Sometimes our fantasy scenarios aren’t all they are cracked up to be.A few weeks ago my husband returned from his fifth overseas deployment … three months early. This is the first time this … [Read more...]
Top Ten Homecoming Don’ts
We all know our own, personal list of "to-do's" for a military homecoming (take day off work, get hair done, create vacuum tracks, find cutie clothes for kids, lose 20 pounds, ditch three gallon tub … [Read more...]
Dr. Phil: PTSD Takes Us “From Heroes to Monsters”
A Dr. Phil show that aired this week said that veterans suffering from PTSD are damaged goods that can "dismantle marriages." He titled the show "From Heroes to Monsters." When I hear the word … [Read more...]
How To Do Reintegration Without A Shrimp Fork
There is one aspect of military life that is kicking me in the teeth over the last year or so. Reintegration. Or rather I like to think of it as "trying to figure out what normal family life is … [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...]
Be On The Lookout
Last night reminded me that even when we aren't actively experiencing military life, we are still dealing with my husband's military experiences.You would think given my involvement with … [Read more...]
Is PTSD Hurting My Marriage?
Reintegration so far has been like sitting on a surf board. I am looking down through clear blue water, not expecting any big waves, just enjoying the company. Then a shadow appears under my board … [Read more...]
Most Miserable MilSpouse Wins
It happened to me again yesterday: there I was, reading Facebook statuses, and doing everything in my power not to comment to a friend “sorry your husband is leaving – but MINE will be gone when … [Read more...]
Reintegration: The Good
I’ve been posting since the summer of 2011 about military life, news stories and deployment tips.Our deployment ended in the early days of December and we went through the process our way. Just … [Read more...]
MOAR: The Mother of All Reintegrations
The colors in Iraq have officially been retired, though we should never forget that approximately 4,000 troops remain in Iraq. And of course, Afghanistan remains a hot spot. For those with loved ones … [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...]
MilSpouse Advice From Ashton Kutcher
I promise I don’t pay that much attention to celebrity news (no, really!) but when I saw an article today saying Ashton Kutcher has relationship advice to share, I had to read it.What could a … [Read more...]
Homecoming Advice Needed!
It seems like every post I write these days has to do with homecoming, but I guess you could blame it on excitement...or nerves! I am so excited at the thought of having my husband back in my arms … [Read more...]
Pets and Reintegration
The last few weeks have been full of talk about homecoming and reintegration within my husband's unit. We've received multiple emails about upcoming events that we need to attend, as well as the … [Read more...]
Reintegration Readiness
Last weekend I attended our Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Brief for my husband's unit. Ahh...it seems so unreal to say that word - reintegration! That means this current deployment is coming closer to … [Read more...]
Worry for the Kiddos
"I know that there are children out there that won't be developing problems for a good while. But once they come back and go off active duty there's no help from the military for our families, and … [Read more...]
Time Off Work After Redeployment: How Much?
Over a year ago, I wrote a post about some proposed legislation which would require employers to give military spouses and parents time off when their service member is about to leave for a … [Read more...]
