Friday Fill-In #31

1. Aside from no deployments, what is one thing you would want to make the MilSpouse life “perfect”? submitted by Oh How Delightful

Friday Fill-In #30

It's back!  With some great questions from the milspouses that answer the questions each week...check it out!

1.  What is your favorite MilSpouse blog (not including Wife of a Sailor who we all love, or your own)? submitted by Our Crazy Life (Wifey note: whaaaat? You can’t say my blog? No fun! LOL, just kidding)


I don't actually read a lot of blogs regularly, but the two I find myself drawn to most often are Randomonium (not only is she a Navy wife, but she's also primal - bonus for me!) and Planting Shade (a dear friend of my sister who's personality and writing style reach out to me).

2.  What are your favorite perks about your s/o being deployed (we all know there are perks)? submitted by Ramblings of a Marine Wife

I like realizing all the things I love about him all over again.  There's probably more, but right now, at this point in the patrol I don't want to think about what's good about him being gone, I just want to be excited that he's going to be home sooner rather than later and the perks that come with that!

3.  How long did you date your before getting engaged? Married? submitted by Utterly Chaotic

Well, on and off since 5th grade!  I'm serious.  It was way back then when I thought he was boring that she laughed and said, "You're probably going to marry him."  After years of holding hands on the bus and getting in trouble for calling long distance to dedicate songs to him on the radio (yes, there was a time that people paid for long distance calls by the minute!) we dated for over a year in high school. 

He broke up with me near the end of our Senior year so that he could join the Navy and I wouldn't feel tied to him.  (I'm still not sure if he was being thoughtful or selfish - but it worked.)  We remained friends and we both sorta dated other people.  In my Sophomore year of college we officially got back together, got engaged during Junior year and were married the month after I graduated from college...10 1/2 years ago!
4.  What do you think your would do if s/he wasn’t in the military? submitted by Adventures of M-Squared

He believes that if we hadn't gotten married he probably would have gotten out of the Navy and gone to Alaska to make some money on the fishing boats and been a climber in the mountains around here during the off season.  But if we were still married and he just wasn't in...I really don't know.  What he'll do after he retires from the Navy is something we discuss frequently and the options range from self-employed wood worker and general handyman to wearing a new uniform, a suit and tie, in whatever the equivalent of division officer is in the civilian world.  Time will tell...

5.  If you could talk to the Secretary of (fill in your appropriate branch) what is one suggestion you would like to bring to their attention in order to improve the lives of military families? submitted by My Life as His (Air Force) Wife

Such a thought provoking question.  I'm trying to think about what would make my life easier...one thing that would really help is to have free childcare at the gym.  I know, it's a little silly with all the other things that could be done.  But it would really help me to be able to jump in the pool every now and then.  Heck, I'd even pay for childcare...not much, but something...I just want it at the gym!

Friday Fill-In #29

1.Since most if the country has had nasty weather, what has your weather been like this week?
     I'm here in the great PNW!  We've been cool but clear lately! 

Friday Fill-In #28

1.If you were a famous movie star, what types of movies would you star in?

I think I'd fit into a chick flick best.  My comebacks are quick enough for comedy and I think I'd be scared doing thrillers!  But predictable drama with a "happily ever after" ending...I'm in! 


2.What is a vacation you would like to take if money were no object?

I'd love to travel with my family.  If money was really no option then none of us would have to work and we could spend a week or two here or there...seeing the sights from coast to coast.  Going abroad would be fun too...and incredible to see buildings that have been standing for longer than the US has existed.  But, I really do want to visit each of our 50 states...each one has so much to offer.

3.Did you have pets growing up?

yup.  When I was little (single digits) we had cows and horses.  Even after we got rid of them we had cats and dogs.  My favorite little doggy was Benji, who looked just like Benji - the famous dog.  He hopped through the snow and we called him snow bunny!  He was so fun!

