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How to Get Your Kids to Pitch in with Your PCS Purge

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“And that’s how one-third of my closet ended up at the Goodwill, children.”

That’s me, literally every time we PCS.

I’m, honestly, pretty great at getting rid of EVERYTHING when we move.

My kids, not so much.

Even with just 2 small children, the amount of clothes, toys and books is astounding. The next time we PCS, I’ll be looking for them to help me out, using these tips.

8 Ways Your Kids Can Pitch In During Your Pre-PCS Purge

Teach your kids how to get rid of unwanted or unused items by having them help with a PCS purge of their toys, books or clothes.

8 Ways Your Kids Can Pitch In During Your PCS Purge

Throw Away Everything That Is Broken, Damaged or Missing Pieces

Kids break stuff, misplace pieces and lose interest. Before you start any sort of declutter, go through all the stuff your kids have together. Weed out everything busted, down a few bits or boring. This means kid’s meal toys, dried out markers, chunky Play-Doh and cars with only one wheel.

Then get a big trash bag and put it all in.

Regift Your Old Toys to Younger Children

Kids grow out of toys, it’s true. Instead of just shoving all the old toys in a bag at midnight, let your kids share the love to younger kiddos.

With your children, go through their stash and talk about which toys they are too big for now. Make a list of younger children you know. Try to match toys to children.

Then use up your leftover gift wrap and deliver the toys. Be sure to check with each child’s respective parents first.

Donate Gently Used Books to Your Local Library

Like toys, children can age out of books. Of course, there are the sentimental favorites that your kids will always want to hang on to. All of those other books can hit the road.

Instead of just trashing them, check with the local library or your children’s schools and teachers. Libraries usually hold annual book sales to raise money. Schools, and especially teachers, always need extra books. So drop off a few boxes!

Have a Mini-Closet Purge

This one’s for the girls (although, boys are totally welcome)! As you are going through your closet, have your daughter(s) go through their doll clothes. To make it even more fun, be super enthusiastic about watching the Barbie fashion show!

Figure out which shoes are missing partners, any buttons that are busted and if any Velcro has lost its grip. All of these can go in the trash bag.

Host a Clothing Swap with Other Parents

Get together with your other parent friends and swap out those clothes. This is great for you and the kids. With littler ones, you can lead the charge to declutter the closet.

For older children, have them help you. Do a fashion show together to check what fits or what your kiddo doesn’t like anymore.

Then host a party to do the actual swapping. Organize the clothes by size and/or gender, set out some appetizers and drinks, then go to town! Everyone walks away with new-to-you clothes. Everything left over goes to charity.

Decide to Keep Only Your Favorites

For those with stuffed animal (or any other kind of toy) overload, make decluttering into a game. Toss everything out into the middle of the room, turn on some tunes and dance like crazy. When the music stops, grab a stuffed animal and decide if it’s a favorite. Have your child explain why s/he likes it so much. Favorites go back on the bed or into the toy box. Everything left on the floor gets donated.

Create a Schoolwork Photo Book

School aged kids come home with reams of papers and projects and just stuff. Some of it is valuable, but most of it is not. Do some prep work throughout the school year by getting rid of the junk as you go.

For things that you or your child love, but don’t want to drag all over creation, take a photo or scan it. Later, pick your absolute favorites and order a photo book for the school year. A slim photo book is easier to bring with you than that living museum display.

For everything else, pick up an artist’s portfolio with pockets. Label each pocket with a year and stash a few of the best artwork and schoolwork in there.

Let your child lead the charge on which items to scan, trash or stash. Definitely put in your two cents and keep some of your own favorites.

Organize a Yard Sale

For older kids, let them pick items to sell at a yard sale. And then let them keep the money. Seriously, that’s it. Be sure to highlight the fact that selling more things could equal more money.

They can use the money for ANYTHING once you get to the new duty station. A little parental nudge encouraging them to not spend the money on more stuff is absolutely permitted.

How do your kids pitch in before a PCS? What are your family rituals that help make the PCS process go smoothly? Tell us in the comments section!

A Thank You Note to My Military Child

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If I had to make a list of all the things I find myself saying to you on a regular basis, it would include things like “brush your teeth” or “take care of the dishes.”  And it’s likely that the list would also include my daily litany of questions like “how was school?” or “did you finish your homework?”

As I sit here thinking about that list, I realize the one thing I don’t say often enough is “thank you.”

What I mean is, I don’t often take the time to say “thank you” for the contributions you make to the success of our military family.

