On the Road Again

If you're reading this within 8 hours of me posting then I'm on the road. I have driven away from family and friends for the umpteenth time to start a life in a new state. This time, the U.S. Army had nothing to do with this decision- it's on us. It's exciting and stressful all at once. Because Captain J (can I still call him that?) is off training for his big boy civilian job, I am left to get our house unpacked and ready for our family. I suppose it's a good thing I've spent the last years doing typical Army Wife duties because nothing really ever changes, does it? While the Mr. is working hard in Ohio, I'm off to Florida with my two boys in tow. The mission? To pick up rental house keys, meet the movers, and unpack the house. I know this sounds like quite a feat with two under two. Fear not. I'm not totally insane. I somehow talked my lovely sister into helping me on this adventure. I'd say she probably started regretting that decision at around mile number twenty.

Say a prayer for safety and sanity? We'll need it.

XOXO,

Our 'Make It Work' Moment

For the first day of fall, we celebrated by getting out our Fall Bucket List and getting to work on checking some things off!

Source: katieballa.blogspot.com via Katie on Pinterest

First up on our agenda? Pie Baking!

I insisted that we buy a pre-made crust because who really makes their own crust? "Plus, I want it to be good, honey", I said.

Captain J would have none of it.

"That's cheating!" 

"You didn't really make your own pie if you buy the crust!"

As per usual, I went along with his insanity. For once, I was glad I did after putting the deliciousness in my mouth for the first time. I'm getting ahead of myself, though. The road to apple pie bliss was a little bumpy at times. Here's our story:

To really get ourselves in the fall mood, we brewed some apple tea and put some Benny Goodman on the radio.

Then we set out on our journey. Meticulously we measured, chopped, and mixed. We threw caution to the wind when it came to the kitchen, though. What started out as a nicely cleaned room turned into an awful mess in minutes. See?

Oh, but it was worse. I can't seem to find the Before & After photos, but I'll let you imagine the mess the two novice bakers made.

Halfway through this process, we realized that we didn't have a rolling pin. In the words of Captain J, we "rangerized" our pie. When asked exactly what he meant, he replied, "We didn't have the right tools and we didn't have the right equipment, but we improvised and it worked."

To which I of course countered, "I would say we had a Tim Gunn Make It Work Moment." That went right over his head.

Anyway, the rolling pin we used was a large Starbucks coffee cup.

Our dough was way too sticky. I kept telling him not to worry, just add more flour! But he was cautious because he's actually good at cooking. Anyway, the flour turned out to be a good call and hours later we were actually eating our first EVER baked pie.

Oh my yum.

Defend Her Still Today

Every year as the fireworks sound and the sky is lit up with exploding colors, I almost tear up when I hear Lee Greenwood's lyrics dancing in my ears-

I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free, 

And I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me, 

And I gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today, 

'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land God Bless the U.S.A. 

I still believe that I'm a lucky part of what is the greatest country in the world. I believe in what she stands for and I'm grateful to be a small part of a community who continually and selflessly give for the sake of America. Thank you, eternally, to all those who have served and are serving this country.

This year my soldier is home.

There will be food.

There will be fireworks.

There will be fun.

I hope you all have a safe and happy fourth of July! 

(*Not my photos)

Things No One Will Ever Tell You About Alaska

I have a treat for you today! As you may know, today marks the journey of our first trip to the beach as a family of three (and a half). Lord, help us! Instead of boring you with- wah, I don't wanna take a 10 month old on a roadtrip or a post saying OMGah, he won't stop crying- I decided I'd grace you with the presence of one of my favorite Alaska bloggers. Her name is Kristin and she is great! Although, we don't share the same feelings for America's largest state, I still enjoy her witty posts, yummy sounding recipes, and reading about her life in Anchorage. She's so sweet, too. In her email to me she wrote, "I originally took a more sarcastic tone {with the guest post}, but I know that you really like Alaska so I went with informative." See? How nice! hehe You know you like her already... 

 Hi!  I'm Kristin from Kristin's kNook.  Just like Mrs. K, I'm an Army wife...and I live in Alaska.