4.What do you do for exercise?

not enough.  We walk and are trying to do that more.  There are other things I'd like to do...but we know that as military spouses it's not always easy to get time away from the kids and I don't necessarily want to pay for a sitter and pay for a workout.  So...much of my exercise goals remain goals.  But we are walking - did over 2 miles today!

5.What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received as a MilSpouse?

"It's written in jello."  As in nothing is in stone in the military, dates can change, home for dinner might turn into, "Don't wait up."


That's what I have to say...want to read other milspouse answers?  Wifey's got em!  Go...go!

Friday Fill-In #27

1.What do you usually want to know about someone when meeting them for the first time?
Honestly, I don't think I want to know anything specific the first time I meet someone.  I just want to visit, let the conversation flow.  But the second meeting...that's when I start to pry!  Not really.  But based on what happened at the first meeting, I may have some follow up questions at future meetings. 


2.Would you rather know everything about your spouse, or be regularly surprised?
Can I say both?  Scott and I grew up together, there isn't much we don't know about each other.  But there are still surprises as we grow even more, together and individually.  I like knowing we can always discover new things and have a solid foundation together.

3.If you could live in one city for the rest of your life, where would you live?
Isn't that the million dollar question?  Scott and I have thrown around many ideas and still don't know where we'll retire to after his Navy career is over.  We're not even sure when that will be...but that's another question.  There are things we love about Washington and talk about retiring here.  The one big thing it's missing here, though, is family.  And we like our family...so we'll probably head back to New York.  We may settle someplace in the Rochester to Syracuse to Adirondacks area...is that specific enough?

4.When you go out of town, what one material thing do you ALWAYS take?
my purse? 

5.Using no more than 10 nouns, and ONLY nouns, describe yourself.
I really like this twist on describing myself.  Let me see...
wife
mother
daughter
sister
blogger
planner
supporter
friend
teacher
learner

As always, go see what everyone else has to say...

Friday Fill-In #26

It's been a while!  Between Wifey's holiday and homecoming break and my bread for no good reason other than life took over...I haven't been very consistent with these little questionnaires.  But, I think I'm ready to be back at it!  Woo hoo! 

1.What are you looking forward to most in 2011? from Jessica Lynn Writes

Visitors.  As a family of five we're not going to be flying home (WA to NY) on a whim anytime soon.  So, I'm really excited to see the family that can come see us here.  We've got several on the books for March and April and hopefully some more this summer!


2.What is something random you do on a boring night when your significant other is away? from Lovin Ma Soldier

You mean other than answer questions on my blog?  Seriously, though, I do that even when he is around.  So, something I do when he's not around...I watch a lot of Dateline, 48 Hours, Real Forensics...that sort of thing.  They're not his favorites and I am simply amazed by how screwed up people can be. 
3.What has been your greatest adventure as a MilSpouse? from Misadventures of An Army Momma

I feel like right now is my greatest adventure.  Only recently have I realized that I'm in a unique position.  I'm an officer's wife, he's prior enlisted, and I'm on the FRG board.  Bottom line?  I have a lot of people to interact with and a lot of avenues to try when working towards improvements.  I don't fit a stereotype (that I know of) and that's perfect for who I try to be. 

4.What is the ugliest fashion trend you ever bought into (I’d like to make fun of you, so can you please provide a picture as well)? from More Than An Army Wife

I don't know about ugly, but perhaps behind the times.  In middle and high school (early and mid 90's) we were reluctant to let go of the 80's and boldly blended our grunge with our leg warmers! 
5.What was the high point of last month?

Last month had a high point?  Honestly it was a rough month.  I don't even want to think about it long enough to pick out a high point, so I'll just focus on the future. 

Don't forget to go check out other people's answers and join in yourself!  See ya next week!

Friday Fill-In #25

I haven't participated in this in a few weeks, but I'm excited to be back in the game and see what everyone else has to say too!  Without further ado...

1.  What is the best gift you have ever received or given?  (from Jessica Lynn Writes)

Gee whiz...I don't know.  One of the ones from childhood I remember most is a set of hair styling products, brush, comb and mirror I think.  Two of my cousins and I always got the same gift in different colors from Grandma and Grandpa and that year that's what the three of us got.  My set was mint green!


