Bittersweet Sunday

(Photo courtesy of Photobucket)
Tomorrow is going to be a bitter sweet day. The hubby decided last weekend that we were going to drive to Arlington Cemetery tomorrow. Waking up at 7am is not something that I am looking forward to. However, I am super excited about getting to site see. He is also wanting to site see around Washington DC. I'll be able to take some awesome photos with my Nikon; Including some once in a lifetime shots I'm sure. Don't worry though- I'll be sure to share them sometime this coming week.

It is definitely going to be an awesome trip but on the flip side, a bittersweet experience. See, we're not just going to site see. We are going to visit one of my husband's closest friends. A true American Hero. One of the ones that have paid the ultimate price for our Freedom. Daniel Frazier. There will be tears I'm sure as we find the stone marked with his name. Noted by the rank of SGT. that he so sacrificially earned. Photos will be taken as my husband speaks his "Hellos" & "Goodbyes". Along with the "Thank Yous" that will be bleeding forth from all of our hearts. He was never able to meet our son but tomorrow he will.

I am a person with a very tender heart and already know that it's going to be tough seeing my husband at his lowest. His most vulnerable. Heck- the only time I have ever seen him vulnerable is when it comes to what all happened his 2009-2010 tour in Afghanistan. Not only did we lose Daniel, we also lost another close friend of my husband's SSGT Cleaver, and many others. It truly was a nightmare. Something that I hope to never have to live through again. It was horrible for us on the home front. Even more terrible for the guys who lost Buddies, Comrades, Brothers.

So, though tomorrow will be family fun filled. The fun will come with heaviness of our hearts. There will be pictures for me to share. Some will be too personal to share. All will tell a story; Be it upfront and out in the open or something that no one else knows but my husband. I ask that you all keep us, especially my husband, in your thoughts. He's a tough one but tomorrow just may bring us all to our knees.

Thank you everyone for being such awesome readers and fans. Hope you all have a wonderful Sunday. It's time for me to head to bed because 7am comes way too early. I mean, come on- you know it's early if I have to wake up Bubbie...

♥,
Jessica

A small change to SIMG

It is with a sad face that I come to you all & announce that I have decided to place the "Five Things Friday" series on hold for a while. Things in my life are kind of busy; Crazy hectic to say the least. Last night when I was pondering on what to blog about today, as part of the series, everything that I chose was too major for only a few sentences. With that said I have decided to try something new.

I have decided to place more time into my blog. Along with trying to get into doing product review & hosting more giveaways, I would like to bring more important issues to my readers. As mentioned before, there were some major issues that came to mind when I was thinking up today's "Five Things" post. Those will be the issues that I start with. Serious issues that I am sure, more than just I am going through.

Issues such as Toddler Tantrums, PTSD, getting back to happier days after children, etc. Just to name a few.

So, with all of that said I hope to see all of you here for support. These issues are more than just topics to me. They are personal struggles, as well. Any suggestions or requests, just send them my way.

I am appreciative of all of my faithful readers and look forward to meeting new people.

Happy Friday♥,
Jessica

MilSpouse Friday Fill-in #31 edition

1. Aside from no deployments, what is one thing you would want to make the MilSpouse life “perfect”?
- NO more 24 hour staff duty. lol. I hate being home by myself with the kid and dogs when the Hubby has to pull his 24 hours.

2. Just how many peppers did Peter Piper pick?
- I do believe it was something like 1,234 peppers. Don't ask me why because if I told you, I'd have to kill you. It's top secret classified information. ;)

3. If you could have any career in the world with nothing holding you back, what would you do?
- I would love to be a radiology technician or someone who does CT scans.

4. Do you have a service oriented tattoo and if so what is it. If you don’t what would you get?
- I have combat boot prints on the right foot with 3 hearts filled with the pattern of the flag.

5. Imagine a block of time has opened up in your busy day for you to take a class in anything you like. What subject would you choose?
- Wow~ this is a tough one. I think I'd have to say either photo editing or blogging.

Linking up to "MilSpouse Friday Fill-in #31" at Wife of a Sailor.
♥,
Jessica

Wee Bit About Me

{one} Do you always wear your seatbelt in the car?
All of the time! A seatbelt saved my sister's life when we had a wreck in 1999. So, it's a must for me.

