Empowering Women

Gosh, it has been ages since I've written on my blog.  Life has been a bit hectic and busy this summer.  My pirate returned from deployment in March and my little guy turned 3 later that month.  In May, my pirate left sea duty for shore duty and will be home for the next 3 years.  So unbelievably excited about that.  In May, we also bought our very first home!  So as you can see, I've had my hands full.  We've had to adjust all over again to the mister actually being home, moving to a new home and enjoying all of the crazy things that come with that, like unpacking and making it ours.  We've had other excitement as well, as my husband finally made chief, and I couldn't be happier or more proud of him.  He works so hard at what he does and loves his job, and he's finally made it.

But... enough of all that.  What I really want to talk about is what else I've been up to this summer.  My job as an independent consultant for Damsel In Defense.  If you've read my previous blogs, you already know what I've been up to.  But if you are new (Welcome, by the way!), then be sure to check it out.  I am loving absolutely every minute of what I do.  I get to get out and meet new people all the time.  I am able to spread awareness about crimes against women in the U.S.  I'm helping to equip women with personal safety products.  I'm helping to educate women.  I'm helping to instill confidence and empower women.  What I do, and helping to provide our products to women... it may just save someone's life some day.

I'd love for you to check out the link below and read up on more about Damsel In Defense.  It's not about scaring women.  It's not about intimidating women.  In fact, Damsel is about the complete opposite.  Women should be confident and feel empowered when it comes to their safety.  They should know they have a way out if they ever feel threatened.  Let's be proactive about safety and tell crime to take a hike.

https://www.smore.com/xnnj-let-s-get-sparked

If you'd like to know more about Damsel In Defense, please feel free to contact me or check out my Facebook page or my website!  If you are passionate about women's safety, I'm always looking for go getters to join my team as well.  Thank you for stopping by!

Protect Our Daughters!

It's the middle of March, and that means that high school graduation will soon be approaching in a couple of months.  Our daughters, sisters, nieces, and cousins will soon be heading off to college in the fall.  College means classes, new friends, socializing, no parents around, partying.  College also means walking across campus alone and living in dorms or apartments with or without roommates.  While college can be the best times of our lives, it can also be one of the most dangerous, especially for young women.

Now is the perfect time to check out Damsel In Defense products and give them a graduation gift that could just save their lives one day.  We all have this "it will never happen to me mentality", but the truth is, we NEVER know when or if it will happen to us.

The truth of the matter is that 1 in 5 women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetimes and that college aged women are 4 times more likely to be assaulted.  A sexual assault occurs every 2 minutes somewhere in the U.S. and and aggravated assault occurs every 35 seconds.  2/3 of assaults are committed by someone the victim actually knows and 80% of assault victims are under the age of 30!

We can take a stand.  We can make a difference in the lives of those of us around us.  We can prevent crimes by being proactive.  Let's work together to beat the statistics.  Let's work together to protect our daughters, sisters, nieces, and cousins.  Let's keep them from becoming a statistic!

For more information, visit my Facebook page, Defense By Di.  I'd love to help you make a difference it someone's life!

Educate, Equip, Empower!

Hello readers!  Recently, I told you about a new endeavor of mine, Damsel In Defense.  For those of you who haven't read my last blog and aren't familiar with Damsel, it's a company dedicated to personal protection for women.  Damsel's mission is to educate, equip, and empower women.  To give them the confidence  necessary to defend themselves in bad situations.  The statistics on aggravated and sexual assault in the United States are alarming, and Damsel's goal is to change that one woman at a time.

If you haven't head of this company, I strongly urge you to check it out.  Every one of us knows someone who could benefit, and the thing I love about Damsel is that while the products are geared toward women, they aren't all just for women.  Just about everyone could benefit from one product or another.  Mothers, daughters, sisters, nieces, aunts, the elderly, children, the mailman, hair dressers, college students, truck drivers, the list goes on.

Many of us have jobs that keep us out late at night, forcing us to walk to our cars in a dark parking lot.  College students are often walking alone on campus, sometimes after dark after evening classes.  Truck drivers are often on the road solo.  The mailman/woman walks his/her route alone.  Military spouses often spend months at home alone either with or without kids, while their spouse is deployed.  Any one of us, or any one of our family members could be found in those situations.

