MilSpouse Quiz

I saw this cute little quiz over at My Marine and Me, and figured that I would join in. So, without further adieu...

The Milspouse Quiz

1. How did you and your spouse meet? 

I was involved in an organization known as The International Order of Job's Daughters also known as Job's Daughters. And Chris was involved in an organization known as DeMolay International. We were together with our organizations for an installation or something like that. And after the ceremony we went into the dinning room for refreshments and I sat close to Chris. While my youngest sister and her best friend sat right beside him. And they had to turn away from him so that they could eat their cake. Funny thing is, that Chris was trying to get with my middle sister before we got together. 

2. How old were you when you two met? 

I was 18 (almost 19) years old. And Chris was 16 (almost 17) years old. I am a little over two years older than Chris and I think that it bothers him. HaHa!

3. How long have you been together? 

We have been married for almost three years and we have been together a little over three years.

4. Where are you and your spouse originally from? 

I was born in Pocatello, Idaho but raised in Nampa/Boise, Idaho area. And Chris was born and lived most of his childhood in Apple Valley/Los Angeles, California.

5. How did you feel about him joining the military? 

I was scared and afraid. I was full of mixed emotions. But it was something that he wanted to do, so I supported him one hundred percent.

6. Where did your spouse go to Basic Training? 

He went to Boot Camp in San Diego, California and then MCT was in San Diego as well. He then went to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina for MOS school. 

7. Has your spouse ever been deployed? 

No. Thankfully, he is in a non-deployable unit. Is it bad that I love that?

8. Ever been to his promotion ceremony? 

Nope. Not yet.

9. How long have you been a military wife? 

Since I have been married.

10. Did you marry him before or after he joined? 

We got married the day before he left for MCT.

11. How did your husband propose? 

It was the night of my graduation/prom. On our way back to my place we stopped by the Boise Train Depot and were sitting near the pond. And he asked me if I would marry him. Although, we had already agreed to get married when the time was right. 

12. Where did you get married? 

We got married the afternoon before he left for MCT school. We went to the courthouse, just the two of us. We hope that later down the road we can have a ceremony where our family and friends can be there.

13. How old were you two when you got married?

Chris was 18, and I was 20. 

14. Did he wear his uniform on his wedding day? 

No, we both wore casual day clothes. When we have our ceremony for family and friends he will wear his uniform and I will wear a gown. (Hopefully my dream gown)

15. Where are you and your spouse currently stationed? 

We are stationed in Norfolk at the Norfolk Naval Base. And currently, I love it. I love living near the beach. I just hate being so far away from my family and friends back in Idaho.

16. Do you live on base? 

No, we don't. 

17. How long were you married when you had to go through your first separation? 

The only separation that we have had to go through so far is Boot Camp, MCT school, and MOS school. 

18. What is your favorite base so far? 

We have only been stationed at one base so far and that is here in Norfolk. So, so far, this is my favorite base.

19. Do you think your spouse looks good in his uniform? 

Of course! I love it when he has a uniform on. Whether it be his cammies, his Blues, or his Alpha's. He looks good in Uniform. But who doesn't?

20. Do you think military life is more advanced than civilian life? 



21. Do you like the benefits you receive as a military dependent? 

I do. I really do like the health benefits that we get. Although, I either don't or forget to ask whether or not they give military discount. 

22. Do you have a lot of military wife friends? 

Locally I spent a lot of time with a wife of a husband that my husband works with in the shop. That was until things went down hill all of a sudden. There was another wife that I hung out with a bit, we hung out a bit, then didn't. She moved to Florida for a little while, then her and her husband got stationed in North or South Carolina. I'm bummed that we never got to see each other before they moved. 

23. What is the hardest part of the military life? 

Them not having a set schedule. It's hard to plan things in the evening because, I never know when he is going to be home for dinner. It's hard to know whether or not he is going to be home late or early.

24. Do you own military wife stuff? 

Not really "wife" stuff. I have a sweatshirt, and a few sweatpants. I do want a Marine Wife license plate border, sticker, lanyard, and maybe a few more sweatshirts. 

