Last year on this day, I wished my husband a Happy 8th Anniversary. Today I seek to do the same, only I’ve decided to unleash our skeletons from the closet and announce to all of you that we are Polygamists. Yes. You read that correctly. No. It is not another woman. Or another man. Nine [...]
Tag Archive: army wife
Mar
08
Surprise! We’re Polygamists!
Mar
02
Random Acts of Drive-By-Awesomeness
It’s Friday night. I have had an unusually serious go with depression and anxiety this week. To top it all off, just when we get Crappy Transportation Company straightened out, SGM leaves for a long drill weekend. It was work to engage with my kids this afternoon. But in the end, some snuggle time with The Boy [...]
Feb
07
Late Bloomer
“I want to tell you that Rachel is incredibly special in so many ways, and yet I want you to know that she’s not special at all. I want you to know that there is nothing in her that is not in each and every single one of us, and that once it’s awakened, it [...]
Feb
04
Military Families with Autism Finally Make it to ‘The Show’
Click –> HERE <– to see the coverage of HR2288 on Andrea Mitchell Reports on MSNBC TRICARE does not cover autism therapies. A separate arm of services called the Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) which is secondary to enrollment in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) does offer what amounts to an average of 11 hours [...]
Feb
04
Military Families with Autism Finally Make it to ‘The Show’
[Click above image to see coverage of HR2288 on Andrea Mitchell Reports MSNBC] TRICARE does not cover autism therapies. A separate arm of services called the Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) which is secondary to enrollment in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) does offer what amounts to an average of 11 hours of ABA therapy per week – [...]
Jan
31
What I Signed Up For
Of all titles I hold, Mother is the one that has brought me here today to speak to you. I am an Army wife as well, but that is a role I chose shortly after 9/11 with full knowledge of what I was getting myself into. War was imminent, terror threat levels were the new [...]
Oct
28
Flags vs. Poop
• “I know you understand what I’m saying. When [SGM] called me and told me about Chris’ injuries – you do understand what that meant to me? I know I might be giving my husband, my children’s only father, for the freedom of this country. I know I may never see him walk through that door [...]
Sep
27
Reconstructed
Me: These rocks are freaking HEAVY. SGM: It’s hot as balls today. Me: No kidding. § It was a surprise to have him home yesterday. SGM had decided to take the day off and help me move some rocks in the backyard. One of the many hidden treasures in this otherwise old and battered [...]
Jul
12
Casualties of War
I am not naive enough to believe that war does not involve ugliness beyond my imagination. But what of the ugliness when it is experienced by the person you love most? Who are the real casualties of war? There are so many. So many faces near and far that haunt the soldiers we love [...]
Jun
21
Rock Star
What really defines a Rock Star? I’m talking REAL. FANS. WAVING. LIGHTERS. ROCK. STARS. You know who I am referring to here – the likes of Mick Jagger, Steven Tyler, Jon Bon Jovi and Bono – guys that have been consistently rocking it out for millions of fans for decades and never disappoint. They are [...]
Jun
19
My Daddy is a Soldier
This Father’s Day, I honor the soldiers – Daddies who are worlds away from their babies today – longing for little arms wrapped around their neck, squeezy hugs and butterfly kisses. SGM has never been home on Father’s Day to be celebrated by his kids – but no Daddy has ever been loved so fiercely. The [...]
May
24
Six Months In
Six months ago, my Sergeant Major returned home from a year of duty in Afghanistan.
Some heroes never returned.
Taking this day to honor those who serve.