I'd love to share some of our products and their uses with you.  You never know, one of them could just save your life!  We offer stun guns and pepper sprays (not legal in all 50 states, please check your local laws), personal alarms, kubatons, and emergency tools for automobiles.

One of the first things I would love to share with you is the Road Trip.  It is my absolute favorite Damsel In Defense product.  It's an emergency tool for your vehicle that includes a water resistant flashlight, emergency flashing beacon and sounding alarm, a hammer for breaking car windows, and a seat belt cutter all in one.

This is one of those tools that I firmly believe belongs in every vehicle.  You never know when an accident is going to occur that could have you trapped in your vehicle on the side of the road.  It's best kept in the center console of your vehicle so that it's easily accessible.  If you're stuck in your seat belt, you can cut yourself loose.  If you can't get the door open, you can use the little point on the side as a hammer and break the window to get out.  The head is also magnetic, so you can stick it to the top of your car and turn on the flashing beacon and siren to wave someone down for help.  There has even been a couple of cases where children were playing in the back of a vehicle, got the seatbelt wrapped around their necks and were slowly strangling.  Road Trip saved their lives by cutting them loose!

Personal alarms are also another favorite.  The Holla At Me is an LED flashlight keychain with a 120 decibel alarm.  Where's Yo Baby is a child monitor that is great for the littles when they like to wander off from Mommy and Daddy giving everyone a scare.  Your child wears the little Panda monitor, while  Mom or Dad has the receiver.  It can be set for distances from 3 to 21 feet, and if the child leaves that range, the receiver starts beeping to alert the parent that the child is out of range.

Holla At Me is something just about anyone can carry with them.  You never know when you will need it.  If you're attacked in a parking lot, you can sound the alarm.  Do you have an elderly person living with you who falls a lot?  Give them a Holla At Me to carry an sound off when they've fallen and can't get up to alert you for help.  Do you have children or teenagers who walk home alone from school or often go to the mall alone?  Give them a Holla At Me!  Where's Yo Baby is great for times when your child wants to walk beside you, like the airport, the playground, the grocery store, and if they start to wander off, you will be alerted instantly.

The Step Off door alarm is another useful tool for just about anyone.  It's an alarm you can place under a door, that sounds off at 120 decibels should someone try to open your door.

Step Off is an on the go tool, you can take it with you anywhere.  It's not only great for hotel rooms and dorm rooms, but in your own home as well.  We all know the economy is not great, and there have been many stories of families having to disconnect their home security alarms when times have gotten tight.  Step Off can still provide some security if someone tries to break into your home.  It provides a safety net while sleeping.  If you're a single woman or stay at home mom who works from home, it provides extra security during the day or night.  If you have a sleep walker in the family who frequently escapes at night or an elderly family member with Alzheimers who tends to wander off, use the alarm to alert you if they try to open the door.

Have you ever heard of a kubaton?  The Sock It To Me kubaton is a non-lethal weapon, originally developed for police officers to restrain suspects without permanent injury.  It is designed to use against bony surfaces, soft tissue and nerve points, and it is effective because it can cause instant pain.

The Sock It To Me can be carried on a keychain where it is easily accessible.  It can be used on just about any hard or soft surface on the human body, and can even be used to swing your keys at an attacker's face, giving you ample time to escape.

Pepper sprays are another Damsel Product that are highly beneficial.  All Damsel In Defense pepper sprays contain 18% Oleoresin Capsicum, the highest available on the market.  They also contain UV dye that doesn't wash off, lasts for days, and allows police to identify an attacker with a black light if caught.  They spray a distance up to 12 feet.

Carry pepper spray any time you are alone, hiking, camping, walking dogs, delivering mail, etc.  Pepper sprays are not only useful in keeping attackers at bay, but they also work on dogs should a dog attack ever occur.

Last, but not least, I'd like to introduce stun guns.  Stun guns are a non-lethal alternative to guns.  Not everyone is comfortable carrying a gun, and not everyone likes the idea of guns, so stun guns provide another option.  Stun guns use high voltage and low amperage to temporarily disable an attacker for several minutes, allowing you time to escape.  Stun guns deliver energy into the muscle, instantly depleting blood sugar and converting it into lactic acid.  It also interrupts voluntary muscle movement, causing an attacker to lose their balance.

