Military support system

The squadron Michael is in is quite small and a fairly close-knit operation and that has definitely been a finer thing for us during this time!

I am so blessed to receive at least one phone call and several emails per week checking in on us and asking if there's anything we need assistance with around the house or babysitting, etc.

The Command Team of this squadron are among some of the most awesome people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.

Here's a sampling of how wonderfully they treat their squadron families:

~ Last Monday when Rachael wasn't well and I spent the majority of the day at doctors and eventually the hospital with her, the Major's wife (awesome lady - cannot say enough about her!!) came over to babysit the boys so I wouldn't have to take them along with me.  She (and their 14 y/o daughter) ended up spending nearly the entire day and half of the night at our house.  And she did it because she wanted to, not out of an obligation due to her husband's rank/title.

~ Last Friday was also the monthly deployed spouse dinner on base and we were the only family from the squadron there, yet, the squadron Commander (photo: in uniform) and one of the NCO's (photo: holding Rachael) came to support us and give me a little break.  I knew no one else at this event (because I don't participate in any of those "wives' club" type events).  They stepped in to entertain the kids while I got our food, then later took over while I waited in line with the boys for face painting.  I also ended up winning one of the door prizes (an 18" boys bike) and had help getting it loaded up to take home.

It has been such a pleasure and blessing being a part of this squadron and experiencing the wonderful leaders Michael currently has.  Not all military superiors are as dedicated to their people as these gentlemen and their families.  I pray many return blessings on these families and will terribly miss the friendships we have cultivated during our time here when we move away this summer.


Note: I have written, deleted and re-written this post several times and still feel I haven't adequately conveyed how blessed we are.


This post is linked to: Finer Things Friday.

Will you help me support my husband while he's in Iraq?

We all know that we can pray for our troops.  And many of you know that care packages can be sent, but let's face it, unless you have a loved one who is deployed or a school group putting together packages, most people don't send care packages.  They take time and effort and the majority of the time, people really don't realize just how much those care packages mean to our airmen/soldiers.  However, they mean A LOT.  Trust me.

But, did you know there's actually something tangible and easy you can do to help give our troops a morale boost and provide them with a small comfort from home?  Small comforts from home are the finer things that get these guys/gals through their time away.
 
Buy them coffee.  That's right, coffee (at a real coffee shop).  All you need to know is his/her first and last name, their email address and their pickup location/base name.

Here's how:
~ Go to the Green Beans Coffee site.
~ Choose your recipient's pick up location - if you're ordering for Michael, it's "Iraq - South Victory"
~ Choose your amount (the recipient automatically gets an additional 10% to what you purchase)
~ Consent to terms and click "order"
~ Fill in your information
~ Fill in the recipient information.  For Michael - Michael Venning, mvenning79@yahoo.com and Iraq - South Victory
~ Please write them a message.  It means SO much to them.  Even if you're only thanking them for their service, they appreciate it.
~ Fill in your payment information and submit your order.

The recipient will then get an email notifying them they have a gift card available at the coffee shop you chose as the pickup location.

That's it!  Easy, right?  Now, GO show your support.  I know first hand that Michael would appreciate it!

This post is linked to: Finer Things Friday.

Love, true love!

I really don't want to get all sappy on you... well, maybe just this once!

I just want say what a blessing it is to have a husband that does not take his role as "daddy" lightly?  This man cherishes his children immensely and understands what a task God has put before us as parents - to raise them to become God fearing adults.

As most of you know, Michael is currently deployed, and I know leaving the children was probably the hardest part of the "goodbye" process (not because he doesn't love/miss me, but because I won't forget him or grow taller or learn how to talk or lose my first tooth while he's away). 

As a Christmas gift to the kids, he left me with these cute little things to wrap for them and have them open on Christmas day:

Unassuming little stuffed animals, right?  Not at all.  Instead, any time they are feeling especially lonely for daddy, have a rough day or are sad, they can be comforted by this:

Michael recorded a different greeting in each one and they LOVE them!

And I love that they can hear Michael's voice any time they want, they don't have to wait for a phone call or video!

This post is linked to Finer Things Friday.

It's a girl thing!

A year and a half ago when I found out I was having a girl - after already having had two boys - I was definitely very excited! But I thought, since I am a fairly plain girl, I wouldn't be all that into frilly, girly things.... but I was VERY wrong. I love dressing her up in cute clothing and hairbows! It's just so easy to do!

This week, at 14 months, she had her first pig-tails and I was over the moon about it!I think that knowing she is most likely my last (doctor's orders) unless God decides to surprise us and bless us with another - which would be absolutely OK with me - has made me enjoy these baby days just a bit more than I did with the first two. It's a finer thing to love and cherish a baby!