MWR IN MOTION is a monthly magazine for Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation activities on Fort Bragg, North Carolina. For advertising information please call Darlene McDuffi e, Advertising Coordinator, at (910)643-

6334. The appearance of advertising does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense. The information in this issue is current at the time of publication; activities and events are

subject to change. Visit us on the web at: www.fortbraggmwr.com

Creative Director: Lori BruschiEditor: Heather YbarraGraphic Designer: Anika SticklesContributing Writers: Heather Adams, Kristin Contreras, Denice Howell and Heather Ybarra

2 She is the fi rst one up and the last one to go to bed on a regular basis. No day is ever the same. This month we celebrate our mothers

as Denice Howell walks us through her hectic day in, A Day in the Life...

12 Military spouses wear many hats, they are proud individuals, but are much more than “just” a military spouse. Heather Ybarra

brings to light the many attributes a military spouse and mom has in Proud Army Spouse...and so much more!

16 This month’s special Spouse’s Corner is dedicated to the Month of the Military Spouse. Heather Adams,

helps us take a break from the relentless demands of our children so we can again fi nd the person we were before kids. She provides us helpful ways to fi nd ourselves once again in Relax and Recharge.

4 As you drop your kids at school, talk to a teacher about a grade, or consider whether or not you want to volunteer in the classroom keep in mind your

child’s teacher is more than just that. Teachers are parents, spouses, siblings and more who dedicate their time to your child’s future. Kristin Contreras provides insight into the life of a teacher/mom/army spouse in More Than Just a Teacher.

Page 2

This month we celebrate our mothers. It is hard to believe all they do for us in a single day. Denice Howell is a stay at home, mother of two. She is the fi rst one up and the last one to go to bed on a regular basis. No day is ever the same. Activities, school, errands, doctor’s appointments and so much more fi ll up Denice’s day.

5:30 am: My husband and I wake up and get our day

started. While he gets ready for work,

I start the coffee – we are both going to

need it for the day! I let our dog, Bodie, out

and get Joey’s lunch ready to go.

6 am: Tyler and Taylor wake up and begin to get ready for the day. I make their lunches and see Joey off to work.

6:30 am: Kids are usually ready to go and sitting down eating breakfast. This is when I take my time

to get a quick shower and get dressed for the day.

7 a.m. – Head out to take the kids to school. Tyler goes to a public middle school and Taylor to a private elementary school, which means two car lines. I drop Tyler off fi rst, then head over to Taylor’s school.

8 am: Both kids are dropped off and I either

start my morning of errands,

cleaning and laundry or I stay at Taylor’s school to volunteer. I volunteer at the school a couple times a week.

8:15 am - 1:30 pm: In a typical volunteer day, I work in the offi ce helping the administration with copies, fi ling, laminating, and more. When lunch time approaches, I make my way to the cafeteria where I put on my hat as a lunch aide. I also assist the teachers from home. For example, I made 45 spiral music books and have typed up projects for different grades. I enjoy cooking so I often cook meals and baked goods for fundraisers going on during the school day.

1:30 pm: My time in the car circles begin. On the days I volunteer at Taylor’s school, I have to leave the school and come back to get her because Tyler gets out of school fi rst.

3 pm: Both the kids are picked up and we are headed home so the kids can have a snack and start on their homework while I prepare dinner.

4:30 pm: If the kids have not fi nished their homework, they stop to get ready for practice.

5:30 pm: Load back up to head out for practice

6 - 8:15 pm: Practice.

8:30 pm: Kids fi nish up any homework they did not get done earlier, eat dinner and take their showers.

9 pm: Hugs and kisses to Taylor as she lies down for the night.

9:15 pm: Finish cleaning up the kitchen and off to take my shower.

10 pm: Hugs and kisses to Tyler as he heads to bed.

10:15 pm: Finish getting stuff ready for the next day before I sit down to unwind.

11 pm: Off to never-never land getting ready to do it all again tomorrow.

A Day In The Life...By: Denice Howell

Intro By: Heather Ybarra

Page 3

5202 Raeford Rd | Fayetteville, NC | 1.800.810.7493 | www.LaFayetteFordLincoln.com

is proud to be a

Which means we treat the military like family!What To Expect

It’s just our way to say, “Thank you for your service!”

Page 4

As an educator, I feel I have a very rewarding profession, but more importantly, as the mother of two vivacious boys and career Soldier, my life is beyond gratifying for many reasons. While life as a military spouse is challenging itself, being a teacher and having two active children intensify an average day. Being able to balance a career as a mother, military spouse and teacher has proven to be tiresome, but worth every hardship, struggle and challenge I’ve had to endure along the way.

