Wildland Firefighter's Wives

Knott's Salutes Firefighters

2011-11-11T16:04:00.000-08:00

Firefighter and guest get in free, 6 additional guests get in for $17.00...

Just needs agency ID, Forest Service Red Cards work, we used our Link Pass last year.

A note from one of our followers

2011-10-24T16:27:00.001-07:00

Thanks so much ladies. Just reading your words, knowing you understand is so comforting. Abigail, I can't even imagine being a "single mom" for MONTHS at a time. Or maybe I don't want to! You are stronger than I. Since it's October now, I hope your WFF is home.
Trina, a 24/48 FF is far from "plain and boring"! Not only is wildland firefighting rare here. But so are full-time FDs. The communities are so small they're all volunteer. So I don't even know any wives of full-time structure FFs either!
And my husband is on the volunteer dept too. So even when his is home we lose him when the pager goes off as well. The other volunteer FF wives understand dealing with our FFs leaving during supper, baseball games, birthday parties. But they can't relate to being without him 24 hours a day.
My WFF came home on Tuesday. So we're the excitement of him being home has waned a little. Now we're dealing with reverting back to our old routine together. Even a good change is still change. The good news is it sounds like he'll be home for awhile.
Again, thanks for your thoughts. Hope to see you around this blog and other FF wife blogs in the future.

From a WFFW

2011-09-13T15:36:00.000-07:00

Here's an email I recieved from a WFFW. If you have any suggestions on how to handle her feelings, especially as a new mom. Please click on post a comment and share.

Hello!

My name is Tracy. My husband is a wildland firefighter. I've been following your blog for a few months now, and wanted to thank you for writing about it. We live in Iowa. Needless to say, wildfire isn't very common here. So I don't have any other WFF wives geographically close who understand. The wives of volunteer structure fire fighters and even local police officers can sort of relate. But it's not the same, as you know. Reading your blog makes me feel like I'm not loosing my mind.

My husband is in Marble Falls, Texas right now. Day six of his third 2-week detail of the season. Probably doesn't sound like much to you. I assume living in an area that sees fire your husband is out all the time. But it's the most my WFF has been gone since we got married five years ago. Almost six. Our anniversary is later this month. He's supposed to be home by then, but you never know.

I was excited for his first detail this season. Possibly even more so than he was. It was an adventure. And one that paid pretty well. This time it took some adjustment. Before it was just the two of us. But now we have a son who just turned one. The very first day our WFF was gone I realized what I was in for. I made a quick run to town. With my son. By myself. And I had to pee. Being the sole provider was tough. But it was still exciting. My WFF was making a difference. He was helping people. Saving property, maybe even lives. He's our hero.

Our WFF was only home for a week before he got orders for a second detail. The break was enough to rejuvenate me. I was ready to tackle another two weeks. Sure, some days were more exhausting than others. But I knew our WFF needed to know everything was OK back home. I told him we were doing great and smiled so he could hear it in my voice. And it was okay. It just wasn't the same.

When he got called this time, the excitement had worn off. I thought about every diaper change, every tear, every rough night, every daycare drop off and pick up, every feeding, every bedtime... for two weeks. More than two weeks. I was instantly tired. But the pity party didn't last long. Never does when I stop to think about the people he'll help, the lives he'll change. So I did laundry and helped him pack.

I miss him. Our son is too young to really understand. But we kiss a photo of Daddy good night. In the morning as we walk out the door, we kiss his photo again and tell him to be safe today.

Everything is fine at home. Just different.

And it's good to know someone else understands.

Teaching him about why Daddy has to leave again

2011-09-11T17:05:00.000-07:00

Our son is old enough to understand that Daddy fights fires and comes home when he puts them out. My husband has had many assignments recently that took him away from our family time on his day off. Even though we tell him, it's hard on our son, when Daddy leaves again.

We were about 15 minutes from an amusement park (we had been so excited to visit) when hubby's cell phone rang. I was dispatch with an order "immediate need" which means it's a 4 hour call back. Basically from that phone call they have 4 hours to be at work and en route to the assignment. So we turned around and headed home, our son was sad when we said we can't go (to the amusement park) because Daddy has to go to a fire. He got upset because he thought we meant we couldn't go to the park because it was on fire. Hubby & I tried to keep the attitude positive but we both felt sad that our family day plans had been canceled. We know this is part of the job and that we have to be flexible, but it's hard to explain to a 2 1/2 year old.

Yesterday, hubby and our son had some Father/Son time alone, without Mommy. They went to a kid's indoor play area and were having fun together. Hubby said he felt his phone vibrate and he just had a feeling. So he stepped aside to listen to his voicemail, and was sad to return to our son and tell him they had to leave. So hubby sat him down and said "okay we're going down the slide 2 more times, then we have to leave. Daddy has to go fight a fire." Our son told hubby on the way home, "I had fun wit ou Daddy." My husband is our hero and we're thankful for what he does to provide for our family. However, it's moments like that he said make it hard to leave us. Last night on the phone, hubby told our son how much he had fun with him today. Our son smiled and said "me too, Daddy."

I understand this job and the sudden urgency it can have. However, this is a tough one. I have to admit, I am sad when hubby leaves again, too. Please share your ideas, tips or thoughts on this by emailing me at firemans.wyf@gmail.com or posting a comment..

PS- I'd like to take a moment to offer condolences and prayers of comfort to our fellow FF wives who lost their husbands in the tragedy of 9/11. Even though our husbands may fight different types of fires, we share a common bond of being married to a fireman. We mourn with you and pray that you'll find comfort and healing as the years go by.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSvwgqwdYYU&feature=related

The little Firefighter toy

2011-08-11T19:20:00.000-07:00

We thought and thought about how we wanted to include our son in Daddy being gone, fighting fires. Our son has a large collection of fire toys (go figure.....LOL), so before my husband left for his first fire this year, he asked our son "What do you want Daddy to take on the fire?" Our son got excited, grabbed his Little People fireman and said "this one, Daddy." I am happy to share with you that I have seen the little fireman in Daddy's pocket of his nomex shirt. Every fire he goes on, he takes a picture and sends it to our son. As you can see, some are on the fire line while others are in
the area of the fire. Our son gets so excited when Daddy sends him the picture. I have kept a folder on our desktop with all the pictures and title them where the picture was taken. It will be fun to print the pictures off at the end of every season and keep them in a little photo book. I figure when our son gets older he will really love to look at the book and know that every fire Daddy has gone to, he was in Daddy's thoughts.

If you have children, I encourage you and your hubby to find something special like this. I'd love to hear some of your ideas firemans.wyf@gmail.com

Different departments, but same lives

2011-08-05T21:00:00.000-07:00

This past week an opportunity came up for myself and two other WFFW to chat. It was so nice to share similar stories and to understand lingo and feelings that only the WFF community knows. As I was visiting and laughing with them, it occurred to me that even though our husbands worked for different WFF agencies, we still had a common lifestyle. I know from experience that the FF community is a huge family. I feel like even though I have no biological sisters, I have found my sisters in the WFFW family. It's so nice to know that when things get busy, stressful or funny; other women can relate. I hope you email me your thoughts, stories or whatever that I can (moderate) and post to our blog. firemans.wyf@gmail.com

Random stuff

2011-06-21T22:11:00.000-07:00

This will be a bit longer post. First I'd like to remind that even though I'm the moderator and have control over posts, this is your blog, too. I'd like to take some time to answer a comment left from a fellow WFFW (girlfriend):
I'm a WWF gf, this is my first season. He was sent out on his first fire today. I thought I was prepared to deal with the waiting, but I'm so scared. How do you deal with the not knowing?

I have learned (15yrs now) how to deal with the waiting. One piece of advice: Stay busy, and keep your cell phone close. When you're not busy, doing things you normally would be doing, your mind has time to worry and wonder what's happening. When we first got married, I remember thinking I couldn't leave the house (this was before cell phones were really popular) because he "might" call. Now, with cell phone in hand, I continue to leave the house and have fun with family and friends. You have to "keep the fire burning" (no pun intended) while they are gone. My husband shared with me, how he feels relieved knowing that I am at home keeping things together and how he wants me to go do things. I enjoyed (before having a child) scrap booking........it's relaxing and makes me happy to see pictures with his smiling face!! My husband and I have a strong belief in God, so I just pray for his safety and pray for my peace of mind while he's gone. Hang in there, know that you are not alone in your feelings and that during fire season, especially, many women are just like you. But, from my husband's advice to me and I'm sure your BF would agree, it helps them to think clearly and do their job if they know you are okay. Plus, you have this blog to come to and read...

********************************
Now, for some random stuff (might help you, too) but I'm feeling like this needs to be posted tonight.

Tonight while saying our bedtime prayers, my son (2 1/2 yrs) informed me that he would pray. Usually I pray and he copies my words. So tonight, he bowed his head with hands folded and eyes closed. His little whisper words "Dear God, Daddy....Fire.....Home.......all done." I almost started crying knowing that in his mind, he was talking to God about keeping his Daddy safe and bring him home, soon. In a bit of regards to the above post, yes, I still worry when he's gone. I am always praying for his safety and for his strength while on the fire line. However, I have realized that as a WFF Wife and now Mommy, I have to be an example to my son. If he knows how much I love Daddy and he hears my continuously talk about Daddy, then he will grow up to know that his Daddy works hard to provide for our family. Daddy loves us and misses us. He's always thinking about us. Daddy is good at his work and loves being outside. His Daddy can't wait to come home and go play with us, too. I'm finding this whole role of being a WFFW has changed now with a child.

For my peace of mind, my husband bought this really cool device called a SPOT device. When he's in an area where he can't get cell service, he just hits the button, which sends a message to my cell phone and to my email. It is a GPS tracking device, so on a google map, it marks the exact location where he's at. I love when I get the message on my cell phone, because I feel like he had a moment to say "I'm thinking about you" but couldn't use the phone....he used his SPOT device. Tonight he told me that he programmed another button this year, to send me a message to my cell phone but not email. It will simply say "I love you." When he told me this tonight, during our phone call as he's been on a fire for 6 days and looks like it will be another 2 weeks, I wanted to cry. To know that he has moments during the day when I cross his mind, in the midst of being hot, tired and working in extreme conditions. During the day when I get the GPS message, I tell our son to come to the computer so we can see Daddy. He sits on my lap and as I zoom into the map, you can actually see a red dot in the exact area where Daddy is. Obviously it's not a live picture, in most cases it's about a year old satellite picture. But our son gets excited, puts his finger on the dot and says "I see Daddy!!" He leans in close to the computer screen and kisses it. He started saying (this week) after he kisses it "I love my Daddy". So after that random rambling, I just encourage you to find a special way to keep in touch with your WFF. I am not selling, nor do I have any intentions of selling this product. But if it's an expense you can afford, I suggest the SPOT tracking device. We also use SKYPE when he's in an area where he's on his laptop (usually travel status, not on a fire). This morning, while he was in staging, we got to SKYPE with him with the web cam. Our son had so much fun making silly faces at his Daddy and talking to him, too. For me, it was sooooo good to see him. Even though I know what he looks like (since we've been married for a long time), it is such a good feeling to see him not just hear his voice. The only part I hate, is at the end of the call, when we say "Talk to you later" and hang up. For me that part of a phone call, and now SKYPE is the hardest. We don't like to say "good-bye" because it's not, it's a "see you later" moment. To me "good-bye" seems like a permanent statement. "See you later" means we'll see each other again soon. Those are just a few funny quirks I have. I also save text messages from him, so I can read them when I'm missing him and sad. I love to read the words and feel like I can hear him say them to me. I have surrounded myself with a big support group of friends from church, other WFFW and lots of my non-fire friends & family. They help with things while he's gone and also just offer a huge support of any physical needs and also help pray for him. The friendship I have with one WFFW has been especially encouraging to me. She is awake late at night, when I can't sleep, so we text each other. We take our kids to parks and do other stuff with them, too. We don't ever have a pity party over being alone, rather we keep each other strong and encourage each other on hard days. Just to know she knows exactly what I'm going through, first hand, is so special to me. I would have never been blessed to have her friendship just because. But, because we are both very faithful, supportive WFFW, we have developed a strong friendship, too. Not to mention our husbands are on the same crew.
I hope this post isn't boring or makes you feel like I'm bragging. I simply am sharing some things that I have discovered or done over the years. Every year, I still worry. But these small things have helped me tremendously!!!

I pray for safety for your WFF this year!! I pray that you find comfort in knowing that he loves you!! Stay busy, stay strong, be supportive and love on him, lots!!

God's Chosen

2011-06-20T15:28:00.000-07:00

When the signal goes off, and he's needed to fight,

He responds without fear, knowing danger's in sight.

Whatever the order, his dispatcher cries out,

As he turns on his flashers, I hear him shout:

"Gotta run, Doll, no time for good-bye",

O I pray, Dear God, please watch over my guy.

He's gentle and loving, he's strong and he's brave,

And, forever in training for the life he might save.

Men, women, children and animals, too.

Know he will help them, or, it could even be YOU!

There are times I complain, as most wives will do,

But, soon feel guilty, knowing all he's been through.

I respect him, I need him, but -- will share him with all,

'Cause he knows that I love him, when duty does call.

I'll always stand by him, even help where I can,

For he's one of GOD'S CHOSEN -- he's MY FIREMAN.

~~by Foley~~

Parenting Advice

2011-06-16T12:37:00.001-07:00

So our son is sensing his Daddy isn't home. He's been disobeying me and throwing more outrageous temper tantrums. When he's in time-out, he cries "I want my Daddy". I feel so bad, but on the other hand I have to continue to raise him the way we've decided. How do you handle parenting when your hubby is gone???

Fire Season 2011

2011-06-13T21:24:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a while since there has been a post on here. So I am going to start this post off with an apology from me (the moderator). We have had a baby, I am a full-time S.A.H.M. and busy with many little things. This year our son is 2.5 so fire season is different, as he knows that Daddy is on a fire. He loves to talk to his Daddy on the phone, where last year I mostly did the talking for him. Our son is so proud of his Daddy and tells everyone he's going to be a big firefighter like Daddy.

