Everyday Survival Guide for Deployed Soldiers, Military Families, Spouses & Children

U.S. Forces Plan Direct Action Against American Citizens

2010-07-08T14:45:00.000-05:00

From December 2009 U.S. Forces Plan Direct Action Against American Citizens As most of you know, the current leader of our nation signed a martial law provision executive order on January 11, 2010. http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/2010executive_order.pdf

ICE STORM TIPS NO ONE WILL TELL YOU!!

2010-01-28T13:30:00.000-06:00

Having lived too many winters in NW Arkansas and seeing the schools out for over a month, I've learned a few things. NO.1: You never know when or where a water line will break! Even though you leave your faucets dripping, the city's lines can have a break anywhere! FILL UP YOUR BATH TUB NOW for flushing toilets and emergencies!

NO.2: KEEP your stove ashes in a covered bucket -- get an extra 5 gal paint bucket for salvaging those ashes -- they are great for getting your vehicle out of a slick spot, for the sidewalks and driveway -- without the salt damage.

NO.3: PACK AS MUCH ICE & FROZEN FOOD as possible into your freezer and DO NOT OPEN IT! If our power stays out too long, the temps will be conducive to packing perishables into a big tote or cooler and setting it on the deck.

NO.4: MAKE YOUR COFFEE NOW and put it in thermoses and airpots. It will stay fresh because it's sealed, and is easily heated on sterno burners, wood stoves, etc.

NO.5: When the power does go out, unplug the televisions, computers, coffee makers so that the power surges don't knock them out when the power comes back on.

Everyone stay safe -- We Love You All!!!

Why I'll Move Heaven and Earth to Go Home For Christmas

2009-12-24T18:15:00.000-06:00

As the rain turns to sleet and a blizzard coming later tonight, my mind travels back to an Oh, SO similar Christmas Eve 40 years ago tonight.

My parents left all they'd ever known and relative comfort of Central Texas, moving us to Arkansas in July 1967 so that I and my 3 brothers could grow up in an environment far removed from the growing racial and drug unrest of Austin. In May 1968, our home and everything we owned, all my parents had worked so hard for, burned to the ground. It's the first time I'd ever seen my father cry.

Thankful we were all alive, they began building a house on the land they'd purchased in Madison County before our journey here.

Then, through another unlikely series of events, we had to move into that unfinished house on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1969. Moving once again, with 4 children, in the rain and on Christmas Eve, into a gorgeous new home was a Christmas gift in itself. By late afternoon the snow started to fall, and Daddy scrambled to get beds set up, and the water pipes from the spring house covered as best he could.

I remember little of that day except the exhaustion of it all, and that it was Christmas Eve with not one utterance of when we'd put up a Christmas tree. Daddy always cut a cedar, and Lord only knew where the few decorations were that we'd been given after the house fire. My mom was overwhelmed with the basic logistics of moving and organizing, and as the oldest, it fell to me to get the boys bathed, fed and into bed. I remember how fabulous it felt to be sleeping in my own room again, freshly painted and with the snow splatting on my window.

Morning came, with probably a half foot of snow covering everything. Daddy was walking down the hall knocking on our doors and hollering that Santa must have been slowed down by the snow because he just saw him leave. I could hear the boys banging around and running and laughing. Mother opened my door to make sure I was coming.

Before I got to the living room I could smell the cedar. They had stayed up literally all night long, with Daddy cutting that tree in a snowstorm, and Mother decorating it with our little hand-me-down collection of lights and ornaments.

That's absolutely all I remember of that Christmas Day. The love, devotion, and yes, sense of obligation that my mom and dad showed that Christmas is etched into my heart and my brain.

This looks to be a Christmas so similar to that one 40 years ago -- (actually the Christmas '69 snow didn't let up much until February, and Huntsville Schools were literally closed for 6 weeks!). We're hoping that Shawn, Laura and Shapiro are able to make it up our hill here at the lake tomorrow, but if they can't it's okay.

I DO KNOW that come Saturday, our annual family "Saturday-after-Christmas" dinner at Daddy's and Mother's will go on. And I will move heaven and earth -- snow, ice, roads and all -- to be there with them.

Pearl Harbor Day, December 7

2009-12-07T10:30:00.001-06:00

To All Our World War II Veterans and Families: WE REMEMBER Your Courage, Your Faith, Your WIllingness and Your Sacrifice, and WE THANK YOU From The Depths of Our Hearts.

Just $2.00 for a Cup of Coffee For A Soldier...

2009-12-01T20:52:00.002-06:00

Any military family who has listened with half an ear to a returning soldier knows about Green Beans Coffee!

PLEASE join their "Cup O' Joe For A Joe". It's $2.00 a cup -- and if you can only afford one cup, that's great! They're Proud and Thankful for all $2.00 donations!

These young men and women are so thankful for that hot cup of coffee -- I know, as I've listened to both our sons talk about it!

To Donate, Go To: Green Beans Coffee Company's Cup O' Joe For A Joe.

Fabulous Video Tribute To Military Moms

2009-11-29T23:37:00.001-06:00

If you haven't yet seen this video, you simply must! It's an incredible tribute to All Military Moms from milmoms.org.

3 BIG Reasons to Stay Home On Black Friday!

2009-11-26T11:14:00.001-06:00

Black Friday ... the biggest commercial shopping day of the year. I admit to having dragged out the front door before 4:00 am a couple of times to attend these hallowed events. Both times were extenuating circumstances -- the first time was mere days before our son deployed for Iraq, and we went together to finish out his laptop equipment and the gifts for our early Christmas. The next time was the following year, with Shawn still in Iraq, and his list of gifts for his fiance firmly grasped in my gloved hands.

