Define Your Own Perception, Living In Neverland

Some of you might remember this picture:

It still puts the biggest smile on my face because it is representative of the cheer that WE sent over in all the Care Packages this year. All that participated need to pat yourselves on the back :)

But there was one blogger that surpassed all my expectations and went above and beyond.

She has such an incredible heart and has an awesome little blog to boot. If you want to meet a sweet, funny, and loyal new blogger to befriend, I HIGHLY recommend this little lady.

I used to think... 
I'd be ready to have a baby one day.  When I was more "grown up" (whatever that means), stable, mature.

Now I know... 
Wrong! Not many people ever feel"ready"!  I think jumping in with two feet is going to be the only way to handle this situation.  

People see me as...
 The quieter half of a long term, steady, stable couple.

But I hope that they know...
We work at it.  Nothing is as easy as it might seem on the surface. 

I blog because...
 I like recording my own memories and interacting with other bloggers.  It's so fun to see how other people live in other states, and even in other countries!

Blog || Twitter

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PS. Anyone want to come wash the dog for me?

I have to do that before I take him to Aunt Jami's for the weekend, and he is going to be maaaaad at me. Thank goodness his daddy will be giving him his baths again soon.

And washing the dishes.

And taking out the trash.

And washing the trucks.

And mowing the lawn.

WooHoo!

One Soldier...

I have one soldier that has been promised a package, and I am unsure if he is going to receive one. I would like to give one more chance for this soldier, so if you would like to send one box of hope...let me know. I could easily send it to him, but I had previously told him that two separate bloggers were sending him something and he has received neither package. I'm not blaming anyone or upset as I know that these care packages are voluntary and life happens, but I would like to show him that people do care. He is at a FOB (Forward Operating Base) that can receive packages for another month, so if you are interested, please let me know! It would mean the world to me, and even more to him.

Source: grandparents.com via Janna on Pinterest

Will is actually visiting the same FOB to participate in a big competition this week, so wish him luck! I know that he will do awesome no matter what, but I just want the stress of all this to be over, so that he can coast through the end of the deployment. All that matters to me is that he has fun and doesn't stress too much. He has accomplished so much already that I couldn't be any more proud.

Source: thoughtsasanarmywife.blogspot.com via Janna on Pinterest

That is it for today, because I have to work on the BIG news for tomorrow.
Just another reason that this month is making me VERY happy!
You.Just.Wait.

Best Monday EVER.

I have been looking forward to this Monday for a WEEK.
I know, I know...strange...but I am filled with pride!

First off, we are kicking off TWO giveways on TWO of my favorite blogs. As you all know, Kelly is my Blog GF and I almost fainted when Raven allowed me to grace her blog with my OWN giveaway! You will find these babies, so go check them out!



Secondly....

Did you know that the last month of a deployment, the soldiers are fed a diet of MRE's?

-AKA-
 "Meals Rejected by Everyone", Morale Reducing Elements", or "Materials Resembling Edibles"

I found out last week, and was not happy about it. Everyone thinks that they get lobster and steak over there, but that is NOT the case, and now...to hear that this is all they have to get them through their last month of deployment? I won't stand for it.

I'm not the only one that feels this way:

I am now excited to get the last round of Care Packages going!

If you are interested in participating, you can find info here or just comment and I will fill you in!
even if you can't send a package, I am taking PayPal donations as well.
Whatever works for you!

This round the guys specifically asked for:

"Anything shelf stable will be amaaaaazing. We have a microwave presently.
Hopefully it doesnt break. Healthy and delicious please."

I'm thinking the Healthy Choice meals, microwavable soups, veggies, unsalted nuts, fruit cups, and the like will be good. They are probably good on the jerky and snacks, so focus on the meals. He also asked for tupperware, so if you have any spare around the kitchen, feel free to add a few.

I also want to share the last blogger, Cynthia, that sent a package (two actually), and how AMAZING she did. Let me tell you, She got rave reviews from the soldiers.

Find her original post with ALL of the photos here.
You will also notice that she sports the "I Support The Troops" Button.
{I LOVE seeing that on your sidebars.}

It's amazing that packages made with love can truly help with their morale.
They are protecting us, so it's the least we can do and to be honest...it just feels good to be able to support. When I get pictures like these, I fill with pride:

Anything and everything will help, so just let me know!

But wait...
That's not all!

The amazing Tabitha, a dedicated soldier herself, came up with ANOTHER way to support the soldiers, that will be easy for EVERYONE!

We all love snail mail, right? 

Well, imagine how important it is to a soldier that is essentially cut off from the world. I know that even though I talk to my hubby twice a day, a card or handwritten letter STILL means the world to him. Well, now we are going to allow you the joy of giving in such a simple way that anyone can do it!

All you have to do is add your link to let us know that you are interested, and then we will pair you with a soldier overseas. For the cost of a card and a stamp, YOU could make a difference.

Let's show our boys and girls that they are not forgotten over there...

Phew...Now do you see why I've been looking forward to today?

It feels good to do good, and to be a part of things that are bigger than ourselves. 

