I am a bit behind in wrapping up life.  So I am going to dedicate this post to a few special events that happened earlier this month, prior to us leaving for vacation.

First there was the Denim and Diamonds-Military Spouse Appreciation Event 2014.  This was my second year attending, and definitely a fun evening for all!  You dress up, receive an awesome gift bag filled with sponsor goodies, eat a fabulous dinner, listen to wonderful speakers, and above all--meet other spouses in the area.  This year I attended with my friend Rachel, and Grace.  She was supposed to get to go to a daycare like setting right down the hallway from me, but it wasn't exactly what I was expecting (read--a few Airmen/husbands watching over a slew of toddlers... not ideal for a needy baby!), so she got to spend the evening with me, after I was relocated to the back of the room with the other babies and moms (which will probably not be the last time that happens..).  Regardless of the initial wariness, I definitely had a great evening and encourage any of my local friends to look for this event in the coming years!

Grace and I.

Us and Rachel.. G wants y'all to see her bald halo!

Then on Friday, Military Spouse Appreciation Day, I worked the Fort Gordon Spouse's and Civilian's Club table at the lunchtime event hosted by ACS.  So while getting the word out about the club, I also got to enjoy another day of being surrounded by some amazing local spouse's.  Which hands down y'all, these ladies rock.

Helping Ms. Megan talk the club up!

On a side note, I did see some posts in blog world about how military spouse's don't deserve their own appreciation day.. it's just another day.. I don't want to be thanked... blah blah.  There is ALWAYS someone.  To you I say.. own it.  If you don't celebrate, don't celebrate.  I appreciate the events put on to recognize the hard work many spouses do in the military community.  We don't serve, we don't carry rank and we don't have it that hard.  But I have met so so many military spouse's that volunteer countless hours (hello, are you a blog reader of Jen's?!), work their butts off for the troops and hold the fort down at home.  Frankly, those women DO deserve to be celebrated.  **END RANT, that I am sure will not be the last time I feel the need to defend MILSO Appreciation Day.**

Also, thanks to all that linked up to the Military Spouse Appreciation Day blog hop!

That Friday night was fun for both Rob and I as we attended our first ever ball together!  Third time's the charm.  Last year there was supposed to be one in the spring, and again in November.. both times the event was cancelled before really planned.  Regardless, I found an amazing $40 dress from Ross (please, please, please... go there.  They have formal dresses as low as $20, and CUTE summer dresses for $10 and under.), I curled my hair and put on a bit more makeup than usual.  We dropped the babe off for her first ever evening at the babysitters (thanks again Rachel, Blake and Ronnie!).. and were off.  It was definitely fun to dress up and go out.  Plus now I can check BALL off our things-we-haven't-done list.  I'm sure/I hope there will be countless more in the future for us.

With the babe before our evening out!

With our lovely friends Nick and Abby.

And to wrap-up that busy pre-vacation weekend.. I had my first Mother's Day.  Rob got me some beautiful flowers, a card and chocolate to celebrate the day.  Along with breakfast in bed.  The rest of the day was a typical busy Sunday.  I am  so thankful I got to spend the day with Grace (though I definitely missed my own Mom).  While technically I call Piston the one that made me a mother, as he certainly prepared me for motherhood... Grace made me a 24/7-can't leave the child at home, mother.  I'm so thankful for this beautiful baby.  She's my everything.  And motherhood? It's an experience I am so far enjoying!

Late Mother's Day card for all!

My gorgeous flowers.

My girl.

Now on to trip wrap up...

I am a bit behind in wrapping up life.  So I am going to dedicate this post to a few special events that happened earlier this month, prior ...

A few months ago I saw posts around the Fort Gordon virtual community for a new spouse program being set up.  The idea?  To have the wives that have been married to the military for a significant amount of time [read close(r) to retirement...] mentor the wives who were newer to the game.

I immediately jumped at the opportunity.  I can't say I'm exactly fresh to this whole military spouse life.. I do have four years under my belt.  So I wasn't sure where I would fall in the program.  I know most of the basics [how to dress for most events, how not to act, ranks, etc.] but I've grown to learn that with the military there is ALWAYS something else to learn.