Never again, I thought, and so far I've held fast. The economy has tanked many of us, and I firmly believe there is no better way to save money than to Not Spend it! I know all too well that when you allow yourself to go to these glorious sale events, you will always spend more than you planned. It's the unwritten law of retail. It happens and none of us are immune to it.

There are many, many reasons to stay home on Black Friday, and I'm going to outline 3 of them.

1. Most of you who beat a path to stand in mile-long lines have children at home. This is a day off for them, too, and is the perfect time for a special pancake breakfast, and the day spent pulling out the Christmas ornaments, or baking cookies. Those precious little ones are the very reason you use as an excuse to get wrapped up in the Black Friday madness to begin with, and I assure you they will remember a day spent with you doing 'holiday things' much longer than they will ever recall what you stood in line to purchase for them.

2. For those of us who are empty nesters, this is the perfect day to spend cleaning up after Thanksgiving, scrunging around for the Christmas card list, and catch up on our thoughts. This year, there's less than a month between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and there is plenty to prepare for ahead of the madness the next few weeks can bring. Rise early, savor your tea or coffee, pull out your notebook, and begin organizing your thoughts and to-do's.

3. Almost every single retail outlet you will frequent on this Black Friday has the exact same deals and bargains available online! And 9 times out of 10, those places offer FREE shipping right to your front door! Below is a short, tip of the iceberg listing of Black Friday deals that you can access Friday morning while you're sitting in your robe with that second cup of java.

I encourage you to do yourself, your family and your finances a favor: save the gas, go green, and do your shopping online this year!

BLACK FRIDAY DEALS!

GLORY & GRACE AT HOME: Shop from Thousands of toys, books, apparel, electronics, Wii, Guitar Hero, cell phones, MP3 players, DVDs, videos, home goods, and gourmet foods! FREE 2 day Shipping with Prime Club Membership!

SEARS.com While you're on the Sears.com site, Please Check Out the Make A Wish page, honoring our Military Families!

UWANTSAVINGS.com -- FREE SHIPPING! : Spend $50.00 or more at UWantSavings, and a $50.00 Gift Certificate to Restaurant.com* will automatically be sent to your eMail Address on the Friday following your purchase. This eMail will come directly from Restaurant.com with a link to Redeem Your Gift Certificate. Simply follow the easy step-by-step instructions from Restaurant.com and within minutes a $50 Gift Certificate to the restaurant of your choice will be printing!

ULTRA DIAMONDS.com: There are some fabulous trinkets here for moms, daughters, and spouses!

BUCKLE.com: Savings Up to 75% off at Buckle.com -- Fabulous Clothing for the Young Crowd! http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=T/ZAlsaooC8&offerid=98462.10000447&type=3&subid=0" >Mens Look of the Week from Bucklehttp://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=T/ZAlsaooC8&bids=98462.10000447&type=3&subid=0" >

AWESOME Chldren's Tribute Video -

2009-11-12T18:05:00.002-06:00

This video is fabulous! This is the REAL America -- no little obama singing robot children here -- if you haven't seen this, you must. Then please pass it on -- to ALL your Soldiers! What a boost it will be for your Soldier to see first hand there are still brave teachers willing to demonstrate patriotism to their second grade classes!
Linda Kirby-Alford-Croy Veteran's Day Tribute

FREE Blue Star Flag For Military Families

2009-11-10T13:58:00.002-06:00

If your son or daughter is deployed, you should have a Blue Star Flag for your window or door! The Blue Star flag has a long history, and Grantham University sponsors Free Blue Star Flags for any military family with a deployed soldier. #MiltaryMon Get My Free Blue Star Flag

SEARS TOPS LIST IN HONORING OUR VETERANS & ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY

2009-11-10T12:05:00.000-06:00

60% off Coats for the entire Family 1-Day Only Veterans Day 11/11

For years Sears has led the way in corporate support of our Veterans and Military Families through innovating and award-winning programs. Through its Heros at Home project, Sears offers pay differential and benefits continuation up to 60 months, an incredible Army Spouse Employment Partnership, and grants to the National Military Family Association. These are, however, just the tip of the iceberg of programs and benefits Sears offers to our military personnel and veterans.

Added to Sears' business model of constant sales and promotional codes on name-brand merchandise enables all of us to support one of America's Oldest Companies in return.

Once again, Sears is running their Heros at Home Wish Registry, Heros at Home Wish Registry which allows anyone to leave a Holiday Message to our soldiers, and to donate a gift card to our military families. I love Christmastime, and that helps make this one of my favorite Military Programs.

Whether you're buying for your soldier, children, parents, or yourself, please consider buying from an American company that has proven its salt in honoring our Military Heros and Families!

$10 in coupons just for signing up for Sears email promotions (scroll down to the bottom of the page and this link is in the left-hand sidebar)

60% off Coats for the entire Family 1-Day Only Veterans Day 11/11

$5 off $50

FREE SHIPPING on Toy Orders Over $49.00!

Need Gift Ideas? Visit Sears'DEALS OF THE DAY!

THANKS FOR BEING THERE .COM

2009-11-08T23:29:00.002-06:00

State Farm is donating $1.00 to Fisher House for every Thank You this week! Please take a moment to Thank a Soldier and/or their family!
http://www.thanksforbeingthere.com/#/home

Fisher House is there for military families whose loved ones are undergoing treatment at military or VA medical centers by providing free lodging at 31 locations in the United States and Europe.

State Farm is donating $1 to Fisher House for every Thank You sent between November 8th and November 14th. In total, State Farm will donate up to $50,000 to Fisher House.

