"America without her soldiers...
would be like God without his angels."

Veterans Day.

I know first hand what our service members sacrifice for this country.  Their freedoms, time with their families, and in some instances, their life, the ultimate sacrifice.  To willingly choose to sign on that dotted line, is something most of us will never fully understand.

I am proud to be married to my personal hero.  These days, just looking at him, you would probably never know he served in the military... after all he sports a full beard and calls his own shots in life, but those 9 years helped define the person he is today.  I proudly watched him walk out the door wearing camo and dress uniforms with a clean freshly shaved face.  He rose through the ranks and gained respect as a leader.  To this day I am still proud beyond belief of his military career and all that he accomplished.

So to you, Rob, happy Veterans Day!

To the countless other soldiers and heroes I have met along the journey, happy Veterans Day.  I am forever grateful for you and what you stand for.

This country is grateful, especially today.

Who are you honoring today?

"America without her soldiers... would be like God without his angels." Veterans Day. I know first hand what our service m...

I did not write about September 11th yesterday.  At this point, there are no words that have been left unsaid.  17 years ago this country forever changed.  I was only 11, but even then I remember feeling that things would never be the same.  We would forever be just a little on edge anxiously waiting for another attempt at our country and our freedoms.

I did not write about September 11th yesterday.  At this point, there are no words that have been left unsaid.  17 years ago this country fo...

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of 1 Natural Way.  All opinions are entirely my own.


So you just found out you are expecting a baby, but you don't know what to expect.  After all, you married someone in the military and your life is largely unknown.  You are probably away from most of your family and friends and there is always the possibility of welcoming this baby by yourself in a military hospital somewhere.  It's daunting, and scary... but I promise you... you can do it.

I've been there.  Twice.  And somehow I made it out the other side with two healthy beautiful girls that make all the anxiety absolutely worth it.


How did I do it?

--- Relax.  Your life is not able to be planned.  Who knows where you will be in 9 months.  I get it... that can be stressful.  But if you can calm the anxieties and roll with the punches, take it one step at a time, you will get through those long weeks of pregnancy a whole lot easier.

--- Ask questions.  You are not the first, nor are you the last woman to give birth to a baby in the military.  Blanchfield Army Community Hospital on Fort Campbell, where I gave birth to Brooke, delivers over 101 babies every. single. month.  That's a lot of babies.  Find the wives pages, or the new mom pages and ask the questions you have.  Someone will be able to guide you through the unknowns.

--- Utilize your resources.  Through 1 Natural Way and Tricare, you can receive top of the line insurance breast pumps such as Medela, Spectra and Kiinde, along with accessories, compression socks and postpartum supplies at NO cost to you.  1 Natural Way does all the work for you, by contacting Tricare and your doctor to get all your needs taken care of.  Just another thing to check off of your pregnancy to do list.

--- Find your person.  Your spouse will eventually go back to work and you will have to settle into a new routine of some kind.  Working moms and stay at home moms all need that one person they can reach out to that can offer them a different perspective and the answers to their questions.  For me, I am very grateful that my mom is always just a text away.  I could never not give her the credit for answering so many of my new-mom questions.


--- Be thankful.  Sometimes it is easy to get wrapped up in how long it may take to schedule an appointment or how long a wait may be in a waiting room.  It may not be the best or quickest care, but it is free and most of the providers do genuinely care about you and your experience.  I'll never forget my OBGYN I saw on Fort Gordon with Grace.  Dr. Homeyer was old and partially deaf, I believe, but he calmed so many of my fears with my blood clotting gene early on in my pregnancy and walked me through every step of my first pregnancy patiently answering countless new mom questions.

--- Shop used.  Baby gear is expensive.  There is no doubt about it.  But it is also used for very short periods of time.  So if you see a rock'n'play on the local for sale page that looks almost brand new at a fraction of the cost.  BUY IT.  Baby stuff is rarely broken in because they move on to the next stage in their growing process so quickly.  Save money where you can.

--- Enjoy it.  It may be the most stressful time of your life with no family right down the road, but I promise you it will go quickly.  So enjoy every last moment.  All the late night cuddle sessions and the small but mighty achievements.  Before you know it your first born will be turning 4 and your family may be growing.


always,
amanda

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of 1 Natural Way .  All opinions are entirely my own. Photo credit : Whit Meza Photogr...

Happy Military Spouse Appreciation Day, friends!

I am blessed to know so many wonderful spouses and even though my journey as a military spouse is over after 7 years... I am still so thankful to call so many of you friends and even family. So today... I am celebrating you all. Your strength, courage and determination is something to be appreciated.  Your friendship is something I am forever grateful for.. and don't even get me started on all the memories made over the last 7 years.

To celebrate today, Jen and I are once again hosting a Military Spouse Appreciation Day Link-Up for all you military related bloggers.  I am HONORED to host all of you this year.


To join us... just answer the following questions and add your link!  Don't forget to visit some new blogs and leave some comments for others!  For extra credit, use the hashtag #2017MilSpoDayLinkup on social media!

//My name is Amanda.  I am a natural redhead that is addicted to Target, my new house and my family.  I mainly blog about that stuff these days... when I do.  Buying a house is for real time consuming y'all.  And when I'm not working on the house... we are always always busy.  But I would not have it any other way. We are near family and friends.  We are establishing ourselves in my favorite state ever, KANSAS.  And above all else, we are happy where life post-Army has taken us!

//My husband was a Warrant Officer in the United States Army.  After almost 9 years he medically separated this last January.

//I LOVED meeting new people from all over the nation and world.  I have friends from Massachusetts, Canada, Georgia, Minnesota.. just to name a few.  Our paths NEVER would have crossed had it not been for the military.

