When I first met my husband I was convinced I'd never fit into the military community. It's overwhelming trying to figure all this stuff out. Back in the Midwest, where my husband and I are from, people keep the same friends their whole life. They live down the street from a whole network of grandparents, aunts, cousins and close [...]
military resources
7 Boot Camp Graduation Gifts That Will Make Your Service Member Smile
Inside: Best boot camp graduation gifts to share with your service member. Whether you're a military spouse, military girlfriend or family member, these gifts are perfect. Boot camp is no joke. A year ago, our family visited the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego for the first time since my husband graduated boot camp 13 years [...]
Military Discounts That Can Save You Thousands
Being in the military can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. Whether you joined the military to start a career, or were married into the military, there is no denying it's a way of life unlike any other. I read an article a while back about how 25% of military members seek food stamps and it made me wonder if some military [...]
How to Make Your Own Daddy Doll for Military Kids (Tutorial)
Inside: Learn how to make your own daddy doll for military kids. Under $5 cost. Perfect for military kids going through deployment. I love the military but deployments aren’t easy on anyone. Not the service member, not the spouse left behind, and definitely not the kids left at home without their mommy or daddy. We read military [...]
The Ultimate PCS Checklist for Changing Schools With Military Kids
Inside this post: Grab a free printable PCS checklist for changing schools with military kids. Learn step-by-step what military families need to know before moving kids to a new school. I had that sinking feeling as I rolled into the parking lot. Something was missing. I knew it wasn't the kids. After three separate checks of the [...]
9 Hidden Ways to Save Money Shopping on Base at the Commissary and Exchange
Until we recently moved on base, I never shopped at the Commissary or Exchange. Living off base meant it was quicker just to go to the local grocery store to get what I needed. But then we got orders overseas... Moving overseas came with a world of new experiences for my family, including learning how to frugally navigate the [...]
31+ Genius Tips, Hacks and Ideas For Surviving Your Next Deployment
Surviving deployment is one of those things that never gets easier. You do gain more tools and equip yourself with strategies for coping with deployment separations. But that big deployment mountain? It's always there. Staring you down. Military spouses regularly ask, "What's the secret to surviving deployment?" I think [...]
How to Find Support After Your Service Member Returns Home From War
Today I wanted to welcome Patti Katter, a Certified Life Coach and Military & Program Coordinator at Hope For The Warriors. She is going to share a bit about the amazing work she is doing with military families and how you can use Hope For The Warriors as a resource on your military life journey. Take it away [...]
6 Reasons Why Every Military Spouse Should Keep a Journal
Military life is stressful, which typically doesn't mix well if you're Type A compulsive planner (that's me). I like to make plans and keep plans. The military likes to make plans and change plans. PCS moves, deployments, and homecoming (the typical military life pillars) occur and anxiety immediately sets in. At least some of [...]
5 Genius Tricks That Make Traveling with Military Kids Easy
At seven months pregnant, I waddled over to my empty red suitcase and flipped it open. My eyes glanced over at the pile of clean laundry sitting in a basket to the left. To the right, toys and toiletries sat in another pile. I sat there for a moment staring at the mounds of belongings that needed to fit into one (very small looking) [...]