2.  Do you celebrate holidays differently when your loved one is deployed/gone or do you keep tradition? (from The Albrecht Squad)

I try to keep things pretty similar.  One year he was gone for his birthday and I even made a cake for him and shared it with friends!

3.  If you celebrate Christmas, do you put an angel, star or something else on the top of your tree?

An angel.  It was a wedding gift from friends of my parents.  It's beautiful.

4.  What are your three favorite websites?

Probably have to say Mama Loves Papa, Primal Kitchen, and Smrt Lernins...there are many, though, that I get excited to see new posts on, though.  And I have to admit that I can be found on facebook, blogging, and checking email most often!  But I wanted to list fun sites!

5.On your man do you prefer… boxers, briefs or boxer briefs? Or commando? (yeah, I’m starting to get desperate for questions!)

It doesn't matter much to me...I just prefer my man.  :-)


Now go check out other answers!  Go on now!!!

Friday Fill-In #21

1.  Were you named after anyone?

I was.  Grandma Kral's name was Anna.  My name is Ann Marie.  That makes me smile.
2.  What color, if any, are your toenails usually painted?

Usually my toenails are not painted.  However I got a pedicure, including purple nail polish, for my brother-in-law's and sister-in-law's wedding.  Back in June.  There's still a touch of polish that hasn't grown out on my big toe...is that TMI (too much information)? 

3.  How do you flush a public toilet? Hands? Feet? Something else?

Most of the time with my foot.  That is unless Tyler gets there first!  He loves to flush for me!  He uses his hand.  Come to think of it, I'm glad he doesn't try to copy me and use his foot...that would probably end badly!
4.  When you were a little kid, which TV character did you have a crush on?

We watched a lot of dramas, things like Scarecrow and Mrs. King and Highway to Heaven.  There weren't many cute young kids to have crushes on.  But I do remember Boy Meets World...Cory Matthews was pretty darn cute! 

5.  Let’s say you had to lose one of your five senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell). Which one would you choose? Why?

I hope I never have to choose.  If someone is torturing me to get information (I don't know anything worth torturing for, by the way) hopefully they'd choose.

So, now that you've read what I have to say...go get to know some other military spouses!

Friday Fill-In #20

1.  A different twist on last week’s question. This week, the first question is: what’s the nicest thing a MILSPOUSE has ever done for you? (brought to you from navy_smurfette)


Nothing jumps to mind, but I think the general caring of fellow milspouses is wonderful.  We've spent many a holiday with fellow milspouses.  I had chai with a new friend shortly after we arrived at our current command, which was a warm welcome.  Anything that reaches out to me, no matter how small, always helps smooth the roughness of not being near family that I'm related to by letting me know how close my military family is. 
2. How often do you drive faster than the speed limit?

Daily.  I'm not a speed demon, but I consistently drive a couple mph over what's posted.

3.  Did you have a nickname in school? If so, what was it?

Flower child!

4.  If your life was a book, what would the title be and how would it end?

Well, my blog is the story of my life right now...so perhaps I'd keep that title if it were an autobiography.  If, for some crazy reason, someone else was writing about me they might call it something else, like...hmmmm....Living Life With Love and Laughter.  That's what I try to do.  Anyone who knows me knows there's a healthy portion of tears involved too...but that wouldn't sell the story.  And often my emotions are wrapped up in my love and laughter!  How would it end?  Hopefully the story would tell of my long life, ending peacefully on this plane but living on through our incredible kids. 

5.  Look back (in your planner if you have one) to September 14th… what did you do that day?

On September 14th we were making our homeschool rocket during our study of space.  Can't beat that, can you? 

Don't forget to read what other milspouses have shared this week and post your own answers to join in the merriment!  (I usually say fun, but I'm getting into the holiday spirit!)