//Get out there.  I've said it before and I will say it again.  If you do not put yourself out there (whether it be a spouse club, unit functions or a group of spouses getting together) you will be very lonely.  And unfortunately you will have no one to blame but yourself.  It's hard.  Making friends as an adult is STUPID hard.  But it can be done.  Just not from your couch or behind your Facebook screen.

//I spent a year in Maryland while my husband was stationed at Fort Meade.  Then moved back to Kansas (my home!) while he spent a year in Kuwait.  Then we spent 3 years in Augusta, Georgia at Fort Gordon.  Our final duty station was Fort Campbell, Kentucky.  Also the worst.  I do miss getting to live places my Kansas loving self would not otherwise live though.  I experienced a lot of life outside these state lines.

//I currently stay home with our two beautiful baby girls.  I hope to get back into volunteering as they get into school and other activities.  I love volunteering and miss it.

Now it is YOUR turn.  Tell us about yourself and don't forget to add your link!


always,
amanda

Happy Military Spouse Appreciation Day, friends! I am blessed to know so many wonderful spouses and even though my journey as a military s...

These days things seem to go by in a blink of an eye.  Time is moving quickly.  Each day faster than the last.  Since becoming a family of 4 over a year ago time has sped up and I finally know what everyone meant when they said "it goes quickly, so enjoy it".  I scoffed then, pretended like I knew what they were talking about... but I had no idea what I was in for.

These days are full of gymnastics classes, speech therapy appointments, doctors appointments, trips to and from Kansas City and more errands than I ever dreamed possible.

These days are busy with family and friends and making countless new memories for our memory banks.  We are not taking one single second for granted.

These days are filled with vacuuming, sweeping, picking up five thousand toys five thousand times a day, loading the dishwasher, staying behind on laundry and filling up the dogs food bowl.

These days are filled slowly counting numbers, identifying colors, answering "what's that" every minute of every day, showing how to use scissors, taking stickers off of paper and impromptu dance parties.

These days are filled hosting playdates for new friends, trying new restaurants downtown, checking out new playgrounds and parks, learning back ways into the new neighborhood and joining new church groups and activities.

These days seem to roll smoothly and we are hands down enjoying these days.

But I'm also still trying to find my place in this new chapter.  I've always identified this blog as one written from a military spouse perspective.  However... since Rob transitioned out earlier this year, I'm no longer a military spouse.  So where does that leave this blog?  A lifestyle blog?  A parenting blog?  A whatever I want to blog about blog?  Who knows.  The name will stay the same.  After all... Somewhere Over the Camo makes PERFECT sense.  This is life, somewhere over the camo.. but for now the identity is somewhere in limbo.

So when Jen approached me to host the Military Spouse Appreciation Day link-up with her again this year, I briefly hesitated before saying yes.  I may not be a military spouse, but y'all... I have and always will have so much dang respect for all of YOU that currently are... and I love bringing spouses together.  So you should join us next Friday, May 12th for our annual Military Spouse Appreciation Day Link-Up.  You can find the questions over here on Jen's blog.  Come back next Friday, add your link and find some new blogs to follow.  I am honored to host all of you wonderful ladies!



always,
amanda

These days it is has been cloudy and rainy more often than not. These days things seem to go by in a blink of an eye.  Time is moving...

So your spouse came home with news you may or may not have been prepared to hear... your adventure as a military spouse is coming to an end.

My husband came home with that news less than a year ago.  He was being medically discharged from the Army.  Officially he has now been separated from the Army for almost two months.  But he signed out on terminal leave at the end of October.

Here's my best advice for you, the spouse, on how to handle the transitioning period that comes with leaving one world and entering another.

---DON'T PANIC.  Easier said than done, I know.  But if you can keep your panic instincts under lock and key the whole situation will go a lot smoother.  I confess, I panicked at one point.  I didn't feel we were getting the answers we needed in a timely manner and one day I just lost it.  It's natural, but it also doesn't help.  You are still at the mercies of the military.  Their timeline will always satisfy their needs, not yours.

--BE PATIENT.  Also easier said than done.  The answers will come.  One week you may be waiting on word and the next week you may be out.  The last two weeks went absurdly fast but up until then we were playing the waiting game.  Patience is not always an easy thing to come by, especially when it comes to your life... I get it.  So find whatever solace you can and stick to it.  For me, God has a plan worked wonders in talking myself off of the ledge.

--DON'T FIXATE ON ESTIMATES AND DATES PROVIDED.  The Army may say terminal leave will not start until February.  Suddenly it's the end of October and your husband just signed out 4 months early.  They have no idea.  Which leads me to...

--HAVE A PLAN A, B AND C.  If you only make a plan for the initial time period given... you'll be super stressed when you have two weeks notice of your last day in.  Try and keep an open mind and an open end game going.  If plan A doesn't work out, have a plan B  and C... just in case.  The last thing you want is to be done with no idea of what is next.

--NETWORK.  This helped my husband immensely.  He was able to land a job months before his official end date with the Army.  He had a great network of people sending him job suggestions and advice for the next steps.  Also, LinkedIn worked WONDERS.  Use it.  It's free!

--GO SOMEWHERE YOU KNOW.  It's tempting to just start over somewhere fresh... but I definitely think the best thing we did was come back to Kansas.  We have a built in support system already and it was easy to figure out Rob's job situation and our living situation since we were familiar with the area.  We've even decided to make our current town our forever home.  Who would have thought?!

--BE THANKFUL.  It's easy to be mad when the military decides to unexpectedly give you the boot. But if you can be thankful, it will help with the moving on part.  The Army provided my husband years of experience in his field and gave him an amazing starting point for his career.  I am and forever will be thankful for that.

