To the Following...

Dear cash, it's a little weird to see you so much. I am pretty sure that you are full of disgusting germs, but I guess I can get used to you for the sake of saving. Dear crock-pot, thank you for dinner last night. Our barbecue chicken was delicious. You put in a long day's work. Good job. Dear diet coke, I guess we can be friends again because that sneaky Fanta is making me fat. Forgive me for cheating. Dear Cashmere (our lab), sometimes I don't like you because you can't keep your tongue in your mouth. No one wants to be licked after you just licked your secret parts. Eww. Dear alarm clock, I'm not sure if I made you mad or something, but causing me to oversleep by two hours just isn't fair. Although it was nice. So don't do it again, but thanks. Dear nutella, I didn't believe in you at first. But you have changed my mind. I tried your taste, now I'm a believer. (sing that last line, it sounds better)

Nutella, bananas and flax seed.

Licky Mclicky.

Linking up with the lovely Ashley for Friday's Letters. 

Work and Friends

The other day at work, we got a new lift in the ER to help us with heavier/unconscious patients. 

We were pretty excited about it, because who wouldn't love something that saves their back? But seriously, it was pretty hilarious learning to use it. It's basically like a big swing...which kinda makes us want to just use it on every single patient whether we need it or not. Or even on ourselves, for practice, of course. 

Admit it, y'all want to come and try it out, right? I knew it. 

And now meet two of my fave girls in the blog world. 

Hello all! My name is Debbie and I blog over at Tales of the Benedicts. I have lived in Tennessee most of my life. I am a true southerner, and proud of it. I love hiking, camping, and photography. A little over two years ago I married the love of my life. He is truly my soul mate and best friend. I cannot imagine life without him. I started blogging because I wanted a place where I could write out those things that I wanted to remember. And I wanted a place where I could just be myself and share my thoughts and feelings about life. Over the past year I have enjoyed writing on this little blog. I have enjoyed reading other blogs and reading their stories. It has been so much fun meeting new people and  becoming friends with some really cool people.

Hey friends! I'm Renee and I blog over at This Won't Hurt A Bit. Like Megan I'm a nurse so that's where my blog name comes from. I don't really feel like nursing defines me completely though so here's a little more about me... I'm an amateur blogger, occasional crafter, and a semi-pro baker (kidding - I try though). On my blog I might make you laugh on occasion but it's also possible I might make you cry with my crazy inspiring posts. I have the gift of tears people - I apologize in advance. I am currently in a never-ending love affair with font, junk food and sweet tea among other things. So basically, I'm just a Southern girl who blogs about my life and things that I love. Now just come on over and say HI! I looove new blog friends!!

Blog Sentiments

A few days ago, I got a package in the mail from one of my sweet blog friends, Fran. 

I have gotten several packages/cards from blog friends in the last month since I wrote about our miscarriage, and each one has really blessed me and encouraged me. In her card, Fran wrote some of the most precious words to me and I just started crying, thinking about how all of these friendships have come about through blogging. 

When I started blogging two years ago, I had no idea what would come from it. I really was just doing it to have a type of "diary" where I could document our engagement and the wedding planning process. I never thought it would grow to become a passion and a source of friendship.

Even though I didn't know what I would gain from blogging, I know that God did. He knew when I started my blog two years ago that I would go through this miscarriage and that I would need y'all to help me get through it. He knew that I would get love and support from y'all. It's really mind-blowing if you start to think about it in depth.

Everything that happens in this life, God knows about beforehand. He is never surprised, never shocked, never unprepared. In fact, He is always prepared and has already set things up to help us get through whatever life has thrown our way.

I feel like I can't really get my thoughts out clearly today, but I just wanted to basically say: trust in the Lord and thank y'all. So much. I appreciate every comment, every email and every card/package.  

Sometimes and Always #19

Sometimes: I try to drink water. 

Always: I just don't enjoy it. Unless it's after a workout...which I don't ever do. So yeah. 

Sometimes: I stay up way too late, even after I tell myself to go to bed early.

Always: I just LOVE being up at night...that's when I thrive.

Sometimes: I wish that we could take professional pictures all the time. 

Always: I realize that we would be BROKE!

via Brandi Smyth Photography

Sometimes: I feel like I could be doing a lot more for Christ.

Always: I want people to see Christ in me as soon as they meet me...and every day after.

Sometimes: I feel really awkward when I ride side by side with another car.

Always: I either speed up or slow down to get away from them. 

Sometimes: I think about eating healthy. 

Always: I usually don't. 