While I love being a teacher, my family and our military life will always come fi rst. The variety of experiences my family and I have been afforded the last 20 years is what drives me to get through every obstacle I encounter as a mother, military wife and teacher. I use these experiences in the classroom when appropriate. For example, I enjoy sharing different experiences I’ve had with my students. They enjoy it and I know they’ve taken something away from what I shared.

Like you, my day begins not in the classroom, but at home with my own two children. Where’s my lunch money? I need help with homework? Can you sign my permission slip? Did you wash my uniform? Can you take me to practice? Can you get me supplies for my project after school? Sound familiar? And while sometimes dad is around to help out with these duties, most of the time he is not. This seems to be the new normal these days.

I’m always wishing there were more hours in a day, but realistically if there were, I would probably fi nd more things to add to my schedule. Our children are facing a different world than we had. Even though life is busier and more hectic, stop rushing, don’t be afraid to say no and spend time with friends that lift you up and let go of the friends who bring you down.

I have adopted the motto, “less is more”, but there never seems to be less----always more. So having fought this for years I’ve had to learn to become an “adaptive” person . Although it was a long process to get here, I feel that it was my attitude that made the difference. I chose to surround myself with positive people, to accept and support my husband’s challenging career as well as mine and to remind myself that the “stages” of life are never permanent.

I remind myself that in the midst of “chaos”, we as working mothers and busy military families have to take care of ourselves, so fi nd an effective routine and make it work! Just don’t forget to include something you love to do! Maximize your friendships and make life easier together. For example, car pool or take each other’s children for a night.

In looking back on the last 20 years from when my husband and I met while both serving in Korea, and raising a family, time goes by fast. Enjoy the time you have with your children and make every moment count. As the weather is warming, try to keep up with the licks of an ice cream cone or perhaps clear your schedule for a

Page 5

lazy Sunday with the family. These are the days that matter most.

Teach your children everything they will need to know, expose them to as much as you can and be a constant resource for them. This is what I have learned along the way. The long, windy roadis full of rewards along the way. Appreciate your freedoms and know who you are! Good luck!

As you drop your kids at school, talk to a teacher about a grade, or consider whether or not you want to volunteer in the classroom keep in mind your child’s teacher is more than just that. Teachers are parents, spouses, siblings and more who dedicate their time to your child’s future.

Kristin Contreras is currently a Kindergarten teacher at Southern Pines Primary School.

Page 6

NUCO

Page 7

Mother’s Day BrunchThis month as we honor mother’s around the world, bring yours to the Fort Bragg Club for the Annual Mother’s Day Brunch. Enjoy ham, salmon, roasted pork loin, traditional breakfast items and so much more on Sunday, May 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Adults are $18.95, children 6 to 11 years are $6.95 and 5 and under FREE! For more information please call 907-CLUB.

Live to Laugh Comedy ShowEnjoy a night of live, fun, adult-oriented comedy at Sports USA on Saturday, May 19. Enjoy the comedy of Mack Bootsy and Barbara “Cat Eyes” Carlyle. After the show enjoy music by Midnight Express. Doors open at 7 pm, show starts at 8:30 pm. Advance tickets are $15. Live to Laugh is open to adults 21 and over only. For more information, please call 907-0739.

Family and MWR Phone Numbers

ACS....................................Airborne Inn......................Airborne Lanes.................Aquatics (Sports)..............Army EmergencyRelief (AER).......................Army Family ActionPlan (AFAP).......................BOSS..................................CYS Services Parent Central..............................Clay Target Center..........Cleland Ice Rink...............Cook CDC........................Deployment Mobilization/FRG Training......................Dragon Lanes Bowling....East Bragg Auto Skills.......Fernandez CDC...............Green Beret Club.............HabaneroMexican Grill.....................Java Café.........................Throckmorton Library.......McKellar’s Lodge.............Fort Bragg Club................EquipmentCheckout Ctr....................Leisure Travel Services.....Pope Frame & DesignArts.....................................Pope Auto Skills................Pope Wood CraftShop..................................Pope RV Lot/Mini Storage/Carwash............................Prager CDC......................Rodgers CDC....................Rodriquez CDC................Ryder Golf Course............SKIES Unlimited..................Smith Lake Rec Area.......Special Events..................Sports & Fitness.................Sports USA.........................Stryker Golf Course..........Tolson Youth Activities Center...............................Veterinary TreatmentFacility...............................Wonderful Worldfor Kids...............................Yntema Bingo...................Youth Services Sports.......

