Thanksgiving Success!

Well I did it! I cooked a turkey and it was delicious! We had a wonderful first Thanksgiving as Mr&Mrs. Today we ate leftover Thanksgiving and watched Christmas movies on Tv. This is my FAVORITE time of year and I am loving it!

Turkey First Timer

Hello my Military e-family! I know I was absent but I promise it was not without leave. 🙂 My husband has returned to me and we have just been enjoying being a married couple. We bought our Thansgiving groceries today! I am not exactly cullinarily challenged but I haven’t done a lot of cooking in my few years on this earth. We put together a menu based on our favorite turkey day dishes.. his first suggestion was to FRY the turkey (mental image of a mushroom cloud in my backyard). I guess his dad fries turkey and it is just ooh so delicous.. well thanks Dad but we will save that deep fried delight for Thanksgiving at your house. My dad smokes the turkey.. and um. That takes about 24 hours. I am not a patient person and I will not be waking up every two hours to check on it. So the oven it is, and I found a “do nothing” recipe (literally that is what is is called) from our favorite food channel. Cooking a turkey is kind of overwhelming to me. I mean its okay if the cranberry sauce falls apart out of its can but if you ruin the turkey that’s kind of the end of the parade! We have a gas stove, and I’ve grown up with electric and I don’t think I like the gas. When you put a pan on a gas stove, it will continue to heat up no matter if your flame is on low. Its like cooking on a fire. On an electric, it will cut on and off to keep the right temperature. So things burn easily.. on my gas stove.. I burn things.. anyway. Also, in the oven things cook faster than in an electric and at lower temperatures. So I’m going to have to make some adjustments. So we will see how this goes. Whatever happens I am sure it will make some great memories! 🙂

Navy Wife Radio Tues 25 Nov – 10pmET features author Jill Connett and USAA’s J.J. Monanaro

Update:  30 Nov 08 – To order The Green Plate or for more information contact Jill at amy.connett(at)us.army.mil

LIVE Tuesday at 10pmET join us for a new episode of Navy Wife Radio!

from navywiferadio.com

Tuesday- Nov 25th – Thanksgiving Show – Today’s show is all about entertaining and preparing for the holidays. We’ll share our Thanksgiving traditions and welcome Jill Connett, author of *The Green Plate*.

Also USAA’s, J.J. Montanaro stops by to give us some tips on budgeting for the Holidays. Join us!

We invite you to join the conversation!

Show Details:

25 Nov 08 – Tuesday 10pm ET

Yahoo IM: Navy Wife Radio

You don’t want to miss this show LIVE! Our call in # is 646-652-4629.

To listen live go to: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/navywiferadio

or

Show link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/navywiferadio/2008/11/26/Navy-Wife-Radio

More on *The Green Plate”:

The Green Plate
by Jill Connett

“Moving is hard. Saying goodbye to friends is hard. Starting over is hard. In Jill Connett’s The Green Plate, discover how a simple plastic plate begins a friendship, helps friends say farewell, and reminds a family that time should not be wasted to know people and enjoy special times with friends and family. A simple act of hospitality, presenting new neighbors with brownies on a green plate, begins a journey of friendship. That same green plate becomes the farewell gift as friends must separate, a symbol of memories as death comes unexpectedly and encouragement to move on in the life of a military family. The Green Plate offers smiles, tears, and inspiration to begin again wherever and whenever the need arises to start over. Enjoy this tribute to hospitality, the military lifestyle, sacrifices, friendships past, and those to come. Jill Connett is from Talladega, Alabama. She teaches school and supports her husband’s military career wherever she and her family live at the time. She truly loves being a military wife and mother. She has loved traveling to new places and meeting new people among the hardships that come with always starting over. She writes, “Thank you to all of my family and friends who have supported us as we’ve moved from place to place. I’m proud of my husband and what he does, and I’m very blessed to be surrounded with people who share and support our adventurous lifestyle. May we have many more adventures to come.” The Green Plate story helps capture the enormous personal burden American military families are bearing today. Meeting US servicemen and servicewomen in the field and their families back home, I’ve always been humbled by their commitment and strength in the face of very real dangers. Jill Connett gives a revealing window into the joys and sadness of life on the homefront. -Jim Sciutto, Senior Foreign Correspondent, ABC News”

32 pages

more info

More on J.J. Montanaro

Joseph “J.J.” Montanaro is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner. He is a native of Kansas City and earned his bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y. He holds Series 7, 63, and 65 licenses with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). He is a member of the Financial Planning Association.

Montanaro has 14 years of experience in the financial services industry as a financial planner. Prior to joining USAA in December of 2002, Joseph owned and operated an office as a financial planner. Before entering the financial services industry, Joseph served in the U.S. Army for six years on active duty and is currently a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army Reserve.

Outside of work, Joseph enjoys spending time with his wife and three kids. His other interests include running, golf and reading.

For more info on J.J.’s webinar’s visit his webpage.