Stun guns can be carried by just about anyone (laws providing, of course).  They can ward off an attack in just about any situation.  Carry them while walking or hiking alone.  Carry one in your car in case of car jackings, if someone tries to reach through your window, zap them!  If you work in a store and someone tries to reach over the counter to grab you, zap them.  Truck drivers are often attacked and robbed and can benefit from carrying a stun gun.  Protect yourself from dog attacks while out walking or delivering mail.

Personal defense and safety are something everyone should take into account.  We always think "it will never happen to me", but the truth is, we never know.  It may never happen, but all it takes is once.  Be proactive in your own safety.  Empower and equip yourself.  Be confident in yourself.  Or if you know someone who often finds themselves in these types of situations, let them know it can be prevented.  Look out for each other.  Safety is of the utmost importances with crime rates rising these days.

If you'd like to know more about Damsel In Defense, please check out my Facebook page, Defense By Di.  I'd love to answer any questions you might have about the products or the company, or even hosting your own party in the privacy and safety of your own home.  You can also check out my website for more information.  Are you looking to earn some extra income?  I'd love for you to join my team!

Working From Home

Shortly before my son was born, I left my job at the bird store I'd worked at for quite some time.  Since then, I've been a stay at home mom.  Honestly, I love being a stay at home mom, because I get to be with little mister C every day.  I get to witness all his milestones, along with all of his silly antics along the way.  But I won't lie, it has it's moments when I'd love to get away for a day and work a regular job.  I do miss work.  I've never not worked since I was 16.  So some days I do go stir crazy.  I have kept C busy with swimming, toddler gymnastics, messy art, and various other activities that get us out and about.  And I love it all.  But sometimes, Mommy needs some me time.  This deployment in particular has tested my limits a lot, and needless to say, I'm grateful that it's almost over.  Just a few more weeks and my pirate will be home.

In the mean time, however, I've looked into going back to work eventually.  But, the downside to that is not being home with C and missing out on all the things he manages to surprise me with every day.  Day care here is also crazy expensive, and for a long time, I couldn't justify working a full time job just for the entire paycheck, and then some out of pocket, to go to paying for day care.  Defeats the purpose.  So in my quest to figure out a way to earn a little extra income from home, some friends suggested I look into Thirty-One Gifts.  I was highly intrigued.  Not only would it allow me to work from home, but I could set my own hours, work as much or as little as I wanted, and I could still spend time with C.  So in June 2012, I bit the bullet and signed up to become an Independent Consultant for Thirty-One, and I have enjoyed every minute of it.

I'm sure some of you are probably wondering what Thirty-One really is.  It's a direct sales company, like Pampered Chef, Tupperware, Avon, Mary Kay, Origami Owl, etc.  I'm so NOT a kitchen person, so something like Pampered Chef and Tupperware were out.  Mary Kay?  Well, for those who know me, I'm not a girly girl, I don't wear makeup, nor do I know anything about it!  But Thirty-One, I found that practical, and months later, I still feel that way.  I love that it's all based on organization, from organizing your home to your car to your office.  They have bags and utility totes for just about everything.  They're versatile and useful, for everything from hauling groceries or camping supplies to sports gear and diaper bags.  What more could I ask for in a product?

Another thing I love about Thirty-One is that they are all about encouraging and rewarding women.  I love being rewarded for a job well done, and feeling like I matter.  I'm a shy person by nature, and being a consultant has helped me build up a little more confidence.  I'm gaining a little more confidence every day.  Another great thing is that they love to reward their hostesses for great parties with credit for free items, half-price items, and hostess exclusives that you can only get by hosting a party.  Who doesn't want FREE stuff???

It's been an interesting journey, and one that I hope to continue.  It's allowed me to meet new people and work as much or as little as I want.  Allowed me to spend as much time with little C as I want.  And not only do I find their products useful and beneficial, but I use them myself.  I enjoy working for a company where I can be my own boss, and stand behind a product I would use myself.  If it wasn't something I would use, why sell it?  I love Thirty-One!

If you'd like to know more, visit my website for more info!

