Military Spouse Appreciation Day Link-Up 2017

It's that time of year again - Military Spouse Appreciation Day! And a HUGE thanks to Jen and Amanda for hosting this link-up each year. I absolutely LOVE meeting new (to me) military spouses to connect with.

//Tell us about yourself and your blog.

I’m Janelle, and I’m an almost 30 Air Force wife, girl mom, and former middle school language arts teacher. I now own two Etsy shops that I work on during nap time. I started blogging here in January of 2013 to document our lives – and since my husband is a pilot (to be in the Air Force – almost there!), the name Come Fly With Us was born. We also used Frank Sinatra’s Come Fly With Me as our first dance song at our wedding way back in 2014. I used to blog on a much stricter schedule, and while I do kind of miss it, my life just has other priorities now, so I try to post when I can so I’ll still have major events documented. I’m working on it.

//What branch of military are you affiliated with?

Dan is a part of the World’s Greatest Air Force! He is currently six weeks away from graduating from Euro-Nato Joint Jet PilotTraining at Sheppard AFB in Texas and only three weeks away from finding out his aircraft assignment! To say we are an anxious mess would be an understatement. He will celebrate 11 years in the military next month, but his journey has been anything but normal! He first enlisted in the Army in 2006 and played trumpet in their band (in the Army Guard). He also played military funerals all the time. He transferred to the Air Guard eventually because there was an Air Force base near the college he chose to attend (where we met) and was working toward becoming a B-2 Crew Chief when we started dating. He applied to the Air Force Academy on a whim, got accepted, and spent five years in Colorado Springs doing his time there (including a year at the prep school), all while competing on their official Flying Team. He found out he got a pilot slot his senior year and was ecstatic – that was the DREAM all along! But then he was also accepted to graduate school, so he put his dreams of flying on hold for another 18 months to obtain his Master’s degree in Physics first at AFIT atWright-Patterson AFB in Ohio.

//What is one thing you enjoy about the military lifestyle?

The thing I love about the military lifestyle would definitely be how quickly spouses and significant others make friends. We don’t just become friends… we become FAMILY… because we all understand what it’s like to be away from our actual families. If someone is sick, people are there to take them what they need. If someone is going out of town for the weekend, someone is right there to take care of their pets. If someone has a baby, SO MANY people line up to bring the new mom a meal. It’s a wonderful sense of community, and it’s something I don’t think the general civilian population gets to experience on the same level.

//What advice would you give other spouses who are new?

Every assignment is what you make it! If you’re going to an undesirable place, make a bucket list of things to do while you’re stationed there. Find a church (or other type of organization) to get plugged into as soon as you can. Have your spouse invite his flight/class/unit/etc. over to your new place for a cookout as soon as possible so you can get to know the people you’ll be spending most of your time with for the next year or more. Essentially, do the work upfront to make friends, and you’ll end up having a good time. I’m guilty of not enjoying a certain place as much as I should have, but I was a brand new spouse, and I have learned from that mistake for sure. I’m not just excited to find out where we’ll be heading next, even though I don’t hate our current base.

//Where have you been stationed?

Before we were dating, Dan was technically stationed at Whiteman AFB in Knob Noster, Missouri. He was in the Air Guard then, so he didn’t spend too much time there, as he was in college full time as well. Then, he got in to the Air Force Academy, so we moved to Colorado Spring, Colorado. We weren’t able to get married until he graduated from there (no dependents allowed!), but I moved out there and lived on my own while he stayed in the mandatory dorms. From there, we got married and moved to our official first base together- Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio. We were there for only 18 months, and then we moved to Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, Texas. We’ve been here for a little over a year and will be finding out super soon (next month!) where we’re heading next (most likely later this year).

//Do you work, go to school, volunteer, or stay home? I taught middle school language arts for before having my daughter, Annabelle. I enjoyed the teenagers and do miss it some days. But for now, while she is young, we have chosen for me to stay home with her. Dan’s schedule is so unpredictable, so it’s best if one of us can be with her. I’ll probably get back into teaching in a few years, but who knows where the Air Force will take us!

I hope to meet some new faces today after reading everyone's posts! 

Military Wellness Initiative

Before I even get started, I just want to say that this is NOT a sponsored post; I just love this product already and think the gesture of this program is extraordinary. The wonderful people working for the Military Wellness Initiative do not even know me personally or know that I have this blog.

