7QT (Vol. 26)

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Now what would be a first post that would really wow you and wouldn't bore you to death that you would be required to click the "x" out of fear of falling out of your seat asleep.  Yeah I don't know either.

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Laura @ A Drop in the Ocean won my Lavender essential oil giveaway so that is probably exciting to no one else but her.

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Thursday morning I was driving to work and about 5 minutes away from my house there was an accident, it looked like someone going straight hit some in the opposite direction trying to turn left.  I drove past it.  Everyone seemed to be out of the car and someone else was stopped.  My fear/exhilaration of being the most qualified medical professional at a scene is another post for another day.  Anyway about 2 more minutes down the street is the town fire/EMT/police department.  The fire truck, ambulance, and fire SUV began to pull out.  As I moved to the side of the road I started to cry about the whole incident.  The point of this whole story isn't some profound spiritual revelation but merely the realization that I have the potential to be a basket case when I am pregnant.

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I recently wrote a Dave Ramsey post on the bloggity.  I am gearing up to be aggressive with paying my student loan debt.  Currently almost all of the money I am earning is going straight to my loans but especially once I have a RN job I want to hit them like they never saw what was coming.  Because of this, I want to ask you what is your biggest money saving tip-obvious or creative I want to hear it. I have a lot of loans and I am going to need to cut dollar and cents everywhere and want your help to see ways that I haven't thought of before.  Please comment telling me your tips.

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If you haven't heard, CVS pharmacy has decided to stop selling tobacco products and change it's name to CVS Health.  Your thoughts? I am going to tell you mine, naturally.  I think it is great.  There are still more than enough places for people to buy their cigarettes.  I think it was awesome marketing because they have now set themselves apart from other drug stores and done something unique.  Previously I would have gone to CVS and another store such as Walgreens interchangeably.  However with this recent announcement I am much more likely to purposely go to CVS just to support them.

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The gardens around these parts here are overflowing with yummy yummyness.  So naturally I picked up a new hobby.  Canning, like mason jar boiling water like your grandma or my Amish cleaning lady canning.  I thought it was going to be super tiring and alot of work but I have actually been really enjoying it.  Lots of pasta sauce and some tomato soup put up.  I beat I am going to like this hobby even more on a cold February night when I can pop open a jar of summer.

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My mom is having her left knee replaced on Monday. Her right knee went great back in May but that doesn't mean it has to go great this time.  So any spare prayers for her surgery and recovery would be greatly appreciated.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary! 

7QT (Vol.25)

Can you believe I have not posted a 7QT since February!

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So why has this blog been a bit on the quiet side?  Blame the NCLEX. Yes ladies and gentlemen I am taking the NCLEX on July 16th so have been feriously studying.  Any and all prayers are greatly appreciated because I really really want to pass it on the first time and as a bonus answer 100 questions or less (you can have to answer anywhere from 75 to over 200 questions).

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I did yesterday finally take the time to write a second essential oils post and already got some questions for a third post so go check the Let's Talk Oils II post out.

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Since this is Jen's 7QT I would be completely remiss if I didn't mention the little book club the Not Alone Series ladies have been doing.  The book voted on was Jen's Something Other Than God*.  I think everyone in the Catholic blogging world has pretty much already read it but seriously if you haven't yet, go read it.  The way the Lord has worked in her life is incredible. In addition, Jen seamlessly tones the book from monochromatic to joyful hope as she finds Truth.  I just finished it yesterday and I think her last paragraph, though really the whole book, causes you to want to shout with thankfulness for Christ's sacrifice, His Love, His Church, and the Sacraments.

"The moment the priest baptized me, I was sealed with the sign of belonging to Christ, an indelible mark on my soul that not even a life as an avowed atheist and unrepentant sinner could wipe away.  God and his Church were set as my home base, and something deep within me would never truly be at peace until I returned to it, even as I traveled the whole world trying to find an alternate destination.  My entire conversion was less of a journey to a foreign place, and more of a discovery of my long-lost home."

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I have to fit in a picture at least somewhere in this quick takes.  On Wednesday I babysat the three little kiddos that are more like my niece and nephews than just friends.  We decided to go for a walk brought the jogging stroller and the oldest rode his bike. He kindof knows how to ride the bike, aka he is fine on flat even surfaces only but needs some help on any incline or uneven surface.  His little brother without being asked was constantly pushing him and running behind him offering encouragement like "dude your doing awesome."  It was precious.