So there it is in a nutshell. Yes, this blog is still alive, but I have been dragging my feet. Prayers for safety this year for your husbands.

2010-11-07T18:37:00.000-08:00

Today I recieved this email..............

Dear WFW,
Congratulations!
Madison here, and your blog, Wildland Firefighter's Wives, was determined to be one of the top resources about your topic, and has received our Top Firefighters Blogs award!
You can see your blog amongst our winners here at:www.onlineschools.org/top_firefighters/
We here at Online Schools take great pride in providing the best resources available that adhere to the vision we believe in. Including your blog within our list of resources only solidifies this vision. It would be great if you would mention this list and recognition in your blog, to let your readers know that your blog was considered to be one of the best in your category of interest.
I also hope that you at least take a look around our site, and understand exactly our mission, and take a look at our other resources. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Again, Congratulations, and I hope to see our resource list mentioned on your blog!
Cheers,Madison Evans
http://www.onlineschools.org/

I must say this is such an honor. I created this blog with hopes that we Wildland Firefighter Wives could have a place to connect, share stories, laugh together, cry together and share our pride of being a Wildland Firefighter Wife!!
This only happened because of you, the readers. Thank you for making my blog dream come true.
~~Wildland Firefighter Wife Moderator~~

Suggestions??

2010-10-27T19:53:00.000-07:00

I am looking for some helpful tips on having children. My husband & I are new parents and he's been home more than usual this season. He has had a lot of time with his son, and has a routine of playtime at night and watching Thomas the Train before bedtime. Normally the fire assignments are 14 days, but this assignment he's on, has been extended to a minimun 21 days and possible 30 days. He is feeling very homesick. I send him pictures everyday and we also talk on the phone and SKYPE as often as we can.

Do you have any suggestions for making those long assignments for the guys not so hard on missing the family??

Weird fireseason 2010

2010-10-16T16:21:00.001-07:00

So yesterday I did all this baking. Hubby was enjoying his normal dayoff with our son & myself. They went up to buy a pumpkin to carve together, I was busy making zucchini bread, fresh dinner rolls, beans & had a roast in the crock pot. I had just finished mixing all the ingredients for chocolate chip cookies, when the phone rang. "Hello" I said, "Hi is *** there this is *** from dispatch." My thought was seriously??? I handed hubby the phone and with extreme excitement in his voice said, "Oh really, where to? Oh Georgia." I had to chuckle because I guess I haven't learned my lesson yet. Never do mass baking or shopping during fireseason, because they are bound to leave. Good thing is I packaged up the cookies and sent them with him. Bread went in the freezer. I think tonight, my son & I might enjoy some fresh dinner rolls with roast and beans. This sure has been a strange fireseason, 2010.

Wildland Firefighter Bear

2010-09-19T13:01:00.000-07:00

There was a recent comment on a 2008 post in regards to the Wildland Firefighter Bear I had made for my wife on our 11th wedding anniversary. The bear was custom made by Vermont Teddy Bears . They make a standard firefighter (structure) but no wildland. They can make pretty much anything you want, just give them the specifications. The custom job is little pricey, but you do have a one of a kind bear. I placed some pictures below.

Loss of sleep.

2010-07-31T17:09:00.000-07:00

Is it just me or are there any other WFF wives that lose sleep when hubby's are gone. For some reason, my body just doesn't want to go to sleep. I feel sleepy so I go to bed, can't close my eyes, so I turn on the TV or read. Next thing I know it's like 3:ooam and I know I should sleep but just can't. This only happens when DH is gone. Do any of you experience this or am I alone on this one??
Email me your responses firemans.wyf@gmail.com or post a comment.

Are you still there?

2010-07-28T21:30:00.000-07:00

So I haven't neglected this blog, completely. Life is busy with a new baby in our house. Plus, fire season seems to be a bit slow and hubby has been home. Although he's on one of the California fires, now.
When Dadda's gone, we look forward to his evening phone call. He gives our son a night-night kiss and says "Dadda loves you." He said the best part of that phone call is when our son kisses him back. Our son holds the phone close to his lips, like it makes it closer to Dadda.
Now it's the life of a stay-at-home Mommy & Firefighter's Wife..LOL!!

If you want to share with us

2010-07-05T08:54:00.000-07:00

I have had a few comments regarding an email to send stories to. If you have a story to share, email me at firemans.wyf@gmail.com

Title the email subject: WFFW story to share

Woo Woo Woo

2010-06-24T14:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, my husband called while responding to a fire. He was going a back route to the fire, and happened to be going through our town. He wanted me to bring our son (18months) up to watch him go by. This is how the tradition started some 30 years ago. Growing up a fireman's daughter, I can remember hearing my dad get dispatched to a fire. Mom would load my brother & I in the truck and we'd go up to the local grocery store parking lot to watch dad drive by in his fire engine "code 3". As a child, I remember how excited I was to watch my dad go flying by while honking his airhorn and chirping sirens. After dad would go by, we'd go get an ice cream cone, then go to the airport to watch the firefighting airplanes go to the fire. So yesterday, this was a continuation of the tradition with our son, now. I wanted to share this post with you as well as the video I shot. Listen carefully to the end of the clip, it's cute!!
Only a proud fireman's son would do this.................

2010-05-26T11:21:00.000-07:00

So fire season has started but no big fires, yet. My husband's crew is on and he is on his summer work schedule. Our year has changed so much since last season. We are adopting a little boy. We are blessed and I am finding out what it's like to be the disciplinarian and daddy is the nice guy. My friend (WFF wife, also) told me about this, but until we actually had a child, I had no real concept of what she meant. I will try to keep up on the blog this year, but as you can imagine, life has gotten a little busier. I pray for safety for your husbands and their crews, too.
Please keep checking back for more posts.

** Any FF mommy stories you want to share with me, I'd like to hear **

2010 Fireseason

2010-05-02T09:28:00.000-07:00

Fireseason is about to begin in 2010. Postings will start probably around June 1st. Stay tuned, or email me your blog post to share.

Chief, am I really a fireman now?

2010-01-07T22:23:00.000-08:00

AM I A FIREMAN YET?
In Phoenix , Arizona , a 26 year-old mother stared down at her 6 year-old son, who was dying of terminal leukemia.
Although her heart was filled with sadness, She also had a strong feeling of determination. Like any parent, she wanted her son to grow up & Fulfill all his dreams. Now, that was no longer possible..
The leukemia would see to that. But she still wanted her son's dream to come true.
She took her son' s hand and asked, 'Billy, did you ever think about what you wanted to be once you grew up? Did you ever dream and wish what you would do with your life?'
Mommy, 'I always wanted to be a fireman when I grew up.'
Mom smiled back and said, 'Let's see if we can make your wish come true.'
Later that day she went to her local fire Department in Phoenix , Arizona , where she met Fireman Bob, who had a heart as big as Phoenix !

She explained her son's final wish and asked if it might be possible to give her 6 year-old son a ride around the block on a fire engine.
Fireman Bob said, 'Look, we can do better than that. If you'll have your son ready at seven o'clock Wednesday morning, we'll make him an honorary Fireman for the whole day. He can come down to the fire station, eat with us, go out on all the fire calls, the whole nine yards!
And if you'll give us his sizes, we'll get a real fire uniform for him, with a real fire hat - not a toy -- one-with the emblem of the Phoenix Fire Department on it, a yellow slicker like we wear and rubber boots.'
'They're all manufactured right here in Phoenix , so we can get them fast.' Three days later Fireman Bob picked up Billy, dressed him in his uniform and escorted him from his hospital bed to the waiting hook and ladder truck.
Billy got to sit on the back of the truck and help steer it back to the fire station. He was in heaven.
There were three fire calls in Phoenix that day and Billy got to go out on all three calls.
He rode in the different fire engines, the Paramedic's' van, And even the fire chief's car.
He was also videotaped for the Local news program.
Having his dream come true, With all the love and attention that was lavished upon him, so deeply touched Billy, that he lived three months longer than any doctor thought possible.

One night all of his vital signs began to drop dramatically and the head nurse, who believed in the hospice concept - that no one should die alone - began to call the family members to the hospital.
Then she remembered the day Billy had spent as a Fireman, so she called the Fire Chief and Asked if it would be possible to send a fireman in uniform to the hospital to be with Billy as he made his transition.
The chief replied, 'We can do better than that. We'll be there in five minutes. Will you please do me a favor?
When you hear the sirens screaming and see the lights flashing, will you announce over the PA system that there is not a fire?'
'It's the department coming to see one of its finest members one more time. And will you open the window to his room?'

About five minutes later a hook and ladder truck arrived at the hospital and extended its ladder up to Billy's third floor open window-------- 16 fire-fighters climbed up the ladder into Billy's room.
With his mother's permission, they hugged him and held him and told him how much they LOVED him. With his dying breath, Billy looked up at the fire chief and said,
'Chief, am I really a fireman now?'
'Billy, you are, and the Head Chief, Jesus, is holding your hand,' the chief said.
With those words, Billy smiled and said, 'I know, He's been holding my hand all day, and The angels have been singing.'
He closed his eyes one last time.

Another season over.....

2009-11-19T16:28:00.000-08:00

Fire season never ends in So. California, but for the seasonal (temp) fire fighters the season has come to an end. For a crew that on average works 800-1000 hours of Overtime in a Fire Season, this year they made less than 450 hours. Definetly was a slow season. Tomorrow night will be the "end of the season party" that happens each year. It's the last night for the crew to meet for dinner and enjoy an evening together.
My husband is doing a temporary detail as a Battalion Chief on his district. I shared this with my friends at biblestudy. I told them that if he got this temp position he'd be able to bring his "work" truck home the nights he's on call and one man (who has no idea about fire lingo) said "You mean he'll bring the fire truck home?" I had to laugh thinking about this giant fire truck that he thought would be parked in our driveway. So I played it up and said, "If you come over one night, he'll even turn the lights on for you!" Later I explained that it is a pickup truck (w/ lights & siren) that the chief drives. He felt embarassed by making that comment. So at least he'll be able to bring the work truck home and help us save on gas $$.
I hope you are preparing for your hubby/boyfriend to be home more as most of the fire seasons are stopping and slowing down for winter months.

Where did I go?

2009-11-07T22:06:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I know you think I've neglected my blog this year. No I haven't, but my mind is slow like fire season has been this year. My husband's crew is almost done for the season and our winter-mode is setting in. With days filling up with personal events, life feels hectic. So I hope your season's have all been safe and that you, too, are enjoying the time with your husbands. It's funny how we want a busy but safe season (for obvious reasons), but I must say having hubby home more this summer really did change some things. I'd take him over a fire check any day.
Happy Fall!!!!

PS- I will continue to post during the "off season" however, there isn't as much to blog about........so posts won't be frequent. Hopefully you will still follow this blog and enjoy our lives together as firemen's wives!!

Feels like Fall....

2009-09-29T15:21:00.000-07:00

Wow today feels a lot like FALL. The temps have dropped and some clouds have rolled in. Weather like this makes me realize we are near the end of fire season. Of course, it also makes me want to bake and make soup. This season seems short, of course, it wasn't normal. Hubby was home a lot more, but we still had a few good fire checks. Of course it isn't over yet, just starting to wind down.

Salad, Avacados & Fires

2009-09-23T17:46:00.000-07:00

I should have known it. My hubby has been home for awhile and I've been making him some wonderful lunches with fresh veggies. I thought this afternoon I would buy a couple avocados to cut up in his sandwich and to eat with a salad I made. Mind you, these avocados are ripe and ready to be eaten. All joking aside, as I was paying for the groceries, my cell phone rings. Hubby called to tell me they are headed to a fire. I couldn't help but laugh and ask "Are you serious?". I guess sometimes we just never learn, do we. I should have known that if I buy lettuce and fixing and 3 ripe avocados that is a sure way of getting him to leave. So the next few days, I'll be eating salad with avocado............alone!!
I can remember over the years of making dinners, and getting a phone call 5-10 minutes before the end of his day; then feeling sad cause it went to waste. I have however learned that I start making dinner when he calls to tell me he's on the road home. I try to make meals during the summer that I can cook/BBQ in 30 minutes or less. Sometimes we just have to learn tricks of the trade.

Avocado or salad..........anyone????

Busy Weekend

2009-09-07T10:10:00.000-07:00

So my dearest WFFwife friend and her daughter came up to my house on Saturday and we enjoyed a girl party. We swam, played at the park, ate some sandwiches, and did a little shopping. When we got home, we set up their bed and we watched Strawberry Shortcake. Her little one wore one of my t-shirts which we proudly let her. We kept telling her we were training her how to be a Fireman's Wife. When her daughter fell asleep, we stayed up until 1:30 just talking, watching TV and sharing some laughs. The next day we went to a bagel shop for breakfast, then we both went on our separate way. What a totally fun weekend!! It is nice to share the bond with another Wildland Firefighter Wife who has more in common than most...........her husband is on my husband's crew!!

Well today (no work....holiday today) I am going to do some Fall House Cleaning and get some of my Fall decor out. It is cooler today and feels like Fall. Our hubby's are still working on the fire in Southern California. So hope you have a wonderful Labor Day.............don't labor too hard :)

Condolensces to our WFFwives

2009-09-03T17:24:00.000-07:00

My heart is very sad for the loss that the 2 families are going through after losing their husbands in the Station Fire (Southern CA). As I have shared before that is my worst fear, yet my husband has shared with me how we should be prepared. I feel so horrible that that firefighter won't be able to love his little baby and hold them when he/she cries. That baby will only hear stories about his/her daddy's bravery as a WFF. My thoughts also go to the other wife who lost her husband. Both of those wives are forever a part of our sisterhood as Wildland Fire Fighter Wives, and I hope they can feel our love and support during this horrible time. This blog has shown to me that we are all out there and we are all connected through our husband's or boyfriend's career. May they feel comfort, peace and strength as they face the days/years ahead of them. Their husband's died doing one of the most honorable jobs........ fighting fires!!

