Happy 239th Birthday!

Today, June 14, is the 239th birthday of the US ARMY!! Thank you to all those who have served and who are currently serving in the Army. Thank you to all of the families that support you soldiers and  have sacrificed so much!

Thank you Joe for everything that you do! Some days are tough, but it is all worth it. I am so proud to call you my fiancé and can't wait to call you my husband!  I am excited to see where the Army takes us in the future!

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Tips for a Successful Re-Deployment

Joe has now been home for almost a month and it has been amazing to have it home. I wanted to share with you some tips for a successful re-deployment. I did my best to have everything ready and planned for his homecoming and of course there were some hiccups, but in my opinion everything went perfect.

1. Have the house stocked with your soldiers favorite food - Joe and I have very different tastes in food. So I made sure that the house was stocked with his favorite foods. It is easy to forget about this and it is a very nice touch to make sure that his favorites is waiting for him when he gets home. They travel for almost a day, so food in the house is a must.

2. Make the perfect Sign - I searched the internet looking for the perfect sign. I looked at everything from random google searches, Pinterest, to Instagram. I invited Mal over (her artistic talents are amazing) and we made the best sign ever! It even made the front page of the Ft. Carson paper. Having a sign is a great and easy way for your soldier to find you in the crowd.

3. Find a great outfit - It always shocks me that you go to re-deployments and no one is dressed up. Your soldier has been gone for 9months to a year, you would think you would want to look good for him. It's also a place that you might meet his boss and his co-workers. I searched a ton of websites looking for a dress and ended up going with a Loft dress that I found on clearance for less then $30. 

4. Bring someone with you to take pictures - I hired a photographer, but you can also just bring a friend to take some pictures! This is a special day and you will want to remember it. You can see some of the photos here. 

5. Let your soldier sleep - Joe traveled for over 24 hours and he was tired. This is normal. It's going to be tough to sit there as he sleeps but it will be worth it to give him some time to rest. I was able to adjust my schedule to work really early in the morning so that by the time the redeployment ceremony was over I was exhausted as well. 

Re-Deployment is a very exciting and stressful time. Be flexible and just go with the flow. 

Do you have any re-deployment tips?

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Re-Deployment Pictures are Here!

I am so happy that I have a few photos from the Re-Deployment from my fabulous Photographer Kristi Anne! I am so happy with the way the photos came out and I can't wait to have our outdoor shoot with her. Thank you Kristi for being apart of our re-deployment. Hope you enjoy the photos!

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The Deployment Lately and a GIVEAWAY!!

It has been so tough. We are getting so close, but it still feels really far away. Joe comes home early November and I can not wait! Words cannot describe how much I miss him. I want nothing more then to spend time with him. He has been traveling a lot lately, which makes me nervous about his safety and means that we have a lot less time to talk. I have been so spoiled with all of our communication through out this deployment that 10 minutes a day just doesn't seem to cut it.

Although, I am very excited for his arrival I am also very anxious.  I am nervous that I will be at work when he arrives, that I will miss the phone call letting me know when he gets home, or that I will have such high expectations and I will be let down. Joe has been doing an amazing job at keeping me informed about what to expect with his "re-deployment" (homecoming for us normal people) and have even sent me some really great articles about what it might be like when he returns home. This article is really great if you have a family or even if you don't!

I also must admit that ever since I have moved to Colorado and started working, I have really lost focus on sending him care packages and I feel horrible. He just told me that they will be cutting off his mail very soon. So I guess my days of sending care packages are behind me ( or at least over until the next deployment).

This deployment has been tough, but I think it has brought us a little bit closer. Joe has done an amazing job keeping me updating and walking me though it. He has given me the resources that I need to be able to support him and keep up to date on what is going on. I have learned so much about myself, our relationship, and the army this past 8 months and I can't wait to learn even more. I am so proud of what he does and what so many soldiers and their families do for us.

Do you have any advise for our "re-deployment"?
What was the toughest thing that you had to deal with when your soldier came home from a deployment?

Now for the GIVEAWAY!!!

My lovely little, Haylee is also a Military Spouse. She has done a really great book review on The Tender Soldier over on her blog that you should go check out. 

