Happy Anniversary to me ♥

I'm wondering if it is because of this lifestyle, or if it is just because I'm being a humbug, but my anniversary isn't a big deal to me these past few years... With the way the hubs works, sometimes he is here, sometimes he isn't... I've learned not to expect something grand on our day. I'm just glad we made it another year, lol.

Today we have been married for 9yrs and in October we will have been together for a total of 15yrs...that's just about our lives. I remember him in high school when he was the jock who would do things to get my attention and I would play games and be evasive...you know how teens are, lol. Sometimes I felt smothered... oh what I'd give to feel smothered again.

Our wedding was in my MIL's back yard on a newly built porch, decorated with light yellow and other pretty touches... My wedding song, "Ribbon in the Sky" played softly in the back ground on an old time record player. For some it may not seem like much, but we got married in a hurry and it was great for me. =)





"Ribbon In The Sky"

Oh so long for this night I prayed
That a star would guide you my way
To share with me this special day
Where a ribbon's in the sky for our love

If allowed may I touch your hand
And if pleased may I once again
So that you too will understand
There's a ribbon in the sky for our love

Do...Do...
Do Do Do Do Do...
HMM HMM...

This is not a coincidence
And far more than a lucky chance
But what is that was always meant
Is our ribbon in the sky for our love, love

We can't lose with God on our side
We'll find strength in each tear we cry
From now on it will be you and I
And our ribbon in the sky
Ribbon in the sky
A ribbon in the sky for our love

Do...Do...
Do Do Do Do Do...
HMM HMM...

[Musical Break]

There's a ribbon in the sky for our love

PCS-ing ((Always fun, isn't it?))

For those who are new to Army lingo, PCS is "Permanent Change of Station". (for more acronyms, check out my previous post - Army Acronyms) Now that we have that out of the way...

As we all know, part of this military lifestyle is moving from place to place and whether it's your first PCS move or your 4th, it's still stressful! So many things to do in so little time, and it makes a difference if you are going to have the army move you or do a DITY move. ((A DITY move is when you move yourself and all your belongings.))

We have had the Army move us 5 times! We have never done a DITY move, for me, I'd rather not deal with it when someone else can do it for me. I'm just not that patient or organized, LOL.

Here are some helpful tips from personal experience and around the web =)

1. The first thing you should do is go to your transportation office and discuss your options, whether you're going to have the army move you or do it yourself. If the army is going to move you you will need to set up a time to have packers come and pack your things for you. The transportation office should help you with the information you need. You can probably also get help with information from your local ACS office AFTER speaking to transportation first.

2. One helpful thing to do may be to contact the family center at your new location. Family centers offer relocation assistance programs that provide moving information to you and your family. Ask questions, and learn about your new community and what it offers.

3. If you live on post, make sure you go to your housing office and follow the correct procedures for clearing your residence. Make sure you do everything the way they say or you could screwed out of money. We haven't had it happen to us personally but I have seen it happen to others. Simple mess ups too.

4. Personal tip from me: the day before the packers came I took everything we needed to keep with us (because we were driving to our new duty station) and put it into our downstairs closet and put on the door "DO NOT PACK". In the closet I had all our clothes we needed (about a week and half worth), my traveling books, things for the kids, a few pillows and a few throw blankets. I locked up my purse in my car to make sure that didn't get packed too. So basically, whatever you plan on keeping on you in person when you move, keep it somewhere the packers won't get it!

5. Personal tip from me: the amount of stuff you have depends on how long the packers will be there. Some people provide them with drinks (water, koolaid, soda) and lunch (pizza or subs) just as common courtesy. I find they are very appreciative of this and your things may be packed a little better ;) lol

6. Make sure your spouse applies for your DLA (dislocation allowance). The purpose of DLA is to partially reimburse you for the expenses incurred in relocating the household on a PCS move. Personal note from me: if you can afford to, save a little money each month towards a "moving fund" to help. You may not need it though since you will have your DLA and you'll be getting your BAH. Here is a link to the DLA rates effective Jan. 1, 2011 - PRIMARY DLA RATES 1.4%-*(Effective 1 January 2011)

Here are 2 helpful links... one is a PCS checklist through Military.com and another is info on PCS-ing when someone in your family has special needs or is EFMP:

PCS Checklists for Your Move

Tips for PCS moves when you have special needs. (PDF)

There is a lot of information on Military OneSource about moving too - Making your next move easier.

Hope this helps some =)

Only the strong survive... or not...

I was reading some responses to an inbox question on my page, *Army Wives Do It With Hooah*, and someone said something to the effect that "only the strong survive going through deployments" and this was in reference to being married. ((in no way am I picking on this person who made this comment, it just made me think))

I use to think this... but I'm beginning to wonder... During our first deployment, I never realized how strong I was until I was thrown into that crazy mess! LOL... I grew up so much and found strength I never knew I had and gained more over that year.

