Always Get the Chills

3-116 D CO

I don't know what it is but every time I see a group in formation like this I get a chill up my spine...no not a scary one...somewhat in awe. The photo taken at the deployment ceremony took my breath away. And this photo evokes similar emotions. I think about the hours of training, the dedication, the discipline, the honor, and the sacrifice. Who wouldn't be proud? I am one proud military wife.

Yesterday, while at work I received the most beautiful bouquet of roses. While I will keep the sentiments in the card private, I am a very lucky woman. After I read the card my head was spinning (not a new thing I know) - but I was thinking about all the reasons I married my husband. We all know marriage isn't always a walk in the park and sometimes we have to take a moment (or ten) for a mental time out to remember those moments that we cherish. The ones that other people don't see...the little things. My husband and I have a habit of doing the same exact thing at the same exact time and it doesn't matter if he's thousands of miles away it still happens while he's away. As we prepare to close 2010 and enter another decade (great, my kids already think I'm old and remind me that any reference I make to the past is the "olden days" and no matter how hard I try I am "so not cool") - I want to reflect on the great things that happened in 2010....finding a new job after relocating back to Oregon, meeting new military friends, watching my children play sports, recovering from a rather serious health scare, being closer to my husband's family and getting to spend more time with them, seeing my parents in Florida, having my brother out for a week last Summer, having my mom visit and yes, even this deployment.

While I like to consider myself highly independent (maybe not as much as I thought) this deployment has forced me to grow. Don't get me wrong, I don't always like it and still have my moments. But, I am learning to lean on faith and love. And, to lean on other people. For those that don't know me...I can be stubborn and it is not my nature to ask for help. I am not sure why exactly but I tend to feel like I am weak if need to lean on others. I'm starting to learn that it is ridiculous...and maybe it's my ego that needs a little adjusting...a dose of humility.

Thank you to everyone who has supported our family through kind words, thoughts, actions and deeds. We love you and couldn't do it without you. Cheers to having a rock-star year in 2011.

Much love,
Household Six

Our Glass is Half Full

Christmas Day was one of the toughest days I've had in several years.  Like many families, our family is a blended family.  Not only was my husband thousands of miles away but all three of our children were spending the majority of the day with their other "half".   I found myself feeling completely lost - as though my entire purpose in life somehow did not exist.  How was this possible?  Spending Christmas Day alone...are you kidding me?  The title track "Woe is Me" of my newly released CD called "Feel Sorry for Sherry" was playing through the surround sound in my head.  This CD is a complete waste of money - don't buy it.  I spent Christmas day in bed...semi-awake in between Hallmark Christmas movies... I am pretty sure I watched every "Mrs. Miracle" movie ever made.  At one point I remember waking up in the middle of my oldest son's all-time favorite holiday movie "Santa Clause" only to be reminded of my feelings of abandonment.  We were scheduled to meet back up at 6:00 that evening to head to my mother-in-law's house to celebrate with my husband's family.  When my alarm went off at 4:30 that afternoon it took every ounce of energy to get into the shower (pathetic I know)... I finally made it... and at 6:00 that night I was reunited with my children and we were on our way to Portland.

How can we jump from being ecstatic to feeling lost in virtually the same moment.  I am blessed beyond measure.  And, I have to get rid of my self titled CD immediately.   We were able to share bits and pieces of the holiday weekend with my husband via Skype.... we carefully placed the netbook on the coffee table and huddled around it while we opened Christmas presents.  And, we even took a picture with my husband smack dab in the middle of it all.  Who cares if the picture is of him on the laptop with us surrounding him.  What matters is that we were able to share those moments.   We shared laughter, love and tears..together - as a family.

There were several special moments over the Christmas holiday:  playing Family Feud to win our Christmas presents at my father-in-laws home and the amazing meal they served; Christmas mass silently remembering the previous five Christmas services with my husband; watching my nephew, Gabe, as he  waited patiently for his turn to open presents; opening my new carpet cleaner (I really do love those kinds of presents); listening to Taylor joke around with Uncle Bob, Uncle Brian and Papa Mark; watching my niece Tori as she tried so hard to get her cousin (Gabe) to pay attention to her; listening to my husband as he said "what are you wearing" as Tiffany flashed across the computer screen (as she responded "parenting via Skype"); looking at the scrapbook my sister-in-law made us full of pictures of my husband with all of us and simply just spending time with our family.  While nothing will take the place of my husband being home for the holidays....or getting to see my side of the family....I am blessed with my husband's family and so much more.

