Answered Prayers!

Just a little over a week ago I had given a *6-months later* update on how life was back together as a family and in the 'civilian world'. In it I vented my frustrations of trying to find a full time steady job, since my husband had only a seasonal job that was weeks away from ending.

It must have been a wee bit of luck, because HE BECAME RECENTLY EMPLOYED AT A FULL TIME, FULL YEAR JOB!! EEK! =) SUCH a load off our minds, and chests. Monday is day 1! A few nerves are starting to show but I think he'll do fine! It's something he loves and is qualified for, it's what he's been working for a while now.

Over the weekend I tried to spoil him, we went out to dinner and then I treated him to a random breakfast. We went shopping and stocked up on hot-pockets ;)

The first few weeks are going to be hectic, as my job (slightly seasonal as well) is winding down for the year but his is just starting...we're on the same shift. So getting Sammy to preschool might be a hassle but we'll figure something out! I didn't want to turn in a 2 week notice yet, I'll give it this first week of my hubby's new job to see how it clashes. I love the company I work for and have a lot of respect for all of my coworkers so I don't want to put them on hold just because of me.

We are so excited to start this new chapter in our lives. Hopefully we can sleep a little easier now!

Love Story in 22 Pictures

One little snapshot, a moment frozen forever in time. A memory, a dream, a nightmare - HOPE. If you've never believed the saying "a picture holds a thousand words"... please, "read" this story below. It is so touching. My heart goes out to these strong people, role models for all of us (not just wounded warrior/veteran families but everyone in general).

*click for full size*

 



6 months later...



It has been 6 months since my husband has been home. 6 months done with the USMC. *click here to see our homecoming post* =) 6 months of being not just a military family, but a disabled veteran family now. Finding others similar to us isn't he easiest in our area. So it has been a big shock for me, someone who was very involved and comfortable in the "military family/community" aspect that life on base brings.

The job side of things has been one of the biggest struggles. In April he ended up getting a seasonal job as maintenance at a golf course. I remind him all the time there is no shame in a day of good work but he is still unhappy.

Multiple interviews, at least 1-3 every other week, has still shown up as dead ends. He has been as honest as possible, and when asked why he left the comfortable military life (it shows on his resume as honorably discharged), he will tell them the truth-he is a disabled veteran. Even though it is against the law to discriminate, it's funny how sometimes he will be on a second interview, sometimes even (an unheard of to me) third interview and once he mentions any disability they're thankful but never contact him again. He is considering keeping that little bit of info under wraps to try and see if that gets him any farther. *SW MICHIGAN WORKS* are very enthusiastic and helpful, they give us so much hope about "veteran-friendly" workplaces. I know they're out there, but finding the right one has just been hard. I've gotten to the point I have to try so hard to force some excitement and hopefulness to him when he has another interview, but I know my attitude has to be rubbing off and not helping him any.

By law, a workplace has to allow a disabled veteran attend his V.A appointments. And with my husband guaranteed at least 2-3 a month, I can understand from the employer-side why they would rather have someone else who would have a better chance attending work. Even though it hurts our pride when that someone else they choose is less qualified for the job than my husband.

As a huge change in our family, I started working at the end of July. My job is also partly seasonal, with it slowing down in November and picking back up in February. So this past week I have been looking for a SECOND job. Many friends/family have told me "but now you're going to be even more tired, and see your son even less"! I understand that fully, and it pains me a little but we have to do what's necessary. Just like so many Americans struggling out there. I know I'm not the first, nor the last. I have so much respect for others, and single parents especially, out there.

He has another appointment this Tuesday, and I'm praying the hardest I have in a year. Any good vibes readers have to send would be greatly appreciated!

Anniversary Day-date!

I posted *last Thursday* that it was our 4th anniversary =) For anniversaries, I reallly like to stick with "traditional" gift-giving. I'm a little ol' fashioned & corny. 4th year gifts are: flowers and fruit (traditional); silk/linens/cloth (modern). This has been the hardest year for me to plan. Last month we picked up a grill for each other, for our anniversary...so no gifting was necessary but I still wanted to incorporate these traditions into our day. My hubby isn't a big flower OR fruit fan, and there isn't much clothing needed. I tried to find silky-type of boxers, but it was harder than I thought (I'm guessing because it isn't the holidays). And I also wanted to go DO something, not just dinner. I was driving one day and it hit me (because I passed it on the road): we could go to Hidden Lake Gardens. It is run by Michigan State University, and for a small fee you get into their beautiful grounds with hiking trails, picnic areas, and gorgeous views.

I then decided to pair it with a picnic of our favorite things: roast beef sandwiches (his), chocolate dipped strawberries (mine, but done in milk chocolate as is his fave), and rice homemade krispy treats (his). Along with ice water and we were packed! I did this all in secret, getting up before he left for work and having everything ready by the time he was home. He was happily caught off guard. It was such a simple date, yet needed! Being around a 3 year old constantly, the QUIET serenity of the gardens was ahhhh-mazing ;) We we almost rushed because storms were rolling in but we hiked 1 mile, and took cover when it rained in the tropical greenhouses.

You don't always have to spend $40-50 each year for your anniversary, sometimes a quick quiet get-away is just as fulfilling! It would also be super romantic to do a NIGHT picnic, take some blankets, citronella candle, and go gaze at the stars! What are some of your favorite, easy date ideas?