Friday Fill-In #18

(Edited)

1.  Are you a night owl or an early bird?


I used to be a night owl, but I then birthed children who like to rise early!  So, now I go to bed by 10 o'clock most nights.

2.  What makes you jealous?

I honestly don't know when the last time I was jealous was.  That makes me happy, though...jealousy isn't the best feeling to have!

3.  Have you started Christmas/holiday shopping yet? When will you finish? (There’s only 63 days left!)

I have started.  I don't know when I'm going to finish up...hopefully in the next 63 days!

4.  What would you have a personal chef make you tonight?

I'd love steak, rare, some fresh veggies and maybe a little brownies sundae with homemade ice cream for dessert.  He or she can leave some champagne on ice and chocolate covered berries in the fridge for later...

5.  Where was your first kiss?

a bathroom in the new addition at school, 7th grade!  I thought this should be edited to add that the new addition was not open yet.  The bathrooms were not yet in use.  And, like my lil sis pointed out, I did kiss someone on the playground in elementary school but I can't remember who...there are a few options!  The tires were a crazy place!  I do, however, remember the first kiss in 7th grade and who it was with...so I'm sticking with that one!   

 
 
Head on over and check out other's answers...and leave your own!

Friday Fill-In #17

If you follow me via Wifey's Friday fun, you might have noticed I was absent last week.  I have no good reason...well, I might, but I don't remember what it might be!  This week I have plenty of good reasons not to be sitting here typing away...I've been way busy and I'm so behind in everything...but I want to write my post!  So I am.  Simple as that!   ;-)

1.What are some things on your bucket list? (from New Girl on Post)

I haven't actually written a list...maybe I'll start that some day.  But two things I know I want to do are:  I want to see several of a grand places the US has to offer (Grand Canyon, Alaska, Route 66) and I want to take some trips with different groupings of people (my sisters, with each of my kids separately, just Scott).


2.How long have you been a MilSpouse and where have you been stationed so far? (from Raising Roscoe)

We just celebrated our 10 year anniversary in June.  He had 3 1/2 years in before we got married, but during that time I was his friend, then his girlfriend (again!), then his fiance.  He just hit 14 years (wow!) this month.

3.What is a list of songs that sums up your life so far? (from Confessions of a Sailor’s Wife)

Hmmm...
Daddy Sang Bass (Johnny Cash) reminds me of childhood
Under the Bridge (Red Hot Chili Peppers), for a few reasons this song brings me back to middle school
Amazed (Lonestar) still fits as "our song,"  it was our first dance as husband and wife and he still amazes me on a regular and wonderful basis.
Roll With Me (Montgomery Gentry), this song leaves me feeling calm and relaxed...the way I see our marriage most of the time, and our future together.

4.What is your favorite kind of pizza?

I love Hawaiian pizza but am also a fan of sausage, mushroom, and onion...and either is made better with some blue cheese for dipping!
5.What are three good things in your life right now?
 
- The time I am able to spend with my kids.
- The support my husband gives me.
- My still growing faith.
 
So, now you know a little more about me...head on over to Wife of a Sailor and check out what everyone else has to say!  And go ahead and add your own responses to the mix.  Talk about a good time...this is a ton more fun that any housework ever dreamt of being!

Friday Fill-In #15

It's time!  Time for military spouses around the world to answer some questions from Wifey.  Are you joining us this week? 

Here are my thoughts...

1.What is the silliest get-up you have ever worn outside of a Halloween party? (from To The Nth)
I've been known to wear a lot of rather strange get-ups...just ask anyone who knew me in college!  Probably my top two are a scarf that I used to wear as a shirt under jackets or sweaters and the one time I wore a fake velvet nightie to a formal event I went to last minute...it shed the whole time!  There may certainly be other concoctions I'm blocking!  lol

2.What is something that you gave up in order to live the military lifestyle? (from Pennies from Heaven)
I'd like to preface this answer with this: Every decision we make sacrifices something.  The military life awards some things that other decisions I could have made wouldn't have given me.  So, although I've "given up" something, I've gained too...hopefully all of you recognize that in your lives as well.