Ft Hood Shooter Linked to Sept 11 Terrorists

2009-11-08T20:24:00.001-06:00

According to Newsmax.com, Hasan Linked to Sept. 11 Hijackers

Malik Hasan, the Army major suspected of killing 13 people and wounding 29 others at Fort Hood, worshipped at the same mosque as two of the 9/11 terrorists.

To See Our Soldiers..

2009-11-08T12:25:00.001-06:00

If you didn't watch or tivo the Fox NFL Sunday special from Afghanistan, If you didn't watch or tivo this, you missed a HUGE blessing! We so rarely get to see our soldiers interacting in any way, other than the derrogatory garbage the news channels dish out against our troops. To see so many of them enjoying the simple things like conversation and football talk was nothing short of tremendous. Thank You FOX, and all the NFL Sunday crew.

There were still thousands of our brave men and women who didn't get to participate or enjoy the show, but know that WE KNOW you're there, and you are all not forgotten, you are all loved, and you are each and every one prayed for. Our domestic messes here seem so small in comparison to the jobs you men and women do to allow us the privilege of squabbling among ourselves. We're still the greatest country on earth, and to hear all those soldiers chanting USA! USA! at the end of the Fox NFL show is what it's all about.

Fox NFL Sunday Visits Our Troops in Afghanistan

2009-11-07T23:44:00.002-06:00

I've always said if I could invite people to my 'fantasy dinner party', Terry Bradshaw would receive the first invitation. I've been a die-hard Cowboys fan since I was 9 years old when Ed Hayes and Bob Lilly came to our school in Round Rock, Texas with the old Punt, Pass & Kick program. But watching Terry Bradshaw and the Steelers was such great fun, and he's well.... adorable in a hilarious way. I can only imagine what fun it would be to spend a day listening to his stories.

Well, now All of the Fox NFL Sunday crew is on my fantasy dinner party invitation list! All these guys are class acts. Both my sons served in Iraq, and I know how precious these visits are to our troops.

From a mom of soldiers, I thank you all -- Terry, Howie, Michael, Jimmy, Curt, Jay, and all your crew -- from the very depths of my heart.
http://soldiers-mom.blogspot.com

Fun and Fabulous Children's Gift Ideas for Your Soldier

2009-10-29T12:10:00.000-05:00

Christmas is so close! I don't know where this year went, but it's almost gone. I know you've already been planning what to send to your soldier, and I'll be writing about that in the coming weeks.

Today I want to touch on some simple things the kids can start picking out to send to your family's soldier -- and his barracks buddies. When Shawn was deployed, we missed two Christmases, and two birthdays, as well as one of every other holiday. Somehow it's hardest at Christmas -- for them as well as us.

Several of the soldiers in Shawn's Unit received little to nothing at all from home. I did my best to include those men in every mega-mailing by adding extra shampoo, baby wipes, or even a package of their favorite cookies with their name on it. I would send them all to Shawn, knowing he would distribute them to those buddies. While our FRG was fabulous at major cookie and holiday treat drives, they were all lumped together and in all that time, Shawn never received one of the goodie bags through the FRG drives. That is mainly because he worked night details, and was either working or sleeping during the times those large shipments were divvied up.

When Christmas started getting close, I began scouring the small toy aisles, and loaded up on silly things we never would think of sending: Silly Putty; small comic book figurines like Spiderman and The Hulk and those strange tough-guy sounding names; Transformers; Nerf shooters and foam balls; noise makers --

All those things the kids love and guess what? Those Soldiers Love Them More! Those guys had a blast, and each and every one of them contacted me to say thanks. It gave them a break, and took them back to being a kid, if just for a moment. It also reinforced what they were there fighting for in the first place -- the right for our children to "be a kid" here in the most wonderful country in the world. Our children are so far removed from the violence and desolation of war, which is exactly the way our soldiers plan on keeping it.

So, when you take the kids to shop for Daddy, or their Uncle, turn them loose in the toy department. The small toys are best because you can make up a lot of small gift bags for your soldier's buddies, and they can use them to decorate the tree (Don't Forget to Send a Small, pre-lit Tree! They're $10.00 well spent!), or to hand out to the kids in the villages.

For our women soldiers, Yes, this works for them, too! We sent toy tiaras, tiny dolls and a small plastic tea set. These are good reminders that we still remember our women, and they absolutely loved decorating their little trees with them.

All of them told us when they returned that it was those little things, sent throughout the year, received so unexpectedly, that made such a huge difference in their morale.

President, PLEASE SEND HELP TO OUR AFGHANISTAN TROOPS!

2009-10-27T17:37:00.001-05:00

I believe we all need to beg the President if necessary to send our soldiers the help they need to protect them! To not send help to our soldiers in Afghanistan is a statement of NON-support, and continues to put each and every one of them in danger.

Applebee's SOLDIERS EAT FREE Veteran's Day

2009-10-27T12:30:00.002-05:00

On Veteran's Day, November 11, Applebee's is offering all active duty and veterans a Free Meal! If your soldier is home on leave, or has just returned, this is a perfect opportunity for a date.

Go to http://www.applebees.com/vetsday/ to see the menu and requirements (Military ID or uniform, even a photo of your soldier in uniform is sufficient!).

To Our Soldiers' Families

2009-10-26T19:37:00.001-05:00

Our hearts are breaking for the families of the soldiers who gave their all last evening. And for those injured. Please know our prayers are many, repeated and constant for each and every one of you. You aren't alone, and we love you dearly. They will never ever be forgotten.

Fight Child Hunger in America with ConAgra and Facebook!

