[RetiredArmy]

When I was in the Army, I used to umpire softball and baseball and referee basketball and flag and tackle football nearly every day to make extra money. That extra money was saved and we used it for our three kid's Christmas presents. I always bought my wife something, but told her not to spend money on me, to put it on the kids. After duty hours, I would go umpire two or three ball games, or ref two basketball or flag football games that the troop teams played in the various base leagues. That is one thing the Army had was good company level sports programs. Each company had its flag football, basketball or softball teams, thus lots of sports for the troops to play. We did not have a lot of officials to call the games, so we had to work a lot. I usually worked five out of seven days each week. On weekends there were tournaments and high school sports. The bummer was the pay was not real great, so the more I reffed, the more I made for the kids Christmas’ and even school clothes. Then the regular pay could go to food, car, and the other bills of life.

[Jvette]

One day your kids will realize how much you love them. It’s true that when as kids we never understand what our parents had to do to take care of us. When my own are acting a little spoiled or ungrateful, I know there will come a day when they get it. Just hope I’m around to enjoy it:)