October is Here!

October is definitely here! I feel like the months are going by way too quickly. I can't seem to keep up with the racing by of time. Do you feel like time is racing by for you too?

This weekend we are having some precious friends coming into town to spend the weekend with us. They are an absolutely amazing couple, and I am so thankful for their friendship.

This month is going to be busy with friends this weekend, and then next weekend we are having a MASSIVE yard sale. So, I hope you can make it! Everything has to go! Then, we will be finishing up on renovations on the house. The plan is that we will "officially" have the house up for sale by the end of the month (sniff, sniff). It is bittersweet, but we are excited about the next journey God has for us. I will definitely bring you updates as things develop!

Traveling

WHEW! Have you missed me? Jonathan and I have been traveling constantly. I think we have been in one particular city at least once a week. Now that we are both back home this week, I am hoping the traveling will become more of a minimum. I think the gas prices have been enough to make me choke! Good thing I'm a couponer. There would be no way we could balance the gas prices otherwise. Staycations are making more and more sense to me!

With football season in full swing, we have already had the chance to go to 2 different college football games. We both have a love for the game, and we enjoy being able to be a part of the game experience every chance we can get. There is such an energy being in the stadium that no other football experience can touch unless you are actually on the field.

I have added many, many new items through my Whitney's Creations Facebook page. Make sure to click on it, and check out the new products. If you do not have Facebook, send me an e-mail, and I will send you a special link with all of the pictures. I have already started taking orders for Christmas gifts! Let me know what I can get started for you. Most everything takes only 1-2 weeks! Have fun shopping! :)

Laminin

Check out this youtube video where God is speaking through Louie Giglio. I have chills all over! This is exactly what I needed this morning. Praise God for Laminin!
"He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." - Colossians 1:17

"How Great Is Our God" - Louie Giglio

August, What Happened?

I don't know how you feel, but I felt like August went in a blink of an eye! September came upon me so fast! So much for not being busy! I don't sit well at all. So, I tend to get myself busy very quickly! I'm trying to teach myself to slowdown, but I will admit that it hasn't been easy at all. Now that September is here, maybe I can do a better job at it.....hopefully.

I went to visit Mom last week, and we had some good mother/daughter time. I enjoy spending quality time with her, and I wish I could do it more often. Anyways, we went to a place called Sips n Strokes.You can sign up for a class, and with an instructor, you do a painting. We ended up painting crosses that night. I will have to take a picture of it. I have a love for painting. So, I thought it would be something unique that Mom and I could do together. We learned very quickly that we are ones for detail and perfection though! That can get anyone in trouble when painting! It was a lot of fun! Feel free to click on the Sips n Strokes link, and see if there is a Sips n Strokes near you!

Yesterday started the new catalog for Scentsy! It has all of the NEW products and scents for the Fall/Winter. If you haven't experienced Scentsy, you should definitely check out the link. There is nothing like it that comes anywhere close to matching the incredible, long lasting smell that Scentsy creates. It works just like turning on a lamp, and you can leave it on all day. You do not have to be home. It is completely safe! There is nothing like coming home to an amazing smelling home! I spent last night putting together baskets for Scentsy basket parties. What I love about the basket parties, is the ease of it! I put together a basket filled with different products to try out, catalogs, order forms, etc. I then give the basket to someone, and they will put it on a table at work somewhere. They can even plug in the warmer in the basket and try it out! Scentsy tends to sell itself so many times. So, gathering orders is a breeze. It isn't like having a catalog party and not getting to see anything. It is all right there to try out! Plus, after orders, you get free and discounted items for doing it! Scentsy is good for teacher gifts, Christmas, birthday, housewarming gifts, etc. You can't go wrong with it. Let me know if you are interested in taking a basket! I still have some available to go out in September!

Jonathan and I have been sorting through our belongings. We are hoping to have a HUGE yard sale before it gets into those cold days. We have so many wonderful things that we have been blessed with, but there are so many things that we don't use or we don't have a need for. My thinking is, there is no reason to have things so that they can sit on a shelf. If you can't put it to good use, then it needs to go to someone who will use it. There's no need in letting stuff clutter up your house! I say all of that to say.....I have done the complete opposite! I have so many things to go through, but it will be good to do a clean sweep of things. Last year we had a yard sale, and we were able to afford to buy some nice furniture for our house. It is nice when you can take things you don't use, sell it, and use the money for things you really need. I will let you know when the yard sale happens. It might be a while, but we would love for you to come see us when it happens!

Four Square and Other Things

So, last night's outing was fun. Jonathan and I went all over the place shopping and spending time together. I definitely cherish those times when we can just shop and talk about anything and everything. I believe that is one of the great things about marrying your best friend. Anyways, Jonathan has introduced me to this new thing through Facebook called Four Square. I haven't quite decided what I think about it yet. It is basically an app that can be used on your phone to check in to places. So, when you walk into an establishment, you grab your phone, check in, and everyone on Facebook can see where you are. Sometimes when you check in at a place they might have a coupon that can be used on that trip. You also have friends on Four Square, and you compete with your friends to see who has checked in to the most places for the week, and who has the most points. You can even win badges. I know this all sounds rather crazy, but Jonathan and I were competing against each other last night since we had so many places we were going to. You get extra points for being the first person of your friends to check into a place for the first time. So, of course we were seeing which one of us could check in first. We are such KIDS! I have decided that Four Square is really invasive in so many ways. I mean, it tells everybody where you are. I guess it is a way for you to ask to have a creeper in your life. I don't know. I'm learning......

