About Raven Green & her Blog
Raven is a winner of Top 25 Military Moms - 2012
What do you love about being a military mom?
There are so many things that I love about being a military mom! First, I am able to support my husband in the career that he loves. I grew up a "Navy Brat" and am used to the crazy military lifestyle.
I love being able to move around the country, meet new people and have experiences I never would otherwise.
I think the military lifestyle is great for my kids. It teaches them resilience, to "bloom where where planted" and they are exposed to ALL kinds of people and places.
The military community is second to none. Support, friendship and taking care of each other is the key.
What advice would you give to moms on how to build a new support circle after a move?
Don't be shy! We have ALL been the new girls and will be again....and again. Talk to your neighbors, your kids' friends' parents and the lady at the PX.
Use social media to connect with local mom groups, play groups and more. Go to ACS on base and ask about kids' activities. You will find friends that way and you will have motherhood in common.
What's a tip for helping kids cope with a parent's absence?
Communication and preparation. talk about it before, during and after. NO surprises (yeah it it's military and changes happen, but try to minimize). Write letters, draw pictures for their deployed parent. include them in creating care packages. Let them ask questions and answer honestly. Let them cry, scream, etc if they need to. Give your spouse ideas on how to connect with your child (they may not have a clue). Stay connected with your FRG and involve your child with other children from the unit. Talk to your child's teachers and let them know the situation.
What are your favorite Blog Posts?
Raven's Answers
What's one of the worst messes your child has made? Please share a link to a photo if you have one.
My daughters are VERY creative and we have white walls... Yep, I know you have a feeling where this goes. They were very quiet (which should have been clue number 1) and then ran into the kitchen so very proud to show me something (clue number 2)
They made a wonderful, large "mural" on a wall in the family room. Crayons and markers.
Unfortunately our wall is textured and when you use a certain magical square to clean it takes off paint.
So we had more fun repainting the wall together :-) Pic in the link
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What's a fun and easy Thanksgiving craft that's great for preschoolers? Please include a link to a picture if you have one.
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Do you try to give back when you declutter? Please share your family traditions for benefitting others.
I keep a box in our garage specifically for charity. I add to the box throughout the week and month. Our military base has a fantastic clothing/toy/household swap every month. Everyone can donate as well as taking any items they truly need.
I donate the box and sometimes boxes to this wonderful swap every month.
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Cabbage Patch Kids, the Bionic Woman, Lite-Brite...what toy from your childhood are you most nostalgic about? Please include a link if you can find one.
I loved so many toys from childhood that I wish I could share with my daughters today. I remember my mom fighting in the store for one of the first Cabbage Patch Dolls for Christmas, lol! Lite Brite, She-Ra, Barbie Dream House and Furby were a few of my favorites!
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What makes a great family holiday card? Please share a link to a helpful image or resource.
I think a great family holiday card should be fun and natural. We always wear jeans, black long sleeve shirts and stay casual. That way all the pictures match, they fit in with our favorite colors and look great in collages! We use the holiday photo shoot as our once a year family photo. Our cards always have the year, a short message and our address (we move a lot as a military family).
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Aside from a birth certificate, what legal documents should a parent file after having a child?
Absolutely without a doubt, their social security card is the most important document for them to have. Also, my children are military brats and when they are old enough they will receive a Military ID which will them be the MOST important document for them even above the birth certificate and social security card.
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What's a cute or creative way to decorate the walls of a child's room? Please include a link to an image.
Being a military family, we are always in Base housing (temporary, don't paint the walls!). But with two little girls decorating is a must. I use Roomates stickers and similar products that stick to the wall but are easily removable.I also use my artistic skills to make artwork for their walls.
Right now we have a tinkerbell room and a dinosaur room plus disney princessess in the playroom!
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What's your child's favorite thing to do in the snow? Please include a link to a picture if you have one.
My girls (3&5) love the snow! I think because we rarely experience it. As a military family we move ALOT and the girls have experienced Texas and VA with only a couple snowfalls.
Their favorite thing to do is snow angels! Their favorite snowman was the solider we build last year, complete with a patrol cap and ACU scarf, HOOAH!
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Raven's Blogger SoundOff Posts
I am thankful for my parents' 40 year example of a marriage promise… More