Each deployment has taught me something new about myself and I've gained more strength with each one. We've been through 4 now and I think I know now what needs to be strong. The person specifically doesn't need to be strong, or even both of the people in the relationship... one can be weak, one can be strong, they can both be either...

The strength you need to survive a deployment in marriage or any romantic relationship is the strength of the relationship. By that I mean things such as honesty, communication... trust...

My husband is a very strong individual and I admire all the qualities he has and I wish I could exhibit some of them... I myself am a strong woman in lots of ways... does that mean we would survive a 5th deployment? No it doesn't... we can be two strong people, but our relationship can be weak... a weak relationship is less likely to survive a deployment than a strong one... two weak people can be in a strong relationship and they may make it while we sink...

Just a thought...

**I'm not entirely sure what the lady meant in her comment about "only the strong survive", this is just my take on it. =)

Scentsy ♥ Supports Autism!

One out of every 110 children is diagnosed with autism – a staggering number. However, Scentsy has added its own numbers to the conversation:

*One Piece by Piece charitable cause warmer
*More than 100,000 independent consultants raising awareness
*100 percent of the profits benefitting Autism Speaks, an organization that has contributed more than $160 million to autism research and program development

“Scentsy is all about simplicity, authenticity and generosity. Our cause warmers, like the Piece by Piece warmer offered to support Autism Speaks, are great ways for us to make a difference in the communities we serve,” said Scentsy President Heidi Thompson.

Heidi and her husband, Orville, showed significant dedication to generosity when they founded the Scensty Family Foundation two years ago. Formed on three pillars of giving—direct giving, charitable cause warmers and scholarships for children of company consultants and employees—the Foundation has already made a considerable impact.

Its direct giving council considers each request for support on a case-by-case basis, be it as small as an individual sponsorship request for a race, as large as their recent $2.5 million Scentsy Buddy™ donation to the 2010 Today Show Toy Drive, or as complex as supporting major relief efforts for communities damaged by natural disasters.

In addition, twice a year the Foundation selects a charitable cause to support through the creation of a unique warmer, the profits of which are donated to that cause. The Foundation has previously supported such philanthropic efforts as Sunshine Kids, contributing $176,000 to their work with children battling cancer; and the National Breast Cancer Foundation in the United States and Rethink Breast Cancer in Canada with their “Love, Life, Hope” Warmer, raising a total of more than $600,000 for both organizations.

This spring’s charitable cause warmer brings attention to a significant disability affecting increasingly large numbers of children every year. “So many people have been touched by autism” reflects Orville, CEO of the company. “Our 100,000 independent consultants have a great desire to support important causes. Autism is a puzzle they want to help solve, and Autism Speaks is a charity they are very excited to support.”

Designed with colorful puzzle pieces, the release and sale of the Piece by Piece warmer not only honors the mission of Autism Speaks—“Solving the puzzle, piece by piece”—but also honors Autism Awareness month (April), further publicizing the growing impact autism has on families across the country.

“We are pleased to establish a partnership with Scentsy and are grateful for the unique warmer design to raise funds and autism awareness,” said Mark Roithmayr, President of Autism Speaks.

Piece by piece, warmer by warmer, Scentsy is making a difference in its community – and for autism, too.

DSA is proud of its members’ charitable giving efforts.

To help Scentsy Raise money for Autism Speaks go to my website now and look for the "Piece by Piece" warmer in the search area.


http://jamielynn1027.scentsy.us/

Signs of Suicidal Behavior - do you know them?

I decided to write about this because of recent events around here. We have had several soldiers commit suicide and I keep wondering to myself, "did anyone see this coming?" Now I know that if someone really wants to do it they will, but what if others had noticed the signs and intervened? We may still have some people with us. Most of the time there are signs that lead up to someone committing suicide. Some of these signs are:

Depression: they will start experiencing many different emotions including sadness, anxiety and hopelessness...they may lose interest in things they once enjoyed or don't seem to care about what is going on around them. People with depression can be helped, even major depression can be helped when caught in time.

Talking about dying: they may become kind of obsessive about death. Maybe talking about how they want to die or how others have died. Thinking and talking about death all the time and more specifically including themselves.

Sleep patterns: Someone who's depressed and considering suicide may change their sleeping habits. This can range from them sleeping too much to not sleeping at all and being restless all of the time. Often times, they'll move from a regular schedule to being hyperactive. They then move into periods of sleeping for long periods of time.

