Veterans Day With a Military Family: Honoring Service, Sacrifice & Home

Veterans Day With a Military Family: Honoring Service, Sacrifice & Home

As a military spouse of almost 20 years, I always have a strong feeling about Veterans Day, but for me, this lifestyle is about more than just one day each year. However, I’m not one to shy away from a day off work and a chance to reconnect with my family over the little things. That is what I truly enjoy the most about Veterans Day. A day to honor my spouse, my family, and this lifestyle that has brought me so much joy and growth as a person. I think of all the things that I have been able to do because my spouse chose to make a sacrifice for our country. There’s no way that a small-town girl like myself would have lived all over this great nation without a little encouragement from the military.

A day of reconnecting around here looks like slowing down to enjoy the little things and the company of each other. The slow, simple mornings that allow us to enjoy our favorite things: good food, good company, and even better memories. Around here, that looks like our favorites of Oscar Mayer Bacon, Ore-Ida Frozen Tater Tots, and some farm-fresh eggs!

Maybe if we want to start the day with something a little lighter, we also reach for our favorite yogurt, OIKOS Pro Plain Yogurt, with 25 grams of protein. This delicious treat keeps me full and allows me to really face the day! I love to top this yogurt with granola, Del Monte Fruit Cocktail, or even if I’m feeling a little adventurous, a few of my family’s favorite OREO cookies! There’s nothing quite like cookies for breakfast!

Also, there’s no morning that I will be attending without my daily caffeine, and I am always reaching for Maxwell House Coffee to give me the little extra boost I need to face my day! Now that I’ve fed my favorite humans, I can’t forget my favorite furry friends, so I’m always reaching for Purina Dog Chow to ensure my furry family members are feeling their best! 

I’m not sure how your family likes to slow down, but I know my kiddos are always begging for a trip to go to the park or a chance to ride their bikes. This is the perfect way to ensure everyone gets outside to enjoy the beautiful fall weather before we’re ultimately trapped inside during those cold winter months! The dogs always enjoy this ritual as well. There’s nothing quite like getting to explore and sniff some unfamiliar places! After we all get in our daily steps, I love to come home and enjoy some of our favorite protein drinks! Lately, my family has had a few on rotation. We are enjoying Silk Protein Original, Silk Chocolate Protein Shakes, and OIKOS Protein shakes. They’re great on their own or blended with ice, in your favorite cup of coffee, or even made into a sweet treat like ice cream! We love that these are conveniently available at our favorite local Commissary!

My family and I are always looking for new convenient snacks, and after a little exercise, I love to refuel with QUEST Chili Lime Protein chips. These chips have added protein and are perfect on their own or as an addition to a meal. My new favorite way to enjoy Taco Salad, Nachos, or even the midwest favorite: Walking Tacos! There are lots of flavors, so you’re sure to find something to please even the pickiest eaters! Not a chip fan? I’ve found an easy way to get a healthy snack is keeping Starkist Chunk Tuna on hand. This is a great way to sneak in those Omega-3s and add some protein to your day. If you’ve got a case of the afternoon slump, don’t forget to reach for your favorite energy drink and get a chance to enjoy Red Bull Winter Edition. The best part is that they have both a Sugar Free or Full Sugar option to ensure there’s something for everyone.

Now, no day spent in a house with my family is mess-free, so we ensure we always have Scott Towels available to attempt to keep our house at some sort of level of “clean”. I don’t know about your favorite life hacks, but I keep a roll of paper towels in most of the rooms in my house to ensure we are able to get to spills. I even have a roll in my car! Whether to wipe off muddy paws or sticky faces, I always like to be prepared. Scott Paper Towels help me do just that, and they’re always available at our favorite local Commissary! 

When I have a busy day, I always love to find something easy and delicious for a nice family dinner. I’ve been really enjoying making skillet-style meals! This is as simple as throwing a can of Bush’s Organic Black Beans, Del Monte Whole Kernel Corn, and shredding up a Rotisserie Chicken. You can turn this into tacos, toss with your favorite salad, or add to rice for an enjoyable burrito bowl. Hello, easy meal! This is a family favorite, and I love how much you can do with such simple ingredients! Nothing tops this meal off like a cold and refreshing Pepsi Zero Sugar. No meal is complete without a baked good around here, and I couldn’t deliver the amazing sweet treats that I do without my favorite ingredient! That’s why I’m always reaching for Simply Organic Pure Madagascar Vanilla Extract. It makes sure that all my delicious recipes have that extra special flavor. I add this to all my recipes and really love to measure it with my heart!

Speaking of heart, I can’t forget to mention another favorite staple that keeps me feeling my best! I’ve recently added Nature Made Magnesium Extra Strength into my daily vitamins, and I haven’t felt better. Magnesium has been found to help lower blood pressure, help calm your nervous system, process sugar correctly, help muscles relax, and much more! I know with this addition I will continue to feel my best and be able to show up for these important family days for years to come!

I hope that this Veterans Day brings you an extra day to embrace the simple things and appreciate this crazy little thing that we call “life”. I hope you take the time to appreciate the strength and resiliency that you and your family have endured. So on this special day from one military spouse to another, I want to say thank you to you and your service member. Happy Veterans Day!