Five on Friday

It's that time of the week again, linking up for five on Friday!

[One] I am so excited to be leaving work at 11:30 today to be able to get on the road with my hubby and we are Indiana bound.... can't wait to see the Donaldsons and spend the weekend with them (especially meeting cutie Miss Lilly)! I'm also loving the fact that it is a long weekend!!

[Two] We are so thankful and excited that P got a new youth ministry job this week and begins his new job next week, can't wait to see what is in store for this ministry...let the fun begin! God is good!

[Three] My Chloe dog had to have blood work done this week, mainly to see if she is diabetic or not.... we still haven't got the results back and this doggy mama is getting a bit anxious!

[Four] I believe I like the new pair of heels I got at Cato's this week a bit much, they are nude patent leather peep toe heels.... that were on sale for $9.99. I haven't got to wear them out yet, but I may or may not have put them on at home just to see how it felt to wear them. ;)

[Five] I really need to check the schedule and plan out some football games to go to.... I want to watch my brothers play (and watch sister cheer, of course)!

Thankful Thursday

Back again for Thankful Thursday...
I'm thankful to have my needs met daily.
I'm thankful for my hubby's new job.
I'm thankful for encouraging friends.
I'm thankful for comfy pajamas.
I'm thankful for the fan I use every night.
I'm thankful for bath and body works cashmere shea butter hand cream.
I'm thankful that my car is reliable.
I'm thankful that I can an extra day off this weekend.
I'm thankful for our wonderful health insurance coverage.
I'm thankful for ice cream.
I'm thankful for earrings.
I'm thankful for the weather forecast so I know what to expect (kind of)
I'm thankful for days I can sleep in.
I'm thankful that Fall is coming.
I'm thankful for my husband, always.
I'm thankful to not wear a uniform to work.
I'm thankful that I enjoy cooking.
I'm thankful that we get to spend our weekend with Emily and her family!
What are you thankful for this week?

Digging Deeper

I don't know about you all, but sometimes I feel like I don't spend as much time with God as I should.... and I hate that. Being a Christian is the most important thing in my life and I think I owe God more time than I allow. It's an easy thing to do, with all the things we have going on daily, God's time sometimes slips through the cracks. I have been wanting to start a new devotional book and after bouncing from book to book and reading reviews, I have decided to do a devotional titled "Beautiful in God's Eyes" by Elizabeth George. This book shows what it means to be a Proverbs 31 woman and I am excited to get the book and get started. Have you ever read this book or do you have any good devotional recommendations? If so, I'd love for you to share! After I finish this book, I am wanting to start "The Power of a Positive Wife". They both looked like great books, it was just a matter of which one to do first. I'm hoping doing a daily devotional with friends will be encouraging, help me make more time for God daily, and will teach/show me ways to live as a better Christian.

Wonderful Weekends (a trip to Lexington)

Hey friends! Hope you all are off to a great week, our weekend went by fast, but it sure was a good one. I'm a day late posting my weekend recap, but that's okay, right? Better late than never... anyways here is glimpse of our past weekend.
On Friday, I was crazy busy at work all day, but I still managed to leave on time at 4:30 which I was happy about. I went and got our friends Gabby and Hannah after work and then we were on the road and Lexington bound. On our way to Lexington, we dropped my Chloe girl off at my parents' house so that they could dog sit while we were away for the weekend. We arrived in Lexington safely and chit-chatted for a bit before hubby and I went to my brother's house for the night.
On Saturday morning after getting ready, Preston and I headed over to the rehabilitation center that my grandpa has been in since his knee replacement. He is know able to get out of the facility, so Preston, my brother and sister-in-law, and my grandparents left there, got to-go at chic-fil-a and headed to Jacobson Park for a picnic lunch. The weather was nice and having a picnic by the lake was great.... except for the annoying flies that drove us crazy!

After visiting, I hit a couple stores that I wanted to go to including Homegoods and the wonderful Hobby Lobby, I love that place!

I also got my nails done.... I love shellac polish!

After shopping a little while, Preston and I enjoyed dinner at Chili's and then headed to see our buddy Scott and his family. We played "Catch Phrase" and we were all laughing so hard, it was such a fun game! For those that have prayed for Scott and his transplant, thank you! He is doing great and he should hopefully come home next week.
On Sunday, we went to church and then had lunch at Olive Garden. We had another quick visit with my grandparents and then it was back on the road to Virginia....well, after we made a pit stop at Krispy Kreme. It was good, but not as good as when the hot light is on!