I found Mrs. K's blog awhile back.  Or maybe she found me.  I can't remember, but I'm glad it happened! Guest-posting while she's on vacation was a no-brainer.  Of course, I have to talk about Alaska. Her blog drew me in because she had been stationed in Alaska.  There's a lot of Army wives out there, but I'm always interested in the ones who've learned to thrive in the non-traditional duty stations (interested in a completely non-creepy way, of course :) In our 3 years in Alaska, we've done the touristy things.  In my opinion, if you've done it once, you've done it all.  Sure, paying $50 a ticket to see a whale and get seasick on the ocean is fun.  But, seriously, all the whales look the same.  And I can guarantee you that the time you spend simultaneously freezing and throwing up on the boat are not worth a glimpse of a whale's tail.   At least not to me.  If it's worth it to you, then you'd fit in just fine here.

Things No One Will Ever Tell You About Alaska 

1.  You cannot see Russia from Alaska. Well, if you fly above northwest Alaska in a plane and it's a clear day, you may be able to see Russia.  It's 58 miles from western Alaska, across the Bering Strait, to Russia.  No one lives in that part of Russia though.  Russia is big.  And cold.  Look at a map.

2.  Drinking is expensive. When your buddies go out and Facebook a bunch of pictures of them drinking tasty microbrews, what they fail to write in the caption is that each of those beers is costing them between $6-$12.  And that means a night out is going to end up costing close to $100 (if you're out with a date/spouse and you factor in tips).  I came from a town where it cost me, myself, $20 for a night of mixed drinks.  Culture shock indeed.
 3.  Eating out is REALLY expensive. Would you believe that the expensive restaurants in Anchorage don't put their prices on their online menus?  That's how they get you.  Let's put it this way:  A "fancy" dinner is going to cost you and your spouse $90-$100, if you include 1 appetizer, 2 entrees, 2 drinks, and maybe dessert.  Plus tip.  I usually pick either a drink OR dessert in an effort to save money.  Many people I know go out to some of these restaurants all the time.  They, my friends, are what I call "nuts".
 4.  We have everything you have! Truly, we do!  The only chain restaurants/stores that I notice myself missing are Panera, Dunkin' Donuts, Marshall's/Homegoods, and I'd about kill for a Trader Joe's.  When we went to California last year, I stuffed my suitcase full of TJ food to take back to Alaska. I live 2 miles from Wal-Mart, 3 miles from a Target shopping center with numerous stores, and my Starbucks options are limitless.   While I really miss a few key places, I've never had it so good.  When I go home, I'm confused as to where I'm to get my coffee.  My parents live in the middle of nowhere.
 5.  It's not dark all the time. In the winter, in Anchorage, the daylight gets down to about 5 1/2 hours per day.  Sun comes up 10:15am and sets around 3:30-3:45pm.  That's on the shortest day of the year, December 21.  Barrow is obviously different.  Once again, look at a map.  When people find out I live in Alaska, the first thing they say is, "Oh oh! I just couldn't deal with all that darkness!  I just couldn't!".  This prompts me to answer, "Really??  How'd you feel about all that light in the summer??"  This confuses them, thereby ending the conversation.  Right now, we're at about 19 hours of daylight.  People tend to forget that part of the Earth's rotation.

 

Here's a few tidbits if you want to know more, but please, if you're planning a vacation, talk to someone who has been here!  I want you to get the most out of your experience.  Oh, and you can totally look me up.  We can eat over-priced restaurant food together.  

My husband and I in front of the Trans Alaska Pipeline in Fairbanks

Thanks for reading! I hope you'll go check out Kristin's kNook and see for yourself how much fun she is to stalk ;)

To keep the sadness away

Today I decided that I wouldn't have a nervous breakdown so hopefully I will stick to that. Yesterday was a terrible, awful day that I wish not to repeat any time soon. To say that I'm completely sick of the Army would be disrespectful and ungrateful. If I complained about having zero breaks from MY JOB, it would sound like I'm unhappy and I'm not. If I said that this location is less than desirable, I would be breaking my own rule of trying to make the best of situations. I really would like to avoid complaining. I know it won't do me any good. This is my life right now and better things are to come. In fact, by the end of this month, one of my Alaska pals will be moving here with her husband. Maybe the neighbors will move out and they'll move in right beside me? Ehh, a girl can dream.