While e-mailing the ACS coordinator, I asked if by chance she knew of a Warrant Officer spouse I could be hooked up with.  I was in luck, she knew of one!  Since Rob is going away to WOCS [Warrant Officer Candidate School] later this summer, I know I have some new ropes to learn that will come with transitioning from the enlisted realm to the officer side of things.

Last Thursday the program had its first gathering where mentors and mentees got to meet and mingle with each other.

The event started with some break the ice type activities, before a few quick speeches and then the pairing up of the mentors and mentees.  I had a sneaking suspicion I knew who I was going to be paired up with when I saw who was present.  And I was right!

Courtesy the Fort Gordon ACS Facebook page

I was paired up with my mentor, Pam.  Her husband just made CW5 in December and Pam has already been a great connection and friend to have on post [while I did meet a few new wives at the event, a lot I already knew from the spouse's club I am actively involved in on post..Pam being one of them].. we got to Fort Gordon around the same time as her and her family... so when I first attended a luncheon for the spouse's club, Pam was one of the ladies I initially met.  [My favorite part about Warrant Officer wives, is they've been in the shoes of an enlisted wife, and they will be some of the first to go out of their way to help you].  She talked me into joining the board for the spouse's club.  When the day came for us to get results for the Warrant Officer selection, Pam texted me that morning saying it was a great day, and it turned out to be one [which she may or may not have already known...].  Pam was also the one that coordinated us getting a few meals from some of the club members after Grace was born.

It is safe to say, I couldn't have asked for a better mentor.

After we were matched up, brunch was served.  We mingled some more before signing the contracts to officially bind us as mentor and mentee.

Courtesy of the Fort Gordon ACS Facebook page

Finally we wrapped up the gathering with some fun group pictures.

Courtesy the Fort Gordon ACS Facebook page

Courtesy the Fort Gordon ACS Facebook page

While this program is just in the beginning stages, and we are essentially the test group...  I love this program and the potential that it has.  Think about it... if every ACS program, at every base, had a mentor/mentee program, you'd immediately have at least one connection at every base.  Such a small thing to ask for yet so needed!  And I can't speak enough about how fabulous the ACS program alone is.

If YOU are new (or not) to the military, I urge you to swing by your local ACS office and see what programs they offer.

Have you ever had a mentor (or mentee)?

A few months ago I saw posts around the Fort Gordon virtual community for a new spouse program being set up.  The idea?  To have the wives t...

I know I am a few days late... but I wanted to link up anyway to the Real Military Wives of Blogland link up over at Mal Smiles and The Samantha Show.  Lord knows I'm always looking for REAL blogs that I can relate to.

If you are new around these parts, my name is Amanda.  I am a 24 year old mom to my 3 month old [today!] Grace, and 4 year old Piston [fur-child].  I'm also Rob's wife.  Rob is in the Army.  Thus I can also call myself a military wife.


Rob and I met in high school.  He moved to my high school our senior year.  We had college algebra together.  Towards the end of our senior year, we became really close friends before Rob dropped the whole "I enlisted" bomb.  He went off to basic, and I went to the local community college.  Once he graduated, our letter-writing friendship blossomed into something more.  By the time he came home for his 2 weeks off over the holidays we were ready to make our relationship official.  And so we became an 'us' on December 20th 2008.

We dated long distance while he lived in Maryland and I finished my degree.  In March of 2010 he asked me to marry him.. and just a few days later we went down to the courthouse in Annapolis, Maryland and made it officially official.  After I graduated I moved out to Maryland to live with him while he was stationed at Fort Meade.


Which is where we lived when we brought home our fur-child, Piston.  After living their for a year together, Rob got orders to deploy to Kuwait and so I moved back to Kansas to live near family and friends.  And just one year later we were on the move again... to Georgia.  Our current home is right outside Fort Gordon.  We have been here for almost 2 years [in August!] and this is where we brought home our baby, Grace, in January of this year.  Later this year we will embark on another adventure as Rob was just selected to become a warrant officer.