From a WFF wife in Montana... thanks for the email/comment

2009-09-01T17:43:00.000-07:00

Hello,My husband is a firefighter for the FS in Montana, and he was just sent to the Station Fire (the big one near L.A.) I read your blog from time to time--especially when he is gone. We've been married for 2 years, and he has been in fire close to 10 years now. Its still tough to get used to the crazy lifestyle at times... I appreciate your blog, sharing your perspective and encourage other wives/girlfriends out there to share their experiences & appreciations as well.
I'll be praying for their safe return home, and for all the people displaced by evacuations. Thanks again,

Some of you have asked.....

2009-08-30T22:26:00.001-07:00

An update on the adoption process (as mentioned in the below post from August 13th). Thank you for all of your prayers and we are picking up pieces and moving forward. Waiting with hope and trust that God will bless us soon!
!
http://2cor915.blogspot.com/

My Hubby is on the big fire in Los Angeles. I'm sure a lot of your husband's are too. Many prayers for their safety.

Have a good laugh............

2009-08-29T10:05:00.000-07:00

A firefighter was working on the engine outside the station, when he noticed a little girl nearby in a little red wagon with little ladders hung off the sides, and a garden hose tightly coiled in the middle.
The girl was wearing a firefighters helmet. The wagon was being pulled by her dog and her cat. The firefighter walked over to take a closer look. 'That sure is a nice fire truck,' the firefighter said with admiration.
'Thanks,' the girl replied.
The firefighter looked a little closer. the girl had tied the wagon to her dog's collar and to the cat's testicles.
'Little partner,' the firefighter said, 'I don't want to Tell you how to run your rig, but if you were to tie that rope around the cat's collar, I think you could go faster.'
The little girl replied thoughtfully, 'You're probably right, but then I wouldn't have a siren.'

Girl's weekend

2009-08-22T21:23:00.000-07:00

This weekend has been fun. The captain's wife and I hung out yesterday afternoon. We did some shopping and enjoyed a small lunch at Chili's. Then this afternoon her and her daughter came up to my house and did some swimming, then we enjoyed a nice salad bar and some ice cream at Sizzler's. We retreated to my house with our comfy clothes and stuffed tummies, to watch some TV. My dogs even got a treat by playing outside with her daughter. Tonight it was funny 'cause her husband called with his "nightly" call and she said they were at my house, then he said "HI" to me. I laughed and said where is ____ (my dh). About 5 minutes later, my house phone rang and guess who it was......my husband!! I told him that _____'s ( the captain) wife was getting ready to leave. So I called him back.
Us girls decided next fire assignment, we should have a girl's slumber party and watch movies and eat popcorn....yum yum!!
So the life of this WFF wife this weekend has been shopping, eating and hanging out with another WFF wife.
Now I'm tired and thinking' about laying on the couch to watch some senseless TV.

**Hope all of your hubby's are safe and you are having a good season, too **

That's my job, right?

2009-08-21T07:59:00.000-07:00

Today I am meeting (ST) for lunch. Her husband works for my husband on the crew. We are meeting for lunch (yum yum) and then we both have to do some shopping. Now wait a minute, I do believe (IN SMALL PRINT) that the duties of a WFF wife is to shop!! I don't spend a whole lot of money as I know my DH has worked hard for every penny of it. But I've been itchin' all summer for a chance to go by some things. I hope you'll agree with me, "That's my job, right?"
Let's see there's Old Navy, Foot Source, Barnes & Noble, Target & Bath & Body Works......... oh today will be fun. I am only taking cash, so when it's gone, I go home!!

Thank you to special FF wives

2009-08-13T22:29:00.000-07:00

I have enjoyed this blog and seeing your comments and sharing stories with you. I want to briefly share we had a devastating situation with the adoption of the baby boy, born Sunday pm. I have always had such a close relationship with WFFwife (ST) who will talk to me on the phone when our hubby's are gone. We have shared many stories of being WFF wives and lots of laughs, too. Thank for your friendship and for always being there. Also, a special friend (EC) who we haven't even met, but we have shared more emails and texts, laughs and tears, too. Thanks for your support and prayers. Being a WFF wife is a special job in itself, but gaining friends who can relate to being a FF wife, is truly special. I have hard days and moments of saddness, but your (EC) emails make me smile. I can't wait until we meet in person. The love and prayers from these 2 women mean so much to me. My dh is gone on a fire assignment, and those lonely nights suddenly seem a little more lonely. The joy and excitement we had at this time last week, suddenly came crashing down. One day at a time right........
Love you all and thank you for being part of this blog.

Last fire assignment (for a while)

2009-08-02T19:30:00.001-07:00

I have to share this story with my faithful WFFwives blog readers.

My husband & I have been on the journey to adopt a child for about 2 years now. We were recently selected by a birthmom to adopt her baby BOY, at birth. She is due August 9th (7 days to go). We are filled with joy as we are quickly filling the nursery with some things to get us started. We have been praying for a child for 12 years now, but God has it planned in his own time, not ours. We know this is our baby, because of so many things that have happened.

Hubby is on his way to a fire in CA with his crew today. He will be back Tuesday PM as we are suppose to meet the BM on Wednesday am. He joked and said this was his last fire assignment for a while, so he is going to make money for baby booties & diapers. He works for such an amazing agency that allows and encourages family time. He will be able to (in the middle of fireseason) take a few weeks off to spend time at home with me & baby. We are truly blessed and we are looking forward to the many years of joy with our baby. As you can imagine, we are doing the nursery in doggies & fire trucks. All of the clothes I have so far are YEP you guessed it firefighter baby things. My mom gave me a shirt last night that says "When I grow up, I wanna be a fire chief".

So anyways, I wanted to share this firefighter wife's story about a fire and a special gift.

I pray that all of you and your husbands are having a safe and good summer!!

Do ya like salsa?

2009-07-26T16:50:00.000-07:00

Do ya like salsa? Do ya like HOT salsa? Try this......

I made it for my husband's crew and the only thing that didn't get consumed was the bowl. Word of warning, this is only for the brave. And for those who are very brave add mucho (lots) of jalapenos & jabanero sauce!!! Enjoy....

1 15oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 11oz. can whole kernel corn, drained

1 avacado, chopped

2 medium tomatoes, chopped OR 1 15oz. can of chopped tomatoes

1/4 c. red bell pepper, finely chopped

1/3 c. fresh cilantro, finely chopped

1/4 c. fresh lime juice (about 2 times squeezed)

minced jalapeno pepper, chopped (ADD TO YOUR DESIRE)

**seeds dropped in make it HOTTER!**

jabanero sauce (ADD TO YOUR DESIRE)

Directions

Combine all ingredients except avacado. Cover and chill at least 2 hours (overnight makes it spicier). Add avacado before serving. Serve with chips.

Condolences

2009-07-25T09:24:00.000-07:00

As a Wildland Firefighter's Wife, I feel it is only appropriate to add my words to the WFF community as they deal with the passing of Tom Marovich, a firefighter on the Modoc National Forest. He was working with the Chester Helitack Crew from the Lassen National Forest. So young, only 20 years old, with a career in the Forest Service just beginning. Such an honor though all of the postings on http://wildlandfire.com/ (THEY SAID) from his supervisors.

So from the Wildland Fire Fighter Wives blog, our condolences to the family and crew of Tom.

If you are not a member of the 52 club and the Wildland Firefighter Foundation, now is the time to read about it: http://www.wffoundation.org/ and become a member. Spouses, parents and friends can join, not just the firefighters. It's only $1.00 a week.

As a wife, I pray that I never have to experience this..... but God is in control!

Things that make you go hmm.....

2009-07-20T23:19:00.000-07:00

Okay I'm beginning to worry if my fellow fireman's wives have vanished. I know it's been a slow season and many of us have husband's around more than usual, but hopefully you haven't given up on our blog. I hope and pray that you are all safe and your husbands/boyfriends are safe, too. Things are beginning to pick up with all the lightning activity in the Southwest and parts of Montana. It is definetly a late season and not usual. So tonight I am wondering if you are out there and what's on your minds. Just some things that make you go hmm.....

Also, on a side note kudos to the wife of the Sierra Hotshot FF who shared her story of being a WFF wife on Where's there's smoke. It was a documentary about WFF in California. I didn't catch her name, but hopefully she follows this blog and knows who she is. She did so amazing sharing the challenges we face as wives and as moms. When the guys are gone, then come home again, it is an adjustment for everyone in the home. Anyways, it was on Dishnetwork's DOCUMENTARY channel. Way to go!!!

My husband is off to one of the lightning fires in Southern CA. So it is beginning to feel like fireseason. Not to mention the extreme temperatures we've been enduring. Days like these make me appreciate winter days more.

S.....L.....O......W

2009-07-17T16:42:00.000-07:00

****DISCLAIMER****
I am very thankful that no property and/or lives have been harmed by wildfires this year. I am posting this with thoughts from a Wildland Fire Fighter's wife's point of view.

This year has been extremely SLOW! I know that nationally things haven't been as busy as they have in past seasons! We infact have been married over 10 years and have never experienced this slow of a season. I know the weather is playing a big role in this fire season. However, I feel horrible for my husband & his crew as they wait each day for the tones of a dispatch or a phone call for an off forest assignment. Our radio traffic on the scanners cover both CalFire & USFS, so everytime you hear the tones for a call, you freeze, only to hear "Medical Aid...."
Again, let me express that I am grateful no property and/or lives have been lost in WF, I know my husband trains and lives for this time of year when he is used to fighting WF. After talking with him last night, he explained it like so:
Imagine there were absolutely no crime, no criminals, and no speeders. Cops would be bored out of their minds. Then if they heard of an incident in a town farther away, they'd get their hopes up for a call for backup.
Again, this is not to say I'm thankful for crime.....I AM NOT!!
It's just a picture to compare how bored the guys (and girls) are. I am hoping that for their sanity sakes we at least start going to some small fires. I hope this season will pickup and not be so SLOW!

Smokey Bear was there at the beginning

2009-07-08T21:01:00.001-07:00

In June 1998 the Smokey Bear Hot air Balloon was in Southern CA at our local Firefighting Air Attack Base.

I was involved in the Volunteers In Prevention (VIP) for CDF (now Cal Fire), visiting schools to teach fire prevention. Well, I received a phone call at home from the person in charge of the VIPs, asking me to be a Representative in the balloon at the Airport Open House. So I was so excited, I could hardly wait to share with my "boyfriend" (now hubby) that I had been chosen to do this. When I saw him and shared my news, he said he also heard that (name not mentioned in blog) would be going up as the USFS Representative. He was happy for me, but bummed that he wouldn't be there. Well the day of the special event came and my "boyfriend" showed up in his uniform, to take me to the airport. I was a little curious why he was in uniform. He shared with me that his boss wanted him there in uniform, too. Hmm, okay, sounds good (I am a blond, so I was clueless). So at the pancake breakfast my little cousin said "do you know that......" and before she finished my aunt covered her mouth. Still clueless I went on my way. My dad (who also works for CDF) was there, as well as other family members. I was amazed to see that my grandparents were there too, as well as news reporters & cameras. WOW I thought this must be some balloon! So we drove down to the field in a CDF van (my "boyfriend", my dad & my aunt with her camera). The process to prep the air balloon began. Lots of people were gathering to see this. He said that so & so didn't show up, so his boss wanted him to go up in the balloon with me. After 1 hour of no success, the air balloon pilot came over to us. He stated that the winds were too strong, so we'd need to come back later to try again. I was okay with that, but my boyfriend was P.O. and we got back in the van. I was like, it's no big deal, I have a heat-headache and I'm hungry. So let's go home, eat some lunch, rest and come back. My dad leaned over and said to him "what's plan B?" Still clueless, I thought nothing of this comment. So we returned after some lunch, my head still throbbing. The winds still weren't cooperating, so they couldn't fly the balloon. The "cold air" version of this balloon (also about 10 times smaller) was on the ground in the middle of the activities. The pilots wanted to get our picture in front of this balloon. So my boyfriend came to the car where I was sitting and told me this news. I was not in the mood to have my picture taken due to my headache. However, I did what they wanted. I stood next to my boyfriend in front of the balloon.

I was amazed at how many people were gathering around us. I saw other FF friends, and news reporters. As the main photographer stood in front of us, he asked me to remove my sunglasses. I was getting upset (with my headache pounding) and I sarcastically answered, "NO". My boyfriend whispered just do it, quickly. After my response, the crowd grew REALLY REALLY quiet, and some expressions changed on people's faces. Next thing I knew he was on his knee, with an open ring box. "Will you marry me?" was my boyfriend's words. At which I obviously said "YES". The crowd roared with excitement as he placed the ring on my finger. I was so embarrassed, happy and shocked. Now the whole picture made since of that day. He had all this planned out, prearranged with the USFS Public Relations person. All of the news channels and my family had been briefed of this surprise, too. Everyone who knew did such a great job at keeping such a secret, I had no idea. His ultimate plan was to propose in the balloon, but things happened and changed the plans.

What a special day to remember. He is so romantic! He definitely took a lot of thought and special planning to make this happen. It definitely wasn't your normal proposal setting. So Smokey Bear is a big part of our lives, not just because he's my husband's boss, but because he was at our proposal, too.

**PICTURES ARE NOT FROM THE ACTUAL EVENT, FOUND ONLINE**

Not your usual post

2009-07-06T19:36:00.000-07:00

This is totally off subject of being a fireman's wife, but today these thoughts have been on my mind and I feel the need to share. Some things totally gross me out, not like phobias, but like gagging gross things. When I go to the beach with my friends or shopping with my mom, it is only normal to go to the bathroom at least twice. I vouge to never touch a public toilet flush handle with my hands. I only use one of my two feet to gently push down the flusher. I love those automatic flushing toilets, where you just walk away :)

I hate the smells in bathrooms, and I mean everything from you know what to icky floor mop water.