Did I mention I haven't had a car for almost a week? Well, I haven't. This misfortune has left me with tons of time to pin, pin, pin. Enough with the depressive stuff, maybe these will make you giggle:

Source: Uploaded by user via Mrs. on Pinterest

Source: someecards.com via Mrs. on Pinterest

Source: sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net via Mrs. on Pinterest

Source: someecards.com via Mrs. on Pinterest

Source: google.com.au via Mrs. on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Mrs. on Pinterest

And just because I need the reminder today:

Source: wonderful-things-in-your-law.tumblr.com via Mrs. on Pinterest

Happy Tuesday, folks!

Memorial Days Past

It's always been a little peculiar to me that Memorial Day is such a happy time for most. Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking it! It's just that the day was originally set aside as a day to remember those fallen  people who have died in our nation's service. I wonder how many people actually think about that, though as they go about their day? I absolutely think this day is a perfect opportunity to visit with family and have fun with friends, but I just urge you to say a prayer (if that's your thing!) for those families that have lost loved ones fighting overseas- past and present. As citizens of this great country of ours, I think it's crucial we at least acknowledge those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this day.

That's my great grandfather. He lost his life while serving in WWII. My grandfather missed out on having his biological father around for most of his life. Our nation's families are still sacrificing and suffering today. I'm forever grateful for people that offer up their time and safety for the needs of this country and her people. What brave and exemplary individuals we have serving in this nation's military.

My plans for this weekend include reflection and relaxation. My husband is gone, yet again, so it'll just be little K and the babe growing inside me. If I were home in East TN, no doubt I'd be hanging out by the pool or partaking in the festivities that Rockin' the Docks brings on the weekend. There are no hot dogs and family fun for me today so I thought I'd look back a bit on Memorial Weekends Past...

2009: Captain J was home on R&R from Iraq! We hiked Charlie's Bunyon in Tennessee.

And did a little boating!

2010: We went hiking in Denali National Park, Alaska.

Then later we fished the Chena for some grayling.

2011: We spent much of Memorial Day Weekend traveling from Ft. Benning, GA to Home Sweet Home, Tennessee. My bestie threw me a baby shower! I was 29 weeks pregnant. Here's a photo of my mom and me.

That brings us to 2012 here in Louisiana! I hope you all have a great Memorial Day. Have safe and happy fun!

Milspouse Appreciation Day

Yesterday, I gushed all about what being a mother was to me. In honor of today- National Milspouse Appreciation Day, I thought I'd talk about another facet of my life- the part that shaped this blog and my need to write and share. I enjoy being the spouse of a U.S. Army Soldier, a veteran who makes me proud only on days that end in with y.

It's not a life I pictured, that's for sure. But when a tall, handsome, shiny new officer made his way into my life- suddenly it was all hopelessly romantic. I had those images of women in perfect vintage garb swooped up in a passionate kiss from their man in uniform in a delightful sepia tone picture in my mind. The war was over, people were celebrating, and lovers were re-united. It was all a beautiful thought until I realized our modern-day war isn't over. I'd be lucky if he came back to me.

It used to make me very uncomfortable when people would say that I "serve, too". While yes, I was fully aware what I was getting myself into, it wasn't me who was waking up at 0500 for PT. I wouldn't be taking months and years out of my life to spend it in third world country warzones. I never swore to put my life on the line for the needs of the Army, the country, or anything for that matter. I don't serve.

But as I got more immersed into the culture of the silent ranks, I realized there are many sacrifices on our end, too. The hardest for me is being without my family.

Captain J and I don't plan on living this lifestyle through until his retirement, but I have the utmost respect for those who do. The sacrifice the service person makes is highly admirable, but the sacrifices of the spouses are worthy of mention, too. Holding down the homefront is a tough job and I have been honored to meet so many women who step up to the plate time and time again.