It is not always easy to stay positive and uplifting.  As a military spouse I believe it is my duty to do everything in my power to look at the glass as half full.  It is my duty to help lift the spirits of other military wives and family members.  It is my duty to be a role model to my children.  IT IS MY DUTY!

As a side note (can't help that I am always thinking about a million things at once) I've noticed that some of the social medias sites that military families lean on for support and encouragement are often times just the opposite.  They are filled with rumors, name-calling, and hostility at times.  We ALL have a DUTY to one another...a duty to support one another and to lift each other up.  As the New Year is fast approaching please take a moment to reflect on your duty...are you serving as an example to other military families?  To your children?   I am very proud of my husband...beyond what words could ever convey.  I want my husband to be just as proud of me and the work that I am doing back home.  And, I want to be proud of myself.  It is my duty.

Much love,
Household Six

Down for the Count...

Our family has been down for the count the past few days...with a nasty flu bug.   There are times in our lives when we say we will laugh when we look back at something but in the moment, it is next to impossible to find the humor in whatever we are facing.  While this little flu epidemic in our household was not worthy of a "state of emergency" - it sure felt like it.  My teenage son slept for many hours next to the toilet while my teenage daughter failed to make it that far, she thought her bedroom floor was just the perfect spot (skipping the toilet altogether)  Now, anyone with teenagers will understand (and those that don't, you have so much to look forward to) but as both children are crawling on the ground (literally) I am secretly excited that I can jump into "mommy save the day mode" - ice water, ice pack, blankets, pillows...thermometer - oh no fever.... ugh all over the floor - really?  Grab the Little Green Machine (if you don't own one - put it on your Christmas list) - clean up on aisle 1 aka (Tiffany's room)....it is just about at that time when I couldn't figure out if I was starting to feel sick or just having sympathy pains.  Within the hour I had my answer.  "Mommy save the day" turns into "someone save mommy."  We piled into our king size bed and didn't move.  Every few minutes you would hear a little groan....it was miserable.   It was in that moment of misery that I really missed my husband (not that I don't miss him every other moment) but my husband is a great care taker.  If he were here he'd run to the store to get soup, 7-Up, crackers.....you name it.   Fast forward two days....I am sitting in a chair drinking my fresh hot cup of Theraflu getting ready to call my youngest on my cell phone.  The cup of hot tea resting carefully on my lap.  In a slow motion my phone slips out of my hands and into the hot tea - fully immersed.  Really?  Again?  Rewind to September while I was hosting my son's Cross Country team for their "carbo feed" when I dropped my phone in the toilet (not the same phone.)

Needless to say, I've had some free time to think the past couple of days.  One thing that none of the  "preparing for deployment" handbooks offered was the advice we would really need and that's to save money for a personal hairstylist and make-up artist and a really high quality web cam.   It is bad enough that my husband is in the opposite time zone...but add in puffy eyes, no make-up, and a pitiful flu like face along with the distorted appearance and added 10 pounds from the web cam and I'm a real treat to look at.  There should be a few chapters in ALL deployment handbooks that talks about the importance of getting up an hour or two earlier so we have time to get ready and be somewhat nice to look at on the web cam.  Oh, and if you are sick, I'd recommend saying the web cam is broken until further notice or tape a picture of a model over your face until you are feeling better.  I could hardly stand to look at the little picture of myself when I was talking to my husband, I am sure I scared him to death.

I am happy to say we are all on the mend.  However, that did not improve my web cam appearance this evening (my poor husband.)

Much love,
Household Six

Let's Say Thanks!

http://www.letssaythanks.com/

Journal Entry - December 13, 2010 - One Simple Gesture

There is something about a man in uniform.  Think back to An Officer and a Gentlemen with Richard Gere.  I have my very own man in uniform.  My husband is "out of pocket" for a few days on a mission so this evening I was sitting at my desk thinking about our years together and how much I love my husband.  I want to share a story about the first time I met my husband.  The moment he changed my life forever.

