Soldier's Wife, Crazy Life

Julie

Can You Really Get A No Cost Breast Pump For Each Baby Through TRICARE?

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The Breastfeeding Shop

This is a sponsored post by the Breastfeeding Shop. 

Can You Really Get A No Cost Breast Pump For Each Baby Through TRICARE?

Are you pregnant or have you just had a baby? Did you know that you can receive a no cost breast pump through TRICARE? This is a fantastic benefit that we military spouses qualify for if we have a baby, either by birth or adoption. This applies for any of the TRICARE benefits and any status the service member might have to include Reserves and the Guard.

Not only that but you qualify for a new pump for each baby that you have. This is a plus as having a new pump can be a good idea, even if you have already used one in the past. TRICARE pays for one pump per one birth event.

Why would you want a new breast pump for each baby? Here are a few reasons:

Technology Changes

Times change and technology gets updated. Even in just a couple of years. If you haven’t had a baby in a while, you will find that there are many new products out on the market that they didn’t have before. Even between my two oldest boys, there were some changes, and they are just over two years apart. Like anything else, breast pumps can be approved upon. There could be new ones put out on the market in between the time you had your baby, and you get pregnant with your next one.

Lifestyle Changes

Another reason for getting a pump for each baby is because your circumstances can change as well as your needs. You probably picked out your first pump based on what you needed at the time. If you were a working mom, you would need something a bit more portable. If you were a SAHM, you looked for a pump that worked for your schedule.

Some moms either quit their jobs to stay home with a second or third baby or start working after time at home. This can change their pumping needs and why being able to get a new pump is a good thing. They can find exactly what will work for them and that baby, not having to rely on a pump that works for a different type of lifestyle.

You Didn’t Like Your Old One

You might not have been a fan of your last pump. The pump you had didn’t work as well as you thought it might. With the ability to get another pump for your next baby, you won’t have to stick with a pump that doesn’t make you happy, and you can find something different this time around.

How To Get Your No Cost Breast Pump

Getting your breast pump is an easy process by going through a company like the Breastfeeding Shop. They have a variety of breast pumps so you can find one that suits your needs. They make it easy to turn in your paperwork and will even contact your doctor directly for you.

If you are pregnant or have recently had a baby, make sure you do receive your no cost breast pump. You don’t want to miss out on this amazing benefit.

When You Are Faced With A Really Bad Deployment

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When You Are Faced With A Really Bad Deployment

There is never such a thing as a good deployment. I don’t think very many spouses jump for joy when they hear the news their soldier will have to deploy. There is a lot of sadness that comes with the news. However, there can be deployments and there can be really bad deployments.

Some deployments are really bad because they are too long.

Some deployments are really bad because more than a few people lose their life or come home injured.

Some deployments are really bad because they come at the worst possible time for that particular family. Whether it is because of a child or a marriage or something else.

When You Are Faced With A Really Bad Deployment

 

Some deployments are really bad because you don’t feel emotionally ready for them to begin.

Some deployments are really bad because you never thought that this deployment would happen.

Whatever the reason, starting a really bad deployment can hit you emotionally. These deployments can cause a lot of pain and tears.

So what do you do if you are in this situation?

What should you do when the orders have been cut, you know when they are leaving, and you feel like you just can’t deal with everything?

When You Are Faced With A Really Bad Deployment

1) Find a battle buddy. You need one. It doesn’t have to be someone who is also going through a deployment but that can help. Find someone you can call at 11 pm at night because your 2-year-old has a 104 fever and you need someone to watch your three other kids.

Find someone you can go to coffee with. Find someone who will not judge you and you will walk with you through the whole deployment. If you are new or all your friends moved away, go places where you can meet people. MOPS, PWOC, FRG, book club or even the gym are perfect places to make new friends.

2) Start to see a counselor. This is what I had to do. I had never been to one before but when I felt the floor falling underneath me at the thought of my husband deploying again, I knew I had to go.