Along this journey, I've also recently discovered a new little company called Damsel In Defense, of which I have also just joined and I can't wait for this journey to begin!  Damsel In Defense believes in equipping, empowering, and educating women about self defense products and self defense education. DID wants to provide women with products that they actually feel comfortable using should a situation arise in which they need to defend themselves.  They WANT women to feel comfortable about arming themselves.  And let's face it, walking into a gun shop or otherwise to purchase self defense items isn't always enticing to a woman, it's rather intimidating.  So what better way than to take that intimidation away than by hosting a party with your closest friends right in your own home?

Food for thought... 1 in 5 women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime and college age women are 4 times more likely to be assaulted.  Every 2 minutes, someone in the US is sexually assaulted, and approximately 2/3 of assaults are committed by someone known to the victim.

Scary isn't it?  Enter Damsel In Defense, a company wanting to make women feel more secure in protecting themselves.  One of the things I love about DID is that their products are not only functional, but are cute and sassy. One stun gun is even disguised as a cell phone and another as a lipstick.  To me, that's a lot less intimidating than a regular stun gun, and no one would even be the wiser that you had it.  DID even offers a door alarm to use at home or in a hotel that sounds off at 120 decibels to wake you up should someone try and open your door.

Are you a hair dresser, office clerk, nurse, college student?  Often finding yourself walking to your car late at night in the dark?  Are you a military spouse often home alone for months while your spouse is deployed?  Do you know a woman in any of these situations?  If you can answer yes, then be sure to check out Damsel In Defense.  They offer products for just such a thing, from pepper spray and kubotans to personal alarms, emergency auto tools, and stun guns.  Granted, pepper spray and stun guns are not legal in all states, so please be aware of your state laws.  It's also smart for any woman to take a self defense course of some sort, to better equip herself when using self defense weapons.

If you'd love to know more about Damsel In Defense, be sure to check out my website for more info!

Note: The views expressed here are solely my own and not those of Thirty-One Gifts or Damsel In Defense.

Playing Catch Up

I realized today that it's been months since I've updated my blog.  These last months have flown by since my pirate left on deployment in August.  My 2 year old and I have managed to keep busy with things like toddler gymnastics, messy art class, visiting Stay and Play, taking in the Mystic Aquarium, and visiting friends.  My parents came to visit at Christmas, and it was great having them here for the week.  While little mister and I do stay busy, it can get monotonous, so my parents' visit was a nice change from the daily goings on of mommy and toddler.

Let's see, since the last time I posted, the boys on the boat got all of their totes and Project Prov. was a huge success.  I still can't believe how so many people came together to show their support for our boys.  They did take lots of pictures, but we haven't received any, yet, as they're on the ship's camera, so we have to wait until they return home to get to see how the delivery went.  I received so many kind words from wives and the crew about how much they enjoyed the goodies, and I am forever grateful for all the the help received in making this project a success.  To those of you who helped, thank you.  I am forever humbled by your generosity.  The boys are now finally on their way home, and will be here in a few short weeks.  I know there is a little boy who can't wait to see his daddy.  And neither can I, so let the countdown begin!

In January, my 2 year old, myself, and a very good friend took our very first international trip overseas to Paris, France!  We were originally supposed to go and see the pirate, but of course, at the last minute their boat schedule was changed and he didn't get to meet us in Paris as planned.  But... it's ok.  We still went and had an amazing time.  A truly awe-inspiring experience that I will never forget.  Instead of staying in a hotel, we rented an apartment for the week, and let me just say, if we ever make it back to Paris some day, we'll stay in a rental again!  Our apartment provided us with a full kitchen, as well as a washer and dryer, which meant less clothes we had to pack which made suitcases lighter.  And, since we had the kitchen, it gave us the perfect opportunity to check out local open markets where we could bring home all sorts of goodies and cook meals in the apartment.  We also discovered just up on the corner from our apartment was a little bakery with the most spectacular paninis and pastries.  What better way to experience the culture???  The food was simply wonderful.  We also lucked out in that the subway was just around the corner, and it provided us a way to get to just about anywhere in the city we wanted to go.  From the Eiffel Tower to a boat ride down the Seine, from Notre Dame to the Arc du Triomphe and the Louvre.  And even a short train ride to the palace of Versailles.  So many sights to behold, and no hotel would have provided us with such a great experience.  My only regret was that my husband couldn't be there with us, but that gives us the chance to go back and visit together some day, which I fully intend to do.  Maybe next time we'll visit more than just Paris!