Of course, we stopped at my parents' house on the way home for a little visit and to get Chloe. My sister was playing with the dogs outside and it seems that they were the ones in charge, ha!

sorry the pic is so dark!

We made it home just fine and I was in the bed shortly after getting home.... it was yet another great weekend. This weekend we are back on the road and Indiana bound!!

Currently...

Hey guys! I am getting this post idea from Ryan, if you don't already, you should check her out! Anyways, this is a fun list of what is currently going on with me, so without further adieu....

Reading: I started reading Safe Haven last week, but have been busy and I haven't given it much time... I am wanting to get back into it next week, I'm liking it so far!

Listening to: my ipod has been on "shuffle" going through Chris Tomlin's albums while I'm at work, isn't it crazy how music can just make the day seem better? This week when it hasn't been Chris Tomlin at my desk, it's been Casting Crowns or Audio Adrenaline. Did you know that Audio A was formed at the small college that I went to for my undergrad, how cool is that? I love that music is an awesome source of worship!

Loving: This past weekend, I became a Thirty-One gifts consultant. Yesterday I recieved a large PINK box and I was very excited to open it to see my getting started package. I didn't have time to look at everything, but I am loving all the new thirty-one products I recieved... I am also loving the fall print patterns!

Wearing: Yay for casual day at work! I love jean days, it just makes everything so much easier... today I am wearing dark jeans, an orangy-red 3/4 sleeve top, my origami owl necklace, black earrings, a black flower headband, and black sandals.

Looking forward to: I love my job, but I am looking forward to 4:30 so that I can start my weekend and get on the road to Lexington where we will be staying until Sunday. Within this trip, I'm looking forward to seeing our buddy Scott, seeing my grandparents, getting my nails filled in (finally!!), and going to home goods!

Cooking/baking: Last night we made some no bake cheesecakes that where pretty good! I won't be cooking much (if at all) since we won't be home this weekend, but I'm wanting to do some grilling next week if weather allows...

Wishing: I am wishing the weather would make up it's mind... it's storming, then it's beautiful outside.... it's cool fall temps, and then it's blazing hot. Maybe I'm just being ungrateful for the changes of weather, shame on me... or maybe I just really want it to be fall, yeah, that's it!

So... what's current with you?

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful for today.
I'm thankful for my hubby's job opportunity.
I'm thankful that it is almost the weekend.
I'm thankful for my health.
I'm thankful that we live near friends now.
I'm thankful for my work schedule.
I'm thankful that I am finished with schooling.
I'm thankful for my new tire on my car.
I'm thankful for ibuprofen in times of head aches
I'm thankful for my awesome family!
I'm thankful to know that God loves me (and you.)
I'm thankful that I get to see one of my best friends next weekend.
I'm thankful for God's timing.
I'm thankful for my education.
I'm thankful that is is almost time for Fall.
I'm thankful for sweet tea.
I'm thankful for my new makeup!

What are you thankful for?

Recipe Swap: Buffalo Chicken Dip

Don't you just love trying a new recipe and it being a huge hit?! I love the feeling, so I thought I would share a recipe I tried that went great, it is buffalo chicken dip. It's easy, but delicious...perfect for get togethers or parties. Or, you may want it on a bun and have it for dinner... it's seriously SO good!

Ingredients:
1 (8oz.) package of cream cheese
1/2 cup Frank's buffalo hot sauce
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1/2 shredded mozzarella cheese
2 (12.5oz) cans chicken breast (drained)

Directions:
pre heat oven to 350*
In a deep baking dish, stir cream cheese until smooth
Add buffalo sauce, ranch, and cheese. Stir until mixed well.
Using a fork, shred chicken
Add chicken to mixture, mix well.
Bake for 20 minutes
Eat with tortilla chips, crackers, or bread....enjoy!

Join in with the recipe swap, I'd love for you to share something! If you try the buffalo chicken dip, let me know!