I hope that you all have a FABULOUS Monday, and remember, any day can be a good day.

The 4th Is More Fun In The Bahamas

*Thursday Update*
All these new friends around here need some lovin'.
I am quite thankful to have all of you, so you ALL deserve LOTS of lovin'!
Hope you all had an awesome holiday, and I can't wait to read aaaall about them.

Oh, and supposedly there are some fun shout outs on Lauran's blog today!
I CAN'T wait to see what it is.

Happy Independence Day!

Today, I would like to share a past 4th of July trip that we took to the BAHAMAS. I mean, where else would you spend America's Independence Day?

We headed to Green Turtle Cay a few days before the 4th, and did start the trip off a bit rocky...

I'm talking delayed flights, no boat to our island and having to hitch a ride, no power on said island when we arrived, and no food. Yeah...that day was REAL fun.

Good thing the rest of the trip was worth it....

I'm not gonna lie...by the time we made it to the 4th, we were all pretty wiped. 

We probably should have taken it easy that day, but that didn't even cross our minds.

All we wanted to do was celebrate!

I don't know if you have ever been to or heard of Nippers, but put it on your bucketlist!

Best bar in the Bahamas. Hands down.

If only I could be in the Bahamas this year...

C'est La Vie

I hope you all remember the troops that are unable to celebrate this day while they are in miserable conditions and away from their families.  It is thanks to them that we are still able to celebrate this holiday, after all.

I wanted to give Will a little taste of the holiday, so I found some fun toys, "Apple Pie" gum/snacks, and some of his other favorite things, all decorated in red, white, and blue! 

I think it turned out quite festive, and I hope that it brings them a little joy.

Well, I hope that you all have a wonderful day and eat some yummy BBQ.

I volunteered to work, so send some my way, wont'cha?

Happy 4th!

I'm a Gambler...

Guess what happened yesterday?

A customer of mine donated $100 towards Care Packages!

I can't believe that three months after I first solicited help, I am still getting new bloggers involved {Kelly and her mom just signed up}, new family and friends, AND customer donors.

It inspired me to create this little design, which I am going to turn into a button, and anyone who has sent a care package, letter or supported a soldier should totally rock it on their blog!

Hopefully, I can get it done soon, but I have to work the next couple of days.

No matter what, I'm excited!

Well, about that AND the fact that I won two bets last night on the Heat game, which brings this seasons total to FOUR bets won. Apparently, I need to start gambling.

I didn't gamble for money, which I totally would have added to my "sanity fund", but instead I just added up my savings for the week! I bought lunch the two days I was in the motorcycle class and got some necessities from Costco (dog food, coffee and take'n bake stuffed bell peppers. Yum), but still came out on top for the week!

Costco: $56

Lunch: $12

Residual: $82

Virtual Piggy Bank: $269

Heck yeah! We still have one week left, and I have already saved enough to have our lawn mowed through summer, and deal with any other odd jobs that come up!

How did y'all do this week? Did you splurge or did you save?

Don't feel bad either way, and feel free to link up any time between now and Sunday.

Plus there's always next week for the last link up...just a suggestion ;)

One more PSA for the day...Has anyone noticed this on my sidebar:

I made this little badge in the HOPES that bloggers would notice it and realize that word verification/captchas are NO BUENO. There have been many posts, tweets, and references in general dedicated to this topic and ridding the world of these evil things, but somehow...many of you still have them. A few bloggers have stopped commenting on blogs that have these, and I think I'm getting to that point.  I CANNOT read them and it is so frustrating. This is my announcement that  this is your last chance before we hunt you down and hide the body to fix your blogs. Even if you think you don't have them- check. Otherwise, if I stop commenting...you'll know why. I say this all out of love.

Tough love, that is ;)

Also, Jenn's on vacation {lucky bish} and I am Guest Posting!

Go humor me.

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!!

Don't Worry, Be Happy

Another inspiring Care Package has arrived in The 'Stan!!

This one was from Sweet Tea (the person, not the drink) from Creating Footprints!

Her package went to another FOB to our friend Buck.
He's in my husband's unit, but he is a part of a Task Force!

Unknowingly, she gave him a real taste of home! The only restaurant close to where we live is Applebees, so  that was sometimes our "hangout".  The Fact-or-Crap cards lined the bar, so we logged many hours laughing and carrying on with them.  When he received them, he said he was definitely missing our time at Applebees!

The pictures he sent me reminded me of this:

Source: Uploaded by user via Janna on Pinterest

Our soldiers, male and female, send smiles home to us via Skype all the time, so let's send them back to them. The simple act of enjoying your freedom and living life to the fullest will mean more to them than anything. Let's not sweat the small stuff and just be happy!

Here is my favorite "Happy" song:

It never fails to put me in a good mood!

Tea shared her experience here.
Thanks again, girl! You should be very proud of yourself!

As she so poignantly stated..."Taking care of the people who take care of us".

