Changing Priorities

Lately I've been thinking about my priorities and it's become pretty clear that I have a problem. A social media problem. Almost every night before I go to bed and even some mornings before I get out of bed, I grab my phone and scroll through Facebook, Twitter, etc. I do it on break at work and when I'm sitting and waiting for anything. I'm not even sure why I do it, because honestly I probably am not concerned with what whoever ate for breakfast or the latest drama, but I do it anyway. 

Well not anymore. God has been working on my heart and on making HIM my life's priority. Sometimes I say things like "I really need to read the Bible more, I just feel like I never have time" or "I want to read the Bible at night/in the morning, but I'm so tired." News flash: if I wasn't playing around on social media apps, I'd have plenty of time to read the Bible. That's the honest truth for a lot of us.

So I did it. 

That's right. Facebook is gone. And Twitter. And a few other silly games. (I never had a Pinterest app!) Not completely, just as apps on my phone. I honestly do love Facebook for allowing such an easy way to keep in touch with people, but I don't want it to be a priority in my life. Now if I have a little bit of free time, I can use it to read the Bible, pray and sing worship songs.

I even downloaded a Bible app, so I really have no excuse to ever be "too busy" to delve into scripture. If I want my life to reflect the Lord, I need to be feeding it daily with the Lord's word. What I put into my mind, will come out through my words and actions. I need to treat my relationship with Christ like any other relationship...it needs my time and attention to flourish and grow. I can't expect to apply His word to my daily life if I never read it or study it. 

I'll still be on my computer at home checking in on Facebook and Twitter. And definitely still around on Blogger. But I really just needed to do a little "social media diet" to make sure that Christ was my priority. Christ, then family and friends. That's what matters. 

I challenge y'all to take a look at your own lives and see where social media stands on y'alls priority lists. I know it's hard to believe, but there really is more to life than status updates and tweets! : ) 

PS: I don't even miss the apps on my phone! It's actually pretty freeing. 

To My Mommy

Not only are you the World's Greatest Mother (I'm sure it's fact!), you are my best friend as well. I cannot thank you enough for raising me to know and love the Lord and for setting an example of that throughout my life. You have always been there for me, in the good and the bad, never judging, always just loving unconditionally. You were that perfect mom that all of my friends always wanted and I felt so blessed to have. We have been through so much together and it's so nice to now know you as more than just a mom, but as a woman and a friend. It's fun to go through life with you. I love you, mom. So much. Thank you for dedicating your life to me (and those other two children of yours, of course, even though we all know that I was the favorite). ; ) 

I love hearing people say that we look just alike because I think you are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. And even though I got some of your bad qualities, too...like crying when I get mad and looking like Rudolph for the rest of the day...and even though you love sharing the story of how I dumped cereal on my head when I was little, I wouldn't have things any other way. 

via Brandon O'Neal Photography

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there, including those who have angel babies. I'm thinking about our sweet angel baby a lot today and I'm thankful to know that he/she is being held in the Lord's arms today.  God is good. 

In Which I Obsess Over Food

Dear waffles, y'all were amazing the other night. The perfect "husband is at work tonight" dinner. Let's do it again soon. Dear Holy Spirit, You have been convicting me a lot lately and I love it. I want my actions to reflect the Lord all the time. Dear water, I have been trying to drink you more, but then you make me have to pee all the stinkin' time. Truce? Dear American Idol, you made me an emotional basket-case last night. There were lots of tears. Lots. It was bad. Dear Nutella, I know it's been a few days...and I do miss you. But yeah, my PANTS DIDN'T FIT ANYMORE so I had to call it off. Dear Grey's Anatomy, I can't wait for next week's episode. I'll bring tissues. Dear Mother's Day, you are going to be a little bit rough this year. I'm glad that my mommy will be here with me. Dear veggie omelet, you make breakfast something pretty amazing. I like to pretend that you are a little healthy since there are veggies inside. Let's just ignore the pile of cheese on top. 

Linking up with pretty Ashley for Friday's Letters!

 

From the Mouths of Patients #3

Sharing a few more little treasures from the Emergency Room today. Enjoy. 

Nurse: "So what brought you to the Emergency Room today?"

Patient: "Well last night I got into a fight at the club and I got stabbed with a knife."

Nurse: "Okay, where did this happen? We are required to call the police with all assaults."