Anyway, have you military spouses heard of the Military Wellness Initiative? If not, they are doing a pilot program right now for all military personnel and their dependents in Texas (for the time being - it sounds like this is just the beginning of the road for this wonderful opportunity).

My husband received an email about the program, and we signed up right away. We received the UA Band from UnderArmour at NO COST to us at all. That's a $180 value (each), and we're pretty stoked about it. We each got one; we do not have to share... just to make that clear.

We also both received access to the UA Record app, where we can track our steps (synced automatically through the band), sleep, fitness, and even nutrition. I am really loving it already, and I won't lie: I've become one of THOSE people who tracks my steps now. I have never done this before because I knew I would become obsessive... but after having a baby and staying at home with her, I need a reason to get out an about a bit more and get moving!

This is the perfect solution. I'm able to take Annabelle with me on walks. The heat and humidity has been brutal here lately, but we're making do (and walking inside when we can).

If you have a step tracker (no matter what brand), how do you ensure you get your 10,000 daily steps in? My goal is set to 7,000 steps a day right now because I'm just starting out and still figuring out how to accomplish it while staying at home with Annabelle. I have hit my goal two days in a row, though, so I think I'm ready to step up my game (haha... pun intended).

If you are a military member or spouse living in Texas, check this out TODAY! This is the last day for the Military Wellness Initiative Pilot Program sign-up! You won't regret it!

Military Spouse Appreciation Day Link-Up

Today is Military Spouse Appreciation Day, and I'm linking up with Amanda at Somewhere Over the Camo and Jen at Marathons and Dogtags for a fun get-to-know-you post! 

//Tell us about yourself and your blog. Hi, I'm Janelle! I'm a wife to Lieutenant Lovemuffin, also known as Dan. We have an eight month old daughter, Annabelle, and we recently moved to Wichita Falls, TX so he can go to pilot training. I used to teach 8th grade reading and writing before getting married and being whisked across the country. I love reading, writing, running (when I'm not injured), blogging, crafting, my cats, game shows, and all things Kansas City sports related. I also run an Etsy shop, named after my little girl: AnnaKate Paperie.

//What branch of military are you affiliated with? Air Force! But Lieutenant Lovemuffin originally enlisted in the Army nearly 10 years ago in June of 2006! He then transferred to the Air Guard and was training to become a B-2 Crew Chief when he received his acceptance to the US Air Force Academy in 2009. He graduated and commissioned from there in 2014, got his Master's degree in Applied Physics at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and is now ready to begin pilot training (ENJJPT) at Sheppard Air Force Base. 

//What is one thing you enjoy about the military lifestyle? I am not a big fan of the unknown, so a lot of aspects of military life aren't for me... but all the adventures we've been able to go on and will be able to go on in the future are pretty awesome and have definitely helped to break me out of my comfort zone. We've traveled via Space A twice now (and are planning a third trip VERY soon, so hopefully that works out!). I'd say Space A is a huge benefit. I've also made a few really great friends through this military lifestyle... not many, but hey - quality over quantity any day!

//What advice would you give other spouses who are new? Learn how to be alone comfortably. It took me a while to get the hang of being my own company, but I'm an expert at it now and sometimes crave it. It's a great skill that I'm happy to have acquired. Sometimes (okay, often times), you'll be alone as a military spouse, and it's no fun at all dwelling on the fact that you're missing your man. Also, go with the flow. It's easier said than done, I know. But it really will make you less crazy... and you know what they say: flexibility is the key to air power. ;-)

It's been fun linking up today, and I look forward to meeting some fellow military spouse bloggers who I haven't connected with before! 

Proud Military Spouse {a link-up}

Today is Military Spouse Appreciation Day. This is the first year I've been a spouse instead of a girlfriend or fiancée for this day, so I'm pretty excited!

I am linking up with Amanda from Somewhere over the Camo and Jen from Marathons and Dog Tags for the "Proud Military Spouse" link-up! How fun!

I've been married for almost a year now, and it's been so much fun! Dan and I were together for over five years before tying the knot (thanks, USAFA), so I've learned quite a bit about this military journey along the way... but I learn more each and every day! 

Amanda and Jen listed some questions to answer for the link-up, and I'm so excited!

