- Face Splitting Grin -

     Just wanted to give everyone an update on the Mason Jar Baking! I had a lot of you ask for me to let you know how it turned out on my Husband's end. As you can tell from the screen capture above, he loved it :) And he's not one to lie just to satisfy me, haha! I think my next attempt at baking in a Mason Jar will be... BROWNIES! Yummy!

- Friendly Reminder -

 

Word of advice to all friends and family members that send care packages!

     Make sure when filling out the address on the box (and on your customs form) that you put the ENTIRE 9 digit zip code (example: 96661-1283). The zip code helps determine the name of the Ship its being sent to. For example, all US ships that start with the letter "B" have zip codes starting with 96661. So, if you only put the first five numbers it will eventually get there but will take twice as long since they have to figure out which Ship you are talking about. And of course, include the Department/Division, this help the Ships crew to pass the care package to your Sailor. Just a friendly reminder.

Hope this answers a few questions that I've been asked :)

     Also, if you need help filling out a "customs form" let me know, I'll be glad to help. I can a post on "how to" as well.

Stay strong!

- Mason Jar Baking!

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A very “trial and error” process. This might call for some extra patience :)

      After attempting to bake home made bread recipes I decided to try a boxed Betty Crocker version of, Banana Nut Bread. I badly wanted to send my Husband home made Banana Nut Bread but everything seemed to come out too moist to send him. Probably from using real Banana’s. So, unfortunately I had to use the fake boxed stuff. Still turned out delicious and was the perfect balance of moisture, just not very “personal” in my opinion. But, I’m sure he’ll love it!

     Again, this is a trial and error process. What I will share with you is just what so happened to have worked for me! I used Betty Crocker Banana Nut Bread mix from Target ($3) and used 2 pint size Mason Jars, also from Target (pack of 4 for $16). Make sure to get WIDE Mason Jars, they are much easier/less of a mess to fill.

• Sterilize Mason Jars first! I just bought brand new ones so I ran mine through the dishwasher. If you have old ones you would like to use, boiling them before making in them. Make sure that the lids and seals are new though so you can get a good seal.
• Spray Mason Jars with cooking pray first to avoid the bread from sticking to the jar. I then filled my jars 1/4 full with batter. This took me a few attempts to know how much batter to put in the jar, I had a couple batter eruptions ;) But of course, this may be different for you.
• I followed the baking instructions on the Betty Crocker box for temperature/time. I placed both jars on a cookie sheet and put in the oven at 425 degrees for 20min. Then, I let them cool for only ONE minute and immediately placed the lids on and sealed them.
• You will hear some popping sounds, that’s just the cans sealing (its a good sign). You will also see the cake come off of the jar while it cools down (another good sign).
• Wait until jars are completely cool, then decorate!

 

- Salt Dough Footprint -

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     Hey everyone! I came across this Salt Dough project last week and made it for my Sister-in-law, her Birthday was on Monday. I thought maybe some of you might like to do this as well! I think its perfect to send to a Sailor who’s deployed and has children back home they are missing. Just make sure to use bubble rap when shipping ;)

     Its BEYOND simple, hardest part was just getting a good print. My niece is 8 months old and wanted to be a wiggle worm that day, took about 10 attempts before I got the perfect print! Here’s how to do it:

        Salt dough recipe:

1. 1 cup salt
2. 1 cup plain flour
3. Half a cup of water

     Mix together into a large bowl and knead it until smooth and stretchy. This last part is important otherwise the dough remains sticky and quite granular from the salt. If it is still too sticky add a bit more flour, if too dry and crumbly then add a tiny touch more water. Once dough is at the right consistency, form into the shape you’d like and then make your print (hand or foot)! If it gets messed up, the great thing is that you can reform it and try again! You can get creative and use a toothpick to carve in a Name or date, like I did.

     Place in the oven for 3 hours at 200 degrees F. It needs to be placed on baking parchment or greaseproof paper so that they don’t stick. It needs to be on a very low heat for a length of time to thoroughly dry out and harden. If the oven is too hot it will rise and “cook”. The thinner the dough and the lower the temperature, the better this will turn out! If its still doughy in the center after 3 hours then turn it over and put it back in for another 2 hours.

     Let it cool over night and then have fun painting! I thought about letting my 8 month old Niece finger paint it herself…then I re-thought it and it didn’t seem like a good idea anymore, lol. But, definitely a good idea for toddlers to do their own painting! Adds that personal touch. I painted mine using pearlised acrylic paint from JoAnn’s ($3) and also bought a mini display stand ($2). Let it dry over night and then tadaaaa!!! A cute, personal, and inexpensive gift :)

- Loose lips sink Ships -

{Illustration by U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander McClelland Barclay, part of the Navy’s “Loose Lips Sink Ships” WWII campaign, to remind those with “war jobs” not to discuss the nature of their work. Courtesy Navy Art Collection, Naval Historical Center}

  

     Hey everyone! A unfortunate event happened earlier this week where a spouse (whose sailor is on my Husbands ship) publicly passed on confidential information via Facebook. Their sailor emailed them some information that was not approved to be passed on by the Captain. So, unfortunately…they are both at fault. It is SO important for us to keep any information that we are given, by our Sailors, “hush hush”. Careers can be ruined and lives jeopardized!

