-07:00

Hi Readers...hope you are all still out there. I have been a bad blogger lately. I have been in what I will call Deployment Limbo. A little while back our block leave was recalled and now we are just all sitting around waiting for the call. Due to OPSEC and in order to protect the guilty, I will not elaborate further. I will share with you all a little more once boots are on the ground in some far off exotic (not really exotic) place.
Last week I spent at home with our son on Spring Break. I was awesome having him home and it was a bit of a hard thing for me that he decided to go spend the night in San Diego with his friends but I understood and try really hard not to think of all the horrible things that can happen during Spring Break. Needless to say his friends had him home in the morning in one piece. It was a nice visit and my son was happy to go back to college and I have to admit that makes me very happy. I am really looking forward to summer break.
I did see one of my fave bloggers in the exchange the other day..that made my day..you know who you are!
Well not much going on besides...well..the waiting..and more waiting. Hope all is well with everyone. I am going to go check out what you all been up too lately!
Oh ya and I thought I would share my favorite photo from the Spartan Race...my son looks so awesome..

A Little Appreciation

2011-03-15T16:46:00.001-07:00

My hubs re-enlistment the Command gave me a nice CerCom and this cool little recipe suitable for framing. Isn't is so sweet.

Super Spartan

2011-03-13T12:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went to Chandler Az. to watch my son and my husband run the Spartan Race along with my sons ROTC Unit from Arizona State. Not all the midshipmen ran the race, just the ones that are the top of the class physically. It was a great day watching them and I couldn't see all the race but I can share some of the photos of what I did see. The race was 8 plus miles with about 15 obstacles. It was a great day and it surely was a very important bonding experience for the young midshipmen. It was also extra special because my hubs was there as well.

Enjoy!

My sweet niece

2011-03-10T18:58:00.001-08:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-09T09:10:00.000-08:00

Time is Valuable ... Could You Keep Your Hands off Mine?

2011-03-07T09:53:00.001-08:00

That has been my wish, but I guess this time..my wish isn't coming true. The start of our deployment has just been moved up about a month and UGH...I want to scream. Several reasons why. First being because of OPSEC I can't really talk about why this is so frustrating and secondly because time together is so valuable always, but most importantly before deployment. Meaning...since things are moving at a cyclic rate, our block leave is being cut in half. I am trying not to be too upset and keep things in perspective because this move has a domino effect and it is happening to everyone and some are in a worse situation then us, so perspective. So this is just my vent..Semper Gumby and all that.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-02T13:45:00.001-08:00

Sometimes fate shows itself early...LOL. He slept in that stuff for about a week.

SEMPER GUMBY

2011-02-28T12:31:00.000-08:00

Any military wife has their own version of this...Semper Gumby, Always Flexible. I get it..I got it..it's gotten. But really?? Really?? I am very flexible, how could I have survived 16 years of PCS, Un-Accompanied Orders, Tour Conversions, Valiant Eagle, WTI, CAX, Viper, Combat Deployments and all the other various operations and training movements without losing my mind without being flexible right?
Ok so today I am feeling a bit Semper Grumpy because I think I'm about to lose my mind this time...just once..just once can we just do it the way we were supposed too???
OPSEC forbids me to expand on this but please stay tuned, in the words of all good military men.... "Babe, when I know, you'll know."
UUUUUGGGGGGHHHHH

Milspouse Friday Fill In #31

2011-02-25T08:01:00.000-08:00

Remember to go on over to Wife Of A Sailor, she started this and want to give credit where credit is due. It has really been fun and I can't always get to it but it is one of my faves.

1. Aside from no deployments, what is one thing you would want to make the MilSpouse life “perfect”? submitted by Oh How DelightfulTo not be discriminated in the work place because employers know you will be leaving eventually, it particularly bothers me on base when this happens.

2. Just how many peppers did Peter Piper pick? submitted by Married into Army
Well if he was in the military not many since he was always being deployed.

3. If you could have any career in the world with nothing holding you back, what would you do? submitted by It’s My Party and I’ll Cry if I Want To

Something in Social Services, maybe with the Wounded Warriors.