Pizza Hut lunch yesterday. So good I could barely pause for this picture.

Andddddd...I'm guest posting for Nikki about my job as a nurse in the Emergency Department. I don't really share much about my job on here, so it's a first! Go read it here. 

Grab the button on my sidebar and link up...can't wait to read what y'all come up with!

The Newlywed Game

Today I'm joining with my friend Jess in a little game we'd like to call The Newlywed Game.

It's simple: there are 5 questions that you and your spouse need to answer about each other. Then link up with us to share your answers. I'm sure the men's answers will be good for quite a few laughs. (Original post with instructions here) And don't forget...anyone can play along, married or dating!

1) What do you think my best quality is?

My answer: You are so hardworking, honest and dedicated to everything that you do. You give 100% in everything and always keep your word. You always want to help others and do things for other people, even though it is sometimes too much. But you'd rather help others than yourself. And that's amazing. Oh, and I love your sarcasm. Sarcasm = one of the keys to my heart.

Husband's answer: Definitely your butt. (Then I told him that he had to say something else) Well if I had to say something else, I'd say the fact that you can't stay mad for long. You try to...and you pout. But you just can't do it and pretty soon your smile is showing again. It makes me laugh.

2) What would be your ideal date with me?

My answer: A weekend spent cuddled up in a hotel room, surrounded by chocolate and cheesecake. I just love to snuggle with you...it makes everything else fade away.

Husband's answer: Hanging out at a log cabin tucked away in the woods somewhere, where we could hunt, fish and ride around in a boat. 

3) What was your first impression of me?

My answer: You were the type of guy that I wanted to marry. Literally that's what I told my mom. 

Husband's answer: I thought you were really hot. (Such a man!)

4) What is your favorite memory of us?

My answer: Walking down the aisle, looking at you and feeling complete and utter peace. Then the whole rest of the night, just looking at you and thinking, "WE'RE MARRIED!"

Husband's answer: When you took me on a surprise fishing trip to the lake for my birthday. It was laid back and I loved teaching you to fish. 

5) What do you see for us in the future?

My answer: A looooong marriage, with highs and lows and all the in betweens. Smiles and tears and knowing that we will make it either way. A good, happy life. Lots of babies. Lots and lots of babies. A house with a big front porch that looks over a few acres, where we can talk about life and love and watch our babies grow up. 

Husband's answer: Death...from you stressing me out. (as he busts out laughing) I just see happiness. And hopefully some land and a few little ones. I just need that and I'd be happy for life. 

That's it. Just 5 quick questions to answer. This was seriously so fun to do with my hubs...I mean, at first he wasn't that excited about it...but then he started having fun trying to make up crazy things to say. Ha!

Play along and link up with us! I can't wait to read them all!

From the Weekend

This weekend was a good one...a much needed good one. 

We went to the annual fire department banquet, which was Mardi Gras style and full of everything fried, spicy and delicious. We also got to spend time with my parents and go on a double date with some friends for our first crawfish of the season. Y-U-M.

King cake. 

Saturday I drove down to see my college besties and spent the day pulling a wagon, drawing on the sidewalk, blowing bubbles and giving piggy back rides. In other words, it was a perfect day.

I also got to meet a blog friend, Casey, who is actually related to my real life friend. So I don't know if that even counts as meeting a blogger, but hey, I'm counting it!  

White chocolate smores gooey cake. Recipe here. Only make it if you want to gain 10lbs.

What did y'all do this weekend?

PS: Don't forget about our link up tomorrow for The Newlywed Game. Go here for more info!

Girls Night...with Myself

Last night my husband was away at a K9 seminar, so I had the house alone. I decided that I was going to have a little "girls night" with myself since I've definitely been needing a little pampering.

Any night that involves food, dessert, nail polish and television is a perfect night to me.

Dinner...which I ate all of, thank you. Oh, and that's what I look like when I stalk your blogs.

American Idol time. Go Colton. 

Getting a fresh coat of paint.

Dessert. Times three. 

Can't have a girls night without an outfit picture.

And at that point, talking to myself and late night delirium set in...

You are welcome. 

Happy Friday. We are off to eat crawfish tonight, aka deliciousness on a plate.

Reflections on Marriage

- Marriage can only reach its full potential when it is two people joined together, serving the Lord first and foremost. Then it can reach great heights. 

- Life is hard and lonely sometimes. That's why God made marriage. He wants us to have someone to walk through life with...to support us when we need it and to push us when we want to give up. 

