We'll get through this

Hello Blogger Friends! I hope everyone had a great weekend along with a good Monday as well. I always feel so much better when I have a good start to my week makes me think that the days following cant be too bed lol. Today I walked into work at 7:10am as usual on Mondays and could tell there was a weird vibe.  Not even 10 minutes later one of the other receptionists asked to talk to our practice manager alone.  When our manager went back to her desk and Carolyn went downstairs we were told that Carolyn just put in her 2 week notice. Which typically isn't usually a HUGE issue people leave their work places all the time for various reasons.  Well this is the third receptionist who has put in their notice in a MONTH AND A HALF. In case you don't know I'm a receptionist for a vet clinic we see dogs and cats as well as exotics and we have a very very busy day practice.  With the first 2 receptionists leaving we had to adjust a lot especially because both were full time.  My day off got switched which I wasn't too happy about but have been dealing with it.  I'm nervous and anxious to see what it will be like when Carolyn leaves us too.  We did just hire a new person who will be starting next week but you know it takes a bit to learn and get a hang of whats going on.  Especially when she hasn't had any experience working at a day clinic just 9 mths experience at the ER.  I am optimistic she will be a great addition to our team she is friendly and outgoing and seems eager to learn! I am sad that our team is leaving 1 by 1 and would really appreciate any prayers! Other than that I will be leaving in 9 days to go visit my family in Ohio and I am beyond excited!!! I hope you all have a great night and a good week:)

xO

"The House That Built Me"

"The House That Built Me' -Miranda Lambert

When this song first came out, I listened to it all the time. Every time it would come on the

radio I would turn it up really loud and just sing my heart out (and I am not a good

singer at all haha.) This song just has so much meaning to me in a lot of ways but 

some things were different.  My parents still live in the house that I grew

up in and I know they have no intentions of moving anywhere else.

I grew up in a really small town where everyone knows everyone.

I used to joke with my mom all the time when she'd want

my to go grocery shopping with her on Saturday mornings

and I looked like a mess. I would tell her I don't

feel like going out in public because no matter

where we go I will see at least 1 person I

know. In most cases it was 2-3 people.

She always laughed and said "owell."

In this song they talk about one house

but to me, when I think about 

"The House That Built Me" I

think about my house and

also my gparents'.

I grew up with my grandparents living across the street from us. I always tell people

that was one of the best things that has ever happened to me.  A lot of kids don't

have that really close knit bond with their grandparents and I am so lucky that

they helped raise my sister and I. They came to all our sporting

events, my grandpa took tons of pictures at every dance I ever went too.

My grandma would make us delicious breakfast and my sister and

I took turns spending the night on the weekends. My grandma

thought it was a good idea for her to stay on Fridays so my

I could have time with my parents alone and then

Saturdays switch and my sister could have time

alone with my parents.  

  Back to the song. There is a part that says "I thought that if I could touch this place or

feel it this brokenness inside me might start healing. Out here it's like I'm someone

else, I thought that maybe I could find myself. If I could just come in I swear

I'd leave, wont take nothing but a memory from the house that built

me." When I left home and moved to VA beach there was a lot

of times especially in the beginning that I missed my home,

I missed my family, I missed that small town where

I couldn't even go to the gas station without

someone saying "Hello." Part of me was

just missing everything I thought I

hated. When I eventually moved

back home for a few months

It all just clicked. Ohio, that house,

well it wasn't my only home anymore.

I had made my home in Va Beach too, but a part of my heart will always have a soft

spot for that house and my grandparents house as well. I remember writing

stories and reading them aloud to my grandma as she would clap when I

was done. I remember all the motorcycle trips my grandpa took me

on, he would always take the scenic route. The huge bonfires

my dad would build for birthday parties when my

family would stay at my house til late. I think

when it comes down to it we all will

always remember our childhood the

good and the bad and the house that

built us. I miss my small town

and my friends and family

but I have grown up

and made a new

home for myself

as well.

Every time I hear this song I fight back a tear, and you know what...thats okay :)

xO

Today

Today I..

