Wanderlust

I felt in my heart that our adventures were over when we left the Army. No more moving around from place to place. No more immediate friendships formed simply because of similar circumstance. It's all sinking in on this cold, dreary Monday as I look outside my house at the temperature: 17 degrees. That's probably pretty warm to most of you across the country. To me, it's just a nuisance. It's cold yet there's no blanketing snow covering a picture perfect backyard. It's just biting and depressing. It makes me miss Alaska and her snow covered mountains year-round. Only yesterday was I missing the sunny warmth of our home in Florida. I suppose the grass is always greener. I don't want to move away, especially as we get ready to welcome another baby into our lives, but I do miss that sense of adventure that the Captain and I used to have. For fun, we packed up the car for days of hiking, fishing, and hunting in the Alaskan wilderness. We drove 6+ hours just to get to the next big town and explore what it had to offer. We went swimming in 20 below zero temps. We picked fresh blueberries in Denali National Park. We gazed at the Northern Lights and wondered how we could be so lucky to get to experience something so amazing. Our adventures there were endless.

I'm suffering from wanderlust as we go into the new year. Our plans for travel have fallen through. We had to cancel a trip to Puerto Rico over Christmas. Then, we wanted to take a trip to celebrate our anniversary, but with buying the house recently the funds just aren't there. So this is what you're left with- a blogger who can't seem to drag herself out of the past. Those adventures are done for now. They'll have to wait. Reality calls....

but hey! At least it's naptime ;)

The Day That Made Him A Veteran

"In war, there are no unwounded soldiers." - Jose Narosky

The day that made him a veteran in my eyes is probably different than the one in his own mind, but I love thinking back to that day. It was one of the happiest of my life. I entered the large holding room, my heart beating faster than I thought possible. How would this play out? Am I really going to see him? Lock eyes with him and touch the patches of his ACUs? Is this truly the end of a twelve month stint in the Middle East? It was surreal.

As I walked toward the gathered crowd, I could feel the emotions of everyone surrounding me. How incredible to see a mother and her newborn waiting eagerly for daddy's arrival. I also witnessed large families all dressed in matching "welcome home" t-shirts, dogs, and mothers waiting to kiss the cheeks of their sons. The anticipation was palpable. I've felt nothing else like it since.

Finally the bus arrived, the formation dispersed, and I jumped into the hug I had been dreaming of for months. My soldier was officially a veteran. He was home.

Happy Veteran's Day to all who have that role heavy on their shoulders. Your service is greatly appreciated.

Guest Post on Finding A Civilian Job After the Military

Hi, friends! I'm off enjoying the weekend with my family, but I wanted to share this article with you in the event you or your spouse is faced with transitioning out of the armed forces. Enjoy and have a great weekend.

Finding a Civilian Job After Your Time in the Military
Following your military career, you will probably be faced with the challenge of finding gainful employment in the private sector. Although many opportunities are available, you may find navigating the job market intimidating. Many myths concerning the job market simply increase the anxiety experienced by many military personnel and veterans.
Myth #1: Employers don’t care about applicants.
Truth: In today’s competitive job market, even employers who receive hundreds of job applications each week understand the importance of finding and attracting the best talent available. Some employers offer special perks such as the opportunity to work from home or daycare facilities onsite in order to attract quality workers. Many companies have streamlined their application process to make it easier on job seekers by partnering with services like JIBE, a mobile recruiting company. Platforms such as this allow you to upload your resume and other job-related documents right from your smartphone or tablet.
Myth #2: Although programs exist to help you, there won’t be an actual human who can assist you in transitioning into a civilian job.
Truth: Veterans who have served since 9/11 can meet face-to-face with professionals who will assist them in reintegrating into the private sector. The Gold Card, a new employment initiative for veterans, enables these individuals to meet with a career counselor at a local One-Stop Career Center. During these meetings, you will have the opportunity to develop an Individual Development Plan, receive job referrals and more.
Myth #3: Your job search is just a process of sending out resumes and then waiting.
Truth: You should actively engage in the process of finding a job. Research companies where you might enjoy working. Attend networking events. Volunteer in your community or with a business or organization where you would like to work. Connect with people and companies online through social media. There are many ways to engage potential employers. Once you have sent out a resume, be proactive and follow up with the company as well. Don’t be afraid to ask for an interview.
Myth #4: Companies do not seek military veterans to fill positions.
Truth: Today’s companies recognize the training and skill sets military veterans have, and many employers actively seek veterans to fill available jobs. Also, several incentive programs offer perks to companies that employ veterans. In order to learn more about companies seeking to hire veterans, go to VeteranJobListings.com. There you can apply to jobs and learn more about the companies that may be interested in hiring you.
Although change can be uncomfortable, it often comes with opportunities. Take advantage of the resources available to help you through this transition, and you will succeed.