4. Do you have a service oriented tattoo and if so what is it. If you don’t what would you get? submitted by The Squid’s Accomplice

No since I am not in the service and that would be weird. I was getting a pedicure the other day and I saw a girl with 2 big guns on her back and it said "Grunt Life". I almost fell over with laughter knowing it was her husband or boyfriends since Marine Corps has no females in combat arms and most definitely not in the infantry so I thought "how strange is that?"

5. Imagine a block of time has opened up in your busy day for you to take a class in anything you like. What subject would you choose? submitted by To The Nth
I am going to actually look in to doing this while hubs is deployed. I want to take a photography class to learn more about my camera and taking awesome photos.

Wordless Wednesday ..sweets

2011-02-23T14:50:00.001-08:00

Hubs was in field on Valentines day...a little late but still so sweet.

Wordless Wednesday...Brothers

2011-02-23T08:22:00.000-08:00

Hubs and his "little" brother. Keep in mind my hubs is 6'3.

Weekly Round Up

2011-02-18T07:49:00.000-08:00

Make sure that you head on over to see Hillary at The Whole FamDamily for the Mil Spouse Weekly Roundup. I have found some of my fave blogs this way...so go check it out!!

Milspouse Friday Fill In #30

2011-02-18T07:32:00.000-08:00

(1) What is your favorite MilSpouse blog (not including Wife of a Sailor who we all love, or your own)? submitted by Our Crazy Life

Well I hate to ever pick favorites because I have so many blogs I love for so many reasons. I am still a novice blogger even though I have been blogging for a while now I am still learning. If I would have to pick I would have to pick 2. The first is Just An Average Ordinary Sane Psycho Super Goddess And Ines at The Few, The Proud, The Wife.

My Reasons are this...Average Ordinary is a Marine Spouse that I admire since she keeps it all together, with 4 kids, a Geo-Bach Marine husband and not to mention she is incredibly witty, and fierce. And Ines because she is a wonderful example of a Marine Spouse and I admire her a great deal. Both of their blogs are awesome..you should go check them out if you haven't.

2) What are your favorite perks about your s/o being deployed (we all know there are perks)? submitted by Ramblings of a Marine Wife

I can't honestly think of any perks to my husband being in danger 24/7. Not the money, not anything. Every deployment brings casualties, wounded and I'm just not looking forward to the next.

(3) How long did you date your before getting engaged? Married? submitted by Utterly Chaotic

About a year.

(4) What do you think your would do if s/he wasn’t in the military? submitted by Adventures of M-Squared

I think when my husband retires he will be doing something in federal law enforcement and we will go back overseas to the embassies.

(5) If you could talk to the Secretary of the Army what is one suggestion you would like to bring to their attention in order to improve the lives of military families? submitted by My Life as His (Air Force) Wife

I am not sure what I would say to the Secretary of the Army...lol. But on the Marine side I would ask them how they plan to address the discrimination faced in the work place by military spouses, on base.

Happy Day

2011-02-17T14:33:00.000-08:00

Today my hubs came home from EMV (Enhanced Mohave Viper) training. Almost 5 weeks in the unforgiving California desert. He is none the less for wear..about 14 pounds lighter (I need EMV..forget weight watchers) and reeking like a body that hasn't seen much water in 5 weeks..but looking yum, yum delicious. It's a grim reminder that shortly he will be gone for a long time, to points much less friendly then the California desert..but he is trained, with the best in the Marine Corps and I am comfortable in knowing these last weeks have again prepared him for hell. It is hell for us all but let's be realistic. Those that wear the uniform bear the heaviest burden. You will never see me sporting the bumper sticker, Marine Corps Spouse, the toughest job in the Corps. Although it is cute, it is very far from the truth. After many deployments and hardships on my hubs part, I look at him renewed as my hero..as my husband and as an upright man. I sleep at night knowing he's out there for me, for you, for us. He is many in number and I sleep well. Thank you Greg...for everything. I love you.