You can easily do this through Tricare. They pay for at least eight visits, maybe more. Go to Military One Source for more information. Don’t feel any shame in this at all. Sometimes we just need someone to talk to about everything going on in our lives.

3) Make plans. Fill up your calendar. Plan a trip, plan a visit home, plan to start classes or something else you have always wanted to do. You are going to need to stay busy. The busier you are, the better things will be. If you can have things in place before they even leave, all the better.

When You Are Faced With A Really Bad Deployment

4) Cry when you need to. I think sometimes Military spouses feel they need to be strong every hour of every day. The truth is, we need to let it out sometimes.

After the kids go to bed, have a good cry, write in your journal, grab a glass of wine and turn on a fun movie. It is okay to be sad about this. Deployments are hard and they are not any fun. Cry when you need to. Doing so will be good for you.

Deployments can be hard on people. They can seem too overwhelming and something you wish would just go away. The fact is, if you are married to someone in the Military, they will be part of your life eventually. The best thing to do when faced with one is get prepared as much as you can. Hopefully, these tips can help you get ready for your next time of separation.

What would you add to this list?

Why You Simply Must Go Overseas When Your Spouse Gets OCONUS Orders

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Why You Simply Must Go Overseas When Your Spouse Gets OCONUS Orders

Why You Simply Must Go Overseas When Your Spouse Gets OCONUS Orders

“Well, I don’t have to redo Basic, and I leave for Germany in two weeks” was what my husband said to me when I picked him up from MEPS in November of 2005. I was pretty speechless. I knew that Europe was a possibility but to hear him say this was happening was a bit of shock.

I was pretty excited about this though. For one thing, my best friend was living in Austria and my mom had been able to live in Germany as a DOD teacher when she was my age. Plus, it’s GERMANY! Who wouldn’t want to experience that?

We ended up joining my husband in Germany in March of 2006 and spent four years stationed there. Being overseas wasn’t always easy. There were plenty of times, especially in the last two years, when I just want to move back home. But I am so glad I got to go and experience living in another country.

You see, when your spouse gets orders for an OCONUS location; you pretty much hit the jackpot. 

You and your family will get to experience life in a different country, one your friends back home will be envious of. Still, time after time I hear from spouses who don’t want to go for various reasons.

While I don’t know everyone’s specific story and situation, in most cases, if your spouse gets orders to go overseas, get excited and go with them. You will be glad you did. This is why:

Why You Simply Must Go Overseas When Your Spouse Gets OCONUS Orders

Travel opportunities

It goes without saying that if you live overseas, you will have some amazing travel opportunities. I feel like we did not see as much as we could have and at the end, my kids were able to go to 11 countries before they even started kindergarten. They have seen the pyramids and the Roman Colosseum. They have experienced the German train system and had photos of them with the Alps in the background. I could go on and on about the experiences we had while stationed in Germany.

Life in another country

I wish all Americans could experience living in another country. There is so much you can learn about the other ways people live. There is so much to learn about humanity this way. America is a fantastic country, but there are plenty of other amazing places out there too. Living overseas will give you the chance to learn about other people in a way you simply can’t without being there in person.

Growing as a person

Being overseas will grow you as a person. It will push you out of your comfort zone. You will have to try things you never thought you would. I know my four years overseas has made me the person I am today.

Why You Simply Must Go Overseas When Your Spouse Gets OCONUS OrdersBecause you might not get another chance

When we first went over to Germany in 2006, there were a lot more places we could be stationed over there than there is today. A lot of military installations have closed like Schweinfurt, where we were for the first two years and where my 10-year-old son was born. Some military families don’t ever get the option to go overseas. You never know what the future holds and you might not ever get the same opportunity to go overseas in the future.

The close military community experience

There is something about the military community overseas that is different from the military community stateside. When you go overseas, you can meet others who are trying to figure out their way around a new country just like you are. You spend holidays together because no one is going home, it’s too expensive. You connect in ways that it is harder to do when stationed in the US. Take advantage of this and enjoy all that the overseas community has to offer.

Have you ever been stationed overseas? Where at?

