Soldier's Wife, Crazy Life

Military Family

11 Reasons to Plan a Trip Home This Summer

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11 Reasons to Plan a Trip Home This Summer

As a military spouse, you probably have moved around a lot. You could be miles and miles from your home and family. You could be overseas, or across the country. You could be a two-hour drive away or a two-day drive. However far away you might be, it could be time for a visit home this summer.

11 Reasons to Plan a Trip Home This Summer

Whether your spouse is deployed and you take the kids, or they are home and luckily have some block leave time, planning a trip home for the summer can be a good idea.

Here are a few reasons why:

1. It’s been a while

If you haven’t visited home in a while, maybe now is the time to do so. You probably have family and friends that would love to see you.

2. You have school-age kids and summer works best

When your kids start school, you have less time to go on vacation with them. While you can pull them out of school sometimes, generally it is better to go on long vacation when they are out of school. That is why summer is a good idea. No one is missing any school.

3. Summers are really too long anyway

Let’s face it; summer can feel a bit long. By about the six-week mark, you might be over summer break. That is the best time to plan a trip.

11 Reasons to Plan a Trip Home This Summer

4. Grandparent time

Grandparents love to spend time with their grandchildren, but sometimes it can be harder for them to travel and see you. If you can’t get away, you could always send your older children to spend time with their grandparents during the summer. I have such special memories with my own grandparents from when we went to visit them as a child.

5. Summer at home is better weather than summer at your duty station

This isn’t true for everyone, but the summer weather in my hometown is a lot better than where we currently live. It isn’t as humid, and the bugs are not as loud. Visiting home during the summer is a nice break from the hot and humidity of the south.

6. You really miss your favorite hamburger place

It might not be a hamburger place; maybe it is a favorite pizza place or Mexican restaurant. There is just something about having a taste of home when you visit. In-and-Out, here we come.

7. More likely to see friends who have also moved out of town

You might not be the only one who moved away from home; your friends might have too. And from experience, summer is usually when they visit their families. Maybe, just maybe you will be in town at the same time and can make plans to see each other.

11 Reasons to Plan a Trip Home This Summer

8. The winters are long at your duty station, and you need a pick me up

If it snows a lot in the winter where you are stationed, and you know that once school starts in the fall, the first snowflakes won’t be far behind, a summer trip home can be the pick me up you need before the weather changes. Go home, make memories, and take them back with you for the long winter.

9. Homecooked meals

Sometimes you want a nice homecooked meal, without having to make it yourself.

10. So you can see your best friend

It could be that your best friend still lives where you grew up. And you want to see them. You want your kids to play together, and you want to go out for dinner and to catch up.

11. You hate the snow and would rather not visit when it is on the ground

Maybe you are from a colder climate, and you don’t want to visit at all during the winter. Just the thought of 20 degrees sends you under the blankets. Summer is a good time to get your vacationing time at home in.

Whatever your reasons, if you are going home this summer, have a good time. We are looking forward to our own vacation this summer too. 

 

16 Ways You Know You Are Raising Children In A Military Family

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16 Ways You Know You Are Raising Children In A Military Family

I had exactly 13 months of raising children before we became a military family. When my husband joined the military in 2005, our oldest son was only a little over a year. All the parenting I have done after that has been within military life and culture, at least to some extent.

16 Ways You Know You Are Raising Children In A Military Family

April is the month of the military child, here are 16 ways to know that you are raising children in a military family:

1. None of your children were born in the same place!

One in California, one in Tennessee, one in Germany, what’s so weird about that?

2. You have photos of your children in actual castles, one that is right down the street.

You still can’t get over that you used to live in a house down the street from a castle. Thank you overseas orders.

3. You have a kid-size pair of ACUs somewhere in your home.

You bought them when your husband first joined, and now all your kids have worn them for Halloween.

4. You can’t totally remember if your senior in high school started kindergarten when you were stationed at Fort Riley or if that happened after you moved to Fort Campbell.

Your memory is a little fuzzy back then, and it could have been either place really.

5. They are the cousins that family back home doesn’t quite know as well as the ones that live right there.

Sadly, this can happen because you just can’t seem to get orders for anywhere close to home.

6. Spending time with extended family is always so special because it doesn’t get to happen as often as you would like.

Yes, yes it is.

16 Ways You Know You Are Raising Children In A Military Family

7. Turning 10 is an exciting day, your kids get their very own ID.

And make sure to always have it with you, in case you need it.