25. Do you support your spouse as a member of the military? 

Of course. I am so proud of him and I will always support him.

Me and the Military

1. How long have you been a military wife?  Since November 15, 2011

2. What branch of service is your husband? Marines

3. Active/Reserve? Active

4. What is his job? Maintenance Management

5. How many deployments have you gone through? None yet, Chris is in a non-deployable unit

6. ACU's or Class A's on your man? Dress Blues

7. What do you like about being a military wife?  I love that my husband is giving me the opportunity to be a stay at home mom since he has a stable paying job

8. Do you live on base? No

9. What is your favorite base so far? Norfolk Naval Base is my first base

10. What is the hardest part of the military life? I don't know. Having to share my husband

11. Do you go to the grocery store or commissary? Commissary

12. Do you work or stay at home? Because of Chris, I get the opportunity to stay at home with my 6 month old daughter

13. Do you have a lot of military wife friends? Not really, I have a few military wife friends, and a few who are in the service themselves

14. Do you prefer Walmart or the BX/PX/NEX/MCX? I like both the NEX/MCX as well as Wal-Mart

15. How did your husband propose? It was a mutual agreement

16. Did you marry him after he joined or before?  After he joined, we had been together before though

17. How long have you been together? Almost three years

18. Any kids? 2. My beautiful and amazing daughter Lyric,and my handsome and loving son, Michael

19. Any kids yet to come? Not yet

20. Is your husband one of those "I am soldier hear me HOOAH" kind of guys?  Heck No!

21. Have you ever done combatives with your husband? Not yet

22. How many bases have you lived at? 1

23. If you could change one thing about the military? I got nothing! They wouldn't have to deploy anyone anymore

24. Do you like military balls?  Never been to one

25. Where does your family live? Both mine and his are in Idaho

26. What do you do for a job? I am a stay at home momma

27. Have you ever gotten in a fight with an NCO's wife? No

28. Name one thing you do when your husband is gone.  He hasn't had to leave yet

29. Do you think other wives do that too? Not applicable to me

Memorial Day

Memorial Day: A Day We Will Never Forget

Photo By - http://www.household6diva.com/

Memorial Day, was originally called Decoration Day, it is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.

I think that we should all remember during this holiday weekend that the freedoms that we enjoy, they come at a cost.

May God Bless The Families of the Fallen, 

and 

Those Who are Currently Deployed Around the World.

I especially remember the memory of my grandfather. Who is one that fought for my freedom. 

I miss you very much Popa. 

Rock reads: 

MORGAN JANAE

WITH LOVE,

OOMPA

MilSpouse Quiz

I saw this cute little quiz over at My Marine and Me, and figured that I would join in. So, without further adieu...

The Milspouse Quiz


1. How did you and your spouse meet? 

I was involved in an organization known as The International Order of Job's Daughters also known as Job's Daughters. And Chris was involved in an organization known as DeMolay International. We were together with our organizations for an installation or something like that. And after the ceremony we went into the dinning room for refreshments and I sat close to Chris. While my youngest sister and her best friend sat right beside him. And they had to turn away from him so that they could eat their cake. Funny thing is, that Chris was trying to get with my middle sister before we got together. 

2. How old were you when you two met? 

I was 18 (almost 19) years old. And Chris was 16 (almost 17) years old. I am a little over two years older than Chris and I think that it bothers him. HaHa!

3. How long have you been together? 

We have been married for a little over one year and we have been together a little over two years.

4. Where are you and your spouse originally from? 

I was born in Pocatello, Idaho but raised in Nampa/Boise, Idaho area. And Chris was born and lived most of his childhood in Apple Valley/Los Angeles, California.

5. How did you feel about him joining the military? 

I was scared and afraid. I was full of mixed emotions. But it was something that he wanted to do, so I supported him one hundred percent.

6. Where did your spouse go to Basic Training? 

He went to Boot Camp in San Diego, California and then MCT was in San Diego as well. He then went to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina for MOS school. 

7. Has your spouse ever been deployed? 

No. Thankfully, he is in a non-deployable unit. Is it bad that I love that?

8. Ever been to his promotion ceremony? 

Nope. Not yet.