Why You Should Take Your Military Family To Disneyland Or Walt Disney World in 2018

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Why You Should Take Your Military Family To Disneyland Or Walt Disney World in 2018

Are you a fan of Disney? I am! I love Disneyland, and while I have never been to Walt Disney World, I am sure I would love that place too. I love the magic, the rides, and everything about the place. Growing up I lived about 20 minutes from Disneyland and had annual passes. Since I moved away I have been able to go at least once every few years.

As you are looking ahead to 2018 and thinking about where to go as a family, Disney is a perfect option. Here is why:

Why You Should Take Your Military Family To Disneyland Or Walt Disney World in 2018

 

1. The Magic

Disney is magic! And that is why people go back year after year. If you have never taken your family to Disney, 2018 should be your year. Most amusement parks can be a lot of fun but Disney brings it to another level.

2. Because your service member just back from a deployment

Post-deployment trips are the best. Planning them can be a lot of fun and then to be able to spend that time together after a deployment is the best. Disney can make for a wonderful post-deployment trip.

Disneyland

3. Because your service member will be deployed sometime soon

If you have a deployment coming up, having a pre-deployment trip to Disneyland or Walt Disney World can be the right place to go to make some memories before they have to go. Spending quality time together as a family before you have to be apart is a must.

4. Because you want to check on Star Wars Land

Our family is pretty excited about Star Wars Land coming in 2019. They are building Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland and another one at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. If you go to the parks in 2018, you will get a sneak peek into this new land. When we were at Disneyland in July, we were able to see what they were working on and it just made us that much more excited to see the land when it opens.

5. Because you live close and will be PCSing soon

For those that live in Southern California or Florida or anywhere within a few hours drive of the parks, taking a trip while you live close is a good idea. You could be PCSing soon which would mean additional travel so take advantage of being close for the time being and plan a trip in 2018.

6. Because you have always wanted to go

Let’s face it, so many of us have dreams of visiting Disney. I am still dreaming to go to Disney World myself. Maybe 2018 is your year to finally do so?

Disneyland

7. Because they have an amazing military discount

Disney has an amazing discount for the military! They have also extended their Armed Services Salute tickets at Disneyland and Walt Disney World for 2018. Although the price went up a little from 2017, this is still a fantastic deal! We used this discount this year to spend three days at Disneyland.

For 2018, here is what you can get:

Disneyland: You can get the three-day park hopper pass for $168 or a four-day for $188. You can purchase these tickets from 11/1/17 through 12/16/18, and you will need to visit the parks between 01/1/18-03/22/18 and 04/9/18-12/19/18. You can also purchase the Disney PhotoPass for $49.

Walt Disney World: You can get the four-day park hopper pass from now until 12/16/18 for $226 plus tax or the five-day hopper pass from now until 12/15/18 for $246 plus tax. You can add the Park Hopper Plus for $40 plus tax. You will need to go to the park between 01/01/18-12/19/18. You can also add the Memory Maker for $98.

I am so thankful for Disney for giving us this military discount year after year. Having this allows families to take a trip to Disneyland or Walt Disney World and save a bit of money doing so.

Will you be a planning a trip in 2018 or even sometime in 2017? 

How Going Through a Long Deployment Shaped My Parenting

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How Going Through a Long Deployment Shaped My Parenting

When my husband deployed for the first time my oldest son was 23 months old and I was 25 weeks pregnant. I was a new mom with some parenting experience under my belt. I was still learning a lot, and we were slowly leaving the baby stage. And just like that, it was just my son and me.

A few months later our 2nd little boy was born. My husband came home for R&R and met him when he was three days old. He left again when he was almost three weeks and didn’t come home again for 11 months.

During all this time I was a solo parent. My husband was overseas, fighting in a war and I was in charge of two little boys. I was still growing and learning as a parent, but I didn’t get the chance to do that with my husband. I did this by myself, and that changed so much about the way I would parent in the years to come.

How Going Through a Long Deployment Shaped My Parenting

We have been through other deployments since but there is just something about that deployment that sticks out to me. Something about that deployment changed me into the person I am today, into the parent I am today. That deployment was about survival for me, getting through each and every day.