I spent 6 and a half years living the military life alongside my husband.  I left Kansas and my eyes were opened to all that the rest of the country has to offer.  I loved most of our adventures and hated some too.  Now that we are in the civilian world, I am grateful for the tough times that we went through, because it made us appreciate all that we have now even more.

As always, if you face this unexpected road, don't hesitate to shoot me an e-mail!  I can give you an idea of what to expect and help prop you up in times of uncertainty.  Just remember, you got this.



always,
amanda
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So your spouse came home with news you may or may not have been prepared to hear... your adventure as a military spouse is coming to an ...

Today is Rob's last day in the Army.  He has been on terminal leave since October, but today... today he is really done.. and with that, we are really done with Army life.

The last almost 7 years of my life have been dictated by the Army and their needs.  When I married Rob in that small Annapolis courthouse back in 2010, I only had a small idea of what was to come.  We have experienced so much life thanks to the Army and it has always been an adventure.

Am I sad that this chapter is ending?  Yes and no.  There are so many great things about the Army that we will truly miss...

-Free healthcare.  It goes without saying that not having to worry about co-pays and hospital bills is a huge relief.  It may not have always been the best or quickest care, but we've always been healthy and able to do what we needed to do without worrying about a giant bill at the end.

-Opportunties to see and live places this Kansas girl would only dream of living.  While we never made it overseas to live... we called Maryland, Georgia and Tennessee home.  Places I never imagined I'd ever call home in my lifetime.  Of course, there is nothing like coming home.  But I can say I left, and I became a better person because of it.

-The sense of community. There is no community like the military community.  We are bonded by the fact that we are all separated from home and our loved ones.  We move somewhere often knowing nobody and we build a new life within our new community.  We stand behind and do everything in our power to support our service members.  And I'm not sure we will ever find a community that compares.

-The overall job security.  Except for the fact that the Army can choose to Med Board you after any doctors visit and because of any ailment... overall there is great job security in the military.  If you excel at your job and are continually striving to achieve promotion, you can easily make the military a career and retire young.

-Built in volunteer opportunities.  My years spent as a military spouse included many volunteer opportunities.  If you want to help, there is a niche for you within the military community.  Being far away from home and not having a job left my days empty and needing to be filled.  I personally enjoyed serving on the board at Fort Meade's Enlisted Spouses Club and Fort Gordon's Spouses and Civilians Club.  Was there some drama here and there?  Yes. But it was rewarding to see the clubs do such good in the community.

-Making friends from all around the country.  Without a doubt the very best part of the military life is the people you will meet.  Brooke's Godparents and our military best friends are originally from Massachusetts and West Virginia and our paths would have never crossed had it not been for the military.  I've also made friends from other countries and states both near and far filled with all different lifestyles.  It taught me a lot about life... because lets face it.. not everyone was raised as I was and culture shock is a real thing y'all.

We have the Army to thank for a lot in our life.  It opened many doors for Rob in his career that allowed for him to succeed out here in the civilian sector.  Our two sweet military brats are thankful beyond words to be around family on the regular now.  Apparently mom and dad are boring.  And for me it helped me become the wife and woman I am today.  Taught me many life lessons and social skills I was lacking.

If you have been along for this journey, I have you to thank.  To name a select few... Rachel.  I could never thank you for helping me that first year at Fort Meade.  So many conversations were had that helped me see what I wasn't already seeing about life outside of my bubble.  I am very thankful that our paths crossed again at Fort Gordon.  You are one of those military spouses the Army should be thankful to have.  Abigail.  That night we met around the bonfire in your backyard, I didn't envision you become one of my closest confidants and friends at Fort Gordon and beyond, but you are in so many ways.  I can't wait to meet baby V #2 and watch your journey unfold even more.  I only wish we were still just a few minutes away from each other for those late nights and countless memories.  Heather. I feel like you are my spirit animal in that we are so alike, but still so different.  I remember many a pep talk about how it is what you make it and this life can only make you stronger.  Now I'm watching you kick butt in so many ways, first and foremost as a mama.  I only hope our paths cross sooner, rather than later.

(While the above list could go on and on, please know that if I met you thanks to the military, a special place in my heart will always be reserved for you.)

This chapter is officially closing and a new narrative has already begun.  But we will look back someday at our years spent within the military world and we will smile... it's where life began for us...



always,
amanda

Today is Rob's last day in the Army.  He has been on terminal leave since October, but today... today he is really done.. and with th...

Over two months ago we left Tennessee, for one last road trip to the sunflower state.  Two PACKED months ago.  With the holidays and my overall hiatus from blogging while moving and being with family and friends again... I never got around to officially closing our Clarksville chapter.  So let's flash back two months to our last week in Clarksville.

Other than running around like a crazy person trying to get everything done that must be done before a move... we also managed to...


Drive into the Kentucky country to scoop up some TO DIE FOR donuts.  I had heard through the grapevine that I would not regret it.  And I do.  But only because I waited until the last freaking week to go up there and get some.  They were hands down some of the best donuts I've ever had.  Leave it to the Amish. (Also, just checked.. I've mentioned this donut trip on here before... so clearly they were the bees knees.)


On a particularly rainy and gross afternoon we had lunch at Silke's Old World Breads Bakery & Cafe.  The food was mediocre at best, but it was a fun little outing with just my girls.  They have a small play area and serve piping hot food (ask Brooke, she stuck her hand in Grace's pizza two seconds after they served it to us...).  After we ate we meandered next door to a few amazing antique type stores.  I regret not going to Warehouse 41 prior to the movers coming.  So much stuff that I could have easily taken home with me and should have.


