Giving Back to Veterans: Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund

Hi there it's me. I'm sorry I haven't been around much lately. When I said that I was going to live more in my 30s I meant it. It's hard to live and blog at the same time I'm finding. One of the things that I've been doing more of is getting involved in my community.

As you might remember I am an Army Wife. One of the ways I have been trying to give back to my community is getting involved with more of what goes on here on base. Giving back to our veterans and active service members is something that I've always wanted to do. I'm glad to finally be at a place where I'm able to serve the community that serves us all.

Over the summer I'll be working with the youth on base in a couple different ways. I'm excited about what's to come. You always learn something when you reach out to others and I'm ready for my lesson.

I'm finding that there are so many ways to give back to our veterans. One way to give back is by drinking wine. Yep. That's right. You can have your wine and drink it too and give back in the process.

CK Mondavi is the only American made/grown wine in the “supermarket wine under $10” category. A percentage of each bottle sold between May-August is donated to Intrepid Fallen Heroes (up to $50,000).

Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund (IFHF), an organization that supports the men and women of the Armed Forces and their families. Funded entirely by public donations, IFHF serves U.S. military personnel wounded or killed in service to our nation and their families. 

I have been enjoying the CK Mondavi Chardonnay. I mix it with a lemon lime soda and it's such a refreshing drink. It's pretty tasty on it's own too.

“Please comment below to share your own story about supporting veterans and/or American-made products. I will select ONE reader to be entered into CK Mondavi’s grand prize drawing by May 15. The grand prize is a $500 donation to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund in the winner’s name!”

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Army Wife Life: Being Homesick

Today I am going to share something that has been on my mind quite a bit lately. Some of you might know, but for those that don't, I am an Army Wife. I rarely ever talk about the military here. There's really not much to say. My husband has been in for almost nine years. I have really enjoyed this lifestyle for the most part. Moving constantly is kind of rough but it's also very exciting and you get somewhat use to the adventure.

Up until now I've never really been homesick. We have always been blessed enough to be stationed in driving distance to family. Living this far away from the people that really know you and get you is tough sometimes. Sometimes I just want to meet a friend for lunch without it being a scheduled "date". I just miss the feeling of having friends that are like family. The easiness of that relationship.

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Before any military spouses start attacking me about "getting out there" and "meeting people" I just want to say that I am out there and I have met people. I've met a couple great people who I know will be lifelong friends and I've met some people that I wish I hadn't. As an Army Wife I feel like I'm constantly in that "getting to know you" stage of friendships. I have learned that it's a double edge sword. I can either dive right in and become "instant friends" with someone. (which isn't my preference) Or I can take my time getting to know people. The only problem with that is by the time you really become great friends it's time to move again. It sucks.

Anyway. I know I'm not the only Army Wife that feels this way. We have our good days and our bad days. If it wasn't for the few friends that I do have here I'd probably be counting down the days until we move again. Hopefully this post wasn't too all over the place. Does anyone get where I'm coming from?

Military Momma Baby Shower

Hi everyone. Sorry I've been slacking this week. We've been busy with gymnastics (which was a disaster), dance and play dates. I've also been busy with eBay and the neighborhood yard sale page. It's not as easy as I thought it would be to sell my daughter's super cute wardrobe. Anyway. I did have the opportunity to attend a baby shower yesterday along with forty nine other expecting ladies. It was great!

I didn't take pictures during the shower, but I wish I had. This was an event for military members and their spouses so I left my blogger hat at home, kind of.  There were guest speakers who spoke briefly about finances, breastfeeding and resources available to military families. We played some pretty fun games and we had lunch. I really enjoyed myself. Operation Homefront did an amazing job with this event. If you are a military service member or spouse in your second or third trimester in Texas please check out the Operation Homefront site to find out about events and resources in your area.

All of the Moms went home with a thirty-one bag filled with spa goodies. Here is my bag and all of it's contents.

I can not wait to try out the mani and pedi set. I am long overdue for a little pampering session. The candle in the bag smells amazing too. I was very happy with what we received.

Of course if it's a baby shower you have to be showered with items for your baby too. So all of the Moms went home with a huge tote bag filled with everything from outfits and onesies to diapers and wipes. There was even an Aveeno bath kit in the bag. I was especially happy about that. 

Before we left they pulled names for door prizes. They gave away baby gear mainly. I was one of the six winners and I received a walker. I was beyond excited!

I was so lucky to be chosen as one of the fifty expecting Moms. I had a great time and am so thankful for everything we received. It's so weird being away from family and friends during a pregnancy. This was a great way to celebrate baby number two. Thanks again to Operation Homefront for giving all of us a little piece of home.