Every day I had to make sure everyone was fed, clothed and got enough sleep. Once bedtime came, I felt like I had accomplished something big. I always feel that way during a deployment but especially during that first one.

That long deployment taught me a few things about parenting that stick with me to this day.

Long Deployment

You Have To Let Things Go

There are so many parenting choices out there. From breastfeeding vs. formula, to how you give birth and how you discipline. What I learned during deployments was that the little debates we have don’t matter. You have to do what is right for you.

I can’t beat myself up if a parenting choice isn’t going to work for us anymore. As long as my children are being taken care of and being raised in a loving home, nothing else really matters. I couldn’t do everything, and I was only one person.

Don’t Judge Other Parents

We all have our circumstances and different experiences which shape us into who we are. We all have reasons for why we do the things we do as a parent. We might not totally understand why other parents do things the way they do, but as long as they are not abusing or hurting their child, we shouldn’t be judging them about their own parenting journeys. Most parents are trying to do what is best and we should respect that.

Things Would Be Different If My Husband Never Had To Go Away

I think things would be very different for me if my husband never had to go away, especially for over a year when my kids were so small. I would have an extra person to bounce ideas off of. Potty training with my oldest wouldn’t have taken so long. I probably would have been able to breastfeed for a little longer, and life would be a little calmer during those years.

But my husband is in the Army, so he does have to go away for periods of time. I have to work with this and do the best I can. I can’t spend too much energy beating myself up for the choices I have made during deployments. There are other lives we could be living, but those lives are not where we are. 

long deployment

My parenting is always evolving. Based on the kids and our experiences. Based on when my husband is home and when he isn’t. Things are always changing, and I am always surprised by each stage. I never truly know how our family will handle them or how much my husband would be a part of that stage of our lives.

As I look ahead at another possible deployment and the ages my kids will be, I know that deployment will be very different from the one we went through back in 2006 and 2007. We will have different challenges and even if I don’t want to, I might have to handle some of those alone.

I could easily look back over the years and call myself a bad parent. My kids watched too much tv and have probably had too much pizza. They don’t always get to do all the things they could do if we had always had two parents in the home. That is our life, and as they get older, I can see more and more that they will look back on their childhoods with good and happy memories.

The 15-month deployment we went through set me up for my years of parenting, for good or for bad. Going through that has made me the mom and the person I am today. For good and for bad. I want to embrace that instead of crying over what else could have been.

How has parenting changed for you because of deployments?

Join my email list and receive a free Guide for your first 30 days of deployment! 

Why You Should Go To Honeysuckle Hill Farm If You Are Stationed At Fort Campbell

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Honeysuckle hill farm

Our family was given free passes for the day in exchange for this review!

Honeysuckle Hill Farm

Are you at Fort Campbell too? If so, you are in for a treat. Have you heard of Honeysuckle Hill Farm? This is a fantastic pumpkin patch near Fort Campbell, located off of exit 24, about 30 minutes away.

In 1995, Farmer Jeff purchased 12 acres in Robertson County as a place to raise his kids and do some farming. He grew up in Memphis and was a city boy who had always dreamed of farming. In 2003, he had his first fall festival for church friends and neighbors. After that, Honeysuckle Hill Farm was born.

Today, Honeysuckle Hill Farm covers 200 acres and is managed by his son, daughter and about 150 farm hands.

Honeysuckle Hill Farm

The fall season at Honeysuckle Hill Farm started on September 23rd and will be ongoing until November 4th.

They are open:

Tues-Thurs from 9 am to 2 pm
Friday: 9 am to 10 pm
Saturday 10 am to 10 pm
Sunday 12 pm to 6 pm

Hometown Heroes Day

On September 30th of this year, the Farm will be celebrating Hometown Heroes Day. Those who serve will receive free admission and their direct families will get 50% off the cost of the ticket price. This will be for firemen, police, and active duty and retired military. There will also be a firework show that night starting at 7 pm.