Another evening after leaving the dungeon that is the hospital basement where one finds the medical records office, we headed over to the park next door to the Fort Campbell museum to walk around and look at all of the helicopters.  Our home in Clarksville was under the flight path of training for a wide range of military helicopters and it became a familiar sight for all of us.  Needless to say seeing the "copters" up close was a real hit.  That was our official goodbye to military installations.


Our last major thing to do before leaving town was say goodbye to our lone friends in Clarksville.  We knew Miranda and the girls from our time at Fort Gordon... but we were reconnected at Fort Campbell for a few months and the girls really enjoyed each others company.  So we met up for dinner at Blackhorse and said our goodbyes.  Hands down the worst thing to do, ever.

Without a shadow of a doubt I can say that our time at Fort Campbell was not exactly my favorite.  We lost our beloved Piston and had more than a few other crazy incidents, often shared with our neighbors.  But Fort Campbell will also always be a special place to me.  That is where I gave birth to Brooklyn and we added Diesel to our gang.  We had many great visits with friends and family.  And lots of memories were made in just one year.

But I don't miss it, at all.


Here is what I will miss about Fort Campbell and Clarksville, Tennessee.

-Blackhorse, the restaurant.  Family friendly and they make their own beer.
-Miss Lucille's Marketplace.  Used, new, reclaimed and antique.  It's all there.
-Nashville.  Close and TONS of stuff to do.
-The sounds of freedom, in helicopters and range action.  Heard 20 minutes out, no less.
-Liberty park.  The playground, walking trails and restaurant.
-Our neighbors.  We weren't super close to them, but did experience a lot of life with them.
-Our friends.

Here is what I will not miss about Fort Campbell and Clarksville, Tennessee.

-The panhandlers.  Somebody always needs something from everyone else.
-Our rental company.  They were great in the beginning but kind of screwed us over in the end.
-The large military aspect.  Coming from Fort Gordon and Fort Meade.. Campbell is huge.
-"Free" anything.. especially events.  Not worth it, at all.
-Our split level home.  Loved the home, HATED the stairs.  Especially on grocery day.

Rob's terminal leave ends shortly and we will 100% be done with the Army.  It's kind of surreal.  But I'd be lying if I said it hasn't been good for this family...

So there you have it.  The closing of our Campbell chapter.  Late, but still glorious.


always,
amanda

Over two months ago we left Tennessee, for one last road trip to the sunflower state.  Two PACKED months ago.  With the holidays and my over...

So, we made it.  I'm really not even sure how.  I had all of these intentions to fill the silence with a post or two, and wouldn't you know... I never got to it.  That's because my husband left and everything went south rrrrrrrrrealll quick.

The last two weeks have been chaotic at best.

Both kids got sick right along with me.  Which made for clingy, snotty, congested messes.  Which also included HORRIBLE, horrible sleep.  Literally I'd get one kid settled and the next would wake up.  I was cranky.  I was tired.  I barely survived.  Had my children not been sick, this would have been easy peazy.
The Saturday before we left town I went ahead and took the girls into Urgent Care (because Tricare now allows TWO visits a year y'all!).  My 2 and a half year streak of parenting without ear infections was broken by my youngest.  A few days of antibiotics and she got mostly back to her self.

While dealing with the aforementioned nonsense... I was also running around town doing all the last minute things required prior to a move.  Dropping off at Goodwill, requesting medical records, going here, there and everywhere... and also trying to squeeze in a few last minute things off of my Clarksville to do list.  Nothing like waiting until the last week to try and make it to those last few places after living somewhere for a year.

I am sorely disappointed I didn't listen to the advice given to me when we moved there.  I waited far too long to go get donuts from the Amish bakery in Kentucky.  They were to die for.  Love at first taste.  I shall never find another love like that.  That's what I get for waiting y'all.

Last Monday the movers showed up to pack all of our crap up.  It took them all of 4 hours.  Then on Tuesday they came and loaded it up, for another 4 hours.  Flashback to when I moved out of that one bedroom apartment in Kansas after Rob's deployment to Kuwait.  It took the movers an entire day to pack and load that place.  It took these guys a combined 8 hours to pack and load a 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom HOUSE.  I knew those creeps were milking the dang clock.  Thank heavens I had friends who stuck with me that day because lawd, I was scared.

ANYWAY.  Wednesday was Brooke's VERY delayed 6 month check up and shots.  She's healthy and beautiful, hates shots... more on that when I get to her 7 month post.. someday.  Luckily we found out the fluid causing her ear infection was gone.  Three cheers!  Just in time...

We had a walk through around lunch with our rental company. I was supposed to have the house empty and cleaned... but this one woman show couldn't make it happen.  He advised me on a few areas to address before we left.  In the meantime Diesel chewed through his harness, adding another dang errand to my list.  I'm telling y'all, he hates me.

So after another stop at Petsmart to get another $30 harness, lunch and TONS OF SWEAT.  I somehow jigsaw puzzled the truck bed so I wouldn't lose anything and loaded the kids and dog up.  Only to find out I had locked my dang truck key in the house that I no longer had a key to.  After another hour of waiting... the rental company was able to bail me out and I finally pulled out of Clarksville at 5 in the evening.  Only 5 hours late.

We rolled into town at 2 am Thursday morning, sans a fan cleaning brush that apparently blew out of my truck somewhere between Clarksville and St. Louis.  Thursday, Friday and Saturday we spent at my parents house running around KC doing KC things.  Seeing friends.  Going to a big Target.  Eating bbq and Jose Peppers.  The norm.

Finally on Sunday we got the keys to our new place!  So after one last night on the air mattress, our stuff got here yesterday.  Praise the Lord.