*prayed for my neighbor who's going through a really rough time. When I saw her today I felt her pain and my heart just ached for her.

*ate one of my favorite breakfasts, mini wheats :) yum!

*worked the afternoon shift and was blessed to work with one of my favorite people. Last week is her last week with us at the clinic since she has recently gotten a new job. I will miss her tons but I am thrilled for her new chapter in life!

*missed my boyfriend a lot. Maybe a little more than usual just because I've been chatting with an old friend about her marriage that isn't going to smooth right now. It made me so grateful that I have such an awesome, attentive, appreciative, handsome and Godly man standing by my side through the good and the bad.

*went to dinner with some girl friends and we laughed our hearts out and just soaked up each others happiness<3

Today...Today was good, today made me SUPER aware of the blessings that I've been given by my father.  I hope everyone else had an awesome Tuesday! I cant believe Thanksgiving is in 2 short days!? Every month keeps going faster and faster!!

xO

Sunday Love

  Today we decided to stay home and live stream online and watch the service at Faith Family Church.  I live in VA Beach now and have found a church that Jon and I really love but part of my heart will always belong to Faith Family.  I cannot wait to go home next month and sit in a seat upfront and sing my heart out, their worship team is beyond amazing.  I was going back and fourth in my head whether or not to go to our church, Upward or watch Faith Family online today.  Something inside just told me to stay home. I wasn't sure if it was me just wanting to stay in my PJs a little longer or because God wanted me to hear everything Pastor Mike had to say. I took tons of notes and cannot wait to share them with my friends.  Our God is a good God he is in the business of saving souls and we must always be grateful for him.<3 Have a great Sunday everyone!

More Quotes and Versus!

I feel like today's a good day to post some more inspiring quotes and awesome versus<3 I hope everyone had a great Friday!!<3 Besides spending an hour and 45 mins at the car place to get my oil changed I had a great day!

*"Do the things you used to talk about doing but never did. Know when to let go and when to hold on tight. Stop rushing. Don't be intimidated to say it like IT IS. Stop apologizing all the time. Learn to say no, so your yes has some more oomph. Spend time with the friends who lift you up, and cut loose the ones who bring you down. Stop giving your power away. Be more concerned with being interested than being interesting. Be old enough to appreciate your freedom, and young enough to enjoy it. Finally know WHO YOU ARE<3"

**It's a lost cause asking the truth from somebody whose probably never given it

*"You just do it. You force yourself to get up. You force yourself to put one food before the other, and darn it, you refuse to let it get to you. You fight, you cry, you scream then you go about the business of living. That's how I've done it and theres no other way."

**Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of Go with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. -EPHESIANS 4:29-32

*"If you want something to last forever you treat it differently. You shield it and you protect it. You never ever abuse it. You don;t expose it to the elements. You don't make it common or ordinary. If it ever becomes tarnished, you lovingly polish it until it gleams like new. It becomes special because YOU MADE IT SO<3 and it grows more beautiful and precious as time goes by" -F.Burtn Howard

**Choose your friends with CAUTION

plan your future with PURPOSE

and frame your life with FAITH.

*In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge let me never be put to shame. Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness; turn your ear to me and save me. Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. Deliver me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of evil and cruel men. -PSALM 71:1-4

**Beauty isn't all about having a pretty face. It's about having a pretty mind, a pretty heart, and a pretty soul.

*By loving me you are teaching me how to love myself<3

**If your enemy is hungry give him food to eat, if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you. -PROVERBS 25:21-22

*A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. -PROVERBS 16-23

**Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are keeping it but sitting in judgement on it. There is only one lawgiver and judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you- who are you to judge your neighbor? -JAMES 4:11-12

This Too Shall Pass

Today was just one of those days where I was more tired than normal,

more emotional than usual, and mentally and emotionally just

done..zippo-nothing left to give. Today was no different

than any day. Today I woke up and spent my 

first part of the morning with the Lord

and my devotional book and bible.

Today I ate breakfast and thought

about all the blessings I've been

given in my 23 years of life. Today

I drove to work in my silver

little car and listened to

country music the whole

way singing my lil' heart

out. Today I took a

deep breath

before I entered the door at work.