Being a military wife means a lot of things to me.  First and foremost, I am a WIFE to my husband.  I am his partner through life and all that comes with it.  Each step of the way we go together.  Being a military wife adds an extra element as I go where he goes and generally fall behind Uncle Sam in order of importance.  While sometimes that is especially frustrating... nothing compares to the pride I have for my husband and his career.  Not everyone can say that their career is truly life changing and meaningful.  But our men and women of the Armed forces truly do something so few are capable of.  To be married to one of those individuals is indescribable.

With that being said, I am my own person.  I am not defined by my husbands career.  We make the majority of our life decisions around the Army, but we do it together.  I am not just an Army wife.  I am also Grace's mom, a graphic designer, a book worm, and so many other things.  Being an Army wife is just one aspect of my life.. while huge, it isn't the only part!  And that my friends.. is what the rest of the world NEEDS to know!

I know I am a few days late... but I wanted to link up anyway to the Real Military Wives of Blogland link up over at Mal Smiles and The Sa...

April is the month of the military child.  I've spent years being surrounded by friends raising children in the shadow of the military.  Strong willed children that love with all of their might.  "Typical children" that carry an extra burden and experience more than most do.


This year as the month of April dawned, so did the realization that I didn't just become a new mom to my sweet Grace... but I became a mom to a military child.  Who will grow up proud of her dad and his accomplishments.  But will also feel the pain of him being away for days and months at a time.  Which will not be easy, for any of us.

My hope for Grace is that she will grow up to be an outgoing, social child.  Not afraid of the obstacles life will throw at her at a young age.  I hope that she grows up knowing that daddy does what he does to protect her and provide for her.  I want her to experience life and all it has to offer, no matter where we are and who surrounds us.  I want her to know the love of family... even if we aren't right down the road.

Above all else, I want Grace to feel proud to be her father's daughter.  Proud to be an American.  Proud to be a military child.

After all... not everyone can claim something so special.

Linking up @ Daffodil's today.  And you should too.

April is the month of the military child.  I've spent years being surrounded by friends raising children in the shadow of the military. ...

So now that my life primarily consists of little bit's schedule.. to include-dirty diapers, breastfeeding, sleeping, fussing, calming and cuddling.. life has slowed down just a tiny bit.

Randomness forthcoming->

Not that I'm complaining or anything... but I'm STILL working on mastering changing the baby.  She likes to cry and fuss like there is no tomorrow, then continue to do her business mid diaper change on the changing pad.  Someday she will hate that I put that out there.. but I've spent way too much time cleaning up dirty clothes, a dirty changing table, way too many wipes and multiple dirty diapers.  Something has got to give.

Also, how is it possible that such a little being can have such perfect timing?  The minute I get ready to do something I am needed for a feeding.  I'm finding myself sitting around waiting for her to wake up so that I can feed her and then tackle my to do list after she's done.  Like now.  Pretty sure I was warned about this.

We got dates for Rob's warrant officer schooling.  All I can say is someone up above is listening.  Rob doesn't leave for his 5 week schooling at Fort Rucker until August.  Which gives me plenty of time to adjust to baby girl and being a mommy.  Also super convenient because we get to go home for my sister's college graduation in May and Rob will be here for me to walk for my graduation in Atlanta in June.  Three cheers for all that winning-ness.

I'm feeling oodles better.  I'm still a wee bit sore, but that is probably to be expected with an 8 pounder.  My body has bounced back pretty nicely.  Obviously I'm still overly jiggly... but I've already shed all of the weight gained during my pregnancy.  Not that I'm bragging or anything.. as there is still PLENTY to shed.

Yesterday we got a surprise phone call from my in-laws.  They have been talking about coming down here but had not gotten any dates together yet.  Well surprise!! They are on their way.  They decided to leave Missouri in the middle of a snow storm, so they will arrive at some point later today.  Good news for baby Grace as I am sure she will be held up until they leave on Sunday.  Spoiled rotten.

And with that the baby is awakening... thus I am being called.  Mom life.

So now that my life primarily consists of little bit's schedule.. to include-dirty diapers, breastfeeding, sleeping, fussing, calming an...

I had no problems this morning when my husband woke me up bright and early on day one of his four day for Martin Luther King Jr Day.  I knew his nervous energy would not keep him in bed super long... if at all once he was awake.

Today was day zero of his second countdown (the first being baby due date)... warrant officer board results would come out at some point today.  Some point being the key words.