You don’t get a say when a new set of PCS orders sends us to a new duty station hundreds if not thousands of miles away from the last one. You don’t get to choose which school you will go to. You don’t have the option of saying “no, I don’t want to move,” or “no, I don’t want to leave my friends.” You don’t get to demand that we get to be together on birthdays and holidays, or heck, even weekends.

And yet, despite having to say goodbye over and over, despite having to adjust to new routines, new bus schedules, new teachers, new houses and new ways of doing things, you get up every day, hug me, and face the world with the kind of optimism that makes it just that much easier for me to get through my day.

Some days you come home excited to share all the new things you’ve learned and to tell me about all the new people you’ve met. Other days, you struggle to fit in and try not to tear up when you tell me how you miss your old school.

A Thank You Note to My Military Child

Know that you are truly loved and admired. Know that, without a doubt, your dad and I wouldn’t be who we are today, wouldn’t have accomplished as much and wouldn’t be as happy as we are, without you.

You never question the importance of your dad’s service and when you talk about him to your friends, I can see and hear your pride. When he’s away, you get as excited as I do when the phone rings.  You keep track of how many days are left until he gets to come home. You allow him to be a part of your life, even when he can’t physically be there for you.

You are one of the first to stand for the National Anthem and you never fail to hold your hand to your heart when saying the pledge. You ask questions about rank and insignia, about policy and regulation, and you look forward to company-sponsored events, seeing every member of the unit, service members and family members alike, as friends.

You probably don’t know it, but you keep me grounded when our crazy, migrant life gets a little overwhelming. Your smiles and easily-given hugs remind your dad and me why we work so hard.

You don’t question the life you’ve been born into. You laugh, love, struggle, adapt and triumph as if it was no big thing. As if reinventing your life every couple of years was some how normal and easy.

Know that you are truly loved and admired. Know that, without a doubt, your dad and I wouldn’t be who we are today, wouldn’t have accomplished as much and wouldn’t be as happy as we are, without you.

Thank you for seeing our military life as an adventure filled with purpose.

Thank you for being the strong, caring, motivated, understanding and brilliant human beings you are.

Thank you for taking this military-brat life and making the most of it.

Thank you.

Want more ideas on how to celebrate your military child this month? Check this list.

8 Alternatives to Putting Candy in Your Kid’s Easter Basket

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Cute little chocolate bunnies and peanut butter filled eggs are taunting you with every trip to the commissary. “Pick me,” they cry. “Put me in the Easter basket this year!”

Instead of getting your kids all sugared up at zero dark thirty, fill their baskets with non-candy treats! Here are 8 great things to grab that will last longer than the black jelly beans.

8 Alternatives to Putting Candy in Your Kid's Easter Basket

What do you put in your child’s Easter basket?

8 Alternatives to Putting Candy in Your Kid’s Easter Basket

Books

This is perfect for kids of all ages! From the touch and feel books for babies to chapter book for the older ones, everyone can use a new book.

Plus, there are so many directions you could take this. You could stick to Easter theme books with bunnies and Bible stories. Or go with a general spring theme, which opens up all those books about farming, baseball and flowers. Choose a book from a series your child loves, which could lead you into giving the sequels for other celebrations. Finally, just go nuts at the bookstore and grab anything that you think your kiddos would read.

Bubbles

Nothing says spring like tiny bubbles floating on a gentle breeze. And bubbles can keep children entertained while you hide the eggs for the hunt too. As an added bonus, bubbles and bubble accessories are usually pretty inexpensive. This means you can really stock up with different wands and automatic bubble-making toys.

Plus, bubbles are basically just soap. Which will make cleaning that face full of chocolate even easier!

Sidewalk Chalk

The sidewalks are probably clear of snow up north and it hasn’t gotten unbearably hot yet in the south. It’s the perfect time for sidewalk chalk! Kids are universally in love with chalk. They can create huge masterpieces with complex colors or draw up a quick game of hopscotch.

Kites

Spring is a perfect time to go fly a kite! Kites are everywhere right now, making it easy to pick one up. They also come in a variety of styles and at different price points. There are very affordable plastic varieties sold at drugstores everywhere. You could also go bigger and snag a fabric kite that might last a few seasons. Finally, there are very fancy kites that come with all sorts of bells and whistles.

Craft Kits

Instead of getting sticky fingers on Easter Sunday, your kids could be creating beautiful necklaces or putting together dinosaurs! There are craft kits in a variety of interest areas available for kids from preschool to college. Crafts can also help to keep everyone occupied during dinner prep or wake you from your post-feast daze.