I can't stand people who sneeze or cough in public places and don't cover their nose or mouth. I understand why you are now told to not use your hands to cover your mouths/noses but use your sleeve or something. Please don't share it with me!!

Here's some more gross facts:

3 feet:The distance droplets can travel after a cough or a sneeze.

20 feet:The distance fecal bacteria can travel from the toilet after it's flushed.

7.2 billion: The number of germs in the average kitchen sponge.

25,000: The number of germs, per square inch, on an office telephone.

49: The number of germs, per square inch, on a toilet seat.

JUST A FYI

2009-06-22T13:13:00.000-07:00

Just a FYI: any replies to a blog post, will be sent to my email for approval. I set it up that way, so we didn't get any inappropriate posts (we have in the past). Please don't let that stop you for replying! Also, please feel free to share your stories with me. Send those to wwfwives@cox.net with a subject of: PLEASE POST. We want to hear from you, I'm sure you all have a funny story, sad story or just a story about being a WFF Wife.

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-20T21:13:00.000-07:00

To my Father,

I thank you for all your hard work. For the long hours you've put in to provide a nice life for me. Thank you for loving Mom, and always having hugs for us. I thank you for your strong arms to hold me when I ran to you when you came home from your shifts. Thank you for never complaining (at least in front of us), but showing us your dedication. Work is important, but you made it to all of our important events and accomplishments (even if you brought your fire truck & FFs). It is such a wonderful feeling when I tell people, "my dad's a fireman". When I tell people my last name (maiden name, now) they know who I am, because of you. People know you for your dedication, your honesty, your leadership and your knowledge. If only the younger generation of WFF knew you and all you did for the department, they'd appreciate you, too. They haven't had the opportunity to work under your leadership. They haven't had the chance to go into a dangerous fire, with you leading them with safety first. I am so proud of you. When mom drove us uptown to see you go code 3 through town, on the way to a fire, I felt so proud. I wanted to shout out to the town, "That's my dad." When I hear your voice on the radio I am so proud of you. You have been such a wonderful role model. Thank you for everything you have taught me. Thank you for being not just my Dad, but an amazing FATHER. For it any man can be a Dad, but only special men get the honor of being a Father.

So I wish you a HAPPY FATHER'S DAY now!

With Love,

Your Daughter

**PS- My husband & I don't have children yet, so I wrote this to my Father. I hope you share with your husband or dad just how much you appreciate them and all they do for your family**

Awesome site for adults and kids!

2009-06-13T17:11:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n742FOlH5zg&feature=channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibMAd71V8DI&feature=channel

It will be different

2009-06-11T16:52:00.000-07:00

This winter we lost our family dog, Sparky. He wasn't just a family dog, he was our baby. My husband got him as a Christmas gift for me our 1st Christmas. He has lived with us through sad times & happy times. No matter what the day was like, when we came home, he was always happy to see us. Our 2nd dog, Bear came into the family when Sparky was 4 years old. The two "boys" were such a joy to see pal around. They loved to run in the yard, they loved to sit in the sun together and would cuddle on the doggie bed. Then 3 years ago, we brought our little girl (white boxer) in the family. She was a fire season surprise but has also brought much joy into our lives. We lost Sparky in April and it happened so quickly and was very sad. He was running around 3 days prior to his death, no signs of anything other than old age (he was 12 years old). Things progressed quickly and thankfully my husband was home and took Sparky to the vet. We ended up in a pet hospital with him very ill. I sat by his side and petted him until the time came for him to have a sonogram. They found cancer in most of his body. It was not what you want to hear, when you have a pet you love so much. After talking with the vet, it became obvious that he was in much pain and we'd need to do the inevitable. My husband had seen other animals put to sleep, so he knew what would happen. The vet explained to me what would happen to our baby. She encouraged us to sit with him and touch him so he knew we were there. I laid my head on him and was obviously very upset (many tears, it hurt so bad), and shortly after I laid my head on him, he took his final breath. Our dear "child" pet had left this earth. I walked out quickly with my husband, who was holding me tight. I was so thankful that he was there and it felt good to cry into his arms. That night we reminisced all the memories we had of him. We kept seeing his favorite places to lay, his toys, his dog hairs on the blanket where he laid the night before on our bed.

His collar is hanging on a shelf in our house. I put his food bowl away, and we have a picture of him on the fridge. We will be laying his ashes to rest at my parents home (where he loved to visit). Mommy & Daddy loves you Sparky! May you enjoy the green grassy fields in heaven. Run and play. We will see you again someday.

This fire season it will be different though. The other 2 dogs, are faithful and such a special part of our family. Each dog is so unique!! Sparky did something that will be missed very much. From the time he was a small pup, he'd lay by the front door in the evening. When he heard hubby's truck pull in the driveway he'd get so excited then he'd greet daddy at the door with licks and tail wags. I remember it like it was yesterday, what he looked like the first time when hubby didn't come home. It was summertime and of course he'd been sent on a fire. Sparky laid by the front door. I'd walk by and he'd look up at me with those big brown eyes, like he was saying "Where's dad?" It was so cute, yet so sad. How do you explain that to a pet? Each summer from that point on, he'd lay by the front door. He did that every summer, and I'll miss that this year. So I will snuggle with our other dogs and spoil them with hugs, kisses and vanilla ice cream (their favorite treat). But nonetheless, it will be different......

The last picture of him at the hospital

2009-06-03T07:04:00.001-07:00

Please share with me:

1. Do you like the layout of this site?
2. Do you use any of the links?
3. Any links or sites you've found to be helpful?
4. Do you like helpful posts, funny posts or serious posts?

I will use your input to make this site more user friendly. Even though I am the moderator and usually the only one who posts on this site (unless I post your email), your thoughts are important to me. So post your thoughts or email them to wffwives@cox.net
Have a great Wednesday!!

Do you get used to it?

2009-05-31T17:07:00.000-07:00

One of the post comments asked that question: "Do you ever get used to it?"
I know speaking for me, that answer is NO. Even though I know that fire season is here and I know that his job takes him away from home for (what seems like) really long times, I never can prepare myself for that enough. We've been married over 10 years now, and I can honestly say, it is a challenge "sharing him" with the Federal Government. When he's gone: Quiet is too quiet, Watching movies is no fun, and eating alone is sad. I find that having this blog and also having friendships (with other wives) in my husband's agency have been my saving grace. Yes, it is nice to know that no matter how many years you've been "doing this" we are here to support each other. I have said this before, but I'm going to say it again..... I am so happy that many of you have found this blog to be comforting and helpful as we live as WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER WIVES.
I pray for a safe fire season for all of our guys. I also pray that you will enjoy every moment with them when they are home. Life is short!

FAMILY DAY 2009: food and waves good-bye

2009-05-24T16:09:00.000-07:00

My husband's crew has a FAMILY DAY each year right after their training and before the season gets busy. Everyone brings a little something and there is a lot of yummy food. We had chips, salsa (I made home-made), carne asada, tortillas and lots of yummy desserts, too. We were enjoying the afternoon under the oak trees at this park meeting all the FFs and their families. All of the sudden we hear "BEEP, BEEP, BEEP" and every family member knows when you hear those, you freeze. That is the pre-alert tones for a vegetation fire. As luck would have it, the crew was dispatched to a fire in the area. As little ones waved good-bye and yelled "bye daddy" and some of us snuck out a quick kiss, we watched the crew put on their fire shirts, load up in their rigs and off they went with their lights flashing. So those of us who were left behind, were left to clean up the stuff. We packaged it all up, loaded most of it in my car, and the BBQer in another FF's dad's truck, picked up our trash and said our good-byes.
What a way to end the picnic. Kinda sad, but we all know it is part of their jobs and we have to be flexible.

A new haircut

2009-05-17T07:11:00.000-07:00

In our home we have this "fire season" ritual of a new haircut. Well, actually it's not NEW it's just a new one for the year. My husband doesn't have long hair, but grows his hair out for off-season months. He styles it and makes it look nice. However, once you start wearing those hot helmets, that make your head sweat, hair styling just doesn't work. So yesterday afternoon, he said "well I think it's time for the clippers." I don't know how many of you can relate, but I have always used the clippers (with a guard) to shave his head. So yesterday afternoon I buzzed his hair and swept up the clippings. He joked and said "okay you're next." My hair is down to the middle of my back, so shall we say "um NO."
But on the flip side of things, there have been days when I've had "bad hair" days and have considered it. I don't want this to happen to me by any means, and I'm not making fun of anyone who does this. I have a friend who's going through chemo-therapy for cancer and has lost all of her hair. She has some amazing wigs, that are styled really cute. I said to her "you are one hottie with all those styles." She laughed and said "and I used no hairspray!" I guess it's good to find humor in many situations, even sad ones.
Happy Sunday! I pray that you have a safe week and wherever your husbands are, they too are safe!

Like Father, like Son

2009-05-12T13:45:00.000-07:00

I have to share this cute little story from a little boy. I work at an Elementary School as a librarian and love to hear the words from mouths of babes. This little first grade boy always checks out this book called FIRE FIGHTER. So today I said "are you going to be a Fire Fighter when you grow up?" His cute little answer was "No, Mrs. _______ I'm going to be a small boy Fire Fighter. My dad is a big Fireman." It was so cute..

.....

Happy Mother's Day!!

2009-05-10T14:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all of you moms. I hope that you feel appreciated and know that we have the greatest job in the world. As a fireman's wife, we also have a hard job, especially as Mothers. Most of the summer, we raise our children as a single parent, while our husbands work hard to protect our homes and land. So I hope you have a very special day!

Today is the 1st day for my husband's crew. So for our house, it is officially fire season. I have dreaded this day for a while now, since we've enjoyed such a nice winter full of fun and also some relaxation.

I will be checking and/or posting every other day now. I told you that I'd get back to things as soon as he went back to work.

Send me your stories you'd like to post, also. wffwives@cox.net

It's getting closer...

2009-04-20T18:18:00.000-07:00

Okay it is plain HOT here in Southern CA. I can't believe it's only April and it feels like mid-May. Our lawn is already starting to turn brown.....guess we'll be watering tonight. My husband's crew will be coming on soon and I'm so not looking forward to fire season. I'm sure the mood is changing around your house, too. It seems like he starts getting antsy and feeling the firefighter fever. Anyways, I will start posting on here more often once things pick up again. Please share with me any of your ideas or thoughts on pre-season stuff.

Spring is here, which means summer is around the corner

2009-03-30T10:07:00.000-07:00

Please stay tuned for a new, improved site. It will look better than last year (I hope). Before hubby gets busy, he's going to help me make some changes.
I have not left ya.............hope you haven't left me.

I have not abandoned you

2008-11-16T22:09:00.000-08:00

I have been having TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES with the blog settings. Can't seem to find the link to accept Posts. Unfortunately, I am not an expert in this area, only my wonderful, hard-working WFF husband. So stand by until he gets home and can update things. He's currently in Southern CA on a fire.

2008-10-31T06:48:00.000-07:00

technical difficulties

2008-10-24T13:44:00.000-07:00

I have been informed that my POST link is missing. I apologize for the inconvience and will have hubby look at it tonight. Stay tuned for update on fix.

Set our date night

2008-10-18T14:30:00.000-07:00

Hubby got home yesterday from a fire in Northern CA. We heard that one of our favorite groups is coming to our area, so we booked tickets last night. Sounds like it's a DATE NIGHT to me. I absolutely look forward to special date nights. We have a wonderful time, just hanging out but DATE NIGHTS are super!! I hope as the season begins to wind-down that you and your hubby take time to plan for a date night. My challenge is a DATE NIGHT every month. A date night can be as simple as going to dinner, alone, together. Or going to an event where you have to get all dolled up. When we do these things, I reminisce when we "DATED" before marriage and that's the mindset I use for getting ready. Post a comment so other readers can see what you enjoy doing for date night?? I love seeing what you enjoy to do. It might give other ideas. I am feeling blue, because I see many of you are reading the blog, but nobody wants to comment. BOO HOO BOO HOO

Rainy evening, baking pumpkin bread

2008-10-04T21:25:00.000-07:00

This fall weather always inspires me to get out some baking recipes and become Betty Crocker. Today we are getting some very peaceful light rain. It smells so good outside and it is so soothing, and it's perfect for reading, too. When we start getting this cooler weather it reminds me that we are almost done with the worst fire season months. Some of you are anxiously awaiting the date your husband has recieved for his seasonal lay-off. However, others of us, still have full-time working firemen husbands.

I have to share this funny story. My silent identity was blown by my dear husband. I have been building a wifey relationship with another WFF wife, who has a husband in SoCal, too. We are hoping to meet this winter in person. As it turns out, our husbands have been on many fires together without even knowing eachother. Well, my husband shares with me how he was talking to some supervisors who work with her husband. He asked about her husband and the supervisors said "how do you know him?" My husband shared how his wife & I were communicating through email and sharing stories. He told them that I have this website for WFF wives. They all said "oh your wife does the WFF wife blog!!" SO MUCH FOR BEING A MYSTERIOUS WIFE (hahaha). The supervisors told my husband a little about her husband, who is a hard working FF on their crew. So I shared this story with his wife and to my amazement......her husband has walked by my husband (who is a supervisor) and knows who he is, but neither have introduced themselves to eachother. How funny is that!! His wife & I are emailing and learning a lot about eachother and our families, and they have actually seen eachother in person. I guess it's a small world!! So hopefully we will meet eachother, with our husbands when they aren't so dirty and tired on a fireline or in firecamp.

Hope you are all staying busy while your hubby is at work!!

Just when I thought it was over....