9. How long have you been a military wife? 

Since I have been married, according to my blog ticker, 1 year, 1 month, and 4 weeks.

10. Did you marry him before or after he joined? 

We got married the day before he left for MCT.

11. How did your husband propose? 

It was the night of my graduation/prom. On our way back to my place we stopped by the Boise Train Depot and were sitting near the pond. And he asked me if I would marry him. Although, we had already agreed to get married when the time was right. 

12. Where did you get married? 

We got married the afternoon before he left for MCT school. We went to the courthouse, just the two of us. We hope that later down the road we can have a ceremony where our family and friends can be there.

13. How old were you two when you got married?

Chris was 18, and I was 20. 

14. Did he wear his uniform on his wedding day? 

No, we both wore casual day clothes. When we have our ceremony for family and friends he will wear his uniform and I will wear a gown. (Hopefully my dream gown)

15. Where are you and your spouse currently stationed? 

We are stationed in Norfolk at the Norfolk Naval Base. And currently, I love it. I love living near the beach. I just hate being so far away from my family and friends back in Idaho.

16. Do you live on base? 

No, we don't. 

17. How long were you married when you had to go through your first separation? 

The only separation that we have had to go through so far is Boot Camp, MCT school, and MOS school. 

18. What is your favorite base so far? 

We have only been stationed at one base so far and that is here in Norfolk. So, so far, this is my favorite base.

19. Do you think your spouse looks good in his uniform? 

Of course! I love it when he has a uniform on. Whether it be his cammies, his Blues, or his Alpha's. He looks good in Uniform. But who doesn't?

20. Do you think military life is more advanced than civilian life? 

Advanced? How? I am still kinda new to the military life. There is still the drama. 

21. Do you like the benefits you receive as a military dependent? 

I do. I really do like the health benefits that we get. Although, I either don't or forget to ask whether or not they give military discount. 

22. Do you have a lot of military wife friends? 

Locally I spent a lot of time with a wife of a husband that my husband works with in the shop. That was until things went down hill all of a sudden. I do hope to start to hang out with another wife of a husband that Chris works with. We hung out a bit, then didn't. She moved to Florida for a little while. And is back again. Hopefully, we can become friends and hang out together. 

23. What is the hardest part of the military life? 

Them not having a set schedule. It's hard to plan things in the evening because, I never know when he is going to be home for dinner. It's hard to know whether or not he is going to be home late or early.

24. Do you own military wife stuff? 

Not really "wife" stuff. I have a sweatshirt, that's all. I do want a Marine Wife license plate border, sticker, lanyard, and maybe a few more sweatshirts. 

25. Do you support your spouse as a member of the military? 

Of course. I am so proud of him and I will always support him.

MilSpouse Fill-In #25

1. One of my New Year’s resolutions is to loose weight (at least 10 pounds), to take at least one picture a day of Lyric and blog about it, to communicate better with Chris.

2. One thing I’d like to happen next year is to get Lyric into the Child Development Center on base and to finish my year of Early Childhood Education studies and to get all passing grades on my finals.

3. One thing I’m looking forward to next year is to continue to watch Lyric grow into a smart and beautiful little girl.

4. One change I’d like to see next year is for the government to pull their heads out of their @$$ and get things done and done right.

5. My plans for NYE include I’m not sure… we will probably just watch the Dick Clark New Year's Eve Celebration.

MilSpouse Fill-In #24

1.      1.  My favorite song of the season is Christmas Canon by Trans Siberian Orchestra .
2. My uncles are someone who inspire me because of everything that they have been through, they haven't given up .
3. If I had $100,000 to give to a charity, I’d give it to the Shriner's Hospital for Children, because they do and have done a lot for children, and I have gotten the opportunity to visit and see first hand what they do .
4. If I had a theme party, I’d make it Winnie the Pooh or Alice in Wonderland .
5. If I had one wish for my kids/future kids/some young person I care about, it would be to live each day to the fullest .