Tonight we had a student event called "Back 'N Style". Students came dressed in 1980s attire, and we had a night filled with fun and awesome worship. So, I got a chance to sport the side ponytail. It has been a LONG time since I have done that. I will have to dig up a picture. Anyways, I told my hubby that I didn't know whether I was dressed for the 1980s or just dressed tacky. He very quickly reminded me that they are the same thing. What is so funny is the fact that the style is starting to make its way back around. I can't say that's a look that I ever thought would come back around, but it has very slowly crept back in.

God has laid down so many things on my heart today. I am praying for every single one of them, but most of all, I'm praying for clear direction. This has been something that has been prayed about for months and months and hours and hours. I think there are so many of us who are in a place in their lives where they are just seeking God and asking him what is next. What an incredible journey God takes us on throughout our lives. Make sure to stay strong, and always follow His way because His way is always perfect!

How About The Weather?

The weather is AMAZING! I went for my walk in the park this morning, and oh my goodness at how incredible it felt. It is around 70 degrees here, and a quick reminder to all of you.........it's AUGUST in Alabama! Where is the sweltering heat? Anyways, no complaining here! I'm planning on holding onto this weather for as long as possible!

Today I'm getting my coupons and shopping lists together. Jonathan and I are going to go to Huntsville tonight, and we are going to get some groceries. I know that sounds boring, but I love the time with my husband. The fact that I have a husband who will actually go grocery shopping with me is such a blessing! I think we are going to go to Target and get some pillows too. Target is running a great sale on pillows, and the ones on our bed are embarrassing. What's the point in having a pillow if it is going to be flat? Needless to say, we are past due on pillow buying.

With the craziness of our lives, Jonathan and I have seen each other in passing while we have been sprinting to the next event. So, with that said, we need to get away. We can never be gone long, but long enough to breathe the same air is good for me! So, we are going to Nashville this weekend. We are going to stay at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. If you have never been there, you just need to click on the link to check out the pictures. The place is beautiful! It is a little retreat away from home. The plan is to do nothing! HA! We are going to try to just relax and forget about the craziness of life for at least 36 hours. I also have friends in the area. So, we will try and make a visit while we are in town. I'm very excited!

A Walk in the Park and Book Savings

Today has been quite the challenge for me. Today was the first day of school, and as a teacher, I ached to be in the classroom. I'm not teaching this school year, but I miss it so much! So, today has been very difficult. I know God is giving me this "break" right now for a very special reason. I'm excited about what all he has in store for me and what he has in store for my family.

As I had my Day #1 walk in the park, I was reminded so quickly by the beauty around me. God paid attention to such detail with everything he created. It truly amazes me! He also paid attention to every detail when creating me, and he has my future all planned out. I may not understand why I'm taking this "break" from teaching right now, but God does. That is all that matters. So, I began thinking through all of the things I can do during this time. Oh sure, I could take complete advantage, and lie around all day. I could watch TV all day, and eat my life away on ice cream, but I firmly believe God desires more for me than that. So, I'm going to take care of every moment God is giving me right now. I think my daily walks in the park are going to be very good for me!

On another note....

By the way, I'm organizing all of my coupons today. They needed a little tune up! I also received a nice surprise in the mail. My incredibly precious mother-in-law is on vacation, and she had some CVS ecbs that were going to expire before she got back from vacation. So, she sent them to me with her card to use. That is going to make for a very exciting shopping week at CVS! :)

Also, TODAY ONLY, you can go to the Barnes and Noble website for a GREAT deal!  Barnes and Noble is giving everyone 50% off their 500 best selling books until the end of today. Plus, when you spend $25 or more, you get FREE shipping! Think about the opportunity you have to get some fantastic deals on early Christmas presents, and maybe you can sneak in some fun reads for yourself too. Just click on this link, Barnes and Noble , and HAPPY SHOPPING!

Catching Up

Yay! I have missed blogging so much. It is hard to believe it has been 13 days since my last blog! I realize some people neglect their blog by months at a time sometimes, but I'm determined to keep this updated. What is the point in a blog if you only update it every few months? Anyways, it was only appropriate to title this blog "Catching Up".

"Catching Up" Story #1:
So, our dishwasher went out. I'm sure you have dealt with something similar before. A dishwasher's life span is supposed to be approximately 7-10 years. Our dishwasher was a loyal dishwasher for around 30 years. So, it was definitely time for a new one. We tend to not buy things until they fall apart on us, ha! The new dishwasher is wonderful, and I'm so excited about how many dishes it will hold. As a family, there aren't many of us, but we go through so many dishes. I think this is in part because I love cooking so much! I tend to go through pots, pans, cookie sheets, etc. so quickly. So, a reliable dishwasher is so important. You don't realize how valuable something is to you until you don't have it anymore. We learn this lesson so many times with relationships, and I have learned it through my dishwasher. Thank God for dishwashers! Handwashing for the past 2 weeks has been a bit of torture for me!