2009-10-26T14:18:00.002-05:00

This is SO SIMPLE and is making a HUGE difference! Con-Agra Foods Foundation is giving $10.00 of food to hungry children in the U.S. everytime someone becomes a new fan on their Foundation page: http://www.facebook.com/ConAgraFoodsFoundation

I'm a bit old-fashioned to fully appreciate Facebook, but our son Shawn set up a Facebook account for us so we can at least appear to be a tad more tech-advanced. And I'm glad he did. While neither Michael or I chat with or look up many old friends, Facebook does occasionally give us an opportunity to help others.

PLEASE just click on the link above, which will ask you to login to your Facebook account, then click the "Fan" button on ConAgra's page. Then please copy and paste this information and the link on your Facebook page and forward it to all your friends and groups. This is too important to ignore, especially with so many families suffering right now.

20% OFF FOR ALL MILITARY FAMILIES!

2009-10-20T18:07:00.002-05:00

After years on eBay and GoAntiques, we've finally launched our new online antiques website! It's a bit bare-boned right now as I'm still taking photos and learning the software, but I'm so happy that I just couldn't wait anymore to announce it! There's a link below at the end of this post. I'm new to this website building stuff, so I'd like some feedback from some of you! I've tried to keep it simple, yet in keeping with our auction and etsy backgrounds and logos.

Last month we posted a MILITARY20 coupon code on Military.com, but in case you haven't found it yet, that code works for 20% off everything in our main store! (NOTE: Sadly, it doesn't work for our Nutrilite, Artistry or XS products that have to be purchased through our distributor shops with Quixtar.) Please take a minute to browse -- the holidays are coming up, and I promise you won't be disappointed with the fabulous antique and vintage items we're offering. Just put MILITARY20 in at checkout to receive 20% off any item in our antiques and vintage lines. It works everytime you purchase from us! Glory & Grace Antiques

Vital Resources for Parents of Soldiers

2009-10-18T23:31:00.001-05:00

If you're the parent of a single soldier, airman or sailor, then you're most likely already aware of the lack of information available for us. We don't know what to expect, especially those of us who are new to the military life. We have tons of questions and concerns. The information and assistance you want as a parent IS available, it's just somewhat more difficult to find than the information available for spouses and children.

Here are a few links to help you start finding answers to the questions you're harboring:

Resources For Parents of Soldiers

When Your Son or Daughter Goes Through Basic Combat Training

MarineParents.com

A Parent's Guide to the Marine Corps

Navy for Moms

Navy Dads

Coast Guard Parents

For National Guard Families

Air Force Parents

Military OneSource is a general information one-stop geared toward the Military Family, but I believe the best overall source of information is Military.com

A Must Read! SOME SOLDIER'S MOM: My Thinking Exactly...

2009-10-18T22:27:00.000-05:00

A perfect 'apples to apples' comparison of the vast differences between liberal and conservative brainwaves! This is a 'must read' for us all.

SOME SOLDIER'S MOM: My Thinking Exactly...

Quote of The Day:

2009-10-14T21:44:00.001-05:00

Not being a fan of our current administration, nor of the majority of pending legislations, I fear for the freedoms and liberties that our soldiers are defending. I ran across the following quote from John Adams, our 2nd President, which states simply: "But a Constitution of Government once changed from Freedom, can never be restored. Liberty, once lost, is lost forever." John Adams
2nd President of the United States of America (1735 - 1826)

How To Ship Packages To Your Soldier Safely and Easily

2009-10-14T20:13:00.008-05:00

The U.S.P.S. is a wealth of resources for helping get packages to our soldiers. ALL it takes is a phone call to receive free boxes, tape, and labels.

I've utilized this for the past 3 years, and the Click-n-Ship feature on USPS.com, as well as being able to complete your customs forms online, is fabulous!

The information on the Military Care Kit is taken from their website:

Military Care Package Kit Since Priority Mail service supplies are the packaging of choice for families preparing care packages for service members overseas, the USPS has created a "Mili-kit" based on the items most frequently requested by the military. The kit contains: Three (3) each of flat rate boxes O-FRB1 and O-FRB2 Two (2) each of Cube boxes OBOX7 Address labels - Label # 228 8 each Address labels - Label # 106-A 1 each Customs FORM 2976-A 8 EA. Customs FORM 2976-E 8 EA. The kit may be requested by calling 1-800-610-8734 (Packing Supply) and: Choose your language (1 is English, 2 is Spanish). Choose option 1 (it states it is for Express Mail service, Priority Mail or Global Express Guaranteed). When you reach a live agent, request CAREKIT04. Please allow 7-10 days for delivery. Note: These are free supplies, postage must be affixed. Additionally, you can find guidelines for packing, addressing, and shipping items to U.S. troops at USPS Supporting Our Troops.

Click-n-Ship To make this the most effective, you really should register. You'll have the option to save the addresses you use the most, which makes filling out the shipping information a breeze! After you've packed everything up, (sometimes flat-rate boxes are the best, and sometimes you're better off using regular priority boxes, which are free for the asking) you can weigh the package on your kitchen (or bathroom) scales if you don't have a postage scale. Then you can simply fill in the information, pay with your debit or credit card, and hit the print button. You have a label printed out on regular paper, which you tape to the box. Then, you're off to complete your APO/AE Customs Forms. For the first few times, the customs forms take a bit of figuring and patience. The important this is that if you use the online form, make sure you print out all 5 copies (and I always save the .pdf as a My Documents file so I have a backup). The USPS will stamp each one and put them in the plastic envelope. If you're going to leave the package for your mail person (which is perfectly ok), just scotch tape the customs envelope with your forms to the box for the clerk to finish up.
This will truly save you tons of time, and if you have little ones at home, they'll love helping pack and carry the packages to the mailbox!
A note here about Priority Mail. You're going to hear rumors that they take the same amount of time as parcel post, but this normally is not true. Priority Mail will go through Customs faster, because they ship separately from mailbags and parcel post items. Don't expect it to arrive in 2 or 3 days, however! Sometimes it will take 3 or 4 days, and sometimes it will take 10. Parcel Post packages on the other hand, may take weeks. Since the new postal rates are in effect, Priority Mail items are usually priced only a dollar or two more than Parcel. It's well worth the nominal additional cost.