MIA- (but not forever)

I know it has been quite a while since I posted here.  Things have been very busy for my family.  A lot has taken place over the past several months. You know how it is being a Military Spouse. The time falls close to choosing new orders.  Then comes the planning and the moves. 

 

Things have especially “interesting” for me. I have been battling my “demon/burden” in life -Depression! I don’t like to admit it (who really does) but the past couple of months have been really rough on me. But not to be all doom and gloom here- things are on the up and at ’em and that is WONDERFUL!

 

Being a military spouse is no easy task and I will be the first to admit that I am no “superhuman/superwoman”, “can do it all” military spouse. None of us are.  However, life must go on and we must press forward when times get “rough”. When things become “tough” we must remind ourselves that we have to “fight” and contend against the odds to keep our head above the water. (Philippians 3:13-14) I will gladly be the first to raise my hand and say, (although difficult to do at times) it can be done! We can rise above, we can make it through! There is a silver lining to every cloud and the Sun will shine again!

 

Although the past few month have been rough the true reality is that all of us at some time or another are going to face difficult challenges in life. The truth is that none of us are failures unless we give up and stop trying! Even if we have to continue to get up again and again, time after time. It is the getting up that keeps us on the road to success, it is the rising above that helps us endure in the long run, it is the perseverance even through the most difficult times that gives us the strength to continue on our journey. I hope to be an encouragement to those facing tough times. I know personally that it has been my faith in God that has pulled me through the most difficult days! 

 

To those who may be struggling to get though another day, just remember to have hope, to keep pressing forward and know that- Tomorrow is a fresh new day with no mistakes in it. Don’t dwell on the past, or worry or’e the future and remember to live today like there is no tomorrow! 

 

My hope is in the Lord! (Psalms 31:24)

 

Hugs,

Jessica

BuildaSign.com Gives away 20,000 Welcome Home Banners

Buildasign.com is doing it again! They are giving away 20,000 Welcome Home banners or if you prefer a huge greeting card, all you have to pay is shipping.

These banners will go fast!  Over the summer BuildaSign.com gave away 10,000 banners in just 3 weeks, so don’t wait….order yours today!!

Details from buildasign.com/troops

What do I need to do to get a jumbo card/banner sent to an APO address?

When you are checking out and entering your shipping information, please select AE in the State/Prov/Reg:* drop down menu (AE will be at the very bottom of the list). Please note that APO orders can take 5-15 business days for delivery after your jumbo card/banner has been printed.

»  When will I receive my jumbo card or banner?

Our normal turn-around time is 8 weeks. If you need your banner or jumbo card sooner, within your shopping cart, you can choose from several delivery options: 6 weeks, 4 weeks, 2 weeks and 1 week. Your shipping and handling charge will be calculated based on your shipping address and delivery option chosen.

»  Will you review my artwork before printing my jumbo card/banner?

No. BuildASign.com provides you with several opportunities to review your own artwork by allowing you to open up a “proof” while in the design tool and within your shopping cart. If you upload an image that our system determines may be pixilated or does not meet our quality standards, you will receive a pop-up warning. If you do not have a higher quality image, please feel free to contact our Customer Service Group at 1-800-330-9622 or email us at Art@BuildASign.com. Please attach your image and sign specifications, such as what material and size sign your image is going to be used for so we can best assist you with your order.

»  How do I get started?

Please visit http://www.buildasign.com/troops and select one of the templates (you must place your order via this URL in order to receive the promotion). You can then customize your jumbo card/banner, add to your shopping cart and complete your order all online.

»  What if I want to order more than one banner or jumbo card?

The first jumbo card or banner you add to your cart will be free (you’re only responsible for shipping and handling charges) and each additional 18″X24″ jumbo card is only $7.99 and each additional 2’X4′ or 3’X6′ banner is only $9.99.

»  How many will you give away/how long will the promotion last?

BuildASign.com is giving away 20,000 banners. The promotion will run until supplies last.

»  What is the difference between unfinished banners and finished?

Unfinished banners are not sewn or grommeted. Finished banners are sewn and grommeted. You have the option to upgrade your banner to include sewing and grommets within the shopping cart for $9.49.

»  What will I need in order to display my banner?

In order to hang your banner, we recommend that you visit our accessories page for a variety of choices, such as bungee cords, zip ties, hanging clips or suction cups. We also offer several different types of banner display stands under the heading “banner accessories”.

»  What if I have any other questions?

Feel free to give us a call at 1-800-330-9622 or contact us at http://www.buildasign.com/support.aspx

Let’s shop at Sears!

I came across the following in a military spouses forum that I participate in.  Like the author of the message, Sears is usually not my first choice.  However, I am going to pledge to buy at least 1 gift there this holiday season just on principle.  I hope you will do the same.  All of this information can be verified at:  http://www.snopes.com/politics/military/sears.asp  http://www.searsholdings.com/communityrelations/hero/military.htm

—-

 Sears – Christmas shopping has already started

I know I needed this reminder since Sears isn’t always my first choice. Amazing when you think of how long the war has lasted and they haven’t withdrawn from their commitment.

Could we each buy at least one thing at Sears this year?