Thank you, My Love, for your dedication to our country’s freedoms. I love you and am s…
May
02
The Situation Room
The news of the death of Osama bin Laden is welcomed here. As my Sergeant Major and I prepared to turn in for some Zz’s last night, we checked the news channel to get a weather report for today. We were stunned. I did not lose a loved one on Sept…
Apr
30
The Hangover
The last guests have gone. Empty bottles litter the house and the yard is a wonderland of crisp white toilet paper dancing in the wind. My head is pounding and my stomach has left the building – more than once. The cat is missing and I have no …
Apr
29
Hocus Pocus
You know, I don’t have time to listen to people’s emotional white noise. Ever. Drama? Forget it. Don’t clog my day with that crap and for the heavenly sake of that guy named Pete – do yourself an even bigger favor and focus on what t…
Apr
26
Come May Flowers
April is nearing it’s end. The showers of awareness will hopefully bring new blossoms of hope and change. Because April is Autism Awareness Month and the Month of the Military Child, I am reposting the full text of my article that was original…
Apr
23
Are We There Yet?
“Wipe Out” by The Beach Boys and The Fat Boys ∞ As I sit in my living room on ‘vacation’ and stim on Doritos and mid-priced Cabernet at exactly 4:54pm, Day Eight, I realize that it just doesn’t get any better than this. I mean who…
Apr
04
In the Name of Love
[Pride (In the Name of Love) by U2] Do you believe in the significance of dates? I do. Check it out – February 2, 2010 – Groundhog Day. My daughter was diagnosed with PDD-NOS/Autism Spectrum Disorder on Groundhog Day. Ever see the movie? Do you live with someone who has autism? Enough said. I woke up [...]
Apr
01
April Showers: Autism and Military Awareness Abound
[Would I Lie to You by Eurythmics] April is the Month of the Military Child AND Autism Awareness Month 1 in 88 military kids have autism. So it seems very appropriate that these two awareness campaigns would coincide. [Editor's note: Before I continue with my speech on why these issues are [...]
Mar
26
Still Workin’ for the Man…
[Workin' for a Livin' by Huey Lewis and the News] ♦ How do you look a battle-weary soldier in the eyes and say… I know you are exhausted, My Love. I know it has been a long road through hell and back again - more than once. Yes. 25 years IS a long time. But [...]
Mar
20
Now Libya? – How Autism Affects Military Readiness…
You might think I’m a little off-topic on this one – but trust me – you want to hear this. Today, in response to Moammar Gadhafi’s violation of a United Nations mandated cease-fire, more than 110 Tomahawk missles were fired upon Libya. More unrest in the Middle East. Did you know that AUTISM is affecting the READINESS [...]
Mar
18
I’ll Send You the Blue Bulb, Mr. President…
Going out on a limb here… I think I can convince a few folks to Light it Up Blue for World Autism Awareness Day, this April 2nd. Perhaps with YOUR HELP we can convince President Obama to change his porchlight to blue, too. ~~~~ My Dear Friend, Jess, wrote a letter to President Obama asking [...]
Mar
14
Hockey is GOOD.
[Brass Bonanza by Jack Say] Some of my fellow Mama Warriors are in need of positive vibes today… I think RM can stack the pads on this one and make a save in the face of autism… …because hockey is not only good, in some locales it is spelled H-O-P-E. ~~~~ New Englanders have a long [...]
AMFAS Update
- Experiences of Wandering, Part 4 of 4 May 24, 2013
- Experiences of Wandering, Part 3 of 4 May 23, 2013
- Experiences of Wandering, Part 2 of 4 May 22, 2013
- Finding Answers in Chicago at AutismOne May 21, 2013
- Experiences of Wandering, Part 1 of 4 May 21, 2013
CMKAA
- TRICARE Stalls on Implementing Treatments February 25, 2013
- FY2013 NDAA Includes One-Year Pilot Program January 2, 2013
- TIME Magazine Highlights Last Minute Kill of CMKAA December 21, 2012
Confessions from Household Six
- Please Stop the Ride May 12, 2013
- Autism Awareness Today and EVERY Day April 23, 2013
- Go Ahead, Laugh AT Me April 12, 2013
Captain Dad – Family Life with Autism, twins, and the Military
- Going on a Mission - and Skittles! April 6, 2013
- March Madness March 16, 2013
- Reading Tea Leaves March 2, 2013
Lily and the Roses
- Autism Mom – Finding A Balance May 22, 2013
- A Cure for Autism? Thoughts and Reflections May 8, 2013
- 87 Blue Balloons and 1 White April 6, 2013
Navy Chaplain: A Story
- Eloping and Autism: How to get a free safety kit for your ASD kid (or share with a family you love) May 22, 2013
- What is the difference? April 14, 2013
- THE BIGGEST SECRET EVER!! March 18, 2013
Who’s Teaching Who?