Patient: "Oh. I didn't know that. I'll be right back."

(takes off running out of the ER, never comes back...too bad we already have your name, buddy)

Patient: "I got into a car accident four days ago and I want to get checked out."

Nurse: "Okay, where exactly are you hurting?"

Patient: "I'm not hurting right now. I just left my lawyer's office and he sent me here."

Patient: "I'm having pain down there."

Nurse: "Where exactly is down there?"

Patient: "You know, in my private areas."

Nurse: "Okay, when did that start?"

Patient: "I think it started about three weeks ago when I got a condom stuck in there."

Nurse: "Is it still stuck in there?"

Patient: "I don't know. I think so. I never saw it come back out."

Doctor: "We got the test results back and you aren't pregnant. You said you took a test at home and it was positive. When was that?

Patient: "Well, it wasn't really positive. I just wanted to see if my boyfriend would stay with me if I got pregnant, so I faked it. Can I go now?"

See part one here and part two here. 

Dirt and a Shovel

This past weekend we spent a lot of time fixing up our flowerbeds and planting a few new things. And by we, I mean mostly my husband. I did eventually go outside and help after I felt guilty he got started. We planted hibiscus and knock out roses. I've never enjoyed gardening or planting or anything of that sort, but I'll be honest...it was kind of "satisfying" to sit back and look at what we had done. Again, mostly what my hubby had done. Hey, I did water them! And pull out a few weeds. 

The beginning stages. 

Time to put out the mulch. 

I finally made my appearance. It was SO bright. 

After...so pretty. 

Hardworking hubby. 

Now we are absolutely addicted to going outside to look at everything and see if anything has bloomed. Literally every time we go outside we both hurry over to the plants first. We can't wait for everything to grow and start to look pretty. Is that an indicator of when you are old and uncool? Waiting on your plants to grow? Well, we are there. : )

Now I need some tips. How do we keep these pretty things alive??

Sometimes and Always #25

Sometimes: I am an emotional basket case. It's okay. I admit it. 

Always: I feel sorry for my poor hubby, but I remind him that there is MUCH crazier than me. : )

Sometimes: I attempt to stay on top of cleaning the house. 

Always: I end up giving up because with three dogs, it's just never gonna be clean. 

Hi mom, I got a little dirty.

Sometimes: I dread the task of moving this summer.

Always: I can't wait to have a bigger backyard for our puppies.

Sometimes: I don't get a lunch break at work.

Always: I end up pigging out when I do finally get to eat.

Dinner last night...I cleaned my plate. I love that you can see the grease on the cheese. Does that say delicious or what?!

Now say hello to one of my amazing sponsors as she shares her own Sometimes/Always with us.

Hi all! I'm Britt from Gettin' Fritzy With It!

That's me. That's the husband.

Sometimes: You don't hear alot about him on the blog because...

Always: Our two little girls, born 1 year and 11 days apart, steal the blog show.

(And, yes, people call us crazy!)

Sometimes: I go to the mall solely to spend money on myself instead of the babes, for once.

Always:  I never find anything, of course. You know what I'm talking about!

Speaking of... I recently became a ThirtyOne Consultant. Have you heard of the company? It's awesome! Right now we have a special going on that you do not want to miss! You will always find something you want here! Please contact me if you are interested in any products or hosting a party!

Isn't she (and her little girls) precious? Go pay her blog a visit.

Head on over to my sidebar, grab the button and link up with us today. 

Three Months

Three months ago today, we walked into the doctor's office for a routine appointment and walked out with our lives forever changed. We never asked for or expected this to be our path in life, but here we are regardless. And oh how God has used this to grow me. He is my strength when all I had was weakness, my hope when all I saw was despair, my triumph when all I felt was failure. 

And every single good thing that has come from this, has come from God. We did not overcome this, HE overcame this. We did not prevail, HE prevailed. We were not strong, HE was strong through us. He has taken a tragedy and used it for His good. He has strengthened our faith and our marriage. And that's not to say that it takes any of the pain or heartbreak away, because it doesn't. There are still days that I can't stop thinking about it and days where the tears win, but I don't think I could go through it if I didn't know that God could use it for His good. 

