Losing Your Best Friend

I haven't actually physically lost a best friend, which probably would have felt better. It was worse: over a complete and total misunderstanding.

I won't go into detail. Obviously it's nun ya, but it's been one of the worst feelings in my life. Still to this day.

Who is the first person you think of to tell something? Anything? Maybe you got a new StitchFix outfit and you want to share, or complain about someone or something?

You think of your best friend.

The person who knows everything about you and your life. The person you've been friends with for over a decade or two.

And then, one day. Nothing. You don't have your best friend to lean on when something goes wrong. And you miss them every day.

They say time heals all wounds, though.

There comes a time where you just have to accept it. Forgive yourself or the other person and move on.

Meet new friends. Make new memories. Love what you've got right now.

Life is too short not to enjoy it.

Two By Two by Nicholas Sparks Review

I love Nicholas Spark. I have read every one of his books starting when I was in Jr. High. I'm not much of the reader, my sister is the English major. I actually don't read anything else at all except Mary Kay Andrews and the bible.

He usually always comes out with a book close to my birthday (the beginning of October). It was hard to read them when I was in nursing school because I was always studying, and now I'm just always busy. So since I'm super busy I bought the audio book.

Best decision of my life.

I got to listen to the book when I was getting ready in the morning, cleaning the house, driving in the car, and sometimes even at work (only on my lunch breaks, sort of).

The book was great. Different from what he normally does, but still a love story with a conflict and some drama. I don't want to ruin it for anyone who hasn't read it and wants too, but I highly recommend it.

I was iffy about Nicholas Sparks next book after he got divorced. I mean, who wants to divorce a romance novelist? Wouldn't you think he knows exactly how to treat women? But you never know about people these days, forreal. (I have no idea what happened so if anyone does please inform me, I've been very curious.)

Towards the end of this book I literally could not stop reading it, so you knew it was a good one. I bought my book off of Amazon and put it on my kindle app so I had access to it at all times. Go read it now!

If anyone has any other REALLY good books or Netflix series let me know!

Why Birthday's Should Be Special

Birthday's were huge growing up in my house. We always had decorations and cake for breakfast, and no matter what that was YOUR special day.

I've met a lot of people who say birthday's are just another day and they're no big deal, but seriously though it IS special.

YOU are special.

I don't know about you, but sometimes I feel like I have nobody. I don't have any friends and I'm not special to anyone but my husband.

For my birthday this year I wanted to have my family and work family over for a cookout. I LOVE having gatherings at my house and I love to host anything. Most importantly, I love the company.

I invited basically my whole family and work family. I didn't expect a whole bunch of people but we had plenty of food just in case. Literally TONS of people showed up. Some brought food and others brought gifts. At the age of 25, I thought birthday gifts were only bought by myself or my husband, but I was showered with gifts!

Everything written in the cards was so thoughtful and all the gifts were perfect: Hobby Lobby, Bath and Body Works, dog frame, bible study, food gift cards/date nights, huge water bottle, etc.

I sat down in tears.

All of these people came for ME. They brought gifts and gathered for food for ME. Like, what?! And I had DOUBLE the family come because when you get married you gain a whole family and it's such a blessing!

I never thought people cared about me like that. I knew people probably cared about me, but this was a huge eye opener to me. This is why birthday's are special, because YOU are special to everyone. People do love you and care about you and some even want to celebrate with you!

I am so thankful to have had all those people I love come spend their Sunday with me for my birthday. I am beyond blessed.

Why We Should ALL Be Kneeling on One Knee

I'm not one that's much on debate, or politics even though I do love watching the news, but I've been getting tired of everyone getting their feelings hurt over every little thing. When did everyone become so sensitive? When did everything become about us? Have we forgotten about the important things in life?

Just like everyone else I've got an opinion too. And guess what? My opinion may not be what you think is right, and THAT IS OK. Really, life can go on because we don't agree on a subject. My opinion is something we are all called to do though, which is...

Pray.

The importance and power of prayer is the most pertinent thing we as a community, as a country, need right now. The world is not in a good place: constant bombing's in Syria, the future leader of our nation, murder of innocent people, starving children in our town, and most importantly, people who have never heard the gospel.

That's what we should be talking about right now, not focusing on a Hollywood breakup as the main topic of the day (even though we all knew that relationship was doomed to begin with from the get-go).

I live in a small town where everyone knows everyone else, but did you know there are more unsaved people in our community than there are saved? Regardless of what state our world is in, it's not here to stay. This life is perishable. Every single thing in this life will be over. It will fade and it will end one day for all of us.

