Getting Our Deployment Ducks in a Row (For the Kids)

We attended a Family Prep course this weekend to help us prepare for our upcoming deployment. Some things weren't new, but I did come out with a lot of info. regarding our boys. We haven't mentioned anything about the deployment even though it's just a few months out and after this weekend I think we'll be breaking the news this week. I guess it's never too early to start talking about it. We'll let the boys know that they can always come to us (or myself after he leaves) to ask us any questions. It's nice that they're not old enough to understand what's going on when we watch the news. We received the Elmo dvd along with several books that will help us explain what's going to happen. (Once I go through them I'll let you know which ones I think are better than the others.) We were told we shouldn't use the term "deployment" when we talk to the boys and that we should come up with our own term. Some people said daddy is "helping people" or "playing army." I will be updating the "Fun Ideas" page with other suggestions people shared with us.
Now the question is...what term do we use when we talk about daddy going away?

Social Parade on Friday

It's my lucky day! I've found two new Blog Hops today! I'd like to WELCOME everyone visiting today! Hopefully I'm on my way to 100 followers by March 15th!

Boost My Blog Friday!

This is my first time participating in Boost my Blog Friday by Design It Chic. I'm glad I stumbled upon this fun Blog Hop! Perfect timing actually...I've wanted to set a goal of 100 followers, but wasn't sure how long it would (or should) take me. So here it goes...I'd like to have 100 followers by March 15th! Let's see how I do.
I've been asking companies if they'd be willing to donate an item so I can do a giveaway...wouldn't that be fun? So please "follow" if you like what you read and want to hear more. I can't wait to read other blogs too! Thank you in advance for stopping by!

Good People, Good Deeds

I had this great idea to buy holiday cards for our boys that my husband can bring with when he deploys. The only problem??? I didn't think about it before some of the holidays passed us by. Today I went into a locally owned card/gift shop, explained my situation and asked if I would be able to buy a few Halloween and Christmas cards for kids. The owner was working and she was MORE than happy to help me out. I now have cards for Halloween, Christmas, next Valentine's Day and some thinking about you/miss you cards. She thanked me for my husband's contribution and thanked me for being a military wife. Now I have to pay it forward!

Dropping the Deployment Bomb!

My husband's deployment will be here before we know it. How (and when) do you explain it to a 4 year old? Three weeks of training here and there are easier to explain, but a whole year? I have ideas to help him count down the days until daddy comes home once he leaves, but I don't know how to break the news to him. How do you tell a 4 year old that daddy is going half way across the world and won't be here for holidays, birthdays, etc?
If anyone has any ideas I'd LOVE to hear them. Let me know what works and what doesn't work.

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In

Each week, Wife of a Sailor posts a list of questions on Thursday (so you can have your blog ready on Friday). Go back to her blog and enter your blog so we can all visit other blogs and get to know each other!

1. Since most of the country has had nasty weather, what has your weather been like this week?
This week we had temps. around 10 degress, but it was still below zero with our windchill. I can't wait until spring gets here...it can't get here soon enough!!

2. What is/are your best money saving tip(s)?
I shop the store ads and I TRY to use coupons as much as I can. We have a radio station that sells store/restaurant certificates at a % off so you can save money going places you're already planning to go to. I'm always looking for new ways to save money. I love the menu planning idea...now I just have to implement it.

3. What was your favorite vehicle you’ve ever owned??
My first car was a white '98 Chevy Corsica. His name was Herbert and he was awesome! I loved that car and he loved me. 

4. What is a question you’d like to see asked in a future fill-in? (Your question & blog just may appear one week!)
I'd love to see a question about your favorite recipe. I'm always looking for new meals or a twist on our traditional meals.

5. Fill in the blank: You might be a MilSpouse if….
You might be a MilSpouse if you're a single parent, but married. I joke with my friends that I'm a single mom for next few weeks/months when my husband leaves for training.