A Call To Duty

2009-02-03T15:11:00.011-06:00

I'm back! After the November election, I admit to still being in a stage of mourning for our Nation, and I doubt that will pass soon. But that's all the more reason to keep trudging forward, just as our deployed sons, daughters, husbands and wives are doing for us. As I was clearing out some old computer files this morning, I came across one of the several articles that Shawn's squad leader asked him to write for our local paper during their deployment in 2006-07. He entitled it: Call of Duty and I believe it's a good reminder of what our families are fighting for. I say 'families', because to me, when your soldier is mobilized, the whole family mobilizes and we go through our own version of deployment. I hope you'll see a smidge of your own soldier through Shawn's words:

Call of Duty

The cold, snowy morning of December 8th, 2005, soldiers of Charlie Battery, 1-142d FA based in Rogers, Arkansas were called to duty. Duty has called us to participate in the global war on terror, to restore order and peace to a weary, war-torn country. This mission, better known as Operation Iraqi Freedom, has requested our warriors, husbands, sons, and brothers for strength. After hugs, kisses, and more than a few tears exchanged between soldiers and their families, the main body filed into charter buses and headed for XNA Regional Airport. Our first destination: Fort Dix, New Jersey for three months of rigorous training.

There are times when I get homesick, and wonder why I ever put my John Hancock on that dotted line. Then I remember that by doing this I set myself apart from the rest of the world. Not everybody can cut it in the Military, much less get through a deployment and fight a war. I never imagined that I could, or would have to, for that matter. I'm doing it for you, and for the guy at the stoplight next to me on the way to work, for my parents, grandparents, my cousins, aunts, uncles; for my friends, my co-workers and my classmates ...for our nation, yes, even those who aren’t so supportive of our efforts. I’m doing this for all of us... for our freedom.

Ever since September 11th, I've had this deep, dark hole inside of me that eats away at my thoughts. I didn't want to be one of those Americans that lived nowhere close to New York City watching the news, thinking how sad.... then going on about my days thankful that I didn't have to experience something like that. The insurgents overseas despise us because we are free. They despise us because we stand for so much more than they could ever imagine, and instead of joining us, they chose to attack us, or encourage and assist in the plans to attack.

That's where I had to step up. It's my job, my duty and my responsibility. One foreign terroristic government faction started this war by terrorizing Americans, on American soil. Other factions and governments aided, applauded and encourage these terrorist acts, at the same time taking great pleasure in humiliating, terrorizing and murdering their fellow countrymen, neighbors and families. How could I continue to sit idly by knowing there was a very real possibility that it could well be my fellow countrymen, neighbors or family who would be subjected to another attack on my Country?

Along with my brothers in arms, we are helping to heal and rebuild a nation of men, women, and children long held in terror, and at the same time, please know that we’re giving our very best to make sure that The United States of America is never again subjected to the horrors of terrorist attack on our sovereign soils. In return we ask simply for your support and prayers –for those of us currently deployed, for the ones who have gone ahead of us, the ones who will follow, and for our precious families we’ve left behind in your care.

LAND OF THE FREE, HOME OF THE BRAVE

2008-11-04T20:46:00.002-06:00

As I sit here with a knot in my stomach contemplating these early election returns, I feel much the way I did 8 years ago -- fearful for our Country. At that time, of course, I had no way of knowing how drastically our world would change in 10 short months. Nor did I anticipate both our sons interrupting their college years for tours in Iraq. This time, though, it's much deeper. As a Christian, I know full well that God Is In Control, regardless of the outcome of this long fought election. I am more fearful than ever, though, because of the very ideals held by Obama and his senate cronies. I learned months ago that unless one could scour through every media tape of each rally he held around the country, one would never be able to piece together his master plan in advance of the election. The fear comes from what will happen when the Obama Plan for Change is revealed on January 21st. All those little quotes and quips (such as calling for Mandatory community service; a Citizen police force; spreading the wealth....) will come together under one roof, with a possible filibuster-proof Senate to put it all into play. How many pens will be used in sweeping 'executive orders', and how will those orders affect our ability to go about our daily lives as we always have? What will happen to our beautiful America -- OUR Land of the Free, and Home of the Brave? Where will we be? As a descendent of Francis Lewis, a signor of the Declaration of Independence, I wonder what his reaction would be were he able to hear the Socialistic statements of the man who may well become our next President. As the mom of two handsome, brave soldiers, I pray their service to ensure our freedoms weren't in vain. For Michael and me, the changes to come will be difficult, but realistically, we've lived our lives fully and are cresting the golden side. We'll weather it. For our sons, so young, with their lives still ahead, with their individual dreams of finding their own way, of financial independence and of building their own wealth; of raising their future families in a free land, I pray these changes don't keep them from fulfilling their dreams.

Shipping To Your Soldier

2008-09-09T20:55:00.009-05:00

The U.S.P.S. is a wealth of resources for helping get packages to our soldiers. ALL it takes is a phone call to receive free boxes, tape, and labels.