Since this book is such an exciting read and Joe is almost home, Haylee, Lauren, and I have teamed up to offer you a chance to win a free copy of The Tender Soldier AND a $20 Amazon gift card. Simply enter the giveaway below for your chance to win!

Open to U.S. residents.

Giveaway closes October 8th at 12:00 a.m. CST

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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The day I fell from the Sky - Date

A little know fact about Joe is that he was on the West Point Skydiving team. He has jumped out of a plane 1,000s of times. He wanted to share his passion for skydiving with me. So we took a day trip to Skydive Arizona and got a chance to experience something that he loves.

Photos of Joe from his days at West Point

Skydiving has always been something that I have wanted to do. I love aviation and it is a little part of the industry. But I was never brave enough to do it alone. I was so excited when Joe told me about the day he had planned, but I was so nervous. The entire 2 hour drive to Skydive Arizona all I could think about was how I was about to fall out of a plane. What was I thinking. But at this point Joe and I have only been dating for a few months so I really wanted to make a good impression on him. I mean, who doesn't want to date a fun and adventurous girlfriend? Joe had the entire day planned. He made sure that we were in the same plane, even though he jumped alone. He also made sure that the entire process was documented. He got a photographer and videographer to capture my first jump!

I was so anxious as I got my gear on and watched the safety video about jumping. I got my tandem partner and he instructed me on what to do. Who knew you only needed 30 minutes and you were good to go to jump out of a plane. Since Joe has jumped many times in the past, we were put in the plane with all of the "regular" jumpers. I was the only one with a tandem partner. My nerves continued as we walked out to the plane and got in. Joe was by my side the entire time.

We finally reach the correct altitude and everyone got ready to jump. It was getting real. Joe gave me one last kiss and then he prepared to jump out of the plane. Everyone jumped and I was the last one to go. I got strapped to my partner and we made it out to the door just in time to watch Joe jump. I was super impressed that he knew exactly what to do. Be fore I knew it it was time to go. I got to the door and took a look out, the ground was so far away, and I was out the door before I can chicken out. The few moments on the edge of the door were amazing.

The free fall was amazing. I honestly thought that it would go by so quickly, but it didn't. I feel like time actually went by slower. The air blowing past my face, the cool air on my arms, and the joy of being in free fall. I was taking it all in and then everything got so quiet. The parachute was pulled and we were gliding slowly to the ground. It is amazing how you go from falling so fast to gently gliding. As I was getting closer to the ground I looked around and took it all in. The ground approached and we had a soft landing. Joe was waiting on the ground for me and greeted me with a kiss.

Skydiving was so much fun and I loved ever minute of it. If you haven't done it, you really should do it at least once. Thank you Joe for making this day so special and I can't wait to do it again.

Have you ever been skydiving?
What is the one thing that you have always wanted to do, but haven't had the courage?

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Disneyland - Care Package

I am so excited to finally have another care package post. I have been totally slacking in the care package department. When Joe first deployed, I was sending a care package once every two weeks. But, after the move and starting a new job, I think it has been almost a month. Hopefully, I will be able to get back to at least once every three weeks. I made sure to make this care package a good one. I have a bunch of really awesome things in my mind of what a great care package should be, but most of my ideas really take some time and planning. I knew from the moment that I got my Joe Doll, that I needed to take him to Disneyland! It is my favorite place in California and it gave me an excuse to take a picture with all of the characters (not that I needed one).

The finished box!

My main idea for this box as to go to the park and get as many signatures in an autograph book and get a picture with me, Joe Doll, and the character. It was so much fun and everyone was so thankful for what Joe is doing. My sister and I were able to get the book filled up by noon! Later this week I will share with you another secret of Disneyland and how I got to meet all of the characters. But for now, here are a few of my favorite pictures.

Back to the box,  I went to Michaels and found some really cute paper and stickers. I decided that I would put Disney quotes on the main flaps of the box and I even put some on the outside of the box (there were way to many good ones that I couldn't leave out). 