Emma is a mid 20-something year old with a passion for life, love, fitness, and helping others. She loves to be active and get involved in as many sport and community activities as possible. Emma is currently studying to become a Career & Life Coach, and loves to network with people from around the world! Check out Emma’s blog at http://smileasithappens.blogspot.com/!

It's not over

Just because Captain J is out of the Army, it doesn't mean we can all slip happily back into that space where war doesn't exist. We can't be like the countless other Americans who don't know anyone "over there" and we definitely won't ever be someone who doesn't think about the Middle East every single day. When you've been a part of this community of warriors for so long, they become etched into your mind. Each duty station, each new city you come to, you meet someone who will likely be serving overseas while you sit at home enjoying your family and a good burger one hot, July Independence Day.

It's our turn again. In the above photo, Captain J is swearing his younger brother into the U.S. Army. Now, his little brother is in Afghanistan. While I'm so glad Captain J will likely not return to a war zone, it's not over. I ask for your prayers of protection over Uncle Jesse as he does his job. We want to get him home soon so he can meet his latest nephew!

I'm out of practice. What sorts of items do you include in care packages to soldiers in Afghanistan?

Linked Up Here:

The Calm After the Storm

Thanks for all your kind words with my last post. I seriously felt ridiculous for letting all that stuff upset me, but y'all made me feel so much better and loved! I had the best weekend to make up for the crazy town week I had. I'll tell you all about it in a sec, but first I want you to head on over to Katie's page. I'm guest posting about how the military has impacted me over there today while she's away at Basic Training:

Friday was a good day. Cray K, Baby A, and I packed up and headed across town for a play date. Usually, I have made friends before I get to a place thanks to blogging or online forums. This time? I know no one. Any Jacksonville bloggers out there? I couldn't seem to find any. I only got overwhelmed when I signed on to MeetUp.com. Pay dues every year for friends? Fill out a series of questions to see if you're accepted to the group? Eek. No, thanks. I'd much rather facebook stalk some friends and then meet up with them. Ha! I found a wonderful local group and met up with two very sweet ladies who have children around Cray K's age. It was good for him to be around other children, but I think it was even more beneficial to me to be around adults finally. I really enjoyed it and will hopefully be joining them in all kinds of shenanigans.

Captain J got home late that night and we woke up to a nice little Saturday. We just ran some errands, but it was so good to have him home. He let me sneak out for a couple hours to get my hair done. Then, after we put the boys to bed, we had a little in-house date. We ordered sushi, popped open some red wine and played Mario 3! Fun stuff.

Sunday we skipped church. Actually, we haven't been since Baby A was born. At first, we were just following doctor's orders, but now it's one of those things we're dreading. Not because we don't want to go to church, we really really do. I'm just anxious to attempt it with two babies. As you know, Cray K doesn't do well at childcare. Next week is the week, though. Baby A is now three months old and ready to be introduced to the world! 

Anyway, we woke up craving our old haunt in Alaska, LuLu's Bagel's. Since we can't have those anytime soon, we set out to find some bagels and coffee. I put on my firmoo glasses and a little mascara and headed out the door.

Later that night, J fixed us some delicious tuna and creamy spinach. Yum! 

It was a sweet day with my little family. We are so thrilled to have daddy back for good! Well, until next month that is. 

How was your weekend?

Linking up here:

Roll With The Punches

The phone rang this morning. Early. And now I'm in a bad mood.

Remember when I mentioned that Captain J was done with his time in the field? I said that we would never have to deal with a rotation ever again? Well, it turns out I lied. The Army made a liar out of me and truly, I should have known better.

I'm frustrated and I've really no reason to be. It's just that we had plans and frankly? I get annoyed when I have to parent alone. My pregnant body hasn't been that kind to me and by the end of the day I'm in gobs of pain from bending over the bathtub trying to wash Baby K. My knees are hurting from the constant climbing over of the baby gate. And I'll not mention some of the other physical ailments that pregnancy tends to bring along.

We're a few months away from being out of the Army for good which begs the question- What's next?

We still don't know. Next weekend, Captain J is off to a hiring conference. There, he'll have six interviews from jobs that will likely be all over the country. Our preference is to be in the Southeast, but I fear this large company looking for employment options for J does not care about our geographical preferences. Anyway, the job interviews will filter in from various corporations but the opportunities will primarily be in the field of business. Captain J is currently working on finishing a Master's in Business. Of course, he isn't promised a job offer, only interviews.