Other things:
*loss of appetite w/ sudden loss of weight
*loss of concentration
*feeling worthless
*hating themselves
*hating everything
*loss of goals or interest in the future
*making plans for others to care for their pets
*giving away personal things or money
*getting their WILL in order
*loss of control

One important thing to look at is their past!! Do they have a past history of suicide attempts or depression?

Here are some links to follow for more info and help:

Suicide - medicineNet.com
Recognizing Suicidal Behavior
What can I do to help someone who is suicidal?
Depression (military onesource

If you have a mental health emergency you can always call Military Onesource:
Contact a Consultant Now
1.800.342.9647

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1.800.273.TALK (8255)

If you need it, get help, get your loved ones help. Don't wait.

Liz Fields is hosting her 1st Annual Military Gala

Military Couples Are Invited for an Evening to Remember:

First Annual Military Gala by evening and bridal gown designer Liz Fields

Liz Fields is hosting her 1st Annual Military Gala, a launch extravaganza that will kick off an effort across the country to give away gowns to women within the military family.

The gala is primarily a way to showcase Liz Fields’ Bridal Gowns, Destination Wedding dresses,Special Occasions niche designs and Evening gowns. But, it is also the designer’s dream to make military ladies’ dreams come true. With that, an evening to remember has evolved. Registered military couples, which run the spectrum of boyfriend-girlfriend, engaged, and married couples, will be toasted with an evening of dancing, entertainment from a surprise former American Idol Contestant, and giveaways and prizes for the ladies and their gentlemen dates.

Online registration will open 8pm, June 20th, 2011—with media sponsor Army Wife Network— for military couples over the age of 21 since drinks will be served courtesy of Silver Eagle Distributors/Anheuser Busch. Visit ArmyWifeNetwork.com for event flyer and details.

The July 23d (7-11pm) event is free at The Swanderosa, San Antonio, TX (20463 Scenic Loop Rd). Couples should plan to arrive, dressed semi-formal for the occasion and prepared to relax and enjoy the unique event facility. Additionally, there will be a fashion show, hor d’oeuvres, special guests AND a major television network filming the whole thing.

Liz Fields, Serendipity, and other sponsors are excitedly working to make it all happen. All that is missing are the guests. Military couples should register quickly, because there are only enough spaces for 85 couples: eighty-five lucky military couples who will be wined and dined and celebrated at this very special event.

Emailed from - Army Wife Network

Summer Vacation!!! ...kinda

My in-laws left yesterday and took my youngest with them. Yay!! I may not be going somewhere grand this summer or having wild adventures, but I get a break from my 6yr old for a month!! I'm excited for her too because I know she is going to have so much fun with her Nana... you see, Nana is a girls kinda girl!! Tea parties, dolls ((she has about 200)), dressin' it up diva style, lunch and movies.... My baby girl is gonna have a blast!

I use to love spending time with my grandma and I still do... ((which reminds me I need to call her!))

Oh and I have a few books I'm reading from the library and I'll be taking some "note" from them for my readers. The books I got are:
"Venus on Fire, Mars on Ice" by: John Gray
"Too Good to leave, Too bad to stay" by: Mira Kirshenbaum
"The 5 languages of love" by: Gary Chapman

Have you read any of these? That's my summer reading =)

Gotta go, the coffee is done! LOL

What's happening?

Well, let me tell you!

I've been kinda busy with the kids out of school now... gonna be a long summer! Eh, maybe not, my daughter, who just turned 6 this month, will be going back to NJ with her Nana and Popop for a month. They are down visiting for a few days. Today we went over and had lunch at Paula Deen's place - Lady and Sons - she is fabulous!!!! I even got a purple pen from her store =)

Several happy moments to give a mention to:

My besties hubs came home about a week ago!! Welcome home Eddie, Jorge and Travis!! I missed you all picking on me ;)

My husbands friends from High School, whom I knew too but weren't really friends with them, got married!! Congrats!! May you have many wonderful years together!

June 29th will be our anniversary... married for 9yrs!!! Is it time to trade him in yet? We've been together for 15yrs now, I think I need a newer model!! hahaaha I kid, I kid...

And a big CONGRATS to me!!! I started selling Scentsy in May, well I signed up in the end of April, but... lol... I've been doing great so far!

Escential Consultant in April 2011
Certified Consultant in May 2011
& I have made Lead Consultant in June 2011 - but it won't show up until July =)

In May, I sold over $2,ooo!!! So, I got an extra 5% commission on top of the regular commission plus a sweet charm bracelet with a dollar sign charm to go on it!! (a monthly sales award)

So far, I'm at Scentsational Start Award - level 2 for my first 70 days and I think that is where I'm gonna stay, which is great!! I will get Purple Scentsy Scentsational Start Lapel Pin & $125 free product & a Certificate of Achievement!

