To the Wife of a Deployed Soldier

My heart aches for you. For I know the true pain you are going through. I know the anxiety of watching your husband pack weeks before and wishing time would either pause or fly by.

I know the dread that the night before brings. Tossing and turning, can't sleep, but not out of excitement. Waking up that morning trying your hardest to keep it together at least until you see him off. The pain of kissing my husband goodbye while our child grows in my belly.

I know how hard it is to TRY to explain to your toddler that Daddy is going away for a long time, and no we can't go see him. I know what it's like to grip the rails of a hospital bed, in labor with out my husband standing by my side. The ache in your heart as you bring a new baby home and he meets his father via FaceTime. Or the bittersweetness of your child starting their first T-ball season but Dad's not there.

How everything in your house will decide its time to combust all at once. The dog will get sick. The kids will go through a huge tantrum/ test their limits phase. The washer and dryer quit working. Your ID card will expire. The frustration of getting a decent internet connection so you can see his face, hear his voice or even something as simple as a text. The rush to get to the post office on a Saturday because you forgot to send out his care package.


The friends who said they'd be there have gone on with their lives while your stuck in pause. Family "understands" but do they really? There is a BIG difference in missing your son, brother, or nephew than missing your HUSBAND. Your Army wife friends are probably the only ally you have, find your tribe and love them hard. But for your sanity, stay off the wives Facebook pages.

To the wife of a deployed soldier. 

YOU are so strong. Brave. Selfless. 

To keep the house going, kids alive, and picking up slack that comes with being a "single" parent. You are STRONG. 

To love a man thousands of miles away, without the promise of a homecoming.
You are BRAVE. 

To be in a marriage where the military comes first, and when he is called upon he must go. For standing by his side and loving a countryman.
 You are SELFLESS. 

People may think that this is what we signed up for. Sure. But we are also human, and you are allowed to feel sad or miss your husband. Do not EVER let someone discredit your marriage or feelings because you knew your husband was a soldier. What they don't understand is- we don't fear the distance. We fear them not returning, and if you are asking me to be okay with that, it's never going to happen. I "signed up" to love a man who sometimes loves his country more. I "signed up" to love a man willing to go to war and die for you.

I know it feels like the world is dragging right past you, and you will never see the end in sight. It's coming. The tears, the frustration, missing him will ALL be worth it the day he steps off the plane and is home again. Until then, hold your pretty little head up and make him proud!

What did I say? | Things I never thought I would have to say as a parent

Y'all.. do you find yourself thinking "Did I really just have to say that" after talking to your children. Ahh, Welcome to my life.

I have two toddler girls who are full of spunk, sass and off the wall weirdness. I could probably write a book with all the things they have said to me or I have said to THEM but a blog post will do!

Here are a few that come to mind, I'm sure there will be plenty more in years to come. And when I say they can be weird- I am not exaggerating. Leave your judgement for a Facebook moms page.

A few mild ones to start us off, probably not too abnormal. I bet you've said them too. 

"Why are you naked?" 

"Don't put your finger in your butt"

"You can't eat playdough"

Not so bad right? Let's get a little weirder. 

"Don't dig in your poop"

"Leave the dogs butt alone!" 

"Don't lick your sister!" 

Now, totally left. I'm probably a lone wolf on these ones. 

"Don't put hot tamales (candy) in your vagina!"

"Stop trying to fart on your sister!" 

"Stop juggling my butt, please!"*

"Stop pinching my nipple!" *

*Disclaimer- the last two mainly happen in the shower. But have been said outside of the bathroom as well. I know, I know. But if you are a mom, you know the struggle and I'm sure have been there as well.

Oh, the beautiful joy of parenting. I hope everyone is having a great weekend! 

Thanks for reading!!

To the Mom Finding Her Fitness Again

We are so critical about our image as mothers. Forgetting the amazing thing our body did. Create life. 

It begins when you get pregnant. You're over joyed but there is that tiny thought in your head "oh, I don't want to get fat". It sticks with you as you grow during your pregnancy. "Oh my gosh, I gained 4 ponds since my last appointment" We say to ourselves after the baby is born I'm hitting the gym and dieting as we stuff our latest craving in.

Flash forward- baby is born, and you are over the moon! But shortly after, you realize your body didn't snap back. You have stretch marks. You have a little mom pooch. And your once again, you are critical. Picking out every single imperfection, new and old.

One thing I had to understand starting my fitness journey is that THIS is MY body. It gave me THREE gorgeous, healthy babies. It's time I start loving it. You have to get to that point too mama, because if you don't working out in the gym is not going to make you love yourself nor will it be enjoyable. You have to want to be healthy, fit, whatever it is because you have some serious self love going on, not as a punishment. THEN make some fitness goals
.

Make REALISTIC and attainable goals. One short term, one long term.

 For example- a short term goal could be 

- loose five pounds this month 

- Be able to do 15 squats

Long term should be something like

- Be able to lift heavy 

- Run two miles 

The long term doesn't have to be a super long period of time, but set a goal that would take YOU a bit longer to attain. I am not a runner so running two miles could take me a while to get to. Set your goals based on yourself and not what others are doing or how long it takes them.

Stop comparing yourself to other women. We do this SO much. It doesn't matter where we are- on Facebook, in the gym, at the store.. we compare ourself to the woman standing next to us not knowing the struggle SHE is having herself. EVERYONE has highs and lows, guys.

When I started working out I would look at the women surrounding me in the gym and I'm surprised I didn't turn green right there on the spot. I was extremely envious. I work out in a gym full of soldiers, and body builders. I wanted to lift like them. I wanted their bodies. I wanted the cute gym clothes. I was jealous. Hands down.

So what did I do? I took that jealousy and turned it into DRIVE. You have to find it deep inside of you and pull it out. It is not easy to make the choice every day to work out, but once you start seeing your body change you won't want to stop. I promise.

First, find a gym. Anywhere will work- a big gym, apartment gym, even a home work out plan works! I work out with my husband because he pushes me. Find a section on your body that you enjoy working out. Mine is legs or back. Make an awesome playlist that gets you pumped. All of these things help me start.

Maybe lifting isn't your thing. That's OKAY! Just get your heart rate going. Take a class. Go on the treadmill. Use the machines as a circuit. Just do something to get you LOVING you again.

If I can do it- a girl who loves junk food, being lazy and hates running, I know you can too!