Holidays and Seasons~Military Life

MILITARY LIFE

We are a proud military family. Don wears his uniform with the utmost pride, and I am proud to say I am a Navy wife.

The Navy has moved us away from our loved ones. The Navy has sent Don on long, hard deployments, leaving me at home acting virtually as a single Mom. The Navy has often added a lot stress to our lives.

However, the Navy has broadened our horizons. The Navy has tightened our family bond. The Navy has enriched our lives with culture and experience. We love the life the Navy has helped us make. We are happy with our military choices.

In short, we are proud, and this page is a tribute to those military families serving our country.

A Sailors Prayer

Dear God, watch over her for me, that she may safely guarded be.

Help her each lonely hour to bear, as I would Lord if I were there.

When she is sleeping watch her then, that fear may not her dreams offend.

Be ever near her though the day, let none but goodness come her way.

Sweet faithful girl who waits for me, beyond the wide and spacious sea.

Be merciful, O God, I pray, take care of her while I am away.

BUDGETING

Let's face it, the military isn't the highest paying job around. Us military wives often need to be creative when it comes to budgeting. Frugal meals, frugal decorating, frugal gift-giving. It can be done! Easily and with pride!

I make use of garage sales and thrift shops. Let me tell you, I have walked away with so many treasures that cost pennies on the dollar! Furniture, decorations, clothing, kitchen gadgets, toys, accessories, books, etc. All for a fraction of the cost new. And, once in my home, you'd never know it wasn't originally mine!

I am also very frugal when it comes to grocery shopping, as outlined in my Delicious Budget Meals (link below). This is one area we all have control over and can reduce our expenses without giving up good food. I can feed my family beef tenderloin, shrimp, and boneless, skinless chicken breasts out of my frugal budget (all on sale, of course) and not think twice about overspending.

Here are a few ways I save money and make-do on a sailors salary.

Steph's Delicious Budget Meals

Cookies in a Jar (great for gifts!)

Aunt Annie's Crafts

The Free Site (free stuff!)

Blue Mountain Arts (send free online greetings!)

eBay (online auction)

Amazing Money-Saving Bargains!

Flamingo World - Coupon Codes, Discounts, and Free Offers!

Military Wife

(An Angel In Disguise)

Moving specialist, budget expert, interior decorator, space saving tech, repairs, hostess, clerk, chauffeur, maintenance, bookkeeper, caterer, purchasing, health care, chef, correspondence, garage saler, dietitian, shipping, seamstress, nurse, laundry expert, protocol, tutor, career counselor, landscape manager, wardrobe consultant, morale booster, travel agent....

THE BRANCHES

Because I Love You

Because I love you, I have endured the last nine weeks,

Often facing each day, with tears streaming down my cheeks.

Because I love you, I found the strength to let you go,