Everything was great until it wasn't.  We were going and stopping pretty much wherever they wanted and everyone was having a great time.  I should have known.  When we were pretty much as far away from their house as we could be they were suddenly tired and starving.  We could have walked back in probably 10 minutes but of course trying to get three tired kids, a stroller and a bike back is like a chihauhau herding cattle, laughable. You just can't rationalize with a 5 and 3 year old that we have to keep moving no matter how hungry we are in order to get back and eat lunch.  I had to beg them to just keep moving and that someone had to either walk or ride the bike back.  Meanwhile the 1 year old has her feet up in the stroller, we don't call her princess for no reason.  When we were crossing the street and almost back I had the three year old on my back, the stroller, and the five year old was walking the bike at near snail pace. If someone would have been watching us they might have lost some bladder control.  Like I said, it really was a great time until it was comical.

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Have you seen this list of Dirty 100: Meet the Companies and Institutions You Should Avoid after Hobby Lobby?  As an alumni I don't think I have ever been more proud of having Franciscan University of Steubenville on a Top List.  Keep fighting the good fight of faith!

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So this is random but I have a numb thumb (say that 5 times fast) and have actually had it since Wednesday. Apparently it isn't a big deal unless you are having other stroke symptoms (of which I am not) and it probably a pinched nerve in my carpel tunnel.  Either way, still super weird feeling.

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The other book end to studying is job searching.  Very frustrating.  I feel like I am getting no where with a nurse manager and a nurse recruiter not returning my call and no interest in my online applications.  I will keep pressing on and trusting in His providence but man this job searching is tough.

*Affiliate link!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7QT (Vol. 24)

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So all the time I jot down 7 quick take takes in a post and then every few weeks actually post a seven quick takes post.  Not sure where I was going with this but this is what I stuck in.  "You know you go to a Catholic school when your punishment for being too loud during quiet hours is doing a holy hour for the girls of the dorm. Boy do I love my school!"  I think this was a status of a friend.  And it is true, I have heard about this happening all the time.  

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Here is another one.  What Catholic Girls are Like in the Chapel.  Bahaha, so much is true.

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I am also dusting off posts that have been sitting in my drafts.  Like this one about being lovely for your husband. Also a book review on Hiking the Camino.

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I am about to jump into reading Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover  (affiliate link).  As I mentioned in my 2014 Goals (Goals update coming soon) I want to start out right when it comes to money.  I have heard so many good things about his program and I want to give it a shot.  Have any of you used his ideas.  How did it go?

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I know everyone is singing the same tune but I am finally now getting to that point where I am so over this cold winter thing.  Yesterday I stopped wearing my to the knees warm winter coat.  Partially because it is dirty, thinned out, and has a hole in the pocket but also because I am just so over it.  It shall be my North Face for at least a few days despite the fact that the North Face isn't as warm .

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Laura @ My Drop in the Ocean  asked me to guest post about pretty much any topic.  About a little discussion back and forth I ended up writing advice to ladies at a passionately Catholic College.  Go check the post out.

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Veiling for Mass.  Sometime I have to do a whole post about how much I go back and forth with wearing a Chapel veil.  I currently don't veil but I defiantly have and continue to think about doing it.  Especially with graduating and starting fresh somewhere would be a perfect time to begin.  Jessica @ Shower of Roses wrote a post about how veiling as a Lenten Sacrifice turned into beloved devotion.  It has gotten me thinking all over again.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7QT (Vol.23)

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I voted for the Sheenazing Awards @ A Knotted Life.  Did you?  Also I would be lying if I said I didn't vote for the Not Alone Series as the Best Link-Up.

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Did you notice that those links are easier to read?  I needed a little tune up on the design here at this bloggity, I wanted the links a littler darker so that they were easier to read and the tabs on the left weren't working.  Rebekah @ LeCharmedBotique took care of it real quick without any question.  Seriously, if you want an affordable custom blog design you have to check her out.  So I see she has figured out how great she is and has raised her prices since I used her but it is only because she is worth it!

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So I have been doing alot of research into essential oils lately. I have recently ordered and started using Young Living's Thieves oil (rub it on my feet every morning).  However, I am just not convinced that Young Living or DoTerra are worth it.  I am really interested in Eden's Garden.  Anyone else into essential oils who can share some of your thoughts?  Especially anyone who has used Eden's Garden?

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I guest posted for Sarah this week @ Footprints on my Heart.  The series is called "Our Friends the Saints" and I wrote about Our Lady of the Annunciation.   Go check it out, it isn't a half bad expression of why I love Our Lady under her title of Our Lady of the Annunciation so much.