Our current situation is an unpacked kitchen, a brand new couch set in the living room and a sea of boxes just about everywhere else.  Slow and steady you all.  It's hard as heck to put a house together with a dog that loves to chew on cardboard (and his harness!!! Number two bit the dust at my parents when it was accidentally left on him while we were gone...), a teething baby and a VERY curious toddler.  So say a prayer or send beer.  Come hell or high water this house will be unpacked by Thanksgiving.  Bet on it!

If you've made it this far... congratulations, you also survived the last two weeks of my life.


always,
amanda
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So, we made it.  I'm really not even sure how.  I had all of these intentions to fill the silence with a post or two, and wouldn'...

Three weeks ago today we were able to share with you all the news that Rob was getting medically discharged from the Army.  We were entering another season of "hurry up and wait".  Anybody that has ever had to deal with the military knows how common this season is.

37 hours ago we were waiting... with no dates marked out on the calendar.  Then the phone rang and within the span of the last 36 hours - Rob got his final ETS orders and out-processed from Fort Campbell.

Today, my husband wore his uniform for the very last time.  I will wash and put away his uniform for good.  I will box up the t-shirts and long socks and celebrate never having to fold another shirt that sticks to itself (anyone else know what I'm talking about?!).  I will never be woken up at 5 am to help find a patrol cap or tell him where he last took his boots off at.  There will never be another mad dash to get PT clothing washed on a Sunday night.

This chapter is really coming to an end y'all.

We've got a matter of weeks left here in Clarksville.  Just waiting on the movers now.  I've got a last minute list of a handful of places I want to get to with the girls before we make our final trek to Kansas City.

But first we will celebrate Halloween.  One last time in this military town.  Officially a military family until terminal leave comes to an end in January... but already opening doors on this next chapter in life.

This is so surreal.  I never thought this day would ever get here.  And now here it is.

And I am ready, so ready.


always,
amanda

Three weeks ago today we were able to share with you all the news that Rob was getting medically discharged from the Army.  We were enter...

We are mere weeks away from Rob signing out on terminal leave.  Things are chaotic and stressful and moving fast, but slow at the same time.  I've sorted through clothing and bins of purses.  Listed and sold our guest bedroom set, desk and almost all of our outside stuff.  I'm starting to feel more at ease about this transition and a lot of the things that are still relatively unknown (Will we be in a house/apartment/townhouse for the holidays? When will we be leaving Clarksville? Where will Rob land a job? Etc, etc, etc)  I am making plans for Thanksgiving in Kansas City, scheduling Brooke's baptism and thinking about Christmas gifts for my girls.  We are still excited for this transition, but nervous.

When it comes right down to it though... I am okay with separating from the Army and the lifestyle we have known for the last 7 plus years.  Here is why.

Rob doesn't have to put in a pass or leave packet and cross his fingers for approval to travel on any given weekend.  College friend getting married next summer in California?  No problem.  At the very least we can fly out Friday night and come home Sunday evening without having to take extra time off.

Our girls will REALLY know their grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and all of the beautiful children my very best friends create.  They will have the memories of family and friends being at every birthday party and special occasion.  Going to grandma and grandpas will not be a giant ordeal but rather a quick trip (even going to see Rob's family in Missouri is still only a 2.5/3 hour drive!) and part of the norm.

We can actually buy a house and not have to worry about getting orders 2-3 years later and having to sell a house on short notice.  Never thought we would be settling in at this point in our life... but dang it, I'm excited.

Rob can utilize his skills, certifications and degrees and maximize his potential.  All while getting paid accordingly.

Our girls can go to the same school from Kindergarten to 12th grade.  They will have the same friends.  Know what to expect out of their schooling experience.  And (hopefully) never be ahead or behind based on what their last school was doing.

The pace in which Rob's knees are falling apart may slow down enough he will not be 30 years old and in desperate need of both knees being replaced.  It's inevitable... but it would be nice to avoid this for a few more years if at all possible.

I may actually be able to do something without my husband being present or his power-of-attorney.  Heaven forbid the MOTHER of his children and his wife do anything without her sponsor.  It will be nice to not just be a dependent in the eyes of my husbands employer.

We can use Rob's vacation days to actually go on vacation and not always be traveling to and from the Midwest visiting family.  All those adventures and trips we've talked about in our future?  They can actually happen a lot sooner now.

The Army has been so good to us.  We've lived places I never imagined living.  Traveled to states I've never been to.  Befriended people from all over the country, and other countries too.  Made countless memories that will always define this chapter in our life... but the civilian world?  It's intriguing and I am excited to find our new normal!



always,
amanda

Managed to squeeze in a second trip to the pumpkin patch for actual pumpkins and photos. ALSO this picture does not in any way relate t...

It's late Sunday night... I'm eating a cookie, drinking milk and basking in the silence that is my house right now.

Our weekend was good.  Relatively quiet with a Halloween event Friday and dinner out Saturday.  Just enough to make it feel special, but not too much to be dead tired this evening.  The rest of the weekend was spent selling off a lot of our stuff (we will temporarily be downsizing and plan to start replacing our thrifted/Ikea/falling apart furniture with adult pieces as we can) and cleaning, along with mountains of laundry.

So I wanted to cap off this weekend with a few special thoughts on things I am currently thankful for.

I am thankful that we are moving back to Kansas City.  Honestly - I wasn't sure how I would feel about moving back home.  I was more than ready to leave when I did over 6 years ago.  Kansas City is a rather large city... but it feels small when you are constantly running into people and memories you'd rather leave in the past.  But I'm ready.  Ready for our girls to grow up knowing family on a personal level.  Ready to be close enough to see my friends when I want to.  Ready to be in familiar surroundings.  KC is my home.  From birth to 20, I knew nothing else. And now I get to really share Kansas City with my sweet girls too.