- The great days in marriage are amazing...they create memories and happiness. Sometimes the bad days are even better...they create companionship and trust. Marriage needs good and bad days. 

- Sex matters. It does. It's not something that we as women should use as punishment or manipulation. Yeah, I just said that. Give it up to your hubby. The end. 

*All pictures via Brandon O'Neal Photography*

- Your marriage shouldn't look like anyone else's. That's what makes it beautiful. 

- Sometimes you just feel too blessed and too undeserving of your spouse...you will cry tears of gratefulness for the person you get to spend your life with. 

And that, class, is the end of our lesson today. Your homework is to share a marriage/dating tip or lesson in the comments. Afterwards, you may go to recess. : )

Breakfast Date

What do chocolate, eggs, pancakes and chicken fried steak have in common?

Date night dinner, that's what. 

One of our favorite places to go for date night is IHOP, which is a little weird because we aren't even fans of breakfast food. But stick a huge plate of chocolate chip pancakes in front of me and I'll eat there every night. 

And then husband somehow ended up with an iPad... 

...and skyped me from the next room. 

It was part awkward, part amazing...and we may have laughed for five minutes straight.

Sometimes and Always #18

Sometimes: Stuff like taxes, deductibles, bills and insurance confuses me.

Always: I'm so glad that my parents are both CPAs and understand it all. 

Sometimes: I keep buying nail polish even though I have way too many already.

Always: I get so excited when I find a new color that I love.

Wet n Wild "I Need a Refresh-Mint"

Sometimes: I freak out when I think about all the germs on the buggy I'm pushing.

Always: My hand sanitizer comes out frequently. 

Sometimes: I get nervous buying stuff from Etsy. 

Always: It turns out better than I expected and I love what I bought.

In memory of our sweet baby. Shop here. 

Sometimes: I desperately want to be able to hang out with my blog friends in real life.

Always: I think we all need to chip in and buy a blog-plane. Let's do it. 

Sometimes: My hubby has to wear his "fancy" uniform at work.

Always: I think it's my favorite part of his job. Rawr. : )

Grab the button on my sidebar and link up...and then go over to Fran's blog and read my guest post about how we basically got stuck in Jamaica. Good times. 

He Said/She Said

Last night, the hubs and I made blueberry muffins and curled up to watch the latest episodes of Grey's Anatomy and Criminal Minds.

And now that that majorly important information is out of the way, let's move on. : ) My sweet blog friend, Jess, thought of a cute little questions game for all the lovebirds and we decided to make a link up out of it. We are calling it "The Newlywed Game" (based off the old game show), but anybody can play along...married, dating, whatever. 

Here's how it's going to work:

1) There are 5 questions to answer (see below).
2) Ask your significant other to answer these questions about you.
3) Then answer these questions about your significant other.
4) Put both answers together in a post and come back here next Monday (3/26) to link up!

Here's the 5 questions to ask/answer:

1) What do you think my best quality is?
2) What would be your ideal date with me?

3) What was your first impression of me? 

4) What is your favorite memory of us?

5) What do you see for us in the future?

I know that most husbands/boyfriends probably think that blogging is a little weird, so this is a fun way to include them in our blog world. I can't wait to see how everyone's answers compare.

Don't forget to come back and link up next Monday!

Who's in?

A Little Game

In the last couple of weeks, I have been tagged by several people in the 11 questions game. Since I am a major slacker, I am just now getting around to answering some questions. Shocking, I know. The ones below are from Cassie. 

1) If you could find out the exact day and time you were going to die, would you do it?

- Definitely not. That would scare me more than comfort me, especially if I found out that I died young. I'll leave that knowledge up to the Lord!

2) Your first childhood memory?

- I remember eating breakfast with my brother and sister and dumping a bowl of cereal on my head to get my mom's attention. Let's just say I'll never live that story down. 

3) If failure wasn't possible, what would you accomplish?

- Realistically, I don't think I would do anything differently. I have gone after my dreams and goals. Thinking in big terms, though, I'd cure every disease in the world (because I hate sickness) and win American Idol. Talent + brains. 

4) One song you could listen to for the rest of your life?

- After this last month, it would definitely be "I Will Carry You" by Selah.

5) You have a life altering disease. You'll either lose your hearing or your sight. Choose one. Why?

- Obviously I'd rather lose neither. I guess I'd say sight if I had to choose. I can't imagine not being able to hear my husband's/family's/friend's voices ever again. 

6) You've just hit the lotto. How do you spend it?

