Military Community Thread

[Goofyzgurl]

Hey Everyone,

Just jumping in to say hi! DH leaves for his year long remote in September. We have our trip coming up at the end of this month, as you can probably see on my counter, but I haven't been excited about it b/c it's just that much closer to when he leaves too. I think it's just really hitting me lately that he's going to be gone...again...this is his second year remote. Well, that's the life of the military for you. Just have to keep chugging and find something good to come out of it all.

Peggy

 

[rparmfamily]

Hang in there Peggy...I know I have those depressing days when it seems like it's starting to sink in he's about to leave. I know looking forward to that trip must be bittersweet, because the closer it gets the sooner he leaves. Just try to resolve to enjoy the time you have left with him and have a fun time at Disney.

My DH has one weekend left until he leaves, and just typing that makes me want to just bawl my eyes out. Us military wives definately lead a life most don't/can't understand, that's for sure!

 

[jmskinner]

Hang in there Peggy...I know I have those depressing days when it seems like it's starting to sink in he's about to leave. I know looking forward to that trip must be bittersweet, because the closer it gets the sooner he leaves. Just try to resolve to enjoy the time you have left with him and have a fun time at Disney.

My DH has one weekend left until he leaves, and just typing that makes me want to just bawl my eyes out. Us military wives definately lead a life most don't/can't understand, that's for sure!

My prayers are with you. That last week is so hard. I remember having all of these plans and couldn't get any of it done.

And Hi Peggy. We did Disney World as a big send off also. Planning the trip took my mind off of DH leaving. Can't believe a year as passed since we were there.

So, what is everyone doing this weekend? Me and DS went to the local Mustang show since DH couldn't be there. Took lots of pictures for him. Even bought DH and DS some matching t-shirts. Tomorrow my house is getting a good cleaning if it kills me. Must stay of the Dis so I can get work done.

Hope everyone is doing well.

Melissa

 

[shellbelle11]

We went to WDW back in Feb as a last vacation before DF went away, too. As you said Peggy, it was definitely bittersweet, but it was a great way to build some memories before he left for KS. I'm currently working on my scrapbook for that trip and I'm having so much fun with it!

Last night I went to a co-worker's wedding in CT with a good friend of mine (I work with her too). It was 3 hrs away so we made it a girls' trip, we left her husband at home and had a really fun time. It was such a beautiful day for a wedding! It made me so excited for mine next year. I've always noticed things at weddings, but now that I'm engaged I was looking at things differently this time. I got a couple of really good ideas...

It hit me last night that DF is leaving tomorrow morning for Afghanistan, had a really fitful night's sleep and I've been sick to my stomach and on the verge of tears since last night. I know he's been gone for the majority of the past 3 months (except for 17 days) but at least I've known where he is.. and I've been able to talk to him- even if it's just for a minute or 2- every day... once he leaves tomorrow morning it's back into the unknown and I'm freaking out. Now it's time for the scary stuff...

Sorry for all of my depressing posts lately... I'm usually quite a fun person!

 

[Doodlebug939]

Sorry for all of my depressing posts lately... I'm usually quite a fun person!

Please dont apologize. We are all a big military family here.

We are here to hold your hand when he leaves because we have all been there in one way or another. And we will help you build in the excitment as his time over there comes to an end.

My husband has been in the service for 17 years. We have been apart more then we have been together in the last 5 years then I can even mention. My situation is different in that my husband is home for three weeks (working 12 hour shifts) then he goes away for 3 or 4 weeks. It makes me crazy. I appreciate that I get to see him dont get me wrong. But it is still a challenge. My husband warned me when we got married that I would end up being a single parent most of the time and he wasnt kidding.

But when we are back together everything seems right in the world.

 

[rparmfamily]

It hit me last night that DF is leaving tomorrow morning for Afghanistan, had a really fitful night's sleep and I've been sick to my stomach and on the verge of tears since last night.

Hang in there!! It will get harder before it gets easier but once you find your groove things things hopefully will settle down for you.

How long is your DF going to be gone?

 

[jwsqrdplus2]

Benn on vacation for the last week or so, but we are home again!

Us military wives definately lead a life most don't/can't understand, that's for sure!

Very true. My DDs dance, and the other moms at the dance studio do NOT understand how I accept the fact that my DH is TDY so often (we are fortunate enough to be at a stage in both of our careers where long term deployments are unlikely). I simply say, "We knew what we were getting into when we accepted this assignment." Of course, the same dance moms laugh when I tell them that as soon asI know about a dance activity (competition, performance or recital), I block his schedule so that he will be home! It's not a perfect system, but it works for us!

Sorry for all of my depressing posts lately... I'm usually quite a fun person!

No apologoe necessary. In this group we understand!

Please dont apologize. We are all a big military family here.

GMTA!

We had a great vacation last week. It wasn't WDW, but lots of great memories were made. DH and I got to finally meet his sister's fiance (they get married in Jan 08; 2nd marriage for both). My girls got to spend time with their only cousins (right now we average once every 18-24 months to see them), and with so many other relatives around (2 grandmothers, one grandfather, 2 cousins, and aunt and uncle-to-be), DH and I got some alone time. I hope everyone else is enjoying their summer.