He got a call the other day suggesting he interview for a company that would require him to travel every 6-8 weeks for a calendar year. Keep in mind his reasoning for getting out of the military is so that he could be around to see the babes grow up. Obviously, this scenario isn't ideal for us. He'd be gone for a year with some availability to visit, but not much. The other option is that Baby K, Baby A, and I pack up with him every 6-8 weeks and travel the country, too. Ideally, how neat? Realistically? We'd have two under two on the road with cloth diapers. Schedules would fly out the window. And I would still not get to properly decorate for Christmas! Kidding on that last one. Actually, no I'm not.

I want a home that is ours. One that isn't too far from family in Tennessee. One that we can settle in, find a reliable babysitter, make friends, and find a church home we love.

I understand that when one is just starting out, they have to pay their dues. Unfortunately, the dues Captain J paid years ago won't translate in the civilian world. Now, we start over.

I'm sure it will be exciting, difficult, and chaotic all at the same time. The transition already feels that way. We don't have much of a plan at this point. Everything is up in the air, just like with the Army so in that way our lack of a plan does feel like home. Frustrating but comforting.

So if you ask what our plans are post military, I'll have to tell you that we don't know. And when we get one, it might change. That's life.

Roll with the punches.

Source: weightoffmyshoulders.com via Mrs. on Pinterest

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)

Patriotic Decor

I'm typically a sucker for holidays. I use any chance I get to be creative and switch up what we're staring at around the house on a day to day basis. I rarely ever buy anything- I like to use what's around the house and today's post is no different. I didn't buy a single thing!

I had this brilliant idea that I wanted to pay tribute to the men in my family who have sacrificed their time to serve this great country of ours. I wanted to celebrate them in some way...but how? I began asking around for photos of great grandparents, grandparents, my step-dad, and others who served in our nation's armed forces. Of course I would include Captain J, too! After gathering a few pictures of them in uniform,  I began to get some inspiration. I chose to use the deeper colors of the red, white, and blue because that's what I had around the house.

The Bunting Banner:

You Will Need:

• red cloth
• 1 cereal box
• white paint + paint brush
• twine/rope
• scissors
• glue gun

Step One: Cut the large sides off of the cereal box so that both are flat on the ground. Then draw a star shape on one (Use a stencil or print-off if you want them to be perfect). Cut out the star and then use it as a guide to cut out the second one on the other piece of cereal box. This ensures that the two will be roughly the same size.

Step Two: Time to paint! Place the stars on a surface you don't mind getting dirty, but beware of slopping too much paint on the edges of the stars as this will cause it to stick to the surface making it really difficult to get off in one piece (not that I did that or anything). You'll probably want a couple coats on there.

Step Three: While those are drying, get out your fabric and eyeball those nifty little triangles. I used a fabric cutting board and a rotary cutter (from all that sewing I do- ha, yeah right) which made it so much easier, but scissors will work fine, too. Again, use the first cut out you make as your guide for the other two.

Step Four: Measure the area you want your bunting banner to cover then cut your twine or rope accordingly. I used a sharpie to mark the places my stars and triangles would look nicely. But you can eyeball this, too- just find a large area to spread out the entire length of your rope.

 Step Five: Glue time! Use your hot glue gun to attach the pieces to your twine or rope. Just to make certain it would hold, I placed text books on top of each piece while it dried.

Voila! A patriotic banner for your July, Memorial Day, or Veteran's Day. 

Free Printable:

It reads, "Home of the free because of the brave" and you can download it free of charge here.

 Here are some other aspects of my patriotic mantel:

Top: (Step)Grandfather- "POP" in Saudi Arabia

Left: Great Grandfather KIA 1945

Right: (Step) Great Grandfather in Japan WWII and

Captain J in Iraq 2009

That's all you can see right now. It's not quite done! I still have a few more pictures I need and some finishing touches that I'll purchase from Hobby Lobby, no doubt. I've just got to make the trip there. Thanks for viewing!

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!

Seasons

I just meticulously unwrapped the foil from my lingering Valentine's Day Dove, carefully so as not to rip the message that was waiting for me inside. It read, "Express what's in your heart." And I just don't know that I can.

Today was a good day.

I spent the first part of my day somewhat bitter. It's so easy for me to only walk in my shoes- to not consider someone else's point of view. How awful when that person I'm not considering is the other half of me, my husband.

Captain J has been working as much as he used to work in Alaska (and more). If he comes home, he doesn't get here until around nine. The baby is in bed at that point and I'm finally able to allow myself to rest a little. Some nights, he doesn't come home at all. I start to slip into the attitude that I raise our child, I know what's best, and I'm making all the decisions when it comes to him. I feel like a single parent.

