Sometimes and Always #21

Sometimes: Instagram freaks me out because it flip flops pictures. 

Always: I use it anyway because I'm obsessed. 

Sometimes: I think I would go to Subway more if they had a drive thru. 

Always: It is SO worth going inside to get. 

Sometimes: Reality tv shows make me sick. 

Always: I end up watching them anyway. 

Sometimes: I just cannot believe how much our dogs shed. 

Always: We try to brush them out so there isn't quite so much on the floor. 

This is ALL from our lab, Cashmere, after we brushed her. 

Sometimes: I try to wake up early on my days off. 

Always: I usually end up sleeping 10-12 hours anyway.

Sometimes: I don't know what people did before cell phones. 

Always: I love getting cell phone pics from my bestie daily!

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Glimpse of Easter

We had such a great Easter - full of worship, family and food. My parents drove in and we had a huge lunch at my aunt's house. There was literally so much food that everyone got their feelings hurt that the dishes they brought weren't completely gone. It's rare to have leftovers in our family! 

My favorite part was dessert, as always. We had: brownies, strawberry cupcakes, strawberry shortcake, strawberry cake, divinity nut pie, banana pudding and my Oreo cake. And that's just what I can think of off the top of my head. Needless to say, my pants are pretty snug today. 

I do have eyeballs in there...it was just so bright outside.

And of course Easter is never the same without an egg hunt.

How was y'alls Easter? 

He has Risen

The most beautiful words ever spoken/written - "He has risen." 

Thank you, Lord, for loving me enough to send your son to die for me in order to save me. 

Our plans today include church, lunch and an Easter egg hunt. And then eating that entire Oreo cake. Celebrating Jesus + food = the best day ever. 

Happy Easter, friends!

My Husband Spoils Me

Dear Mio, thank you for making water taste a little bit better. Notice I said a little bit. Dear neighborhood, I'm so glad that you are expanding. Those empty streets in the back really make a nice running area for our puppies. Don't ever build houses there. Or at least not until we move. Dear bladder, I really wish that you were a little bit bigger. You are the only body part I would really ever say that to. Well, there's one other part(s). Dear glitter nail polish, I love you so much. I just wish you weren't such a pain to take off. Dear dryer, sometimes it seems like you multiply the clothes inside because you know how much I hate to fold. Dear husband, thank you for cooking and cleaning. You put my wife skills to shame sometimes. Dear bloggers, have a great Easter and remember that Jesus died to save us and now He LIVES! We can only have eternal life through Him.

Linking up with Ash for Friday's Letters. 

In Which My Feet Appear Twice

These last few days have been pretty wonderful because my husband has been off for three days in a row. Maybe that's why...or maybe it's the fact that he has cleaned the house, cooked dinner and taken me out on a date. I'm gonna say it's a little bit of both and call myself one lucky wife. 

If y'all had spent Wednesday with us, this is what y'all would have seen:

Sweet pup begging mommy not to go to work. 

Pink nails with sparkles for the win. Thanks, Liz!

Chili's dinner date. 

A little snuggle action and Duck Dynasty. 

Informing me that it was time for a ten pm walk. 

Failed attempt at making him take a picture. 

Messy bun at the end of a long day. 

See what y'all missed out on? It's always a party over here. Lesson complete. 

From the Mouths of Patients #2

Last month, I shared a post with funny patient sayings (here) from working in the Emergency Room. Y'all asked for more and so here it is...round two. Be prepared. 

Patient: "I was giving myself an enema and the tip of the tube broke off in my butt and I think it traveled up to my heart because now I'm having chest pain. Can y'all get it out of my heart?"

Patient: "My toe has been hurting ever since I stubbed it three months ago."

Nurse: "Okay, we don't have any beds right now so you can have a seat back in the waiting room."

Patient: "Oh really? Well now I'm having some chest pain, too."

Nurse: "Okay. Have a seat and I'll call your name when we get a bed."

Patient: "But I have chest pain now, shouldn't I go straight back?"

Patient: "How come you called him to go back before me? I was here first."

Nurse: "It's not based on who gets here first. It depends on what you sign in for."

Patient: "Well I have stomach pain, what's he have that is better than that? He don't look that sick."

And one to end on...

Doctor: "You tested positive for gonorrhea. That's a sexually transmitted disease."

Patient: "Awesome, that's the one that's treatable right? Give me my shot and I'm good to go."

Have a nice day. : )

Sometimes and Always #20

Sometimes: I just can't help it and I have to use a public restroom. 

Always: I squat. Yep, I'm a squatter. It's the only workout my thighs ever get. 

Sometimes: My husband catches me taking pictures for the blog, like the one below.

Always: He laughs, shakes his head and mutters something about blogging under his breath. 

Going to dinner with a new friend.

Sometimes: God amazes me by speaking directly to me through a church sermon. 

Always: I wish that church could be every single day. 

Sometimes: My husband does something so country/random/hilarious. 

Always: I think it's the cutest thing ever. He's so precious. 

Sometimes: I wish that I could see the future. 

Always: I'm glad that I can't. God has the reigns. 

Sometimes: I don't understand how people can be cruel to dogs.  

Always: I'm so blessed to have my three little bunnies (aka dogs). They make life better. 

Link up and share in the Sometimes/Always fun. The button is on my sidebar. 

Lies

Lately I've been thinking about how much the devil is alive and working in this world.

The devil knows us inside and out. He knows the doubts that we have about ourselves and the insecurities that we are facing. He waits for moments when we are weak and hurting, and then tries to launch an attack, making us question ourselves, our friends/family, our world and our God. 

In our lowest moments, when he attacks, we feel ashamed. We usually keep these feelings/doubts to ourselves. He tells us lies...and we believe him, we are embarrassed. But we shouldn't be because we are not alone in this. The devil attacks everyone. He tries to weaken us all. He even tried it with Jesus.

I don't know what lies the devil tell you. Maybe he tells you that you aren't pretty enough, skinny enough or smart enough. Or maybe he says that you have done too many bad things to be forgiven. Maybe it's that you're not a good wife, mom or daughter. Regardless of whatever lie he tells you, that's all it is. A lie. We are perfectly made in God's likeness. God made NO mistakes when we were created. His mercy and forgiveness reaches down and covers us all.

So here's what I'm proposing today: on this post, leave a comment with whatever lie/lies the devil tells you. I'm turning on anonymous comments, so that we can share honestly and openly. You can also leave a comment under your name if you care to. Write out your insecurities. I think it will be eye opening for us to see that others share our exact same insecurities...that the devil tells us all the same lies...that we are not alone in our doubts.

I'll be sharing my own insecurities in an anonymous comment, too...and then I'll be praying over all the comments left. I encourage y'all to do the same. Pray for those willing to share their hearts today. Pray that we all resist the devil and cling to the Lord. 

Peeks from the Week

We had such a great church service this morning, more of which I'll share later in the week. It's a really pretty day outside, a little bit hot, but still pretty. And I'm just feeling good...and blessed. And kinda in disbelief that it is already April. Where has 2012 gone? 

Here's a few pictures of our week, through the eyes of Instagram. (@mackeymadness)

Friday was National Doctor's Day...we love our doctors.

Filling our home with deliciousness. 

Sunshine, shorts and flip flops. And this white girl needs a tan. 

A ring I wear on my right hand from my mom. 

My new favorite place to pray/think/read the Bible...my closet floor.

Greatest day ever...I found a place that has Strawberry Fanta Zero in a fountain drink.

Take 1. 

Take 2. Momma's baby boy, Diesel.

Happy Sunday! Go do something great with this day!!

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!