And crafts can bring people of different generations together. Grandparents, aunts or uncles might want to pitch in when your little one starts to test his catapult kit!

Coloring Books

Coloring books are all the rage right now. There are complex, beautiful designs for older kids and adults, as well as the classics for the younger crowd. You’ll get major bonus points if your coloring books include stickers or have activities to complete. Throw in a new pack of crayons in the Easter basket and you’re golden!

Journals

Instead of the traditional blank notebook, check out unjournals or guided journals. These give you a prompt or ask you to finish a picture. These go beyond the basics of recording your thoughts and ask users to stretch their minds or think outside the box.

Puzzles

Like books, you could go any direction with puzzles. And they are perfect for every age group! There are the toddler puzzles with those chunky handles for littler kids. Or challenge your family with a 5,000-piece color gradient puzzle. There are also tons of puzzles in the middle. Pick a puzzle of a favorite piece of art or order your own puzzle made from a family photo. Grab some puzzle glue and a frame for a beautiful keepsake to hang on your walls.

What do you put in your child’s Easter basket? Tell us in the comments!

Don’t Let Things Go Unsaid, Tell Your Story with bucketnote

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I was staring into my husband’s eyes the night before he left for a 7-month deployment.

He had already kissed our children good night and goodbye. His bags were packed and piled by the front door. The only thing left to do was wait.

Wait for the moment when he left at 3 a.m.

Wait for the text message saying he landed safely in Guam.

Wait for the recorded message announcing the time and date for his homecoming flight.

In between those moments of goodbye and welcome home, I spent a lot of time thinking. I reflected on our past. I dreamed about our future. I worried that there were important unsaid things between us that needed to be said.

For service members and their spouses, mortality may be something that we think about every day. Not just during deployments. Not just during training missions. It’s something that’s always in the “what-if” part of our minds.

The creators of the app, bucketnote, understand our need to be prepared for the “what-ifs” of military life. They also understand that the important things shouldn’t go unsaid.

What is bucketnote?

bucketnote “is the app that lets you archive your thoughts, special messages, family traditions and stories to share with your loved ones when you’re gone.” It’s a digital journal for today’s modern age.

Notes can be photos, videos, voice memos or written thoughts. You can record your favorite family stories. These notes are then edited by you. You are the only one who has access to your notes. You decide who you want to share these notes with and when you want the notes shared.

The developers of bucketnote reassure users that this app is 100% secure. They say “Rest easy knowing your most treasured photos, messages and instructions are protected by our software and will only be delivered to your designated recipients when it’s time.”

Tell Your Story with bucketnote

Bucketnote is available to all military for the next 30 days for free on iOS and $.99 on Android devices. Download the app today.

 

There’s also an add-on feature, bucketcapsule, which allows you to create a message  which can be delivered well into the future after you’re gone…like for a granddaughter’s 18th birthday or on the birth of your grandchild’s first child. bucketcapsules can be a special message or piece of advice that you want her to have on that day. This note can be a video of you singing “happy birthday” or saying “I love you” or a piece of motherly advice to a new mother – anything at all!

What can I do with bucketnote?

Say you have a spark of inspiration while grocery shopping, you can create your note on your smartphone while waiting in line at the commissary. Later you can revise and edit this note on your tablet. You may want to add a photo or a video to this note. You can easily do that with a few taps on your tablet.

Then you can take a deep breath and be at peace knowing that this note will be delivered to your loved one when you’re gone.

Other features of bucketnote include:

  • Enjoy a seamless experience on every device
  • Complete privacy – notes are completely private until they are ready to be shared
  • Many formats to choose from – text, image, audio and video
  • Cool add-on feature like bucketcapsule that lets you pick a date in the future to send a message for a big event, wedding day, graduation or any special date to you
  • Convenient, easy and secure

No one wants to think about passing away. No one wants to think about the sorrow that our spouses and children will feel at the time of our deaths.

But in those moments, our notes of love, support and faith can guide them through this tough time. Reading your words, listening to the sound of your voice and watching your smile will mean everything to them in that moment.

Leave them a bucketnote today.

bucketnote is available to all military for the next 30 days for free on iOS and $.99 on Android devices. Download it today.

*This post is a sponsored post for bucketnote.

Are You an Introvert and a Military Spouse? You’re Not Alone

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Yet another mandatory family fun day and you’re feeling like it will be anything but fun. All those people that you just don’t know, loud music and friendly banter.