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Despite being a nursing major I don't normally post anything about poop on here, but sometimes things involving poop are just too funny not to show you.  Read this.  You will be laughing out loud.  I just don't think you can make that stuff up.  My favorite, "Be sure to also buy a tub of Oxyclean...[for] your underwear, clothes, furniture, pets, loved ones, ceiling fans."  I am sorry, I promise not to post anything else about poop for at least another 3 months.

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So this semester for my preceptorship, where I work with a nurse one-on-one, I will be working nearly only night shifts.  Any tips for how to be up all night and still have a resemblance of a normal life from you veteran night shifters?

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After that poop and night shift talk I have to leave you with something precious so why not this video of a restaurant owner who happens to have down syndrome.  He doesn't let an extra chromosome mess with his dreams.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7QT (Vol. 22)

What day is it Friday? Saturday?  Still on Christmas break is my excuse for posting this on Saturday.

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With stamp prices going up this week I invested in $36 worth of Forever stamps.  I just wanted to start this out with a really exciting first take.  Yeah I know all of you are hook, line, and sinker.

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So Advent is over and so is my "Advent:Purposely Waiting" series of posts.  Looking back Advent wasn't all I wanted it to be but I know I entered into the season more than I would have if I wasn't purposeful about it.  My favorite and most enriching part was reading parts of Luke 2 often.  Next Advent I will defiantly be coming back with more.

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So Christmas.  Blessed as always.  I was really humbled when during prayer I began to think about how much Christmas meant to the Jewish people.  Christ being incarnated meant everything the Lord had promised His people was true.  Everything they based their faith on was real.  The incarnation is something we have so taken for granted but we need to stop and reflect on what a big deal it is that the God of the universe came down from heaven to be incarnated as a man.  Wow.

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As always I was also very blessed with gifts-some winter weather running gear, Naked 3 palatte, a few new sweaters and jewlery, these awesome jeggings from Old Navy, and new scarfs.  This is what I wore to Christmas Eve Mass.

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Did you see my 2014 Goals post?

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Target post Christmas clearance.  Where else can you get shot glasses for 30 cents each (the two I had both cracked) and make up remover wipes, 30 for 90 cents. When my mom asked why I would need shot glasses I first said mixed drinks and then laughed and said really I needed them for dessert shooters like the ones from Applebees.  Mom, I wanted them for mixed drinks.

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Did you get your patron saint for the year yet?  Hope on over to Conversion Diary and get yours.  I am pretty stoked, I got the one and only St. Joseph, aka foster father of Jesus.  Yeap be jealous.

It is good to be back for regular random posts.  So what do you want to see here in the new year.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7QT (Vol. 21)

So I haven't been around this here bloggity lately, chalk it up to life.  However I keep putting interesting articles and videos into a draft post so alot of these are random tidbits that I want to pass on.

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So this weeks Not Alone Series topic was Vulnerability with Friends and I totally thought I was going to be alone in my ideas about the topic but virtually everyone wrote about the exact same thing.  That is just something awesome about the Not Alone Series.  Here is my thoughts on the topic and go check out all the ladies' thoughts at Morgan's blog.

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So Breast Cancer month is over but I wanted to pass on this article because it makes you stop and think exactly how you are supporting women with breast cancer.  I don't want to get in a debate or hurt anyone but I do want to bring up the fact that some big breast cancer awareness associations give money to Planned Parenthood knowing that Planned Parenthood hands out oral hormonal contraceptives and performs abortions which we know directly sky rockets your chance of getting Breast Cancer.  Just something to think about when you consider how to support the cause.

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Ahh this article, just makes you excited about life!

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I may or may not have cried watching this video when the mom listens to her daughter's heart recipient. Grab some tissues, its a tear jerker.

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Want more tears, here watch this one too.  Something about adoption stories just always makes me weep.

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So I know all your moms out there will roll your eyes because I know you have it soooo much worse with all your little kiddos but this time change hit me hard.  I know it is only an hour but I felt like I was off for a week.  I wonder how I adjusted to the 6 hour Austria time change so easily.

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My household, Regina Angelorum, is on retreat this week so please please keep us in your prayers.  This is going to be a really fruitful and blessed retreat so we need all the prayers we can get!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7QT (Vol.20)

 

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There is nothing like communicable diseases to get your Monday started.

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I extened the make-up link up for another week so that people have more time to participate.  Hop on over and link-up about the make up you wear on a daily basis.