While we were gone, audition results for our dance studio were published. DD1 (8, left in my siggie) officially begins her 3rd year in the performance/competitive companies, and DD2 (5, right in siggie) officially begins her 1st year in the performance/competitive companies. Our studio also likes to appoint Team Moms for each company. Team Moms are experienced moms who help the newbies adapt to company life (sound familiar??). Well, I was Team Mom for DD1's company last year (3 new families), and I have been asked to take on DD2's company for the coming year (6 new families). I accepted on the condition that DD1's company be handed over to another mom. I can't manage both!

The bad news is that we will probably PCS next summer. While it will most likely be our last move, it will be an extremely difficult one on DDs.

 

[disneygal2007]

Hello Dis Military people lol my name is Sonya I am a proud military wife. My husband is a Sgt. In the Army He used to be a Marine but got out for a year and then joined the Army Big mistake anyways........ I am glad I found this board. Now I know I can come here and have my gripes and know u guys will understand.

 

[greeneyedchic75]

New to this thread too. My name is Cara and my DH is on his second tour to Iraq. He has been gone a year the end of this month and since the army tours were extended he wont be home for another 3 1/2 more months. We have a dd who is 5 and we are stationed at Ft Bragg. We already have a Disney world trip planned for when he gets home. Cant wait Looking forward to meeting other military people who also love WDW

 

[shellbelle11]

Welcome Cara and Sonya!

Thank you everyone for your kind words. DF left yesterday morning to begin his journey over, he called last night and this morning from a few different airports using a couple of buddies' cell phones. I wasn't expecting to hear from him so soon, so it was a VERY pleasant surprise! He's kicking himself for not switching cell phone providers before leaving. We decided what family plan we'll be getting (he needs to switch providers, we decided to stick with mine) and his phone doesn't get any service over there.. but the guys that have my provider do have service.

rparmfamily, he'll be home sometime between mid-April - late July of next year. I'm shooting for next July so that if he gets home sooner it will be like hitting the jack-pot!

jwsqrdplus2 what type of dance do your girls do? I've danced for the past 22 or so yrs, ballet, tap, jazz, lyric, pointe, some modern... during the summer is the only time I take ballet because it's tough to fit it into my school year schedule. Mostly I just do tap, jazz, some lyric and modern. The studio I dance at is big into competition, I love going to them! I miss competing!

Michelle

 

[jwsqrdplus2]

jwsqrdplus2 what type of dance do your girls do? I've danced for the past 22 or so yrs, ballet, tap, jazz, lyric, pointe, some modern... during the summer is the only time I take ballet because it's tough to fit it into my school year schedule. Mostly I just do tap, jazz, some lyric and modern. The studio I dance at is big into competition, I love going to them! I miss competing!

Michelle, my oldest competes tap, jazz and hip hop. She also dances ballet, lyrical and does some tumbling (trying to get her aerial so she can be a tumbling dancers). At 8 she is too young for pointe, and our studio is not big on modern (which is ok with me) although one choreographer definitely adds some modern flairs to her jazz dances! At our recital in Jun, she knew 9 dances, and was on stage 16 times. Our studio is so large that rather than a marathon recital, they break it into several 90 minute recitals. Some of her company dances performed twice, and the production number was the finale. She takes class about 10 hours a week.

My youngest, we will see. This is the first year with the Pee Wee company, so I am not sure what they will compete. If the studio holds true to form with its youngest dancers, they will compete a ballet and/or tap. She took class 2 hours a week last year, and will probably bump up to 5 hours a week this year.


BTW, I am Jessica, wife of an AF pilot and AF Reserves in my own right!

 

[CandleontheWater]

Hello everyone, I just wanted to introduce myself. I am the wife of a Navy helicopter pilot and we are at the tail end of our first deployment. I can't believe he'll be home in less than a month, it seems like he's been gone forever. I can barely even remember what its like to have him around the house,. For those ladies just starting a deployment, stay strong, the time WILL go by. Every day you get through is one less day you have to make it through alone. Here's hoping everyones loved ones come back safely and quickly.

 

[Doodlebug939]

Hello everyone, I just wanted to introduce myself. I am the wife of a Navy helicopter pilot and we are at the tail end of our first deployment. I can't believe he'll be home in less than a month, it seems like he's been gone forever. I can barely even remember what its like to have him around the house,. For those ladies just starting a deployment, stay strong, the time WILL go by. Every day you get through is one less day you have to make it through alone. Here's hoping everyones loved ones come back safely and quickly.

How very exciting for you. The month will go by amazingly quickly. I am glad that he is due home safe and sound.

 

[disneygal2007]

Welcome Cara and Sonya!

Thank you everyone for your kind words. DF left yesterday morning to begin his journey over, he called last night and this morning from a few different airports using a couple of buddies' cell phones. I wasn't expecting to hear from him so soon, so it was a VERY pleasant surprise! He's kicking himself for not switching cell phone providers before leaving. We decided what family plan we'll be getting (he needs to switch providers, we decided to stick with mine) and his phone doesn't get any service over there.. but the guys that have my provider do have service.