In Tempe

2011-02-12T10:34:00.000-08:00

Greetings from Tempe Arizona!!! Man I just love it here. Nothing like being on the countries largest college campus to inject some energy back into myself. My son asked me to come up this weekend and I am sure it was more for me then him. He worries all the time when I am alone even when I assure him I am perfectly fine. But I am happy he did and happy I did (come here). It's been kinda cold in the desert so coming here in the balmy 70's is nice. Yesterday we went to a movie and dinner and just talked about how we are both doing. It does my heart good to hear how incredibly happy he is at. school, he has a fantastic group of friends and he is continuing to excel in R.O.T.C. He was promoted to Intel Officer this semester and he seems to be really embracing it all.
We talked about his dads upcoming deployment and how he is going to deal with not being there to say good bye. Of course his only concern is me being alone and me telling him that I will be just fine. We are very lucky that block leave is over his spring break and he is easily giving up a week of snowboarding with his buddies to hang out with his pops.
It's really hard to grasp that he is just about finished his his freshmen year of college...wow.
Well I will go back home tomorrow and the hubs is due back from the field on Thursday...so I am going to have great week. I never Forget to tell myself what a lucky woman I am to have two fantastic men that love me so much. No matter what life sends my way I have that. What else could a person ask for??
Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!!

A Son's Reflection

2011-02-09T08:10:00.000-08:00

Anyone that reads my blog knows I have a son that is Freshman in college. Today my son posted a note on his facebook to share a paper he wrote for his English class. My son wants to be a Marine and I have always thought he was pretty self assured and confident. To my amazement I find that wasn't necessarily true and maybe garnered a little insight as to why Marines (most military) shed their first names. Anyhow I asked him if I could share this with my readers and he said "sure"..so here goes.

Michael vs. Harting

My name comes from the Hebrew word Mikha'el, which is based off the Hebrew question “Who is like God?” This is also associated with the Archangel St. Michael. I tend to associate myself with the Archangel, not just because we share the same name but because he does what I one day plan to do; lead men (in his case angels) in combat. If you do not know, it is told that St. Michael is one of the field commanders in God’s army, which is somewhat similar to what I want to do (aside from the whole divinity part) which is be an infantry platoon commander in the United States Marines.

I never gave my first name much thought until around high school, which is where I started to re-assess and re-shape myself as a person. In high school I joined the NJROTC program, where it is custom to call others by their last name. As I progressed through this program, I became mentally and physically stronger; I had also become accustomed to being called Harting, my last name. It was after all this, that I realized that I was no longer “Michael” a name that I associated with a weak individual, but I was now a new person, I was “Harting”, a stronger more motivated person, and I allowed very few people to actually call me by my first name because of this. It’s still something that I deal with today, I tend to be more liberal with whom I allow to call me by my first name, but I still have little moments when I just do not like being called Michael.

It’s not that I hate my first name, it’s more that it takes me back to a time that I’d rather forget and not like to think of, back when I was weak and had no drive. Back when being average and sometimes mediocre was just fine. I think it’s funny, to be honest, how something so simple as a first name, can bring about such mellow emotion in me. Even now as I write this paper, I’m taken back to Havelock Middle School, back when my hair was long, my arms were skinny, and my stomach slightly protruded over my belt buckle. Back when I wanted to be a Marine, but thought I couldn't and that I was silly and stupid for even having such high aspirations, that perhaps the farthest I would get was the recruiting office, only then to quit after I had to face the reality that the Marines was an organization of challenge…..and the worst part is that I would be fine with that. How can a person, how could I, find any kind of acceptance…in quitting?! What does that say about that person’s character?!

I’ll tell you.

It says they are WEAK!

It says they are PITIFUL!

Worst of all it says they are unreliable….that they are untrustworthy.

And that’s unacceptable.