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On Wednesday I wrote a post about The Harmonium Project and Audrey Assad playing here in Steubenville.  Ahh I cannot say enough good stuff about it!!

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Don't you hate when you write 7 Quick Takes in advance and do not remember what you were going to write here.

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On Monday a friend and I threw a surprise going away party for another friend who had to withdraw from school for medical reasons.  The theme- fall mixed with hipster.  Read as pumpkin flavored everything, leaves strewn about, hot apple cider, PBR and all of us girls dressing like hipsters.  She was completely humbled that so many people wanted to be there for her.  Now I want to do a fall party every year but hopefully not combined with a going away party ever again.  

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Thursday was the Inauguration of the new president of the Univeristy, Fr. Sean Sheridan.  Going to the ceremony was exciting when you think that this is only the 6 president in the Univeristy's history and only the third, including Fr. Mike Scanlen, since the school became passionately Catholic.  And being president of this school is special.  It isn't just any school.  It is a Univeristy on the world radar (seriously the pope knows exactly who Franciscan Univeristy is just ask the bishop of Steubenville about meeting the Pope when he became the bishop of Steubenville) for trailblazing what it means to be a passionately Catholic Univeristy in the 21st century.  This Univeristy doesn't just turn out educated men and women, individuals leave here on the path to sainthood.  Fr. Sean reminded us of the importance this university places on adherence to the teaching of the Magesterium with a variety of departments and boards, importantly the department of Theology,  all taking oaths that they will never teach anything contradictory to the teachings of the Church.  After Fr. Sean officially became the president with the seal being placed around his neck and the crowd applauding he turned and lifted his hands to the San Damiano cross.  Yes, Lord thank you for constantly blessing this University.

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I am running The Color Run here in Pittsburgh tomorrow.  I have been planning on doing this since July so I am just a bit excited. It has been a little stressful these last few days due to people adding and dropping from our team but it will all be good on Saturday when we are actually there and just enjoying the fun of it all.  I will be sure to post pictures here and to the 'gram (so if you aren't already instagram friends with me you should be!).  Now I have to go make the T-shirts for our race-Hebrews 12:1.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7QT (Vol.19)

I

Sorry for anyone who follows me on Instagram and follows my blog, you get a double update on what is going on in my life.

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Let me start with last week.  Last Friday I went to a Pirates game with some household sisters.  Always great to enjoy America's past time on a beautiful evening with a beer in your hand and surrounded by friends.

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The next morning I was headed home for the weekend.  I asked my mom what our plans were for the weekend.  I think she was excited for me to come home. 

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The reason I came home was for a kids' birthday party including celebrating my goddaughter's 1st Birthday (though she is only 9 months old).  Ok you can't deny it she is gorgeous.

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This week's topic in the Not Alone Series was about our Fave Momma Bloggers.  Want to know mine?  Check it out here.

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I had my first quiz yesterday in Advanced Med Surg on ECG interpretation.  I am very happy to say I got a 95% and don't have to spend the beginning of the semester anxious and hanging out around the pass/fail 80% line.  Yippee!!

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Today, after I pick up my brother in Pittsburgh I am traveling to Columbus for my fifth and final wedding of the year.  My cousin is marrying a wonderful woman Allison who has already been a part of our family for so long.  My poor mom has been running around like crazy making sure all of us and my grandma had their outfits taken care of. 

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Don't you hate it when you cannot for the life of you remember the last thing you were going to write about? Yeah, me too.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7QT (Vol. 18)

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On Sunday I moved back to school and this week began my fifth year of college.  Ahh how crazy is that?!  It feels so surreal to be back on the hill again.  So surreal but reminds me just how blessed I am and how much I cannot take it for granted.  Being my final year I also realize how much I need to prepare to live out in the world.  I am just placing this school year and all the decisions that need to be made into His hands wishing only to do His will.  

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Any other Frannies out there appreciate moving things that were stored in houses over the summer back onto campus?

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So because I am back at school I am expecting that blog writing will slow way down from what it was over the summer.  I value this blog community so much but I do not appreciate it nearly as much as I appreciate the living breathing community I have around me while at college.  I need to figure out a way to still blog without doing it at the expense of community here.   Because I moved back into the dorms (deserves a post all on its own) I know What I Wore Sunday may come completely to a halt but I will try some half way decent quality outfit posts as often as possible.

