Summer Fun

It's HOT. It's summer time, so, I am doing my very best to not complain and embrace it....so far, so good. Might get harder to keep this cheery disposition as the temp increases and the kids start fighting.

Yesterday was fantastic. It was a friend's birthday, so we went out to their campsite at the lake and spent the afternoon there. Little kids everywhere, playing in the water, laying out in the sun, and a delicious meal with everyone. We really loved it ( though I was missing the Littlest, as she's at Gramma and Grampa's).

Some of the kiddos there were cousins. It reminded me of our summer vacations to my Gramma's, spent with my own cousins. We didn't always get along, but I do have some fond memories for sure.

My kids don't have that.They have 2 little cousins that live on the other side of the country, and we have never met them. (I keep buying the lottery tickets in the hopes we'll be able to fund a trip out East....no luck so far). Hopefully, one day, we'll make it out there. I'd love for my kids to get together with that side of the family and get to know them...heck, I'd like to as well!

So, I am very thankful for friends that welcome us and let us be a part of their lives, and for letting us make some of their summer memories our own.

Screaming Meemies are Back

Oh boy, I have been a negligent blogger. This is supposed to be a place to write about our lives, yet, life gets in the way.
I'm not even sure when, or what I wrote when last I stopped by.
Let's start over friends. Let's call it a new day and pick things up as if we'd never been apart. Deal?

The school year is nearly over. The kids are so looking forward to Summer break. I am as well. Hubby might even get some leave over the break, which would be very nice. He's had a tasking every summer since we moved here., 

Behn and the grade 5's had their big Operetta presentation last week. Made this mama proud to be sure. This 2nd born son of ours has spent years standing still and staring out at the audience during group performances. To see him not just participate, but, to do so with a little verve and vigour....well, I'll be honest, it brought a little tear to my eye. All of a sudden he is so big. 

Jacob's Spring Concert for band is tonight. We nearly forgot about it. For some reason, we all thought it was next month, oops. Never fear, I found his white shirt, and I will attempt tp iron it for him this afternoon. I'm really looking forward to hearing them play tonight, being a former band geek myself. It's amazing how much they have improved since last year when they started out. 

Asher and Sihdney have no big performances or presentations at the moment. Sihdney says she's very excited to hear the music tonight, Asher shrugged his shoulders.....let's hop he can hold it together for the entire length of the concert tonight.....

***You can also find me over at my more fitness related blog RunBarefootMama .***

Military Families get what???

Folks, I feel need to set the record straight.

Perhaps, you'll read this, and, at the end, you'll say "That's it?" or, "So?"

I know I'll feel better, and, isn't that what my blog is all about....making me feel better?  ;)

We are a military family. I grew up in a military family. I tell you this, just so you know I have some knowledge of this "lifestyle".

Over the years, I have heard so many ridiculous things that civilian peeps think we, as military families, get. 

These are my top 3 favourites:

#1. Members of our military makes loads of money.

Not true, especially when they first start out. Things were real tight when we were first married...like, when hubby was away, I ate a lot of cup-a-soup & popcorn to save on the groceries. We did ok, and we're doing a lot better now, but, rich we'll never be.

What members do get, are great medical benefits, as do their families if they have one. 

#2. Military Families Get Free Housing

Ummmm, nope. Not even close. Members and their families that live in PMQ's (Private Married Quarters), pay the same as anyone on civvy street. What you don't know, is that members don't pay rent...they pay something called "shelter charges", so they aren't covered my the "Landlord/tenant Act", no matter what province they're in, or how bad the house may be. ( I should tell you here, our family now owns a house & we no longer live in PMQ's)

There are some newer houses now, but, not many. Most of the homes are old, and need serious upgrades. We've lived in houses that were in such poor condition, no one but a military family would be allowed to live in them. We've even been in homes that were condemned. 

#3. Military Families Get Free Childcare 

Again....nope. Hahhaha....oh, that one makes me laugh, especially with our 4 kids. 

In recent years, the MFRC's ( Military Family Resource Center) have offered 1-3 hours a week of Deployment care if your spouse is deployed. This is on their time, at their discretion, not whenever or wherever you feel like it. It's helpful, but not what I would call free childcare.

I worked ( briefly) for a store in our town last year. With my hubby being in the field, busy with work, and tasked for more craziness in the summer, our oldest was spending a lot of time caring for his siblings. I decided a minimum wage job was not worth all this hassle, so, told them I would have to quit.

The district manager was angry. I could hear her while she was talking to my manager on the phone. She was under the mistaken impression that I could just get free care for my kids so I could come to work. No my dear, no. Like anyone else, it's my job to care for my kids, not the military's.

Being a military family is a different life to be sure. I don't think it's any harder than anyone else's, we just have our unique struggles, like everyone else. 

"If the military had wanted you to have a family, they would have issued you one!"

                                                                                  ~unknown

***All info here is garnered from my own experiences.***