Happy Friday friends!  Two quick things today and then I am off to welcome the month of May.

First - I am VERY excited to announce that Jen and I are teaming up to host a link-up next Friday (May 8th) for military spouses (and girl/boyfriends and fiance/fiancees) on Military Spouse Appreciation Day.  Joining is easy... just answer the below questions and link your blog up Friday either here or at Jen's blog Marathons and Dog Tags!

The questions:

//Tell us about yourself and your blog.

//What branch of military are you affiliated with?

//What is one thing you enjoy about the military lifestyle?

//What advice would you give other spouses who are new?

A button:


<div align="center"> <a href="http://www.somewhereoverthecamo.com" title="Military Spouse Appreciation Day Link-Up"><img src="http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc451/adgregory08/MilSpoApprDay2015_zpsauvw2l9a.jpg" alt="Military Spouse Appreciation Day Link-Up" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

I'm really excited to see who joins us!

Second - Grace is officially out of the red when it comes to her weight.  Apparently when you move into the 6th percentile.. that puts you in the clear?  As of Monday she weighs 19 pounds 6 ounces and is 31 inches tall (69th percentile! That number keeps going up!).  They would still like for us to get her going on some whole milk so she "packs on the weight"... but so far Grace isn't a super fan.

I've had some issues with this doctor in regards to how he acts towards the fact that I am still breastfeeding my 15 month old in the morning and before bed, with an occasional nap time nurse.  He has not necessarily said anything but both him and his nurse don't exactly encourage it.  In fact his nurse jokingly (?) said to Grace "you just aren't ready to give that up are you?" - except it kind of came off belittling.. I am optimistic that at our next duty station I will be able to find a doctor for Grace (and future babies) that is supportive of me breastfeeding until my child is ready to self wean (I don't plan on breastfeeding much past 18 months.. but we will see!).  Luckily I have a supportive husband and don't feel pressure outside of the doctors office to stop nursing Grace.

Any advice from mama's that have been in the same situation?

always,
amanda

Happy Friday friends!  Two quick things today and then I am off to welcome the month of May. First - I am VERY excited to announce that Je...

April is an important month around these parts.  It is the month of the military child.

If I had to define a military child other than the very obvious (born to a military service member) I think you would find such words as: strong, resilient, independent, able to thrive in any environment, loved and admired.

Being the mother of a military child I know first hand that they go through more than the average child does.  Separations away from parents, years spent nowhere near extended family and the constant uprooting just when they feel comfortable. I know it will not always be easy for Grace to grow up in the shadow of the military but I know she will experience life in a whole new way - a way I hope she learns to appreciate some day.

Five years ago I made the decision to join this lifestyle when I married my husband.  Grace?  She was born into it.  She doesn't have a choice in the matter.  To me - she is someone our nation should thank.  So today I am taking a moment to thank and appreciate all the military children nation wide that silently endure this lifestyle sometimes their whole life.  They make coming home easier for our service members and the service members being gone easier for the spouses.

I am proud to be the mom of a military child.

April is an important month around these parts.  It is the month of the military child. If I had to define a military child other than ...

I've mentioned a few times here on this blog how I volunteer in my spare time.  I'm the membership chair and webmaster for the Fort Gordon Spouses' and Civilians' Club.  I'm also the creator (along with my cousin) of a Facebook page that organizes gatherings for ladies affiliated with Fort Gordon (that door hanger painting party? An outing for that group!).  I helped with the FRG (Family Readiness Group) for the Brigade Rob was in before he went to Warrant Officer Candidate School (since returning for the rest of his schooling (WOBC), he is now in an entirely different Brigade here on Fort Gordon).

I mention all of this again because it is National Volunteer Week (April 12-18, 2015).

And volunteering makes being a military spouse that much easier.

When you marry someone in the military, you marry into a lifestyle that often takes you away from family and friends.  Takes you out of your comfort bubble to places with monograms and lots and lots of bugs (or drifts and drifts of snow?!).  It takes you somewhere where you may only know your spouse. Being an adult and making friends is hard.  Am I right?

So what's a girl to do?

That was me in 2010.  I had just graduated with my Associate's degree and moved from Kansas to Maryland to live with Rob.  We adopted a dog.  So I had Rob and Piston.  We didn't live on base.  And I found making friends a bit of a challenge.  I was fortunate that Rob had already been there for a year and had started forming friendships with some of the husbands.  But what really helped me make Fort Meade a home away from home was volunteering on base.

I joined the Enlisted Spouses Club and it kept me busy.  I didn't land a job while we lived in Maryland, but I was okay with that as I was able to throw myself into volunteering on base.  I also helped with the FRG that was being set up while we were there... and I was busy.

It made being away from home easier.  It made the days pass a little quicker.  And I MADE FRIENDS.  I knew people.

These days I say yes when a volunteer opportunity comes up.  I like to see my hard work pay off.  I like knowing that I'm doing a little bit of good.  Being Grace's mom and Rob's wife are my primary jobs.. but right behind that?  Volunteering.