1. Tell us about yourself and your blog. Well, I'm Janelle, and I'm a newlywed to Dan. I am a former 8th grade teacher, and now I have a home based business making crafts and selling them through my Etsy shop. We have two cats and a dog - OH, and we have a baby on the way! We currently live in Dayton, OH while Dan gets his Master's degree in Applied Physics at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), but we are moving to Wichita Falls, TX next spring for him to begin Euro Nato Joint Jet Pilot Training, and we couldn't be more excited about that! My blog started as a platform to keep family up to date on what we're up to since we live far away from them, but it turned into so much more. Shortly after starting this blog, I found the amazing (and huge) military spouse community, and I began reaching out to other significant others of America's warriors. It's been so fun connecting with others and even meeting some of them.

2. What branch of the military are you affiliated with? While Dan originally enlisted in the US Army way back in 2006, he switched a couple years later (and before we met) and is now an officer in the greatest Air Force in the world... so we are a proud Air Force family!

3. What is one thing you enjoy about the military lifestyle? I love a lot of things and TRY to focus on the positives. I love all the uniforms my husband gets to wear... I love going to balls... I love traveling for free via Space A... I love making new friends all over the world... I love the possibility of living in really cool places... heck, I even love those giant green onesies (aka flight suits).

4. What advice would you give other military spouses who are new? The biggest adjustment I had to make was my flexibility, and while it's commonly said that flexibility is the key to air power, I think flexibility is also the key to a military marriage. After all, plans are going to change last minute. You're bound to get orders to an undesirable location someday. Training, TDYs, and deployments can and will interfere with life... but making the most of the time you do have together and being flexible about when that is will make all the difference. Each experience in life is what you make it - so have a positive outlook, and enjoy the ride!

Check out the rest of the wonderful ladies who posted in the link-up at the bottom of this post!

How would YOU answer questions 3 and 4? I am always looking for more uplifting stories and advice!


    

Blogs I Follow {Blogtember Challenge}

September 22nd Prompt: Introduce us to five blogs you read on the regular, and tell us why!

Since I just did the Liebster Award where I gave a shout-out to blogs I read all the time, I wanted to take a different spin on this one. Instead of listing individual blogs, I just want to share an overall "who I read".

For the most part, I read other military spouse bloggers. It's fun to see different perspectives from all of the different branches, ranks, and parts of the world. I love it! I even follow some older USAFA grad wives, and that's nice too because many of them took the same career path Dan is planning on.

I do follow some others who I have randomly found along the way, though, who I don't know how to classify since they are all so different. I have thoroughly enjoyed "meeting" so many bloggers over the past two years, though. It's been a fun experience, and I can't wait to make this little blog even bigger!

What kinds of blogs do YOU follow?

The Impact of Blogging {Blogtember Challenge}

Thursday, September 12th Prompt: Discuss ways that blogging or social media has changed you.

Has social media changed me?

Well, I wouldn't say that I'm a different person because of blogging, but I do feel that my mind has been clearer since I started this blog. It's been a wonderful experience sharing my thoughts and feelings about different topics with the people around me.

I have also branched out this year, and I started looking for military spouse blogs to follow. Since I marry Dan in less than a year, I really wanted to see what married life is like in the Air Force... but instead of just following Air Force blogs, I decided to make friends from all of the different branches of service. It has been so nice seeing what to expect in the future, and I have started talking more to a few of the ladies.

I'm so happy that I decided to create a new blog after I finished my Always Write 2012 Project. Writing is my favorite thing to do -- no matter what. I ALWAYS makes me feel better, so I try to fit it in daily, even if it isn't always on the blog.

So tell me, has blogging or social media changed YOU?
If so, how? 

The Tight-Knit Military Community

I often see posts bashing the military -- even from military spouses. They aren't bashing the troops, by any means. Some people just talk about how they don't always like the military lifestyle. While that is definitely normal, and I have felt that way myself, I want to offer a different perspective today.

It's so easy to get caught up in the negative aspects of every part of life. I refuse, however, to let those  thoughts dominate my mind. Sure, certain things can be aggravating. But when I think about it, this military lifestyle that I instantly became a part of when I started dating Dan in 2009 has led me to some amazing friends, one of which I now consider one of my very best friends in the world.