I said my good mornings and I got my station all tidied up. But for some

reason today just isn't my day.  I'm not feeling sorry for myself

nor am I completely mad about it but the only words

that come to my mind are, "this too shall pass." Today

was a day where I really didn't want to talk, but certainly

had no choice in that matter considering I was at WORK.

Today I could of spent all morning evening and night in my comfy

fleece zebra PJs and read a book in bed and caught up

on my TV shows. Today, maybe more than once, I might

of cried while hugging my teddy bear and snuggling

with my dogs. Today I just miss home, I miss

my mom, I miss my small town.  I don't say that often

because I don't usually miss that place full of

drama and broken dreams. When I go to bed

tonight I'll pray tomorrow is my day. Tomorrow

I'll wake up with a not so heavy heart and tomorrow

I'll be me, again. Everyone has these kinds

of days, that I am sure of. So here's too believing in

"this too shall pass."

xO

I hope everyone had a blessed Thursday! :)

Rain Or Shine

  You know what I strongly dislike? Waking up and looking outside and seeing rain rain rain.. just buckets of it being poured out of the sky.  I had every intention when my alarm went off this morning at 8am to go running! But..as soon as I looked out the window every ounce of me that was ready for the run disappeared. So what did I do instead you might ask...I curled back up in bed with my pups and slept for another hour :) lol..Doesn't help with me running my race next week BUT thats okay. Does anyone else feel my pain about yucky weather? Sure I love it when I'm trying to go to sleep or cuddled up with Jon on the couch but not when I have plans to be outside.  Besides running in it I also hate driving in it! And besides all that we are undergoing a remodel at work and we are working in two buildings. So its a constant in and out to get what we need and having to run through puddles and see yucky mud splash up on your favorite scrub pants well that right there could make a girl cry! lol. Anyways..enough with my blabbing about the rain I thought I'd share some quotes that I love! I hope everyone has a blessed day whether your in the rain or shine!

*There are some people who always seem angry and continuously look for conflict.  Walk away, the battle they are fighting isn't with you, it is with themselves.

*Don't judge others because they sin differently than you.

*I fall, I rise, I make mistakes, I live, I learn, I've been hurt, BUT I'm alive.  I'm human and I'm not perfect BUT I'm always thankful.

*Satan, I have a savior who is as strong as you are WEAK..

*Until God opens the next door for you, praise him in the hallway.

*Don't get hurt when God takes something off your hands. He's just leaving you empty handed to give you something better!

*Quit falling for the lies they told you! Go to Christ and let him fix whats broken you!

*As much as you want to plan your life, it has a way of surprising you with unexpected things that will make you happier than you originally planned. That's what you call *Gods Will*.

*You heard what I did....BUT NOT WHAT I HAVE BEEN THROUGH

*Ladies, a real man opens more than the door. He opens his bible.

*I think its very healthy to spend time alone. You need to know how to be alone and not be defined by another person.

Its ok...

Happy weekend my blog friends! 

It's okay that I ate that burger at the football game today. At least I ran the past 2 mornings and will be running tomorrow as well! :)

It's okay that sometimes when I am incredibly stressed or very hurt I bury my face in my pillow and just cry.

It's okay that sometimes I cant say NO to chocolate. I mean chocolate is a serious essential to happiness. Right? :)

It's okay that I have no decorating skills and that I am really relying on my neighbor to help me out the next couple of months in transforming my house into feeling more "homey." 

It's okay If some days I go to work with no make up on. Sometimes it's the least of my worries in the morning.

It's okay that I rant and rave to a closest friend about whats bothering me and about my insecurities, that IS what friends are for.

It's okay that sometimes I feel the NEED to buy that pair of earrings because they will go with SO many outfits ;), (like how I said NEED? lol)

It's okay that I pick out names for my kids that I someday will have..It's fun! 

**RANDOM**

Our box of stuff for OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD that we'll be taking to church tomorrow! :D

Winston and I hanging out on a Friday night :) ((had my hair done on Friday, kind of hard to tell in the pic but its dark brown with red in it!))