We planned a few errands to keep his mind off of it.  He'd already checked almost 100 times in the few hours he'd been awake.  So I hurried up to get us out of the house.

I was standing in the kitchen fixing up some breakfast before we walked out the door.  When I heard this faint whisper behind me..

"It's out."

Followed by a pause.

His name was on the list.

My husband will be a warrant officer at some point this year.

Now we exhale and spend the rest of the day caught between excitement for the future and bragging about how awesome my husband is.

Thanks for the prayers y'all..

I had no problems this morning when my husband woke me up bright and early on day one of his four day for Martin Luther King Jr Day.  I knew...

Today.. November 11th.
A Federal holiday.
A day of thanks.

Hallmark hasn't hijacked this holiday.  It is not a day of feasting and presents.  It's a day of celebration.  A day to thank some of the most important (if not, the most important) people that walk, eat, and breathe in the same space as us everyday average Americans.


I'm lucky to fall asleep at night next to one of my personal heroes.  He doesn't walk around expecting thanks for it everyday.  He doesn't gloat about the importance of his job.  He just gets up and goes about doing the things I would never have the strength or willpower to do.  He is an American veteran.

He is one of many I thank on this day.  For doing what I know I couldn't do.  For doing what others couldn't imagine doing.  For doing what HAS to be done to protect this great country and all those that call America home.

Today and everyday I'm thanking these individuals for the sacrifice they have made or continue to make to protect not only their loved ones but an entire nation.. one that may not always be grateful.

Today.. November 11th. A Federal holiday. A day of thanks. Hallmark hasn't hijacked this holiday.  It is not a day of feasting and p...

This day is for you.
To be honored.
To be praised.
To be acknowledged.

Our service members are the heroes of our nation.  They go out and do the unthinkable to make this country the land of the free.  The home of the brave.  They work endless hours, spend countless days away from home and go out knowing that they may never come home.  I firmly believe there is no greater honor than knowing one of these individuals.

Their spouse is without a doubt their biggest fan.  The one who mans the home front, raises the children, takes care of the house... the one that does what needs to be done to just keep going.  The one who stands with pride during the National Anthem, homecomings, promotions and more.  The one who empties the uniform pockets before washing, pins on a new rank, waits anxiously for that end of a long road hug.  The back home hero for putting one foot in front of the other when the road gets bumpy and the travels are unknown.

It truly takes a unique and special woman to be a military spouse.  I am so thankful to be able to call these women my friends, my acquaintances, my sisters.

Today I celebrate you.
Happy Military Spouse Appreciation Day!

Source.

If you are stopping by today... I welcome you to the land of Somewhere Over the Camo.
I'm Amanda.. I write here.  I'm 23 years old and I've been an Army wife for 3 years.  My husband Rob is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, thing to ever happen to me.  He's opened my eyes to the world outside of Kansas and filled my heart with more love than I ever could have imagined.  Everyday I find myself proud of all that he has accomplished.

Being an Army wife is only part of my identity though.  I am also a fur-mama.  I have 2 beautiful dogs--Piston, a rambunctious 3 year old boxer and Klutch, an almost one year old [we think] pit/lab mix puppy [fun fact.. our dogs are named after car parts!].  I run my own design company for small businesses.  Amanda Dawn Designs.  I am 18 weeks away from finishing my Bachelor's degree for multimedia design and development.. aka graphic design.  I read sometimes.  I craft sometimes.  We own a boat, so sometimes I even fish.
Other than that... I'm a sassy redhead that loves to focus on life and all of it's opportunities.

So kick up your feet, and stay awhile.
Oh. And don't forget to celebrate YOU today.
You.
Deserve.
It.



Facebook // Twitter

This day is for you. To be honored. To be praised. To be acknowledged. Our service members are the heroes of our nation.  They go out a...

Klutch [the dog] just barked.
I responded with "do it again, I dare you"...
His response?
A soft bark.

I feel like I have kids already.
And that my friends, is my life.

It seems like life is just repeating "story of my life" over and over again right now.
But I'm not complaining.
I thrive on routine.

With that being said, it hasn't all been repetitive.