So please know that whatever you are going through, good can come from it. God can restore and revitalize, renew and redeem. There is nothing that He cannot work for His good. He will be there and walk with you through everything. He can heal the brokenhearted. 

c/o House of Shep

I seriously appreciate all of the love and support that y'all have offered up to us over the last three months. I never expected blogging to help me through this, but it has, and that's because of y'all. So thank y'all for everything. And we are doing good these days. We are trusting in the Lord's ultimate plan and we know that it is a perfect plan. He is so good, y'all. I hope y'all know that. He is good. 

Happy Birthday Husband

Today is my sweet husband's 25th birthday! Happy happy birthday to him!

Thank you, baby, for always being there for me and for putting up with my crazy female hormones time and time again. You are so hardworking, so dedicated and so honest. You always put everyone else first and are the first to lend a helping hand in any situation. This past year and a half of marriage has been the most fulfilling time of my life and I can't wait to be your wife for 50+ more years. You make me a better person. I love you SO much.

And thanks for putting up with my silliness and opening presents at midnight. : )

We ate lunch at THE most delicious cheeseburger place today. After burgers and fries (and onion rings), we are stuffed and happy, the perfect way to be. I'm sure we will be able to make room for his birthday cupcakes later, though. No worries there. 

Chi curled hair. The only curl that stays in my hair. 

Dress, cardigan: TJ Maxx / Necklace: gift from Michaela

Happy Sunday. Go enjoy it. 

Fireman

Today is International Firefighters' Day...and I just want to say thank you to my sweet husband and to all the other firemen out there. Thank you for risking your lives to save others, for running in a burning house when everyone else is running out and for spending so many nights away from home.

We are planting flowers today...and it's hot. 

Happy weekend, y'all!

Something Everyone Should Do

Today we are going to have a little money chat. Ready...go. 

A lot of people email me and ask me how to make money off of their blog and how to start having paying sponsors. Well let me just say...I certainly don't have it all figured out. Believe me, when I start making millions off of this blog, I will let y'all know. 

In the meantime, here's something that I think EVERYONE with a blog should do...install Google AdSense. It is simple and easy to install, no fuss to maintain and free. Even if it only earns you $2.00 a month, that is free money from doing something that you love...and hopefully it will continue to build as your blog grows. And if you think "pshhhh, two dollars, that's silly," then just mail it to me each month and I will gladly accept it.

Go to your blog layout, click add a gadget, then find AdSense. 

As far as paying sponsors, my best advice would be to take those on only when you are committed to your blog and posting consistently. People are paying you and they expect something in return. It's not something to be taken lightly because it does require time and effort to keep up with sponsors and ensure that everyone is happy. I recommend doing a "trial" first by offering to allow people to sponsor your blog for free for a month or two, that way you can see how it works and if you are willing to maintain it. 

Now go forth and make money. The end. 

A Little Pepperoni Never Hurt Anyone

First up, the hubs and I have been married for 1 year and 7 months today. Woohoo! Yes, I am a big goober and I love counting the months. We're almost to 2 years!

via Brandon O'Neal Photography

As most of y'all know, I am not a huge fan of cooking. I just don't enjoy it that much and I'd rather eat cookies all day long. I have, however, started making the most delicious fattening thing ever and I wanted to share it with y'all. I don't know if it has an official name or where I even saw it first, but it's basically just a pepperoni crescent roll. 

It's super easy (I wouldn't make it if it wasn't).

You need: 

- a can of crescent rolls

- pepperoni

- cheese cubes

Lay out each crescent roll. Add a couple of pepperoni circles and a couple cubes of cheese to each roll. I usually do about 4-5 of each. Roll up the crescent roll (making sure that it's sealed everywhere) and bake as directed on the crescent roll container. 

Then enjoy the most delicious thing that you've ever tasted. It's like a biscuit/sandwich/pizza roll...all warm and cheesy. And then come back to this post and thank me. And send me $100. : )

I don't know nutrition facts about these and I really don't want to. I just know that they are mouth-watering and amazing and I could eat them every single day. 

Sometimes and Always #24

Sometimes: I think it's totally okay to be an emotional eater. 

Always: Chocolate always tastes better after a crazy day. 

Sometimes: I go slightly insane when one of our puppies is sick. 

Always: I can't imagine how much crazier I'll be with our children one day. 

Radar on the way to the vet on Friday. He's all better now!

Sometimes: It takes me a week to respond to emails. 

Always: I respond eventually...I do, I do. 

