Army Wife Deployment Checklist

I've been an Army wife for about 12 years now but have been lucky enough to have gone through one deployment since being married. But I have been through my fair share of long absences. Three 4-6 week long ones this last year and we are coming upon a longer deployment. 

So I thought I would put together a little deployment survival list. These are just some things I've done or plan on doing to get through the time apart. It is so hard even more now with kids and you need those extra little things to make it a little easier!

ENTERTAINMENT 

Netflix/Hulu Subscription to binge on.
{Just waste time and plow through those shows.}

::Bingeworthy shows::
Stranger things
New Girl
Xfiles
Friends...of course

Movie nights/Game nights with friends or your kids

Books
Use that Library card so you don't have to buy books.
E-books/Audible Books
Podcasts
{These are super fun because you just subscribe on your phone and listen very little effort put in}

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

At home spa
{great to do if you have a daughter or have kids and can't get a babysitter}
Facial masks
Bubble bath
{with candles, little debbie cakes my personal fave, candles}
Caddy Tray  link {perfect for combining the entertainment and pampering yourself}

Dessert for one:
Microwavable cakes or pie for one
Low calorie ice cream like Halo {peanut butter chocolate is my fave}
Bark thins

Gym Membership:

Keeps you busy and keeps you healthy.
If you have kids make sure it has childcare.


HOME 

Paper goods so you don't have to do dishes all the time.

Cleaning lady
{If not all the time have them come once or twice a month for a deep cleaning. If you play your cards right you might not have to touch those toilets for the whole deployment}

OR if cleaning is your thing then you just go to town!

PROJECTS

DIY projects
{I have a lot of furniture to redo:}
China cabinet
bench
dresser
several chairs

BABYSITTER

This one is important for your mental health honestly.
Mommys' need those breaks even if its just to go grocery shopping by yourself.


WEEKEND ADVENTURES
w/kids

Trampoline parks
Laser Tag
Roller skating
Theme park
mini golf
Bowling
Theme/water park

GETAWAY ADVENTURES

Road trips
Visit family out of state
One adventure a month that your spouse is gone

HOBBIES

Photography
Learn an instrument
Learn a different language
Volunteer somewhere

{Fashion Friday} Stripes obsession

I can't believe it's already friday! I'm already losing track of my days. I've had a ton of major things going on lately plus a house full of family! The hubby graduating, preparing for our move, getting Riley ready for Kindergarten next year.

That's bound to make anyone's brain go a little wonky. I'm getting a a hold of my life again and getting organized. I always feel so much better when I cross things off of my list. 

I decided to go with a simply spring outfit. Maybe channeling my need to simplify my life right now. Not sure, either way it works. 

Shop My Outfit

Top: Forever21.com

Leggings: Target.com {exact}

Boots: Windsorfashions.com

Necklace: Gifted {similar}

We interrupt this regularly scheduled program.................

BIG NEWS ALERT

Word is in on our next duty station!  I know you have read my many complaints about the cold and the snow and what not. It's just hard for a California girl to be put in two very cold places. First Colorado now Massachusetts! It's never been my favorite. So after 5 1/2 years of cold, brutal winters. We are moving to HAWAII!!!!! At first I was nervous about having the choice. It was the only spot open for us at this time. They said we could take the chance of getting whatever they give us, or taking Hawaii now. After weighing all our options we took the plunge and said yes. Now we get to have an super long extended vacation. Sounds pretty exciting to me! Can't wait to be in this beautiful place!

{Conversations with a five-year old}

Riley: Daddy what do you do at work?

Daddy: I sit at a desk and call people to get them to join the Army.

Riley: That's all you do?

Daddy: Haha yeah 

Riley: We got tooglers Mommy!

Mommy: Tooglers?

Riley: Yeah it's red and it's strawberry

Mommy: Twizzlers?

Riley: Yeah!

Riley: Look it's a bomb..right mommy?

Mommy: A bomb?

Riley: Yeah

Mommy: You mean ambush? {I said ambush earlier}

Riley: Yeah! ........ That's an ambush! {Pointing to the track team running towards us}

Daddy: What color are your eyes?

Riley: Blueish green like yours! We have the same eyes!

Daddy: What color is your hair?

Riley: Blonde like yours! We have the same hair! .........but not the same pajamas.

{Getting Ready for School}

Riley: Mommy! I'm tired of wearing leggings all the time! I just want to take a break from them!

Mommy: Well what do you want to wear then?

Riley: A DRESS!