Inside of this box I put the following items:

• An autograph book with signatures and pictures
• Chocolate and caramel popcorn from the park
• Mickey Mouse rice crispy treat
• Chip and Dale Pretzels
• Mickey Mouse head shaped "gold fishes" (Joe loves Gold Fish)
• Candy from the Candy Shop at Disneyland (Joe's favorite, Candy Corn) 
• Cookies, Crackers, and all kinds of snacks
• More water enhancers, Mio
• More wipes 

The autograph book couldn't have came out any better. I loved that the characters where all very excited about the Joe Doll and some even left personalized "thank you" notes to him. 

This is one of my favorite boxes that I have done. Disneyland is my favorite place to go and I am so happy I was able to share that with Joe. We will be going to Disney World early January and I am planning on getting an autograph book there and getting pictures with all of the characters with me and the real Joe! 

Check out my other Boxes:

• Favorite Sports Team
• Oh the places we will go
• Honey, I Shrunk the Care Package
• Zombies are Coming
• 4th of July
• Hello Summer

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I'm so thankful it's Friday!

This week has been so hectic. I'm still trying to get adjusted to life in Colorado, I've been struggling with the deployment, and I have started work at my new job!

1. Last Saturday Kaitlyn was kind enough to have Mal and I over for a BBQ and to watch some football (all though not much football watching had happened.) it was so nice to be able to meet other military families. Also, it's amazing how we all have so much in common. I'm happy that I have been able to meet these lovely bloggers in real life! 

2. It was my first day of work. I'm am officially a Denver International Airport Operations Team Member! I'm so blessed to be able to find a job in my industry and near Joe. 

3. On Wednesday I went to my first City of Denver company picnic. I meet the Blue Bear, meet a bunch of co-workers, eat free food, and watch some planes land. 

4. I have been exploring the airport all week with training and I got to ride in one of our firetrucks. 

5. It's finally Friday, this week has been very tough. We are finally less then 100 days until Joe comes home, but this week it feels like he is never going to come home. I have been feeling extra lonely for some reason. It also doesn't help that this new schedule is messing with our communication schedule. I have been very spoiled and I get to talk to him at least 2 times a day for as long as I need to. But now, I'm lucky if I talk to him for 5 mins a day. Even though its been very tough, I'm very happy that Joe has been super supportive through all of this. I know that we are making the best decision for us. Last night I was able to Skype him for 30 mins and it reminded me that I have an amazing man by my side and he makes me so happy. So I woke up this morning happy as can be. 

Have a great weekend! 

Hello Summer - Care Package

Another Care Package sent and received, means that I am two more weeks closer to seeing my soldier! I must admit, I try to think out side of the box when it comes to care packages, rather then just going with the normal holidays, for very selfish reasons. I am the worse person when it comes to shipping things. I can't seem to get anything in the mail at a reasonable time. So rather then meeting a deadline for a holiday, I just do random care packages. 

This time around I was very all over the place when it came to the theme. I really wanted to do a Hawaii themed box with all of the goodies that I brought home from my awesome trip to Hawaii in May (see I told you I am horrible at shipping things in a timely manor). But for some strange reason, I couldn't find any Hawaii themed scrapbook paper. You would have thought that all of the time off I had for my surgery that this package would have been amazing! But I must say, it was just mediocre.

.

For this package I sent all of my Hawaii stuff along with photos from my photo shoot! I think that was the saving grace, because Joe seemed to LOVE it!

I included the following:

• Photo book made with all of my photos from Hawaii - I made it with MixBook
• Photos in magnetic frames - his walls in his room are metal so they are perfect to hang up the photos
• Stephanie Doll - He was very excited to get this. You can get one of yourself or your soldier at www.daddydolls.com
• A Nike Running Watch - We are running our first full marathon in Jan 2014! So he needs to start paying more attention to how long his runs are. I was a bit nervous to send the watch (it is the highest price item that I have sent) but everything arrived safely!
• Mauna Loa Chocolate - This is from Hawaii and so yummy. I am sure that my days of sending chocolate are over. This batch got to him melted, but he ate it anyways. 
• Gourmet Pineapple Bits- Also from Hawaii
• Loofah Soap - From Hawaii, it has some stuff in it that repeals bugs.
• A hula girl for his desk- From Hawaii
• Ghirardelli Squares - Melted...
• Jif To Go- Chocolate dip, this looked so good. He loves chocolate, if you haven't been able to tell. I may be able to send this to him because it is suppose to be melted.
• Other snacks - Gold Fish, Graham Crackers, Gum, Chocolate!
• Baby Wipes- Sometimes I will send him things he needs. I am not completely sure what he uses the wipes for, but I have sent them a few times. 
• Air Fresheners - for his room and office.

