“How did Christmas get so over the top?” I wondered after three hours of our kids opening presents, which required a naptime before finishing.

The mere thought of moving causes our son an irrational amount of stress. Could it be that growing up in an on-the-move military family unsettled him for life?

Successful mother and daughter relationships find a way to strike the right balance.

I actually enjoy the change of seasons. It’s one of the reasons my husband and I decided to settle in New England. Perhaps my snowy Western Pennsylvania childhood brainwashed me into believing that I actually like being cold for seven months consecutively. I get very nostalgic during this time of year.

The holidays are a time of celebration, sharing and inviting friends over to feast. When our guests politely ask, “What can we bring?” we are faced with an interesting dilemma. On one hand, contributions would be nice. But on the other hand, what if they bring dishes that are strange and unfamiliar?

My father had to move, and I was enlisted to help him clean out his house. What could possibly go wrong?

Whether we know each other personally or not, we in and around the military are one people, one community, one family. We share experiences and a sense of respect for our unique lifestyle. And we take care of each other.

I haven’t put a political candidate’s election sign in my yard or campaign bumper sticker on my car. I don’t post, share or comment on political memes on social media. I’ve never attended a political rally or debate. And I haven’t yet contributed to any political campaigns. I know exactly who I’m voting for, and why, but I’ll never tell.

When I get the opportunity to dance, which isn’t often, for the most part, I sit and watch. But every once in a while, like an old dog who’s feeling frisky, I give it a go.

I see, hear and read reports of protests, riots, and violence committed over hot-button issues plaguing the U.S. You name it, people are mad about it. But is our collective situation really as dire as it sounds?