Honeysuckle Hill Farm

Fall Festival 

Enjoy the fall festival and what Honeysuckle Hill Farm has to offer. My family and I were able to spend last Sunday afternoon exploring the farm. We had a lot of fun and enjoyed a lot of what the farm has to offer. Here are the highlights:

Honeysuckle Hill Farm

Pumpkin Train

This is a fun train ride you take out to the pumpkin patch part of the farm. They let you off and you can choose your very own pumpkin. This is so much fun for the kids and the train is super cute.

Honeysuckle Hill Farm

Corn Maze

This year the corn maze is the Nashville’s Country Music Corn Maze Sponsored By CMT & Mix 92.9. We spent a lot of time in there and it was a lot of fun trying to find our way out. I am not sure I would want to be in the maze after dark.

Honeysuckle hill farm

Playgrounds

Honeysuckle Hill Farm has quite a few playgrounds and areas for kids to run around. They have stagecoaches to play on as well as a giant tractor, a horse, and even some slides. They can also jump around on the corn popper trampolines, my 6-year-old loves them.

Honeysuckle Hill FarmPig Races

The pig races are hilarious because well, they are pigs. The kids can watch and root for their team and watch the pigs make it around the track.

Honeysuckle Hill Farm

There are other things going on at the farm too, from tasting some of KK’s Sweet Shop fudge to zip lining. You can buy lunch or just snacks at some of their many food stands.

Our family had a blast and plan to go back again in the future! Your kids will love this farm too!

If you live near Fort Campbell or in the Nashville or Clarksville area, make plans to head on out to Honeysuckle Hill Farm this fall and enjoy everything they have to offer. And don’t forget to come Sunday for Hometown Heroes Day!

 

On Being Brave As A Military Spouse

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On Being brave as a military spouseThis post is a sponsored post! 

On Being Brave As A Military Spouse

Do you consider yourself brave? When I was first asked this question, I wanted to say no, but then I thought about what being brave means. And maybe I am braver than I thought.

Being brave means to step out of your comfort zone and do something that you are afraid to do. Being brave is moving ahead and accomplishing something you never even thought you would have to do. Being brave is doing the right thing even when it is difficult to do so.

I was brave when my husband and I decided he would re-join the Army. I had no experience with the military and didn’t know what to expect. I stood by him and went ahead on that journey, even though I had no idea what I was in for.

I was brave when I flew with my then 18-month-old son from Kentucky to Germany to join my husband. I had never been overseas before and never been on a flight that long. We had to change planes twice, and that trip was quite the adventure.

I was brave when I gave birth without my husband by my side when he was deployed to Iraq. I got through the birth, even though I missed him being there with me. I didn’t want to have to do this, but I had to and in the end, I was able to handle it.

I was brave when I started sharing my stories on my blog. Stories of deployments and the challenges I have faced. I knew that sharing what I have been through would help others, even if being vulnerable hasn’t always been easy.

I was brave when my husband left for his 4th deployment, and I felt like I was going to break in half. Even though I had been through deployments before, I was pretty sure this one was going to break me. And it did.

I was brave when I realized I needed extra help during that deployment and went to see someone about what I was dealing with. I knew that I couldn’t get through the months ahead without extra help. And I was thankful I was able to get to a better place.

Being brave doesn’t have to mean doing something newsworthy, being brave means looking your fears in the face and deciding to move forward anyway, even when doing so seems too difficult. Take a look at your own life, think about the ways you have been brave, and know that you can be brave again in the future.

The Brave

NBC is premiering its new drama The Brave Monday, September 25, 2017, which is tonight! The show will take us on a heart-pounding journey into the complex world of America’s elite undercover military heroes. This new show stars Demetrius Grosse, Anne Heche, and Natacha Karam.

This show looks intriguing and full of suspense. I am excited to see the first episode and how the show will come together to show us these military heroes. I think The Brave will be a fresh take on the military and could end up becoming a popular series.

Make plans to tune in to NBC tonight to watch this new series at 10/9c!

 Will you be watching???