Although this box had no real theme, I am happy with the result. It's always nice to send things he needs with the things I want to send to him.

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4th of July - Care Packages

I created the below post for my guest post on Mal Smiles! I just wanted to re-post it on my blog for anyone who needs a little bit of care package inspiration. :) I am sure most of you have already seen this!

xoxo,
Steph

Hi! I am Stephanie and I am a brand new blogger over at Living in the Moment! I am so excited to be a guest blogger for Mal. She was one of the first blogs that I really started to follow and I always enjoy reading about her day to day life. Mal and I have a few things in common. We both have men in the Army, we are both are fitness enthusiast, and we will both be moving to Colorado in the fall. I have really enjoyed getting to know her better and I can't wait to meet her in person!

On my blog you will find a variety of lifestyle topics, everything from health, fitness, family, and deployment. But one of my favorite things that I like to blog about are care packages. My soldier is currently deployed and I have really enjoyed making him themed care packages. I normally like to think outside of the box when it comes to the theme and not go with the traditional themes.

But, this time around I wanted to send 3 boxes, 1 for Joe and 2 for the soldiers that work in his office. I don't really  know much about his soldiers and I have only met them once.  So, I decided that it was safe/best to just stick with good old 4th of July themed boxes.

For these boxes I used the medium flat rate boxes, I normally use the large ones because they are less than $15 to ship and "if it fits, it ships". I prefer to used these flat rate boxes because they are free, they ship quickly (this batch took about a week), and they are easy to get. To decorate the boxes I always go to Michael or any other craft store and get scrapbook paper and stickers. As a rule of thumb I like to get 5 pages of paper per box, this will cover the entire inside of the box.


For these boxes, I filled them with a lot of snacks and fun little things to keep them entertained. I have found that the following snacks ship really well:

• Sun Flower Seeds, Beef Jerky, Pop Corn, Individual packed snacks (I send individual packed snacks because they are easy to pack and great for him to take on a mission or to work), Gum, Hard Candy (It is getting too hot to send Chocolate, but I have sent it in the cooler months and it has arrived fine), Drink Mix (Mio or Propel Single serve) 

The guys received their packages a day before the 4th and were thrilled to get them. Below you will find links to some of my other care packages that I have blogged about. Each one is filled with different ideas and tips. 

Zombie Theme / Honey I Shrunk the Care Package / Travel Theme / Syracuse Theme

Thanks Mal for letting me guest post and for being such a great Smile Sister. I have learned many things about blogging from you and am excited for what's ahead. I hope you will all stop by my blog and say hello! 

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My Joe Doll!

About a month ago, I decided that I wanted to find a way to take Joe with me where ever go. I came up with a few ideas and finally decided on how I would do this. I stumbled upon a website that creates dolls (pillows) for kids for when their dad is deployed, www.daddydolls.com. At first I thought that it was a bit strange to have a doll with Joe's picture on it. But then I just did it. Who says that only kids can have a daddy doll? This was one of the best things that I have bought.

Now, I can take Joe with me where ever I go. I just got my Joe Doll a few weeks ago and he has already been in the cockpit, been on a fire truck, been to Texas, been with me to get my surgery, and many more places. Here is a tiny sample of the places he has been!

I am also very excited that Joe's Steph Doll just arrived yesterday in the mail! I will be shipping her out to Afghanistan today! I can't wait to see what photo idea's Joe can come up with. 

I have a few more ideas about where my Joe Doll will go. Keep checking back to see where he pops up. I really wish I thought of this before he left! 

Do you have any cleaver ideas for deployments?

Am I crazy for having a doll that looks like my boyfriend?