Wonderful Weekends

4:30 came on Friday and you know what that means for me, out of the office and start of the weekend! My weekend was lots of fun, I got to go to my parents' house in Kentucky and I got to see lots of people I hadn't seen in a while so that was great!
On Friday after work, Preston and I were thinking about going to the movie theater, but instead we opted for a night at home. I picked up Chinese on my way home, so dinner and clean up was a breeze (which I was SO thankful for). After dinner we had a pretty low key evening and then we cleaned our house.
Saturday I got up early, packed a bag, and headed to KY (only an hour drive for me now). That morning, I had a hair appointment. After a cut and highlights, I headed to my friend Deanna's house. Deanna is a make up genius, I'm telling you, I think she knows everything there is to know about make up...okay, maybe not everything but she knows a lot! I'm thankful that Deanna did my make up and showed me a better daily make up routine. We also went shopping and I got lots of new make up, it was fun! So, in a way, Saturday morning was a mini hair and make up make over for me!Did I mention Deanna has a beautiful baby girl, McKenzie? Love her!

Saturday evening my mom and I had a Thirty One party, it was a lot of fun... and now, I am a Thirty-One consultant! My sister Brinley and her dog, Max, must have been worn out from the party!

Sunday I went to my home church, it was so nice to see everyone. After church we had lunch at my parents and then shortly after, I headed back home where I hung out with Preston for the rest of the evening. Oh, I must add, I had to take Preston's car to Kentucky since my car has a spare tire on it right now, I got home and Preston had completely cleaned my car out, I was so excited and my car is looking great!
It was a great weekend, that of course ended too quickly.....already looking forward to next weekend, how about you?

How things can change in a year

Have you ever thought about where you were in your life this time last year? Since last August, lots of things have changed for us. I have decided to do a flashback comparison month by month to show a difference between then and now... so, I am rewinding the past year just to remember what has happened over the past 365 days, warning: This post is very long and has some an overload of pictures!

August 2012: We were living in Elizabethton, TN. I was a full time student working towards my Master's degree at ETSU, I was working at my internship placement part time, and I was working at a shoe store part time.... Preston was working on his Master's degree through KCU, and was working at Best Buy. Preston and I also celebrated 4 years of being together since we started dating, we went to a Tenth Avenue North concert

September 2012 Last September was a lot like August, consumed in school, work, internship, etc. In September I also made my first deco mesh wreath so that it would be ready for October, it turned out like this:

In September I also made chicken and dumplins' for the first time!

October 2012 In October, we continue with the working/school routine... I made this wreath for halloween.

In October I went to my friend Deanna's baby shower and got to see some friends from high school!

November 2012 In November, my mom and I did our annual Black Friday shopping (we LOVE it) and my sister got to join for the first time.... after that, we were on the road and Florida bound for Emily's baby shower!

December 2012: In December, we enjoyed Christmas, the Biltmore estate, and a short break from school!

January 2013 January came and we continued school, but I was excited for it to be my last semester. Towards the end of January, for the first time, I interviewed for a full time social work job position for after graduating school. In January I picked up a new hobby and began crocheting sashay scarves

In January I also got a picture of Chloe sleeping like she normally does, on her back, on a pillow, covered up, with her tongue out... spoiled?

February/March 2013: In Feb and March, not much changed... the same school/work routine. We must have been either boring or busy because I didn't even take any good pictures.
April 2013: In April, Preston and I found an amazing deal on a cruise (thanks to my brother who told me about it)and we booked a cruise on the spur of the moment and we were ready to set sail in just 2.5 weeks. If you know me, I'm a huge planner, so going on a trip like this without planning it was crazy to me, but it was so much fun!

At the end of this cruise, I got a voice mail which led me to talking to someone from the company I interviewed for back in January, I ended up being offered and accepting the job!
May 2013: In May, we had already planned to go on vacation with our friends Adam and Renee to the Outer Banks in North Carolina so we went on another vacation. Also in May, I graduated from graduate school with my Master's of Social Work degree!

June 2013: In June, we moved to Virginia and began to get things situated in our new home. I planted my first rose bushes, which I was extremely excited about. My family had planned a beach trip.... so I was blessed with another vacation, this time to Myrtle Beach, SC.

In June I was also honored with being a bridesmaid in my dear friend, Jade's wedding... it was such a fun wedding!