It has been my pleasure to meet and become friends with so many military spouses over the years. I have learned so much from each and every one of you. I love that the Army brings people together despite rank, race, and religion and offers so many opportunites to broaden friendships. So here's to you, Milspouses! You are very much appreciated, too. The past four years (and counting) wouldn't have been possible for me without your influence and empathy.

Love,

Mrs. K

Linking up with other fellow military spouses today at:

    Household 6 Diva and Riding The Roller Coaster can provide more detail!

Worst Army Wife

I'm the worst Army wife ever. It's official. Every time Captain J leaves (which is often) I get a terrible homesick feeling and wonder why in the world I'm at Fort Polk, Louisiana. You would think after four years of living this life that I'd be used to it by now, but I'm not. I still feel empty when he leaves...alone. Despite having things to keep me busy and a community of Army wives who're in the same position I am, the feeling creeps in. I can't help it. I miss home. I miss my family. Last night in my hometown, they had a relay for life and my step-dad's band played there. Here's a fact you might not know about me- I actually genuinely like Bluegrass music. I grew up listening to it from my dad and my step-dad who both play a variety of instruments and have been in several bands over the years. When my mom posted a video of them playing, I felt that familiar tug to go back to East Tennessee. I wish I was there right now.

   

THE SHAGCARPET HEADLINERS

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P.S. That's my step-dad singing and playing the tall bass.

Happy Weekend to you!

Enjoy

You know what needs to happen? I need to go to the store and buy formula. I need to clean our house from top to bottom. I need to get out of bed long enough to do aforementioned duties yet here I sit, talking to you fine folks, and baking cookies in the oven. I had great plans for today. None of my plans have come to fruition. I just feel so exhausted so when Baby K goes down for a nap, I'm not far behind him. I fear my husband is calculating how he can trade me in for a younger, hotter model who still cooks dinner pretty regularly.

It's really strange to me how my life shifted so quickly from "I need to be making money" to "I need to make it to nap time." I barely write anymore and it's never anything that I'm proud of and want to send off. Motivation has plummeted. The weird thing is: I don't really mind. I used to feel my worth was tied to what I did or didn't do that day. Now, it doesn't matter much if the kitchen isn't clean. It only makes a difference in which friends are allowed to come over that day! ;)

Instead, I've been relaxing in bed with good books and savoring my little family of three. Maybe it's lazy, but I prefer to refer to it as a realization- the house doesn't have to be perfect for my boys to be happy. I don't have to be working to be happy- Baby K gives me plenty of satisfaction watching him learn and grow every day. All of these little tasks that need to be done aren't measuring my worth. The world won't end if I leave the laundry for another day. For now, I'll just relax and enjoy this time before my husband heads back into the field for two more weeks. Then, then, I'll do some work.

Today's task? Enjoy it.

And try not to get out of PJs.

Amen.

Safe and Sound

Last week, I wrote about one of my "best experiences from childhood" because Becca started a writing prompt that she named Sensational Stories Saturday. I'm all about some alliteration, especially s(es) so of course I wanted to play along! ;) Today, I thought I might not go as far back because some of my very best experiences have been growing in different ways as an adult.

In many ways, I was a child myself. Fresh out of TTU, my experiences were limited to getting my heart broken or inadvertently breaking someone else's. Sure, that pain is rough- the kind that gnaws at your heart, leaving big gaping holes that feel as though they'll never be re-patched. Still, they don't really touch the feeling of watching someone you're irrevocably in love with head off to war.

But that was months ago. This day would be different. This day, I would see him again.

What if it's awkward? Who gets to hug him first- his mom or me? What if I cry again? What if I don't look how he remembers me? Will people clap and stare, adding to the awkwardness? If his flight doesn't arrive on time, I'll die.

I got to his parents' house so that we could ride to the airport together. His mom was still busying herself with last minute preparations for her oldest son who would grace us with his presence for two uninterrupted, glorious weeks before he would have to hop on a red eye flight back to Iraq. I don't want to think about that.