     I want to share with you some “words of wisdom” that my Ombudsmen emailed us, due to this event:

• “Chances are, if I have not put anything out yet, then the command has not authorized the sailors to share that news with the families yet.” - So VERY true, always keep information guarded in your heart until a confirmation has been given out by the Ombudsmen. The Ombudsmen is our “life line” when it comes to giving/receiving information and confirming it.

• “Posting anything about such information in a public forum (such as Facebook… it does not matter what kind of security you think you have, its a public website) is absolutely NOT permitted and it is a violation of OPSEC.” - Knowing OPSEC is extremely important. It keeps our Military Men & Women safe. I have provided it below. Pass along to Family and Friends. It’s important that we practice OPSEC.

OPSEC

1. Do not post exact deployment dates or redeployment dates
2. Do not reveal camp locations, including nearby cities. After the deployment is officially announced by Military officials, you may discuss locations that have been released, normally on the Country level.
3. Do not discuss convoy routes (“we traveled through Takrit on our way to X”)
4. Detailed information on the mission, capabilities or morale of a unit
5. Specific names or actual nicknames
6. Personnel transactions that occur in large numbers (Example: pay information, powers of attorney, wills, etc)
7. Details concerning security procedures, response times, tactics
8. Don’t discuss equipment or lack thereof, to include training equipment
9. Don’t speculate about future operations
10. If posting pictures, don’t post anything that could be misconstrued or used for propaganda purposes. A good rule of thumb is to look at your picture without your caption or explanation and consider if it could be re-captioned to reflect poorly on coalition forces. For example, your image might show your soldier rescuing a child from a blast site, but could be re-captioned to insinuate that the child being captured or harmed. (it’s happened!)
11. Avoid the use of count-up or count-down tickers for the same reason as rule #1
12. Be very careful if posting pictures of your loved one. Avoid images that show significant landmarks near their base of operations, and black out last names and unit affiliations
13. Do not, ever, post information about casualties (coalition or enemy) before the official release of the information.
14. Do not pass on rumors (“I heard they’re coming home early”, etc)

- 36 Calorie Peanut Butter Cookie -

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     Decided to give that “36 Calorie - Peanut Butter Cookie” recipe that has been floating around tumblr a try. I took it to the next level and used Splenda instead of sugar so the calorie count is even lower! Still delicious :)
Healthy Peanut Butter cookies! Only 36 calories per cookie!
Ingredients:

• 1 cup Peanut Butter
• 1 cup Sugar (or Splenda)
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1 Egg

     Mix the peanut butter and sugar (or Splenda) first then add in the egg and baking soda. Scoop tablespoon size dough balls onto a cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes on 350 degrees. They’re delicious!

- Care Package Supplies -

 

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     They will send free boxes and packing material. **They will NOT provide free postage** But, if you use the Large flat rate boxes, you get a discount on the cost of shipping.

- Double check! -

 

     I remember the day Jordan’s ships Ombudsmen (who frickin’ rocks) passed out a Deployment Checklist to us during a pre-deployment meeting. I remember thinking, “I’m sure I don’t need help with this. Its simple, My Husband packs his Sea bag and I sit back at home and patiently wait for his homecoming”. So, I humored her by glancing over the list. I was shocked! And was left a bit overwhelmed and feeling like a total idiot for thinking I was actually prepared. I decided to share this list with all of you. Its unfortunate, but I know of a few ships who have an Ombudsmen that’s not very involved or informative. I’m beyond blessed to have the Ombudsmen that I do and happy to now be able to call her a friend. This list was intended for a Married Sailor, but the things listed I think a Single Sailor will also be able to relate to. PLEASE pass this on to anyone you may know that can benefit from it!

I know when you start to read over this list that some of it might seem a bit extreme and ridiculous…. But, Morphy’s Law applies to EVERY situation. Especially deployments!!!

Family Members:

• Are ID cards current? Will they expire during deployment?
• Do family members know what to do if their ID is lost or stolen?
• Does each family member carry some form of identification with YOUR full name, rate/rank, SSN, and complete mailing address?
• Is DEERS enrollment current?
• Have you recently updated your Page 2 and your will?
• Have you updated your SGLI?
• Does your spouse have a valid power-of-attorney? Do you need a “general” or “special” one (for car, household goods, bank, emergency, etc.)?
• Have you discussed child care and discipline concerns?
• Does your family have the name and phone number for your command’s Ombudsmen?
• Does your Ombudsmen have your family on the roaster for newsletters and information?
• Does you family have the phone numbers of your local Fleet & Family Support Center for information, referrals, and support?
• Does your family have the phone number for the base Chaplains Office?
• Have you discussed communicating during the deployment (how often you’ll email or write one another, and record and send audio/video clips)?
• If you have children, are you familiar with United Through Reading?
• Do you need a Family Care Plan? If you already have one, do you need to update it?
• Does your family know hot to care for any pets you have?