It sounds like a recipe for a terrible day for an introvert.

This is also the stereotypical picture of what it means to be a military spouse. Given how much we move, it can often seem like the best, and often only, way to make friends is to join in these large, loud events. Or to just show up with baked goods whenever a new neighbor moves in.

Are You an Introvert and a Military Spouse?

When you are an introvert, the social events and FRG meetings of military life may seem overwhelming.

Here are ways to find friends and socialize when you’re a military spouse who’s an introvert.

Find Your Peeps Online

Military spouse networks are popping up like daisies online! From blogs to Facebook to Instagram, there are so many fun people and groups to join or follow.

First, check out your base-specific Facebook groups. Sometimes these are secret or closed, and you may need to be approved by an admin. However, these groups can help you to navigate your duty station or to make new friends. From school and restaurant recommendations to the dish on what all those sirens were, base groups will give you all the information.

Next, check out blogs and pages that are service specific. For new spouses, you can learn a lot about traditions and customs. “Seasoned” spouses can share knowledge and help others. Everyone can get info on different duty stations or events, and even job opportunities!

Beyond branch of service and duty stations, there are Facebook groups for professional military spouses, spouses who blog, spouses who are attorneys and spouses who (fill in the blank). There are also tons of blogs covering all aspects of military life, from helping parents with K-12 education to parenting to everyday military life. Check it out!

Connect Offline Too

Once you join a few online groups, try to keep track of other people that have similar interests or that you have interacted with. You could both be commenting on the same posts, asking the same questions or live in the same neighborhood.

Send a private message to someone that you think might be a good friend for you. Chat online until you (or your friend) feel comfortable bringing up meeting in real life. Get together for coffee or go do something that both of you enjoy. It could be anything from cosplay to riding horses to sitting on the beach.

Use Friends to Make Friends

Once you have a core group of friends at your current duty station, try to find new friends through them. It’s a small world in the military. Chances are good that your friends will know at least one person at your next hometown. When you get orders, ask your IRL or online friends to help you make connections.

Or your friends might be able to expand your friendship circle where you already live. Take a chance and invite a friend of a friend to join you for coffee or drinks.

If you have kids, you can even use them to make new connections. Reach out to the parents of a good friend of your own child and schedule a play date or playground meet-up. A play date will have a specific end time, and you can get to know the other parent(s) over coffee at home.

Playgrounds are neutral territory and you can make an easy exit if things aren’t going well.

Alternately, you could keep the fun going or schedule another get together easily.

Check Out Specialty Groups

What do you like? Check online and on base for like-minded groups. There are groups for runners, bloggers, people of all religious faiths, book clubs and the list goes on.

You could connect online at first and then check out a group meet-up later.

Getting to know other people who share your interests can help you to connect with the military and civilian population. Plus, there will likely be similar groups at many bases. When you move, reach out to the local chapter of your group. You’ll be able to make friends more quickly and easily!

Socialize on Your Terms

Sometimes typical military spouse tasks are unavoidable, but you can make them your own. Try to volunteer or participate on your terms.

Offer to help with the children’s corner, organize donated items or bring items for a potluck. You’ll be helping out the unit and meeting new people, just in smaller doses. You never know if you might bond over sharing apple pie recipes or figuring out the best way to get care packages to deployed troops for the holidays!

Take a Break

Being an introvert, you value your alone time. Honor your needs and take a break when you need one. You could duck outside at a party or take a walk during a family fun day. Plus, it is not unusual at all for people to use their smartphones, so don’t hesitate to escape into Facebook for a little while.

If you simply don’t want to take on a task or attend an event, decline graciously or suggest an alternative. You shouldn’t be afraid to say no!

No matter how you choose to make friends, having a strong support network can be key to making the most of military life!

Are you an introvert? How do you find friends as a military spouse?

How to Get Through an Emergency While Your Spouse Is Deployed

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Without fail, if something is going to go wrong it will happen while your spouse is on deployment. It is the Murphy’s Law of the military and many military spouses say you haven’t been through a deployment until something has gone wrong.

How to Get Through an Emergency While Your Spouse Is Deployed

Have you handled an emergency situation while your service member was on deployment?

Here are 6 emergency situations military spouses may face during a deployment and how to get through them.

Natural Disaster

No matter where you are stationed, there is always a possibility of a natural disaster. This could include flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, mud slides, tsunami and more.

What plans do you have in place in case of a natural disaster while your spouse is on deployment?