I am thankful that my husband is who he is.  He is so intelligent and really knows his stuff.  His 8 plus years in the Army are going to transfer almost seamlessly into the civilian world.  Which makes this whole transition not quite as scary as was first envisioned.  I know he will excel no matter where he ends up and I know we are both ready to see where this chapter is going to lead us.  AND he's moving back to Kansas City for me.  He could really care less where we end up... but knows how important it is to me and is doing it to make me happy.  I love that man.


I am thankful for Army friends that come back into your life years later.  Rob worked with Miranda and her husband Justin at Fort Gordon.  They got sent to Korea and us here... but now Miranda and their cute girls are here at Fort Campbell too and we could not be happier!  Grace is finally at an age where when I say "do you want to go hang out with Layla?" she knows what it means and gets excited!  Friday night we went to a Halloween Bash hosted by the local party store... and some special moments were shared between toddler friends, and it makes my heart so so happy.
I am thankful for my girls and their need for me.  Grace spent the entire day following me around whining "mama".  I will admit... in the moment I was annoyed because five billion other things were going on and she didn't really need anything.  Now that the house is quiet... I just want to go cuddle her.  Also.. I don't know about other moms... but there is something about being the only one that can satisfy your babies needs.  Breastfeeding mama for the win!

I am thankful that Diesel and I are finally starting to get on the same page.  Sort of.  He still doesn't really listen to me.  BUT... he doesn't jump on me like he used to and he has finally learned that if he comes over and sits in front of me calmly he will get attention.  Now if I can just figure out how to get him to stop playing keep away with baby toys and quit darting into Grace's room filled with stuffed animals and just about everything else he loves to destroy... we may be golden.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend and that this week is a good one.
What are you thankful for?






always,
amanda

It's late Sunday night... I'm eating a cookie, drinking milk and basking in the silence that is my house right now. Our weekend...

When I look back at my life and the book full of memories, I can easily divide my life into chapters.  Things I don't remember from my early life.  Elementary school and my years in Overland Park.  Moving to Shawnee to continue middle school and high school.  My senior year gets its own chapter, because it was just that great.  College and the memories made between 2008 and 2010.  And then begins another chapter... that has defined the last 6 and a half years...

I married Rob.  I left Kansas.  I followed my husband across the country.  And let the Army guide my life.

I'd call this chapter the Army chapter.  And by the end of this year, we will be writing the ending to this chapter and move on in our life.

Rob is getting medically separated from the United States Army.  At just 26, Rob's knees prevent him from keeping up with the physical demands of the Army.  Twenty-six y'all.  The last few months we have been preparing to get that unfit memo.  And it finally came through.

And it is a bittersweet feeling.

Just hours before Rob finally got the call, I was on base running errands.  It's been awhile since my errands took me on post.  But pulling up to the gate.  Handing over my ID card.  Walking around the sea of uniforms at the Soldier Center.  Stopping in at the PX to check out the Halloween selection.  Driving past the hospital I delivered Brooke at 6 months ago.  And then finally pulling through those gates again on my way home, I had an overwhelming feeling.

We will be leaving the community that is the military.  The lifestyle.  All that we have known as a married couple.

It is hitting us tonight.  This is really happening.

We've still got several weeks/months before the med board process will be complete and then there is terminal leave before Rob's final day in the Army.  But LOTS will happen between now and then and the transition has only begun.

SO if you pray - we'd love to be included in your thoughts.  Any good vibes sent our way will be very much appreciated.  We have faith this transition will end up being better for our family... we just have to get to the other side first.



always,
amanda

When I look back at my life and the book full of memories, I can easily divide my life into chapters.  Things I don't remember from ...

I'm a pretty simple person.  I get by on Pepsi, Netflix and the knowledge that bedtime will come (two children extra needy from some teeth that just need to pop through already has me counting down the hours to bedtime...).  But there are a few things you will NEVER find me doing...

Owning a cat. I'm allergic.  So no.

Gardening. Black thumb... I keep fake flowers alive and that's good enough for me!

Running. Too much jiggling for my liking.  It kind of just hurts.

Coloring my hair. I am a natural redhead... people want my hair color (not to be bold or anything...) so why would I change it?

Eating mushrooms. Gross.  Just the thought of them makes my tummy curl.

Not standing for the National Anthem. I am a proud military wife and a very proud American.  Are there issues with this country?  Sure.  But I don't think disrespecting our flag and the very principles this country was built on is the way to see that change through.

Sticking to a vegetarian diet. My dad's family is full of farmers.  So I'd probably starve if I ever decided meat was not part of my diet.

Loving summer. Heat. Humidity. Sunburns.  Why do people like that?! Fall all of the way here!

Enjoying pregnancy. I know I will hear... but you should be so glad you were even able to get pregnant.  I AM people.  I am so fortunate and glad that I was able to get pregnant and carry both of my baby girls through to a healthy birth.  But being pregnant?  I hate that.  Not being able to bend.  Not being able to lift the laundry hamper.  Not being able to drink if absolutely necessary.  Being miserable and large and miserable.  I didn't enjoy it.  The only bright side was feeling my girls move and hearing their heartbeats.

Willingly waking up early. Not in any way, shape or form a morning person.  But I often stay up late at night because nighttime is my jam y'all.

And with that my hooligans are back at it.  Because heaven forbid mama sits for like half a second.  NOOOOO... someone has to steal a toy from someone else (the dog from the toddler, for the record... baby is still immobile.  Thank heavens!) and World War III breaks out.  Who thought getting a puppy was a good idea?  Oh right my sweet husband who is conveniently at work ALL DAY.