2008-09-28T19:47:00.000-07:00

This fall weather and hubby at home for a few days, had me fooled. I had just begun to think that possibly fire season was coming to an end... RING RING RING.......
He got a call for a fire order this morning. Got dressed, ate breakfast, kissed me "see you later" (never say good-bye) and was gone. Just like that, he was home and just like that, he's gone. BOO HOO BOO HOO
How much longer????
About this time of the season, I am really looking forward to those vacation and weekend get-a-ways we have planned for late Fall/Winter months. I constantly look at the calendar about this time of year, able to see the end of November (hopefully the end-of-the-season)........so close, yet so far.
Hope your husband's fire season has been safe. And I hope you are still hanging in there..........

What do you want

2008-09-21T16:36:00.001-07:00

What kind of topics do you want to discuss?

Please share some ideas with me about what you'd like to talk about as "Wildland Fireman's Wives."

ONLY YOU......the new generation

2008-09-15T10:12:00.001-07:00

I work at an Elementary School and have spoken with a few Kindergartners. I am sad to say that this new generation doesn't know who Smokey Bear is, nor do they know what he says. I know I am dating myself when I say, I even remember Woodsy the Owl ("give a hoot, don't pollute"). So who is to blame that they don't know about him?? Well it's me, and it's you!! We have somewhere failed as adults to teach the younger children about fire safety and fire prevention. I remember being involved with a group of V.I.P. (Volunteers In Prevention) and we would go to the Elementary schools in our area, teaching the students about fire safety/prevention and we'd always take Smokey Bear with us!! I am wondering if kids even would spot him out, if they saw him. When it's fire prevention month (I believe October) why are fire trucks showing up to do talks with children?? What happened to a Firefighter (or a group of them) bringing Smokey Bear in to teach the children. We are losing a valuable resource in our country, and we should be ashamed. We wonder why children play with matches and some even become arsonists. Think about how many fires your husband has gone on this year. Think about the fact that the person who started one of those fires may not have known about Smokey Bear, and that he wants us to prevent forest fires. How sad is that!! I hope I am not rambling, but I am very sad. My family talked about Smokey Bear, often. In fact:

Smokey the Bear, Smokey the Bear,

prowlin' and a growlin' and a sniffin' the air.

He can smell a fire before it starts to flame.

That's why the call him Smokey,

that was how he got his name.

was one of the first songs I learned to play on the piano. I hope that as we move into fall and fire prevention months, that we would take time out to teach our children and the other children about Smokey. After all, Smokey is my husband's boss!!

Stay Safe and Remember: ONLY YOU CAN PREVENT FOREST FIRES!!

There's only a 2 months left!!

2008-09-14T19:35:00.000-07:00

The picture is just for kicks!!

I am so happy that we are on the down side of fire season. However, those of us who live in Southern CA know that fire season can be 12 months........ This fall weather (cool nights, mild days) are making me miss my honey even more. I am getting tired of "leaving again" and I want him home more. Isn't it funny how we go crazy when the guys are home during the winter all the time, but then during spring/summer/fall we miss them like crazy. I know that unfortunately we haven't even hit the "prime weather" of fire season in Southern CA.

Anyone still there??

2008-09-07T14:15:00.001-07:00

I apologize for not blogging anything lately. Sometimes life gets hectic and things get all out of wack. We moved back into our house (after the flood) 1. 5 weeks ago. There is so much to unpack and clean. The nice thing is hubby has been home, so his help has been wonderful, especially since he left before everything got packed up.

Today, while sitting on the couch, I heard the dispatch call Battalion _ _. Then a few moments later the BC called asking for my husband. I informed him that he was at work, duh. About 3 minutes later, I get a phone call, which was revealed by caller ID to be his station. I answered the phone, "oh this can't be good." He said they had been ordered back to Northern CA for some staging due to some extreme fire conditions. So bye, bye again. Just when I was beginning to enjoy his company, he gets snatched up again. I guess the season isn't over yet. The sad thing is Southern CA hasn't even hit the peak fire season months, accompanied by extreme santa ana winds, and dry vegetation. I hope you husbands are all safe, and maybe you can enjoy some "home" time with the, too.

Stay strong!!

The Story of Fireproof

2008-08-28T16:30:00.000-07:00

At work, inside burning buildings, Capt. Caleb Holt lives by the old firefighter's adage: Never leave your partner behind.At home, in the cooling embers of his marriage, he lives by his own rules. Growing up, Catherine Holt always dreamed of marrying a loving, brave firefighter...just like her daddy. Now, after seven years of marriage, Catherine wonders when she stopped being "good enough" for her husband.Regular arguments over jobs, finances, housework, and outside interests have readied them both to move on to something with more sparks. As the couple prepares to enter divorce proceedings, Caleb's father challenges his son to commit to a 40-day experiment: "The Love Dare."Wondering if it's even worth the effort, Caleb agrees-for his father's sake more than for his marriage. When Caleb discovers the book's daily challenges are tied into his parents' newfound faith, his already limited interest is further dampened.While trying to stay true to his promise, Caleb becomes frustrated time and again. He finally asks his father, "How am I supposed to show love to somebody who constantly rejects me?"When his father explains that this is the love Christ shows to us, Caleb makes a life-changing commitment to love God. With God's help, he begins to understand what it means to truly love his wife.But is it too late to fireproof his marriage? His job is to rescue others. Now Caleb Holt is ready to face his toughest job ever ... rescuing his wife's heart.

This movie is coming out on September 26, 2008........we all should go see this with our husbands. Here's a link to the trailer....... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYsQFH1T9Xs

4 minutes left

2008-08-15T08:16:00.000-07:00

Okay, I can remember when my father (retired CDF Captain) would call home from a fire camp phone with only a certain amount of time to talk. Not much time, when you have a lot to talk about. Well, thankfully we have advanced into a new era where we can talk to our husbands on cell phones for unlimited time. My husband is currently on a fire where his crew has been "spiked out" and I haven't talked to him since last Friday evening, late and for a brief time since he was tired. So I have not had any phone calls and am anxiously awaiting his call at any moment. Yesterday afternoon I had a meeting for work, so I took my cell phone knowing that if he called I could step out and talk to him. My phone recieved a few calls from my friends, which I ignored. However, two numbers showed up and I didn't recognize the area code, so I ignored them, too. (If you remember due to the house flood we are still at my parents home) When I got home, my mom said "Did you get to talk to him? He called here twice and also tried your cell phone. She told him that I would be bummed since I missed his call. I was in fact sad when I heard he called and I ignored the call. He had called me from a phone in fire camp, since cell coverage was zero there. That explains the area code phone call I recieved. So I carried my cell phone closely yesterday afternoon in hopes that he'd call again. My mom said he told her he was headed back out to spike camp and didn't know when he'd be able to call back. I had to hold on to hope!! As the hours went by, it was obvious that he wasn't going to call. Last night around 10:45 mom's house phone rang. I jumped up and ran to where her phone was, it was him!! They had come back into camp to restock on supplies so they could head out again today. While we were chatting, he told me "we only have 4 minutes left" because I'm on a fire camp phone. Now that brought some old memories back!! We hurried and talked quickly. He asked me "well anything else" um as quickly as I could think, nothing popped in my mind. So with a "well see you later and I love you" we hung up. (We never say "good-bye" because that sounds so permanent, we only say "see you later") As I layed in bed, happy to hear his voice I did remember something important I needed to ask him. Oh well, I guess I will have to wait for the next 10 minute phone call, when that will be I don't know.

Such a sad loss

2008-08-07T17:21:00.000-07:00

Most of you have probably heard about the tragic accident this past week on the Shasta Trinity N.F. involving the Grayback Forestry crew. Here is the latest:
As of 1200 PST today, President Mike Wheelock of the Greyback Forestry said....
Here is what I can tell you. This was a tragic accident that resulted in three injured and seven missing firefighters. Two of the injured are at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento and one is at Mercy Medical Center in Redding. The families are with all the injured.We have almost completed the process of notifying the families of the missing firefighters. I ask and plead with you to let us get through the healing process, including the notification of our families and the care of the injured and our employees. We mobilized chaplains and incident management teams to help the families. We are also working closely with the US Forest Service and other related agencies to meet the needs of the families and affected employees.Ten firefighters from our company were part of a 20-person organized crew that was working in steep/remote terrain on the Shasta Trinity National Forest on the Iron/Alps complex.For four days, prior to the accident, the crew had been successfully and heroically defending a section of critical line that had to be held to avoid serious, long-term problems. The weather had changed and the firefighters were being evacuated off the mountainside. The first 10-person crew was successfully transported to base camp and the helicopter returned for the remaining part of the crew. And then the accident occurred. Many of our crews are standing down and have returned home. They are experiencing great grief about the missing and those who are injured.I’d like to say the entire fire community is one big family and all are affected when one is affected. The agencies, contractors and all the support people risk their lives every day fighting these fires. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers during this summer because it is still early in the fire season.I have just visited with Rick Schroeder who is a patient here at Mercy. He is doing well. He is alert and surrounded by his family and loved ones. He wants to thank everyone who has been caring for him. He’d like some time to heal both mentally and physically and then will consider sharing his story with others. While many of us are in our safe houses, these firefighters are risking their lives for us every day.Once again, on behalf of Greyback Forestry and its family of firefighters, thank you for all of the concern and support you have extended to us. Please keep all of the firefighters and their families in your thoughts and prayers.
The names they have released are:
Shawn Blazer, 30 from Medford, Ore.
Scott Charleson, 25 from Phoenix, Ore.
Matthew Hammer, 23 from Grants Pass, Ore.
Edrik Gomez, 19, from Ashland, Ore.
Bryan Rich, 29, from Medford, Ore.
David Steele, 19, from Ashland, Ore.

Please keep these families and the remaining FF in your prayers.

** This one hit pretty close to home for me. My husband had just returned from that fire on Saturday. Thursday afternoon, his crew had been brought in to camp from that exact helicopter. Only 4 days prior to this horrific accident. **

Adjustments

2008-08-06T10:18:00.000-07:00

I'm discovering after 11 years of marriage that there are some adjustments that need to happen during fire season. I'm sure you'll agree that when they are gone, things operate differently in our homes. We may adapt to different sleeping hours, eating habits, house cleaning duties, etc, then they come home and OOPS..........things have to change. They also have to adapt to "home lfie" again, too. They've been sleeping on the ground, working in extreme conditions, and eating that scrupmtious fire camp food, so they have to change too. A firefighter family is definetly a relationship that can be challenging and most of our "common life" friends don't get what we go through. I have enjoyed hanging out with a FF wife (her husband works on my hubby's crew) because she totally knows what it's like. The only difference is while they have a daughter, we have 3 dogs. But I have to say that our dogs ("the kids") miss their daddy just as much as any child would, when they are gone. The other adjustment comes during the winter months when they are home more. While I love having him home during winter months, to snuggle, watch movies with or just hang out, sometimes we both get on each other's nerves. I'm sure you have expereinced that too!!!

***We are on day 22 of staying with my parents after our flood (read below post). While we are thankful to have a place to call our "temporary" home, it's not the same as your own house. So on top of the normal (if you call it that) adjustments we make during fire season, we have this added to our plate. Oh well, I'm looking toward Christmas when we "hopefullly" will be back in our home, running around in our sweats and watching movies on our TV. ***

Got tips??

2008-07-27T16:46:00.000-07:00

This was an email (supposed to be comment) on our blog. I felt compelled to share this with you and see if you have any tips to share with our wife of a National Guardsman, friend.

ANONYMOUS WROTE:
All of these comments have helped me thank you all for helping eachother. I am a fiance of a national gaurdsmen who has just recently deployed to the fires. I am so scared and don't know what to expect. His assignment is differnt i guess he will be gone for 30-60 days with no break. This is really hard for me to deal with I am having my thyroid removed in 1 week and am worried that he will still be called out. How do you all deal with this type of stuff when they are gone. we have a 4year old and a 3 year old and this is just taking a toll on me. I can not even bring myself to get out of bed half the time and when i do i am online looking at the fires containment, crews on, ect.... Just looking for a place to vent and maybe get some tips on dealing with this... thanks

Where do I begin???