I met my husband online, a fact that I denied to my parents for a couple of years (while it seems immature now, online dating was new at the time and those of us that tried it kept it in the closet.)  I had been divorced for many years and wasn't really keen on the dating scene.  For those of you that don't know me, I was born with birth defects that caused "deformities" of my hands and feet - my point for telling you this will come later.  I hate that word by the way - what a stupid word.  Anyway, I had been chatting with my now husband on email for a couple of months and then progressed to talking on the telephone.  We weren't in any hurry to meet one another.  We would share stories about our lives; give one another advice and spend countless hours laughing.  After several months we agreed to meet for lunch  - lunch seemed safe.  I had an elaborate safety plan just in case I needed a quick escape.  The funny thing was we worked less than 1/2 a mile away from each other and didn't even know it all that time.   We met at a little sandwich shop and I knew to look for a man in a military uniform.  I was so nervous...butterflies in my stomach...for many reasons but a big part of it was being afraid to show him my hands.

Dating has always been a very scary thing for me because I resort to feeling like a five-year old little girl remembering the time when a neighborhood girl was yelling "butter fingers" as I was climbing the ladder to go down the slide.  Whether were are born with birth defects, struggle with weight, a learning disability, or any other insecurity  those painful childhood memories can instantly take us to a place of vulnerability and fear.   While I used to hate being "different" when I was younger, I wouldn't change it for the world.  The stares, numerous surgeries, and teasing are nothing compared to the life lessons I have learned.  I'll never forget when I brought McDonald's apple pies for the daycare class my children attended when they were little...as we sat eating together with the class a five-year old little girl said "Your fingers look like Cheetos."  I held my hands up for a moment and started laughing....she was right...my fingers look like Cheetos....this from a five-year old.  Such innocence and honesty.  My birth defects have taught me how to "suck it up" and stay strong; how to rise above fear; to never say "I can't"; to love people for who they are; and most importantly to love myself.

So, back to the story about the first time I met my future husband.  I had warned him about my hands over the telephone (to help the awkward part that always happens when I first meet someone) and I opened up to him about being scared about what he would think.  We had just ordered our lunch and sat across from one another at the table.  When I'm nervous I do one of two things - put my hands in my pockets or hide them under my legs, table or any other object that is close by.  So as we sat across from one another I kept my hands concealed under the table.  My husband leaned into me and put both of his hands on the table palms up. He gently asked me to place my hands in his.  I froze....OMG...put my hands in yours?  I sheepishly pulled my hands out from under the table and slowly placed them in his.  He looked at them for a very brief moment and closed his hands over mine.  He then said "you don't ever have to hide your hands from me, or any part of who you are."  As I type this, I remember it like it happened yesterday and I have tears in my eyes just as I did six years ago.  At that moment, I looked at my future husband with so much admiration and respect.  And, it was at that moment I knew this was the man I was going to marry.  One simple gesture forever changed my life.  No one had ever done anything like that before.  One simple gesture.

I am blessed to be married to a man in uniform; to a man who is dedicated to serving his country and his family; and to a man who forever changed my life.  That one simple gesture helped wash away feeling like that little girl on the playground so many years ago.

Over the next couple of days ask yourself, "what one simple gesture can I make?"  You can make a difference....all it takes is one simple gesture.

Much love,
Household Six

Gratitude and Selfless Giving...

As the holidays approach I can't help but think about the past year and the people that have touched my life.  Today was a reminder of how amazing people can be.  We happened to attend a baby shower for a fellow military spouse (who we met for the first time today) that was coordinated by some of the folks at Operation Homefront in Albany, Oregon.  I was struck by two amazing women...Christine and Shannon.   These ladies give so much of their time to support military families.  Rain or shine; morning, noon or night; 365 days a year, throughout the entire state of Oregon.....they appear like guardian angels.

When I walked through the door at the ARC I was greeted by a warm hug from both Christine and Shannon and a sincere "how are you doing".  Now we often hear those words "how are you" but how often do people really mean it?  I took in the decorations, presents, the cake...the Christmas tree and the toys for the younger children.  But more importantly, I watched as they laughed and joked with all of the women attending the baby shower.  These are two women who make a difference each and every day.

If you haven't have the opportunity to learn about Operation Homefront and the great work they do.  Or, you haven't had a chance to meet Christine or Shannon you are missing out.  I live my life with a motto in my heart and that's "Make Someones Day" - these ladies are an incredible example for all of us because they certainly do far more than that.

To Christine and Shannon - you are amazing.  Thank you for making a difference in our life and so many other military families.

http://www.operationhomefront.net/

Much love,

Household Six

A whole new adventure...