{two} Do you crack your knuckles?
Yeap, sure do

{three} What is your favorite flavor of gum?
Spearmint

{four} What is your favorite piece of jewelry that you own?
My bridal set that the Hubby just got me for Valentine's Day & then the original diamond and band that he got me in the beginning :)

{five} Who is your best friend?
Casey Lou. We've been friends for a little over 7 years now

{six} What is your favorite smell?
Fresh coffee

{seven} What is your favorite lunch meat?
Roast Beef cut from the deli

{eight} Do you still have your tonsils?
I sure do.

{nine} Do you untie your shoes before you take them off?
Never. But sometimes I untie them before putting them on.

{ten} What color is your car?
Silver.

Almost Wordless Wednesday

Willow- Book Review

Willow
★★★★☆1/2

Julia Hoban has written one of the best YA books that I have come across. It is well written as well as very realistic. Emotions ran over me as I read as if I were part of the storyline. As if I were really there.

Seven months ago, on a rainy March night, sixteen-year- old Willow’s parents drank too much wine and asked her to drive them home. They never made it—Willow lost control of the car and her parents died in the accident. Now she has left behind her old home, friends, and school, and blocks the pain by secretly cutting herself. But when Willow meets Guy, a boy as sensitive and complicated as she is, she begins an intense, life-changing relationship that turns her world upside down.
Told in an arresting, fresh voice, Willow is an unforgettable novel about one girl’s struggle to cope with tragedy, and one boy’s refusal to give up on her.
-taken from Amazon

Hope you decide to check out this read~
♥,
Jessica

Shine Through Sundays 2.20.11

Hello!!

I would like to Welcome everyone to my Wonderful weekly series,
"Shine Through Sundays." New & old friends, just the same!

For those who are new; Each week I feature a blog & an Etsy shop that I believe everyone should at least check out. When a new week comes around, the featured 'sites' are then be added to the "STS" Archive, where you can find then at any later date.


This week's featured sites are:

Featured Blog:
indieBerries
Visit indieBerries [HERE]
indieBerries is a blog that I happened upon a while back. Filled with cartoons, photos, & writings that are just as wonderful, I was instantly drawn in. Months have gone by and I am still an avid reader. This is one blog that I believe will not be a let down. Well- DUH~ or I wouldn't be recommending it here. So take time to swing by & give indieBerries a visit. I'm sure you'll find yourself going back for more; Just as I do.


Featured Etsy Shop:
Geezees Canvas & Prints
[SHOP HERE]
What better way to display your memories than on a personalized photo collage canvas? Wouldn't a Bride & Groom simply love receiving their wedding vows put as word art just for them? Well, I came across this fellow SITSgirl in a forum just yesterday & had to share her shop with you all. Her works of art are gorgeous & truly are one of a kind. Be sure to stop in and show her some love. Possibly by purchasing something special that captures the memories like nothing I've ever seen before.

Above: Romantic Custom Anniversary Gift Wedding Canvas, Engagement Anniversary Just Married Photo 14x24. Only available at Geezees Canvas and Prints

Thank you everyone for stopping by for yet another week of the "Shine Through Sundays" series & I hope that I was able to introduce you to some really great sites again this week... Hope to see you all back next week!
Enjoy you're week!

***Know a blog or site that should be featured? Email the link to me at: jessica.bevil@gmail.com***

The Cartoon Lovin' Mama & her Old Time Candy Giveaway

Giveaways, in general, are usually fun to enter. It's taking a risk at winning something really cool and FREE. However, for everyone there is usually that one item that when they see it being given away: They just HAVE TO ENTER. It is an item that means so much or that they are so interested in that every day is devoted to passing on the word via Twitter; Every extra entry chance is used towards winning this one treasure of a find. You know that there is a chance that you may not even stand a chance but I'll Be, You're going to give it one heck of a try. For me, The Cartoon Lovin' Mama's "Old Time Candy giveaway" is one of those gemstone of a giveaways.

Stephanie, over at The Cartoon Lovin' Mama is currently hosting a giveaway of one Decade Box of the winner's choice from the Old Time Candy website. Each box holds a variety of candies from the named decade. The available decades are: the 50s,60s,70s,80s,& all decades. The winner picks which box they would like to receive and the box comes holding a whopping 4lbs of candy!!