I can't wait until this war is over. I'm afraid to answer my phone sometimes. My husband is here but most of our friends are over there. I will pray for your DF keep us updated. And thanks for the welcome.

 

[ECUTeacher97]

Hi Everyone,
I am an army wife- hubby is AD going on 11 yrs now. We are also at Ft. Bragg (Cara, we need to talk- we are going to Disney at the same time!)
Hubby has been gone since March- it has been hard on oldest dd- 4. She cries sometimes and asks for her dad-comes out of nowhere. Littlest dd is only 8 mo, so she doesn't really know him yet. He'll be home in the fall, so that's good. It's our 2nd war deployment, but have had lots of other training/out of country deployments. I am used to this, but dd is finding it harder. One thing that annoys me so much, is people (my sister) who don't understand what it is like to know that your husband is going out to work in a blaze of bullets and rpg's. They just roll their eyes and go, "of COURSE he is going to come home and be fine,.. it sounds like all they do is play video games and watch movies." It's hard when other people don't hear about other soldiers getting injured or killed and worrying every day that today could be the day that something happens. I am not usually a pessimistic person but i just get frustrated when people think you are overreacting b/c you worry about your spouse getting injured or KIA. Sorry for the venting, just knew you guys would understand!

Cara, in case you didn't know the Ft. Bragg YMCA makes free photo quilts for the kids of deployed soldiers. It's called Operation Kid Comfort. I had quilts made for both my girls.

Everyone have a great weekend!!

 

[shellbelle11]

Welcome newcomers!

DF made it to Afghanistan this morning. He said it's definitely not a nice city and they're all exhausted and trying to get used to the new surroundings and the very high altitude. I've been fortunate to talk to him a lot since he's left, but I know that won't last that much longer. I've been keeping busy with tutoring and starting to plan for school (or at least starting to THINK about planning for school!)

CandleontheWater - that's so exciting! You must be thrilled to say the least!

I've been getting the same reactions from a couple of my friends when I voice my fears, I try to stay positive and not let myself think about what could happen... but sometimes... other people don't even want to hear me say that. I know they're trying to be supportive but it's nice talking to people that understand.

jwsqrdplus2- wow! Your studion sounds HUGE!! My studio isn't quite that large. Modern isn't my favorite form either, luckily we don't do that much. My studio is very heavy into ballet, each December we perform the Nutcracker, which is always fantastic. If I had to choose a favorite I'd have to say I love tap the best! It's great for getting out your frustrations!

Michelle

 

[jmskinner]

Hi Everyone,
One thing that annoys me so much, is people (my sister) who don't understand what it is like to know that your husband is going out to work in a blaze of bullets and rpg's. They just roll their eyes and go, "of COURSE he is going to come home and be fine,.. it sounds like all they do is play video games and watch movies." It's hard when other people don't hear about other soldiers getting injured or killed and worrying every day that today could be the day that something happens. I am not usually a pessimistic person but i just get frustrated when people think you are overreacting b/c you worry about your spouse getting injured or KIA. Sorry for the venting, just knew you guys would understand!

Don't apologize for venting. We all need to do it. I think people like your sister just don't want to have bad thoughts. I think they know things happen but they feel its easier on you to say things like she did.

Sometimes I wonder how crazy my DH and I are because we talk and actually joke about it. Not people being injured per say, but like the other day I had a funny feeling so I emailed him just to make sure he was ok. This is the response I get back "Let me count my fingers and toes. Yup, all there guess I am ok". Is anyone else's DH like this?

For those of you that have gone through this before, did you worry more as time got closer for your loved one to come home? Since we got a date for his arrival, I have found myself worrying more and more.

Oh, and Michelle I am glad you have gotten to hear from your DF. I know how great it is, especially when it is a surprise.

Hope everyone has a great weekend also. I think I am actually going to go in to work some. Yuck!
Melissa

 

[tngramma]

Welcome to all newcomers. To you guys in Ft. Bragg do you live on post? My DS and his DW and children lived there for 3 years. I loved it there. Ft. Bragg seems to be the place to get deployed from. Best wishes to all of you. We are so proud of all our soldiers and their faithful families.

 

[MadameLeota]

I just accidently deleted all of DBF's emails that he has sent me since...October...

 

[ECUTeacher97]

Thanks for the support!! I live off post- about 45 minutes away. We decided to stay off post so that I could live closer to a county that has a higher pay rate for teachers. It hasn't really been a problem for DH b/c he's gone so much of the time and he doesn't really mind the drive.

My DH and I joke about things like injury sometimes too- usually before he goes. I always joke that I'm going to shoot him in the foot so he can't go! I always tell him to just make sure he calls or drops me an email when he can just so I know he is ok, and he is pretty good about that when they are on a mission.

Thanks again for the support- it's nice to have people to commiserate to who know what you are going through!