4+ years of love

Today is our 4th year wedding anniversary. But for over 7 years I have

shared my life with this man. He has been with me thru my ups and the dark
downs. And I, with his. Sometimes when the going's gotten rough a few friends
have shaken their heads, calling me stubbornly stupid even, for sticking with it.
But marriage isn't just something you wake up one day and say "oh, I'm going to
throw this away." If something's worth fighting for, you will find a way. We have

realized we are not perfect, but we will work to be perfect together. "In sickness

and in health..." When people come down with the flu, they seek to heal their

bodies. Same should be with marriage, if something is ailing, work together

to make it right again. Until you are whole-one. I am so hopeful, and so

thankful to have such an honest, hardworking, and loving husband.

If anyone is reading this and has gone thru hard times in their

marriage...don't loose faith. If they want to get thru it with

you, find a way. Because after the terrible storm that

thunders on and on at night, the sunrise after is

one of the most beautiful things to behold.

June Faves (list)

My favorite things from JUNE 2012:

---favorite book:

Yes, I gave in to this reading frenzy. Read 1 book a week during June. It was more than I expected, and if you're a somewhat open individual, I highly suggest you read it! Check it out *HERE* on amazon. It is about 12+ (each book) at stores like Walmart.

---favorite hair product:

Hast_Placenta: Henna 'n' Placenta deep conditioning treatment. For about a buck (give or take some change) you can get a packet with more than enough conditioner, even for those with long hair. It does NOT smell unpleasant, and I was literally blown away at how my hair felt after. We live where there is well water, and combine that with every few months of hair color and summer sun= very brittle curly hair. It was such a pleasant surprise, and I will be using this monthly!

---favorite "find":

This month we went to Metamora, OH's 120-mile-yard/barn sale. I only spent $25 all day, and sometime in there I picked these little cuties up for only $2 each!

---favorite funny:

---favorite drink:

Amaretto Sour

Ingredients:

1 1/2 oz Amaretto
3 oz Sour mix
1 maraschino cherry

Mixing instructions:

Shake and strain. Garnish with a cherry. I love to pour a splash of the cherry "juice" into it, since I'm not a fan of eating maraschino cherries.

---favorite moment:

Becoming closer to my husband. This month has opened up so many doors for us. We have bonded deeply in a way we haven't done in years. And I haven't ever been as hopeful as I am now.

Memorial Day FB Status

Quick update of my thoughts, tried to sum it up with a facebook status : this morning i kissed my husband and said, "thank you." he asked "for what"? i replied simply "for just being you." my heart is both sad yet proud. when people talk about today and i see everywhere advertised: "thank a vet"(and of course the brave men & women currently serving)...i realize my husband is now one of them. i am thankful and realize yes, i can be worse; he could have lost limbs, or have made the ultimate sacrifice instead of always coming home to us. but he DID give up his freedom for ours and now there are parts of him that CAN NOT be fixed. ever. both inside & out. it is both a struggle and a blessing. i am so happy and proud to be right beside him every step of the way as we're still transitioning to this new experience. thank you to all who have & are currently serving, keep safe. (yeah, let's just say i really miss my military fam being close) ♥

Hot & Cold

Like I mentioned in a previous blog, we've had some struggles in the week & a half since M has been home. It's been almost 7 months being 800+ miles away from each other and 4+ years of a military life. We knew there would be adjustments, just not big blow-ups within days of being back in the family life. Little things have been setting him off, and I either cry or get angry myself. It's not something I'm use to happening often, much less as frequent as it has been. The great thing is we both don't like to let things sit & fester, so after a few minutes of either walking, or thinking by ourselves, we talk it out camly, apologize for our mistakes. Neither of us is perfect, and we realize we have a lot of work to do-but know it's something we can get thru.

I can't help the little whisper of guilt. This year I had a few simple resolutions, and one was to be a better wife. Not that I'm a bad wife, but I believe we all can be better versions of ourselves. Yet so far I'm sure I haven't held up to this idea like I expected. I will continue to try, and keep to my new resolution.

Even though he wasn't on a big deployment overseas, all this time spent apart is giving us some adjustment issues. If anyone has great blogs or articles that help in this aspect, they'd be greatly appreciated if left in a comment!

Thanks for all your support! I pray this next month is a little less stressful, and we're closer than ever.

HOMECOMING!

Sorry for the lack of postings, but it's for a good reason---promise!
MY HUSBAND IS HOME! It has been a whilrwind week filled with just a myriad of emotions; excitement of him being home, frusturations as we deal with adjusting, happiness at not having to be alone, and well, you get the drift!

Here are some pictures from the last week.





He's already had his first job interview, and while we have our fingers crossed we know there's always competition. But in this economy I thought getting an interview is pretty good.


*for our 6 month update, go here*

First

Welcome to my barefoot, crazy & BUSY life !I'm a Marine Wife, about to become a Veteran's Wife (very soon~we just found out his EAS today!). A mother to an adorable almost 3 year old son, and furmom to 2 unique & opposite dogs. I am currently going to school to become a VetTech. As a self-proclaimed foodie you can expect quite a bit about food. Hopefully I can stick with a blog this time, b/c I can find it to be theraputic...and completely fun to look back to see what I was up to/thinking years from now! <3 Hope you have a wonderful day!