"Mom said WHAT?"

I don't know how many Army separations this one makes for us, it seems I have lost count. One thing seems to always hold true, and this time, I decided to do something about it.

When my husband leaves, he says goodbye to a person that closer resembles a lady, and inevitably comes home to a "sailor". I don't know what happens, and it isn't something I am proud of. I think the stress of "doing it all" just absorbs the creative use of words and leaves me with nothing but ick. Quick responses are easily spit out in haste without forethought and never good for little ears.

Well, this deployment, I am (WE are) doing something about it. To set a better example for the little ears that live here, and to encourage them AND myself to better ourselves through self expression, we came up with a "cuss jar" for mom. Every time I say a "word" I have to put in 5 cents. At the end of the week, they get to split the money. Everyone that reads this will know that kids would LOVE their mom to establish a jar for their flaws.

The jar is working though. I don't get a chance to slip up without one of my kids running to my room and grabbing a nickle from my change jar to throw it into the"cuss jar". It really does make me stop and think before I slip. I also must admit that I DO in fact put in the change for the words I say even when they are not within ear shot. (Yes Jamie, I paid them for my slip ups yesterday.) My conscience eats at me other wise.

This jar is about me. It is about making me happier with myself, and making me feel better about my job as a mom. My kids know that adults can say things they cannot, but I think they also need to know that adults can want better for themselves too. I am hoping this lesson will carry them through a rough stage in their lives, when they wake up to realize they haven't been all that they want to be for themselves. After all, we're all human...

Welcome to "The Great Place"

Just the other day as I walked into my home, I thought about those crime shows. The part where the victim of a break-in never feels safe again in the comfort of their own home in particular. I don't know what brought about my thoughts on this. I remember wondering if I would be able to get used to living in a home again in this situation. I wondered about my personal strengths and whether I would have that fortitude.

Yesterday, the Ft Hood community became that victim. Every heart and every core was shaken. None more than those directly affected by the tragedy, but as a whole, the community walked through that door and found we had been victimized.

Left breathless and full of questions, the hours ticked to night, and then, a new day arrived. The community pulled together, some gave blood, some donations, some prayed, and we ALL carried on. Our house may have been victimized, but we have not been victims.

I am proud to be part of the Army family, and I am proud of how the Ft Hood community proved we have the fortitude to keep going.

The next time you are welcomed to "The Great Place", you will know that WE are what makes this place great.

Never forget.