Military – Dust Bunnies and Dog Toys

Our Cutlass Heirloom

Published on July 31, 2014August 4, 2014 by JennaLeave a comment

My husband inherited his father’s Navy cutlass and wanted to display it somehow. I knew there were sword stands that would work and researched a couple online. I originally planned to have a custom one made by the same artist who made his coin holder, but the price was a bit excessive for something that wouldn’t get much notice. At one point the hubs considered making a stand, but that would have required several new tools – which was probably his real motivation – and time that could be spent on other more important projects.

When I found a basic wooden stand on a discount website I ordered it right away. Unfortunately, I soon got an email that they wouldn’t ship to Alaska and had to cancel the order. I searched on and off for the next few days and finally found one for about $15. A few dollars more for shipping and it was on it’s way.

It’s definitely not fancy, but it does the job. And because we display the flag from his dad’s service in front of the sword you really don’t see it anyway. Together they make a simple display to honor his dad. And I find it fitting that the custom art I had created from a drawing of the hubs in service hangs above them both.

Want some history on the traditions of the Navy Cutlass? This website details the origins of the Navy sword and it’s demise with the advance of modern warfare.

Coins on Display

Published on March 2, 2014March 11, 2014 by Jenna1 Comment

Most military wives are familiar with the coin tradition of the military. There are coins for missions, coins for units, coins for special occasions and even coins for secretaries of each branch. And any military member who’s been around a while has LOTS of them. After just shy of 20 years in the Coast Guard my hubby is no exception.

Although I was proud of all the accolades and moments he had collected, I wasn’t enjoying finding them all over the house or stashed away in storage. I’d heard about coin display boards thanks to this post by one of my favorite bloggers, and decided to get one for the hubs for Valentines day. When we moved and set up the curio cabinet at the new house I had the hubs sort through his coins and decide how many he’d like to have displayed. I casually showed him the different stands available and asked what he’d like his to say, then acted like it was something we’d have to get “one day”. Once I knew his preferences I secretly put in a custom order a few days later.

There wasn’t any major reaction when it arrived, but I can tell he likes it. He filled it with the coins he’d chosen to display and I made room for it in the curio cabinet, surrounded by his other keepsakes. The rest of his collection is in storage, but at least they are no longer floating around the house. There’s still room for a few more if he decides there’s others that should be on display or picks up something new during his retirement.

It’s the perfect addition to the other displays in our home of both the hubs and his Pop’s service. What displays have you created in your home to honor your family’s military service?

Some Gave All

Published on May 27, 2013June 2, 2013 by Jenna1 Comment

As I sit here on this beautiful Memorial Day with all of the windows and doors of my house open, feeling the breeze float through my home, I am thankful to those who make this life possible, especially those who gave their lives to ensure my right to live as I please. I have been blessed to have never lost one of my numerous friends or family who have served in our armed forces, but there are many who have and I hope that they know their sacrifice is not in vain – at least not in my eyes.

I may not always agree with the politics that send them on missions, but I ALWAYS support the troops. They did not choose where they would serve or what the objective is. Rather they respectfully fulfill their duties without understanding why one day a stretch of ground is worth American lives and the next it’s not.

Part of my remembrance of those who have given all includes decorating our home with a collection of red, white and blue I’ve acquired over the years. Just as it does every year, this patriotic decor will remain on display throughout the summer in celebration of Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day – reminding me of the liberties I enjoy because of the brave.

For me, the song “Some Gave All” by Billy Ray Cyrus is a fitting tribute to those we honor today. May they rest in peace because freedom isn’t FREE.

I knew a man called him Sandy Kane
Few folks even knew his name
But a hero was he
Left a boy, came back a man
Still many just don’t understand
About the reasons we are free

I can’t forget the look in his eyes
Or the tears he cries
As he said these words to me

All gave some and some gave all
And some stood through for the red, white and blue
And some had to fall
And if you ever think of me
Think of all your liberties and recall
Some gave all

Now Sandy Kane is no longer here
But his words are oh so clear
As they echo through out our land
For all his friends who gave us all
Who stood the ground and took the fall
To help their fellow man

Love your country and live with pride
And don’t forget those who died America can’t you see

All gave some and some gave all
And some stood through for the red, white and blue
And some had to fall
And if you ever think of me
Think of all your liberties and recall
Some gave all

And if you ever think of me
Think of all your liberties and recall, yes recall
Some gave all

Some gave all