8. Your kids know what it is like to be the new boy or girl in class.

Being the new kid is never easy, but in some cases, they are not the only one living in a military town.

9. They also know what it is like to spend a few years in England and then spend a few years in Hawaii.

Or maybe it is more like a few years in Texas and then a few in Alaska. Military kids get to live in different places, and that can make for a pretty fantastic childhood.

10. Your children know what it means when mom gets a little teary and there seem to be more military bags around the house.

Children figure it out, and they know the signs of an upcoming deployment.

11. You have had to reassure a child that they will see their Dad soon, even though you know soon is in four months.

And part of your worries that they might never come back, but you never share that worry with your kids.

12. You have cursed out a bad internet connection because it is your son’s birthday and they wanted to share it with mom across the miles.

That is the worst; kids don’t always understand that it is the connection that is the problem, and not that their mom or dad doesn’t want to talk with them.

13. You have so many Daddy Dolls around the house that they could start their own preschool.

You get them before every deployment, and even sometimes in between.

16 Ways You Know You Are Raising Children In A Military Family

14. Your children use pencils to do homework with USAA, NavyFed, and MWR on them.

You also get these free at every event or fair you have been to in the last five years. But hey, you never run out of these important homework tools.

15. You had at least one of your children during a deployment and thought you were pretty amazing for doing that without your spouse by your side.

Giving birth without your spouse isn’t easy, but we military spouses know doing so could be apart of the deal.

16. You know this life is difficult sometimes, but you also know there are so many amazing things that your kids will get to experience because of raising kids in a military family.

Some days, being a military family can be so hard, but that doesn’t mean military life is without its benefits. Serving your country means being apart of something important. And when you look back in the years to come, you will see how much your family has gained from being apart of the military community.

10 Memes for the Military Spouse With Children

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10 Memes for the Military Spouse With Children

10 Memes for the Military Spouse With Children

Did you know that April is the month of the military child? A time to reflect on and appreciate our young military “brats” and all they have to deal with. A time to think about how they conquer the battles and disappointments that come with military life. A time to remember all the fun memories you have made with them through the years, simply because one of their parents is a service member.

Here are 10 memes for the military spouse with children. All about raising the next generation through the hurdles of military life:

Memes for the Military Spouse With Children

No matter how the deployment goes, watching your kids run into the arms of your spouse at homecoming will melt your heart!

 

Memes for the Military Spouse With Children

PCSing can be stressful for the kids too. Remember that and work through their frustrations. Let them know they can depend on you even if the rest of their world is changing around them.

 

Memes for the Military Spouse With Children

What works for one child might not work for another. Figure out what will help your child through a deployment based on what they need and what will work best for them.

 

Memes for the Military Spouse With Children

Solo parenting isn’t easy, and it can wear you down. Do what you can to take care of yourself so you can be the best mom or dad you can be for your kids when your spouse is deployed.

 

Memes for the Military Spouse With Children

Don’t be afraid to get out there and make memories together. You can then share them with the deployed parent.

 

Memes for the Military Spouse With Children

Cereal for dinner, totally okay!

 

Yep, you might not even know what country you will be in.

 

Memes for the Military Spouse With Children

Yes! So true! Mine were born in three different places, including two different countries.

 

Memes for the Military Spouse With Children

This part of military life sucks. Having to comfort a child that simply doesn’t understand why their mom or dad can’t be there.

 

Memes for the Military Spouse With Children

What else does a military spouse with children want? A free nanny of course! At least for some of the time. Oh well, we can dream, can’t we???

 

 

Costco Military Hour Event and Kirkland Signature™ Products

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Costco Military Hour Event and Kirkland Signature™ Products

This is a sponsored post! 

Costco is the place to go!

This past weekend we got the chance to shop at our closest Costco in Nashville and brought home quite a few of their Kirkland Signature™ Products. If you don’t know, Kirkland Signature™ is the Costco brand and overall can be a bit cheaper than the name brand options.

Costco Military Hour Event and Kirkland Signature™ Products

We have a family of five, with one teenage boy, one pre-teen, and a seven-year-old. They eat a lot of snacks, so we got some chocolate milk, fruit snacks, walnuts, granola bars, and my favorite, peanut butter filled pretzels. We bought hamburgers, chicken, green beans, cheese, bacon, and of course a big jar of coconut oil. We were able to stock up on some items for the home such as paper towels and toilet paper as well as trash bags and dryer sheets.