2008-07-18T21:02:00.000-07:00

Ok, first I totally apologize for not posting lately. However, I have experienced a week of the ultimate fireman's wife duties.
First, I share that hubby was home on R&R for 3 days, not the typical 2 days. We went to see his mom and on Tuesday afternoon and on our way home we saw what looked like t-storm clouds......looked like rain. We watched a movie when we got home, so we went to bed around 0100. He woke me at about 0230 to say "it must be raining" and it definetly sounded like that to me, too. Early in the morning.....0400 to be exact!! Dear hubby got out of bed to go to the restoom. Our dogs sleep with us, so we keep the bedroom door closed at night. He stepped about 3 ft. from the door in a "squish, squish, squish" on the carpet. He said he then heard the water flowing....opened the door and discovered our hallway and bathroom in about 2-3 inches of water. Of course with his shocking expressions (wink, wink) I immediaetely jumped up out of bed and discovered 3 steps from my side of the bed, the same "squish, squish". I couldn't believe what I saw!! Of course, I went into panic mode, and he was thinking clearly. We threw towels down over the doorway to the kitchen & living room (wood laminate) to soak up water. The minute they hit the ground, they were soaked. He rushed out to the shed to get the heavy duty shop vac to start sucking up water. Oh yeah, let me back up a bit. the toilet was spilling water out of the tank (not the bowl) like a water fountian. So that was the culprit!! After making 4 trips outside to dump water out, we called the home owners insurance emergency line. They arranged for a flood company to come to our house, immediately. When this all happens, you don't think clearly and don't expect to see such a mess so early. I am so happy he got up when he did, because we usually don't get up unitl 0630-0700, another 3 hours....imagine the sight then. When the flood rescuers (what do you call them) got to the house and began their work, we discovered that the bathroom & hall were of course a complete loss. To sum things up, every room in the house with exception to the dining room and 1/2 of our bedroom were "swimming" in water. Some minor furniture damage, picture damage and other memorbilia. I couldn't believe how in about 2.5 hours water could damage so much. So we were on the phone with insurance off and on, watching these workers tear out our flooring and install large fans & humidifiers. We got a storage unit delivered to the driveway.....all the furniture (except the dining room table & bed) had to be moved out. However, we were only able to get 1.5 rooms emptied before dark. Back up.....we had to wait 2.5 hours in our stripped house for the insurance adjuster to come. Hubby and I were so exhausted by now (2:oopm) we were falling asleep on the table and in the chairs. When you are tired, you can almost sleep anywhere!! Finally the adjuster showed up took lots of pictures, wrote down a lot of information regarding the damaged areas and explained the process. Finally around 8:00pm we went to my parents house to "move in" since they are gone on vacation. Their house is a mere .5 mile from us, so it's totally convinient and the dogs love to play in their yard. ARE YOU STARTING TO SEE WHAT'S GOING ON IN MY MIND??? When we got to their house, we both were so mentally and physically exhausted that we fell asleep really quick. Their guest bed is a full and we are used to sleeping (7 yrs now) in a CAL-KING bed. So it made the sleeping a bit difficult....as you could imagine. The next day he had to go back to work at the station. Luckily, he came home that night and I met him at the flooring store. I wanted him to pick out the flooring stuff with me, because I didn't want that responsibility since more than likely he would be leaving soon. Of course when we got to the store he shared with me how dispatch had just called him with their order to leave early that next morning. So we picked out the new wood laminate, carpet and lenolium. Grabbed some dinner and drove home to our "temporary home". When we got their he had to map out his route to the fire and he ordered a new toilet to be delivered to my parents house. We finally got into bed around 2330pm. At 0130 his cell phone rang......who calls at that hour?? "Hello, Mr ____, this is ______ with ______alarm company, and we have a ringing burgular alarm at _____ ______ street. Sheriff officers are enroute. Can you meet them?" He told them 5 minutes, he flew out and out to his truck. He arrived at our home along with 3 sheriff officers. They asked him the generic questions like "any dogs in the house, any residents, etc". He explained to them that nobody was staying at the house, because we had some flood damage. However there were loud fans in every room and all the doors were closed inside. He said he unlocked the door and the 3 officers entered the house with their guns drawn yelling "Sheriff Officers, identify yourself or you will be shot!!" Hubby said he was rubbing his head thinking......what next. Well thankfully it ended up being a false alarm and he came back home around 2:30am. He had his alarm set that night so he could get up around 0430 to dress and be at the station by 0600. Well when he got back, he forgot he left his cell phone in the kitchen (at the house where we were staying). I woke him up and said "hey what time is it?" He groggily said "probably about 0400......then jumped up and looked at the clock in the dining room to discover that it was 0530 (it takes him 45 minutes to get to the station). He jumped in the shower, I made him some coffee, he dressed and headed out the door. I prayed...."Dear Lord, please protect him on his way to work. Please do not let anything more happen to him." This is horrible, but I can't remember what I did that day. I know it involved the damaged house....but I don't know what I did (I'm not old enough for alhemirez).....think I'm a little stressed?? So let me jump to last night. I only could get a hold of a retired fire chief friend from church and my husband's old boss to help move the remaining furniture. They arrived at our house at 1930 and we worked until 2200. We all were sweating so much, since the house had been closed up and fans going. They both insisted on helping me since hubby was busy on a fire.....they said it's a brotherhood and they are there for eachother and their families, too. Forgive me at this point if my words don't make sense. I'm so tired!! So anyways, one of the friends met me at the house this morning around 0700 to measure for paint in the office and hallway. We went to Home Depot, got the supplies and wouldn't you know it, when we got home, he generously began weeding and trimming the landscaping in the front yard. I told him it didn't matter and he insisted that he wanted to help, because he would want someone to help his wife, if he went to a fire. I cannot even tell you how thankful I am to have friends like these. So tonight, I went back to the house to scrub the walls that would be painted tomorrow.....as preparation. I got home around 2030 and I feel exhausted. I BET YOU ARE EXHAUSTED READING MY ADVENTURES So hubby is gone on this fire in Northern CA and here I am taking care of insurance, alarm, cleanng crews and repairs. I know he would definetly do this if it weren't fire season.....but what's a fireman to do when duty calls!! So tomorow, I will meet both of these men at my house at 0700 to begin our painting and minor repairs. On Monday, I have a friend coming to help paint the final color of the office, and I have one of the Captains' wife (from hubby's crew) coming on Wednesday to help paint, too. I hope this will move quickly, but have heard it can take a bit. Please pray for this whole situation and my sanity. On a side note, the living room is completely painted and waiting for new flooring......read the "FINISHING TOUCHES" blog below. My friend said "when life gives you lemons, make margaritas" and my reply was "I need fishbowl size!!" I think I'm going to hang with a friend on Sunday to get away from all this mess....literally. Do you have any wild adventures like this to share......post a comment to share with us or email me wffwives@cox.net

Going to the beach

2008-07-09T17:24:00.000-07:00

This past week I went to the beach with a CHP friend's wife. They have 8 children and all of them are as sweet as can be. So the story begins here. (you might want to empty your bladder because you'll probably laugh hard)

They picked me up in their 9 passenger van around 8:00am. We stopped for a coffee & some muffins, then headed to the beach. All the way down there, her kids were all talking (not screaming) just talking with each other. The one daughter called my name, and I turned to chat with her, but my ears couldn't "ignore" the other conversations. You know, us women were given that talent of listening to multiple conversations at the same time. (what a gift)
So we got to the beach, and the ol' biddy of a ranger stopped us at the entrance (it was a State Park Beach) and she extended her hand and said "eight dollars". As my friend was getting her money out, the ol' lady said "you don't have more than 10 people in there, do you?" My friend laughed and said "no we have a few babies!" She then takes her old wrinkled fingers and points to a sign that says 10-20 PEOPLE...BUS RATE $50.00 I wanted to laugh at her and say, "are you serious you'd charge us that?" It's not like we have a Hotshot crew or church group....that would make sense. My friend paid her money ($8) and we found a parking spot. As we pulled away, she said "if that old poop was going to charge me $50, I would have backed up and let you and a few of the kids out, and you could've walked in." The next 15 minutes were so funny. I don't even have 1 child, let alone 8, so it's funny to watch how they have this system. Everyone gets out, boogie boards, ice coolers, towels, blankets, chairs, umbrellas and other beach toys dump out of their van. As we were getting ready to close the van, I peeked my head around the corner of the van and saw the baby sleeping peacefully. "Wait" I shouted. "What about the baby?" The oldest daughter walked back to the van and got the baby. Every child (except the baby) carries something or pulled a boogie board with something on it. We also met some other families there who also toted their stuff along. Then two of the younger children say out loud, "Mom, I gotta go poop!" No hiding of the truth there. The mom shook her head and said, "everytime we get to the beach, someone has to go Poop. Must be that ocean breeze!" So the oldest daughter walks up to the women's bathroom to find a sign that read "CLOSED". Now what would you do with 8 kids, 2 adults and other families we met there. My friend walks halfway in the men's bathroom and yells...."ANYONE IN HERE??" This guy shouts back "YES." So myself and one other adult were positioned to stand at each door and not let anymore men in there. I was laughing so hard, because my life is so boring. I've never used a men's bathroom.....honest!! A few minutes later, her kids are jumping around saying "I gotta go Poop, I gotta go..." so she walks back in the doorway and yells again "Anyone in here?" The man must have been very upset now. He yelled back "can't anyone C%#* in private anymore!!" Then he storms out to the bathroom rather fast, I never even saw his face!! So she takes the first few children in, and the daughter yells......."EW he didn't flush!" I'm practically rolling now in laughter. This is so funny!! So now I feel like I have to pee.....you know that sympathy pee. So after the 2nd set of kids go in there, I was relieved by another mom (from my door guarding duty) to go in to the bathroom. At this point of my story, let me share with you that upon entering this horrible place, I could smell urine everywhere. I was trying not to gag (are you gagging?) when I opened the stall door, to find that the toilet never gets scrubbed, like it should. I won't go into details, but you could imagine what my poor eyes saw!! So I did my thing, and noticed NO TOILET PAPER. I guess I should pause my story while you gag!!! So I yelled to the daughter who was standing like a monitor in there to bring me some baby wipes. YUCK....that's all I can say! I walked over to the sink, which reeked of urine, too. Get this, no soap, no paper towels (not really suprising for a men's bathroom I guess). So we are all gathering outside with baby wipes and water from the little sand shower. This ranger walks up to my friend and says "Mam, the women's bathroom is open now." She turned to the innocent man, and her eyes about popped out of her head, when she said "gee thanks now that we're all done." So in a time period of 15 minutes about 15 of us, used the bathroom, used the baby wipes and grabbed our loads again to find a spot to sit. Of course as we rounded the corner and the little eyes saw the water, they dropped their stuff and ran to the water. I asked my friend how she keeps track of all her children. She said she's constantly doing a head count......the baby of course was with us. So we spread out our blankets, umbrellas, chairs and coolers. Kinda like a dog marking it's territory. A few hours later, I fell asleep in my chair (partially under the umbrella). I had put on sunscreen (SPF 50) twice since we'd been there. However, unknown to me until that evening at home, I had only put it on in certain areas. I had 2 bright red lobster streaks on my legs. My thighs above my knees were lobster red, and a part of my arm between my armpit and elbow. The comments at biblestudy the next night and from my family made me feel like a dork!! Wait let me back up. So now we are toting our things back to the van, with sleepy & hungry children. We load up in the van, and start to drive away. Someone yells, "wait, ___ is not in the car." We turned to look and running out of the bathroom towards the moving van was the oldest daughter. The look on her face was pretty panicked. We stopped the van and she hopped in. Now we do a head count, all are present and accounted for. Driving down the road, one of the kids in the far back yells, "Mom, I'm hungry, do you have any chips left?" So she reaches between the driver seat & passenger seat to grab a bunch of chips. Then she starts hucking them back and kids are yelling...."No I want that one. Ouch!" I was laughing until I heard the boy in the far far back yell "do you have any more waters." Oh dear, I thought, please don't thrown those water bottles back!! She yelled to them "NO." I joked with her and said, "great your family shows up to church tomorrow with bruises from flying chips and water bottles, how would you explain that." She just laughed at me. Most of the children fell asleep on the way home...............aw quiet!!! She dropped me off and then upon entering my home with burning skin, is when I noticed that only parts of me got red. I caked on the aloe that night and slept under the ceiling fan. My tan lines are great now........only parts of my leg, and parts of my arms.
So that was my fun day with the Family of 8 (kids) at the beach. I have been invited to go again, but will wear longer pants and slather the sunscreen on from head to toe, every inch.

Whew, what a day. Makes me tired just thinkin' about it!!!

All Done, finishing touches

2008-07-08T10:12:00.000-07:00

Well let's see, I've painted/remodeled 3 rooms now. Only 3 left....... Hubby is gone until Saturday PM, so I tackled a project that we've talked about. I was tired of waiting (probably until end of the season) so I recruited a CHP wife/friend to help me. We started on Thursday (bought the paint & stuff), and started painting early Saturday morning. Sunday was a "Day of Rest", and yesterday it was WALL-LA finished. I put back all the furniture and placed everything (decor) back. I'm getting some new window treatments (tomorrow or Thursday) and so when he comes home, it will be all done. I'm hoping he likes it....... Like I said we talked about colors, but I chose it with my friend (it's all her fault if he doesn't like it...hahaha).

Our poor husbands. If you are anything like me (most of you probably are) then you can relate to doing "house projects" when they are gone. The joke between us, is "every fire assignment leads to a new color of paint." So share with me, what have you done when hubby is gone???

All give some. Some gave all.

2008-07-06T10:56:00.000-07:00

Flags at half-staff, Wildland Fire Fighter Memorial

Sacramento, CA

On July 6, 1994, 14 firefighters, including Smoke Jumpers from Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Colorado and other western states died when fierce winds fanned towering flames up Storm King Mountain (just west of Glenwood Springs, CO). They had been spending the better part of the day clearing brush and digging trenches to slow the spreading fires, when high winds forced them to run for cover. With nowhere to run, outpacing the fast moving flames was impossible on the steep slopes. Forced to take cover inside their protective shelters as the flames whipped over them, 14 never made it through the firestorm.

While we celebrate a weekend of Freedom we have as a Nation have, I'd like to also ask you to remember at what cost we earned that Freedom......the sacrafice of lives. This past week we lost a firefighter, while being flown to a hospital. Michael MacDonald, a 26-year-old Chief Mountain Hot Shots firefighter left behind a young wife who is expecting their first child. Our prayers are with you & your baby.

Over the years many FFs have lost their lives while fighting for our protection. May we never forget them, their brave acts and their families they left behind.

Especially our sister Firefighter Wives.
{Lori--- you'll always be a WFF wife, stay strong!!!

I love you girlee.}

Please talk with your husband about joining the 52 Club (if you're not already a member). Both WFF husbands and WFF wives can join the club. This Foundation is supported by individuals. We do not receive government money - we are here because hundreds of you choose to support each other. We are simply the funnel of the wildland community to the families of firefighters who are seriously injured or are killed in the line of duty. http://www.wffoundation.org/about/index.html

This is worth publishing......

2008-07-03T23:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Firemen's Wives...my heart goes out to you all waiting at home, not knowing how your man is doing for days on end. I just want you to know how thankful we are here in Butte County for the hard work they are doing to contain the fires burning up here. We are taking as good care of the men as we can, cooking and baking for them, thanking them when we see them, tomorrow will be a 4th of July celebration some of them will be able to attend. Please know we appreciate all they are doing and you are doing your part too by keeping the "home fires burning."
-P.