MilSpouse Fill-In #23

1. If I could be on any reality TV show, I’d want to be on fear factor, I would like to see how far I could actually go with my fears .
2. This past Thanksgiving was great! I made my first turkey dinner and we had a friend come over for dinner with us .
3. I’m looking forward to December because I get to go home to Idaho for 16 days .
4. One thing I’d like to accomplish this month is getting to decorate our home for Christmas .
5. To me, winter is too cold .

MilSpouse Fill-In #22

1. Freedom is too often taken for granted I believe .
2. Veterans are not always remembered by majority except on major holidays .
3. This country is a great country that gives one person many opportunities .
4. Veteran’s Day means thank those men and women who have served to keep our country free and safe from harm .
5. A hero is one who puts their safety on the line for our safety .

Happy Birthday Marines

   All U.S. Marines are gung-ho.  But, few can match the vision and total commitment of the famous 13th Commandant, Gen. John A. Lejeune.  In 1921 he issued Marine Corps Order No. 47, Series 1921.

   Gen. Lejeune's order summarized the history, mission, and tradition of the Corps.  It further directed that the order be read to all Marines on 10 November of each year to honor the founding of the Marine Corps.  Thereafter, 10 November became a unique day for U.S. Marines throughout the world.

   Soon, some Marine commands began to not only honor the birthday, but celebrate it.  In 1923 the Marine Barracks at Ft. Mifflin, Pennsylvania, staged a formal dance.  The Marines at the Washington Navy Yard arranged a mock battle on the parade ground.  At Quantanamo Bay, Cuba, the Marine baseball team played a Cuban team and won, 9 to 8.

   The first "formal" Birthday Ball took place on Philadelphia in 1925.  First class Marine Corps style, all the way! Guests included the Commandant, the Secretary of War (in 1925 the term "politically correct" didn't exist; it was Secretary of War, not Secretary of Defense), and a host of statesmen and elected officials.  Prior to the Ball, Gen. Lejeune unveiled a memorial plaque at Tun Tavern.  Then the entourage headed for the Benjamin Franklin Hotel and an evening of festivities and frolicking.

   Over the years the annual Birthday Ball grew and grew, taking on a life of its own.  In 1952 the Commandant, Gen. Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr., formalized the cake-cutting ceremony and other traditional observances.  For example, Marine Corps policy now mandates that the first piece of cake must be presented to the oldest U.S. Marine present. The second piece goes to the youngest Marine.  Among the many such mandates is a solemn reading of the Commandant's birthday message to the Corps.

   Like the U.S. Marine Corps itself, the annual Birthday Ball has evolved from simple origins to the polished and professional  functions of today.  Nonetheless, one thing remains constant, the tenth day of November!  This unique holiday for warriors is a day of camaraderie, a day to honor Corps and Country.  Throughout the world on 10 November, U.S. Marines celebrate the birth of their Corps -- the most loyal, most feared, most revered, and most professional fighting force the world has ever known.

Source

Veterans Day

2011 Free Veterans Day Meals

Applebee’s – free meal, Friday, Nov. 11: Last year, Applebee’s served 1,024,000 million free meals to military veterans and active servicemembers. Applebee’s is again offering a free meal to military veterans and active-duty service members on Veteran’s Day, Friday, Nov. 11, 2011. There will be 7 entrées to choose from. Military ID or proof of service required. Find locations at http://applebees.com/.

Chili’s – free meal, Friday, Nov. 11. Chili’s is offering all military veterans past and present their choice of one of 6 meals. This offer is available during business hours on November 11, 2011 at participating Chili’s in the U.S. only. Dine-in from limited menu only; beverages and gratuity not included. Veterans and active duty military simply show proof of military service. Visit their website to find locations.

Golden Corral – Free meal, Monday Nov. 14: The 10th annual Golden Corral Military Appreciation dinner will be held on Monday, November 14, 2011 from 5 pm to 9 pm in all Golden Corral Restaurants nationwide. The free “thank you” dinner is available to any person who has ever served in the United States Military. If you are a veteran, retired, currently serving, in the National Guard or Reserves, you are invited to participate in Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Monday dinner. For more information visit http://www.goldencorral.com/military/.
Special thanks to Golden Corral: To date, Golden Corral restaurants have provided over 2.5 million free meals and contributed over $4.3 million to the Disabled American Veterans organization.