No more hurt, no more wrong, no more suffering, no more disease, no more arguing.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed in us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.
-Romans 8:18-19

It's going to happen, people.. Either you're going to die from this earth or Jesus will come back. We will encounter the creator of the universe one of these days. Sooner rather than later. And if you're not ready then get ready. Regardless of these earthly trials and how much we want to "get back" at those who do wrong here on earth, it is NOT our job. We don't make things right, He does.

So how about this: why don't you get on one knee and instead of protesting start praying. Pray for God to forgive you of all of your sins (because we are human and we do sin), ask for guidance in the possible days to come that you may be a refection of Him, pray for those hurting, those sick, those in need of a roof over their head and food on the table for their families. Pray for our community, that we may come together to help those in need instead of bashing in windows and yelling at each other. Who's that going to help?

Believe it or not, but it is not about us. It IS, on the other hand, about the one who made us. The one who sent his only son to die on a cross for our sins so that we may have eternal life with Him.

It's about the one who sacrificed it all for us.

So let's get on our knees and thank Him for doing so. We don't deserve one bit of it, but He loves us so much that He wants us to spend eternity with Him.

His sacrifice and unfailing love, that was for YOU. Thank Him and praise Him for it.

Why AdvoCare is AWESOME

"Diet" products are very sketchy. Especially if a company guarantees how easy and achievable it is. That's where AdvoCare is different. The products' main target isn't to "lose weight" but to increase overall health and wellness for your body. They have a board of doctors who review each product before it goes out to the public. One of the doctors is Dr. Stanley Dudrick, who pioneered the research and development of TPN (total parenteral nutrition), which is how very sick people survive and get their nutrition. HOW AWESOME IS THAT?! As a nurse, that's pretty cool to me. Not to mention the company has been around as long as I've been alive.

I've got many favorite products, but I wanted to share with you just a few of my top favorites and why.

1. Spark

Spark is the number one seller for AdvoCare. It is a sugar-free energy drink containing over 20 vitamins and minerals. It sharpens mental focus along with increased energy. I drink it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach within 20 minutes. If you've ever had it, it's a life-changer and lifesaver. Order yours here.

2. Herbal Cleanse

It's seriously not what you think. You are not in the bathroom all day long. It's a very gentle cleanse that will make you feel like a whole new person. It's only ten days and consists of a fiber drink, probiotic pills, and herbal cleanse pills. The cleanse is the first part of the 24 Day Challenge and is a great kick start to a healthier, cleaner you. If you've never done a cleanse before, I highly recommend the AdvoCare Herbal Cleanse. I just finished mine and lost 6 inches total and feel like a brand new woman. Order yours here!

3. MNS (Metabolic Nutrition System)

This is the second part of the 24 Day Challenge. So once you go through the cleanse and rid your body of all those toxins, you boost your metabolism with this system and feel even MORE better overall. There are three systems to choose from. The MNS C focus's on appetite control, so if you struggle with snacking or overeating, this is perfect for you. The MNS E focus's on mainly energy, so if you're lacking in staying awake throughout the day, this one is for you. My personal favorite is the MNS 3, which is a combination of energy and control. I need both, and this one is an equal amount. It's a lot of pills and I stink at taking pills (one at a time...) so it's rough at first, but after the first pack you notice the difference. Order your system here!

4. Probiotic Fast Melt

This product is new, and I'm obsessed. It comes in a small pack of powder you just dump in your mouth and it melts away. It's a healthy bacteria (probiotic) that your body needs for a healthy, normal digestive system process. I've had LOTS of stomach problems, and they have got worse since I got my gallbladder removed last year. This product is the probiotic a gastroenterologist would have prescribed me anyway, just not in a pill form. It's got a great taste and is easy to grab and go first thing in the morning. Order yours here.

5. Chews

Like I said before, taking pills just really isn't my thing. My mom has always preached to me about taking my vitamins, but I've really been missing my Flintstone chewable. AdvoCare granted my wish and developed all chewable vitamins. There are three different kinds: green (immune system health), tropical (overall multivitamin), and purple (brain, eyes, and nervous system development). They all taste amazing. I keep the green ones at work because we are around sick people all the time so as nurses we've got to have a strong immune system. Order yours here.