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So if any of you don't know this (though fellow Frannies know all to well) Steubenville is very hilly.  The University itself is on a big heal and on that big hill is lots of inclines.  Well running on these hills is proving to be very difficult.  My thighs and calves hate me.  Just got to keep pushing.

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Nude nail polish? I know some love it but I still can't decide if I like it on me.

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The Great Geauga County Fair is a really big deal at home.  As in schools have off Thursday, Friday, and Monday.  It is the oldest fair in the state of Ohio.  Every year my dad grows sunflowers for it and has won first place many years.  Once again my dad will be brining home a blue ribbon.  His sunflower was 14 feet 2 inches tall-crazy!

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This is so much about moving back to school but I just had to link to this post from Jen at Jumping In Puddles-An Open Letter to Catholic (Single) Men.  Thank you Jen for sharing a little piece of your heart and affirming the good men out there.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7QT (Vol.17)

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I added two more books to my "13 books in '13" post but didn't write a separate review post because the books weren't good enough to warrant a separate post.  One book left to meet my goal!

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I am actually almost almost done with another book, My Life with the Saints.  Check out this awesome quote about Our Lady of the Annunciation.

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Did you see my post about the wedding I was in? Yeah I am really missing that time with some of my best friends.

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My baby brother moved to college this week.  I cant believe my younger brother is now a college student.  Now I just pray he finds his niche and doesn't get into any trouble.

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This week was the last week of my summer break and thus the last week of work.  Yeap I am going to miss these daily snuggles.

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Being the last day of the last week I feel so much pressure to enjoy every moment (ironic right-pressure to enjoy).  This morning I am spending some time on the old blog and sipping coffee.  I also NEED to pack, I move on Sunday and I have very few things organized.  Later I am going to go love on my Goddaugter and her brothers to make sure they have enough to last them until I come home for their birthday party.

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This gelato is a.maz.ing and also a bit pricey.  The grocery store was having a buy one get one free sale.  I couldn't help myself.  I even went back for two more.

I know you guys are on the edge of you seat because of how exciting these 7 quick takes are.  I will try to tone it down next week and talk about things like unpacking, grass growing, and the chips in my nail polish.  Until then, Happy Friday!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7QT (Vol. 16)

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I came back Sunday but I am still wishing I was enjoying CT charm and time with some of my closest friends.  I wrote a post about the trip and it would just make me oh so very happy if you delighted your eyes with the many wonderful pictures and attempt at meningful writing.

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On the door step this afternoon was a box of Arbonne stuff  and I am super pumped to start trying it all.  I actually just took off the hydration mask.  I am thinking about doing reviews on some of these products.  Would anyone out there read what I thought about things like masks and face cleansers?

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I kindof love birthdays so I kindof would be remiss if I didn't tell you today is the day I call my birthday.  I am kindof sad to say that I can't sing Tay Tay's "22" anymore.

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Before I wrote about my fantastic trip to CT, I wrote about this new hobby of mine-running. Still so weird for me to say.

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If you follow me on the 'gram (I think I am cool when I shorten instagram to "the 'gram") than you know that one of my birthday presents from my parents was new running shoes.  Soon enough I will say that I love them but for now it feels very weird to have my over pronation corrected.  Anyone else have the Saucony Progrid Mirage 3 running shoes?

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16 more days until I move back to school for my 5th and final year of college.  Oy vey!

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Did you notice the awesome new blog design.  I am excited to tell you all about it and the lovely Rebekah who had to put up with all my indecision.  A saint I tell you!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7QT (Vol. 15)

One.

So remember that one time I talked about interviewing for a nannying job.  After waiting for nearly two weeks to hear back I got the job.  Throughout the whole summer job looking I prayed that the Lord would show me the job He wanted me to have.  Now mind you I had probably applied to about 40-50 varying summer jobs, about 35 being nannying jobs on care.com.  Before I found out I got this particular job I heard back from maybe 3 jobs all being dead ends.  On my first day starting with this family I got calls or emails from nearly 6 jobs.  Some of those jobs paid more and were closer but I had to stay faithful that obviously the Lord wants me to have this job otherwise I would have gotten all those calls before I started with this particular family.  I have however been able to add another family that just needed Fridays, they caught my eye because they wanted a nanny who "shared their Christian values."

Two.

Because the three month old I nanny sleeps alot I have had even more time than I already did to read lots and lots of books in case you couldn't tell.  Click on over to read about The Perfect Marriage and another post will be coming soon about The Language of Flowers.

Three. 