With all of that said, head on over to enter this giveaway! While you're there be sure to follow Stephanie & Good luck on the giveaway!

♥,
Jessica

5 Things Friday: 5 Sites You Must Atleast Check out

This week I have been debating what to share as my top Five things. After much mental brewing I have decided to introduce 5 of my favorite websites to join. These are sites that I stand by & enjoy extremely.Enjoy!


[Click Banner to Visit & Join!!]
1. Paperbackswap.com: is a website that many of you may have already heard of. You read books and then place them on the site to be swapped for credits. When someone requests a book from you, all you have to do is mail it (paying a low price of around $2.50 for shipping). They receive the book, you are awarded a credit, & you use that credit for a book that you would like to receive from someone. So technically- you're getting a book for only around $2.50!!



[Click Banner Above to Visit & join!!]
2. Postcrossing.com is a site that I posted about just the other day [HERE]. It's been quite a busy end of the week since I signed up and I am yet to get the ball rolling but that will be done today. I'm ready to receive some postcards!!


[Follow this link to visit & start losing weight today!!]
3. Sparkpeople.com is a site that I definitely stand by. After having my first son my weight was at a whopping 215lbs! That was merely the amount that I had gained during the entire pregnancy (try 260lbs on for size) but it was still a lot more weight that I wanted to be carrying around. I do not remember where I had heard about Sparkpeople but decided to give it a whirl. & I am so thankful that I did. The site uses a system of rewards and goals to help you reach the weight you would like to, in the time that you wish to lose it in. Sure, you still have to work out and eat as well as you can but if you follow their recommendations and try out their exercise/eating examples, you'll get healthier. I will be linking back up there once I have my daughter in June/July. Let me know if you join!! This way I can add you and send over that little bit of extra motivation!! Goodluck!!

4. Pogo.com is the number one gaming site that I use. You pay to be a member but it is well worth it if you enjoy playing online games, connecting with other people, & earning little badges while working towards a game goal. Rainy days will no longer be boring with this site. My first years membership I actually did not pay for, however; I received it for free in result of cashing in some of my coke reward points. Which leads me to my next and final site suggestion...

5. Mycokerewards.com is a site that I have been a member of for a couple years now. What is better than getting something for free just by drinking sodas/powerade/minute maid juices?! Not a lot really. That is why I love logging my reward codes and picking out what free item I want next. So far I have received two magazine subscriptions, some free prints from snapfish.com, and my free years membership from pogo.com. I really do not drink that many sodas but I find friends and family who do. They save me their codes and off I go to turning them into freebies. Fun stuff and definitely something that you should swing by to check out!

Thank you all for stopping by for another week of my Five Things Friday. Let me know if you sign up for any of the above sites so we can connect there as well. Also- got a site that you live by & would love for others to check out? Just let me know and I'm going to check it out♥

Have a great weekend!
-Jessica

Linking up to Boost My Blog Friday

$30 Gift Certificate for CSN.com stores

.Giveaway has ended.
$30 Gift Certificate Giveaway
February 17th-March 4th

Welcome Everyone!
To my VERY First Giveaway & boy, is it an Awesome one!!
I'm sure that everyone has at least heard of csnstores.com. With over 200 stores they offer an abundance of items from a L Shaped Desk, to handle all of your bloggy business from, to Baby items, and even home decor that is simply to die for. With out a doubt, there is always something on one of their sites that you just have to have.

Here are a couple items that I simply adore:

Munchkin- MG Flip Straw Cup (Set of 4)
ONLY $13.99
Wild Creations- Animal Height Chart
ONLY $11.40
And there are many more items where these came from. And I'm excited to announce that:

One reader will be the proud winner of a one time use $30 gift certificate to use at any one of the CSN stores!!!

Entry process & rules go as followed:

Mandatory Entry: Visit csnstores.com & tell me one item you'd like to purchase if you won this certificate.

