You know, most of the time I ask people to tell me a little about themselves and then I paraphrase and write it up in my style. When I asked Shannon to answer some questions for this post, she sent me a beautiful message about being the wife of someone serving our country, what it meant to them as a family and the highs and lows that come with it. I think her words are perfect as is! And worth the time reading.
Thanks Tammy,
Thank You for the day out. It was fun, and I think at time’s I was having a bit too much fun, I just kind of let loose a bit excessively there at times. But it was good times. (719Woman has to interject here and say there’s nothing wrong with having a day to yourself and having fun!)
Beau & I will celebrate our 20 year anniversary in July 2013. We have been in the military coming up on 19 years in November. I say we, but that’s because I chose to marry the military. I go through all that he goes through, and sometimes it’s harder to be the one at home having to raise the kids while feeling like a single mother. I think one of the biggest struggles as a military wife is to not take his being gone personal. Most likely every military spouse has wondered if the military member is enjoying being away, and if he really wants to come home. We try not to take their leave of absence personal, but sometimes the long hours make it really hard to remain joyful and happy. Truly my biggest struggle is to meet him with a happy heart, to not question his integrity, because life as a military wife is draining. The loneliness is overwhelming a lot of times, especially since 99% of military families have moved away from any family/friend support. But deep inside we recognize that they have to do their job. And that we have a key important job, to be there for our military spouse. To be that home maker that brings them joy, and creates that only truly safe place to come home to.
If you know a military wife you will find this about her. She may have a super hard shell, but she’s a softy inside. Maybe like an egg, with a few extra layers of shell. Military wives have to be tough. We go through move after move, get to deal with some nice people, but often have to deal with some real difficult people. We have our valuable belongings lost, stolen, or broken in our moves. We most often see new doctors each time we go in, and unfortunately don’t get to choose doctors who personally follow-up with our ailments and get to the bottom of our problems. We often face the trials of showing up in new school districts where our children are once again the new kids. A few kids may thrive being the new kid, most have a difficult time fitting into the already formed friend groups, where everyone else has been friends for 5+ years. This is hard on our mommy hearts for our kids to grow up with this constant “outsider” feeling. We teach our kids to be okay & confident with who they are, but it still hurts. When you meet a military wife, try not to be turned off by her tough as nails approach to life. She may just be in “survival mode” but deep inside she needs an understanding friend, YOU may be the one that can bring much-needed relief of friendship and kindness.
The joys of being a military family are many too. We get to visit new places, places we would have never been able to experience otherwise. Being a military family pretty much forces our immediate family unit to become tightly knit, because each time we move, all we have is each other. This is definitely a good thing. There is always the joy of meeting new genuinely kind people. That is one of the things I love most, meeting sweet people who I would have never had the pleasure of meeting otherwise. And the diversity of culture even within our continental united states is fascinating. I enjoy seeing the difference between these pockets of people. Until you’ve experienced it I can’t explain the difference between North Dakotan’s, Californians, North Westerners, South Easterners, and then there are the Texans! =) Even the simple difference between those raised in the city and those out in the country. Crazy different. But fun to observe and immerse oneself in for a time & a season.
I know you asked what military branch we’re in? I often just tell people we’re in the military. Because it really doesn’t matter what branch we’re in, we all serve. We all face similar struggles. But my husband’s technical job is a satellite system operator in the Air Force. We are currently serving out at Schriever AFB. I love Colorado Springs because we have such a diversity of military living here. One of my neighbors is a Navy Officer, another neighbor is an Army Officer. I love it! It’s great because we all have this automatic sisterhood. We don’t have to say much to understand the heartache and struggle we’re each going through. But we all manage to pull out our smiles, and encourage each other.
I’d love to get back to you in another 20 years to tell you the difference between our first set of kids (now older teens) who have been completely raised in the military lifestyle and then our 2 & 4-year-old who will mostly be raised outside the military lifestyle when my husband retires in a year. I’m curious how it will affect their psyche. Perhaps the first set have learned to truly be okay with themselves regardless of how their peers choose to perceive them? Perhaps our teenagers will be the most flexible to change? Perhaps they will have learned to be optimists and make the most out of whatever situations life throws at them? Time will tell.
