Adventures in Potty Training

As my daughter has just turned two we are on the potty training train.  So much fun, especially coming into her room after I just put her down for a nap to find her pants and pull ups thrown on the floor while she danced and yelled for a blanket. 

All I could think was how it could have been way worse. #Thankfulforonlypee!!

When Complaints Are Better Than Reality

One of the things I enjoy the most about being a part of the military family is the ability to move to so many different places. I enjoy traveling,  immersing myself in new cultures and community and documenting our journey as a family. Which is why it bugs me to hear people complain about how much they hate it at "Fort (insert any location here).  I mean, I get it, it is not what you are used to. You can't get into the food, the people, the weather or whatever else...but isn't that one of the things that should be expected as a spouse or member of the military?

I feel like I can speak from experience,  considering we are currently stationed at Ft. Polk, and just about anyone who knows of or has been to Polk understands why that is.  While it is not my favorite installation, I appreciate the experience and know how to make it worth something.  While we lack the comforts of where we are originally from such as; commercial restaurants  (where the hell is the Chilis!) shopping malls, any store other than Wal-Mart, retail grocery stores, etc., we take advantage of what is here and create our own happiness.  No shopping malls means you're saving money, the weather is hotter then take the opportunity to go outdoors. Travel, explore nearby towns and learn local culture and heritage.  Bored during the day? Remember you're a part of the military family, tons of free resources! Go to a gym and take a free Zumba class, go back to school, utilize the Ed Center and library, learn a hobby. I guarantee for every complaint there is a solution.

Overall, I would hate to look back at anywhere I have been and regret not doing more or wasting my energy and time bathing in my own misery.

Currently at Polk and looking for something to do? Feel free to ask!

What's In My Pot?

I like to make a pot of sauteed vegetables every week.  To avoid boredom I like weekly varitions. This week:

Broccoli,  cauliflower,  zucchini,  yellow squash and medium firm tofu for protein

Sauteed in Olive Oil, seasoned with salt, pepper and garlic.

Sunday Funday

With working full time it sometimes feels like I have no time to enjoy with the family when I get home. It always feels rushed; cook dinner, feed the fam, baths, bedtime, get myself ready for tomorrow and repeat.

To give myself more time, I started to use Sunday as a day to cook all of my meals for the week and to pre-pack my lunches and snacks for work. Saves time and it keeps me healthy.

Here is a full week of lunch.  I eat a salad every day so it is really easy to pack them according to what stays fresh the longest from Monday to Friday.

The Art of PCS'ing

We recently found out that we will be PCS'ing to Ft.Shafter, Hawaii.  While we are very excited we also know that there is a ton to do before we go.   Although we have 3 PCS's under our belt this will be our first overseas as well as our first with children.  I am very organized when it comes to arranging things so as we work towards our move I will document our journey in an "Art of PCS' ing" series to hopefully help others on their journey.

I will post the first chapter today.

Our Next PCS

For me, I think one of the most amazing parts of the Army lifestyle is the ability to move to new locations every few years.  It is really amazing to be able to have your job move you to places that you may have never thought of living in (maybe never even had a desire to live in).  Being willing enough to immerse yourself in local cultures, enjoy your surroundings and to do your best to make the experience memorable is so important in order to make these experiences worth wild. 
Since my husband and I have been married, we have been stationed in Ft. Campbell, Ft. Bragg and Ft. Polk as our 3 years comes to an end at Ft. Polk the excitement of learning the next duty assignment can at times be overwhelming.  We continuously remind ourselves that God will send us where we need to be, to have faith in the process and not to overthink it.  Ft. Polk was not we had originally desired, but our time at Fort Polk gave us our two amazing little ones, and my husband was recently promoted to MSG. 
Bottom line, no matter where we go next I can't wait for the experience and opportunity.