Now I am strong, my hair is short, my arms are larger, and I can proudly say that I have well defined abs. I still want to be a Marine, but now know I can be and that the farthest I can go is however far the limit is... and then go farther. Not only do I take on challenges now, I embrace them, knowing that when I overcome them, because I will overcome them, I will be a better person, not only in physical strength, but in character. I’ve now come to realize that quitting is no longer an option, that through quitting nothing will be gained and all will be useless and lost.

A friend of mine, someone who I care a great deal for, asked me if I preferred to be called “Michael” or “mike”. .. I couldn’t answer them. I wanted to tell them neither…that I was “Harting” not “Michael”, but they made me start to think, maybe it was time I gave “Michael” a second chance. If I were to allow myself to become “Michael” again, I wouldn’t go back to that kid I left behind in HMS, but maybe I could build “Michael” off of the foundations of who “Harting” is, and progress on from there.

I just came to realize how dramatic, and in some way funny, this whole paper is. I mean seriously, it sounds like I have split personalities or something. It also makes me wonder if there are other people out there who are in a similar situation, and if so, how many? I’m not sure, and in the end it probably doesn’t matter, because we are who we make ourselves to be.

.

Hot Surprise From Viper

2011-02-05T16:27:00.001-08:00

My hubs got service in field..
.and I got this. Me doing a happy dance.

Milspouse Friday Fill In #29

2011-02-04T13:33:00.000-08:00

1. Since most of the country has had nasty weather, what has your weather been like this week?

We are in 29 Palms and even though the perception is we are nice and toasty in the desert we are cold right now. I started to complain about it earlier this week but decided against if after realizing my hubs is out in the mountains sleeping on the ground for a month.

2. What is/are your best money saving tip(s)?
Internet sales!! You will find the best deals at all your favorite stores by shopping them on line. I learned this after living overseas for 9 years.

3. What was your favorite vehicle you’ve ever owned??
My mustang that I had to sell when my son got his driverslicencee.

4. What is a question you’d like to see asked in a future fill-in? (Your question & blog just may appear one week!)
What is your go too website for blog design?

5. Fill in the blank: You might be aMil Spousee if….
you understand why Rep. Giffords husband will be on that Space Shuttle.

The Boredom is Something New...

2011-01-31T11:56:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!! Hope you are having a great Monday. Well I think my title says how I am feeling lately. My hubs is in the field for a month and I think I just may die from boredom. Yep, boredom. You would think since I am an emptynester I would be running around and taking in all the sites California has to offer...well I am not. I am sooooo........bored. It was easier to be home when my son was home. I only did it for a little over a year, last year during my hubs last deployment was the last time I was ever not working. Now that my son in in college I find myself so completely, mind numbingly bored. I did go to a taping of a talk show last week, and had a lot of fun...thanks Sarah L..for trying to end your boredom as well. I do the normal things. I walk, I clean, I exercise (I hurt my knee and I am currently in PT)and I try to get together with my sisters in Arms but still the void is there. I was never a "needy" person. Always incredibly independent...and I think that could be the problem. I am not doing enough to tire my brain. I am not sleeping and I can't stand to even look at the idiot box (tv) one more minute. So I guess this is the meat and potatoes of the emptynest syndrome. Most people get to struggle through this part of life together, figure out the new normal..with support. Well this life doesn't quite work out the normal way....and really this is something I need to fix for me. Right? I do have my Family Readiness Advisor duties and once our deployment kicks off it will get more time intensive and my son will be home for the summer. But I need to find a way to get right with this for times just like this. It isn't going to change, so I guess I have too. Ugh..no one ever said life was easy!

The Lone Survivor Foundation | Joe Nichols - The Shape I'm In

2011-01-28T20:27:00.000-08:00

The Lone Survivor Foundation | Joe Nichols - The Shape I'm In

Military Spouse Weekly Round Up

2011-01-28T18:41:00.000-08:00

Please head on over to
Like Sunshine After the Rain for this weeks round-up. Her blog looks really nice. I love finding new blogs and you can find some too so hurry up and check out the blog round-up

Milspouse Friday Fill In #28

2011-01-28T18:34:00.000-08:00

1. If you were a famous movie star, what types of movies would you star in?Foreign Films, filmed at exotic foreign locations.