As for my shopping spree from yesterday, most of you were right!  I got some phenomenal deals!
I got ALL of this:

FOR $70
Can you freakin' believe it??
I went into this random little store called Rainbow for some cheap little tanktops or t-shirts to decorate, and walked out with all of this!
But sssssshhhhhh. Don't give away my secrets ;)

One sleep till Friday! Heck yeah.

PS. Have you ever felt your house shake because of bombs?
That is seriously happening to me right now...Living in close proximity to a base will do that to ya.
I wish I knew what was going on!

OMGOMGOMGOMG!!!!!

I can't even explain how excited I am!!

The VERY FIRST set of Care Packages arrived in The Stan!

You can all thank Bethany for supporting your troops!!

(Those of you that are in the process of sending yours- you can just pat yourselves on the back ;)

Two at once? Heck yeah!

Sometimes: I think that I should be in a career by now.Always: I remember that I am right where I need to be...supporting my soldier.
Sometimes: Not having him here or not being able to talk to him at the exact moment that I want to, is hard.Always: I don't let it show, because he needs me to be strong.
Sometimes: He knows I'm not as strong as the front I am putting up.Always: He then goes out of his way to surprise me and send me special messages.
Sometimes: The amount of Care Packages that I send him add up $$.Always: They are SO worth it. Like, I'm pretty sure it's more exciting for me to create and send them, than the thought of my own birthday....
Sometimes: Soldiers think that no one cares about them stateside...Always: We are showing them that they are wrong, one care package at a time.
Sometimes: I am afraid to ask you all to participate in things, because I'm afraid to not get a response.Always: You all surprise me with your support, and ESPECIALLY with these Care Packages!
Sometimes: I feel a tidge bit lonely.Always: You, AMAZING bloggy friends, are the BEST support I could ask for.
My heart is full....

PS. The recapping will be back tomorrow!

S&A Plus A Care Package Update!

Enjoy Sometimes & Always: Pensacola Edition, and then check out the info on the Care Packages!

Sometimes: Life is fast paced.

Always: When I go home to Pensacola, it's like time stops.

Sometimes: People say that the Panhandle is "behind the times".

Always: I'd rather be "behind the times", than not be able to trust my neighbor.

Sometimes: We forget that people are still innately good. 

Always: Good triumphs over evil! At least in Pensacola it does...

Sometimes: I think that people back home are more laid back than anyone else.
Always: If you lived st the beach, wouldn't you be laid back?

Sometimes: I think the salty air makes food taste better too.
Always: It might just be that we are STARVING after the beach.

Sometimes: I enjoy lots of fried food while home.

Always: I may not know what I'm actually eating when it looks so yummy.

I though it was fried steak, it looked and tasted like fried steak, but was actually gizzards.

That's why it was so chewy!
I must admit, I'm happy that I didn't know what it was until it had already settled in my stomach.

Sometimes: I have to go home without Will.

Always: It's more fun when he comes with me!
Well, everything is more fun when he is involved ;)

Speaking of Will, I am SO excited with all the responses that I keep getting about the care packages! So excited, in fact, that I am posting about it a day early :)

Let me break it down for ya....

There happens to be a war going on and with that war comes soldiers sacrificing time with their families, missing the simple things that we enjoy in the States, and at times...giving the ultimate sacrifice.
So what keeps them going while they are over there?
MAIL and CARE PACKAGES.

Problem is- there are some soldiers that have family unable to send them things, or even soldiers that don't have anyone to send them things.  Sad, right?
I personally, want them ALL to know that they are not forgotten and do whatever I can to show them that.
This is where you all come in.
If we all pitch in (even just a little), we can make a big difference.

Now here's what we are going to do.
I'm going to send out addresses to those of you that have voiced your interest, plus anyone that decides to join, and then we all start a'packin!
You can visit this post to find out how to get the Military Care Kit and how to fill out the forms, but you can also just pick up standard flat rate boxes (and corresponding labels) from the post office.

As for the contents of said packages, there are three categories that can be covered:

Necessities (his & hers):
Shampoo, conditioner, Shaving cream, razors, deodorant, chapstick, foot powder, baby wipes, etc.

Sustenance:
Trail mix, nuts, jerky, packaged snacks and cookies,  candy, single serving drink mixes, tea bags, Via instant coffee, Raamen  noodles, and perhaps small water heaters/coffee pots- since they have no hot potable water.

Entertainment:
Magazines, puzzles, sudoku, card games, Nintendo DS/xbox games (if you have used ones lying around or can buy them used), small toy basketball hoops, and the like.


They get limited food choices on the small FOB's and they have NOTHING to do, so anything yummy or entertaining is awesome!

In order to help as many soldiers as possible, I will be giving out two or three addresses to specific soldiers.  Upon receiving the packages, the boys will then disburse their contents in the MWR center and the FreeX, which ALL the soldiers have access to.
The packages take a month or so to get over, so let's get them sent out as soon as possible!
Once you have sent your package {or even just a letter}, let me know and feel free to send over a guest post, so that I can give you credit for your awesome kindness!

I must tell you that all of your interest in this little project of mine, has really touched my heart <3