Now, for my answer...
I've given up living near family (for now).  There are many times when I hear a friend say that Grandma watched the kids for the weekend and I'm jealous of that closeness.  But, I think I'm pretty close to our families in the ways that count.  We talk often, write emails, send cards and pictures.  All my parents read my blog to keep up with the kids.  So, we don't live near them, but we do try to remain close to them.  And someday we might live closer again...time will tell!

3.If money wasn’t a factor and you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be? And why? (from Life and Times of a Displaced Jersey Girl)
I've always wanted to go to Australia.  I'd also love to go visit Mary in Germany, but don't know that that'll happen unless they stay there for a while...a long while!  I'm also totally psyched to go back to Disney World sometime in the future! 

4.If you were going to join the military, what branch would you join? Or which MOS/rating would you choose? (from And You Never Did Think)
I think I'd probably join the Air Force.  I don't know much about it, but my husband is a submariner and I don't know too many rates for women in the Navy.  And I know I don't want to be front lines...so Air Force it is, I guess!  You'd think my answer would be more educated, wouldn't you?

5.What is your favorite thing to make for dinner? (from Armendinger Party of 4)
Nothing.  I currently enjoy making nothing for dinner.  In fact, I'm pretty sure the kids and I will be eating healthy but simple when Scott leaves.  I made meatballs last night...balls of meat...and not a single child ate them.  And I see no reason in trying so hard when they're currently surviving on fruits, select veggies, and eggs.  Why should I go out of my way to try to be creative to get them more real meats and side dishes?  Maybe when I read others answers I'll find some inspiration, because I really do like to cook and bake...I'm just feeling discouraged by my monkeys. 

OK, on that note...let's go read what everyone else has to say...

Friday Fill-In #13

1.How do you spend your deployment money, do you save, pay off bills or enjoy the extra money while it is there to buy the things you do not normally have? (from Troop Petrie)



We don't get a bonus or anything during patrols, but I do try to save money while Scott's gone. And if I'm not saving I'm trying to pay things down whilst he's gone so we'll have "extra" money (in that we won't be paying so much each month for other bills) when he's home again.


2.If you could relive one occasion or moment, what would it be? (from Currently On Land)



Good question...and just one? Hmm...our wedding day/night was a good time...or the birth of any one of the kids (maybe not the laboring, just the new baby in my arms)....but if I had to pick just one moment, I think it would be anyone of the times Scott kisses me unexpectedly. You know the little pecks that are a little more than a peck, but not enough to lead to anything. The ones that make you stop washing dishes for a moment and ask, "What was that for?" The only answer you get is a shrug and a smile. Those moments are worth reliving...not too often, not routinely, but with a casual frequency.


3.What’s the worst job you ever had and if it was so bad why did you take it? (from Faith and Deploying)



I don't know that I've had any jobs I would call "worst," but the hardest I ever had was picking apples out of the orchard. That was exhausting and I was so glad when I got hired someplace else after just a few weeks. I was so tired and hot and sore...a job that's certainly not for the faint of heart!


4.If you could play any character on TV, who would you be? (from Many Waters)



I think it would be totally awesome to be on The Amazing Race. But for a character...I think Angela, on Bones.


5.If you could become the world’s expert in something, what would it be? (from Army of Two)



Right now I'd like to be an expert in parenting. I feel like I'm running in circles and the kids just keep running quicker around me! I was thinking recently that a vacation from them where I could regroup and figure out my parenting strategy would be really nice!





So, there you have it...my two cents. Be sure to read everyone else's answers, too!

Friday Fill-In #12

Yes, Ma'am...another week has past! It's time to fess up with some questions from Wife of a Sailor. It's time for Friday Fill-In!!!

1.Do you set goals for yourself during deployment? What are some of them? (from Military Mommy)

I think my goals are probably the same as many others: save money and lose weight!