How does Sears treat its employees who are called up for military duty? By law, they are required to hold their jobs open and available, but nothing more. Usually, people take a big pay cut and lose benefits as a result of being called up.

Sears is voluntarily paying the difference in salaries and maintaining all benefits, including medical insurance and bonus programs, for all called up reservist employees for up to two years.

I submit that Sears is an exemplary corporate citizen and should be recognized for its contribution. I suggest we all shop at Sears, and be sure to find a manager to tell them why we are there so the company gets the positive reinforcement it well deserves.

Pass it on.

Decided to check this before I sent it forward. So I sent the following e-mail to the Sears Customer Service  Department:

I received this e-mail and I would like to know if it is true. If it is, the Internet may have just become one very good source of advertisement for your company. I know I would go out of my way to buy products from Sears instead of another store for a like item, even if it’s cheaper at that store. 

This is their answer to my e-mail:

Dear Customer: 

Thank you for contacting Sears. The information is factual.  We appreciate your positive feedback.  Sears regards service to our country as one of greatest sacrifices our young men and women can make. We are happy to do our part to lessen the burden they bear at this time.

Bill Thorn
Sears Customer Care
webcenter@sears.com
1-800-349-4358

Please pass this on to all your friends. Sears needs to be recognized for this outstanding contribution and we need to show them as Americans, we do appreciate what they are doing for our military!!!

 I think we all should shop there, and again tell the store manger why!

Servicemembers on Air Force One!

Recently, the 2007 Coast Guard’s Enlisted Person of the Year, Machinery Technician Second Class Christopher Hutto, along with four other servicemembers from different branches, flew on Air Force One with President Bush. Apparently, this has never happened before, except for servicemembers who were formally attached to the President’s detail.

The servicemembers along with MK2 Hutto were, Sergeant John Badon of the Marine Corps, Senior Airman Alicia Goetschel of the Air Force, Chief Petty Officer Shenequa Cox of the Navy, and Staff Sergeant Michael Noyce-Merino of the Army National Guard.

 

Information for this post was derived from reading: The Free-Lance Star and First Coast News.

Veterans Day – A big thank you

I didn’t forget Veterans day yesterday. Hardly. I thought a lot about it I’m just always running a day or two behind lately. I thought a lot about the men and women, past and present who deserve a great deal of thanks. The veterans near and dear to me, my grandfathers, one here, one not here, my father in law who missed the same parts of my husbands life that flyboy is now missing of his boys, and my husband, one of the few (very) good men.

Thanks to those for whom a “business trip” meant taking the beaches of Normandy and Iwo Jima, or the jungles of Vietnam, the mountains of Afghanistan and the sands of Iraq.

Thanks to those who because of their service miss so much at home. Thanks to those who have missed births, first steps, first words, first birthday, first snow days. Thanks to those who year after years miss anniversary and holiday dinners, for whom being home on a three day weekend is not a given.

Thanks to those who are away more then they are home, for whom work is not really work but a way of life that far too often can interrupt “real” life and really, becomes your life.

Thanks to those for whom this is more then a job.

Thanks to those for whom without we and much of the rest of the world would not be free.

Thanks to those who serve and while its Veterans day, thanks to those families who by standing in the wings offering love, support, and stability, also serve.

And thanks to those who have served and never came home, who are remembered in photographs, videos, and the hearts and memories of those who love them.

Somehow thank you doesn’t seem like enough.

Recruiting Quote of the Day

“The Marine Corps will make you puke, make you cry, and when that’s over, you’ll be sent to the most miserable, dangerous, godforsaken place on the planet. So let me ask you: Why should I let you join my corps?”

from nytimes.com

My Marine

By KATE BRAESTRUP

Published: October 31, 2008

My son Zachary was a gangly high-school junior when he casually informed me, in the fall of 2003, that he’d been speaking with military recruiters. “An Army guy, a Navy guy and a marine are coming over,” Zach said. “A parent has to be present because I’m not 18 yet.”

“I’ll be present,” I said. “Don’t worry.”

I wore my best vegan-dyed PEACE T-shirt. I was wary but not too worried. Zach was barely 17, graduation seemed far off still and the notion that he would volunteer was laughable. He didn’t like killing anything, even insects. The sight of blood made him gag. His favorite hobby was napping.

Army Guy turned up with a salesman’s enthusiasm. “How are you, ma’am?” he said to me, and answered himself in the next breath. “Great! Let’s just sit you down here. … ” Soon the couch was covered with glossy brochures detailing the great accommodations at military bases in Italy and Germany, the great medical facilities, the great on-base T.G.I. Friday’s. Zach looked over my shoulder as I examined dreamy photos of Hawaiian bird life and Munich’s museums and beer festivals. “Great opportunities if he likes culture. … ”

“What about the war?” I said.

Navy Wife Radio LIVE tonight 10pmET

Hillary and I are back with a NEW LIVE edition of Navy Wife Radio at 10pmET.  We’d love for you to join us as we will be talking about our week, the election of course, deployments (of course again) and much more.

Click here to listen:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/navywiferadio