I could not post a single more post without telling you about this song.   This song is AMMMMAAAZZZIINNGG.  I don't know how everyone isn't talking about it.  With lyrics like "Holy Spirit come invade us now, We are Your Church, We need Your power in us", "Show Your mighty hand, Heal our streets and land, Set Your church on fire, Win this nation back, Change the atmosphere, Build Your kingdom here, We pray" and "No force of hell can stop, Your beauty changing hearts, You made us for much more than this, Awake the kingdom seed in us" you can't help but scream with excitement and cry all in the same moment. 

Four. 

This stuff is fan-freaking-tastic.  I have had this bottle for a while but always forget about it.  Well this week I had this nasty huge zit on my check.  Because I couldn't just leave it alone, it of course got bigger and nastier.  I started putting Vitamin E oil on it and within one day it looks so much better.  I have also been struggling the past few weeks with drier than I would like skin on my face.    I know who struggles with dry skin in the summer.  It was like within 3 weeks I went from "still tends to be oily rather than dry teen skin"  to "adult dry skin".  How does that happen.  I decided to hit it before it knew what was coming and again the Vitamin E oil came out valiant and helped the dryness in just one application.

Five.

Did you see my post for the new "Not Alone Series"? Ladies are very excited about it and I am excited to connect with women who are in similar stages of life as me.

Six.

Twice this week I have been helping my bride make wedding favors-homemade paper imbedded with wildflowers seeds that are meant to be planted.  By about number 80 we got it down to a science. 

Seven.

So remember when I mentioned that my family had gone on a hard core diet.  Three weeks later and we are still going strong, I am nearly in disbelief.  Some days are challagenging and many days the choices aren't perfect but we are all at least seeking to continue making more good choices rather than bad.  Either way it isn't too bad that in a little over three weeks I have lost 6.8 pounds.  Hopefully this will continue.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7QT (Vol.14)

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I am a big Dugger fan and am so excited to see Jess, one of the older girls, becoming a midwife.  It is awesome to watch her be a midwifery student.

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Speaking of the Duggers, if you haven't read their first  or second book, I highly recommend them both to you.  This family is either truly that authentic or really good liars.  When I read their books I was often moved to tears at how genuine their love was for each.  I highly encourage you to read it if you want to be inspired.

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7 Quick Takes is all about random thoughts right?  Today was drive your tractor to school day at the local high school and what a sight it was to be at the post office as school let out and all those tractors and four wheelers pulled out.

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I have been loving all the reading time I have had.  Suggestions welcome.

--- 5 ---

If you haven't already read here, check it out, but the clean eating is going really well.  I would be lying if I didn't say I have cheated twice but otherwise staying on track.

--- 6 ---

In case you weren't sure if I was a typical college student.  That is graduation on the laptop screen and a bottle of Smirnoff. 

--- 7 ---

Teaching a 2 year old how to say "how you doin'" in imitation of Joey from Friends=great idea. 

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7QT (Vol. 13)

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Last week I was talking about going to the Pirates game.  It was so much fun.  It started out great, driving into the city with our baseball caps on and the sun beaming through the windows but as the sun went down and seeing as the stadium is right next to the river, it quickly became frigid.  But the Pirates won, I got to spend time with four of my sisters, and we got free pretzels at the end of the game, I call that a pretty great Friday.   

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A few years ago I was looking for tank tops that would be modest and not slide down during the day and were long enough to not ride up.  In my search I stumbled upon Modbod.  They are exactly what I was looking for.  At first I ordered basic cami in white and a basic tank in white.  They can be a little pricey at full price but that first order was around Christmas and I remember getting a good deal.  They go on sale often and being on the email list I keep an eye out of for great sales.  Well there is a great 70% sale going on.  At first I ordered a  black and white kit and this awesome lace cami.  I put in another order last night, the tops are that good and the deal is that great, including more camis and lace camis in more colors and one of these to try out. I am not getting any benefit from you clicking on these links but I want to share it with you because I recommend them that much.  Let me know if you take my advice and  how you like them.

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No explanation needed. 

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Another book post on Jesus of Nazareth. 

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My first attempt at brussel sprouts, the first with sausage and onion and the second with carrots and lentils.  Yummy.

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How good it was to regroup with my Haiti mission team and eat an attempt at some of our favorite Haitian food--pasta and hot dogs with ketchup and unfrosted lemon cake. Another yummy.

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The good weather yesterday!!  I had the tank top on and was out in the sun.  Now it is once again grey.  Soon enough the sunny days will out number the grey ones.

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