When my husband was away on his last deployment, our daughter slept with a photo of her daddy under her pillow for the entire 10 months he was away. By the time he returned home, the photo was … [Read more...]
About The New Normal
The New "Normal" (aka Kris) is an Army National Guard wife of 6 years, married for 12 years, momma to two fantastic kiddos and caretaker of the household zoo. While not juggling the house, a full-time job, chauffeur duties and the kids increasingly busy social lives, she enjoys running, reading and sewing. She continues to navigate the ever-changing life with the National Guard, having survived her husband's first deployment without pulling all her hair out. Now the family gears up for her husband's second deployment that is quickly approaching. With training missions filing up the remaining weeks before they say "see you later" once again, the family works hard between school, work and activities to stop and enjoy every minute they have left together. The New "Normal" blogs about daily life and the craziness of military life over at her personal blog - The New "Normal" - attempting to make sense of the insanity with a bit of humor.
6 Ways to Deal With Childhood Anxiety
I'm a worrier. So is my son. From finances to whether or not I remembered to close the garage door at night, and everything in between, I worry. Usually it is just a nagging thought about something … [Read more...]
Answering the Tough Question: “Why Does My Dad Have to Go?”
“Why does my dad have to go? Can’t someone else go instead?” This question, raised by my 8-year-old after my husband’s departure for his most recent time away with the Army, stopped me in my … [Read more...]
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Top 7 Summer Boredom Busters
The last day of school ... the day every kid so eagerly waits for all year long. And while parents look forward to that day as well, there is also a sense of apprehension as the school year winds … [Read more...]
How Do You Feel About Women in Combat?
The topic of women in combat has always been a touchy one. Many feel that while women should be allowed in the military, they do not belong in jobs that place them on the front line. Others believe … [Read more...]
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Great Organization Supports MilKids
As I'm sure many of you have heard and read, April is the Month of the Military Child. It is a time set aside to celebrate the amazing children who navigate through the ups and downs of military life … [Read more...]
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“What You Left in the Ditch” – Filmmaker Interview
The United States has been at war for over 10 years. Thousands of our military members have, and are still, returning home suffering from the aftereffects of combat, both physical and … [Read more...]
Will Mickey Mouse Offer Your Next Job?
The Walt Disney Company is known for its support of veterans, military members and families. Over the past few years, they have made it easier for families to spend time together through their … [Read more...]
Quote: Live Like He Deploys Tomorrow
I first saw this quote right after my husband returned from Iraq. It struck close to home, as the memories of our time apart were fresh in my mind. The sadness of missing him, the daily fear for his … [Read more...]
The Surprise Rough Times of Reintegration
Before my husband came home from deployment last year, I attended all of the reintegration briefings, read all the pamphlets and handouts that were provided and attempted to prepare myself for that … [Read more...]
Pinterest and the Army
Pinterest...social media for the visual...or the lazy (like me). While I realize that Pinterest has been around for a while, it seems to have had a resurgence of interest and chatter over the last few … [Read more...]
Think Before You “Speak”
A recent article on Military.com about the Army asking Soldiers "to be cautious on facebook" brings to light, once again, the need for OPSEC (Operational Security) and how critical it is to the … [Read more...]
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Looking Back and Leaping Forward
As 2011 comes to a close, we all tend to look back on the past 365 days and analyze where we've been and what we've done. Some years are better than others, and some years... Well, some years just … [Read more...]
From Our Grateful Family to Yours
Just a month ago I was envisioning a very different Christmas. One that did not feel very cheerful. I secretly just wanted to get through the day as quickly as possible. Normally, I love Christmas and … [Read more...]
Job Well Done
Watching the news this weekend of the troops leaving Iraq brought on a myriad of emotions; happiness, relief, skepticism, pride, just to name a few. Happiness for the families that will be reunited. … [Read more...]
Together Again!
This past week brought the moment our family has been dreaming of. The moment that ten months ago seemed so far away... Our Soldier came home. And just in time for the holidays! You could certainly … [Read more...]
Thank You, Army!
With Thanksgiving having only been a few days ago, I am still thinking about the things that I am thankful for in this life. While I am always thankful for the many blessings that I have, the … [Read more...]
Gifts That Help the Local Community
As the holidays are fast approaching, I have been forcing myself to try and get prepared early this year. I want to keep the holidays simple and enjoyable. One of my favorite parts of the holiday … [Read more...]
