Starbucks

Mavis’ Surgery and Books

Our little Mavis girl was spayed on Monday and it was a tough day. I cried leaving her at the vet that morning, and I cried when I took her home. She did great throughout the surgery, but was super scared and shaky when we brought her home.

Cocker spaniel puppy after spaying surgery

She’s doing a lot better now, and I think the hardest thing for her is just resting instead of playing all the time like she’s used to. The vet told us to keep her activity level to a minimum and have a cone on her for 14 days. Eek! I bought her an elk antler to chew and play with to keep her busy, but I know I’m going to have to get creative with things for her to do to keep her from running around the house!

We also put a smaller cone on her since she wasn’t able to eat or drink without someone holding the dish for her. It’s a lot to handle with checking her stitches each day, giving her medication, and keeping an eye on her, but we’re glad the surgery is done and over with now!

Cocker spaniel puppy with cone and elk antler

Doesn’t she look like a little walrus with her elk antler? Also, that’s her “mommmmm, play with me!!” face.

Okay, onto books! I have kind of been in a reading rut lately, and I’m not sure if it’s just because I’ve been busy, or just haven’t found any good books since I finished The Magnolia Story and What Falls from the Sky.

I’m currently reading Present Over Perfect and enjoying it (though I don’t agree with the author’s view on baptism, salvation, and a few other faith-related things). It’s definitely inspiring me to take more time to just “be” instead of do, if that makes sense.

Present Over Perfect book

I also just picked up Grace, Not Perfection and Fitness Junkie, which are totally different but sound equally interesting!

I received a surprise package in the mail from Rach recently, too. She sent baby books for our daughter! I totally cried while reading them (I guess crying is just my thing lately!) and was thanking God for such a sweet friend.

Christian baby books Mama Love You So, Found Psalm 23 and I Prayed For You

One last thing in the category of books. I found a sermon notes journal on Amazon for a great price and I am loving it!

I’m definitely one to take notes during church sermons and really enjoy going back and reading them throughout the week. I usually just use a plain notebook, but this journal has really upped my note taking game!

Sermon Notes Journal

I think that’s everything for today. I was looking through my pictures for this post and came across this one below and it totally has me wanting Starbucks.

It was a decaf vanilla latte. Something about their foam, with the smooth espresso and vanilla flavor just gets me. Yum. No other coffee shop makes lattes like Starbucks! They’re always spot-on, every. single. time. but also come with the price tag for that type of quality, haha. Definitely a great treat from time to time 🙂

Starbucks vanilla latte

Do you have a go-to order or favorite drink at Starbucks?

Have you read any good books lately?

Reflections from the Outer Banks

Hey! Whew has it been a bit of time since I last blogged. Jimmy and I were busy with his dad’s wedding, then we packed up and took a trip to the Outer Banks! A much needed trip.

We were excited to get away one last time before we (Lord Willing!) become parents, but I don’t think we realized how much we needed to get away until we were there. A week of uninterrupted time together with none of our usual responsibilities was pure bliss and I cherished every second of it.

Young couple smiling selfie in pool

We rented a house in Kitty Hawk, and spent the week exploring the natural beauty of the Outer Banks of North Carolina. We left at 4:00 AM on a Saturday and were at our rental by 1:00 PM. Just in time to unpack, hit the beach, and get some sun!

Our rental had a pool and hot tub, which were thoroughly enjoyed, especially because the weather was great for most of the week. I didn’t go in the hot tub since it’s not advised during pregnancy, but I definitely dipped my feet in 🙂

On Sunday, we went to church at our “home away from home” church, Son Rise Church of Christ. We have actually gotten to know the preacher and a few members there since we’ve visited a few times over the years, and it’s always fun to fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ in the Outer Banks.

Son Rise Church of Christ in Kill Devil Hills North Carolina

The rest of the week was spent either by the pool or ocean, enjoying coffee, or visiting different attractions.

Things We Did

I think we had a great mix of relaxation and exploration! I know we finished off the week feeling rested, blessed, and so content! How about some pictures?

Duck boardwalk in North Carolina Outer Banks overlooking Currituck SoundBeach access in Kitty Hawk North Carolina Outer BanksGirl drinking coffee from white mug outside on back porch in beach rental in Kitty Hawk North Carolina Outer BanksSunset overlooking Sound at Jockey's Ridge State Park in Outer Banks North Carolina Nags HeadCoffee and Bible and Halley's Bible Handbook One Line a Day BookPool and hot tub at beach rental house in Kitty Hawk North Carolina Outer Banks by Joe Lamb Jr.Currituck Beach LighthouseIced coffee from Island Perk in Manteo Outer Banks

I just realized I have about a million more pictures I want to share, so I’m going to end the post here and share the rest in another post!

Jimmy and I had a safe trip home and dove back into “real life” with a special church fellowship (I filmed a vlog for it!), work, and lots of mowing (our grass grew so much while we were away!). I will be trying to catch up on blog reading and life in general this week 🙂

Where is your favorite place to vacation?