Before deployment, create a disaster kit together. This should include 1 gallon of water per person per day for 3 days, a 3-day supply of nonperishable food, a battery powered radio and spare batteries, flashlights, a first aid kit and cellphone chargers.

If you are required to evacuate, having a plan is extremely helpful. Before deployment, make sure your spouse provides an emergency contact list for you. This should have contact information for his or her command as well as the key spouse such as the ombudsman. Know who you should contact first in an emergency. Plan where you will go if you need to evacuate and bring your emergency contact list with you.

Fire and Loss of Home

Losing your home to a fire would be devastating.

One thing on my husband’s to-do list before deployment is to change the smoke detector batteries.

Sit down with your family and determine what you will do in case of a fire. Everyone needs to get out of the house and have a designated meeting area. Choose an area far enough away from the house, such as the mailbox or the street light across the street.

After you’ve ensured everyone is safe and have called emergency services, you will want to contact your spouse’s command. They can notify your husband or wife about the situation and provide support.

Call your family and friends to let them know you are OK and find a place for your family to go. You’ll want to contact your insurance company and have your house evaluated quickly so repairs can be made.

The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society can help with replacing items lost to the fire as well as with grants or interest-free loans for home repairs.

Gas Leak

I had a gas leak while my husband was on deployment. If your house runs on gas make sure you have carbon monoxide detectors.

If you smell gas or your CO detectors go off, get out of the house immediately. Call 911 and the gas company.

Contact the command to let them know so they can alert your spouse as well. If you or your children feel sick at all, go to the emergency room. Gas poisoning symptoms present like the flu. You may need to find a place to stay that night as well.

Serious Illness or Pregnancy Complication

When a serious illness strikes an immediate family member during deployment, the possibility of going home to help is there. Immediate family includes:

  • father
  • mother
  • sibling
  • spouse
  • spouse’s parents
  • children

If you are having a pregnancy complication that puts your life or the child’s life in danger, you can seek help this way as well. First contact the service member’s command to let them know what is going on and ask about having your spouse sent home.

You can also contact the American Red Cross Hero Care Center either by phone at 1-877-272-7337 or online.

Serious Accident and Hospitalization

If you or your family members are in a serious accident make sure you contact the command to let them know. They will get word to the service member and he or she may be able to come home.

It is important to have a plan in place in case something happens to you. Before your spouse left for deployment, they likely made a will.

  • Do you have a living will?
  • Who will take your children immediately if you are seriously injured in an accident?

Make an appointment or stop by the legal assistance office at your military installation. They can provide a will worksheet for you to fill out to begin the process of creating a will. It answers many common questions people have about wills.

Once you have completed it, a lawyer needs to review it and make it legal. If you have children, in the will you can designate who they go to if you are unable to care for them. Before you designate a person or family, make sure you discuss it with them.

Consider who will take your children immediately if you are sent to the hospital unexpectedly. Ask a local friend if they would be willing to look after your children short term.

Death in the Family

If someone in the service member’s immediate family passes away during deployment, his or her command and the Red Cross may be able to get them home. Discuss with your spouse before deployment what your family wants to do in such a situation.

  • Will the service member be able to or want to come home for the funeral?
  • Who will take your children and how will you get to the service?

Disaster can strike at any time, but for some reason it tends to happen when a loved one is on deployment. Having a plan in place for each of these instances can save you time and grief.

Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Talk with your spouse, family and friends and determine which path you will take if an emergency arises while your spouse is on deployment.

Have you faced an emergency during a deployment? What advice would you give military spouses to help them plan for emergencies and natural disasters?

5 Easy Meals to Make When Your Spouse Is Deployed

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A reader recently asked for meal planning suggestions for when her service member is gone for deployment. Most of us prepare normal meals while the entire family is home, but once a spouse deploys that goes out the window. It certainly does in my house at least.

My husband likes to eat a full meal made up of a meat, 2 vegetables and a starch. That takes a lot of forethought to make a menu, purchase the groceries and cook.

When my husband deploys, that worry goes out the window and another one enters my mind.

What am I going to feed my 3 year old that does not like to eat? What can I prepare that takes the least amount of time and effort but is still healthy?

I feel like I waste so much food because it is hard to cook for just the two of us. So what’s the solution to eating healthy and not wasting food? It’s meal preparation.

It can be daunting coming up with ideas for meals. The key is to plan ahead so you aren’t staring at the fridge at 5 p.m. wondering what you’re going to make. Ask friends for suggestions, pick up a cookbook or scour Pinterest for recipe ideas.

Here are 5 meals to cook for your children when your spouse is deployed.

Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

Megan Porta from pipanddebby.com has a delicious chicken pot pie casserole recipe for an easy weekday dinner. You can get a head start on it by chopping the carrots and onion the night before and storing them in a Ziplock bag in the fridge.

No need to worry about making the pie crust. You can pick up a refrigerated pie crust at the commissary.

Related: DeCA Dietitian Encourages ‘Thinking Outside the Box’

It only takes a few minutes on the stove before you pop it in the oven. That gives you plenty of time to catch up on how your child’s day.

Once they’ve tasted it, this casserole will become one of your favorite go-to meals.

30-Minute Skillet Lasagna

Who has time to make lasagna from scratch when there are kids running around? Forget all the layering; Samantha at Five Heart Home walks you step by step through a fantastic 30-minute skillet lasagna. Italian meals tend to feed an army, but this recipe feeds only six.

Don’t worry, it freezes and reheats great if there are only a few little ones to feed besides yourself.

Chicken Taco Salad

The Pioneer Woman will have you laughing as you cook up this tasty chicken taco salad. Her humor is fantastic. Follow her recipe for a fun dinner everyone will enjoy.

Yes, it is a salad and while many children don’t go crazy over salad, what child is going to turn down chips with dinner? Prepare the ingredients ahead of time and then let the kids mix their own salad.

Muffin Pan Frittatas

When planning your meals for the week, don’t forget breakfast. I like to sneak vegetables into my son’s breakfast without him knowing. This muffin pan frittata recipe is a winner. While it calls for asparagus and bell peppers, you can change that up with vegetables you prefer. I like zucchini and broccoli.

Pussycat Pizza Recipe

I love this fun cat pizza recipe Jennifer Cheung posted on Kidspot. You can consider yourself worldly after making this one as the recipe is from New Zealand. Note that it says to heat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius, that translates to 425 degrees. Let your kids decorate their own cat face pizzas. They’ll have fun in the kitchen with you and the pizza will be gone before you know it.

These are a few delicious meals to try with your children. Search for other kid-friendly meals in the MilitaryShoppers’ recipe database or pick up a recipe card at the commissary in the produce or meat section.

What meals do you prepare when you are cooking for only yourself and your kids during a deployment? Share your favorite recipes with the MilitaryShoppers’ recipe contest.

8 Photo Ops Every Military Couple Should Take Advantage Of

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When I was a kid, one of my favorite things to do on a rainy afternoon was to look through old family photo albums. Not many of us take the time anymore to print out duplicate prints and bind them up into a notebook-sized trip down memory lane, but we are still a culture of pictures.

There are milestone photos of the kids, of course. Then there’s the annual family photo and the wallet-sized school pictures.

But are you forgetting to take photos that document your relationship with your spouse or significant other too?

Just like keeping the stubs from the concert tickets you got for your birthday or the hand-painted trinket from your cruise last summer, photos with your spouse help you to remember the journey you’ve taken together. Whether you keep them in a three-ring binder or in a virtual photo bucket somewhere in the cloud, make sure you remember to point the camera lens at the two of you together.

8 Photo Ops Every Military Couple Should Take Advantage Of

A promotion is a big day in your service member’s career. Don’t forget to ask someone to snap a photo of the two of you.

Need some ideas for what pictures to take? Here are my top 8 photo opportunities all military couples should take advantage of:

Photos Documenting the Military Service Journey

Military service provides the security for your relationship, and quite frankly, nothing reminds me more of the reasons that made me fall in love with my husband than seeing him in uniform. My guess is I’m not the only one. So make sure you snap a photo or two of you and your spouse whenever you attend official military functions.

  • Promotions. This is a big day in every service member’s career, but it is also a milestone for your life together. Plus it gives you a great visual of the uniform evolution you’ve seen together. Don’t forget to take a photo at your service member’s reenlistment ceremonies too.
  • Graduations. They’ve put in the hours of work studying and training, and you’ve likely been left to manage the homefront so they can focus solely on advancement. Graduation photos are a way to celebrate a spouse’s military achievement.
  • Retirement. Like the light at the end of a very long tunnel, make sure you take the time to bask in the celebration that comes with retirement from military service. They’ve done the time in uniform, but you’ve been there too. A great photo of the two of you during the ceremony or the after celebration is a must-have photo.
  • Birthday Balls and Galas. It’s not often we get to call the military lifestyle glamorous, so take advantage while you can. Best part? These events often hire photographers, so all you have to do is show up and smile.
  • Farewells and Homecomings. These are some of the most important photos to have, not only for posterity, but to keep close during separations. Take the time to take a photo of every goodbye and every return. In those moments when the relationship requires a little extra work or distance brings loneliness, these photos are a great reminder of how much you mean to each other.
8 Photo Ops Every Military Couple Should Take Advantage Of

Take the time to take a photo of every goodbye and every military homecoming.