Hooters – Free Meal, Friday, Nov. 11. Hooter’s is serving up a free meal to military veterans all day on Veterans Day. Offer good for all veterans and active duty military personnel. Choose one of the new specialty items on the Hooter’s menu. Offer valid at participating Hooters only; open to all active duty and military veterans with valid military ID or proof of military service. Drink purchase required. For more information, visit, www.HootersVeteransDay.com.

Krispy Kreme – Free doughnut. Available only at participating Krispy Kreme stores. Offer available to all active-duty, retirees & veterans on Friday November 11th. Be sure to call ahead to verify your local Krispy Kreme is participating.

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants – free lunch or dinner, Sunday Nov 13, 2011: McCormick & Schmick’s is celebrating their 13th annual Veteran’s Appreciation Event on Sunday, November 13th. Veterans will be able to choose a complimentary lunch or dinner entrée. Veterans must provide proof of military service. Be sure to contact your local McCormick & Schmick’s as this is valid at participating restaurants only. Also, Space is limited and reservations are highly recommended. For more information visit: M&S Veterans Appreciation Event.


Outback Steakhouse – A week of Free Bloomin’ Onions and Cokes Monday Nov. 7 – Friday Nov. 11. Outback Steakhouse is honoring America’s military veterans by offering active duty military and veterans a free Bloomin’ Onion and a Coca-Cola product during the week leading up to Veteran’s Day. This offer is available to Military Personnel who have one of the following forms of identifications: U.S Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), DD form 214 Veterans Organization Card (i.e., American Legion and VFW), Photograph in Uniform, Wearing Uniform. For more information, visit, http://outback.com/companyinfo/veteransday.aspx.
The Outback understands commitment. For the past two years, The Outback, with the help of their patrons, has donated $2 Million to Operation Homefront, a non-profit organization providing everyday and emergency support for active troops, wounded warriors and their families.

Subway – Free Six Inch Sub. Select Subway locations offer a FREE six inch sub to military veterans on Veteran’s Day. However, Subway restaurants are franchises, so this offer may not be available everywhere. Please call ahead.

Texas Roadhouse – free meal, Friday, Nov. 11. Offer varies by location; our local Texas Roadhouse is offering a free meal from opening until 4pm. Other locations may vary in offer, hours, or availability. Call ahead to your local restaurant for more information.

T.G.I. Friday’s – Buy one get one free Nov 11-14. At participating locations for anyone with an old or current military ID. November 11-14.

Uno Chicago Grill, Friday, Nov. 11. Uno’s is offering a free entree or individual pizza with a purchase of an entree or pizza of equal or greater value. Offer good for all military  for veterans and active duty military. ID or proof of service required: Show up in uniform (if your service permits), provide military ID, show a picture of yourself in uniform, or have other ID showing proof of service. More info here.

Home Depot and Lowes Coupon Updates

Update: Home Depot and Lowes 10% Military Discount Available Everyday.
Home Depot: The Home Depot(R) is offering all active duty personnel, reservists, retired military, veterans and their families a 10 percent discount off their purchases in honor of Veteran’s Day. The offer is valid on purchases of up to $2,000 for a maximum of $200 and is available at The Home Depot stores, The Home Depot Design Center locations, Yardbirds and EXPO Design Center(R) locations. The 10% discount is available everyday for active duty and retirees, but not all veterans. Home Depot makes this offer available to all veterans on most military holidays. You can also find Home Depot discounts online.
Lowes: Lowe’s Companies, Inc. will offer all active, reserve, honorably discharged, retired military personnel and their immediate family members a 10 percent discount on in-store U.S. purchases made during the Veterans Day holiday. The discount is available Nov. 7 – Nov. 11. The discount is available on in-stock and special order purchases up to $5,000. To qualify, individuals must present a valid military ID or other proof of service. Excluded from the discount are sales via Lowes.com, previous sales, and purchases of services or gift cards. Like Home Depot, Lowes offers this discount daily to active duty military members, but not to veterans. However, they extend the offer to military veterans on military holidays. You can also find exclusive discounts at Lowe’s.com.