Additional Entry Options:
(All must be noted in separate comments or they will not count)
-Leave your contact email with every comment please-
1. Follow Sugar in My Grits on Google Friend Connect (1 entry)

2. Follow me on Twitter @Bubbiesmom -leave twitter name below so I can follow back (1 entry)

3. Blog about my site and this giveaway -provide links of post(s) below (1 entry each blog post)

4. Tweet about this giveaway (1 entry per tweet, per day)

5. Follow Sugar in My Grits on Networked Blogs -leave name and I'll follow back (1 entry)

*And as noted above, be sure to leave a different comment for each thing completed. This way you are given credit for each. If you tweet once a day, for everyday of the giveaway- be sure to leave a new comment each day. Also leave an email address so you can be contacted if you win.*

At the end of the giveaway I will be using random.org to choose the winner.
Giveaway will end at 11pm EST March 4th, 2011.
Winner will be contacted via email by March 6th, 2011.

Goodluck & Thank you for stopping by!!
-Jessica

Balance. I wish.

Ahh, Balance. I have heard the word but really, what is this balance you speak of? Having everything fall into place to where you feel a huge peaceful relief? Maybe. Learning to cope and adapt to the way things are around you without pulling your hair out? Perhaps. All I know at this point in my life, in my marriage, in my parenthood journey is that my heart & soul yearns for this thing you call balance. One way or another, I hope to someday feel at ease with the life around me. Be it from things 'calming down' around me or from me simply falling into the mesh of things.

My life right now lacks so much balance that it's ludicrous. I'm a person of routine but yet, my husband has never heard the word before. Interesting seeming as though he's in the military. Yeah, I do not get it either but it's whatever. It's something that his bloodstream just doesn't allow or something. That's the only reasoning behind it that I can conclude at least. Anywho- Does anyone know now hard it is to reach a sense of balance when only one parent/person in a relationship is on board? Yeah, it's not fun at all. To reach such a point I'd have to pretend that it's just me & the Bubbie. Not fair to any of us and not at all possible when I must fit in picking up after the Husband.

So yes- this leaves me asking once again;
What is this Balance you speak of?

I may never actually find balance in my life. Do not get me wrong, I yearn so badly to and would be ever so greatful to the higher powers for awarding me such peace but really... It's not something that I see happening for a while. Not until after our lil' girl is born & I get everything figured out on how to cope and manage with 2 children. 3 including the Hubby. lol. And well, throw in the 3 pups and we have a momma desperately in need of something. A break would do. I'm not picky but yeah- Higher Power, if you're listening, could you at least cut me a break once in a while??

Thanks for listening to my ramblings & may you all find some kind of Balance in your lives.

-Jessica

I'm posting this as part of the Mama Kat's Writers Workshop:

Day 2: 31DBBB Challenge

Day 2 of the challenge was to Write a List Post. Seeming as though I have started my "Five Things Friday" series, I have a few of these kinds of posts to share:

- Five Things I Can Not Live Without
- Five Favorite Quotes
- Five Things Friday: Weekly Recap

Till next time,
Jessica

Postcard Love!

I don't know about everyone else but I simply ♥ receiving mail. Not those pesky bills and junk mail articles but the fun stuff. Freebies, cards, letters, POSTCARDS!! There is something exciting about receiving a postcard in the mail from anywhere. It's amazing how something so small can mean so much. Anywho- a couple years ago I found this website: Postcrossing.com.



Follow the above link to sign up for some Postcard Exchange fun!

The idea is that you send postcards to people in order to receive postcards. I have been lucky enough to receive cards from all over. I'll have to find my tin & share some of them sometime. It has been a while since I was last on the site but lately I have been thinking about it. I am proud to say that this morning I remembered the site name & signed back up!!

Signing up is free and all you have to pay for are the postcards that you want to send others and the stamp that it takes to mail them. Some places take a tad bit more postage, depending on the country that they are going to. On the site you can look at a person's profile to see what kind of postcards they prefer to receive. Some have specifications but others just like getting whatever you have to send. Most enjoy cards about where you're from. I'm thinking about asking everyone to send a random card but writing a quote or something on it when they send it. Something to make my collection unique. What would you have them send or write?

Well, now that I have shared the wonderful news about an exciting site- I must get going. Bubbie is dressed and apparently ready to leave for our day of errands. Poor kid- we hardly ever leave the house and so getting to go running around is always a treat for him.

Will you be signing up for Postcrossing? If so, let me know so I can look you up and look you up. Do you prefer certain categories of postcards or just whatever? Ever come across any other sites that are about connecting with other people from different places in such fun ways? Let me know!!