Like my husband got promoted yesterday.  A quick ceremony that had me laughing, bursting with pride, welling up with tears and happy all at the same time.  I don't think there is a better feeling than your husband's superiors saying how bright his future military career is.  He is a smart one that husband of mine!
Like one of the hardest, if not the hardest, session of school being OVER.  That's right folks.. another session down.  Leaving two to go.  The end is in sight!

Like getting a billion and one things accomplished on Spring Break... because hello it is a break from school. In the spring.  Time to add some black cross offs to that to-do list.

Like joining bloglovin'.  What?!  Yeah.. I did it.  [[It's all Jane's fault because I can't read her blog on blogger, so I had to find another way to get some Poppiness action!]]  So if you are on there... add me!!

Like deciding to take over a board position for the Fort Gordon Spouse's and Civilian Club.  I never imagined I'd be that wife.  But I am.  I like being involved on Fort Gordon.  It's afforded me some priceless connections.  And since my husband plans on doing this military thing for awhile... why pass up the opportunity for some great connections?

Like since launching my Facebook page for my personal design business less than a week ago.. I've had two new projects added to my plate.  That's a good sign folks!!  Have you liked Amanda Dawn Designs on Facebook yet?  Every like is much appreciated!

Like planning a new link-up with Janna!  Join us on Tuesday May 7th for the first installment of "A Few of My Favorites..."!  Each month we will select one co-host to choose a topic that falls under that category.  On the first Tuesday of every month the link-up topic will go live for the following month!  This month's topic is: favorite childhood book(s) [or your kids!] with co-host Bekha!  I can't wait to read what everyone has to say!

And that's a wrap y'all.. I've got an overdue library book halfway finished calling my name pretty loudly.  Happy mid-week!!!

Klutch [the dog] just barked. I responded with "do it again, I dare you"... His response? A soft bark. I feel like I have kid...

"America will never run...  And we will always be grateful that liberty has found such brave defenders." -George W. Bush ...

Happy belated Easter friends, family and readers!

Of course I can't actually post day-of.  That would mean I'm running on schedule.  Which never, ever, happens.  (If that happened... I would ALWAYS have my homework done prior to Sunday night..)(And I would make it anywhere ON TIME...)

Our Easter was rather simple this year.  We didn't have a large feast.  Dye eggs.  Or really do anything Easter related other than attend mass, dress up and eat tons of Easter candy.  But somehow it was perfect.  Probably cause it was me and my little family.  Being together.  Which is really how it should be...
So I hope yours had the same quality of peace, love, springtime and renewal.

---

I think the calmness that occurred on Easter Sunday was the building anticipation for Monday.  6 long weeks of class all led up to this one last hoorah.  Graduation.  Rob is done with his ALC course.  I was fortunate enough to not have to spend those 6 weeks separated from him.  The signal NCO academy is at Fort Gordon... so he was just gone from the house a little more.  But he still got to come home every night and sleep right next to me.
Nevertheless, it is a giant sigh of relief that this course is over.  I am so proud of him for getting it done.  And now we can look towards the future...

---

Of course Monday afternoon was interrupted with one of those Army phone calls.  You know the ones that interrupt a perfectly peaceful afternoon... where I'm dozing in the chair and Rob is watching some crazy movie on Netflix.  Rather than return to the 9-5 M-F schedule he had before.. now he will be on shift work, which was rumored but never confirmed until that one phone call.

Which really isn't ALL that bad.  We've been married 3 years though.. and he's never worked shift work while we have lived together.  He did it prior to us getting married and me moving to Maryland.. and then again while he was in Kuwait.  So I know there is some adjusting that will have to occur... but it's just one of those things you just deal with.  Let's just say.. I'm more than used to that by now.

---

Speaking of three... my first-born-fur-baby turned 3 on Saturday.  I'm almost 99% sure he knew it was a special day too... his stumpy little tail wagged more than usual, he asked for extra loving and it reminded me of how much I love that little dude.  I've been through a ton with him by my side.  So of course he was smothered with extra kisses and love...I couldn't have asked for a better, more loyal, dog.

---

Otherwise I'm still holding down this fort while my love earns that dough.  Doing my homework the day it is due.  Waiting for the laundry to fill every hamper before starting.  Cleaning when the floor is visibly speckled with dirt.  Hanging out with new friends and making new Georgia memories.  And always.. always... spending time with my little family.  Who could ask for more?