Several months ago my beautiful step-daughter, Lindsey, introduced me to Arbonne.  The funny thing is, I had really been introduced to Arbonne long before that when I had attended a Valentine's event at Operation Homefront in Albany, Oregon.  During that event, I was given a great big bag of wonderful gifts, all to pamper myself when I got home.  It was filled with luxurious skin care products, a spa robe, massage lotion, detoxifying brush and much more.  After returning home from that event I remember taking a hot bath and feeling like a little girl looking at all of the products and then sliding into my new robe.  Those luxurious products were donated by Arbonne.  Many months later, my daughter stopped by to drop off samples of the RE9 anti-aging products for me to try.  She had become and Independent Consultant and was so excited about all of the products.  Fast forward to a couple of months ago when I attended another event sponsored by Operation Homefront and TriCare at the Willamette Valley Vineyard.  This event was an evening honoring military spouses.  As we walked into the winery we were handed a bag filled with goodies.  The bag was filled with  Arbonne products.

I am someone who deeply believes that everything happens for a reason.  Opportunities are placed in front of us each day that require us to make choices and allow us to experience new things.  Anyone who serves in the military (including those of us that serve at home) are passionate about supporting causes, products, and companies that support us.  Arbonne has done just that.  Everything happens for a reason....three separate times...over a period of many months...Arbonne has appeared in my life.  I came to realize that an opportunity was being placed in front of me.

I am happy to announce the launch of my new business as an Arbonne Independent Consultant.   I have come to love their products.  A few of my favorites:  RE9 Anti-Aging (as much as I hate to admit I need them), their make-up primer (I've tried numerous brands and this by far is the best and if you haven't tried primer you are missing out), their detox tea, eyeliner, eye shadows, lip liners, and lipsticks.  They offer a great line of products for teens that both Taylor and Tiffany have been using.

theswissdifference.myarbonne.com



Please take a moment to look at my website using the link above.   I am proud to support an organization that supports us a military family.

Much love,

Household Six

Sherry's Journal - December 10, 2010

After my day yesterday I spent the evening and most of the day secretly pouting.  I pout.  I am one of those women that when I'm upset I pout.  I'll show you - I'll ignore your emails and telephone calls and hope you magically figure out what is wrong because it is much too hard to tell you how I feel.    Pitiful, I realize this but nonetheless, I have mastered my pout techniques.  I think I will call it Operation Pout Time for now on.  I am happy to say that Household Six (aka military wife in charge of the house) has successfully completed Operation Pout Time.  At least for today.

I was having a great conversation with a co-worker today about the difference between men and women.  And, it reminded me of the Military Strong Bonds retreat weekend I had convinced my husband to attend with me before he left on deployment.  We watched a great DVD that highlighted (with a lot of comedy) the difference between us and how a man can simply sit and think about absolutely nothing.  Amazing, absolutely nothing.  How is that even possible?

When I came home this evening, I was exhausted.  I think the stress of yesterday and not feeling 100% just hit me like a ton of bricks.  We were sitting at the dinner table (eating a gourmet meal of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese and bananas) when I fell asleep...yep, at the dinner table.   Logan and Tiffany thought it would be funny to pound on the table and wake me up, not one of my most attractive moments as I came flying out of my seat.  That's when my daughter said, "Mom, it's not very nice to come home and fall asleep at the table."  Wow, did I feel like a terrible mom at that moment.  So, I convinced myself that a ten minute power nap in the tanning bed (my Vitamin D & K prescription for all of the rain) would do the trick.

Now, back to the difference between men and women.  As I lay in the tanning bed (ladies we know that cellulite looks much better tan or in the dark) this is a run down of the thoughts that went through my head during my so-called power nap:  I need to finish Christmas cards, crap the dog goes to the vet at 8, man that means I can't sleep in, oh I need to get a birthday present for Bob, I better start wrapping Christmas presents, I wonder if there are any new movies out that the boys would like to see, I better log-in to Skype when I get back to see if Aaron can talk, I can't believe I didn't make my bed today, I need to change the sheets, shoot it's too late to call my mom, this tanning bed is burning my rear end, I wonder if Taylor got that smell out of his car, I hope the eye drops are working on his eyes, wow my baby boy went to the doctor and the pharmacy all by himself, shoot I am supposed to take Tiffany to get her permit tomorrow, what time does that Arbonne training start, I better register, the boys sure did a good job cleaning up the leaves, I have to finish Christmas shopping, Tiffany better figure out what she really wants for Christmas, oh is Julie having her holiday party next weekend, I need to look at all of the Arbonne training online, that's right I think Lindsey leaves for New York, did the boys take AJ out to go potty, did Logan feed him, I can't believe I killed the fish last night - what was I thinking - Logan is going to hate me, macaroni and cheese with bananas get a grip Sherry that's not a meal, our Christmas lights look so pretty but I wonder how much the electric bill will be......  and the list went on and on.

