RED Friday means Remember Everyone Deployed.

Show your support for our troops deployed overseas.

Available now, RED Friday t-shirts! 20% of every sale goes to a Military Support organization.

Red Friday T-shirts

We thank Wild Lyon Graphics for these super cool Red Friday distressed t-shirt styles.

Click here to order yours!

The time has come for them to go-
It just all seems a haze as they bid goodbye.
Where those last days went, I do not know;
And my thoughts wander as I heave a sigh-

Did I give enough hugs, did I give enough kisses,
To last until we once again meet?
Did I make enough memories, forget any wishes?
Tickle enough tummies, chins and feet?

Did we read enough books, go enough places,
To satisfy their unending curiosity?
Did we play enough games, see enough faces?
Will they remember these days spent with me?

Will they think of me often, as I think of them?
Does their love run as deep as mine?
Will they remember the laughs at every whim?
Know how much joy they shine?

Though we’ll be separated by many miles,
No distance will dim this love inside.
Forever in my memory I’ll hold those smiles,
And anxiously await til I open my arms wide

To welcome them back once again.
And breathe in their scent as I hold them close
I’ll laugh at their mischievous grin,
Their twinkling eyes and wrinkled up nose

Please, Lord, keep them safe and in Your care;
That You are my strength there’s no denial.
This separation is hard for me to bear,
But I know You will see me through this trial.

© Cynthia Gibbs

Looking back at my own introduction to military life through my son’s Army service, everything was so foreign to me at first. Over the years, I realize that as these unique military experiences become more familiar, my civilian friends don’t relate to this world that I know well now. From the sense of pride and sadness when a unit is deployed, to the lifelong bonding amongst families, and the crazy acronyms, military life is unique.

This book really brings to life the emotions and adventures that are only experienced by those touched by military living. Really, who else would understand the joy and emotionally charged experience of packing care packages for deployed loved ones or the pride of recognition bestowed upon well-deserved soldiers. We do – and this book has it all and then some!

It’s a sweet reminder of the true spirit of the military that the authors wrote with pride and patriotism shining through.

I highly recommend this book for anyone that is part of a military family or just wants to learn more about why we love it!

Buy “1001 Things to Love About Military Life” – makes a great gift too!
Authors: Tara Crooks, Starlett Henderson, Kathie Hightower, and Holly Scherer

Visit the website: lovemilitarylife.com

Two little pairs of bright eyes are anxious to see
What goodies are waiting for them under the tree.
Festive stockings are hanging full to the brim,
Yet the family stands still – waiting for him.

Eagerly their eyes turn to lock on the screen –
Looking for that face they’ve not recently seen.
Without too much delay, they soon get the call.
As his image comes in focus, he hears cries from them all.

They all run to their places, making sure he’s in view;
Their enthusiasm explodes, as if on cue.
He smiles as they unwrap each present in haste:
Hears their laughs, sees their smiles, the delight on each face.

They show him their treasures, hold them up one by one,
And then, expectantly, turn to him when they’re done.
He lays down his weapon, and then with a wide grin
Picks up his care package, opens it, and peers in.

They watch in anticipation as he reveals what’s inside.
Oh, which item is most dear, he could never decide!
For each was chosen especially for him and sent with love
From his sweet little darlings that he thinks the world of.

How his heart longs to be there, to kiss their sweet face,
And to hold them up close in a tender embrace.
Yet from his faraway location that’s in another time zone,
This soldier is grateful for a glimpse of Christmas at home.

© Cynthia Gibbs

The United States Postal Service announced their holiday deadlines for sending packages to overseas troops. If you want packages to reach your soldier in time for the holiday, be sure to adhere to the deadlines. Mail is very slow to overseas locations during the holiday season and it can take longer than normal to get there.

Holiday packages and mail headed for Afghanistan must be sent a week earlier than other deadlines. Express mail military service is not available to those destinations.

Priority Mail Deadlines and Destination Zip Codes :

• December 03 – APO / FPO / DPO AE (Afghanistan) ZIP 093
• December 10 – APO / FPO / DPO AE (all others) ZIPs 090-092, 094-098, 340, 962-966

Our troops need your support, especially around the holidays! Send some cheer to a soldier!

Don’t forget to order your Military Care Kit! Each kit contains six Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes (two large and four medium-sized boxes), six customs forms and envelopes, six Priority address labels and one role of military tape. Order your kit by calling the USPS Expedited Package Supply Center at 1-800-610-8734.

• For more information about holiday mailing deadlines, visit the USPS Web site.

For Army Moms, stress takes on a whole new meaning. When our children are deployed to a war zone, the stress can be overwhelming. When my son was deployed, it was one of the most stressful times of my life.

Can you relate to this? One important action to take to battle stress is to exercise. Managing your stress is essential as there is a lot of evidence pointing to the harmful effect stress has on health. Consequences of too much stress can include weakened immune system, raised blood pressure, higher cholesterol, and heart issues.

