military family - Mission: Milspouse

The Benefits of Family Traditions

by Retired Expert | Dec 19, 2019 | Blog, Expert, Household 6

“We are what we celebrate,” Meg Cox writes.

Our traditions are an outward expression of our family identity. The traditions we observe and the meaning behind them communicator family values to our children and others. The types of traditions we teach our children, and that were taught to us as children, are one way our family values get passed down from one generation to the next. For example, a family that values community service may have a tradition of volunteering at a soup kitchen or food bank together.

The scary thing is we teach our children about our family identity all the time by the activities we engage in as a family. Worried about the message that gift-centric traditions might be communicating to your children? Start a gratitude tradition! That is why intentionality in observing traditions is so important; without it, you forfeit your power to forge your family’s own identity. However, what makes traditions effective is that they bring together the family, foster connection, and have a purpose, and you get to chose that purpose.

Family Traditions and How They Strengthen Bonds

by Retired Expert | Dec 18, 2019 | Blog, Expert, Military Life

It’s that time of year when family traditions and celebrations abound. It’s a beautiful, magical time.

However, when faced with a deployment this season takes on a tinge of blue. I’ve been there.

Last Christmas, I was pregnant, alone, and my hormones made sure I felt all the feelings. I didn’t have my hubby home and didn’t have the option to fly as I was too far along in my pregnancy. So, I decided not to do anything for Christmas. I thought it would just be more manageable, less stress, and maybe, just maybe, it would make me feel better about spending it alone.

Boy, was I wrong.

A Homecoming We’ll Never Forget

by Retired Blogger | Dec 1, 2019 | Blog, Deployment, Experience

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.

AWTR Show #701: Semper K9

by M:M Command Team | Sep 9, 2019 | Podcast

Do you have a soft spot in your heart for all things canine? Then don’t miss this show! We chat with Amanda Baity, Director of Operations for Semper K9. This organization rescues dogs from shelters and trains them to be service dogs at no cost for disabled service members. Founded in 2014, Amanda and her husband, Christopher, have been working to expand their mission to serve disabled veterans. They’ve since been featured on a variety of media outlets, including NPR, HuffPost, and People magazine. Listen to their story about veterans and the dogs that serve them.

Show #697: Family magazine

by M:M Command Team | Aug 5, 2019 | Military Life, Podcast

Since 1958, FamilyMedia has been publishing magazines and creating promotional vehicles for the military market, specifically through Family Magazine and Salute Magazine. These two publications carry a total circulation of almost one million and are distributed globally. In addition, FamilyMedia also produces and distributes some of the market’s biggest and most exciting promotions. Guest, Joe Mugnai, Publisher of Family magazine, is here to tell us more.

Show #696: Fisher House Foundation

by M:M Command Team | Jul 29, 2019 | Military Life, Podcast

Guest, Ken Fisher, the chairman and CEO of Fisher House Foundation is here to talk about their mission. Fisher House Foundation is best known for a network of comfort homes where military and veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment. These homes are located at major military and VA medical centers nationwide and in Europe, close to the medical center or hospital it serves.

Military Life: Then and Now

by Sarah Peachey | Jun 7, 2019 | Blog, Experience, Military Life

Have you ever wondered if other milspouses struggle with the same experiences as you? How do your concerns compare to the concerns of other families? When using military or civilian services, have you caught yourself wishing they understood you better?

Here’s your chance. Help Blue Star Families by taking their survey here. The survey deadline is June 21.

My 2019 Word

by Retired Blogger | Feb 18, 2019 | Experience, Household 6

As I sat and thought about my 2019 word back in December, I had to ask myself where I wanted to be in a year.

Where did I feel like I wasn’t giving my best effort? What about myself would I like to see improved, a trait I’d like to see strengthen? And almost like a wrecking ball, the word “intentional” started showing up everywhere. In my Facebook and Instagram feeds, in books I was reading, in conversations with dear friends. I felt like this was the word I needed to focus on in 2019.

How We “Deployment”

by Sharita Knobloch | Nov 21, 2018 | Blog, Deployment, Experience

Yep, it’s true. Deployments are one of the hardest (and lamest!) parts of military spouse life.

But in true milspouse fashion, we don’t have time to wallow in the challenge. Sure, we can give ourselves permission to feel bummed out about it, but we just can’t park there for too long. After all, our kids need to be fed and stuff, so we have to actually do the things.