Source.

Happy April friends!

---

What is a Walkabout? It's a blog link-up party, every week here and with our co-hosts! Simply put your blog address or a specific post in the linky, visit some other people, and make some friends. Easy at that! I can't wait to talk to everyone!

Happy belated Easter friends, family and readers! Of course I can't actually post day-of.  That would mean I'm running on schedule...

What is one thing you like and one thing you dislike about living the military life? :)


This got me thinking... obviously being a military spouse has both advantages and disadvantages.  Obvious and not.  When you marry someone owned by the government, you willingly accept the responsibilities of an entirely different lifestyle.  Rather than having a 9 to 5 clock-in and clock-out kind of job, my husband has an on-call-drop-everything-leave-tomorrow-for-a-year kind of job.  I'm fortunate in the fact that my husbands job has a lot of stateside non-deployable options.  But since he is government property, his future could be different with the snap of a finger.

That part is obviously not favorable by most military wifes.  BUT there are advantages to being a military spouse.  Don't believe me?  Let me persuade you.

Likeeeeeee...  The opportunities afforded to both me and my husband throughout his military career.  This is a HUGE plus in my book.  I'm not just talking about the opportunity to live in many beautiful places my little big Kansas butt may not have otherwise got to visit let alone live.  I'm also talking about the amazing opportunity for new friends.  Friends from all across the nation AND world.  Friends I may not have otherwise crossed paths with if it weren't for this crazy mutual journey: the military roller coaster.  Mostly though I'm talking about the opportunity my husband has been given to establish a successful career.  A career that will easily transfer over into the "civilian world".  Pre-Army Rob had opportunities don't get me wrong... but the Army has and will open so many more doors than before.  He will retire with 20+ years networking experience.  He will have built networks and connections only available through the military community.  He will feel confident in his skills to rock anything the future hands him.  And that my friends is irreplaceable.  The pride I feel for my husband through his professional military career is immeasurable... which is the best part about this whole military life.

On the flip side... my biggest dislike about the military life?  How different it is from the "civilian world".  Many people just don't get it.  Understandable? Yes.  Frustrating for me? Yes.  It is hard to understand why we do things... why we made the decision we made for our future... why the Army is doing what it is doing with my husband... etc.  I understand that.  But it is even harder for me to explain why things are done the way they are.  They just are... It is a whole entire different separate rule filled world.  Key word: DIFFERENT.  I just can't explain that..

But this might help those 'why' questions in the future:
"You know how people say 'Why do you do it?' 
The truth is when you love someone, 
you really don't have a choice other than to just do it."

A few weeks ago I put out a request to my readers for some topics you wanted me to cover on this here blog.  Jen from The Adventures Of Our...

Most of my followers know that I am going to school full time online.  What you may not know is that my husband is doing the same thing.  So on top of the Army class he is taking right now, studying for a HUGE [and expensive] certification, being a fur-father and a husband... he is also a student working on his Bachelor's degree.

He WAS using the tuition assistance program.  Getting help paying for this degree.  The plan was to use his GI Bill for his Master's and PHD.

But now... the government has decided his time spent being an American soldier both near and far away from home, completely devoted to his country, does not justify him getting assistance when it comes to his education and bettering his life after the Army.

At all.

This makes me so mad that I can hardly put it into words.

If you haven't heard about the sequester... you've been living under a rock.  If you are associated with the military in any way, you've more than likely heard about the cuts coming our way.  This is one of the results...

Please do me a favor and go sign this petition:

Reinstate Military Tuition Assistance and block the Armed Service Branches from any further suspension of TA.

By signing this petition you are taking a stand to help our military get their well deserved college educations.  Helping them take care of their family after they've completed their service to this great country.  And showing them that the American people have their back both home and abroad.

Don't let our armed forces feel like their sacrifices have gone unnoticed.

[P.S. If you are a military spouse or supporter I encourage you to re post this link in as many ways possible.]

Any negative comments blaming one political party over another will not be posted.  This is a neutral post and it will only have neutral comments.

Most of my followers know that I am going to school full time online.  What you may not know is that my husband is doing the same thing.  So...