Here are 3 benefits you will enjoy when you begin exercising regularly:

• An endorphin high.
• Better sleep.
• Relaxation of muscle tenseness.

The endorphin release promotes emotional wellness. The benefits of exercise include enhanced blood flow to your brain, weight loss, and feeling better.

Will your worry and concern for your deployed soldier go away? No, but exercise will help you to relax and sleep better.

As well, during your exercise your mind will shut off the immediate problems and focus on the workout instead. This reduces anxiety and allows you to relax mentally.

You can begin an exercise regimen in a number of ways. Whatever method you go with, it is essential that you add fitness to your daily lifestyle such that it becomes a habit.

The following is a list of methods to build exercise into your life:

• Talk a walk. It’s free and the time you take to walk will reap many benefits!
• Give yoga a try. When you exercise your muscles, you can alleviate muscle tension that results from stress.
• Begin an exercise program right inside your own home. You can exercise anytime of the day inside your own house with home fitness programs that you can do at any fitness level.
• Take a long hike with a friend or two.
• Invite a friend to go dancing with you. While having such a great time you may forget that you are getting exercise.

When you begin putting exercise into your everyday activities, you may  look forward to it because you will feel terrific and little less stressed!

As I open the door and step inside,
I glance up, and see her smile wide.
She knows who I am and why I am there,
And whose name is on the package I bear.
For I’ve been there many times before -
To that postal counter at the back of the store.

The transaction is simple, just normal routine,
As I place the box on her weighing machine.
She checks the scale and stamps my form;
I pay, say goodbye, and go back out the door.
My thoughts drift to him, I try to be strong,
As I get in my car, and head back home.

For the package I sent, just like the others,
Is full of love – to a son from his mother.
He is a grown man, of that there is no doubt;
But a mother’s love just never runs out.
My prayers and these packages are all I can send
So I will pour myself into both til the end.

Until he is home with his family once more,
I will go to that counter at the back of the store.
And send love packages to my soldier faraway
In hopes that they somehow brighten his day.

May the Lord watch over you and protect you, my son!
I love you!

Many thanks to Cynthia Gibb for this wonderful poem!

© Cynthia Gibbs

I am a soldier’s mother; I sometimes march alone
And yet I stand with many, trying to be strong.

You may not recognize me as you pass me on the street;
I may look like any other that you by chance might meet.

Like any mother, in a lot of ways I still remain,
But watching my son become a soldier brought a forever change.

For deep down inside where you cannot see
My own battle rages that’s as real as it can be.

It starts with feeling pride in all he has become,
But often worry creeps in before the day is done.

Then there is his absence that never will seem right -
The days without a word that causes many sleepless nights.

And at the sight of another soldier, my heart skips a beat,
For it reminds me of my own, and that face I’d love to see.

And I have a deeper sense of the sacrifices our heroes make;
I can see the hardships on the families – the loneliness, the heartache.

But in spite of all that’s raging, this mother’s love holds strong
As I’m wrapped in God’s peace and comfort and given strength to go on.

© Cynthia Gibbs

After searching the Internet for hours, I was disappointed in the flag cases I found. Not sure what I was looking for but when I found it, I would know it was the right flag case.

Thankfully I found Flag Cases by Walls. Mr. Russell K. Walls, the owner, is also a veteran. Each item is hand made after the order is placed, with each piece of wood hand selected. No mass produced merchandise here!

I ordered one flag case for my Dad and later, one for myself. Even though the delivery time was at least 4 weeks, I was confident that the flag case would be worth the wait.

And it was! There are many options for these flag cases. I chose the flag/certificate/photo case. You can choose from many different woods and stains.

The craftsmanship of these flag cases is just beautiful and I couldn’t be happier! We have received so many wonderful complements from people on these flag cases.

Mr. Walls is a true craftsman who takes great pride in his work. If you are looking for a flag display case, visit Mr. Walls flag case store:

• http://showaflag.com

Flag case in the workshop.

Make a statement in any room with a Full-Size Scentsy Warmer. With so many styles, colors, and finishes to choose from, we’ve made it easy to find the perfect accent to complement your decorating style. One of our new warmers might even be the inspiration for your next room makeover!

Scentsy’s unique warmers use a low-watt bulb to melt specially formulated wax slowly, maximizing its fragrance time. With no flame, soot, or wick, the Scentsy wickless candle system is a safe way to enjoy more than 80 great smelling scents.

Scentsy wickless candle bars are made with a custom, high-quality paraffin wax blend. It is designed for a specific scent load and low melt point.

I have several Scentsy warmers and love them around the house. They smell wonderful! I love the new Patriot collection! All Military branches are available (click the link to purchase or for more information):

• Army Scentsy warmer
• Air Force Scentsy warmer
• Marines Scentsy warmer
• Navy Scentsy warmer
• Coast Guard (not pictured) Scentsy warmer