Sometimes: I take my husband for granted unintentionally. 

Always: I want him to know every single day how much he means to me. 

Love letters. 

Sometimes: I wish that more bloggers lived near me. 

Always: I love my sweet (small-ish) Southern city. 

Sometimes: I want to have amazing personal style and be a fashion blogger. 

Always: I love sitting around in pajamas. 

Grab the button from my sidebar and link up with us! : )

The Weekend and an Outfit

This past weekend I had quite a busy Saturday. I went to a bridal shower for my best friend's little sister (that's a mouthful) and then to a college friend's wedding. There's just something about these perfectly planned events that make my little heart so full. The preparations, the decorations, the food...it's all so pretty and organized and it makes my perfectionist self really happy. 

Plus it makes me think about love and life and friendship. And about how these are some of the best parts of life. These are the happy parts, the times that we will remember forever, the moments that we share our excitement and joy with those closest to us.

Dress and cardigan: TJ Maxx / Long necklace: gift from Michaela / Short necklace: gift from my mom

My cute friend Shannon, who is getting married in June!

I could just go on and on about the food at the shower (made by my best friend and her sister), but I won't because it's just not fair to those who weren't there. Really. After the shower, we headed to the wedding. It was in the most beautiful Catholic church. I love weddings and I love hearing vows. It makes me want to just jump and shout and squeeze my husband and kiss him a million times. : )

Thumprints and signatures from all of the guests. So adorable. 

To top off such a lovey dovey Saturday, church was amazing and we had a nice Sunday. It's gonna be a great week...I just know it. 

PS: Go here to see if you won the diamond necklace giveaway!

Bearing Fruit

Something has been on my mind all day and I just wanted to share it here today. 

Your body will bear fruit that is a representation of what you are feeding it.

A lot of people use that wording when talking about eating healthy and working out, but I'm talking about spiritually. My actions, thoughts and words will reflect what I put into my body. And I want everything that I do to reflect Christ, so I need to feed my body with God's word, not worldly things. 

I'm committing myself to more Bible time, less tv time. We only get one life and I want to live mine for the Lord. When I die, I want to hear those precious words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

Sunshine and Grass

Today has been one of those "ahhhhhhh" days, where everything seems perfect and the sky is bluer than it has ever been before. Sometimes I wish every day could be like this, but I guess then they wouldn't be as special, right?

It started off with the hubs and I getting to sleep in...together! That rarely happens these days, but for some reason it's just so much better sleeping in when we both get to. And now I'm in and out of the house, just basking in the pretty day and trying to get a little color on my insanely ghostly white legs. 

Even the weeds are pretty today. 

Happy Friday! Enjoy the day...we aren't promised another one!

PS: Check out a little story about our love story over on Heather's blog today!

A Deep (Or Not So Deep) Question

Why in the world does it feel SO amazingly good when someone washes your hair for you? 

I mean really. It just doesn't make sense to me. When I'm in the shower washing my hair, I don't want to close my eyes and scrub my head for hours. But when I'm at the salon, someone scrubbing my scalp is equal to a huge piece of chocolate cake. My eyes close and my body relaxes...you might as well not even try to talk to me for those (precious) minutes. 

It's kinda like they want me to look like a weirdo, because first they stick me under the dryer and I get all warm and toasty. Then they start scrubbing my head and it takes all my self control not to start kicking my leg like a dog getting his belly rubbed. If I had a tail, it would be wagging. 

And why does your hair always look better and smell better when they do it? Blows. My. Mind. 

Please tell me it's not just me. And yes I realize that I just wrote a whole post on getting my hair washed. Thank y'all for noticing. Deep thoughts going on over here. 

Side note: Idol just isn't the same without Colton on it. I was sad watching it. Now I'm rooting for Josh, the Louisiana boy, of course! : )

A Real Man

I love my husband. Through and through. For so many reasons, but especially because he is a sweet country boy at heart. He likes "manly" things...hunting, fishing, camouflage, sports, animals, being outside. And I kinda think that that is how a man should be. Manly. Strong. Rugged. Rough and tough (with a soft side on the inside, of course). 

And I know that it's definitely "to each her own" as far as how she prefers her man, but I sure am glad that he is mine. I just don't think I could deal with my man wearing tighter jeans than me. It just doesn't seem right...or comfortable...or even healthy (for certain parts).