I don't think I will ever understand why men can simply shut their brains off - literally.  And, when I try to calm myself for 10 minutes in the tanning bed it doesn't seem possible.  However, I came home wide awake and no longer a failure as a mother.

The best part of the day - talking to my husband on Skype.  Here's a little secret about my husband - he hates amusement park rides.  We refer to the "teacup" ride as the teacup of death ride.  He was telling me about his adventure in the helicopter today and nothing is more adorable than listening to my husband (tough and tattooed) explaining the harrowing experience.  If you haven't been on a helicopter before, it is not like flying in a plane and more like being on a small boat in the ocean.   Listening to my husband reminded me that regardless of how tough we are on the outside we all have little things on the inside that we are afraid of.  And, there is nothing wrong with that.  We are human....it's okay to be afraid.

3-116 Pre-Mobilization Luau - Aaron (right)

This deployment scares me...what if something happens, what if we grow apart while he's away, what if...what if...what if.  It's okay to be scared but, we can't let that fear control our actions.  We have a choice each and every day - to live life one moment at a time and to make the most of those moments.  So I choose - I choose loving my husband with every ounce of my being.  I choose to do everything in my power to stay connected with him (even when I pout).  I choose to not allow us to grow apart during this deployment.   I choose to do make sure my children know how much their dad loves them every day.  What choice are you going to make?

And, if you need something to put a smile on your face, you have to watch this little video shot a couple of days ago by my husband.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3gHposluPc


Much love,
Household Six

Sherry's Journal - December 9, 2010

Today has been one tough day.  I've gone from feelings of frustration, anger, sadness and simply feeling quite alone.  From being disappointed in myself to survival mode.    It's a vicous circle when feelings of frustration start to sneak into our minds because we start to feel guilty from feeling frustrated.  It reminds me of trying to lose weight.  You are so hungry you can't stand it...eat a bunch of crap then feel guilty for eating the crap...you get the picture.   So where the heck am I going with all of this?   Today was one of those days that I really wished my husband was home to support me and hold my hand.  It was one of those days (it happens to all of us) when I needed my husband and I needed him to be HERE.  And, because he wasn't here I was frustrated and a little bit angry.  Thoughts were racing through my head as I was talking to myself saying, "you should be here with me" - "who is going to hold my hand" - "I can't believe you left me for a year."  As those thoughts were swirling around in my head I began to feel guilty because my husband is doing something so selfless and brave.  I'm acting like a baby throwing a temper tantrum.  Grow up, Sherry.  Really, grow up.

I know today isn't going to be the last time I face something on my own and it won't be the last time I struggle with feelings of frustration.  One thing that does not waiver is my love for my husband and my admiration for him and all of the other men and women who are serving our country selflessly.

When I was at the post office the other day mailing a package to my husband, the agent working at the front counter handed me a little poinnsetta and said "thank you for serving."   She made my day.  To all men, women and children who are serving back home - thank you for serving. 

I finally got to see some pictures of my husband and want to share them with you.  It is much harder to feel like we are a part of their lives when our spouses are far away.  It is amazing what a few pictures can do to help us feel connected.

Stay connected with these ideas: 

Send blank greeting cards to your military family member for various occassions such as birthdays, Valentine's day, etc. with a list of important dates, stamps and envelopes.  While my husband was away at training prior to his deployment, I sent him some Halloween cards that he could send back home to our kids.  They loved getting them.

If you have younger children, buy two books (the same title) and ship one to your loved one.  Our youngest son reads to his daddy when he can over the phone or on Skype.  And, because my husband has the same book, he can read to our son too.  I highly recommend Kendra Kandlestar and the Box of Whispers - it's a three-part series.

Hallmark makes the recordable books.  Order one online and send it overseas to your loved one.  Ask them to read and record their voice and sent it back home.

I would love to hear some other ideas!  Please share your ideas on this blog.