- I'd use some for us to buy land and build a house in the country. I'd give money to my mom for her to open up the animal shelter that she's always wanted to have...it makes her sick that animals have to be put to sleep because of lack of space. Family and friends would get their share. I would play "Secret Santa" with the rest of the winnings...paying for people's bills/groceries/etc randomly. I think anonymous gifting is a great way to use our blessings to glorify the Lord!

7) Would you break the law to protect/save someone you loved?

- It would definitely depend on the situation. I wouldn't lie about an alibi if someone I loved had committed a crime. I'm pretty much a goody two shoes, by the books kind of girl. If their life was truly in danger, then I'd consider it. : )

8) You can only bring 5 items to a deserted island. What are they?

- Bible, chapstick, husband, lighter, cell phone.

9) Summer or winter?

- Totally winter. Granted, our winters are mild compared to what most of y'all go through, but I love the cold weather. Louisiana summers are difficult to deal with.

10) Top three pet peeves?

- Slow drivers, people who don't do their job, dishonesty.

11) Why can you never find a pen and a piece of paper when you desperately need them?

- I always have a pen on me and I've learned to write on basically anything that's available. I think it's the nurse in me...gotta write things down to chart later!

Now it's y'alls turn. 

Answer these questions on your own...or just leave a few answers in a comment! 

When Life is Hard

I'll be honest, the last few days have been pretty rough. 

I'm still dealing with our miscarriage, and then on top of that several friends of mine have suffered tragedies lately. A friend found out that her baby has a condition where he likely won't live past two years of age and a friend from college had a miscarriage. Then a coworker of mine found out that she has brain cancer that has already metastasized to multiple places in her body. They are saying she only has months to live...she's in her early 40s with five kids under the age of 18. 

Everything coupled together just seemed to overwhelm me and my heart felt so heavy. I had one of those moments where I just thought...Why God? I didn't doubt Him or that He still reigns on His throne, but my heart was aching and I needed the comfort that only He can provide. I know that the world is sinful and the devil is active and bad things have to happen, but I definitely still don't really understand why. And I was struggling with that the last few days. 

I've spent a lot of time in prayer and am really starting to feel a peace in my heart again, but that doesn't make any of the above situations any less painful. I don't know why this world has to be so hard and devastating at times, but I do know that God wants us to be with Him in Heaven eternally...and there is NO pain and NO hurt there, NO tears and NO devastation there. 

And I guess today I'm just feeling really grateful that there is a Heaven waiting for me. I honestly don't know how people get through life without the Lord and His love and promise of an eternal life.

via

She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not

I'm joining in Michaela's link up today, sharing a few things that I'm loving right now...andddd a few things that I'm not loving. Hop on over to her blog and play along!

LOVING:

- Morning snuggles with the hubs.

- A scary good Lifetime movie.

- Finding new clothes to wear. 

Recent trip to Marshalls.

- Double stuffed oreos. (Maybe this should be on the not loving list actually!)

- Draw Something. Yes, I'm addicted now.

- Colored skinny jeans.

via


- TV obsessions: Dance Moms, The Voice, Grey's Anatomy.

- Being able to wear flip flops.

- When I cook and it actually tastes good.

Meatball subs we had last week. Yum.

- This song for what I'm going through right now.

NOT LOVING:

- That it will soon be summer and HOT. Louisiana summers are not fun.

- Mosquitoes. They're baaaaaaack.

- Having to go to bed early. I'm such a night owl.

- That all the good food is fattening. So unfair.

- That I haven't seen my BFF Michaela since our visit in September!

Anything in particular on your love/not love list?

Sometimes and Always #17

Sometimes: I am super duper emotional. I cried with Courtney when she cried last night. Eeks. 

Always: I chalk it up to being a woman. Right?

Sometimes: I think Sonic should pay me for all the free advertisement. 

Always: I would be up for a "free drinks forever" reward.

Sometimes: I get tired of Pinterest. Ahhhh, I said it. 

Always: I still think it's really useful for some things.

Sometimes: I cook dinner and it's actually tasty.

Always: When that happens, I expect balloons and streamers to fall from the ceiling.

Shrimp Alfredo. Recipe here. Super easy, super delicious.

Sometimes: I am embarrassed at the tv shows that come from Louisiana. 

Always: They make me laugh...and feel glad to be normal.

Sometimes: I say that I'm not going to make dessert.

Always: I end up caving...we love having a little late night snack!

Chocolate chip muffins.

Sometimes: I am super flattered when people ask me to guest post for them.

Always: I usually wait until the last minute to write them. Oops. 

Grab the button on my sidebar and link up!