"Catching Up" Story #2:
I have already written in a previous blog the importance of getting priorities straight and placing a high priority on friendships. This is something that means so much to me, and yet it is so easily neglected. So, this past Thursday, I went back to my hometown. I spent hours with some precious friends from college, and I made some lasting memories. I have some friends who are as close as family, and they are truly lifelong friends. Nothing and no one could ever replace those precious friendships that I have. Every moment with them is so special to me, and I'm beyond thankful to have them in my life. Spending time with them reminded me of how I need to make a strong effort to do things like that more often. Don't let the craziness of life cloud your view on the importance of spending time with those close to you.

"Catching Up" Story #3:
School officially starts back tomorrow. I have been a little down because for the first time I'm not at school. I am not teaching this school year, and I can already tell it is going to be difficult. I think teachers can very quickly get burned out though, and we all need a break every once in a while. So, I'm thankful for the time I'm going to have to be a better wife, have a clean house (yay!), volunteer more heavily into various ministries, build strong friendships, etc. I know God has a special plan for me over this school year, and I am so excited about following His lead. 

"Catching Up" Story #4:
To celebrate the start of a new school year, I have made my own little resolution. Tomorrow starts a new me, and I'm very determined. I am wanting to get into shape and be the size I was when I was in college. This is not going to be an easy task by any means, but I'm excited about it. Starting in the morning, I am going to the park to walk. I think it will allow me to start my day off right. What better way to start a day than to be walking through nature praising God each morning? I know it takes baby steps. So, this is my baby step #1. If I can conquer this one, then the other baby steps will seem much easier. I'm not a morning person. I am a night owl by nature. So, this baby step #1 could take me a while, ha! Be praying!

That should be all the catching up I need to do for now. I'm excited about what all God is teaching me right now. I have faced many challenges recently, but God has held me in His arms every step of the way. For that, I am so thankful. I am blessed to have a Father who is always holding me and leading me into the perfect direction.

Staying Still

If you are anything like me, you do not know when to slow down and rest. I have to let God take care of that for me, and he usually does. It's called sickness. I have not felt well today at all, and I have been very feverish. I really think I have been running myself entirely too hard recently, and everything has finally caught up with me. I have had several fans on me all day, and I still can't seem to cool down. So, here I am today, taking God's advice, and resting. Just staying still can be a wonderful thing sometimes!

After resting, there are several things to start taking care of. I don't ever seem to learn my lesson of rest, do I? Anyways, it is officially August, and it is time to make the house spotless, and complete renovation projects. Then, we can finally get our house up for sale. I'm excited about this new adventure God has in store for us even though I have no clue what it is! I know the future is going to hold many exciting things for us as a family!

Continue to pray for us as we seek God's direction for our lives! :)

Lazy Friday and Loving It!

So, I have been EXTREMELY LAZY today, but I'm loving it! I think we all deserve some lazy days every once in awhile. Jonathan got up and played golf with some friends. Our student ministry is hosting a golf tournament all day tomorrow. So, Jonathan decided he better go play half a course today to get ready for the full course tomorrow since he hasn't played golf in 12 years! He always does great at whatever he does in my opinion. So, I know he will do well tomorrow!

While he was gone, I started working on his birthday present. It isn't until September, but it will never get done unless I start working on it now. I'm excited about it, but unfortunately I can't give too many details because my luck will be that he will read this.

It looks like we are going on a date night tonight which is super exciting! If you are wondering why we still date when we are married, let me tell you something girls. Date nights are some of the best medicine for a marriage! It doesn't matter whether you have a house full of children, it is crucial that you setup date nights with your hubby. Get a babysitter, and get out of there! Sometimes we need some quiet, alone time to ourselves. This is just one of those ways to do it, and we need that with our husbands too! If you are in the ministry, it is even more important because your time is split in so many different directions. Make time for each other!

I think ending a blog with some good, wholesome preaching is exactly what is needed sometimes! ;)

4th of July Excitements -- Always!

It's not a crime to make 2 posts in one day, is it? If it is, then I have officially committed my first ever blogging "don't" (It is also my first day blogging ever)! Anyways, I had to share the experiences I had this 4th of July.

Jonathan and I had it planned all out. I can already see where this was a big mistake because whenever we get all organized and have specific plans, things go completely different than expected. This was our first time to spend July 4th together at home. We were always traveling to either my parent's house or Jonathan's parent's house. So, needless to say, we have been ecstatic about starting some of our own 4th of July traditions this year. Jonathan was going to cut the grass, build some new built-ins for our basement, and then sit back and relax. I was going to put together a nice breakfast, clean and organize (which I need to do more of, more often), and relax. We bought some nice steaks, and we were definitely making homemade icecream for dinner. Sounds wonderful, right?

Here's what really happened........