Much Love,
Household Six

| Daddy Dolls

Daddy Dolls

Great Christmas presents!

OPERATION Hug-A-Hero®:a 501(c)(3) Non-profit organization that reaches out to families of our deployed military and public safety officers in need.

OPERATION Hug-A-Hero®:a 501(c)(3) Non-profit organization that reaches out to families of our deployed military and public safety officers in need.

Family Support Network | The American Legion | Veterans Serving Veterans

Family Support Network | The American Legion | Veterans Serving Veterans

December 6th, 2010

The Story of a Military Teen

This past August my family attended my dad’s mobilization ceremony in La Grande, Oregon. I think it was one of the most emotional and toughest times in my life that I can remember. It was very hard sitting there with my dad knowing that these were the last minutes I would be spending with him for 13 months. In the back of my head I also thought that there is a slim chance that this could be the last time I visit with my dad. I hope that he doesn’t have to deploy again, because I don’t want to go through the emotions I did, once more. When he was away at AT it was weird at my house, not having a father figure around. Even though sometimes I get annoyed with him, I like the structure he gives me, and with him gone, my mom has to play dad. My mom has a lot to do being a single parent for a year, and taking care of three kids, she tries her hardest, but no matter what it’s still not the same with my dad gone and it won’t be the same until he comes home. Along with my mom having to do a lot more, us kids have to as well. My brother and I work hard to do all that she asks because we know she can’t do everything alone.

January of this year we moved from Kirkland, Washington to Salem, Oregon. My dad got a permanent change of station. This was another tough time that I had to go through. I lived in Washington for 4 years, and I had built really strong relationships with friends. I was very involved in my school, and I had built a lot of trust with my teachers and principals. Moving made me start totally fresh at a new school, new city, new people, new everything. I was in junior high in Washington, and when I moved to Oregon in the middle of the year I was in high school. This was a huge transition for me. I was used to being the top dog in the school with 7^th and 8^th graders, and being respected. When I moved to Salem I was the under-under classman, and I wasn’t respected being a ‘freshman’. I didn’t know a single person when I got there, and that was very hard considering I am very talkative, and in Washington there wasn’t a minute that went by that I wasn’t talking to a friend. Moving was also hard because there was so much to do to make it happen. From cleaning my old house and making sure everything that was being packed I wanted, to unpacking, and cleaning my new house.

I am very proud of my dad for being in the military. He is fighting for our country as we speak, and I know he does a great job. I am also proud that he took on this huge responsibility. He would rather save many lives fighting for our country, and then do the average person’s job just saving his own life.

The majority of my friends know that my dad is in the military. I have stickers and posters on my binder of him and the military, and I’m always wearing National Guard clothes. At first a few of my friends didn’t know what to think, some thought a parent in the military would be really strict and not like anyone, others didn’t think they were any different than a non-military parent. Now that my friends know my dad and have met him several times they really like him.

Some of my teachers know that my dad is in the National Guard. I have done speeches on the National Guard before, and we had a digital billboard of a picture of my immediate family up that said “we will miss you SFC Carter” So I had a lot of teachers telling me that they saw it. I think they should know these things because they could help if I was having trouble in class, or breaking down, and they would understand why and what was happening.

I think there should be more opportunities for military teens to get to know each other. Like events, camps, dinners, etc. It would be nice to get to know people that are going through the same thing that you are. For example: The Operation Purple Camp.

Being a military teen is a wonderful experience to go through. It makes you stronger mentally. You get to see a whole different side of things. The opportunities that I get through my dad from the military are endless.

I like being involved in the military as a teen. I know that’s very vague, but there is so much I get to do because of the military. The people you get to meet are some of the most amazing people I have ever met, there are also people that I have met and made strong friendships with.

I would like to let other military teens know that they aren't the only ones out there going through a tough time. Also about the opportunities that are out there for them, or if they are trying to find things that the military is offering to them, I would be there to help them find what they are looking for. Also to let them know that there are people out there like me that would love to help them through a deployment, and help them with any struggles that are going on as a military teen. Also give them advice, or tell them how I got through tough times being a military teen.

