Military Spouse Link-Up

I have a ton of blog posts half started in my blog feed but I just had to participate in today's link-up about Military Spouse Appreciation Day. I have met some of the most amazing women (and men!) throughout our journey with the military. So today I celebrate them. Their sacrifices, their loyalty, and the friendships they provide. We're all in this crazy military life together!

//Tell us about yourself and your blog.

I'm Rachel! Wife to my high school sweetheart, Brian. Mommy to Brady, Layla, and our Yorkie, Rascal. Although I've technically only been a military spouse for almost 7 years this June, I feel like it's been a lot longer. Brian and I were together all 4 years while he was at the Air Force Academy and boy, was that a lesson in what military life can bring! We got married shortly after Academy graduation (during the blessed 60 days of leave!), moved to Columbus AFB for pilot training, went to Offutt AFB and spent 4 wonderful years there, and now we currently live in Colorado Springs (it'll be a year here this June). Brian is back at the Academy and he is teaching cadets how to fly gliders. My blog is mainly a lifestyle blog. I started this blog to document my pregnancy with Brady and then it just evolved into this journal of our life and I love reading back what we were doing and going through. And it's been such a blessing to connect with so many wonderful people in the process!
//What branch of military are you affiliated with?

We are Air Force proud! :)
//What is one thing you enjoy about the military lifestyle?

There are so many things I enjoy about this lifestyle (and keeping it real, plenty that I don't as well!). Honestly when we were contemplating Brian's future in the military (the age old question to stay in 20, or not?) I had to imagine what our life would be like if we didn't have the military. And honestly it scared me a little.  I don't know much else. Our entire married life has been living this lifestyle and it's crazy to think one day we won't be anymore!  

So anyway, back to the question! My favorite part of this lifestyle honestly is moving. It's so fun to me to "start over" essentially. Picking out a new house and deciding how to decorate it. To get to explore a new area, to find new favorite restaurants, new favorite parks, new favorite places to take out of town guests. Meeting new people and hearing their experiences in the military. It's not always easy to make new friends but it's all an adventure to me and I love it! 

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

I would say number one rule is to be flexible. You can not get your heart set on really anything. That kind of mentality has gotten me in trouble in the past so I've really tried to get past that. I can't get my heart set on the idea that he'll be home for a birthday, anniversary, holiday, first day of school, etc. (And as I'm writing this Brian left for a TDY and is missing Mother's Day and Layla's birthday, such is this life and I'm putting my words into practice, haha!)  

Another piece of advice I would give is to get involved! Obviously if the group you are apart of is pure drama, don't be involved in that, but find something to get involved with. I became a Key Spouse back in 2013 back at Offutt and I continue to be one here at the Air Force Academy. It's rewarding, keeps me busy, and allows me to help other military spouses.  Every squadron I've been a part of has had a wonderful spouse's group (we've been lucky so far, I know!) where I have met such amazing people that has added so much to our lives and military experience. I couldn't have survived the 4 deployments we've done without my fellow mil spouses who went on the journey with me.  This life definitely isn't for everyone but keeping things positive and finding the good in it all can make any experience a good one!

Thanks Jen and Amanda for hosting this!! :)