Also in June, I started my job as a social worker doing what I love and working with children every day. It's great to go from having a crazy schedule to only working 8:30-4:30 Monday through Friday, I love my schedule!
July 2013 July continued work, but my 3 month streak of vacations came to an end! I did enjoy visiting the church camp a lot in the evenings after work, though!
And that brings us to where we are now, August... I'm enjoying the changes that have made, our move, and my job, I'm excited to see what the next year brings. What's been going on in your lives lately?

Any movie buffs out there?

Hello to all!
Are there any movie buffs out there? Or does anyone have any good movie recommendations/ movies they think are a must see?
Sometimes in the evenings, Preston and I like to watch a movie after dinner time. Normally I am interested in the more "chick flick" type movies, comedy, or family friendly movies. Some of my favorites include "Life as We Know It", "Just Go With it", "A Walk to Remember", and "Couples Retreat"....oh and "Pitch Perfect"! However, I recently learned I am interested in action movies as well. Last night Preston and I watched "Transformers: The Dark of the Moon" and it was SO good, I loved it! I'm sure Preston enjoyed watching a less sappy movie too, he's always a good movie sport, but I'm sure watching this was a nice change. I liked the movie so much, I ordered "Transformers: The Revenge of the Fallen" on Amazon and it should be here Friday, woohoo!

Oh, one thing is for sure, I don't like HATE scary movies, I just can't do them... too much for me!!
What kind of movies do you like? What do you suggest we watch?

Wonderful Weekends

I don't know about you all, but weekends seem to fly by for me! This past weekend, we had some things that were planned and others that were unplanned, but it was a great weekend all together.
Friday I got home from work at 5pm like I normally do, we were expecting company so I was excited to get busy once I got home. Remember me telling you that Preston and I are involved at a summer camp? Well, we invited some of the youth faculty workers over to our house for a cookout, sleep over, and then a breakfast on Saturday morning. Everything got started about 6:30, due to rain we had to stay inside, but it was still fun. Preston brought the burgers in from the grill just before it started down pouring, he was seriously just in time! We had lots of food, including these fresh fruit kabobs that I made to go with fruit dip

We stayed up for a while, I crashed around midnight, but everyone else stayed up until 4:00am, I felt like such a party pooper, but I was just so tired since I had been at work all day. Chloe snuggled with me in bed and we slept great since it was storming! Saturday morning we got up and made breakfast: pancakes, eggs, and bacon... yum! After we got our bellies full and I got the kitchen cleaned, everyone said their goodbyes and it was time for Preston and I to hit the road. We weren't planning on going to Lexington (KY) this weekend since we had been there the last 2 weekends, but my grandpa just had knee replacement surgery and I wanted to visit with him since he has to stay there for 2 more weeks. We decided to make a fun trip out of it and we decided to get a hotel for the night. I wouldn't dare leave Chloe at home so she stayed with my parents, we dropped her off on the way.

When we got to Lexington, we went straight to the rehabilitation facility my grandpa is in, I was pleasantly surprised at how nice of a place it is. We stayed and chatted with him for a couple of hours and then left to visit our friend Scott that has been in Lexington recovering from the kidney transplant he had a few weeks ago. Scott has two daughters and we decided we wanted to go bowling. As soon as we started our game, the bowling alley started their cosmic bowling and turned on the crazy lights... we all had so much fun bowling and hanging out together, Preston won!

After bowling we took the kids back to Scott and Machele's apartment and then Preston and I went to our hotel. We stayed in a nice place that I score on Priceline, I love bidding to "name my own price". Have you ever tried using priceline, it has saved us so much money on hotels numerous times!
Sunday morning we went to church at Southland Christian Church with my friend Brittany, it was great to see her and the service was awesome. Preston and I went to Dick's sporting goods where we got a couple of things, including my new fishing pole that I LOVE.... can't wait to go fishing now!

After a delicious lunch at Olive Garden, Preston and I went back to visit Scott for a little while and then we went back to visit my grandpa before heading home. While we were visiting my grandpa he was doing his therapy exercises, he was tired, but he is doing so good! After staying for a bit, we knew it was time to start the 3.5 hour drive back home... but not before we stopped at Starbucks to use our 2 free drink vouchers we had!

We got back on the road, stopped to chat with my family and pick Chloe up on our way, and then safely made it back home Sunday night. It was a great weekend.... a busy weekend, but a great weekend that went by way too fast, but hey, now we are 4 days away from Friday! What was your weekend like?