With love,
Pttting ting ting. (My nickname from my dad)

December 6, 2010 - Sherry's Journal

The dilemma...we face it every time we write a letter, send an email or talk on the phone.   What does he/she want to hear?  How do you keep the topics uplifting so we aren't always crying or sad?  Should I tell him the kids are acting up; that I wake up in the middle of the night from terrible nightmares; that sometimes even the littlest of things seem so big; that looking at the Christmas tree brings me to tears?  What about the big things...if we are facing a health scare; a job loss or whatever other major thing that can happen in a period of a year.   What about the days that are great...like watching the kids help their Uncle Bob put up Christmas lights, Tiffany riding the lighted reindeer around the yard while Bob throws a baseball tied to a string of lights in an attempt to get them over the tree in our front yard.  Watching Logan read his letter from Santa (thank you Aunt Carrie) or all of the other things that happen in a day that make us smile.

I realized that I spend too much time worrying about what I should and shouldn't talk about instead of enjoying a conversation and filling my husband in on what is going on at the homefront.  I've heard advice from many sources saying not to tell our family members anything that will worry them but don't tell them too many things that sound like you are having too much fun because they aren't here to be a part of it.  Then, I received some wonderful advice....don't change a thing...talk about things just as you do when you are together.  Write about even the smallest of things so our loved ones can feel as though they are right here with us.  Share the mundane, the silly, the scary, and the wonderful...share EVERYTHING.

And, my husband would agree with this advice.  So the next time you pick up a pen, start to type an email or answer the phone remember - they are right here with you. They want to hear it all.

Much love,
Household Six

Network of Care for Service Members, Veterans & Their Families - Marion

Network of Care for Service Members, Veterans & Their Families - Marion

You can look up services available in your local area by looking up your zip code.

Welcome to Strong Bonds: Building Ready Families

Welcome to Strong Bonds: Building Ready Families

Has your husband/spouse just returned from deployment? Or, are you preparing for an upcoming deployment? Would you like to have something to look forward to when your husband returns next year?

A couple of months before my husband left on his deployment we had the opportunity to participate in a Military Strong Bonds weekend. I have to be honest, I didn't tell my husband EVERYTHING about the weekend.... only that it was in Bend and all expenses were covered. We had an incredible weekend away. We had a chance to reconnect and talk about things we were worried about with his upcoming deployment.

I plan on checking for any new programs as they become available and hope to attend again when he returns.

Free Tutoring Military Family Program – Tutor.com for U.S. Military Families

Free Tutoring Military Family Program – Tutor.com for U.S. Military Families

Night after night my daughter and I struggled to work through her homework. It seems that while I like to think I am reasonably intelligent, somehow I am virtually useless when it comes to helping her with her math homework (and science, among others.)

Guess what - we have access to FREE tutoring resources. This is a web-based tutoring resource that provides tutoring through interactive whiteboards (online) and chatting. We know our teenagers love chatting so what better way to offer homework support. We started using this service last year and can't say enough about it!

Free Paperback Books from Military OneSource

I love to read and was so excited when Military OneSource started offering this!  I've personally received several books from a terrific workbook about to help organize your household budget to several books about deployment.  The free paperback and Playaway books are back!  Each service member or military family/household will be limited to 10 paperback and/or Playaway books in a one year time period. The year will begin when you order your first paperback or Playaway book. We will not be able to guarantee any titles will be replenished or available.


Free Books!

How to Apply – Our Military Kids

How to Apply – Our Military Kids

A great way for your children to participate in local activities!

Children aged 3 years through 12th grade of National Guard or Reserve military personnel either deployed overseas or severely injured may apply.

Call credits for military families this holiday season - Official Gmail Blog

Call credits for military families this holiday season - Official Gmail Blog

December 5, 2010 - Sherry's Journal

Every time the phone rings it seems I am as far away as humanly possible to finding it.  For those of you who don't know me, I am a klutz.  I've broken the same foot several times simply from walking; missing a step; or a poor attempt to run.  When your husband/significant other or family member is deployed getting a phone call is not an every day occurrence.   Answering that phone becomes our MISSION.  Now I know this mission is no where as complex or dangerous as the missions facing our loved ones.  But when you hear that first ring, it sure feels like it.  I go through the same exercise every time.  I stop in my tracks and immediately notify anyone within a five-mile radius (at least that's how loud it seems my voice is) by screaming "GRAB THE PHONE" as loud as I can.  As the Household 6 Commander my kids know that means stop doing whatever you are doing and sprint to find the phone.  And for the next three rings, there is no mission more important in our house than to find that phone.   So here is the dilemma...we have three house telephones and for some reason not a single phone can ever be found on a charger...they mysteriously appear once a week after our teenage daughter cleans her room.  And then there is my cell phone.   I try very hard to keep my phone in the same spot in my purse but for some reason when we are on a mission to find it my phone takes on a life of its own hiding deep into the black hole of my purse.