2. What is a vacation you would like to take if money were no object?Well thanks to my BFF I am going to Slovenia, Croatia and Venice and Budapest this September. Yep, she purchased a ticket for me to come visit her in Slovenia and we are going to travel for a few weeks. She is my sister (un-biological)and she knew I was going to need a distraction during deployment.

3. Did you have pets growing up? We had 2 Chihuahuas growing up, Bambi and Peanut and apparently I didn't like them very much.

4. What do you do for exercise?I run/walk when my knee is working, do kettle bell workouts and go to aerobics at the base gym.

5. What is the best piece of advice you've ever received as a MilSpouse?Semper Gumby

Wordless Wednesday---Besties

2011-01-26T13:00:00.001-08:00

I am Trying Here

2011-01-26T10:39:00.001-08:00

Ok so I have been experimenting with my blog...I have lost some info on my blog in doing so such as my fave blogs so just bear with me as I work all this out..

Experience Doesn't Matter When it comes to The Suck

2011-01-25T06:31:00.000-08:00

Well...here we are, my hubs and I once again apart. This is the big suck, the one right before the major suck. Ok, guess I need to clarify for those of you not familiar with my personal military lingo. Suck for me is any time the hubs and I are apart for military training of ANY type. There are small sucks, meaning a week in the field for some little training, or maybe a 15k hike or a 30k hike that can take maybe 2 days. Those are not too bad but none the less defined as "The
Suck". Then we have what I call the "Big Suck". These are field ops taking anywhere from 3-6 weeks and are usually closer in nature to what we will refer to now as "The Major Suck" and that my friends is a combat deployment.
So I have been doing this awhile, small sucks, big sucks and major sucks. You'd really think by now I would be used to them or better yet more accepting when they start...that is not true. Of course I can only speak on my own experiences. I have yet to figure out how not to really hate it when dealing with the sucks. One of my friends who's husband is currently in the big suck with me said it was because we are living so close to where the big suck is going down. I don't agree. I think I felt pretty much the same when I was on the other coast of the big suck. Maybe there is a small piece of that logic that I agree with, knowing possibly as the helicopters fly over head my hubs is on one being transported to some small "Faux Fob" maybe 4 miles from where I sit..but again..not sure.
So ladies, how do you deal with the 3 sucks? Don't get me wrong, I am accepting of each one and go about my life with some minor melt downs along the way but could I be the only one that possibly feels that the more suck we deal with does not equate to easier? How many of you are encountering you first major suck soon? Anyway would love to hear from you on this....signing off from the big suck...

Milspouse Friday Fill In #27

2011-01-22T10:01:00.000-08:00

1.What do you usually want to know about someone when meeting them for the first time? I really don't want or need to know too much. I just need to know if they are friendly and trust worthy. I have a pretty good instinct about people, I try to follow that. I have a very small group of trusted friends and I don't get to add to that group too much. My hubs is a 1stSgt now so I am always weary of some peoples intentions when I meet them. But I will usually try to "guess" where they are from that is always fun.

2.Would you rather know everything about your spouse, or be regularly surprised? I
have been with my hubs over 17 years now. I don't think it's possible to ever know everything about a person, it is like peeling an onion. I don't even know everything about myself and I continue to learn something new every day. What I do know are the important things. He is loyal, faithful, smart and a fantastic father, husband and patriot. He is also one of the smartest people I have ever met.

3.If you could live in one city for the rest of your life, where would you live? I am from Philadelphia but I think I could live in any city. I am a city girl. I love DC, I love NY but home is Philly.

4.When you go out of town, what one material thing do you ALWAYS take? My toothbrush

5.Using no more than 10 nouns, and ONLY nouns, describe yourself. Mother, wife, friend, professional, dieter, sister, daughter.