I've utilized this for the past 3 years, and the Click-n-Ship feature on USPS.com, as well as being able to complete your customs forms online, is fabulous!

The information on the Military Care Kit is taken from their website:

Military Care Package Kit Since Priority Mail service supplies are the packaging of choice for families preparing care packages for service members overseas, the USPS has created a "Mili-kit" based on the items most frequently requested by the military. The kit contains: Three (3) each of flat rate boxes O-FRB1 and O-FRB2 Two (2) each of Cube boxes OBOX7 Address labels - Label # 228 8 each Address labels - Label # 106-A 1 each Customs FORM 2976-A 8 EA. Customs FORM 2976-E 8 EA. The kit may be requested by calling 1-800-610-8734 (Packing Supply) and: Choose your language (1 is English, 2 is Spanish). Choose option 1 (it states it is for Express Mail service, Priority Mail or Global Express Guaranteed). When you reach a live agent, request CAREKIT04. Please allow 7-10 days for delivery. Note: These are free supplies, postage must be affixed. Additionally, you can find guidelines for packing, addressing, and shipping items to U.S. troops at USPS Supporting Our Troops.

Click-n-Ship To make this the most effective, you really should register. You'll have the option to save the addresses you use the most, which makes filling out the shipping information a breeze! After you've packed everything up, (sometimes flat-rate boxes are the best, and sometimes you're better off using regular priority boxes, which are free for the asking) you can weigh the package on your kitchen (or bathroom) scales if you don't have a postage scale. Then you can simply fill in the information, pay with your debit or credit card, and hit the print button. You have a label printed out on regular paper, which you tape to the box. Then, you're off to complete your APO/AE Customs Forms. Now these take a bit of figuring and patience the first few times, but after you're done, just make sure you print out all 5 copies (and I always save the .pdf as a My Documents file so I have a backup). The USPS will stamp each one and put them in the plastic envelope. If you're going to leave the package for your mail person (which is perfectly ok), just scotch tape the customs envelope with your forms to the box for the clerk to finish up.
This will truly save you tons of time, and if you have little ones at home, they'll love helping pack and carry the packages to the mailbox!
A note here about Priority Mail. You're going to hear rumors that they take the same amount of time as parcel post, but this normally is not true. Priority Mail will go through Customs faster, because they ship separately from mailbags and parcel post items. Don't expect it to arrive in 2 or 3 days, however! Sometimes it will take 3 or 4 days, and sometimes it will take 10. Parcel Post packages on the other hand, may take weeks. Since the new postal rates are in effect, Priority Mail items are usually priced only a dollar or two more than Parcel. It's well worth the nominal additional cost.

John McCain vs. Barack Obama

2008-09-05T21:13:00.010-05:00

Ok, I'm digressing from my purpose, and I may just have to start another blog. But I can't hold some of this stuff inside any longer.

I'm listening now to Sean Hannity and Rev. Sharpton argue over the small spike in unemployment and the poor economy. I wish ONE THING: that people were smart enough to think back, remember, (or research if necessary), and understand several things:

1. The unemployment rate the last 8 years has been the lowest in almost FOUR decades. The rise in unemployment began within weeks after the Democratic Congress forced through a mandatory raise in the minimum wage! Forcing businesses to pay people more than most of them are worth costs all of us in the long run. The Pelosi / Reid bunch did this, and NOT the administration of President Bush.

2. All of a sudden, the bra-burning liberated women I grew up with, and the thousands like them -- the exact ones who sneered at those of us who decided to have children in the first place, much less stay home with them (and then OMG, *homeschool* our children), -- while they farmed out their poor little ones to whoever they could pay enough to care for them as they proceeded to attempt breaking through some proverbial glass ceiling, (whew...a breath), are now screaming that a woman who has five children, became mayor of her hometown, then took on the big boys in state politics and the oil companies, to became Governor of the largest, resource wealthy state in the Union, (and actually got the natural gas pipeline that the 'men' had been hedging on for 30 years), has the audacity to think she can run for Vice President! -- Oh, My! What will happen to her poor children? --

When did these liberal "I can have it all" women decide that family just might be an important part of life? And since when are we NOT able to raise our families and have children at the same time?

DO YOU KNOW how many children Nancy Pelosi has? That's right -- FIVE! My mother had 4 kids, and she worked for the Texas Department of Welfare long before it was the popular, accepted thing to do. We were fortunate to learn independence to an extent, and more fortunate to experience the great love and bond with our grandparents. We also knew that if we got in trouble at Grandma's during the day, we'd be in worse trouble when Mother and Daddy got us home that night!

And, I would personally love to meet and shake the hands of each and every member of any 21st Century American family who somewhere in the mix has not had an unwed pregnant teenager. I know from my own personal experience it does not matter how many times you preach to your sons or daughters about abstinence, there comes a time when it is your child's decision to make, and even that child's own value system can falter. Praise God she adheres to her parents' value system and will not murder that precious little one!

Further, I'd like to line up each of these women who are so viciously attacking such a down to earth, spitfire of a woman, and just go down the line kicking butt and washing their filthy mouths with lye soap until I drop from exhaustion. Any takers? I'm more than ready!

3. Regarding the Presidential Elections: Here's the basic, plain and simple difference between John McCain and Barack (N)Obama, IN THEIR OWN WORDS:

John McCain: "I'm not afraid of threats in this dangerous world." "My country saved me, and I cannot forget it. And I will fight for her for as long as I draw breath, so help me God. "

Barack Obama, Audacity of Hope : "I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction."

John McCain: "I fight for Americans. I fight for you. I fight for Bill and Sue Nebe from Farmington Hills, Michigan, who lost their real estate investments in the bad housing market. Bill got a temporary job after he was out of work for seven months. Sue works three jobs to help pay the bills.