I don't want to think about anything. Thinking doesn't pass time. It slows it down.

We went to the grocery store. I vaguely remember her asking me about cheese, but I couldn't think of cheese at a time like this. I was going to be sick. Sick physically. A little sick mentally. Sick of wondering how this would all play out. I think she recognized my inability to think of little else than her son that I'd soon be seeing for the first time in eight excruciating months.

The airport seemed too slow.

The clocks, the people.

Nothing was making this any easier.

I wore the wrong thing. I look ridiculous. What do I say?

"Hi" doesn't seem sufficient.

Then, a text- "we're pulling into the gate."

My heart.

Minutes later, my love was walking down the walkway of McGhee Tyson Airport fully outfitted in his ACUs and I was no longer worried about what we would say. 

He's here.

He's here.

Safe and sound.

Miscellany Monday

Why, hello Monday. You're lookin' a lot like Saturday and Sunday to me. It's another day of laundry and baby- watching that just makes me want to say, "I can't wait to blog about today!" Did you detect any sarcasm? You'll have to excuse me. My husband is working a lot more than usual and so I'm in a funk. I do like havin' him around, ya know?

Anyway, I wanted to link up with Carissa today for a Miscellany Monday post-

Because it's just one of those days where there are several things on my brain. I'm taking the moment to blog this morning because I was basically a rockstar in the house today. The kitchen was clean, the diapers were drying, and I made baby food all before 8am this morning. This is my pat on the back for it. I get that, right?

*Louisiana is in bloom! There are lovely flowers galore, muggy weather, and pollen up to my eyeballs. Sometimes, I can sneak out on the porch before a rain and relax on the hammock under a blanket (if it's not too hot). I love those little moments.

 

*I'm accepting Sponsors for the month of April or you can get a deal for three months in advance. The details of my reach can be found by clicking on the image below. Please message me with any questions. I'd love to have you!

 

*I miss my husband. And really? He's not gone that much. It could be so much worse. I guess I've gotten used to his relaxed hours when there's not a rotation here to train. When he does work it's just that much more annoying when he's not here. Boo! I hope he knows how much he's appreciated here at home. And now all you milspouse people who have husbands deployed right now are welcome to throw virtual rocks and tomatoes if you wish. I know, I shouldn't complain.

*Last week, I went to PWOC on post as I usually do. I'm happy to report- that for the first time EVER- Baby K made it in watchcare the entire time. Every single time he has gone before, they've paged me to come get him because they cannot get him calmed down. When I walked in this time, he was smiling, SMILING! I was shocked and so proud. I think he stayed so long because God needed me to hear what we were talking about in our small study group. We were discussing contentment and if you've followed my blog for any significant amount of time, you know that I struggle with being content not making any money for our family. I sometimes feel that if I'm not actually working then I'm not contributing. Lately, when I look in my son's eyes and see how happy he is, I know that I'm actually doing a lot more than I think. God has placed me in this role right now and I will be content with it! I'm so grateful.

I think that's enough randomness for the day on my part. Anything random you'd like to share? I'm all ears.

XOXO,

Mrs. K

On top of the world

I was just chatting with a sweet friend on Twitter whose husband is getting ready to head home from his deployment. It brought back all sorts of memories and emotions for me. I'm just so excited for her (and everyone else whose spouse fiiiiiiinally gets back to the States)! I took a walk down Memory Lane and found this.

 Just my man and me- On top of the world.

Well, almost.

This was on R&R, a little over the half way mark of the deployment. We were in Tennessee, our place that will always be "home" no matter where we live.

Good times.

(I'm linking up with Monica for the first time today! )

That is all.

When friends and family heard that I would be marrying a military man, many said to me, "How exciting!"

And you know what?

It really is sometimes.

We get to move every three years to a new place (or if you're us- we get to live in three different states in one calendar year). Think of all the travel opportunities! But I'm here to tell you the other side of the coin. And that is- the boredom.

Am I alone in this?