Thanks for the fabulous day out of Friday. The best part was just having a day to myself without my kids. It’s unusual to be able to have that time to dote on myself. The hair style was fun. Ron sure knows how to work magic with his hands! And he was one of those rare men who can listen & understand woman speak. I guess 24 years of marriage helps with that! =) Then shopping was crazy fun. I’ve never tried on that many sets of clothing at one time! It was a marathon. But fun to laugh with you ladies! Every person we came in contact with that day was so very sweet! Loved it. Thanks for your kindness!
~Shannon
Well said Shannon! (Had to get a Kleenex!) So now on to the fun!
Hair Color & Style
Genesis Salon & Rejuvenation Center: www.genesissalonco.com and Ron Rather…hairdresser extradorinaire!
This is what Shannon’s hair looked like as Ron started brushing it….very thick and curly (and cute!) but it needs just a bit TLC and color.
Now on to the color.
Fresh from getting the color rinsed out, a deep condition and oh so great massage!
If you look at what Shannon’s hair looked like when she first sat down, you can totally see the difference. Ron said that Shannon’s hair was very healthy. She usually just colors her roots so the rest of her hair hadn’t been processed a lot. She also lets it air dry most days so that keeps damage under control too.
Hugs all around….
Happy faces….I think Shannon looks fabulous! Great job Ron!
Goodwill Hunting
Next stop….Discover Goodwill (we went to the one on Kelly Johnson Blvd.
We had a HUGE cart filled to the brim….Shannon said she’s never tried on that many clothes at one time! Ashley and I are always honest with our contestants and Shannon will tell you that there were a few times she walked out of the dressing room and Ashley and I both immediately said, “NO!” Friends are who will be truthful with you when something looks good or doesn’t. We did find lots of great clothes for Shannon but here’s what we ended up buying.
The black pants (Sag Harbor) were the perfect length for Shannon and she said they were comfortable and flattering. And she’ll be able to wear them with anything and everything, year-round. They cost $3.99. The jacket still had its original tags on it, never been worn! It’s from Newport News and cost $7.99….for a brand new jacket, that again, she’ll be able to wear with other skirts, jeans, pants, or dresses. The animal print top she has on was “va va voom” with its keyhole detail that showed just a little but not too much of her assets. Cost…a whopping $2.99. And animal print is always in style!
Now we all agreed that we wouldn’t necessarily wear this jacket with this particular outfit but we all loved the jacket…which she also got (St. John’s Bay $5.99). The color looks great on Shannon and we practically had to pull it off her…she liked it that much! This will look perfect with jeans or any other casual outfit.
Shannon’s got the same jacket and pants on we found but now it’s paired with this pretty Old Navy black and white blouse ($2.99). These pants and jacket are great basic staples to have in your wardrobe. I think Shannon looks great!
Total spent on a well-made pair of black pants, black blazer, two fabulous tops and a jacket…..$23.95 (before tax)! And all the clothes are versatile so she’ll get lots of use out of them.
Mary Kay Makeover
Teresa, Shannon and I met at my house for some makeup fun!
This is Shannon without any makeup on….she looks pretty without any on. Gorgeous eyes and complexion…
Teresa sharing tidbits about skin care regimens and basic applications.
Fun picking out colors to try.
Mascara always completes the look.
More happy faces….we’ve had lots of smiles today!
WOW…..Shannon’s eyes really pop now and she just looks gorgeous!
We had literally spent the entire day together and for two people who had never met before, it was fun and felt like we were old friends!
And now some “bling”
Barb Cobleigh, so generously donated these beautiful earrings and necklace, which will go perfect with Shannon’s black pants and blazer….and look really great with her black and white blouse we bought.
Love these earrings….
AND this necklace! But now I know where I can either buy it….or, hello? Shannon? Borrow it?
A night out in luxury
I also brought Shannon a gift card for a Four-Diamond dining experience at The Cliff House in Manitou Springs! She and her husband will enjoy a great meal there!
Watch Shannon and me on KKTV’s Moms Everyday, hosted by Jen Lennon, today! The show airs at 9:25 am (live) and then at 5:55 pm for a shorter (taped) version!