- Transitions: From Sampling to Eating March 21, 2013
- Today’s Lesson: Appreciation February 2, 2013
- First Impressions October 17, 2012
Oh What A Life!
- Lit it up Blue! May 2, 2013
- Selfish Moments March 15, 2013
- Just keep your head up March 12, 2013
Conner’s Search For A Voice
- The dreaded word. Deployment. March 21, 2013
- All our friends are different. February 18, 2013
- Sick in disguise. January 22, 2013
Red Green Lellow
- God make me a Warrior Mama. May 21, 2013
- Claiming my Namesake May 19, 2013
- Recovery for our kids with Autism: Getting out of our comfort zone April 28, 2013
The Holland’s Home
- We are low on funding so… February 12, 2013
- Book Review: Tent of David by Boaz Michael January 16, 2013
- Hey There Delilah January 2, 2013
Raising Soldiers 4 Christ
- Focusing on the Gospel this Resurrection March 28, 2013
- Tae Kwon Do and Special Needs March 17, 2013
- Tae Kwon Do….is it Biblical February 25, 2013
Pathways in Autism
- Please Sign Petition For Sensitivity Training At Whole Foods January 14, 2013
- Expect Spin With Autism Mandates October 23, 2012
- Watch Your Little Eloper! October 15, 2012
Pieces
- Truth From the Fox February 26, 2013
- Again I Rise February 21, 2013
- Working Together February 6, 2013
Oh What a Life!
- Lit it up Blue! May 2, 2013
- Selfish Moments March 15, 2013
- Just keep your head up March 12, 2013
Autism Recovered
- Kate's recovery story April 16, 2012
- Fairies get a new swing outside February 29, 2012
- Craftiness February 25, 2012
Four Cannons
- BFF’s May 22, 2012
- An Emotional Glimpse Into My Heart… May 17, 2012
- Soooo Ready For Spring! February 20, 2012
P.R.E.K.P.A.
- OUTINGS with 3 small children, Autism and only 1 parent August 7, 2011
- NEW DIET FOR KAITLYN!!! August 7, 2011
- ALL GROWN UP!!! August 2, 2011
Michelle’s maniacal musings on mommyhood
- Kindergarten graduation May 12, 2013
- The battle with strep continues May 12, 2013
- Hello Kitty May 3, 2013
A House of Hagfeldt’s
- You say its your birthday! na na na na na it's my birthday too! yeah! na na na na na March 1, 2013
- What's the deal-eo February 16, 2013
- Christmas 2012 January 16, 2013
ArmyWifeToddlerMom
- Remembering Ramzi Doany 10 years later September 11, 2011
- And she'll have fun fun fun till her Daddy takes her t-bird away June 16, 2011
- And more June 6, 2011
Army Wife and Autism Life
- Crazy Beautiful life February 13, 2013
- What the... January 26, 2012
- A Beautiful Moment November 21, 2011
Pajama Camper
- Family Update October 19, 2011
- Open House August 12, 2011
- Been Awhile August 11, 2011
Parenting a child with Asperger Syndrome
- What a way to spend a day, hike challenge by W December 24, 2012
- My aspie's rude awakening September 26, 2012
- Me, the problem? September 18, 2012
Shot’s Spot
- Send a deployment hug November 8, 2012
- #photoadayaug Day 6 - Writing August 6, 2012
- #photoadayaug Day 4 - Somewhere you sat August 4, 2012
Major Autism
- No one can tell you how to build October 4, 2011
- What causes autism? June 14, 2011
- Is this Autism (Money) Awareness Month? April 3, 2011