My husband called last night and I was lucky enough to have my cell phone in my hand.  When I answered it and heard his voice I instantly started crying.  He had about three-seconds (and I am not exaggerating) to talk.... but that three seconds of hearing his voice made everything better.

I catch myself several times a day looking at all of the phone chargers to make sure the phones are not hidden deep beneath my daughter's dirty laundry so that at any moment when we are called to our mission - "Operation Answer the Phone" we won't miss those three-second phone calls.

I am reminded though how lucky we are to maintain contact with our loved ones as they are far away.  When my dad was serving in Vietnam they did not have the technology we do today.  You could go weeks and months without word.   If we don't hear from our loved one in a few days we tend to fret and unfortunately, our imaginations get the best of us.  We have to remember our loved ones are always thinking about us and missing us just as much as we miss them. 

Household 6

Operation Purple Camps and Family Retreats

All three of our children had the opportunity to attend Operation Purple Camps in Oregon this past Summer and they can't wait for the opportunity to attend again.  Our youngest, who was 7 at the time, had the time of his life at a camp designed for kids 7-12.  And, our two teenagers attended the camp designed for kids their age.  These camps are week-long adventures designed for military children.  And, the most amazing part - they are FREE!  Keep your eyes open for camp announcements in the late Spring.   It was a life changing experience for our children.  Find out more by going going to Operation Purple Camps and Family Retreats

Logan excited for his first camp experience.

2010 Operation Purple Camp - Salem, OR

The Tsuga Community Commission is an Oregon based organization who helps bring Operation Purple to life for families in Oregon.  The staff and volunteers are AMAZING!!!  And, you can find them on Facebook! Check out...  Tsuga Community Commission

Get In Shape - Play with Your Kids - FREE YMCA Membership!

I don't know about you but for some reason as I get older instead of losing weight when I am stressed, I gain it.  I happen to work across the street from a YMCA and came had learned prior to my husband's deployment that the YMCA offers an outreach program for military families - you may be eligible for a free membership for you and your family!  I walked it with my husbands Title 10 deployment orders and within ten minutes we became members with all of the perks and benefits!  And, it didn't cost us a dime.

Everything from short term childcare to give you a little break, fitness classes, discounted swimming lessons, to ZUMBA (it was much harder than it looked but oh so fun)....

Here is a little information - but please go to www.ymca.net/military-outreach/memberships.html for more information:

Title 10 personnel are eligible for a Y membership, including:

• Family members of deployed National Guard and Reservists
• Active Duty Independent Duty personnel and their families
• Relocated spouse/dependent children of deployed Active Duty personnel
  Note: The Relocated Spouse category supports families/spouse who relocate away from an installation/duty station while the active duty service member is deployed. All of the following criteria must be met:
  
  • The service member is on active duty.
  • The service member is DEPLOYED for a minimum of six months (on deployment orders—NOT unaccompanied orders, NOT geographic bachelors).
  • The spouse has relocated away from the military installation where the service member is assigned (most often, back home near family).
• Wounded service members assigned to a Community Based Warrior in Transition Unit (CBWTU)

What do I need to do?

1. Contact Military OneSource at http://www.militaryonesource.com/ or 800-342-9647 to confirm your eligibility and receive an eligibility form.
2. Find a participating Y in your area using the search tool below.
3. Fill out and bring your eligibility form, Military ID and any other required documentation (usually, your Deployment Orders or Military Service Headquarters approval letter) to a participating YMCA for verification. Please do not leave copies of these documents at the YMCA.

If you have any questions or need help, please contact me, I'm happy to help!

Operation Homefront - Oregon Chapter - Does Amazing Work

Operation Homefront (Oregon Chapter) offers lots of resources for military families and they also host events for military children, spouses and family members.  During this holiday season they are supporting military families through their Adopt a Military Family program and Operation Christmas Shoppe.

They also provide emergency resources throughout the year.   Find more information by going to their website at www.operationhomefront.net/oregon/ or stopping by their office at 1895 14th Avenue Southeast, Albany, OR 97322-8503 or calling (541) 981-2186.