I cannot believe how fast summer came and went! There have been a lot of crazy days between our summer PCS move and fall as well as a lot of bad days too, I won’t lie. I am still adjusting to my husband being back in the fleet and somehow, even though my baby is well over a year old, I am continually learning how to be a mom of two while juggling this crazy roller coaster lifestyle. I am not sure if I will ever get the hang of it all!
But there have been lots of good days and plenty of laughs because frankly, that is all you can do sometimes - like when I walked into my baby’s room while he was playing in his freshly pooped diaper or when my toddler ate half a bag of chocolate chips while I showered and then colored his face with pen. It could always be worse, right?
We did have a moment of celebration too. We made it through an entire week without running to the ER while my husband was out of the country at a conference. Military wife success!
The new season means new changes for our whole family. My biggest, little guy started a preschool playgroup on base. It was a tough adjustment for us both but I know it will be a great experience for him and help socialize him with other kids his age. My littlest guy has also started attending hourly care on base - a huge step for this mama bear who never took advantage of this resource at our other two duty stations.
Does it sounds like I have a lot of kid-free time on my hands now? Not so. I’ve started a new adventure!
As if settling in to our new duty station over the last three months with two toddler boys and adjusting to my husband’s longer work hours wasn’t enough, I decided to add more to my plate. I’ve mentioned in previous columns that I have applied to graduate school but I’ve also begun working toward a long-time goal of volunteering for a non-profit on base.
Volunteering has given me a whole new perspective on military life. I never imagined I would be in a place where working for free could be so fulfilling. I love being a stay-at-home mom, and feel beyond fortunate that we have been able to find a way for me to stay home for almost three years, but something has been missing for me.
Since starting my volunteer job a month ago, I find myself excited to get up in the morning and work face to face with adults again. Helping military service men and women has been incredibly rewarding. Not only are they respectful and kind but they truly appreciate the services the organization provides.
Not only am I getting work experience on my resume, but I am also utilizing my college degree in psychology. I am able to study and work towards becoming a caseworker for the organization which will (hopefully) help make me more marketable when the time comes to return to work.
I have known about this organization since my husband joined the Marine Corps and I could kick myself for not volunteering sooner. But as they say, everything happens for a reason and I truly believe I was not in a place in my life where I truly would have appreciated giving back to the military community. This opportunity came when I most needed it and although I only work a couple of mornings a week, I feel like a new person.
Somehow being busier has made me more patient with my family and I cherish the time I am home with them. I rush to pick them up at daycare and I am excited to hug them and hear about their day. I realize how incredibly lucky I am to have the opportunity to stay home with them and pursue this endeavor.
I am not sure how long I will be able to keep up with all these new changes but right now, it’s working. My husband loves his job, I am bettering myself and feel fulfilled professionally while still able to be at home which makes for two happy kids and one big happy family.