I digress.

Happy Tuesday friends! (It is Tuesday, right?!)

What would I NEVER find you doing?




always,
amanda
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I'm a pretty simple person.  I get by on Pepsi, Netflix and the knowledge that bedtime will come (two children extra needy from some ...

The other day I was on one of the Army wife pages for Fort Campbell.  Somebody had just gotten orders to Fort Riley and they were very upset.  KANSAS - who wants to be stationed in Kansas?!

Y'all, it legit breaks my heart just a bit when I see posts like this.  I swear to you Kansas is NOT the worst place you could get orders too. Not even close.  And surprisingly in all my glorious years of being in this military lifestyle I've heard more positive reviews of Fort Riley than negative ones.  Nobody WANTS to go there (unless you are from Kansas), but everyone seems to hate leaving there.

(For full disclosure, Fort Riley is not the only military post in Kansas - Fort Leavenworth and McConnell Air Force Base are both also found in this great state.)

Here are the top five reasons I miss Kansas when I leave.

1. My friends and family.  Obviously I'm from there, and a good chunk of my friends and family are still there.  This will not apply to everyone.  But if you get stationed there you should pick up some friends along the way that will make leaving just a little bit harder.

2. The landscape.  Kansas is relatively flat.  But believe it or not Fort Riley actually sits in a set of hills called the Flint Hills.  So driving across Kansas is not always being able to see for miles and miles.  Some will still say driving interstate 70 across the state of Kansas is the most boring drive ever (my husband!).... but I wholeheartedly disagree.  I mean... THIS is Kansas...

(Also, if you are currently in Kansas... RUNNNNNN to a sunflower field while they are in bloom.  You will NOT regret it.)

3. All of the kid friendly things to do.  Each time we go back I try and squeeze in an activity we don't get to do elsewhere.  Last fall our trip to Kansas right after we moved included a trip to the apple orchard (our closest one here is a drive..) and a trip to Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead in Olathe.  My sister worked for MWR at Fort Riley and they were CONSTANTLY putting on family friendly festivals and events.  So if you actively try and find the things, you will not be bored.

4. The bbq.  Please don't argue with me over who has the best bbq in the nation.  Kansas City does.  End of story.  My favorite is Joe's Kansas City (formerly known as Oklahoma Joe's).  Fun fact, I used to skip classes at the local community college with friends and go eat what we referred to as "crack fries" (you can't eat just one..).  Hands down the best way to skip a class.

5. Kansas people are the best.  Take last weekend when a mom was loading her baby into the car at a suburban KC Walmart (one 6 miles from my parents house..).  Two individuals approached her from behind and hit her over the head.  A good samaritan stepped in to help her and ended up getting shot three times, his cheek, arm and chest.  A second good samaritan stepped in and exercised his second amendment rights and shot one of the suspects, killing him.  The second suspect got away but was later arrested.  That's two good samaritans stepping in to help a mom and baby they did not know, ultimately probably saving her life.  If that isn't proof that Kansas people are the best - you are crazy.

So if you've got orders to Kansas - or want orders to Kansas... know that I full heartedly believe it is the bees knees.  Kansas will forever be my home.  It will forever hold a large chunk of my heart.  And I'm proud to say I'm a Kansas princess (Jason Aldean song reference...).

Have you been stationed in Kansas?  What would you add to this list?


always,
amanda

The other day I was on one of the Army wife pages for Fort Campbell.  Somebody had just gotten orders to Fort Riley and they were very u...

(That old school song that is all like "my name is what, my name is what, my name is chicka-chicka-slim-shady" or something like that legitimately just popped in my head after typing that title.)

Hi, my name is Amanda.

I've noticed a lot of new names around these parts since May and our last Military Spouse Appreciation Day link-up... so I figured I would do one of those getting to know me posts.  It has been ages since I last did one.  So without further ado, a bit about me.

I'm a twenty something mom of two sweet girls - Grace is 2 and a half and Brooke is 4 months old.  I'm a wife to Rob.  He's kind of a big deal.  We've been married for 6 years, together for 7 and a half.  Rob is a smarty pants in the United States Army.  I'm also a fur-mom to Diesel.  Our 5 month old lab. Yes, I am also crazy.  A toddler, a baby and a puppy.  We did NOT plan that.

Rob is currently stationed at Fort Campbell and we live on the Tennessee side.  A year ago you would have found us just outside of Fort Gordon in Georgia.  The only other duty station we have experienced is Fort Meade in Maryland.  Rob has deployed once - to Kuwait.  I moved home.  It was the best decision ever.

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Multimedia Design and Development from DeVry University. So graphic design.  I do nothing with it.  I also have an Associate of Arts degree.  I do nothing with it either.  I volunteer when I can instead of working.  And I legitimately cannot wait for my kids to be in school so I can be THAT mom volunteering for evvvverything.  Because, why not?

I'm a natural redhead, and a leftie.  A unicorn, if you will.  I live up to the majority of redhead stereotypes.  I've got a fiery personality sometimes.  But in general I think I'm fun.  I like to vacuum.  I drive a truck.  I drink pepsi, NOT coke.  I can't stand the after taste of coffee.  I enjoy binge-watching  TV shows.  I'm a night owl.  I love sending mail to people.  And I LOVE where I'm from - Kansas.

So that's me.

Now introduce yourself!



always,
amanda

(That old school song that is all like "my name is what, my name is what, my name is chicka-chicka-slim-shady" or something like t...