Photos Documenting Your Relationship Journey

There are the standard must-haves like wedding and anniversary photos, but those are one day out of the year and aren’t often a true representation of your life together. Annual family photos are a great way to make sure you capture the kids as they grow (and yourselves as you age!), but they don’t capture the candid, funny and intimate moments that make the everyday so special.

  • Laughing Together. There are some that say a relationship filled with laughter is one destined to last forever. Even if it’s a selfie or a quick pic taken by the passerby you snag at the park, make sure you capture a funny moment now and then.
  • Hobbies. If the two of you are known to tear up the dance floor, swing a mean backhand or cook up a 7-course feast, make sure you capture you and your significant other in action. Not only will it serve as a reminder of all the things you love to do together, but it’s a great way to capture how doing those things might change or have to be modified with each duty location. Tennis in Alaska anyone? How about skiing in Texas?
  • Travel. Seeing the world (or even various parts of the United States) is a huge perk of military service, so make sure you take advantage of it. And don’t forget to take your camera. While you are filling your SD card with images of castles in England, Mount Fuji, or the California coastline, don’t forget to jump into the frame with your spouse. Memories are often fleeting. A picture will help you remember how clear the sky was that day or how cold the wind was, and how amazing it felt to be there…together.

Do you love taking photos? Submit your favorite photo with your service member to MilitaryShoppers’ monthly photo contest today.

5 ‘In Uniform’ Rules All Military Spouses Should Know

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Abiding by regulations that govern the wear and care of a military uniform are a staple of any military service member’s daily routine. As military spouses, it’s common for us to get pulled into the fray, whether it’s picking up a freshly pressed dress uniform, running a pair of cammies to the tailor for a new name tape or helping to locate a missing cover.

And while we may be able to eyeball placement of ribbons or help research the regulations, it is easy to forget that there are rules our spouses must abide by while in uniform, even if we are with them.

5 'In Uniform' Rules All Military Spouses Should Know

Did you know that service members are forbidden from eating, drinking or smoking while in walking in uniform? Photo Credit: Lauren Nygard Photography

So for those of you who are new to this regulation-driven life or as a reminder to those of us who have been around for a while, here are the 5 key “in uniform” rules to remember:

Right Hand Free

To ensure a salute can be rendered when appropriate, service members generally try to keep their right hand free at all times.

As such, carrying things like umbrellas and bags have special rules. The rules for each service differ slightly, but there are provisions for the use of umbrellas while in dress or mess uniforms. The umbrella must be all black and feature no label or branding.

The same is true for bags and backpacks – all black and feature no significant or distinctive branding and there are varying rules about size and how the bag must be carried.

Military exchanges often carry items that meet regulation requirements for these items.

PDA

As much as seeing our service member in uniform might light a particular romantic fire, public displays of affection while in uniform are not allowed.

There are, of course, exceptions (aren’t there always?) for going-away and homecoming events. Weddings are another exception.

Hand-holding, hugging and kissing are generally not allowed while in uniform.

Does that mean you shouldn’t kiss your spouse goodbye if they are leaving the house and in uniform? No, but don’t let the moment evolve into a make-out session on the front porch.

Remember that while in uniform, service members are expected to maintain military decorum and bearing. It’s one of the hardest rules not to break, but an important one to remember.

While Walking You May Not…

Service members are also forbidden from eating, drinking, smoking, or wearing headphones or ear buds while walking while in uniform. As you might imagine, it would be pretty hard to render a salute and offer a respectful greeting while stuffing your face.

There are also safety considerations behind these regulations. Rules vary slightly by service, but if you want to meet up for lunch, make sure you find a place to sit and eat.

Most military installations have designated smoking areas and service members may be permitted to wear earbuds/headphones while in the PT uniform, but make sure you check your service regulations and any further guidance issued by your installation.

What About the Kids?

Care of children while in uniform enters into a bit of a gray area as far as military regulations are concerned.

For example, there are no regulations for any service that govern whether or not breastfeeding is allowed while in uniform. However, many argue that it is against regulations for blouses to be unbuttoned or undershirts to be untucked, thereby making it impossible to breastfeed without being out of regs.