Wordless Wednesday...Courage and Love

2011-01-19T09:59:00.000-08:00

Facebook Stalking

2011-01-18T08:25:00.000-08:00

Do you stalk your kids on facebook? Maybe stalking is too harsh a word, maybe facebook.....checking up? I am a
Friend of my sons on facebook, I get that it is a privilege not to be abused. By that I mean, no facebook scolding like this (left by a good friend of mine on her college age daughters facebook), her daughters status, "1130 at. Night, bored who wants to meet up for some party?". Mom comments " you have class tomorrow and how about hitting the books,". See how that could be a problem? So I take it as a privilege that my son has made me a friend but I often find myself text messaging him about things he says lol. But once in awhile I have the privilege of looking at his facebook and seeing a status update that just amazes me, and this morning was one of those....

Michael H
I grew up on the beaches of Okinawa
In the cities of Europe
and under the Africa Sun
But I matured in the embrace of the Statue of Liberty.

See what I mean....

Last Two Days.....before he leaves

2011-01-13T12:44:00.000-08:00

So hello there blogosphere. Just caught up with my fave blogs...keep it up everyone. I am sorry if I don't comment on them all just know I am lurking and reading them all. I love the blogs I follow and if anyone has any suggestions to some great blogs please comment and I will check them out.
Well today is Thursday and I am enjoying the last few days with our son home. It has been so awesome having him home with us and it's been a great visit. My hubs and son have been doing some pre-deployment bonding..sky diving, snowboarding and martial arts. I have been enjoying waking up in the night and knowing my kid is safe in his bed under our roof, it is the simple things like that you miss. He is anxious to get back to school, and I have to say I am glad he misses his friends and is happy at college. I look forward to spring break....kinda.
Spring break this year, thankfully coincided with block leave..yes the dreaded block leave. My Marine sisters will know what I am referring too. My other military friends if you don't know it is the leave given to Marines before.....deployment!
So next week hubs leaves for the field for a month and my son will be back to school and it will be just me AGAIN..ugh. Oh well, I will get through it I am sure. Hope you are enjoying your New Year.

Pride

2011-01-07T20:42:00.000-08:00

Dear Michael H.
It is a pleasure to inform you that you have made the Dean’s List of the College of
Liberal Arts and Sciences for Fall Semester 2010. We are exceptionally proud of each
student who achieves this academic distinction and of the hard work and dedication to
study that it reflects. In recognition of your accomplishment, I have enclosed a Dean’s
List certificate suitable for framing.
Congratulations on this outstanding achievement. My best wishes for your continued
success in your academic career.
Sincerely,
Quentin D. Wheeler, Ph.D.
Vice President and Dean
Enclosure

Happy or Fast 2011 ( prefer the fast!)

2011-01-05T20:13:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a great Christmas, from reading your blogs the last few days I think for the most part you all did. We had a wonderful Christmas with our son home. We still have him for another week and we are loving it! He has grown much in the last 5 months and loves college and I am actually happy he misses school a little bit and his friends. We were mostly home but we did go to Arizona for a few days and the hubs and Michael went Skydiving..pics and video to come when I get them. This Sunday we are going snowboarding. Deployment is looming and like most military families we are trying to jam a much fun as we can while we are all together. Oh deployment how I loathe you, and I refuse to give you a second thought more then I am required too.
So I just want to share a few pics I shot, I have so much to learn about my new camera....but I am going to learn over the next few months.

This is one of my fave ornaments, my son bought it for my hubs one year when he was in Iraq at Christmas. We have a tradition every year where we buy an ornament that represents our year. My son had to do it for his pops.

This is my niece Stella...she is so pretty and well why wouldn't I want to take a pic of her!

My handsome son with his sly grin...tee hee hee...love his sweet face !

This photo should have been a tell...look at our son..he was so mad when had to take that kevlar off and he would have slept in it if we would have let him! I put this pic in his year book , his dad took it so I can't take credit.

Oh ya and by the way, in regards to the midwest Tornado...special shout out to my friend and fellow blogger...Armygirlnay. Her street was hit and although her home was spared some of her neighbors on FLW were not so lucky. She did her best to spread the news for information and well..that is how she rolls..so happy she was ok and her family as well.