I have also qualified for the first month of the summer sales incentive where the consultants who qualify get a special warmer for FREE!!!

So, I'm really excited about all this and looking to do great things with it!

My Blog for Scentsy
My Scentsy Fan Page
My Scentsy Profile (where I reveal all my deals, drawings and give-a-ways)

My army wives fan page, *Army Wives Do It With Hooah* , is doing great too!! I'm still getting messages from wives and girlfriends thanking me for helping them with the inbox questions and telling me how supportive the page has been for them... Thank goodness I have Rissa to help me =) Thanks Rissa! Love you!

In a few days I have an appt with my doctor to get a referral for a breast reduction. I'm hoping this goes the way I want because these "bad boys" have got to go!!! My back and shoulders can't take it anymore!!! Send positive thoughts my way please =)

So, I think that's about it... oh, my boys have birthdays this summer and I will officially be the mother of a pre-teen... Time flies and I'm not sure I'm ready for this challenge!! LOL

Until next time...

30 Days of me - Days 24, 25, 26 and 27

*let's get this finished LOL

Day 24- A letter to your parents.

Dear "dad",
Fuck off. The end.
Love, the daughter you've seen twice since birth =)

Dear Mom,
I miss you so much. I feel you with me still, even after 3 yrs of you being gone. The boys still talk about you and I talk about you to Alexis. She may not remember you because she was so young but she definitely knows who you are. Keep watching over me, I need you.
Love, Your first born =)


Day 25- What I would find in your bag?

*wallet
*scentsy business cards
*lip gloss
*deodorant
*debit cards
*military ID


Day 26- What do you think about your friends?

I love them obviously!!! Seriously though, my friends are some of the best gals around...loving, supportive, funny and they keep it 100% real. Couldn't ask for a better group of gals!


Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge?

Because everyone else was doing it. Duh. Yeah, yeah, I'm a follower on this one lol.

AWN is having a Coupon Boot Camp!

Do you want to learn more about couponing and saving money?!! Well here is the info I got via email. If I could post the PDF file here I would, but I can't... well, if I can, I don't know how, LOL ... It says:

*******************************************************************

Are you a military spouse?
Looking to save money?
Want to know the basics of couponing?

Join us for AWN’s Coupon Boot Camp. This four-part webinar series is led by Army wife Maggie Leung.

Date: June 21/23 & June 28/30
Time: 11-12:30 Eastern
Location: AWN Webinar Room - Announced via email to registrants only
Cost: Free
Notes: Limited space is available. Please do not register if you do not intend on attending ALL FOUR sessions. They are progressive.
Registrant addresses are collected as we will be doing a one-time mailing to those who attend.

*******************************************************************

So, if you'd like more info on how to register, head over to Army Wife Network on Facebook or their website.

Army Wife Network - facebook
Army Wife Network - website

Enjoy!

Why do we have to be SuperWomen?

This isn't just about military wives...it's about women in general, married or not... Some of this may apply to you, or not... but here is my little 2cents:

Do you ever notice that as women we are suppose to have these superpowers that make us do everything under the sun and be all chipper about it? Why is that?!

For example, I know a wonderful woman who has kids and goes to school. Her husband works. This woman does EVERYTHING!!! She takes care of the kids, cooks the meals, cleans the house, goes to all of the kids appts for doctors & school, runs errands, does the grocery shopping and goes to school. Her husband? Oh he works and brings in the money, that's it. Now, I'm not saying it is horrible of him to not help with things, but is it too much to ask of him to show a little appreciation? Is it too much to ask to not bitch if there are a few dishes in the sink or if the kids are a few minutes late getting to bed? A simple "Hey babe, can I get you a glass of iced tea while you work on your homework?" would probably make this woman's day!!

Why do some men think that just because they bring home the pay that it gives them the right to act like King? Now, if he is treating his wife like a Queen, okay, he can be the King... but don't expect to get treated like a King when you treat your woman like a Peasant!!!

Me, I don't mind doing all the work and for some strange reason, my husband has been helping out with a few things, lol. However, he has his pigheaded moments ((and I love him still)).

I guess this just came from seeing so many women lately be upset at how they are being treated, or not treated, by the men they love. I don't doubt that these men love them, but I do think they have some issues on letting go of the "I am man, hear me roar" syndrome. Guys, if you're reading, it's okay to show your feelings sometimes!!! =)

Oh, and don't you know we're suppose to do it all with a smile and be happy-go-lucky all day? Now, while I try not to complain too much, and I try to be as happy as possible, there are some days that I am just wore out and don't feel like greeting you with a smile at the door!!! Seriously...lol

So, for all the women, married or not, you may not be SuperWoman, but I think you're super for all you do. I appreciate everything you do because I know what it's like to do it all!!! Much love =)