My original goal was to be finished with this project by the middle of June, when the boys would all be out of school. The schedule was set back quite a bit, due to a wonderful, unexpected trip I was able to take. I came home from the trip and spent many hours playing catch up, finishing end-of-year business for my volunteer involvement, etc. Then the boys were out of school, sigh...

I've had my three boys for quite some time now, so it should have been no surprise that I can't get as much done with them around. It bothers me, though, that I haven't kept up to my original schedule to finish this project.

While rushing to finish everything, I just felt as if something were wrong. After looking at all of the essays, it occurred to me that the project had taken on a life of its own, and needed some adjustments. The essays have been rearranged, and I've added some more material--whew! And it feels good to be "back on track".

Thank you for being patient! And thank you to everyone who has sent in their paperwork, bios and photos, along with their essays. It has been very humbling to read all that you have shared. For that reason, I've decided to work a bit harder and not rush to push this project through to completion. There are some long days and nights ahead, more typing and formatting the material, then I will post information about the final project.

I can't wait to share your thoughts with others, too. Your essays have been very thought provoking for me, and have already lead to some good discussions with others. It will be great to share the completed project. ;)

I hope to finish writing and editing within the next week. Who needs sleep, right? ;)

After that I will work on layout for a couple of weeks (essays, pictures, graphics and cover), then upload the project for printing.

Yes, I have been a bit delayed due to unexpected travel, volunteer responsibilities, family life, etc., but STILL PLUGGING ALONG--HOOAH!

Going through my files, I see that I have not received completed paperwork from some people. I'm looking through all of the mail that I've received, but still missing a few bits of info. No worries! I will be contacting submitters this next week to send in:

• Author Release Form
• Photographer Release Form
• Model Release Form
• Biography
• Photograph(s)--optional

If you are missing any documents, I'll send you a note next week. I need all of the biographies and any photos you would like to be printed before I complete the layout, and will need all completed release forms before the project is printed.

Essay submitters, if you have moved this spring/summer, please send me your updated address so I can have a book shipped to you when it is completed.

Honestly, it doesn't matter how many times I read through the essays that have been submitted, I keep getting goosebumps. THANK YOU for sharing so much! I look forward to sharing the completed project with others very soon!

I have not posted in a while, but want you to know I'm still writing! Life has caught up with us, and it was a wee bit busy at the end of the school year, busier than I was expecting. I'll be locked up in my office to hopefully finish the bulk of the writing within the next three months. I'll then continue with editing and layout.

If you have ANY questions, please remember that I'll be absolutely STUCK in my office through the rest of June and into July. Please send me an email, and I'll get back to you asap: milspousebooks@gmail.com. I do have a few people to catch up with--will email you soon! ;)

I am still writing - yeah! Due to some setbacks, I am pushing the publication deadline from June to later this summer. I will keep updating the information on this page.

Hi, everyone! Yes, the deadline for essay submission has passed. Thank you to all of you who submitted essays! I have been writing and working on the essays every chance I get, and am staying on schedule for my project. If you have any questions, please feel free to send me a message. I will keep posting updates on this blog, and on the Facebook page.

I am working all of the collected essays into the project. When the project is closer to completion, I will email the essay contributors with any editing to their submissions.

Again, THANK YOU everyone for your submissions, your shared knowledge and wisdom! ;)