Bringing Home Baby: 9 Things I Wish Somebody Would Have Told Me 9 Months Ago**

AWC >  Adoption > Bringing Home Baby: 9 Things I Wish Somebody Would Have Told Me 9 Months Ago**
 

(**not that I would have listened….and neither will you…or maybe you will and I was just too stubborn)

This month marks Little Dude’s nine months on this earth and in our family.  You might have noticed that it’s also been about that long since the last time I blogged.  Coincidence?  I think not.  So to mark the big day (well, the one before the big day.... i.e., his year birthday) here’s my list of nine things I wish somebody had told me nine months ago:

Hope for Alyssa - Be Moved. Make a Difference.

Army Spouses & Soldiers,

One of the things I love most about being an Army Wife is the sense of community.  We are a family that rallies around each other.  Alysa needs a heart transplant.  Yes she has insurance, but there's so much more that insurance doesn't cover.  Alyssa and her family need our support.  Whether it's money or a kind word, both have an impact.  Stop over to her Facebook page, Hope for Alysa,  and share it with your friends and family.  Shout it from the rooftops if you must.  I'll continue to do the same here.  Let's help Alysa and her family.

Blended Families: Personalizing Christmas Cards

AWC >Blended Families > Personalizing Christmas Cards

Today the kids and I worked on personalizing Christmas Cards.  When the kids asked why, we discussed thoughfulness.  There's just something that brings a smile to your face when you hear a friend or family member recount a memory you both shared.

Blended Families - They're Here!

AWC >Blended Families > They're Here!

Here are the kids arriving with Grandma at RDU for their Christmas visit with their dad. I just love how they switch to hug each of us.

CLICK HERE TO FIND MORE POSTS ABOUT OUR BLENDED FAMILY EXPERIENCES

• Military Stepkids - Why They Love XBOX
• Blended Families - Personalizing Christmas Cards
• Blended Families - They're Here!
• Blended Families - 12 Days of Christmas
• Blended Families - Anything is Possible at Walt Disney World
• Military Stepkids - Flying Unaccompanied
• Military Stepkids - It's Fashion Show Day
• Military Stepfamilies: July the Month of the Military Stepchild?
• Blended Families - Stepkids & Summer

Military Stepkids - Flying Unaccompanied

Our kids have been flying unaccompanied for almost 5 years.  Ever since the youngest turned 5 years old!  We are extremely appreciative this option is available.  Without it, our two kids would never get to see their dad as much as they do.  

I'll never forget the first unaccompanied flight.  I had worked for an airline in my early 20's.  I wasn't concerned about anything bad happening on a plane.  I was more concerned about how a 5 & 6 year old were going to entertain themselves on a 2.5 hour flight.  Mom & dad were a little more nervous, but this is what I told them then, and this is what I tell you now.  YOU bring your child to the gate.  YOU put them on the plane. YOU pick them up at the gate.  They can't get kidnapped mid air on a nonstop flight.  

Military Stepfamilies: July the Month of the Military Stepchild?

AWC >Blended Families > Military Stepfamilies:  July the Month of the Military Stepchild?

Adrienne MayApr 19, 2012I am a step mom and military wife as well, it is an interesting mix. We are thinking about writing a story about military step-families... what has been your biggest challenge with being a step-mom and military family?

Adrienne May asked me the above question on Google+ and it got me thinking. The challenges  I face within the military lifestyle  are minimal to what my stepchildren endure  I have the support of my fellow Army Wives, stepmothers, and many Military programs.  I think I'll answer the question  "What has been the biggest challenges for children of divorced parents, when one parent deploys?"  or "What are some challenges kids face that do not live full time with their military parent?"

Remember as you are reading, this is from my personal experience with my family.  I know not all situations are the same.  I understand it may be 'different' for you.  My husband's ex-wife is not a crappy parent and my husband is not a deadbeat dad.  They are two people that fell out of love and made mistakes along the way.  Everyone is doing their best to try and do what's best for the kids.  There is no book for this.  There is no guide.  Self-righteousness gets you no where!