Free Park Admissions for Veterans Day

Anheuser-Busch Parks. Anheuser-Busch Parks offers Active Duty Service Members free admission for them and up to 3 dependents to any of their parks once a year. Throughout 2011, members of the military and as many as three direct dependents may enter SeaWorld, Busch Gardens or Sesame Place parks with a single-day complimentary admission. The Here’s to the Heroes program is only available to Any active duty, activated or drilling reservist, or National Guardsman. Eligible parks include: Adventure Island, Busch Gardens (Tampa Bay or Williamsburg), SeaWorld (Orlando, San Diego, or San Antonio), Sesame Place, and Water Country USA. Not valid at Discovery Cove and Aquatica. Christmas Town at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Va. is not included as part of this program. For more information and to register, visit: Free admission summary, and ticket application.

Colonial Williamsburg Free Admission. Colonial Williamsburg offers free weekend-long admission tickets to active-duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans, and their immediate dependents from Friday, Nov. 11 through Sunday, Nov. 13th. The complimentary ticket incudes admission to Colonial Williamsburg exhibition sites, art museums, and most daytime programs, as well as free parking and use of the shuttle bus system. Tickets are only available at on-site ticket sales locations. Tickets are also available to families of deployed servicemembers. Tickets available on the following dates: Nov. 11-13.
Historic Jamestowne – Free Admission. The National Park Service commemorates Veterans Day with Fee Free days at Historic Jamestowne November 11-13. Free admission for everyone. See events calendar.
Knotts Berry Farm Military Tribute Days – Free Admission. Knott’s Berry Farm has an annual Military Tribute event in which they offer military members past and present by offering free park admission. This year the Military Tribute Days run from November 1 – 24 November (Thanksgiving Day).  Veterans or current serving military personnel plus one guest get in FREE with proper ID presented at Knott’s turnstile (DD214, Veterans Administration Hospital ID or Active Military Service ID). Purchase up to six additional tickets for just $17 each. More info.

Fee Free Day at National Parks. To honor America’s service men and women, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced that areas managed by the National Park Service would not charge entrance fees for Veteran’s Day weekend – November 11-13, 2011. Over 100 national Parks will be participating in this event.

San Jacinto Monument and Museum (La Porte, TX). November 7-13: Free admission to the theatre, Observation Floor, and (on November 12-13) the special exhibit to all veterans and their families. More info.

Bed and Breakfast for Vets

In the third year of the program, B&Bs for Vets has organized over 485 (and counting) participating Bed and Breakfasts and Inns across the US and Canada which will be offering veterans a free night’s stay on November 10th, the night before Veterans Day. This offer is available to both active duty military members and veterans with ID, but space is limited. Each Inn and B&B has at least one room available for this promotion and reservations must be made directly through the participating Inns and B&Bs. For more information visit B&Bs for Vets.

Free Hugo® Canes for Veterans.

Sam’s Club® locations nationwide will distribute 36,000 Hugo® canes free of charge on November 9th, 10th, 11th, 2011 to U.S. military veterans in need of mobility assistance. Limited quantities available, while supplies last. Sam’s Club® Membership is not required, but proof of military service may be required. For more information, visit HugoSalutes.com.

 

Other Veteran’s Day Discounts

Here are some additional Veteran’s Day Discounts. In all cases, be sure to provide proper ID or proof of service. In addition, some of these stores are franchises, so verify participation before assuming the discount is in place.

• Free Car wash. Thousands of car washes around the country are offering vets a free car wash on Veterans Day. Find a list at Grace for Veterans, which helped veterans receive 101,537 FREE Washes on Veterans Day in 2010.
• Amazon.com – Discount “Veterans Day Honor” MP3 album download. This downloadable album includes 12 songs as performed by the military bands and ensembles of the U.S. Armed Forces. Visit Amazon on Veteran’s Day to download the album.
• Netflix – One Month Free Trial.
• Sport Clips – FREE haircut to active-duty military & veterans. Offer only available at select locations. Please call to verify local participation.
• Tim Hortons – all US locations are offering a free donut to all veterans (check out the Star Spangled donut!).