The military wife often plays this role when her husband is away. The only thing that is different is that she knows it's temporary and sometimes, if she's lucky, there's an end in sight.

I've stopped looking for that end. I'm starting to enjoy more and more every day, the time I get with Baby K. Sure, I'm sad that we can't experience his morning laughter together or his afternoon cuddly moments. I hate that Captain J misses feeding time because of the cute way K looks like a baby bird when he opens his mouth for the vegetable of the day.

My husband, the soldier- he misses so much.

I don't want to be annoyed when he's gone so much. I want to focus on the good.

Like pretty weeds.

 And watching the interest on my child's face as he discovers pine cones.



Strolling through the backyard,



picking flowers for Daddy.



There's beauty in all seasons.



And in this season of my life, I'm going to focus on the beautiful. To me, that means getting to watch my son grow up right before my eyes. I'm the luckiest woman in the world to have such a wonderful boy- not to mention, a husband who works very hard so that we can experience moments like these.

I love my boys.

I get by with a little help from my friends

I haven't always had trouble making friends. When I was in high school it was easy for me and I think I was pretty well-liked, enough to get a few superlatives my senior year- although I don't remember what they were. Friendliest, maybe?

I am nice, I swear it.

The point is- I had many friends in my school and neighboring schools and I never really felt like I was missing out.

When I got to college, it took me a while longer to connect with people. I even had a couple people tell me they thought I was a bee i tee cee aich- that I was stuck up the first time they met me. I don't know if it's my quiet demeanor, my follower mentality, or the observer in me, but people often take me the wrong way. They equate shyness with something unlikeable.

Eventually, I was able to open up more and make a wonderful group of friends in college, many of which I consider my bestests.

[caption id="attachment_3990" align="alignnone" width="604" caption="here are a few from graduate school"][/caption]

Obviously, I'm not incapable. I just have a harder time connecting with women. I spent much of my undergrad hanging out with guys because I found them easier to talk to. When I got married, I distanced myself from those relationships out of respect for my husband (this is not a time for a lecture in choosing my own friends despite gender) and my own comfort level.

But this shyness or whatever it is has followed me into my adult life. Because of the Army (and having to pick up roots quite often and move), I am reminded of my handicap! It took me forever to establish a good group of friends at our first duty station.





Now, here I am at our third and my sole source of interaction is with my 5.5 month old! Perhaps that's why I blog so much. I feel the need to connect.

I really appreciate all of you who leave comments, send emails, tweet, and leave me facebook love each time I write. It helps me to not feel totally alone throughout the day!

It's tough to not have a job or opportunities to meet other people and get out and socialize especially for someone like me who has to step outside of her comforting box in order to try and meet new friends. If there's one thing I've learned in life it's that a girl needs her girlfriends!

To my friends past and present- love you, mean it.

~Mrs. K

Ghosts of Christmas(es) Past

Two of my favorite Alaskan Bloggers that I had the pleasure of meeting posted about previous holidays with their families and so it made me want to, too!

And just so you know...I thought the title of this post was so clever until I went to link up to Shannon's original post and realized I really just copied her. Ha!

Anyway, here's the other blogger who wrote about it, too. If you're looking for more blogs to read, check them out.

Without further ado:

2008- Our first Christmas together was spent actually very far apart. Captain J was in Iraq and I was worried about him from Tennessee. This was a tough holiday season as I caught a glimpse of what was to come in my future with him. Military life is so much harder when holidays roll around. Still, I tried to make the best of it and sent him a gazillion packages so he would have something to open for two weeks straight! This was also the year that I may (or may not) have had one too many glasses of wine and told Captain J's dad and a family friend of my undying love for him through wet, soppy tears.

What? I'm no pillar of strength.

I had fun, too though.

I went to a Tacky Sweater Party

and the annual (not so traditional) Christmas caroling

2009- This was a lovely year for us. I was just so happy to have him home and I know he was elated to BE home. We celebrated Christmas as a newly engaged couple and were married shortly after the new year!

2010- This year was crazy hectic. In November, we made the long journey from Alaska to Georgia. Thanksgiving was spent on a boat floating around Alaska and Canada. We made it home by Christmas, though and were able to announce our news that a very special gift would be arriving in 8 months!

We had written on the flip side of our Christmas cards that year that it was also from Baby K, but it took them awhile to see it.

We were pleased as peaches to know we would soon be parents!

2011- This makes three years in a row that I've had my soldier home for Christmas. I can't tell you how happy and grateful I am to say that. I know he'll have to leave again, but I'm cherishing this first Christmas we have together as a family of three. Waking up to this sweet boy makes me the happiest woman in the world! I'm incredibly, incredibly blessed.