2.What would you say to someone dating a military guy or gal? (from Mothering Off the Cuff)

I wouldn't say anything, probably, unless advice was asked of me. I might, however, talk to the military guy or gal...I think it's his or her job to prepare their loved ones for patrols, deployments, crazy schedules, etc. I might think that because my husband did a great job of letting me know what I was getting into before we got married and he continues to keep me informed. He's good like that!

3.If you have children, how do you prepare them to move to a new place? (from The Random Ramblings of A Household 6)

We just did our first move that the kids were old enough to really care. The approach we took was to be honest with them, and future focused, all in a very positive way. We let them know when we'd be moving, what would be happening. They got to pick a toy that drove with us instead of getting packed on the truck. We had a party to say good bye to friends. We got addresses and write letters. And, when they were or are sad about moving, we'd talk about it and let them know it's OK to miss friends or warm weather or whatever they're missing. But, then we talk about things we have now that we didn't have then. They have done well adjusting!

4.Name one hobby that gets you through alone time. (from My Sailor’s Mistress)

I'm not sure if you mean "alone time" as in deployments, alone because our spouses are gone, or time to ourselves, like how do I get it? So, a little on both...

It's been a while since I've been through a deployment. During the last one I sold Passion Parties, which was great for taking up time and I really enjoyed it! However, I'm no longer a consultant. So I'll have to come up with something new this time around. It'll probably revolve around homeschooling and activities with the kids!

And as for taking time for myself, when Scott's gone I do tend to watch more movies and stay up later. Both when he's here and gone, I get massages, monthly. That's my time and usually accompanied with an extra hour or so on my own for drinking chai, reading, walking, whatever!

5.What’s the one food you don’t ever get tired of? (from That Army Wife Life)

Currently, avocado. In fact, for a while that's probably been it! I love avocado in my eggs, on a salad, rolled in sliced meat, mashed in deviled eggs, even just plain....love it!

So, that's what I have to say...go check out what the other spouses have to say! Go on, now...

Friday Fill-In #11

Yes, it's Friday...again! Already! And, with the beginning of this holiday weekend comes the next edition of Wife of a Sailor's get-to-know-you style survey. If you're a milspouse, head on over and enjoy the fun!






1.What is a weird/funny superstition that you have? (from A{muse}ing Mommy on a Pink Park Bench)





I don't know of anything anymore. I'm sure I had more when I was younger. Probably the oddest little thing I have now is on escalators I always think something is going to get caught and drag me down so I kind of jump on and off...it's best to skip the part where the steps move out of sight.



2.What are your hopes and dreams for the years AFTER the military? After all, we aren’t in it forever! (from Stetsons, Spurs and Stilettos)





Ultimately we'd like to travel a little as camp hosts. If he gets out at 20 years that'll be after he retires again from some other career. But if he stays in longer we'll likely move right from our military lives to one that focuses on us as a couple and our goals with hiking, seeing the country, enjoying nature, and visiting our kids where ever they may be!



3.Since [this] month is National Apple Month (no really!), I’d probably ask: What is your yummiest apple recipe? (from NH Girl Displaced)





I love homemade applesauce. Peel em', slice em' up, cook em' down.





4.How long have you gone as a military spouse without talking to your husband/wife during service? (from A Navy Princess and Her Little Sailors)





I'm not sure. I think probably close to 2 or 3 months. That's how long his patrols are and there aren't always mail drops or even email access, but it's been a while since we've been on sea duty, so I don't remember for certain.



5.I occasionally watch When I was 17… on MTV. So, what was something that was significant about your 17th year of life? (from Ashley Amazing)





Well, that was my senior year of high school. I was dating this great guy and all was going well. He decided to join the Navy, broke up with me, made me cry and went to the prom with his ex-girlfriend. (Thankfully, he came to his senses a few years later and married me!)








Now, go check out other great answers from fellow military spouses! See you next week!

Friday Fill-In #10

Friday...already? Apparently time not only flies when you're having fun, but also when you're dealing with sick kids, homeschooling, and living life as usual.