My other half is, well, my other half. He entertains me, provides companionship- He's my lobster (FRIENDS reference). So, when he's gone, I'm incredibly bored. It matters very little that I saved up many of my recorded shows on television for such occasions or that I have a host of great books to read. Sure, I have the baby to keep me occupied, but when he does something cute and there's no one here to share it with, I have to turn to Twitter, Facebook, or phone calls with friends. And really? No one cares like J would.

Sigh.

I just miss him.

And I'm bored.

#thatisall

Army, Family, Jobs- Oh my!

There are some strange things happening in our household. One is...well, I can't say just yet. I'm afraid I'll jinx it. But it's good. Oh-so-good. And it's a big part of the reason I'm able to sit down and talk with you this fine afternoon.

The other?

Well, we've finally made a decision. This decision is a long time comin'. It has been weighing on our hearts and minds for too long. When I last wrote about this decision, we were leaning toward the opposite direction.

Have you had enough vague hint dropping?

Captain J is getting out of the Army. There, I said it. It doesn't make it any less real. But that's the very reason I haven't told you all yet because it seems like if I say it out loud then something will come up, causing it to not be the case anymore. Does that make sense? I know, it's silly.

We've weighed the pros and cons, our options, everything. It took us months to reach this decision and now that we have a peace has settled on our household despite our futures being up in the air. I know it may sound absurd to you to get out of a decent paying job that has plenty of job security with the civilian job market the way it is right now, but it's what we're doing.

Living on love. Living on faith. That's what we're going to do.

Of course we're not totally jumping in the civilian world and hoping for the best. J has already been perusing jobs across the country, trying to find one that will support his growing family. It is our hope that he will find a job that he enjoys, has room to advance in, and makes enough money so that I can continue to stay home with our child(ren). The deciding factor, afterall, was Baby K. Captain J just couldn't bear to leave him for a deployment or tour in the Middle East. When it was just me, it wasn't ideal for him to be gone but it was do-able. Now, he can't fathom not seeing his son for a whole year. Who can blame him really? That would break my heart, too. I don't know how military families do it.

And to be honest...

I never pictured myself having to be the one who stays home.

When I met Captain J, he had plans of getting out of the Army. Then, he changed his mind and suddenly I was an Army wife till death do us part. I was okay with it, slowly learning the ropes and accepting that my husband was going to be gone a lot over the course of his career. But accepting and dealing are two very different roads, aren't they?

Our deciding factor was family. I've always been big on the importance of family. The family unit can be one of the best and strongest relationships that you'll ever have in life. It's the basis for everything, in my opinion. Families make up our little towns- that make up larger counties (or parishes for you Louisiana folks!)-that make up the entire nation. But I digress, that is a different post for a different time. The point is: Family is important to us and that means we want to be around our families in Tennessee. More importantly, though- we want to be together- the three of us- without worrying when he'll be deployed again.

We don't have our hearts set on relocating to Tennessee because obviously we have to go where the jobs are, but we do hope to end up in the south some place a little closer to home.

Who knows? Maybe we won't be able to find that either. But we will be alright. God says that he'll never leave us (Hebrews 13:5) and that's comfort enough for me!

You may be wondering when these changes will take effect. Well, it's going to be awhile. Captain J will finish up his duty next February so that means we've got just over a year left to iron out the details. I'm excited and nervous. But I'm holding on to the scripture from Jeremiah 29:11:

"For I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future."

For now, I just need to breathe. If there's anything that the Army has taught me, it's that I can function without a set plan. I have learned to roll with the punches and that's what we're going to have to do again. Wish us luck! Send up some prayers! We're going to need them on our next journey back into the civilian world.

Love,

Mrs. K

No Place Like Home

Hello, blog. It's me again.

It's late and I can't sleep. My brain won't stop. There's too much on my mind. Too much to do. But all I want is to have my mom, or sister, or step-mom beside me to cry on talk to. They are all about 13 hours away so you will have to do. Don't worry...you'll get a shorter, edited version.