Blessings, Heat & Husbands

2008-06-21T13:41:00.000-07:00

WOW it's a scorcher here today!! Our thermometer outside reads 104....unfortunately we are just now moving into the hottest part of the day. I am writing this post that has been on my heart today about my husband (& your husband) who work in extremely hot & dry conditions. I don't know how he does it!! Yesterday, there were some injuries on his fire due to the extreme heat conditions. I checked the weather on his fire yesterday and it was around 109 with low humidity. Remember that is the temperature from the sun, then add exertion and near fire.......yikes!! I feel very blessed right now to have a window a/c and fans. I can put on shorts & a tank top, he's wearing long dark (green) pants, a t-shirt & a nomex long sleeve shirt. He is also carrying a very heavy pack on his back. I can drink a nice glass of cold ice water.....he's drinking water from a canteen!! While I can shower and cool off, he's gone days without a shower. While I can stand near my closet and choose what to wear today, he's wearing the same (dirty) clothes for a few days. I come home each afternoon to take a nap or head to bed early when I'm tired, he's working 16 hour days with 8 hours of sleep (on the ground). I get to relax watching a movie, he's only heard radio traffic from the fireline & morning briefings for 2 weeks. When I get overwhelmed or tired, I can cry, he carrys on with his daily routine/responsiblities. It's these sacrafices he makes, that makes me very thankful for him. I pray each day for his continued strength and protection in the extreme situations. So I encourage you to share with your husband how much you appreciate him for all the extreme conditions he puts himself in for you & your family.
Little words of praise can mean so much!!
While we can only imagine what it's like for them out there, we have no incline of the reality of it. Count your blessings, be thankful and love your husband too pieces, for all he does!!

Need your words of encouragement

2008-06-17T15:19:00.000-07:00

OKAY LADIES,
IT'S TIME TO SHARE SOME WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO ANOTHER WIFE. LET'S HELP TO COMFORT HER AS SHE DEALS WITH HER FIRESEASON BLUES.

Hello!

My husband has been part of the Forest Service for 3 years now (or 3 seasons rather).
We got married at an early age and never would have I imagined that we would be spending this much time apart.
My husband has always wanted to be a fireman for as long as I can remember. It was something that he was always working towards by either going to school, getting his EMT license, etc.
The original plan was that he would work for a municipal fire department, and since that plan has yet to come to fruition, he applied for the Forest service for experience. He was originally on a hand crew, where he spent many nights away from home. He was then on an engine, and is now in a hotshot crew.

In so many ways, I knew what I was getting myself into when we got married.
However, I think I miscalculated just how hard it would be.
In the past 3 years, we have not been able to plan a vacation, and have given up plans to spend time together on anniversaries, birthdays, etc.
I always thought that this was something I would get used to, or that it would get easier with time. Unfortunately, I find that it's not the case.
If anything, I find it harder to let go every. Especially because there's so much disappointment involved.
The random hours and times that he gets called. The broken promises involved (even though it wasn't meant to be on purpose). The constant worry and fear.
I live for the random phone calls and the surprise text messages. However, how do you not let your mind wander into the dark place when the phone battery dies? Or how do you not lose it when your heart aches just from missing him so much? Or how do you simply just take a vacation from it all- from your thoughts, from now doing double duty at home, etc.? Thank goodness we don't have kids, and just have 2 dogs. But even that is too much at times because I also have my own career. I think the heart of the matter, at least for me, is simply learning how to balance it all while he's gone. Learning how to not be a mess every he calls. Learning how to easily adjust to those random times that he does get called out.

I am working on easing my contempt at his occupation, because I love him and because this is something that he loves, and plus, what kind of wife would I be if I didn't support my husband? However, with that said, I am still hoping, that after every season, this would be his last season as a wildland fire fighter and that he would be picked up by a municipal fire department, where perhaps the schedule may not be as random.

My husband left for his second fire of the season last Sunday. I am hoping he'll call me to let me know he's okay so I'm not going crazy with worry. I am hoping that for the next fire he gets called on this season, I don't break down at the dinner table like I did this last time. I am hoping that my husband comes home safe. Last night, I tried hard not to dwell on my fear. Yet, it's so incredibly hard since I haven't heard his voice, plus it was also our 4 year wedding anniversary.

What.....6 days!!

2008-06-16T22:25:00.000-07:00

Last night I spoke with my sleepy husband. He was really relaxed last night because he had his first shower in 6 days!! Okay, this is what would disqualify me as a wildland firefighter.....the longest I could go is every other day with out a shower. And of course by the middle of the other day, I'm feeling pretty gross!! Don't get me wrong....I shower every day. But if I had to go every other day...that's all I could handle!! He said a few of the guys who have managed to get poison oak, are skeptical of showering, because hot/warm water burns the affected areas. Poor guys. This all makes sense why hubby wants a shower when he gets home, pretty much before he does anything else. Praying for everyone's safety as things seem to be getting busier!!

Dog Poop & Groceries..... Let me explain!!

2008-06-13T19:53:00.001-07:00

This afternoon, I ventured to the grocery store (you know that place we dread going to). It made me realize that we are blessed to live in a country where we have such a variety of food choices and prices (although most are too expensive). It made me realize that God has provided for our needs and we've never missed a meal. It made me very very thankful for my hard-working husband who works in extreme conditions to provide for our family. Speaking of Family & Dog Poop.....we have no human children, we have been very blessed to have 3 wonderful dogs children. This afternoon I went out to play with them and pick up......yep.....Dog Poop! I thought, maybe our hearts long for a baby of our own, but we have 3 dogs who love us and protect us from harm. No matter what kind of day we've had, they are always so anxious to see us. So each little dog poopy makes me realize how blessed I am to have 3 dogs with me when hubby is not. How blessed they are to have lots of food to eat, water to drink and a mommy & daddy who have a big yard to POOP in.
So I hope you can take time to think of the dog poop and groceries you're thankful for......

Honey I'm Home....Leaving

2008-06-09T13:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I heard there was a large fire north of us and was waiting to get that phone call of "I'm leaving"....but by 6:00pm he called to tell me he was coming home. So I took dinner out of the freezer to defrost (thank goodness for microwaves) since I knew he'd be home in 45 minutes. He called me again (about 40 minutes later) to tell me that he just recieved a phone call from dispatch and they were ordered for the fire. So I slowed my "cooking" stuff down, not knowing if he had to leave last night or first thing this morning. He pulled in the driveway and I could see he was on his cell phone, so I waited inside the house. He came in, put his lunch box down and seemed rushed. After a few phone calls, he decided to have his crew report early (and I mean early) this morning to drive to the fire. He had to be at the station by 4:45am, so his alarm went off, I believe it was around 3:15am. Being the wife that I am (I am not bragging) I got up with him, made his coffee, got his breakfast ready and turned on the TV. I just can't lay in bed while he is getting ready to leave for a fire. He showered, dressed, ate and kissed me good-bye. I am wierd (so I've been told by friends) but I watch him back out of the driveway and drive down the street, when he's leaving for a fire. Usually I can go back to sleep, but not this morning. I said a prayer that God would keep him awake while driving to work and driving to a fire. Then I turned on the scanner..... I heard them 'go inservice to the fire' around 5:50am. Now I was wide awake, because I knew my alarm was set to go off at 6:15am. So needless to say, I am going to eat some lunch and curl up on the couch to get a little ciesta. It's warm here today and our house is nice and cool inside. I'm going to let the dogs (our children) in and they will also nap with me. So if your husband/boyfriend is headed to a fire (they seem to be popping up) I too, will keep their safety in my prayers. I pray for my husband a lot during the year, but I pray more during fire season. Stay safe, cool, and keep checking the blog for more "wife" stories..............Share if you have any!!

Help for a FF wife.....

2008-06-07T08:20:00.000-07:00

Do any of you know where to find toddler nomex. Would you know where to find that? Any suggestions, email to me and I'll pass it on to Merci.

Isn't he cute

2008-06-03T21:08:00.001-07:00

My wonderful husband got me the most special gift for our Anniversary this year. I am absolutely in love with Teddy Bears...what's not to love? He had this gift specially made for me. Isn't he cute......(the bear)????

**Notice the tattoo WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER PURPLE RIBBON***

Wanna have a picnic??

2008-05-20T07:27:00.000-07:00

My husband's crew is almost ready to be "available" for fire dispatch. This means they've finished their critical training and the only thing left........Annual Family Day!! I always enjoy this picnic/BBQ because I get to meet his firefighters and put a face to a name. The Captain's wife (ST) and I are "flagging" tables and holding our spot at this park. Not only will it be a Sunday, but it's Memorial Day weekend. Oh well. Get your tummy ready for the traditional carne asada, chips, guacamole, beans, etc etc. Can't you tell we love chinese food.....ha ha ha. I'm working up in my brain my next post. I have so much to blog about the "language/terms used in a fireman's life/household. Please be thinking about your own experiences to post as comments. Remember if you have a story you'd like to post, send it to wffwives@cox.net
Have a great day!!

Monday....Monday.....Monday

2008-05-12T07:21:00.001-07:00

Well, it's a bit late. But Happy Mother's Day to all the moms who read this blog.
Yesterday was DAY 1 for my husband's crew, and I was happy to hear that everything is going well, so far. I was also happy to hear (S.T. this is for you especially) that there are 2 more wives now. That's right 2 of his crew members got married this winter. So S.T. & I are the "orginal" and "supervisor's wives" but now we aren't the only wives!! Welcome aboard to the new wives and don't forget we are all in this together. We girls have to stick together during this crazy schedule of our husbands.
As always, hope your husband stays safe this year.

The Kiss

2008-05-07T14:58:00.000-07:00

Subject: The Kiss
In this photo, PLEASE read the short caption before looking at the photo. You'll notice that "she"
didn't care if he was dirty, she didn't care if he smelled like burnt wood, she only knew this man
saved her life and she thanked him from her heart the best way she could. Very touching.
http://zecster.lbbhost.com/Pics/Kiss.html?41

Does this sound familiar??

2008-05-07T14:44:00.000-07:00

Hi There,
I am not sure I qualify, as I am not a wife but a girlfriend of about a year. He's been called about to his first assignment this season for a whole month. The longest he's been away. To top it off, its two states away! Last year when we first started dating he left for two weeks it wasn't too bad, but it was a taste of what it would be like. IT was hard. He was already living with me and it got lonely. Luckily I had the support of another girlfriend of a crew member that had went along with him.

We have become very close over the past year. We do not have any children together. So, its lonely at home while he is gone. He calls daily. Sometimes twice even. I can't help but be annoyed sometimes when he can't stay on the phone longer than I would like, then feel guilty when we hang up because I wasn't more supportive to him. I also feel guilty when I am complaining to him about my loneliness or that I am sad. I am not used to this. Will I ever get used to this? The sad thing is to date it hasn't even been a whole week he's been gone! And I have three, maybe even four more weeks of this left? Then, when he does come back, he will more than likely have to go back out to another assignment.

I am all new to this lingo and all, but he's not actually fighting a fire right now. He's on watch right now. There's fires where he's at right now, but he could be called at any time. And I am taking for granted all the times I am getting to talk on the phone to him. I can't even imagine how I am going to react when/if he has to go fight a fire! I will be a mess. :(

I am a mess already. Its hard to eat and to concentrate on work. I carry around my cell phone with everywhere-even to the bathroom- haha. How does everyone deal? Or does this even sound familiar?
Thanks for Listening-
M-

Don't forget

2008-05-06T21:38:00.001-07:00

Want to share your stories with other wives...........email wffwives@cox.net
Please for your safety.....don't post your real name or your husband's name/department.

Presenting the New Format

2008-05-06T21:33:00.000-07:00

So what do you think?? I was able to work out the small technical difficulties we were having. Well actually my computer techy FF husband did it for me.

This is the beginning post for FIRESEASON 2008.
My husband and his crew begin their season on Sunday. After 2 weeks of training (classroom & field) they will be available for fire dispatches. Tis the season...................

Praying prayers of safety for all our husbands/fiances.

difficulties

2008-05-01T14:14:00.000-07:00

Ok this blogger account seems to have decided to become stubborn. I have temporarily lost some of my settings and also my email account. My techy husband (while still home) is working on correcting the problem. So please stay tuned, don't run away.

Only 10 days until my husband's Hotshot Crew comes on. And we all know what that means, by the end of the month, he'll more than likely be gone. While the fire checks help out tremendously during this economical chaos we are experiencing in America; I definetly would chose to have him home instead.

I have noticed some new blog readers. Welcome to the home of Wildland Firefighter Wives!! Please stay tuned for more information and/or stories.

Firefighter Husband vs. Wife

2008-03-24T13:47:00.001-07:00

Ok, I have to share this story with you. My husband who "gets paid to hike" took me on a hike on Saturday. I have never hiked this trail (although it's always been a goal) and was ready to accomplish this goal. It was only 2.8 miles........not bad, right?? WRONG!!! My husband carried our backpack full of water, snacks, and cell phone, which I thought was heavy. His response was "I wish I carried this light of a pack, my fire gear is about 30 pounds heavier. YIKES, I thought. I guess I'd never make it in the FF world. As we headed up this mountain, other hikers (young/old, in shape/out of shape) passed us up. My wonderful husband kept stopping, turning back and checking on me. I was tugging along at what felt like a fast pace, but really must of been snail speed. I said "I'm ok, maybe slow, but I'm not quitting!" He'd turn and continue with his hike. Only to stop again, turn around and check-on me. I made the comment of wow this is great excercise for you. Oh this is nothing he said, in fact I've ran this trail a few times. I'm use to hiking trails steeper than this. WHAT, I thought! I was breathing hard and sweating a lot. It crossed my mind a few times, that I could never be a FF. AND as not to add more "flame to the fire" I was hiking away from my car, he hikes away from fire. He kept telling me "you're almost there.....keep going." I'd stop and look up only to see what looked like a long way up. A hiker passed me on his way down and said "20 more minutes and you'll be there." I felt like shouting "20 minutes......that's not almost there." My husband turned around to wait for me when we hit the 2.5 mile marker, and asked me "do you want to turn around?" Drowing in sweat, I stop to catch my breath and replied "NO WAY, I may be slow, but I will finish this hike!" Now let me throw this in......I'm not totally out of shape (I kick-box and spin as well as workout at the gym) although this hike was proving me wrong. Finally what seemed like another hour, my husband turns around and says, "see that rock.....that's the top!" The last 15 steps felt like my leggs were cement. At last, I reached the top!! What a view!! Finally, a goal I set, I reached. I apologized to my husband about making him go slow. He smiled and said "that's ok, I was happy to have you with me. I didn't want you to go down with heat stroke." What a keeper, that man is!! I have a totally wonderful husband!! How cool is that?? So we rested a few minutes, he gave me a cold gatorade (as a reward) and I munched on a fiber bar. We headed down hill, which one would think would be easier. NOT!! I felt like I worked my poor little fragile body more than I did on the way up. My fingers were so swollen and my feet were aching. Hubby kept saying, look we're almost to the truck. Maybe it's my eyes, but it looked far away, still. Anyways, I'm happy to announce that a round-trip of 6.2 miles kept me busy for 4.5 hours. When I got home I crashed on the sofa for a nice nap. Today as I walk around the house with aching calf muscles, I can't help but think "I'm thankful to be a wife and greatful for my hard-working FF husband." This hike made me appreciate him more than I already did. He's in awesome shape, and well me that's a different story. Hope you post a comment about a story of hiking or a challenge you've had. Stay safe!!