Love this quote a lot! It is entirely true, God can do far more for us than we can do for our self!

Everyone meet Prince Jacob the peacock! I work for a vet clinic and this was one of our patients. He came in because he stopped eating and was losing weight. The owner actually has a total of 4 peacocks! What a beautiful creature he is and very sweet. 

Thanks for stopping and reading my post! I've become kind of addicted

to this blogging world ;)

xO

Questions And Answers!

Well I found these questions on someones blog and figured I'd try this out as well! Incase you were wondering more about the author behind "Faith and Love" here's a little info :D

1. What is your home state? I was born in Ohio..

2. Favorite color and why? I don't think I can say I have one favorite color. I really like the color purple but I also like the color grey!

3. What kind of car do you drive? A little silver mazda3, her name is Veronica lol :)

4. What does your typical Monday like? Wake up, walk the dogs, pack Jons lunch, eat breakfast read my bible and devotional book Then I head to work come home do stuff around the house eat dinner then woman's bible study at 7 and then come home shower hop into bed and relax with my pups!

5. Do you have any kids? Nope just my furr babies but one day I will definitely have kids.

6. Do you smoke or drink? I drink on occasion and I do not smoke, gross!

7. What are your siblings like? I have a younger sister who's about 2.5 inches taller than me. She has strawberry blond hair and she rocks at sports! We werent really close when I lived at home but since I've moved we get along a lot better and I can finally say shes not just my sister she's also my friend.

8. What color was your prom dress? Believe it or not I did not go to prom. My friend and I hung out and then we headed to the after prom party and had some drinks with everyone :D

9. Do you always follow the rules? No, not always..who doesnt like being a dare devil sometimes!? lol

10. Are you close with your immediate family? As I said previously my sister and I are a lot closer now. My mom and I are best friends.  I can tell her anything and she never judges me, she has always had my back and would do anything in the world for me.  I am incredibly blessed to have her in my life.  My dad and I don't speak really anymore, its a sad situation but it is what it is.

11. What month did you/do you want to get married in? I'm not married but I'm not sure exactly what month.  I think maybe June or September!

12. What are you wearing right now? Weird question but ok, haha I'm wearing red sweat pants and a grey AKRON U shirt. It's what I slept in! lol.

13. Do you have a best friend from grades school? I have a couple friends that I've known since kindergarten.

14. How often do you talk on the phone? Usually 2-3 times a day :D

15. Is having a relationship with God important to you? VERY. 

16. Do you sleep with a stuffed animal? Yes Im 23 and admitting that I do! I love my mr.ted, I've had that bear since I was 2 years old!

17. Do you exercise? I do.  Not as often as I'd like but I'm going to make a hard effort to become more active like I used to be.

18. Greatest accomplishment? I dont know, I'm sure theres a few.  But my recent one was completely my first race on October 14th!

19. What is your favorite day of the week? SATURDAY!<3

20. What are you looking forward too? Thanksgiving and going home to see friends and family in December, cannot wait!!

xO

Pen Pals!

So..I don't know about all of you but I absolutely LOVE getting mail that isn't

some sort of bill or completely junk mail. A couple of my friends and I decided to be pen pals! It is so much fun! It all started almost 3 years ago actually. I was pretty busy

and didn't always have time for a phone call and texting can be so impersonal 

anyways so my friend Erin (who lives in Ohio) and I started sending

each other cards once a month. We'd pick out a cute or

funny card and just write about whats been

going on in our lives. It was great and we

both became hooked! I would be so excited to run

to the mailbox each afternoon to see

if I had gotten a card! Since then

I've asked a few other

friends of mine if they'd

like to also be my

pen-pal and most

thought it was an

awesome idea!

So now I have about 5 girls that I write to once a month! It's always fun to go to

the store and pick out unique cards for each friend or to find cute

stationary in the store and buy some of that! I think technology has

taken over our world and most people skip the phone

calls and go straight to texting or emailing. Which there is absolutely nothing

wrong with that, I do both, frequently but it is nice to just sit down

at the table and write a heart felt letter to a friend<3

So I'm wondering..do any of you girls have pen pals? I encourage you to try it out!

xO

Nothings worse than being a worried mama..