♥ Happy Wednesday!! ♥
-Jessica

Just messing around with my Photoshop program.

Day 1: 31DBBB Challenge

Today I signed up for the 31 Days to Build a Better Blog Problogger Challenge. As usual, I am getting a late start but at least I am still participating. This is something that I have wanted to do since I came across the challenge, after it had ended, during the Summer session. Wish me Luck ♥

Be sure to check out the 31DBBB Challenge tab at the top of my page. This is where I'll be keeping highlights & links to the posts that I will be putting up as part of this challenge.

Day 1 Challenge: Write an Elevator Pitch for Your Blog

Here is my short pitch -> "Randomly Rediscovering, Preparing, All while trying to keep it all together."

Here is my longer pitch -> Sugar in My Grits- Trying to Rediscover myself and raise a Toddler; While preparing for the birth of our second child. All of this, while trying not to loose it. Blogging about anything and everything, as random as my life & the title, all along the way.



♥,
Jessica

Shine Through Sundays 2.13.11

Hello!!

I would like to Welcome everyone to my Wonderful weekly series,
"Shine Through Sundays." New & old friends, just the same!

For those who are new; Each week I feature a blog & an Etsy shop that I believe everyone should at least check out. When a new week comes around, the featured 'sites' are then be added to the "STS" Archive, where you can find then at any later date.


This week's featured sites are:

Featured Blog:
Stomach Rumblings

At Stomach Rumblings Susie is on a journey. Much like many of us she is on a journey to change her life; To live a healthier life. Her journey started January of 2010 & hopefully it will last a life time. We could all use that little bit of support during this journey & so stop by Stomach Rumblings to share yours with her.


Featured Etsy Shop:
Much Ado About You
[SHOP HERE]
I don't know about all of you but I am definitely a planner junkie. Combine that with another of my favorites- things personalized & you had me at "Hello." Well, Much Ado About You, over at Etsy has done that. These journals are unique & beautiful. Be sure to swing by to check them out today.

Above: Personalized journals also available at Much Ado About You

Thank you everyone for stopping by for yet another week of the "Shine Through Sundays" series & I hope that I was able to introduce you to some really great sites again this week... Hope to see you all back next week!
Enjoy you're week!

***Know a blog or site that should be featured? Email the link to me at: jessica.bevil@gmail.com***

Five Things Friday: Weekly Recap

I've had a pretty busy week. So, I decided to share five of my favorite things that have happened while I've not been blogging this week... Enjoy!

1. I hit 20 weeks & we were able to see our little girl through ultrasound once again. Must I say, it never gets old and knowing now that we are indeed having a girl... I'm simply elated!

2. We were able to get assistance from Virginia W.I.C. I know this may seem odd as a "Favorite Thing" but anyone who is falling upon tough times will understand. Not only do I know that I will be taken care of nutrition wise but so will our Bubbie. Not to mention, if I have to go the formula route once the baby is here- it helps out TONS with that too!

3. The Hubby & I picked out a name for our lil' girl. Her name shall be... Emma LeeAnn . I believe it will fit her perfectly. It's just a feeling I have. Just the simple fact that we were able to agree on a first & middle name, was a miracle in itself though. haha...

4. Today is a wonderfully sad day as well. My Bubbie turned 18 months today! It's wonderful because he is growing into a handsome & intelligent young man. However, it's quite sad as well because he is growing so fast. There is so much that he can do on his own & I know that I will be thankful once the lil' one gets here but still. It's like... Where is my little boy going?

5. Tomorrow the Hubby, Bubbie, & I are going shopping. We will be stopping at Babies'R'Us to register and get some things for baby Emma. It's really exciting because with Bubbie we weren't able to get just whatever as far as a crib & car seat, etc. But thanks to some of our tax refund check- this time around (being it will more than likely be the last time around) we are able to pick most of what we want!

As you all can tell, it's been a very busy week. And this is just half of it. Hate that I didn't get to post more throughout the week but I'll try to do better. hehe. Hopefully everyone has a great weekend. & don't forget-

♥Valentine's Day is monday!!
♥

♥,
Jessica

Linking up to Fun Follow Friday & Boost My Blog Friday

Half-Way There!