396-8682396-7700432-6899907-5242

396-2507

396-4447396-7751

396-8110436-9489396-5127396-2989

432-3742907-BOWL396-8665396-4733907-4976

394-4580432-9481 643-6955907-5253907-CLUB

396-7060396-TRIP/TOUR

394-4192394-2293

394-5049

394-2293396-1136432-5933396-5429907-4653907-5437396-5979396-9126396-1217907-0739396-3980

396-KIDS

396-9120/6473

396-2011396-3310396-8110

Soldier Show

Gang of Outlaws Concert

For the Soldier, by the Soldier. The 2012 Soldier Show returns on May 11 & 12 at the Crown Theatre. This Family friendly, high energy, 90-minute live musical production features today’s hits, yesterday’s classics and original material. This FREE show is open to everyone. The show will start on Friday, May 11 at 7 pm and Saturday, May 12 at 2 pm. For more information, please visit

www.fortbraggmwr.com

The Gang of Outlaws Tour, brings the legendary ZZ Top and 3 Doors Down joined by Gretchen Wilson and the Bill Miller Band for one fabulous night on Saturday, June 2 at the Fort Bragg Fairgrounds. Tickets are available now for $30. The Gang of Outlaws concert is open to everyone! Children under 3 are free, everyone else will need a ticket! Visit www.fortbraggmwr.

com to get your tickets!

May 13th10 am

to2 pm

Page 8

Visit us online: www.fortbraggmwr.comand on Facebook: FMWR Fort Bragg

LIKE USON

FACEBOOKTO KEEPUP WITHALL THELATESTNEWS &EVENTS

ATMWR!

Page 9

3.8924 inches wideby

1.875 inches tall

Spouse’s Corner

Page 11

Sprint thanks you for your service. Sprint salutes the people who defend our

nation and offers discounts for members of the

US Armed Forces. Get it on the Now Network.™

May require up to a $36 activation fee/line, credit approval & deposit. Up to $200 early termination fee/line applies. Offer: Only available to Active members of the US Military, Reservists, Retired Military and their dependents. Current US Military ID or dependent ID required at time of purchase. Also available to US Coast Guard and National Guard members. Government Empl. Discount: Applies to individual-liable lines eligible for a discount under their Government agency's services agreement. Subject to change according to the Government agency's agreement with Sprint. Available on select plans only. Family members must be invoiced on the same account. Discount applies to monthly service charges only. Taxes and surcharges still apply. Other Terms: Coverage not available everywhere. Nationwide Sprint Network reaches over 276 million people. Offers & service plan features not available in all markets/retail locations or for all phones/networks. Pricing, offer terms, fees & features may vary for existing customers. Other restrictions apply. See store or Sprint.com for details. ©2011 Sprint. Sprint and the logo are trademarks of Sprint.

Save %Select regularly priced

monthly service plansRequires two-year Agreement.

15

To take advantage of this offer or your discount, call 877-285-1240 or visit www.sprint.com/dodAccess www.sprint.com/storelocator to find the Sprint Store nearest you

I have the bumper stickers. I have the t-shirts. I update my Facebook status accordingly. I hang the pictures proudly in my offi ce. For someone who does not know me, all it would take is one glance into my offi ce or the back of my van to get a clear cut picture of who I am. I wear many hats, as do most military spouses. We are proud individuals, but we are much more than “just” a military spouse.

Being a military spouse means standing by your Soldier during the fi eld problems, training exercises, long hours, deployments and change of duty stations. It also means taking great pride in the sacrifi ces your Family makes, the work your Soldier does and who you are. It takes a strong and unique individual to be a military spouse.

Sixteen years ago, my fi ancé became a Soldier. A few short months later, when he fi nished Basic Training and AIT, we got married and made our fi rst move to Fort Hood, Texas. Getting settled into our new home was our honeymoon. We began to establish our life together, make friends and become a young military Family. During the fi rst couple of years, we learned many valuable lessons. One of the strongest lessons I learned was taught by our First Sergeant’s wife and it still stands strong today. She shared with me words that were shared with her previously during our fi rst NTC rotation. She said, “The Army will take you many places. The Army will present you with many challenging and rewarding moments. People will come and go during your Army life. Through it all remember you are more than just a military spouse. Be who you want to be!”

In the era of “Be all you can be”, this advice went far and h e l d a lot o f

weight. S i x t e e n

years later, I am still a

very, very proud military spouse, but I am so much more! I took the time to not only earn my

Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Kansas, I also received my Master’s Degree from Austin Peay State University. I have managed, despite the many moves, to hold down a career in marketing for Family and MWR. I have three beautiful children who are very active in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, wrestling, school and

dance – yes, I am a crazy sports mom and a dance mom as well. I have

a crazy passion for sports, especially college basketball, professional football and mixed

martial arts. I make time to watch my favorite teams play – in fact it is often front runner in our

schedules. While our family differs in college teams (I will, of course, pull for my alma mater Jayhawks, while my husband pulls for arch rival Kansas State), we agree on our professional football team and all enjoy watching a good MMA match. Sports are a huge part of who we

are and who we want to be!