I fight for Jake and Toni Wimmer of Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Jake works on a loading dock; coaches Little League, and raises money for the mentally and physically disabled. Toni is a schoolteacher, working toward her Master's Degree. They have two sons, the youngest, Luke, has been diagnosed with autism. Their lives should matter to the people they elect to office. They matter to me.

I fight for the family of Matthew Stanley of Wolfboro, New Hampshire, who died serving our country in Iraq. I wear his bracelet and think of him every day. I intend to honor their sacrifice by making sure the country their son loved so well and never returned to, remains safe from its enemies".

Barack Obama, April 11, 2008: "Small town folks get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren’t like them, or anti-immigrant sentiment, or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations.”

I could go on... and on. The differences are so obvious, and so compelling to us who love our Country more than life itself.

Stores and Shopping Venues:

2008-09-04T17:33:00.006-05:00

I'll be updating these posts frequently! I'm sure there are many stores that offer military discounts, but there are some companies that actually broadcast it and don't make you feel weird for asking. Those are the ones I want you to know about and will be posting here.

Sears and Sears.com: Sears seems to be the most proud of our troops, and will do all possible to employ military personnel, milspouses and veterans. They offer military discounts on virtually everything they sell, and are worthy of our business.
amazon.com : amazon.com com is one of the few companies that will ship directly to APO and FPO addresses. You can find virtually everything from a box of cereal to the absolute latest iPod or laptop. They also have thousands of vendors and small sellers in addition to their own humongous product lines. And best of all, most of amazon's own items can be shipped directly to your soldier!

Known for their has exceptional customer service, I've had a "Prime" Membership for almost 3 years. The savings in gasoline alone more than pays for the annual Prime membership fee, especially when you're ordering things to send to your Soldier! The "Prime" membership gives you FREE 2-day Shipping, and $3.99 Overnight Shipping to your home!

Communicating With Your Soldier

2008-09-02T21:45:00.013-05:00

This is perhaps the most crucial element of sanity for both your soldier and your family! From experience, I'm going to provide a brief overview of communciation resources, and their pros/cons. At the end, you'll find links to the Best of The Best companies and organizations dedicated to keeping our soldiers in contact with our families.

First, we must realize how extremely fortunate we are to have so many resources available now that no previous generation has had!

I had a great-uncle who served in WWII, and my mom said that it routinely took 3-4 months to receive a letter from him, and sometimes longer.

We now have internet phones, webcams, text messaging, instant messaging, email, and of course, most MWRs are loaded with computers available constantly.

Cell phone usage is extremely expensive! Even text messages, while much less expensive than a phone call, cost a minimum of 50 cents each, both ways. That means your soldier pays not only for each text message sent to them, but also for each text they send back in response to you. Having had the responsibility of handling the finances for both deployed sons, I can assure you this adds up very quickly!

Instant messaging via Microsoft Messenger (now referred to as Windows Live!), Yahoo! Messenger or others is a free alternative to the text message, but is dependent upon both parties having computer access. Webcams are the most marvelous invention ever for the families of deployed soldiers! There, too, both parties must be connected to the internet and sitting in front of the computer screen.

Internet phones are fabulous! The one drawback is that your soldier's internet connection must be a solid 'broadband' strength for the best quality. That, friends, is seldom going to happen in Iraq or Afghanistan! Then again, even the MWR phones with calling cards are subject to static, disconnections, and poor connection quality.

Calling cards provide the soldier prepaid time to call home, and make welcome gifts tucked inside cards and letters. However, BE AWARE that some cards will automatically deduct as much as 100 minutes from the balance of the card just for dialing home -- before you even answer their call! Check the deduction requirements prior to purchasing your cards!

CellPhonesForSoldiers.com : Started by a teenaged girl and her brother, prompted by hearing of a local soldier's huge cell phone bill, CellPhonesForSoldiers has gained international attention. It's such a simple concept, and takes recycling to a very personal level for us military families! Accepts donations of used cell phones and turns them in for calling cards that are sent to our troops by the thousands every year! I am an eBay PowerSeller, and each package I ship includes at least one prepaid Cell Phones For Soldiers mailer bag. If you do business with Amazon.com, you will almost always receive one of these mailer bags in with your order. You can even print a pre-paid mailing label from their website to mail in your old cell phone!

Vonage.com : Vonage is the absolute best internet phone service available! You DO NOT have to be sitting in front of a computer to use "VOIP" service! You actually have a router that plugs into your cable internet connection, and then into your phone with a typical looking phone jack. All that is required is a broadband connection. Vonage sends the router, and it's so extremely simple to hook up. (I did it in under 10 minutes!). You can keep your existing phone number, and the most expensive plan they have is $25.00 a month, which gives you Unlimited usage.

The best part is there are several options that your soldier can take with him or her (or you can send later). One is the "Soft Phone", which is a simple software program that is downloaded on the soldier's notebook computer. To use it, your soldier clicks on the phone icon, a 'cell phone' looking keypad and screen appear, your loved one punches in your phone number and hits the call button! It will work on notebook speakers, but headphones are best. It costs about $10.00 a MONTH as an add-on to a Vonage account.

Shawn used this during his deployment, and it was a God-send for us as well as his fiance.

There is also a USB phone, which is a thumb-drive with the Vonage software pre-loaded and a headphone jack incorporated into it. This allows your soldier to call you from his laptop, a buddy's laptop, or any computer with a good internet connection.

Shapiro is currently using a Vonage USB phone. There are NO roaming or international charges!