Yes sir! I can't believe it either. Today we are HALFWAY to meeting our little girl. Tomorrow is our 'official' ultrasound but we're pretty sure that the ultrasound from my last doctors appointment was correct. I'm so excited that there are only 140 days left to go. Give or take a few of course. Bubbie was a day late & so not really sure what to expect with our lil ones. Anywho- I'll be posting some more photos after the appointment tomorrow.

Everyone have a wonderful monday!

♥,
Jessica

Sandman Slim- book review

Sandman Slim
★★★★☆

I came across this book as a free download for my nook. It sounded interesting & honestly- was not a disappointment at all. Very interesting & well written. I ♥ the sarcasm & strange sense of humor that Kadrey uses. I can completely recommend it as a read.

Supernatural fantasy has a new antihero Life sucks, and then you die. Or, if you're James Stark, you spend eleven years in Hell as a hitman before finally escaping, only to land back in the hell-on-earth that is Los Angeles. Now Stark's back, and ready for revenge. And absolution, and maybe even love. But when his first stop saddles him with an abusive talking head... more », Stark discovers that the road to absolution and revenge is much longer than you'd expect, and both Heaven and Hell have their own ideas for his future. Resurrection sucks. Saving the world is worse. Darkly twisted, irreverent, and completely hilarious, Sandman Slim is the breakthrough novel by an acclaimed author. -per RichardKadrey.com

♥,
Jessica

Shine Through Sundays 2.6.11

Hello!!

I would like to Welcome everyone to my Wonderful weekly series,
"Shine Through Sundays." New & old friends, just the same!

For those who are new; Each week I feature a blog & an Etsy shop that I believe everyone should at least check out. When a new week comes around, the featured 'sites' are then be added to the "STS" Archive, where you can find then at any later date.


This week's featured sites are:

Featured Blog:
Simply Stacey

Simply Stacie is a site full of reviews, giveaways, & resources. There have been many times that I have been looking for help with certain blogging questions & "Simply Stacie" was the site I was directed to. This, though definitely not the lone reason, is enough for everyone to jump on over & add them! So be sure to follow Simply Stacie today, while leaving all kinds of bloggy love.


Featured Etsy Shop:
Misslis' Boutique
[SHOP HERE]
Misslis' Boutique offers everything from crocheted hats for children to headbands & minky blankies. These sisters have some super cute items that everyone should take a look at. There is sure to be something that you will fall in love with.

Owls! Have I mentioned how much I love owls?! hehe... above is a photo of one of the Minky Binky Blankies that MissLis' Boutique offers.

Thank you everyone for stopping by for yet another week of the "Shine Through Sundays" series & I hope that I was able to introduce you to some really great sites again this week... Hope to see you all back next week!
Enjoy you're week!

***Know a blog or site that should be featured? Email the link to me at: jessica.bevil@gmail.com***

Five Things Friday: Five of My Favorite Quotes

I have always been a Quotation Freak. So, this week I have decided to share some of my favorite ones. Five to be exact. Trust me though, it wasn't easy picking only FIVE from my collection.

1. "Sure I've met frustration, and I don't like him... I know Discouragement, Despair, and all those other cats. But I guess I knew that sooner or later something good was bound to happen to me..." Frank Sinatra

2. "Give me a kiss, and to that a score; Then to that twenty, add a hundred more: a thousand to that hundred: so kiss on, to make that thousand up a million. Treble that million, and when that is done, Let's kiss a fresh, as when we first begun." Robert Herrick

3. Piglet sided up to Pooh from behind, "Pooh," he whispered. "Yes, Piglet" "Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw,"I just wanted to be sure of you."

4. "To be in love is merely to be in a state of perpetual anesthesia: to mistake an ordinary young man for a Greek God or an ordinary young woman as a Goddess. HJ Menaken

5. "Me, I'm scared of everything. I'm scared of what I saw, I'm scared of what I did, of who I am. And most of all I'm scared of walking out of this room and never feeling the rest of my life the way I feel when I'm with you"..."Dance with me." Baby from Dirty Dancing

Thanks everyone for stopping by! Be sure to leave a favorite quote of yours & come back for more of my favorite things next friday!

♥,
Jessica


Linking up this friday with:

A Wordless Wednesday

Well... kinda. {hehe}

We get the official ultrasound Tuesday but I'm thinking this one is pretty clear.