In December, Rob will celebrate two years of being a Warrant Officer.  Which also means he will pick up another rank and the official Chief title.

It's hard to believe it has already been almost two years since Rob completed Warrant Officer Candidate School and recited the Oath of Commissioned Officers, officially crossing over.

Rob went from a Staff-Sergeant in the United States Army to a Warrant Officer.  Which also means he went from the enlisted side of the Army to the officer side.

Watching him go through this process, rooting him on every step of the way and experiencing the transition with him... here are my five biggest take aways.

1. Your person has been selected!  The easy part is done.  Warrant Officer Candidate School is a HUGE test for not only your soldier but for family too.  The five weeks of WOCS is a lot like basic training.  Your soldier will be put through a lot and you will have little to no communication when they absolutely need it the most.  So make sure you send them off with lots of love and praise.

2. Nothing big changes for you, the spouse.  Rob went through this transition while we were stationed at Fort Gordon.  Our situation was unique in that Rob's Warrant Officer Basic Course (the course AFTER WOCS that is job specific) was also at Fort Gordon.  Which means we did not leave our prior military community behind.  Technically speaking Rob is supposed to follow certain guidelines for fraternization outside of work.  But me?  Those rules don't apply.  No friends or prior-acquaintances were dropped as a result of Rob's career advancing.

3. Some things do change.  For example... the Fort Campbell Spouse Club membership dues.  Prior to Rob going warrant I would pay $20 as an E6 spouse to be a part of the club.  The FCSC groups WO1-WO2 in the lower category and I actually only pay $15.  The same thing happens with MyCAA.  Before when Rob was an E6, I did not qualify.  But when he became a WO1, I now quality for funding.  It's super random... but sometimes pleasantly surprising.  On the flip side of things, we sometimes find Rob's rank groups us in with higher prices.  Most military golf courses divide their rates up based on ranks.  A dollar or two here or there though isn't going to break ya, I promise -- but do take advantage of free school funding if you need and or want to!

4. Find a current Warrant Officer spouse and use them as a mentor.  I've said several times that the ladies I met while at Fort Gordon were a HUGE help before, during and after this transition.  One of my favorite ladies checked in with me the morning the list came out.  Looking back on our conversation after the list was released, she knew he had been selected and was setting a positive tone for that morning and the rest of the day.  Fort Gordon has A LOT of signal Warrant Officers.  Fort Campbell does not.  Fort Campbell has a lot of aviation Warrant Officers - none of which my husband works with.  So needless to say, it has been an entirely different world here.  Which is really a post for another day.  Regardless, knowing other Warrant Officer spouses helps.

5. All the Warrant Officer stereotypes?  They are true.  They drink a lot of coffee.  Have their own rules and standards to follow on top of Army wide standards.  And are rarely seen by the average soldier (Warrant Officers are technical and typically do not have many soldiers that fall underneath them).


Watching Rob complete this journey was stressful and hard.  But I am so so proud of him for getting through it.  He achieved his goal of becoming a Warrant Officer and excels everyday at his job.

"I, _____, having been appointed an officer in the Army of the United States, as indicated above in the grade of _____ do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservations or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter; So help me God." (DA Form 71, 1 August 1959, for officers.)

If you are a spouse about to embark on the Warrant Officer support system journey.... shoot me an e-mail and I will send you the long and short of what you need to know.



always,
amanda

WOCS Graduation. In December, Rob will celebrate two years of being a Warrant Officer.  Which also means he will pick up another rank...

You know how subscription boxes are all the rage right now?  Pay a subscription fee... get a box full of goodies once a month?  I'm proud to say I finally found a subscription box I'm considering subscribing too.

SitRep Box is a monthly box full of goodies from VETERAN OWNED businesses.  As a military spouse especially, I tend to gravitate toward businesses that are owned and operated by those that have previously served our great country.  THIS box brings those companies right to my doorstep.

So last weekend our whole gang was super excited to open our Summer of Freedom box and check everything out.

//Combat Wounded Coalition mug and information pamphlet.  "The Combat Wounded Coalition helps combat wounded veterans find individual, unique purpose to create the life they want... The Wounded Wear brand that falls under the CWC provides custom tailored clothing for combat wounded veterans." I love me a good cup... ESPECIALLY during the summer.

// 30 Seconds Out vinyl decals.  Founded in 2014 by a military veteran who served 20 years - these decals are high quality and beautiful.  I am considering putting the flag on my truck.

//Epoch Eyewear sunglasses.  Probably my favorite part of the box simply because they are purple and I can never have enough sunglasses.  This company also sent a discount code for another pair. So sunglasses for everyone!

//Black Rifle Coffee Company 4 oz bag of Just Black coffee.  This was Rob's favorite part of the box. He's actually heard of this company and always wanted to try it out!  He is a Warrant Officer after all (totally a Warrant Officer cliche for those of you that don't know...).

//Sword and Plough discount code.  This company hires veterans and repurposes military fabric into my very favorite item... bags. If you are active duty, a veteran or a gold star spouse - you receive an extra 20% off your purchase.  I'm eyeing several items on their website already and may just use the 15% off discount code provided in my box.

//SitRep Box can coozie.  Another summer staple.. this is a HIGH quality coozie with an American flag on the back.  Throwing it in my bag now to keep everything cool all summer long.

Overall, I'd highly recommend this box.  Not only did it introduce me to some great veteran owned companies... but the $29.99 price point was almost met in the sunglasses alone.  Next months box is focused on coffee from veteran owned roasters.  So if you are one of them coffee drinkers... go subscribe now!


always,
amanda

You know how subscription boxes are all the rage right now?  Pay a subscription fee... get a box full of goodies once a month?  I'm prou...