Medical and Dental Emergencies:

• Does your family know how to access military medical care (TRICARE)?
• Does your family know how to access dental care?
• Does your family know who to contact for emergencies?
• Does your family know how to get YOU home for an emergency situation?
• Do they have the number for the American Red Cross (877-272-7337)?
• Does your family have a support system to assist them in an emergency?

Home:

• Is the house or apartment in good repair? Are the furnace and air conditioner cleaned and in good working order?
• Does your spouse know where the fuse box is located and how to reset circuit breakers?
• Is there a spare key to leave with a relative, friend or neighbor?
• Check the following to ensure they are working properly:

___hot water heater  ___washer  ___refrigerator  ___dryer  ___stove  ___television

• Are phone numbers listed for:

___landlord  ___appliance repair  ___plumbing service  ___gas & electricity companies/emergencies  ___home owners insurance

• Are there adequate security measures (window and door locks)?

Automobile:

• Are you leaving a set of car keys with your spouse?
• Is the registration current? Is the base decal valid?
• Is the insurance current? Does your spouse have the name and phone number for the insurance agent?
• Did you check hoses, fluid levels, battery, tire pressure, etc? Does your spouse know how to?
• Does your spouse know how to change a tire? Or know the number to roadside assistance?

Finances:

• Is a household budget established?
• Do you and your spouse agree on how to pay the bills?
• Do you have two ATM cars or checkbooks for one account? (Be sure to discuss who uses what and when)
• Discuss what money will be spent during port visits.
• Are you signed up for Split Pay? Does your spouse have access to your bank account? If not, do you have an allotment set up?
• Have you budgeted for phone calls during the deployment?
• Does you spouse know how to contact the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society for emergencies?
• Did you sign a pre-deployment authorization form for assistance from the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society in case on an emergency?

Personal Needs:

• Do you have all necessary uniforms items? Will you be making rank while deployed? If so, will you need new patches/ribbons/pins etc. for your uniform?
• Have you updated your address book lately?
• Do you have the dates for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions?
• If you plan on buying gifts, do you know sizes and preferences?
• Did you pack civilian clothes appropriate to locations and weather of liberty ports?
• Are you taking some reminders (pictures and souvenirs) of favorite people, laces and things?
• Do you have a passport?

Hope you all found this as helpful as I did. There were a few things on this list I never would of thought to take care of before my Husband left.

- Kicking this Deployments tush! -

     Wow! I’ve been so busy that I didn’t realize that one month ago today, my Husband left for his 8 month Deployment. I can’t believe it! It feels like it took forever to get to this point. But, now being at this point and looking back on his departure, I feel like he just left. Well, I’ll take that as a sign that I am totally kicking this Deployments tush! One month down, seven more to go!!!!

     Jordan, the longer you are gone the more I realize I depend on you for many things. For strength, confidence, love, support and comfort. You do more for me than you will ever know! I pray for you and your entire ships safety. Stay strong, baby. I know your work hours are long and that your days disappear…. Just know its all going to be worth it in the end!

Miss you. Love you.

 

- Skinny Passion Tea Lemonade, Yummm -

      Like the majority of other Spouses who's Husbands are deployed, I'm dieting. Of course, we want to look fabulous on the day of their Homecoming. In all reality for me though, its just easier to diet and get in shape when my Husband is not here. But, I'm finding it challenging this time around because I am a stay-at-home-Nanny and currently taking online college classes. So, I'm home a LOT and find myself trying to snack all the frickin' time. I read recently that Tea is a "filler" and is useful to drink frequently through out the day to help prevent snacking. Well, I absolutely hate Tea (pickiest person alive, I swear). The only Tea I can stand to drink is the Passion Tea Lemonade at Starbucks (probably because its diluted by the Lemonade). I decided to make my own healthy version of it. Plus, lemon juice helps curb hunger. So, this is definitely an anti-snacking-hungry-squashing-drink. And waaayyy cheaper than buying it by the cup at Starbucks.

Makes one gallon (120 oz). Twenty 8 oz servings. 7.6 calories per serving (compared to 85 calories per 12 0z serving at Starbucks)!

Prep time 10min. Estimated cost, $8.

Lemonade:

• 10 cups Water
• 2 cups fresh Lemon juice
• 1 cup Splenda

Mix together until Splenda has dissolved completely. Set aside.

Passion Tea:

• 8 cups of Water
• 8 Tazo Passion Tea packets

Boil 8 cups of Water. Turn off heat and place 8 Tazo Passion Tea packets in the hot Water for 3 minutes. Remove Tea packets and let the Tea cool. Then add Tea to the Lemonade and mix well. Serve over ice and enjoy!