Without the Air Force (particularly the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO), I wouldn't have met some pretty spectacular ladies. Until the cadets graduate, we aren't allowed to be married. Most of us have been with our significant others for longer than the average dating/engagement timeframe, but we patiently wait for our turns anyway. We ask questions to each other and gain the support we need when we're feeling down. It's amazing how an online Facebook group has brought so many ladies together during a difficult part of life. We were all new at this game once upon a time, and it's so cool to watch people learn and develop through a relationship with a cadet and use their gained knowledge to help younger girls who find us. The military (future) spouse community is a special community -- there's no doubt about that!

And here are some pictures... but don't worry -- there are comments to go along with each one!

This picture is from USAFA Parents' Weekend in September of 2009 during Dan's year at the Preparatory School. This was my first experience meeting the ladies I had been talking to online all summer, and what a wonderful experience it was! 

When Lizzie and I realized we were going to school about an hour and a half away from each other, we decided to meet up for dinner. It was so much fun, and we instantly got along really well. We still talk daily (almost four years after "meeting" each other), and I honestly believe we would be close friends even without the Air Force connection we have. I just thank whatever military powers that may be for allowing us to meet!

When I had JUST moved to Colorado Springs after a year of long distance dating, Dan was in his third Basic Training, and I knew hardly anyone. These lovely ladies came to a birthday dinner for Ellie and me, and it was SO nice having that when I didn't have friends out here yet. 

The night before the freshman cadets (class of 2014 at USAFA) had their Acceptance Day, a group of girlfriends got together. We had been talking ALL summer while our boyfriends were in BAsic Training, so it was wonderful meeting them and hanging out with them!

Every Thursday night before Parents' Weekend begins, all of the girlfriends of cadets who are in town meet up for dinner in Colorado Springs without cadets or families. We always have SUCH a great time. This picture was taken when Dan was a freshman at the Academy. 

During halftime of the football game during USAFA Parents' Weekend, the girlfriends always get together to take a picture in Falcon Stadium on base. It's really great meeting new people each time!

I designed shirts for some of the girlfriends to buy, and Emily and I wore them to the football games! 

When our boyfriends (now fiancés) were freshmen, Emily and I were football game buddies almost every week! It was a lot of fun. 

It is also always fun when you get to hang out with former cadets' wives! Kate is so much fun! 

Ellie and I also got pretty close while she lived out here. It was so hard saying goodbye to her when her husband was stationed elsewhere after graduation, but luckily we keep in touch. 

The balls are also more fun when you have other friends there! 

Just don't even ask about this one...

Don't mess with future military spouses! Ha!

A lot of girls were in town at the same time in 2011, so we met for lunch!

This is from dinner before Parents' Weekend in 2011, Dan's sophomore year at the Academy. 

This is the Parents' Weekend football game in 2011, and I think this is one of the smallest turn-outs ever. 

This is Ellie, Torie, and me at the Air Force Academy's Autumn Ball in 2011. 

We had a great turn-out for the halftime meetup during Parents' Weekend in 2012, Dan's junior year at USAFA! 

Lizzie and me at the football game -- we have way too much fun together! 

Torie, Lizzie, and I had matching strawberry daiquiris at a dinner before the Air Force v. Navy football weekend in 2012. 

Dan and I had professional pictures taken at the same time as Lizzie and her fiancé at the end of the Air Force v. Navy weekend in 2012 by another USAFA girlfriend, who happens to be a photographer! It was so much fun, and Lizzie and I could NOT resist taking some silly pictures together at the Academy!

A small group of USAFA girlfriends went to Olive Garden in the fall of 2012, and we had so much fun talking and catching up. Our waiter was way too friendly, but it was hilarious! 

When our fiancés went to the restroom, Lizzie and I had too much fun posing with foam airplanes at the All Service Academies Ball in Kansas City, MO at the end of December! 

One of the wives of a USAFA grad moved away in early 2013, so we all got together for dinner one last time before she left for their new home. As always, it was lots of fun!

Some of who live in Colorado decided we should get together because it had been a while, so we did and ended up talking our heads off for almost three hours. It was a blast! This was in April of 2013. 

Can you believe that ALL of these friendships (plus hundreds more) have formed from one little Facebook group? It's such a strange thought, but technology really is a miracle for many people these days, with military significant others being no exception.