I've been a distributor with AdvoCare since I was in nursing school. I bought in just to get the 20% discount on Spark every order. It turned out to be a little extra gas money here and there and then developed into a small side business. They have a new preferred customer program you can read about here that allows you 20-30% discounts on your orders. As a distributor, there are never any quotas you have to meet and never any reorders required. If you just order one time or a million, that's fine. You don't have to sell or buy a certain amount of products. Unlike other wellness companies, AdvoCare has been around since 1993. The leaders are some of the nicest most encouraging people you'll ever meet. You can be extremely involved in promoting or selling a product or you don't have to do much work at all, it's up to you. You get out of it what you put into it. The easy thing with AdvoCare is you don't really have to sell the product, it sells itself. It's a product people of all ages can use, and it's the best company to be a part of.

Sign up to start your product discount and become a distributor here!

Being a Foster Dog Mom--Fostering Bud

Bud is foster dog number four. He has also been the hardest. He came to us terrified--wouldn't let me touch him for the first two days and anytime I would come near, he would snap at me. This dog had me stressing big time. Not to mention he came without a name and the only thing I could think to call him was Bud.

He warmed up after two to three days and would not stop following me around! I've learned his favorite thing to do is just cuddle. He wants to be beside me constantly, and I don't mind at all because he is just as sweet as can be!

We originally planned on only doing short term fostering, but after 12 weeks Bud still hadn't found a home. We were worried about him getting around people to begin with because he's not the friendliest dog like Ralph. We didn't want him to snap and growl at his potential new adopted parents. So we kept him close. Maybe too close as you can see from the dog carrier I got below. I couldn't help myself considering he LOVES to be right beside me.

Bud loves to give kisses and sleep. He loves it at our house, we could tell. Nick and I talked the other day and decided it would be devastating to Bud to have to start over. He has already done so well here and has adapted great, so we decided it would be best that we are going to put an end to Bud's foster journey and adopt him! We weren't expecting to adopt any of our fosters, and I had done so well before, but Bud has already been with us so long and he really does love it with us. And we love him just as much.

I would HIGHLY recommend fostering animals to anyone interested. I foster through Ruff Tales K-9 ResQ through Huntsville Animal Services. They provide all the shots, vaccinations, food, blankets, toys, etc. All you have to provide is the home. You are making a HUGE difference in the lives of these animals and providing them with the upmost love possible. The animals appreciate it and so does the shelter, because if an animal is in your home, that means there is a spot available for another animal to come in at the shelter. If you're thinking of getting a dog/cat, please go see your local shelter!

Being a Foster Dog Mom - Fostering Hale

I absolutely love being a foster dog mom. It is very rewarding to know you are getting these dogs out of the shelter and into a forever home. Our first foster was Luna, and she found her forever home pretty quickly, which is the goal! 

(Read up on my last blog post to learn more about Luna's story.)

After we found Luna her forever home, there was another dog in need of a foster through Huntsville Animal Services. Their shelter was at it's max and they were about to get a transport of new dogs. Hale had been at the shelter a couple of weeks and ended up developing kennel cough. It's very common in shelter dogs. It's just like humans developing the common cold. Not a very big deal, but if a dog stays at the shelter with kennel cough, ALL the dogs get it. They needed him out first before all 184 dogs got it. That's where we come in. I was nervous at first since we have Ralphie already and he's obviously our number one priority. But we do have an outside gated area in the shade that's perfect for dogs, and we thought it was very important to help this poor pup and get him out of the shelter before he gets all the dogs sick and what better place than our secluded outside area? Ralphie stays inside mostly except when he's playing so we weren't really worried about Ralphie getting sick.

So here comes Hale. This is a picture of him right before he left the shelter. Look at that FACE!

Hale was about the size of Ralphie, just a little longer. He barked about the first 30 minutes upon arriving at our house then got a little more comfortable. He would growl and snap at Nick but learned very quickly that was not right. He stayed separated from Ralph for the first couple days due to the sickness. He did great on a leash, loved long walks, and enjoyed his separated space in his outside kennel (anytime Ralph would try to go in Hale would growl).

After a few days, Hale and Ralph clicked and LOVED to play.

You could tell after the first few days of being at our house that Hale was really enjoying his stay!

As I always do, I posted a picture of Hale and a little bit of his description and after a few shares Hale found his new family. Facebook can sure be good for some things!

The last day Hale was at our house I brought him inside for the first time, and he instantly jumped on the couch, so I figured he was an inside dog. I planned on giving him a bath and bringing him in that night, but it was time to say good-bye. Just like that, Hale was off to his new home.

He looks terrified in the picture above, but I promise he hopped up in my lab and was loving it.

I enjoy sharing love with my foster dogs. Even though they're only with us a short time, and YES I want to keep them all but it's just impossible, this is such a rewarding blessing and I'm so happy to help find these dogs their forever home!