Now... we just wait our pirate's return!

Project Providence Part 2

Hello everyone!  As many of you know, I recently started a project to send all the sailors of the USS Providence care packages.  It has been quite the under taking and so much work, but I wouldn't have it any other way.  I am truly humbled and amazed at how well this project has come together.

Throughout this journey over the last couple of weeks, I've talked to so many people.  From friends and family to complete strangers across the country, and even members of other branches of the military, people have come together from all walks of life to support Project Providence.  It has been so amazing to see it unfold.

Our original goal was to raise $4,000, but that included not only the totes we needed to buy for our guys, but all the goodies needed to fill them.  Our plan was to send every individual crew member a care package.  And that is still our plan, one way or another, we're gonna make it.

I am so thrilled to tell you though, that our new goal has changed from $4,000 to $2,900.  Why is that? Because so many people have come together to make sure this project succeeds.  People from all over our country have rallied to send us countless goodies to fill the totes.  We've received boxes of fruit snacks, trail mix, gum, Wonka candies, Sour Patch candies, decks of cards, toothbrushes, combs, and dental floss.  And that's not all, there is more on the way!  Teddy Grahams, crackers and peanut butter, pop tarts, ball point pens, Wet Ones wipes... just to name a few!  We have also raised $1,540 toward our goal of $2,900!

The cards, letters, and even drawings from kids are rolling in as well.  Every time I look at them, I get emotional and teary.  To stop and think about how many strangers care about our boys and support what they do, and that they too are just as thankful as I am for their sacrifices.  It's unreal.

It's just the most amazing thing to witness, and to know that I had a part in it is quite humbling.  It's been an emotional journey, and sometimes overwhelming.  But all in a good way.  I am just in awe at the generosity of others.  At how complete strangers can come together for one common cause, because they want to help me support our sailors.  There really are no words that even come close to explaining how I feel.  I am just so truly thankful for all of the amazing people I have met on this journey.  Project Prov. would not be happening without any of them.  I thank my lucky stars every day for all of them.  Every single one.

We still have about 4 days until our deadline to meet our goal.  And we can use all the help we can get. If you would like to help us send care packages to our sailors, please check out Project Prov. on Facebook.  There, you will find all sorts of information on our project, as well as photos of what we have going on with donations.

Donations are greatly appreciated.  Even if it's just $5.  Every little bit helps.  We are just so grateful for everything and everyone.  We are truly blessed.  Thank you to everyone who has helped us with this great journey.  With kindness, all things ARE possible!

Love,
Diane

Project Providence

Hello all!  So recently, my husband deployed.  Again.  This makes #6 in his 14 years in the Navy.  A while back he told me that on his last deployment, some of the guys went the entire deployment without even so much as a letter from home.  It's really bothered me.  And as a result, I am determined to change that this time around.  I am determined to make sure every sailor gets a care package.  I want them all to know that we care about what they do.  That their sacrifices don't go unnoticed.  That we are thankful for everything they endure to keep us safe here at home.

I've created something called Project Providence on Facebook for this very reason.  Our goal is to raise $4000 to make a care package for every sailor.  We want to purchase a thermal lunch tote for each crew member, and fill it with goodies and letters from home.  However, it's an incredibly large crew, and we can't do it without the help of friends, family, and fellow readers.  If you'd like more information on how you can help support our sailors and let them know they are appreciated, please visit Project Providence on Facebook and request to join.

Thank you and much love!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/374719849268461/

Things No One Told You About Babies

Being a parent is one of the biggest blessings in my life.  I honestly can't remember what most of life was like before becoming a parent almost 2 1/2 years ago.  And yet some days, it's still hard to believe my baby is now a toddler, running, laughing, climbing, playing, screaming, and talking.  C surprises me every day with the things he's learning.

The journey so far has been an interesting one, and I'm sure there will be many more adventures along the way as C grows and learns new things.  But there are definitely some things I've seen along the way that I wish I'd known before becoming a parent.

