Jen McDonald

I schlepped into the Tiny Tots ballet class late with two preschoolers in tutus and two not-happy-to-be-here boys in tow.… Read More

You just know it. This PCS, you’re all over it. You have checklists FOR your checklists and you’re filled with… Read More

While talking with a young friend recently, she lamented how little she'd accomplished during the year her husband was deployed.… Read More

Once someone we love has served in the military, we are family. – Tyra Manning  [avatar user="jmcdonald" /] Military life… Read More

Dear Military Spouse, God doth not need Either man's work or his own gifts: who best Bear his mild yoke,… Read More

As a “seasoned” military spouse, I love conversations with younger spouses because their enthusiasm is energizing! And in the course… Read More

Simply mention the words “Valentine’s Day” and you might find yourself in the middle of a division you had no… Read More

Begin challenging your own assumptions. Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a… Read More

Last summer, we were surprised with short-term orders to move from our beloved and much-too-short-for-my-liking Hawaii assignment in the small… Read More

While stationed in Guam with our young family, I met a couple whose three older children were all back in… Read More

Whenever I attend military spouse events or conferences, one of the hottest topics for discussion is the challenge of keeping… Read More

I’m sitting alone, and my thoughts wander back to the people and places which have graced my life. The memories… Read More

If a regular PCS is challenging, planning and completing a move with toddlers takes it to another level, as a… Read More

When a service member dies, certain procedures go into motion to support the surviving family members. From notification of death… Read More

The holidays are suddenly upon us, complete with the bustle of shopping, the crisp, cold air, and too much baking… Read More

Looking for a concrete way to give back to our veterans? Luke's Wings is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving… Read More

Photo Credit: Steve Browne & John Verkle   "What does Mom have on her head?" my daughter shrieked. I turned to… Read More

"I could live anywhere but ____." "If my spouse gets an overseas assignment, I'm not going." I'm always mystified when… Read More