SKYPE service is also a good option, but there are limitations. You do have to be at your computer to use it, as it's more like instant messaging. You can use your webcam with it, so you can see your soldier while talking to him/her. SKYPE is free for the basic service (ie., Skype to Skype), however there are charges for calls to non-skype users and landlines.

Keeping Your Soldier With You

2008-09-02T20:00:00.011-05:00

As a mother of soldiers, I've learned what it means to "pray without ceasing". It also helps to have those constant, visible reminders of our soldier with us -- a bracelet around our arm, dogtags around our neck, or for the little ones, a soldier doll or bear with daddy's or mommy's voice speaking to them. These fabulous companies are dedicated solely to providing us with those reminders.

HeroBracelets.org : Founded in 2004, HeroBracelets has provided thousands of us with bracelets bearing the names of our heros. Their bracelets are superior quality, and have won the acclaim of family members, soldiers, the media, and have even been given to The President by mothers of fallen soldiers. A portion of each sale goes to support the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.

DaddyDolls : Started by two military wives attempting to ease their children's sadness over having deployed dads, DaddyDolls takes a photo of your soldier and prints it onto a microfiber doll, which can also hold a voice recorder, allowing mom or dad to record a message to their little one. Hero Bears are also available!

CreatingMilitaryMemories : provides an absolutely amazing array of scrapbooking materials for every branch of the Armed Forces, including National Guard and Reserves.

Free Blue Star Flag

It seems like we've had our Blue Star Flag hanging on the front door forever, and I'm looking forward to being able to store it. For now though, until our second deployed son returns home, it will hang there to show all who pass by our pride and honor. Grantham University provides these free of charge to all military families who ask.

The Blue Star Flag first appeared in 1917, when an Army captain who had two sons serving on the front line designed it as a tribute to their dedication and service. The flag quickly became the unofficial symbol of a child in the service. Today, families who have a loved one serving in the military display a blue star flag in the inside front window of their homes to show the family's pride in their loved one who is serving and to remind others that preserving America's freedom demands much.

Organizations That Support Our Troops!

2008-09-02T19:28:00.013-05:00

For friends, church and/or civic organizations who wish to help send packages to our soldiers but don't have a personal contact, the following are our TOP PICKS!

AnySoldier.com : Awarded The Best Of America Seal of Excellence by The Independent Charities of America, AnySoldier.com is a clearinghouse of soldiers' names and contacts to receive hygiene, food and gift packages.

AmericaSupportsYou.mil : This is an official Department of Defense website "dedicated to connecting members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families with individuals, groups, and businesses from the community who want to support and encourage our military men and women. AmericaSupportsYou currently lists more than 300 non-profit groups that are devoted to helping our service men and women. These groups provide a multitude of services, including financial assistance, sending care packages and letters, and helping our wounded warriors."

MoveAmericaForward.org : This organization just spearheaded the largest, most publicized care package shipment ever to our troops! By far our favorite organization, and after checking it out, I believe it will become your favorite one as well! MoveAmericaForward was started by two mothers of soldiers, and their stories are both heartbreaking and inspiring.

AMillionThanks.org : is a year-round campaign to show our U.S. Military Men and Women, past and present, our appreciation for their sacrifices, dedication, and service to our country through our letters, emails, cards, prayers, and thoughts.

Brief Background & My Mission

2008-09-02T17:49:00.016-05:00

BACKGROUND

The journal portions of this blog actually started 25 years ago ... and have been kept sporadically on paper, but mostly in my heart.

After 9 years of trying, we were blessed with a son, Shawn. He was a constant source of joy -- an 'easy' child, who soaked in his surroundings, knowledge and life like a sponge. By the time he was 9, we were homeschooling him. The joys of being able to instruct him and watch those 'light bulbs come on' in his eyes are forever cherished.

During those years, he met a new friend, Shapiro, and they quickly became more like brothers. Shapiro is bi-racial, and his story is an amazing one, which I'll share along the way. Through a series of surreal events, he became our second son. He's our oldest, being 6 months older than Shawn.

Just at the start of their Sr. & Jr. years in high school, the horrific events of September 11, 2001 occured. Both boys decided to enlist in the Army National Guard, but deferred to my pleas to wait until after graduation. Shapiro and Shawn both began college and several years passed before they finally enlisted.

Shawn once said "September 11th was always in my mind. I could no longer live with myself saying 'how sad for those families' and just going on with my life. I had to do something to make a difference." He was the first of our sons to deploy to Iraq, serving with the 142d Field Artillery in Baghdad, and returned home shortly after the final end of the horrid dictatorial leader of the Iraqi nation.

Shapiro is now deployed and serving in Southern Iraq, doing his part to insure not only the freedom for that nation, but also that their terrorists are defeated before they can attack our nation.

MY HOPE FOR THIS BLOG

We were never a military family, so there was much to learn as a parent along the way. Our local Family Readiness Groups are the absolute best, and are essential not only for their wealth of knowledge, experience and information, but for their encouragement, listening ears and huge loving hearts.

But, there are so many small, everyday things that somehow one just must discover on their own. That's the main mission of this blog -- to bring to light some of the organizations, businesses and resources that make a deployment more bearable -- for parents, spouses, children, grandparents and friends of our troops so willing to serve and protect us and others across the globe. Please know that I have personally checked out each of the organizations and businesses listed on this blogsite, (except for the little Google ads), and all are legitimate entities, most of which work non-stop for the benefit of our troops and families of soldiers. There are many wonderful organizations who work diligently to make certain our soldiers know they're appreciated and supported. The ones I've chosen to list here are only the ones which we as a family have personally worked with, for, or have supported financially.