No one ever told me about drool, and how much babies drool.  It's like Niagra Falls.  It just keeps flowing... and flowing... and flowing.  How much drool can come out of one little tiny being?  How is this possible?  But along with drooling comes teething.  And lots of screaming, and whining, and crying, and chewing.  Around the clock.  And the good news is, it's easily fixed with a Baltic amber teething necklace.  Why did no one ever tell me before we reached the teething stage about Baltic amber teething necklaces?  C was a year old before I found out, and a blubbering, teething, drooling mess of a kid.  He was miserable.  He didn't like teethers, cold wash cloths, popsicles, nada.  There was no relief in sight for him except Orajel and baby Tylenol.  And then we found out about Baltic amber.  In 24 hours, my child went from a hot mess to a happy smiling kid you'd never know was teething.  The crying and whining stopped and the smiles reappeared.  And the drooling, oh that blasted drooling... it stopped!  And the good news, no more Orajel and Tylenol required.

No one ever told me that baby and toddler poop comes in all colors of the rainbow.  I've seen purple, I've seen blue, I've seen orange, and even yellow, green, and red.  Yes, that's a whole rainbow right there.  It's always a surprise when I change a messy diaper.  People, if you think blueberries are just a berry, think again.  Blueberries can turn a diaper into artwork of the grossest kind.  And watermelon, now that's just disturbing.  I'm not even sure there are words to explain that one, it's a whole other art exhibit worthy of it's own show.  Yummy.  And honestly, it doesn't start getting better well into toddlerhood.  C's diapers are finally resembling something on the side of normal.  I think.


No one ever told me how sticky everything would be.  Tables, chairs, toys, windows, book shelves, clothes, ME.  Toddlers have this way of covering everything they touch in drool or milk or juice or food.  Or at least, you HOPE that's what that sticky stuff is.  Maybe your toddler was digging in his diaper.  Yes, I really just said that.  I think you know where I'mg going with that, so I don't think I have to explain that one.  I am forever wiping every surface over and over every day, and it never fails that I every day I find places I missed and have to wipe again.  I swear I just wiped that.  Or did I?  I must wipe it again then.  It is a never ending battle.  Sticky, sticky, sticky.  Why does everything have to be sticky?  Yuck.


No one ever told me it's possible to have 32 meltdowns in an hour.  Welcome to toddlerhood.  C's shoe won't come off.  C's sock fell off.  C's puzzle piece won't fit.  C dropped his banana on the floor.  C's banana was sliced instead of whole.  C doesn't want his diaper changed because it means he has to stop playing for 2 minutes.  C got peanut butter on his hand.  The cat ran upstairs to go hide is the perfect cue for a meltdown.  The Hot Wheels car won't fit in the tiny hole in the cardboard box.  Cue shrieking and crying at the top of C's lungs.  Cue child flinging himself backwards on the floor, arms and legs flailing about in every direction.  It's amazing at how something so simple to us as adults is so extremely frustrating to a child of 2.


These are just a few of my "favorite" things about babies.  It makes life interesting and the important thing is that I can laugh about it.  And at least now, I'm better prepared for when or if the next munchkin comes along.  And please, if you have anything to share about what you wish you knew before becoming a parent, I'd love to hear your stories!

Someone Found The Worlds To Say...

I stumbled across a blog on Facebook this morning, shared by a cousin who is also a fellow military spouse. Upon reading it, most of the words hit home.  Very close to home.  And I felt compelled to share.  Yes, I am a military wife, and proud of it.  Is it an easy life, no.  Would I change anything, absolutely not.  Because if I did, I wouldn't be married to the man I love or be a mother to the most wonderful little boy.

For 14 years, I've had to be independent and do everything on my own while being stationed 1,000 miles away from home, from friends and family.  I've spent a lot of time on my own in new places while my husband is deployed, having to learn my way around a new city or state while knowing no one in the area.  It's taught me a lot of independence, for which I am grateful, but it's not easy.  I've had to be strong when being strong is the last thing I want to do.  I have to put on a brave face while worrying about my husband, not knowing where he is or if he's ok while he's deployed.  I watch the news and hope for NO news, because no news is good news when you are a military spouse.  But no news doesn't stop the wondering and the worrying.  My husband is a submariner.  He's not on the front lines, but that doesn't mean his job isn't as dangerous, because it is.  It's just not talked about.  He deploys to war zones just like everyone else in other branches.  He fights those same wars.  Albeit from under water.  But that doesn't make it safer.  Because our silent service isn't the only silent service under the surface of the ocean.  We've gone almost 70 days with no contact during missions.  That means no phone, no Skype, not even email.  You truly don't know where your husband is or if he is ok, and like I said above, you hope for no news when you watch the news on t.v.

