Did you know… Mission: Milspouse published its 3000th blog post in 2023 and is still growing!
20 Years and Counting: Enjoying the Journey
If I had a dollar for every time I’ve been asked over the years some derivation of “So when does he hit 20? I bet you’re ready for retirement,” I’d be a very rich woman.
A Homecoming We’ll Never Forget
I held him tight.
I thought perhaps the tighter and longer I held him, it would create muscle memory for me to run to when I needed it for next nine months of separation.
I tried to stay in the moment, but my eyes landed on families, children, husbands, and wives all around me wiping tears and giving their service member a last hug goodbye.
Saying “see ya later” at the deployment send-offs are simply the worst. It’s another “hurry up and wait” occasion that we as military families have become all too familiar with; however, this particular hurry-up-and-wait is brutal. Like pulling a band aid off, please make it quick and easy and as painless as possible.
New Skills in the New Season
A change in the seasons is a wonderful time to consider new beginnings, and when starting afresh, you may identify the need for more education to gain necessary skills. In case you or members of your family are considering a health science career as your new beginning, here are some sites and programs that you might find useful.
Advent: Spread Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace
One of the best parts about living all around the world is picking up new traditions along the way. After three years in Germany, it was hard not to come back with German traditions. After all, they know how to celebrate the entire Christmas season, beginning in late November and lasting until Christmas Eve.
When touring a local Christmas market during our first year there, I picked up an Advent candle holder. It’s nothing fancy; after all, durability is the first thing I think about when buying something new (especially with seven moves under my belt over the last 11 years). It’s a slab of wood, candles in simple gold holders, and a red silk flower in the center edged with gold glitter. It’s enough to lend a bit of sparkle as the candlelight dances around the room.
The tradition is to light a candle each Sunday leading up to Christmas Eve. We will light the first candle on Dec. 1, and every Sunday until Dec. 22. My family lights them at dinner time, so we can talk about what each candle means.
Let Me Tell You a Story
Well, hello there. I’m Anna Larson, AWN’s newest blog contributor. I’m a storyteller. I love to wind my way through an adventure, usually containing shenanigans and mischief galore. I’ve got plenty of material in my messy, brilliant, creative, and beautiful life.
Speaking of stories…
On a hot August afternoon in eastern Oregon, a 2-year-old freckle-faced country kid made his way down the road. He was angry and clutching a few toys. Running away was the last resort. His parents refused to change that baby sister into a baby brother, and today was the day she was making her way into the world. He had decided to not stick around for it.
AROO! AROO! AROO!
Only the crazies are going to understand that there blog title, so if that’s you, I fully expect you to stop whatever you’re doing and make that sound. Go on ahead, take a second, Carol, sitting there on the toilet at work… I’m proud of your dedication!
Now, for the rest of the sane folks wondering what on earth just happened, that sound is the battle cry of the Spartans. No, not the scantily-clad men from the movie 300 (well, hello, Gerard Butler), but those of us who willingly pay money to roll around in the mud, shedding blood, sweat, and tears, all for a cool medal and a banana at the end.
I’m not joking—you literally have to jump over fire for that banana.
6 Tips for Selling Your Home in Winter
Are you selling your home this holiday season? You’re probably aware that spring and summer are known for being the best time to sell a home. But if you’re military with orders in hand, waiting a few extra months for the traditional moving season to roll in might not be a luxury you have. You might be surprised to note that there are several advantages to selling your home during the holidays!
Here are a few ways to prep your home for sale despite the snow:
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