Errand Day

I ran some errands today -I'm trying to get everything finalized before our trip. I stopped by the bank to deposit some vacation money I have been saving, then I treated myself to a pedicure (well, I actually consider it one of my presents from Dick and Mary for my birthday), then stopped at the tanning bed (I desperately need some color), then had lunch with some of my co-workers that I haven't seen in a few weeks since starting my new schedule, then ran to a convenience store for hair spray, lotion, snacks, etc. I have been laying out items over the past several days that I plan on taking, hence the picture above. Also, I had to say goodbye to Charlie. Brian's parents are watching him while we're gone and I won't see him for 3 weeks. It was kind of sad. -On a more positive note, It has been an absolutely gorgeous day! Sunny, slightly windy, 80!!!

Our Pets

This top pictures are of our sweet girl, Peyton. She is shy, but loves, loves, loves to chase after tennis balls and treats. She is always up for going on a walk or going to the dog park. We adopted her when she was about 8 weeks old. She was this tiny little puppy, about 5 pounds, now she is about 28 pounds. She is almost 3 years old. We have worked hard at training her and she is wonderful. She listens so well that we can take her outside with us without a leash and not have to worry about her leaving the yard. We love how excited she gets when we get home from work, she jumps around and whines and is so happy. She is my little "Walter Peyton Manning" girl.

The bottom two pictures are of our sweet little dog, Charlie. He is such a cuddler. He wants to be held and petted all the time. He loves being out in the sun. When we are out working in the yard, we tie him up and he has an absolute blast. We think Charlie is about 3 years old. Unfortunately he has had a rough life. He has 3 pellets stuck in him where someone shot him, and then someone dumped him. He was starving when he was actually picked up and taken to a shelter. Since we've had him, he has been attacked by a dog and ended up with a ruptured disc and had to have back surgery. And even through all of his trauma, he is such a fun, sweet guy - Brian's "good little buddy."

Vacation Plans

Our vacation is 1 week away. I'm starting to get nervous, but also very excited!!! I'm praying for safe travels, great weather, and an awesome time. The Itinerary: Rome, Italy for 3 days, Siena, for 2 days, Venice for 2 days, Salzburg, Austria 2 days, Berchtesgaden, Germany (will visit the Eagle's Nest -Hitler's Hilltop retreat) for 1 day, then to Munich, Germany to fly home. We've had a practice packing session, and I can fit all of clothes into a carry-on size suitcase. I will also have a carry-on bag. Total weight is around 24 pounds - which is awesome! We have to keep our luggage as light as possible because we are going to have to lug it everywhere. We will be traveling by plane, bus, train, and car.

Working for the Lord

I'm so thankful for my new work schedule. I was really starting to dislike being a nurse and all that comes with it. I got into nursing to help and love people, but over the past couple of years, I started losing some of that. After much prayer and discussing it every week at my bible study, I realized that God has a plan and a purpose for me at my job, so I have been attempting to work hard and cheerfully at whatever I do, as though I am working for the Lord rather than for people. Colossians 3:23 I have also started praying that God will put people in my life that need to see His love and that I can portray that love. And so today I was honored that one of my co-workers asked me to pray for her regarding an issue in her life. I want to be a prayer warrior!

FRUITFUL

I decided to give blogging a chance since I love writing in a journal and photography, so I thought I would combine both. -My heart and mind have been consumed lately with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control - the fruit of the spirit. My bible study is reading "How People Change" and I can honestly say that I have been re-evaluating my life and trying to let God shape me and my responses to life. I want my life to be fruitful and my responses to life to be fruitful. Spring means the return to life of everything dormant, so this is my chance to also return to life.