70 days may seem like a short time, but for those of us who wait, it's an eternity.  And what makes it tougher is having civilian friends and family who don't understand what it's like, they've never been in that situation.  And over the years, it's been said to me that "you chose this life, so why do you complain".  No, I chose to marry the man I love and stand by him while he defends our country.  That's a big difference.  And I don't complain.  Sure, I get lonely a lot, and it's not easy.  And once in a while when having to be strong just isn't an option, I should be allowed to let it all out.  And cry on someone's shoulder when I feel like my world is crashing down.  That's not complaining, that's baring my soul to someone I should be able to confide in.  Some days are just tougher than others.  And we're just like civilian wives in that we're human and we're women, and sometimes we just need to vent.  And that should be ok, but it's often not.  We're expected to put on a brave face day in and day out and always be strong, even when we're falling apart inside.

I've lived this life for 14 years, and most days I am ok and get through most days just fine.  But some days we military wives just need something as simple as a hug and someone to tell us everything will be ok.  Once in a while we need a couple hours to just do our own thing and have a break from the kids just to breathe again.  But because many of us have had to be strong for so long, we don't ask for help.  We don't always know how.  Sometimes we just need someone to step in once in a while and say "Hey, let me do this for you today".  It's the simple things like that that make all the difference.  I think a lot of people often take for granted that their spouses come home every night, they always know where they are, that they are a phone call away or only gone for a day or two on a business trip, while we wait at home and count the days until we can see our loved ones again.

I am fortunate that I have an amazing family and a few close friends I can rely on and without them I would have gotten lost along the way.  But sometimes, it's not always easy to tell everyone about the struggles we face.  But when I read a military wife's blog this morning, it said exactly what I've not been able to say for a long time.  Exactly what I've shared in all of my ramblings above.  It gave me the courage to share a little bit of the struggles I face that I can't always tell everyone.

So if I haven't bored you to death by this point, please take an extra couple of minutes to follow the link below and read the blog that inspired me this morning.

Faith Deployed

A Pirate's Wife

Hello everyone!  So I've decided to do a little something different with my blog.  I've changed it all up from what it used to be.  I used to blog about cloth diapers, and little mini adventures in my son's life.  But I've kind of gotten away from that and haven't really blogged in some time.  My little guy is now almost 2 1/2 and will soon be potty training, so lets face it, I can only write for so long about cloth diapers.  And besides, not everyone I know (friends and family alike) is as excited about cloth diapers as I am.  Ha!  I've been thinking a lot, and I really wish I'd started a family blog from the beginning when our son was born to chronicle all his adventures in life.  So why delay any longer?  I still want to write about my son's adventures, mommy adventures, and our life as a military family, so that's the plan from here on out.

So why "A Pirate's Wife"?  Well, it's simple really.  I'm married to a sailor, "J", who is in the United States Navy.  He's a submariner and has been one for 14 years.  We are high school sweet hearts, have been together since we were 17 and married since 19, and I wouldn't have it any other way.  J is the love of my life, where he goes, I will follow.  We've moved from our home state of Nebraska to South Carolina, to Connecticut, then Hawaii, and then back to Connecticut, and it's been a great journey so far.  He really is the most amazing man and father and I am tremendously proud of him for all he does for our family.  He sacrifices a lot to keep our family and our country safe.  I often joke with J that he's my very own pirate.  So that's the inspiration for the name of my blog.  He's the pirate, I'm the wife.

"C" is our son.  He's our little miracle.  We tried for 6 years, struggling with infertility, before he arrived in our arms.  I will never forget the day I found out I was pregnant with him.  Still some days I just can't believe it.  I thank the heavens for him every day.  C is full of spirit and spitfire, he's ornery and brave, he's smart, he's rough and tumble, he's silly and sassy, and full of curiosity.  He loves dinosaurs, puzzles, Disney, and cars.  And we can't forget Pedro the stuffed penguin.  We can't go anywhere without Pedro.  That blue stuffed penguin is here to stay.  C is amazing and never ceases to make me smile, and he melts my heart every day.

It's been a fabulous journey so far this life of ours, and I can only hope the years to come are just as fabulous.  I invite you to come along for the ride.