We couldn’t leave our dog out of the fun and bought her some doggie bones, which she will “ask” you for every time she comes in from playing outside. We bought some vitamins for us and the boys and of course, coffee, we had to get coffee as well as some of their yummy Kirkland Signature™ cookies.

One of the nice things about Costco is that you can find so many different products there, many of them Kirkland Signature™ Products. From dinner items to breakfast. From snacks for your kids to diapers for your baby.

Ready to go shopping???

Costco Military Hour event

If you haven’t already heard about the upcoming Costco Military Hour Event, here is what you need to know:

The event is on March 24th, 2018 from 8 am to 9:30 am at your local Costco, you can check the list here.

The Costco Military Hour is for you and your family to shop together before the doors open to the general public. You will be able to mix and mingle with your local military community, enjoy free samples, exciting product demos, and delicious snacks. The first 100 attendees will also receive swag bags filled with goodies!

If you are not yet a Costco member, you can sign up here…https://hosted-pages.id.me/costcomilitaryhour‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

Please visit https://shophourevent.com/ to RSVP to a location near you.‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

To the Military Spouse Whose Child Has Just Been Diagnosed With Autism

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To the Military Spouse Whose Child Has Just Been Diagnosed With Autism

In January of 2012, after a few months of testing, our middle son was diagnosed with Autism. At the time he was given the diagnosis of Asperger’s which they have since stopped doing. If he were diagnosed today, he would have gotten the “high-functioning Autism” diagnosis.

To the Military Spouse Whose Child Has Just Been Diagnosed With AutismThat day we found out what was going on with our son, and how we could help him. My biggest fear when we started the testing and doctor’s appointments was that they would come back and say they couldn’t see anything was wrong. Why? Because I knew something clearly was and I knew getting that diagnosis would help us understand how we could help our son.

At that time in our lives, we were not a stranger to special needs kids.

Our oldest son had been diagnosed with a developmental delay when he was three. We knew about speech and OT and special needs preschool. We were also pretty confident that our son would grow out of his delay, which he has. Autism is a different story.

You don’t grow out of Autism. Autism is something you have for your entire life. But that doesn’t mean that a person diagnosed with Autism can’t learn and grow as a person either. It simply means that Autism will be something they work through for the rest of their lives.

To the Military Spouse Whose Child Has Just Been Diagnosed With Autism

We started ABA with our son right away, and that helped us be able to navigate through our son’s behaviors, set him up for school, and allowed us to get that extra help and support we needed to figure out this new normal for our lives.

Right now our son is 11 and will be starting middle school next fall. This completely freaks me out. I am not sure how things are going to go. We have an excellent team at the elementary school, many of them have worked with our son since he was five years old and started kindergarten. We already have a meeting scheduled at the middle school this spring, and I just have to have faith that everything will work out for him.

As I look back on the last six years or so, I can’t help but think about all we have been through.

And while we were working with our son, figuring out what is best for him, working with ABA and the schools, we were living this crazy military life too. My husband deployed again in 2013, and I think part of the reason that deployed shook me so much was that I knew I would be the solo parent carrying for my son, as well as his brothers. At the time, he was struggling a lot with school, and it was hard enough when my husband was home. This is just one of the many challenges a military spouse is going to have when they have a spouse in the military.

So, to the military spouse whose child has just been diagnosed with autism, I know how scared you might be. For months, maybe even years you may have been wondering what is going on with your son or daughter. You may have had to fight for your doctor to even take you seriously. You might feel lost not knowing how to truly help your child.

To the Military Spouse Whose Child Has Just Been Diagnosed With Autism

And once you receive that diagnosis, you might be worried about how things are going to go in the future.

Everything you thought about parenting a child has been turned on its head. You thought you were getting on a plane to “Italy” and now you are in “Holland” and not sure how to make everything work. This is normal.

Don’t beat yourself up if it takes you or your spouse some time to fully accept the diagnosis. No one walks out of that doctor’s appointment knowing exactly what to do or what the diagnosis even means. That takes some time.

Before your child was diagnosed with autism, you might not have ever heard of the term EFMP (The Exceptional Family Member Program,) but now, that term is going to be a big part of your life when your spouse is in the military. EFMP is the program that is supposed to help your child get the services they need during your time in the military.