I don't get paid, but it is so so worth it.  And I definitely encourage any military spouses trying to find their way in their temporary home away from home - go volunteer.  Believe me, the opportunities are there when it comes to the military community.  Find them.  You will not regret it.

Happy National Volunteer Appreciation week my friends!

I've mentioned a few times here on this blog how I volunteer in my spare time.  I'm the membership chair and webmaster for the F...

Things on my mind...
Right now.

I am OBSESSED with Scandal.  SO super late to the party... but we started watching it on Netflix and it has consumed me (seriously though, is there something wrong with me?!).  Notice I said we.. which was my first mistake because now I have to watch it only with Rob.. and thus I get stuck waiting for him to get off.. all day, eeeeeeevery day.

The wedge booties I wore to the spouse club luncheon yesterday?  Both a good and bad idea.  Good because they made the outfit.  Bad because my feet hate me for the 5 hours of wedge action.


The tea party was a major hit.  Dawn did such an awesome job with the decorations and such.  I am basically just glad my name was mentioned in connection with hers... we threw the baby shower together, but Dawn did almost all of the leg work.  It was super fun though!  We did the what is in the diaper game (so very wrong..), the don't say the word baby game, a diaper raffle (bring a pack of diapers - entered in drawing!) and guess the size of mama's belly.  I so can't wait to meet baby Lilianna and I am very glad that I got a chance to help do this for Rachel.  We met at Ft. Meade and I owe a lot of what I know about the military spouse life to Rachel.. as I learned tons from her.

I am loving the GORGEOUS refinished toy box I scooped up for a steal yesterday.  Kind of at a loss though in regards to where to put it.  It could go in Grace's room.  It could go in the living room.  It could go in the entry way.  Or we could just move and then I don't have to think so hard about it...


Currently I am watching Property Brothers while typing this and they just mentioned to a client that they could get a washer and dryer that cleans the clothing in 15 minutes and dries the clothing in 15 minutes.  Where can I get some?!

If you haven't caught on.. we are waiting on orders to find out where we will finish out this year.  Hoping to know no later than May... so enter the oh-so-dreaded waiting game.  I am so excited I can hardly stand it.. so it makes this process that much worse.  We have been here 3 years in August and while I love it, we have met some amazing people (Hi Abby!)... I'm ready.

Valentine's Day is this weekend (just in case you hadn't already heard...).. and we have no plans.  Well Rob and I have no plans.  He has to pull a 12 hour courtesy patrol shift.  Grace and I are going to a Dr. Seuss themed one mile stroller walk in the morning - and we will probably spend the rest of the day just like the rest of the week... waiting for daddy.


Happy Valentine's Day friends.. HOPEFULLY you are spending it with your special valentine (s)!

Things on my mind... Right now. I am OBSESSED with Scandal.  SO super late to the party... but we started watching it on Netflix and it h...

Back in December Rob and I hosted a baby shower for our best friends here in Georgia.  As if my life doesn't consist of enough Army related stuff... the baby shower was Army themed.  BUT after seeing what Pinterest suggested.. I was able to pull it off.

And I am really proud of the outcome.

Back in December Rob and I hosted a baby shower for our best friends here in Georgia.  As if my life doesn't consist of enough Army rela...

I had these great intentions to do a blog post the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, and then Thanksgiving itself and then Sunday... and then I got busy.

Then I went on vacation.

Then Rob officially became a Warrant Officer..


And now?  Now I'm just tired.


But all is well in the land of our house hold.

For Thanksgiving, Grace and I traveled to Greenville, SC.. which is about 2 and a half hours each way from us.  My cousin and her husband live there.. so we were able to join them and her in-laws for the day.  We feasted, Grace was in good spirits and it was nice to have some extra hands.  I'm glad we have family close enough that taking a day trip is not out of the question.

I did miss Kansas this year something fierce.  Back home we would have went west to my grandparents farm.  I think part of missing home was sparked by Rob not being here with us... but it helped having another family member there to reminisce with.


Last Saturday, Piston, Grace and I departed for Fort Rucker.  It's about 5 and a half hours away.  By the time we got there it had taken close to 7.  Which I am okay with.  The important thing is we got there with minimal breakdowns from mommy or baby.  We stayed on post in a 2 bedroom cabin, right on Lake Tholocco.  It was gorgeous, and cheap!  Perfect for our home away from home.

On Sunday we got to see Rob finally!  We spent the whole day with him (well 830 to 430 at least!) running some errands and then relaxing at the cabin.  Rob's grandparents were able to make the trip up from Tampa to be with us too.. so they arrived that morning.  I am so so so thankful they were able to come up.  It was, again, nice to have the extra hands and especially nice to have the company.


Because the holiday was thrown in during Rob's time at WOCS, they were a day behind.  Which meant we didn't get to see him on Monday.  So us girls went shopping.  Rob's grandmother wanted to Christmas shop for the baby... so we accomplished that and then some.