However, many services and installations offer private rooms that mothers may use for breastfeeding or pumping. When in doubt, check with unit leadership and plan appropriately.

Baby slings or diaper bags are not authorized for use while in uniform and an argument can be made that carrying a child constitutes a PDA. Again, check for specific guidance issued by your particular service and try to err on the side of caution. A baby sling might not be authorized, but a stroller or baby carrier could be used instead.

Can I borrow…?

It’s hard not to want to borrow parts and pieces of the military uniform as a way to feel closer to a spouse or demonstrate your commitment and pride in their service.

However, unauthorized wear of an official uniform is against the rules. This includes patches, unit insignias, ribbons, rank, covers and PT uniforms.

It may even include uniforms that are no longer considered official. And it includes uniforms as Halloween costumes too.

There are plenty of non-uniform options that can still proclaim your pride. I won’t say I’ve never donned one of my husband’s old PT shirts while he’s been away on a deployment, but if you are going to do it, refrain from taking pictures and don’t wear it out of the house.

Did we miss any other “in uniform” rules that military spouses need to know? Let us know in the comments section.

Why Waiting Is the Hardest Part of a PCS

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Every 3 years or so it rolls around: the inevitable PCS.

The most predictable and hardest part of a PCS is the time spent waiting for the orders.

From the moment you realize that THIS is your PCS year to your final move-in day could be months. And that’s without factoring in unexpected changes like last-minute orders to a completely different location!

For military spouses especially, the PCS waiting game is hard.

Our lives depend so much on where our spouse is going next. From jobs to housing to schools for the kids, everything depends on where the service member ends up next. Plus, despite years of knowing otherwise, we enjoy planning the next phase in our adventure.

So, if you are dying to start house hunting or scrolling through job boards, here are 5 things to keep you occupied while you hurry up and wait for those orders.

1. Make a duty station bucket list

No matter where you are, CONUS or OCONUS, there are sure to be a few things that you never quite got around to doing. Make a final bucket list of cool things to see near your current home and start checking things off right now!

Hit up the local wine region, check out cool historical sites or explore the biggest city near you. Most places have festivals year-round that would be fun to swing through before you leave. Or grab a few unique souvenirs from local businesses.

2. Weed out your closets

We all have some clothes and shoes kicking around that we are never, ever going to wear again. No matter what. It could be any reason: size, way out of date or just not your taste.

Take the PCS wait time to really go through your things and toss anything that you know you’ll never wear again.

Don’t talk yourself into keeping something “just in case we move to _______.” Some things need to leave your closet, no matter the clime or place you move to next. I promise you will be able to find new, weather appropriate clothes at your new home. And if not, many companies will ship worldwide.

Ditto for your kid’s clothes. Those little ones grow like weeds, and before you know it you are hauling around pants that Junior hasn’t worn for 3 years.

Before the movers come, go through all the children’s clothing that you own. Yes, even the baby clothes that you have been saving “just in case.” Donate reusable items to charity or hand them down to another family. Trash everything else.

3. Downsize your stuff

Do you have picture frames that haven’t been seen in a few moves? Maybe a table that never quite seems to fit? Now is the time to toss or donate those things. Seriously, just do it. If you haven’t used it in about 6 years, chances are you probably won’t miss it when it’s gone.

For those with kids, I absolutely know that there are toys that go unplayed with. Get rid of them now. You know you want to do it! Plus, think about how much more space that will leave for other things on the moving truck. Things like your collection of shoes that you can’t part with or yet another bulky unit farewell gift.

4. Plan a farewell dinner or party

As the time gets closer, make plans to host a get-together with all your friends. This can be a great way to say “Sayonara” to your best buds, and to use those last items in your pantry or empty your liquor stash.

Get creative with the Pinterest recipes or DIY new concoctions. You can also use up the last of your propane or charcoal by grilling.

If, at the end of your pack-out, you have things left over that won’t move with you, a farewell party is also the perfect time to off-load those things to your friends as they leave. You could make a “take me” box for friends to pick from or you could create personalized goodie bags. It’s great for cleaning supplies, half used bags of flour or random craft things.

5. Organize your pictures

Along with downsizing, use your pent up energy to organize your photo files either on your computer or actual pictures. You could sort by location, by date or by person. Really, the options are endless!

While you’re in there, maybe you’ll finally get around to making those scrapbooks you’ve been talking about for the last few years. Probably not, but you at least thought about it. And that’s what counts.

Tell us how you spend your time waiting for PCS orders in the comments!