EFMP will make sure that you don’t get stationed somewhere without services for children with Autism.

While this can be a bit frustrating at times, especially when it comes to your spouse’s career in the military, EFMP is something you need to keep updated. Any military family who gets orders for an OCONUS location will also have to go through the EFMP screening too.

As you start to become more comfortable with Autism, you will start to notice something. One child with Autism is one child with Autism. It is called the Autism spectrum for a reason. Not everyone with that diagnosis is the same.

While there are traits that kids on the spectrum share, each kid on the spectrum can be different. My son had no issues with speech. While his older brother struggled, that wasn’t one of the things I worried about with him when he was a toddler and young preschooler.

To the Military Spouse Whose Child Has Just Been Diagnosed With Autism

As you tell people about the diagnosis, you might get some interesting responses.

From people who are trying to help to people who are very uneducated about what having a child on the spectrum means. At some point, you might start to feel like everyone has an opinion about what you should do for your child. But here is the thing, you are the parent, you are the one that decides.

You are the one that has to make the choices. You are the one that lives with your son or daughter and any choice you have to make. So don’t be afraid to ignore lousy advice or to tell people you are doing what you think is best even though it is different from what they would do if they were in your shoes.

Find supportive friends and spend more time with them.

Over the years we have had friends that have opened my son and our family into their lives and understand that he struggles with certain things other kids don’t. During deployments, these friends were even more important. I didn’t have another parent in the house to help; their kindness helped me through those times when I didn’t think I could do it anymore.

As a military spouse, you know that sometimes your service member will have to deploy or be away from you for weeks or months at a time. A diagnosis of Autism isn’t going to keep them home. I know how hard this can be and how overwhelmed you can feel.

To the Military Spouse Whose Child Has Just Been Diagnosed With Autism

Look for help. Look for respite. Find good child care providers that can help you.

Go to a church that gets it and wants to help instead of one that simply wants to shame your child. Reach out to family members who may be willing to stay with you for a while. Know that reaching out for extra help isn’t a weakness and will be your best bet in getting through all of this.

Know that you are not the only one with a special needs child in the military. There are so many of us out there, and we all want the same thing. We want to help our children, we want the best for them, and we want to figure out how to do all of that within the military system.

Here are some additional resources to help you as you navigate autism within your military world as well as a few military spouse bloggers that also have kids on the Autism spectrum:

Military Special Needs Network

Singing Through the Rain: Military Life & Special Needs

EFMP + Special Needs with the National Military Spouse Family Association

American Military Families Autism Support

Life Journey Through Autism: A Guide for Military Families

Military One Source 

Airing My Laundry

Autism Speaks

Advocating for ABA TRICARE Policy Change

Why Autism Awareness Matters

MilKids Education Consulting 

Do you have a child with autism too?

Is Pet Health Insurance Right For Your Best Friend?

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Is Pet Health Insurance Right For Your Best Friend?

AFI insurance

Disclosure: This is a sponsored article on behalf of Armed Forces Insurance.

Are you one of the 62% of households in the U.S. who has a pet?

There are so many benefits to having a family pet, especially if you are a military family. Having a dog at home during a deployment may make the spouse and family at home feel more secure. A cat may be the perfect companion for a young family. There is research that animals provide a therapeutic outlet, especially for service members and veterans with PTSD.

Yet as any pet owner knows, there are costs associated with owning a pet. After all, pets may be unpredictable. While it’s hard to anticipate accidents or illness, you can be prepared for them. From routine office visits to significant medical incidents, pet health insurance provides protection for your dog or cat when he or she needs it most.

What does pet health insurance cover?

Every plan may have different coverages depending on what is best for your family. Coverage is available for your cat or dog against accidents and illnesses (except those that are pre-existing) including the following:

  • Breed-specific conditions
  • Cancer treatment
  • Diagnostic testing and imaging
  • Surgery, hospitalization, and nursing care
  • Alternative therapies and rehabilitation
  • Emergency room and specialist care
  • Vet exam fees
  • Prescription Drug Coverage (optional)

Types of pet health insurance

There are three product options for pet health insurance. First, there is an accident-only pet insurance, which may cover lacerations, foreign body ingestion, and poisoning or even vehicle accidents.

Another option is accident and illness coverage. This insurance plan covers medical care due to accidents, like the first coverage option, but it also includes infections, digestive problems and cancer.