If you didn't know, Wife of a Sailor, posts these thought-provoking questions every Thursday and we (military spouses who want to put ourselves out there!) answer the questions on our blogs on Friday. Nifty little get-to-know-ya, huh?

Here's this weeks Q & A:

1. What secret indulgence do you act on while your spouse is away? (from Devil Dog Darling)

Scott hasn't been out to sea in a while. We've been on shore duty for 3 years. In the past, though, when he'd leave I'd get Netflix and watch movies, which we didn't do very often together. This winter when he leaves, things are going to be a lot different, so I'm not sure. I'll have kids old enough to know he's gone, plus we homeschool. So, I'll definitely be hiring a sitter to get out of the house every so often...we'll see what other indulgences I give in to!

2. If you were a spice, what would you be? (from New Girl on Post)

I actually went and googled spices to get a comprehensive list! I didn't want to forget one. :) After looking through the list, I've decided on vanilla. It's comforting and warm.

3. Where do you go for support when your significant other is deployed? (from Texas Meets Washington)

A number of places...it depends on what sort of support I need. I attend FRG meetings and gatherings when I can. I like knowing there's a connection we all have and they know exactly what Im' goign through right then. I also call my mommy when I need a shoulder. She doesn't necessarily know why I need her so much, but there's really nothing like mom. I have non-military friends who I occasionally depend on to help me think about anything but the military too.

4. What is the oldest thing you own? (from A Troop's Girl)

Good question...Scott has a sweatshirt from high school! But, actually, the oldest thing we have is probably something we got from one of our grandparents. When Grandma Gebel passed we got a dresser and a crib that were at her house. The crib is actually in NY at Scott's parents' home, as we don't need it. Jace uses the dresser. I also got some serving bowls from Grandma Kral after she passed. So, one of those things is probably the oldest...

5. How did you vision your future pre-military? (from Daddy's Duty)

I remember having a conversation in college where I was uncertain if I was following the right path...I was thinking that I didn't want to work my life away. I wanted to be home when my kids got home from school, to give them snacks and hear about their days. I wanted to take care of my husband and truly feel content in our life.




So, I guess...I'm doing that...I'm caring for our family, schooling our kids, feeding them snacks and living their days with them. I truly, currently, feel content with life.







(Sigh) That was cathartic. Lovely questions this week...be sure to check out all the other great answers too!

Friday Fill-In #9

If you haven't visited any of my fellow military spouses' sites for their answers to Friday Fill-In...this is the week to do it! These are dooseys!





Last week Wifey asked for questions we would like to see in future Friday Fill-Ins. This week she picked five of them and turned them back on us. Clever...





So, here goes.

1. If you could be a fugitive from the law for whatever reason, what would be your crime? (from It's a Hooah Life)

If I'm going to be living on the lam (that's what it's called, right?) then I'll need some money, so I might as well pull off a robbery. Then I'd live off that money in some country where the US can't touch me, enjoying drinks with umbrellas in them!



2. How long do you think you will be a military family? (from Julie the Army Wife)

We have just under 6 1/2 years until Scott can retire (that will be 20 years and 4 months of active duty for him, and includes his 10 years as an officer commitment), so at least that long. The question of whether we go further or not is one we revisit frequently. I guess we'll know in, say...6 1/2 years. Yup, by then we should know for sure.



3. What's your favorite recipe? (from Keep Calm and Soldier On)

Great question! I can't wait to read everyone else's answers. I'm surprised how much I had to think about mine. I really enjoy cooking and baking, but have made a lot of changes to our way of living (eating, fitness, general health) over the past several months, so my go to recipes aren't really ones I go to any more.

Here's a new favorite cookie recipe:

2 1/2 cups almond flour/meal
1/2 cup second nut flour/meal or nut butter
1/2 cup coconut flour
1/2 cup melted coconut oil
1/2 cup honey
1 egg
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Mix together and squeeze into 1 " balls. Place on ungreased baking sheets and bake in a 325 degree Fahrenheit over for 12-17 minutes, or until the bottoms begin to turn golden brown.