I don’t say all this to toot my own horn, but rather to pass on the same words of encouragement I was given so many years

ago. Find yourself – focus on your goals, and aspirations. If you do not have any, think about it, make them and strive to achieve

them. Make time for the things in life that interest you. For me it is sports, let it be whatever you like and fi nd time

for it!

The Army is a way of life – we embrace it and we are proud of it. As you venture through your military life, remember you are more than just a military

spouse – be who you want to be! What bumper stickers will you display proudly?

PROUD ARMY SPOUSE...and so much more! By: Heather Ybarra

Page 12

Page 13

AmericanMilitary University

www.AMUonline.com/1

THE #1 EDUCATOR OF THE U.S. MILITARY.PROUDLY SERVING MORE THAN 60,000 MILITARY STUDENTS

Page 14

Ski Pass/water ski or knee board/wake skate: 1 hour $15 for military and $18 for civilian 2 hours $20 for military and $23 for civilian 4 hours $30 for military and $35 for civilian

All Day Pass:$40 for military and $45 for civilian Season Pass: $400.00 for military and $650 for civilian

Ski Pass w/wake board rental 1 hour $20 for military and $23 for civilian2 hours $30 for military and $33 for civilian4 hours $40 for military and $45 for civilian

All Day Pass:$50 for military and $55 for civilianSeason Pass:$500 for military and $750 for civilian

Ski Rixen Fee Structure:

Water-ski and Wakeboard Cable Way Is a state of the art water skiing system

that pulls the water sport enthusiast effortlessly over smooth waters.

Amateur or Pro Tour wake boarders will enjoy an affordable day of fun.

Page 15Page 15

ARE YOU READY FOR THENEW POSSIBILITIES?

Contact us at 877.449.3555 or visit coloradotech.edu/military

* Not all credits eligible to transfer. See the university’s catalog regarding CTU’s transfer credit policies.

**Military tuition rate applicable for Associate and Bachelor’s degrees only.Find disclosures on graduation rates, student fi nancial obligations and more at www.coloradotech.edu/disclosures. Not all programs are available to residents of all states. CTU cannot guarantee employment or salary. 88-30534 262458 02/12

Your commitment to serve our country is as meaningful to us as it is to you. CTU is proud to offer support designed specifi cally for current and veteran military personnel and their families.

Experience programs and benefi ts where you can:

prior learning assessment

Page 16

By: Heather Adams

This special Spouse’s Corner is for the Month of the Military Spouse. Our Teen

Corner will resume next month.

Relax and RechargeThe rigors of motherhood may leave you looking like something the stork dragged in – clothing with blobs of baby leavings, shoulders hunched bags under your eyelids, hair in need of a cut and a style. You might not have a clue how clever and competent you were before baby came. Take a break from the relentless demands of your children so you can again fi nd the person you were. Here are 6 ways that you can relax and recharge.

Schedule: New moms should buy a calendar that they list all their obligations, and schedule time just for them self as well – fl exible schedule of course. In order to give to your child,

you must give to yourself fi rst.

Outside Time: Many moms stay sequestered in their homes until their world is reduced to the size of a baby wipe. Getting out

of doors to go for a stroll will remind you of the beauty of nature that surrounds you and help to put your world in

focus.

Break Time: Make time for yourself by getting out of the house to do a little something that you enjoy every week. Coordinate it to go with your baby’s nap for best results. Break out the stroller and take a break yourself.

Mommy Meditation: Every day set aside a 10 to 15 minute period of time to meditate. It will help

reduce your stress levels and allow you to focus on what is important. Prepare an area of your home that

is quiet and comfy. Yoga is a great way to relieve stress.

Reconnect: Think about the hobbies and activities that you had before the baby came. Find ways to modify your interests to fi t your new lifestyle. Reconnect with your friends that you may have lost touch with and try to make friends with moms like yourself.

Creative Projects: Once a week take part in a creative activity such as scrapbooking. Find a group near you that

has similar interest. These groups gather to support one another while doing a creative project. This will give you a

chance to chat with other moms.

Make sure you visit fortbraggmwr.com to fi nd all the resources available to you as a Soldier, Family Member, Retiree, and

Civilian. Look for arts and crafts, fi tness facilities, and group exercise classes, walking trails,

mountain bike trails in Recreation or Parent support groups in ACS or

CYS.

SERVING OUR MILITARY FOR 25 YEARS.

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Mitsubishi Lancer Kia Optima

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