Look at the calendar....

2008-03-19T18:00:00.000-07:00

Wow spring is definetly in the air. All the wildflowers are popping up, the days are warmer (at least in Southern CA) and it's staying light longer into the evening. The only draw back I have is knowing that in about 2-3 monhts my husband (& yours) will be leaving us again for those fires!! Today they are doing a controlled burn and he said he won't be home until later. So as I look at my calendar to plan some things for next month, I realize that time is ticking and I'm going to enjoy hubby as much as I can!!
Well I hope your time with your hubby has been great this winter, too. Enjoy him mucho, mucho!!

Showin' my stuff

2008-03-09T14:19:00.000-07:00

I'm going to be at the Cleveland National Forest workshop!!

I will be at the Module Leader workshop for the Cleveland National Forest this week. I will be sharing some information about the blog, and also my "fire-season" hobby of Pampered Chef. I'm looking forward to meeting more wives there and hopefully we can get them to join us on this website. No I haven't disappeared, just don't know what to write about during the non-fire season months!!

Hope you are all enjoying your hubbys at home!!

God Bless.........

Confessions & Questions

2008-01-18T11:34:00.000-08:00

Okay, I have to confess to all my blogging friends, that I have fallen into the "winter mode" and have slacked on my posts. We all know that even when the winter months hit, we do not stop living the lives of firefighter wives. I want to share this thought with you and hope to trigger some responses from you all. What type of extra hobbies or activities do you like to do?? A dear friend of mine once said "even though you are married to a fireman, you can't let that career run your life. It's important to have something else to keep you busy." I must confess, growing up in a fire family and then marrying a fireman, I have been consumed by fire!! I understand a lot of the terminology and the functions of the fire service (especially wild land fire fighting). BUT, I have also become active in my Women's Ministries at church, began selling Pampered Chef and got a gym membership. I try not to let this lifestyle (a fireman's wife is a lifestyle) run my life. I am however, a 110% supportive of my husband and am always ready to listen to his struggles or adventures of being a supervisor. So I leave you with this thought.......

What type of extra activities do you enjoy?? What do you and your husband do together during the "quiet" months??

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!

2007-12-21T21:49:00.000-08:00

My husband & I are traveling to see family this Christmas. We have been with my family in Colorado (in the snow) and now we're heading to Montana (more snow). So I think we'll have a WHITE CHRISTMAS!! I pray that each of you have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year, too!!!
I promise to blog a good post after January 1st. I know I have some faithful readers who check this blog periodically. So keep checkin' back!!!!

No, I'm serious......That's no Turkey!!

2007-11-18T07:18:00.000-08:00

I've been laughing and telling my friends, "that's what happens when you're married to a fireman." This year, my husband & I were to host our family for Thanksgiving dinner. For some odd reason, I hadn't gone to the store yet to get the stuff. We were going to go Sunday evening and get it. Thursday afternoon, I heard that my dad had to work (he works for CalFire) because they are worried about the "wind event" coming this week. I asked my husband if he thought he'd have to work, also. He felt certain that he wouldn't because he's only a single resource without his crew. I guess, I had a gut feeling on this one. Friday afternoon (while at his station) my husband called and said "I have bad news, very bad news....." Now that's not what a wife wants to hear, because my heart begins to fear the worst thing ever!! He continues to share with me "My chief called and all Chief Officers have to help cover the district during this week." And now that my husband is a Superintendent/Battalion Chief, that includes him. So, I'm glad we didn't go spend a lot of money on food that would have been wasted. My mom is planning on reading a book at home that day, and I guess I'll find some good movie to watch. I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving wherever this crazy life takes you!!

Oh No!!!

2007-11-06T19:07:00.000-08:00

My husband and his crew are on the last fire assignment for the year. They are out on the Poomatcha Fire (Southern CA) until tomorrow. Because of the wonderful guidelines from the National Government, the firefighters are not allowed to work past 1089 hours in a season. However, they can work them longer, but that means that crew won't be on until later in fire season. Anyways, their last day for the crew is Thursday, and I think they are all counting the hours until quittin' time. They have been gone a lot this year!!! Thursday night is the annual end-of-the-season party. We all meet at this restaruant for drinks, dinner and good times. Everyone usually stays at the hotel around the corner, so we all stay at the restaraunt/bar until closing time (last call for alcohol...2:00AM). It is a lot of fun, and to "let their hair down" after a lot of work. Anyways, my husband and I went shopping the other day and he bought me a nice top to wear with my jeans. It is scoop neck style, so I show a little skin!! This morning as I was brushing my teeth, I noticed this bright RED zit right in the middle of my chest. Where it is, it would be clearly visible to everyone. If it is still there, I will try to cover it up with make-up, and hope that nobody notices my 30-year-old zit outbreak. I have more zits now than I had when I was growing up. Today I bought some maximum strength zit cream, hoping to cake it on tonight. I am not trying to impress anyone (other than hubby) but I also don't want to stand out........BOSS'S WIFE HAS A HUGE RED ZIT!! On a happy note, this party is also a little congratulations for my husband from his crew. While on the last fire assignment, he recieved a promotion. What a place to get a promotion..........a fire!! Go figure, where else would you find a fireman during fire season??? So I'm looking forward to seeing the crew again and celebrate with my husband. I'm just hoping I don't get anymore break-outs before then...........

2007-11-02T08:35:00.001-07:00

It's funny how just having them home at night makes everything alright. Sometimes, if Matt is on a fire locally he comes home to sleep. He comes in at 1:00 or 2:00 in the morning sleeps a couple of hours then goes right back out. Sometimes we don't even talk but it is alright because he was home.
When we had just moved to SD, there was a big fire locally. We were staying temporarily at a home in the Black Hills. Matt was working the fire and I got evacuated. It made his job very real to me. Before, I really had no clue about the atmosphere (philosophically speaking). I got to see the fire and the operations up close and personal. Having felt the fear of losing all of our belongings and not having a place to live made me see my husband in a different light. I've always thought of him as a hero. But at that time I knew that he absolutely is a hero. It has made it easier to let him go to fires because I know what the people are feeling that he is going to help. I also realized some of the frustrations he goes through with the people wanting to stay at their homes to protect them. I got to see some of the looky-loos blocking the road making it harder to get the equipment where it needed to be. (I'm embarrassed to say, at one point one of the looky-loos was me). I felt a charge of excitement watching the fire crown at the top of the ridge and start down the hill. I have to say, sometimes I am in awe of my husband and what he does. It amazes me that he acts like it is all old hat, so casual about it.
Thinking of you so close to the fire reminded me of all this. Thank you.
Will keep you, your hubby and your town in my prayers.

Merci

It was like a horror film that night

2007-10-30T20:57:00.000-07:00

I live in the San Diego County area. This past week was so surreal, I felt like I needed to wake up. First it started Saturday afternoon when I recieved a phone call from the local Air Attack base. They were asking my status for the weekend, because of the extreme conditions. I told them I was available on my cell phone. I have worked for over 10 years on a Call-When-Needed basis as a Radio Operator/Time Keeper with the firefighting airplanes. So anyways........ Sunday morning we were awaken by a phone call at 3:00am from the Dispatch Center. They were requesting my husband's crew on a fire in Santa Clarita. By the time we got back to sleep.....the winds were making my husband very anxious. The crew wouldn't be available until 9:30am. So off he went out to work, not to return that day. I went to church and nearly was blown over when I got out of my car. The winds were so strong, it was seriously too hard to walk straight. As we started to pray, my cell phone vibrated. I looked at the number and saw it was the Air Attack Base. So I grabbed my things and left. I was ordered to come in for the start of the Harris Fire. The chaos was extreme and the winds were horrific. The Witch Fire started a short time later, and soon we were under zero visibilty. We couldn't see even 400 feet away. The air was very thick with smoke and my eyes were watering like crazy. Then we heard the burnover on the scanner (the injured ff calls). Meanwhile, we are still blowing away under very smokey conditions. It was like a horror film that night as I walked out of the tower to my car. Very eerrieee. Ok. I could seriously make this blog a few pages long. So in short, last week there were armed (M16) military roaming our town. Many law enforcement officers. We ran out of water. They brought in porta-potties and set them up in areas of my town. Our town had been evacuated and it was like a ghost town......very eeerrrriiiieeee.
My husband is on the Poomatcha fire on Palomar Mountain. I'm exhausted. I've worked at the aiport 112hrs since Sunday (10/21/07). Anyways...........I just wanted to post, so you know I'm here still. I have been reading all your comments and such. I've just been too busy to think about what to write.
I'm praying that God will keep all of our husband's/boyfriends/fiancees safe. I guess I thought it was over way too soon.

WHEW.........it's almost over

2007-10-20T15:50:00.000-07:00

Okay I just want to share with you something important about this blog. It is difficult to blog (when he's home) because I'm busy cooking dinner, working and doing laundry. Most of those things don't happen during fire season. So I want you to keep in contact with me via email, and please check the blog periodically. I just won't be posting near as much in the Fall/Winter/Spring months. However, you might be suprisedd and find a post every now and then. I think you'll agree with me (or at least I hope) that this site is great during our lonely months. But please please keep in touch with me. If you email me something to share with our other wives, I will post that. Otherwise, hang in there, it is almost over until next season.

Hugs & Kisses
Hotshot Wife

Rough day

2007-10-10T15:49:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had one of those days, you know the ones that just keep getting worse as the day goes on???? Well, I thought my day was rough at work, then I called hubby at work. (Don't worry it was his lunch time not work time). As I spilled my guts over the phone about my day and what had happened at work, he listened quite attentively. Then I shushed up and he started telling me about his day. As a boss he gets to deal with "employee" problems. We both agreed tonight would be a "let's relax" night since we've both had a rough day at work. Neither of us have a hard time relaxing, especially together. We are a bunch of nuts!! We love to play games against each other on the Playstation, watch scary movies, watch the Discovery channel on TV and my favorite part..... "That ol' I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine" treatment. He puts his feet in my lap, and I rub them for a while, then I put my feet in his lap and get a return thank-you. Now that's relaxing!!
So how do you like to relax.....especially when hubby is home????

Kids are so cute.......

2007-10-04T18:19:00.000-07:00

KIDS IN CHURCH

3-year-old Reese:

"Our Father, Who does art in heaven,

Harold is His name.

Amen."

A little boy was overheard praying:

"Lord, if you can't make me a better boy, don't worry about it.

I'm having a real good time like I am."

One particular four-year-old prayed,

"And forgive us our trash baskets

as we forgive those who put trash in our baskets."

A Sunday school teacher asked her children as they

were on the way to church service,

"And why is it necessary to be quiet in church?"

One bright little girl replied,

"Because people are sleeping."

A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin 5, and Ryan 3.

The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake.Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson.

"If Jesus were sitting here, He would say,

'Let my brother have the first pancake, I can wait.'

Kevin turned to his younger brother and said,

"Ryan, you be Jesus!"

A father was at the beach with his children

when the four-year-old son ran up to him,

grabbed his hand, and led him to the shore

where a seagull lay dead in the sand. "Daddy, what happened to him?" the son asked.

"He died and went to Heaven," the Dad replied.

The boy thought a moment and then asked,

"Why did God throw him back down?"

A wife invited some people to dinner.

At the table, she turned to their six-year-old daughter and said, "Would you like to say the blessing?" "I wouldn't know what to say," the girl replied.

"Just say what you hear Mommy say," the wife answered.

The daughter bowed her head and said,

"Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people to dinner?"

HELLO OUT THERE.....Anybody home???

2007-10-01T17:03:00.000-07:00

I'm sure some of you are wondering what the heck happened to the website moderator. I'm here!! I'm still alive!!
It seems there are days/weeks that just go by faster than others. I'm going to blame my lack of posts on none other than.........my husband!! That's right. His crew has been home for a while now since it appears fire season is coming to an end. We don't have children, but we act like children. We enjoy spending time together playing games on our PS3 (that was purchased with an OVERTIME check). We also enjoy watching movies!! So when he's home, I'm not on the computer as much and what shall I write about since there's no fires. One of the other wives emailed me and the subject of her email was "ARE YOU OKAY?" I apologize for not posting anything in almost a month. I guess during the none fire season months, I could at least post a sentence or 2 about something. Speaking of which.................... Send me those recipes!!!! I want to post some recipes on the site for us to try. I love to cook for my husband!!!
Take care & God Bless.

Recipes??

2007-09-11T20:39:00.000-07:00

What do you think about sharing "hot" recipes with eachother on this blog?? That could be interesting!! For those firefighters who read the blog, maybe they could try our recipes at the station. Your thoughts..........