This Army life is hard, ya know? I am just not cut out for it. I was a mess during deployment- a shell of myself half the time, wondering around Walmart with my bestie with my computer and skype attached to my hip just in case. Who does that? I complained in Alaska because I was so far away from my family. It took money to get back in their neck of the woods, something we don't really have that much of. Now, here we are...in Louisiana. Still, we're a plane ticket away from family and I'm complaining yet again. Maybe I just thought I wanted adventure. Maybe my adventure was in raising this child, not moving from place to place. In the past year, we've lived in Alaska, Georgia, and Louisiana. One year. Three homes. I'm tired.

If only I had a pair of these to click together:

It's the little things.

There have been so many moments when it hits me- how proud I am to be a military wife. It's a role I never saw myself filling, but one I'm so grateful to have today. It's the little things that remind me. Like the one time we were out to dinner in East TN and Captain J was asked about his Alaska t-shirt. He responded to the older gentleman that we were stationed in Alaska and made small talk after that. When we went to leave, we learned that our appetizers, dinner, and a bottle of wine were all taken care of, thanks to some guy who just wanted to show his appreciation. We didn't even get to thank him.

I know it makes Captain J uncomfortable when people do this for him, but I just feel incredibly grateful and very proud to be a part of the military lifestyle.

It's the little things. Like seeing my man in uniform walk through the door every day after work.

Like that first hug after a 12 month deployment.

Like hearing the national anthem and feeling such pride that my husband is among men and women who sacrifice their time to protect and serve our great country.

Like reading this post and relating to it so much.

It's the little things that remind me how blessed I really am despite how hard this lifestyle may seem to others. I can't imagine my life turning out any other way.

Milspouse Weekly Roundup

What's that you say? It's roundup time again? I'm so happy to get a chance to host this week. Welcome to Milspouse Weekly Roundup!

What's this all about? Well, all you have to do is link up a favorite post of yours from this week so that everyone can catch up with you. I like it because it makes it easy to check up on your favorite milspouse blogs if you don't have a chance to read them every day. Whoever is hosting usually provides a little info about themselves as a bit of an introduction so without further ado...

I'm Mrs. K.

The handsome fella beside me is Captain J....although you wouldn't be able to tell he's an officer in the U.S. Army with a beard like that! He's the best thing that ever happened to me. The Mr. (and the Army) came into my life a few years ago and I never looked back. Since then, we've moved three times and expanded our family to three (five if you count our dogs!). Three weeks ago, I gave birth to the most beautiful baby boy. He keeps me on my toes!

On top of the responsibilities of being a new mother, I'm also a graduate student studying to obtain a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy. I'm also the new girl on post, as we recently PCS'ed to Ft. Polk, Louisiana. I'm enjoying our new location and staying busy trying to meet new people in the area when I get some free time.

I'm a Christian. A scrapbooker. A hiker. A fisher. A candlestick maker....ok, scratch that last one. It's not true.

Thanks for taking a peek into my world. I hope you'll come back!

Next week, the roundup will be over at Adventures of the K Family. Be sure to visit her blog and catch up with her adventures in Alaska. Now, let's go see what everyone has been up to, shall we? Link up below!

little things

Little things make me smile. They have to.

It's 105 degrees in these parts for most of the day (and my doctor is telling me to walk to induce! ha Easy for her to say.) and I rarely venture outside. I play with our k9 friends for a bit. I check the mail. If I'm feeling really frisky, I'll walk down the short driveway and retrieve the trash cans. This is the extent of my leaving our nicely air conditioned casa.

This means I have to find happiness in the little things...

Like lime flavored popsicles:

And when my husband is preparing his helmet thing-a-majig for jumping out of airplanes while simultaneously eating said popsicle and being totally engrossed in one of the Harry Potter movies:

And random, odd text messages from my brother:

Yes, it's the small stuff that gets me through my day.

Otherwise, I'd be going absolutely insane with contractions one hour-

and absolutely nothing the next.

Such a tease.

I hope this baby turns around soon. Back pain is for the birds.

What little things made you smile today?

(P.S. Captain J jumped out of an airplane today and lived. That made me smile, too. Don't they know they shouldn't let soon-to-be dads in warzones or throwing themselves out of airplanes? It's just not kosher with Mama!)