The third, and most popular option, is pet health insurance with embedded wellness. This comprehensive plan may cover vaccinations, early screening diagnostics, consultations for proper nutrition and dental care.

Is pet health insurance affordable?

Yes. Pet health insurance policies can be customized to fit any budget without sacrifice in coverage. For example, the policyholder might want 90% reimbursement with an annual $500 deductible, or 80% reimbursement with an annual $200 deductible.

Pets provide a world of comfort, joy and zest in our lives. Give yourself, and your pet, peace of mind that he or she will be protected and your savings intact, should illness or emergency arise.

Sponsored: Deciding to get pet insurance is a personal choice. If you do decide on pet insurance, know that Armed Forces Insurance (AFI) proudly offers this type of insurance. AFI has been in business since 1887 and their purpose is to protect the people who protect our nation.

AFI provides a variety of insurance options from homeowners to renters to auto, and of course, pet insurance, to help cover your dog or your cat. AFI’s pet insurance offers a simple comprehensive plan against accidents and illnesses, except pre-existing ones. Please click here for more information on pet insurance and what AFI offers their customers.

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? 

When Grandma Can’t Be There: The Reality of Living Far From Home

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When Grandma Can't Be There: The Reality of Living Far From Home

When Grandma Can’t Be There: The Reality of Living Far From Home

I just got back from three whole weeks in California. We did so many fun things. We went to Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, Sea World, the Beach, and more. We also spent a lot of time with family.

We stayed with my family and my husband’s family came down to see us so we got to hang out with them too. My boys got to spend time with both Grandmas, Grandpa, their Uncle, their aunt, their great aunt, and their cousins.

Being able to spend this time together was very much needed. In February of this year, my family suffered a tragedy and lost my sister-in-law to suicide. I knew I wanted to visit in July before this happened but once it did, I knew I had to.

Life is shorter than we realize and nothing is guaranteed. I thought I would have plenty of time in the future to see my sister-in-law and I didn’t. So I planned a three week trip to California this summer and I hope I can do that again in the future.

When Grandma Can't Be There: The Hard Truth of Living Far From Home

We live over 2,000 miles from both of our families.

We moved away because of choice, we stay because we haven’t figured out a way to afford to move back. California is one expensive place.

If you are an active duty military family, you most likely will also be far from home. Maybe you are a few states away, but life makes visiting difficult. Maybe you are on different coasts, and visits are few and far between. Maybe you live in Europe, experiencing an overseas PCS, but part of you is still back home in the states.

We have been lucky over the years. Family has been able to visit us. When we were in Germany, all three living grandparents were able to visit with us there. They have also been able to take trips out to Tennessee to see us where we live now. Hopefully, there will be more in the future.

Right before we left for the airport to return to Tennessee I made a comment on Facebook about how I was looking forward to going home but I didn’t like that it was so far away from my family.

When I was in high school I couldn’t wait to leave. Two months after graduation I moved nine hours away to go to college. I have always wanted to live other places and experience how other people live.

When Grandma Can't Be There: The Hard Truth of Living Far From Home

But all of this independence comes with a cost.

Not living close to family means you can go years without seeing them. Yes, years.

Not living close to family means you are the cousins the rest of the family doesn’t really know, and that sucks.

Not living close to family means that each visit has a time limit and you can’t help but be aware of it.

Not living close to family means you will miss birthday parties, Christmases, Thanksgivings, and important events you otherwise wouldn’t have.

Not living close to family means you have to work that much harder at staying connected through the miles.

Someday we will hopefully live close to our families again. Someday we won’t have to miss them so much. And that is what I keep in mind when we say goodbye.

 

I am happy with my life here in Tennessee. We like our neighborhood, we like our church, we like the boy’s schools and the military community that surrounds us. This place has a lot to offer, but my family is simply too far away for me to be able to fully dig my roots into it.

If I think about everything we are missing, I can get pretty sad about the situation. I know my family is missing so much about my boys growing up.

I don’t even know what it would be like to have Grandma in the same town as us. I don’t know what being close to family on a day to day basis would be like.

I do know that so many military and even non-military families are living their lives away from their loved ones.

Those of us that are living far away have learned what we can do to make that distance a little bit closer. Calls and Facetime can help. Care packages can send love over the miles. Visits with one another are a must. And there is always hope that you will be able to move (or get stationed) close by them in the future.

How far away are you from your family? What do you do to stay connected to your family from miles away?