Tuesday we got to see Rob again for his class song.  It is basically a morale booster.  They do a mix up of several classic songs and sing for almost 10 minutes.  It was hilarious.  After, we got to eat lunch with him in the DFAC and I attended a class with him to go over some officer customs and what not.  I'm sure at some point I will have a whole post on my thoughts about this transition from enlisted to officer.  It is kind of nerve-racking.. if I'm being honest.

Rob took his final test on Wednesday after the Victory Run.  We came out and watched them finish their last PT before ringing a bell to signify how close they were to being done.  Just after lunch he joined us with all of his gear for a few hours.

That night was the class reception.  We got to dress up, go through the receiving line, snack on some food and listen to the presentations and speakers.  I wore this awesome dress from EShakti.. and I PROMISE there will be more information on that hitting the blog VERY soon.


Thursday was the day we were waiting on though.  Graduation.  They had it at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum on Fort Rucker.  It was a quick ceremony.  But one of those "couldn't-be-prouder" moments.  They had a guest speaker and did their oaths before they had the pinning ceremony.  I did one side, and Rob's grandfather did the other.


We got back to Augusta Thursday night with our Warrant Officer.  I am so so proud of my husband for completing this.  I know it was not easy for him, but I also know how confident he feels wearing that dot on his chest.  As he should.

HOPEFULLY I will be able to get back into a regular blogging schedule now that there are two extra hands here to help me with my little lady.  But.. don't hold me to it.

I had these great intentions to do a blog post the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, and then Thanksgiving itself and then Sunday... and then I g...

Happy Veterans Day!!


To those who are serving or have served, I thank you.  Today and everyday.  Absolutely one of my favorite holidays.  Our veterans need thanks not just today, but always.  Because without them, we would have a whole lot less freedom.

More veterans day thoughts here...


Obviously today especially we were missing our very own veteran.


We got our first phone call from him on Sunday.  After a week and a half of no contact.  Hands down the hardest part about this school is the overall lack of contact.  It is literally like basic training all over again, for him and us.  BUT we heard from him! And it was the perfect wrap up to the weekend.

Today we got another phone call with him.  A chance to wish him a happy veterans day.  And I could not be more thankful.


We are making it.  I am so glad this is just a short separation.. but no matter the number of days, it is still a separation.  Our first since having a kiddo.  It isn't easy.  But we are crossing the days off and marching forward.

Rob is doing good.  But we are forever thankful for all the well wishes and positive thoughts sent his way.

This morning we got up and out of the house to head downtown for the parade.  I was pleasantly surprised by the Augusta Veterans Day parade.  While I will admit I did not know what to expect, they had a pretty good turnout.

After we went with our friends to Olive Garden.  Us and the rest of the Augusta military community.

Sometimes you forget you live in a military town until days like today.  And I. LOVE. IT.

Lots of pride up in this house.
Hope you thanked a vet today! ;)

Happy Veterans Day!! To those who are serving or have served, I thank you.  Today and everyday.  Absolutely one of my favorite holidays...

A year ago my Timehop was all.. I can't wait for next year and the fact that I will have a little one to take trick or treating.  Which is funny, because I am not sure why I thought a nine month old would go trick or treating.

The day is finally here... and unfortunately it doesn't look quite like I was expecting.

Rob is gone.  He is TDY this first Halloween for round two of Warrant Officer Candidate School.  He made it past the PT test.. but the fun is, of course, just beginning.

Tonight I will put Grace in her Halloween costume.  Load her into her car seat and take her to three of our closest friend's houses.  My cousin is coming down from South Carolina to spend the evening with us.  And we may or may not hand out candy.


While my love isn't here, I am beyond proud about what he is doing.  If he can't be with us on this day, I want him to be there experiencing success in all of his endeavors.

Happy Halloween friends!

A year ago my Timehop was all.. I can't wait for next year and the fact that I will have a little one to take trick or treating.  Which ...

Early Friday morning I heard from my husband.. less than 12 hours after he surrendered his phone at WOCS.  His APFT was that morning... his test was terminated before he could hit his minimum because his foot left the ground during push ups.

The good news is he gets a redo.

The bad news is.. instead of it being the following week, he had to push his WOBC dates back.. and in turn had to push his WOCS date back 60 days.

So he got home Friday evening.  We are glad to have him back, but excited to send him off again.  He gets an extra 60 days to prepare himself physically and mentally, he knows what to prepare himself for and he gets to go back when it is fall instead of 100 degrees in the deep south humidity that exists in Alabama.

It is not the most ideal situation, but we know that God has a plan for Rob and our family, and we are placing our trust in him when it comes to this road block.  I have complete faith that my husband will return in a few months and finish what he started.


For now though - he is home, and we are happy.

(Especially cause my husband was gone for less than a full week and my car decided to spring a dead battery on me.. good ole' Murphy!)

"Everything happens for a reason." Early Friday morning I heard from my husband.. less than 12 hours after he surrendered his p...