I've made it using hazelnut meal for the second nut flour and I bought some cashew butter to try next! (The original recipe can be found on here.)


4. What would you want your last five words to be when you leave this life? (from My goal is Simple)

I couldn't decide between the following options that kept coming to mind. If I'm on my death bed, hopefully, I'll be able to figure it out!

a. "and the greatest is love"

b. "love, hug, smile, kiss, forgive"

5. Where do you hope to retire? (from Pennies from Heaven)

Wouldn't you like to know? I'm really not sure. I entertain the idea of retiring in Washington state, but the pull of family is all in New York, so that's definitely an option too. We've also talked about Massachusettes and Scott brought up Wisconsin once...so who knows!

So, go check out all the other great answers, and don't forget paper and pencil to copy all the best recipes!

Friday Fill-In #8

Every week Wifey at Wife of a Sailor brings us the fun of Friday Fill-In! I'm a sucker for questions and surveys and all that fun stuff...so here we go again!

1. What is ONE thing you'd like civilians to understand about being a military family?

that we're just like any other family...just with a different job

2. What is your favorite mistake?

Grad school. The mistake was thinking that I could be a therapist. As it turns out I really don't have what it takes, for a few reasons. But, going through grad school taught me so much about myself and life and I met some incredible people.

3. What indulgence could you give up for a year?

massages. I just went three years without one, so I know I can, but massages are probably my favorite way to relax. So, I won't be giving them up for the next year...I'll be getting more. But I could if I wanted to. ;-)

4. If you could be a winged animal, what would you be?

an owl...they're wise, look cool, and can turn their heads really far!

5. What is one question you'd like to see asked in a future MFF?

What's a stereotype or first impression you've had that's been changed through experience?

Done! Sorry it's late in the day, almost tomorrow for those of you on the East coast, but I've had a busy Friday! See you next week, though...and don't forget to check out other spouse's Friday Fill-Ins.

Friday Fill-In #7

Hello. For those that are regular readers...no you haven't missed Friday Fill-Ins #1-6. I just found this fun blog hosted by a fellow Navy wife and am jumping in on the fun! (OK, I didn't actually find the blog...a friend of my sister did and thought I'd like it. I do!)

So, back to our regularly scheduled post.

Wifey hosts a blog for military spouses. Each Thursday she posts a lists of questions. On Friday she answers them, and so can you! Don't be shy...

1. What is something you wish you'd learned to do earlier in life? Good question. I think gardening is my current answer. The big kicker (and reason anyone who knows my childhood is spitting out their drink right now) is that I had ample opportunity. We lived upstairs and my grandparents lived downstairs. We had acres of land, and several of them were planted with crops and flowers. Grandma could make anything grow. My mother also gardens. I remember her encouraging me to get out there with her...I didn't. I don't know what I was doing, but it wasn't learning to garden. Now I wish I knew more.

2. What is your biggest pet peeve with the military? No regular work hours. I can't plan on Scott being home every night by 7:00. Sometimes he's not even home by 5:00. Other days he's home at 2:00. It's chaotic and makes planning difficult. I can't count on him to be with the kids if I want to make an appointment or take a class. And he can't even tell me on any given day when to expect him that night. Sometimes it leaves me feeling a little off balance.

3. What tourist attraction near you have you never seen? I haven't been up to the gardens in Victoria, BC, or seen anything up there for that matter. With the Olympics being held there last winter there's probably even more to see now!

4. What are you avoiding doing right now? We need to do a little school work (we homeschool). There's not much to do today, though. So if we start late...that's OK. I've actually got 10 minutes until our normal starting time, so I might actually make it!

5. Wine, beer, or liquor? When I'm out at a bar or restaurant, which isn't often, it's likely a mixed drink of some sort. At home...wine coolers or hard lemonades.

There you have it...see you next week! Naturally, you're welcome to stop by anytime, but I'll be back next week for more Friday Fill-Ins!