Military Wife: Week 7

          This year, Veteran's Day has a little more meaning. Of course I have my dad and a good line of grandpa's who I honor and respect for having served in our Armed Forces. But to think that my husband will be categorized as a "veteran" in the years to come is a bit humbling. I pray that through his years of service, he may never be put in harms way. He is still in Basic, but I know he is learning so much to help him prepare for the day he may be asked to serve over seas... I am praying we never have to go through a deployment, but if it were to happen, this time apart has made me realize how mindful our Heavenly Father is of us. Of all His children. To think I have made it 7 weeks without Austyn is truly mind boggling! Considering we had never been apart for more than a night or two since we've been married.
          I probably don't have the right to go on like that when there are so many families who have to be without their husbands and fathers for 6-12 months. The other day I was watching a video that had been put on Facebook. It was a compilation of soldiers (mostly fathers) returning home. Most of them were surprising their loved ones and it was the most touching thing I have ever seen. Since I was young, I have always had a soft spot for moments like those. I can obviously relate with my dad, but now having Austyn gone; it just hits home much more than before...

(From a Family) Tip #13: Routine

          Beginning from the day after your soldier leaves, get your family on a routine. This is so important, especially if you have younger children. For me, it has helped me keep to a schedule every day so I am not having multiple moments through the day where I have nothing to do and start missing Austyn even more. It's a given, I never stop thinking about him. But having my girls and I on a schedule and routine each week, it makes the days go by that much faster. Plan out your days and keep your children (especially if they're young) on a relatively basic routine. Your family will adjust to your soldier's absence a little easier. Not easy, just easier.

(From a Wife) Tip #14: Set Goals

          While your husband is away, take time to set some goals. Do it daily, weekly, monthly, whatever works best for you and your schedule. These goals can range from exercising more, finishing a book, preparing more meals through the week, or even just setting an earlier "wake-up" time for yourself. Don't go too crazy, now! Be reasonable so as not to add extra stress to an already rather stressful life right now. I believe it's good to get into the habit of setting goals periodically. They can make you a better person, help you reach a seemingly impossible dream, and even change your life for the better!

          This moment in time may seem like forever, but just you wait, he will be home in the blink of an eye! I have said it before, but it really does take such a strong woman and family to make it through the military life. Although we are miles apart, mine and Austyn's love for one another has only strengthened and deepen. I think as military wives, we may get this rep for being just fine on our own or not needing a man around to be happy. Well here's a newsflash, we may seem fine, but everyday it feels like half of my heart is missing. The day we said goodbye to Austyn, I remember literally feeling such a void in my heart. It ached like I never thought possible. I would hate to feel what it's like to have him gone forever.. 

          I thank God everyday for bringing Austyn into my life... And for all those men and women and families who have sacrificed so much so that we may enjoy the freedom they have worked so hard to give us.

          This week, I thought I'd share a more comforting meal. Chicken Roll Ups. A really simple recipe, a bit messy at times, but totally worth it! If you are a chicken lover, I guarantee you'll enjoy these. My mom has been making it for years, and everyone in my family loves them!

(They might not look the best in these photos, but they really are so delicious)

Chicken Roll Ups

Ingredients:

2 cans of Pillsbury Crescent Rolls

2 Chicken Breasts

1 8oz package of chive and onion cream cheese

Some celery thinly cut

Melted Margarine & Bread Crumbs

Cream of Chicken Soup

1/2 C milk

Directions:

• Boil the chicken breasts until completely cooked.
• While the chicken is cooking, chop up the celery and let the cream cheese soften.
• After chicken is cooked, remove from pot and shred on a clean surface.
• Combine chicken, celery, and cream cheese in a bowl and mix well.
• Lay out the crescent rolls on baking sheets and place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture onto each one. Roll them up tightly.
• Dip each crescent into the melted margarine, then roll in the bread crumbs.
• Replace them back to the baking sheets and bake in a 375 degree oven for about 20 minutes, or until golden.
• Before serving, heat up the cream of chicken and milk in a sauce pan.
• Pour over the chicken roll ups.

Bon Appetit! :)