I am so thankful that today has been so much better than my night last night. All was going well

until my yorkie, Winston and dachshund, Kiwi got into a fight! Winston yelped, shaking and was

walking strange.  He wasn't limping but he wouldn't hold his head up fully. I was a mess

and called Jon at work asking what I should do.  It's funny because I am in the veterinarian

medicine field and when someone calls me panicked about their pet I instantly give

them good advice and walk them through the proper steps. Well, when its my

own babies, I'm just a nervous mama, I'm no assistant, I'm no receptionist,

I am in freak-out-mode and that's all there is too it. He eventually stopped shaking and I

put him on the couch to see if he would lay down.  He got comfy and just laid there while

I was petting him.

I decided since he was sleeping that he could wait until tomorrow and I'd take him to work

with me since I opened and had to be there at the dreaded hour of 6:15am.  He saw the DR

and she said he pulled a muscle in his neck and that he just needs rest, pain medicine and

a muscle relaxer and he'll be good as new in a few days. I was beyond relieved

and gave him the biggest hug that lead to a kiss on his head. All is

good in my world again and my heart immediately felt

at peace. Nothings worse than one of your

babies being hurt and you not knowing

exactly whats wrong and not knowing what to do.

After work Jon and I took a nice little nap and then walked the pups. We headed out around 5:20

to my friends house for dinner. We had a great time and it was nice to see their new

house they recently bought. After I finish up on the ol' blogger I'll head downstairs

to cuddle with my pups and boyfriend <3 I just love Saturdays <3 

Have a great weekend friends!

The best picture ever of my handsome Winston<3

Before we left to go to Jess's.

And to end with an awesome quote. Cannot wait to go to church tomorrow

and soak up all the love for our Lord and listen to a great message.<3

xO

**25**

Thought I'd try this out, here's 25 random facts about me! :)

1. Writing is my escape and stress reliever

2, I am extremely organized and make many lists. I live by my calendar, which is even

color coded :)

3. I've been told I'm passionate about the things I hate.

4. I love God.  I love that I have chosen him to be my #1 in my life.  I have no idea how I ever

made it through life alone.

5. Staying in shape and eating healthy means a lot to me.  

6. My gparents mean the absolute world to me.  I am beyond blessed that they have always

chosen to be so active in my life.

7. My boyfriend has showed me what a true loving relationship is suppose to be like. I thank God

daily that he allowed me to meet my soul mate so early in life.<3Hes my blessing.

8. I have such a soft spot for animals.  I've been in the veterinary medicine field for 7 years now.

9. I love to take baths or showers and turn off the light and just use candles for light!

10. I am very picky about the pens I use! ha.

11. I have always wished that I could trade in my brown eyes for green!

12. My mornings consist of reading my devotional book, and bible while I eat my breakfast.

(After I take the pups out of course)

13. My mom and I talk on the phone about twice a day, everyday. She really is my best friend.

14.  One of my dreams has always been to own a horse.

15. I have horrible anxiety problems that get in the way of almost everything.

16. I remember telling my grandma how annoying my little sister was and that there was no way I'd

ever consider her a "friend." Ya...well that changed when I moved to VA. Love my sis <3

17. I want to go to school and earn a degree.

18. When I was little I always said I'd ever get engaged or married on 12-12-12, as far back as I can

remember the number 12 has ALWAYS been my favorite!

19. I could eat chips and dip alllllll day long.

20. I am extremely grateful my gparents and aunt helped out and paid for my braces. I love my smile now.

21.  Nike Dual Fussions are the best running shoes, hands down!

22. No one can make me smile like my papa<3

23. I have a serious obsession with cheesecake. I could eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner, OK maybe I actually have done that....a time or two ;)

24.  I love to give.  I'm always thinking of a way that I can make someones day, just to let them know how much I appreciate them.

25. There's just something about country music on a summer night with the windows down that makes peace surround my heart.