Living our love song...

What I am Loving Wednesday....

2011-01-26T09:27:00.001-06:00

It's HuMp DaY!!!! So thankful that it is a new day! Here's what I am loving this Wednesday....

My Spring Bouquet of flowers that I arranged for my desk at work! I have decided that I am going to pretend that it is Spring time until it actually arrives! I am ready for pedicures, flip flops, and summer dresses!

The No Sew Blanket class that I taught last night! It was so exciting to have so many women show up, and the blankets turned out WONDERFUL! The Cover the Earth project is going to be AWESOME! Thanks ladies for coming out to play with me!

My miniature side kick Emily aka Lulu, Lady EmmaLou, Princess Emily etc! She is so stink'in cute, and she tells everyone that we are best friend-enzzzzzzzzzzzzz!

My 3 FREE Zoya nail polishes that I got from Art of Beauty! They are awesome colors, and I cannot wait to try them!

I love so loving the fact that Friday night is the Girls night PJ party! Should be a blast! Dinner, movies, and girl chat all in our cozy PJs!

As usual, I am loving my hubby, Jon! He surprised me this week with a really sweet card and an xbox card to get the extra songs for my Dance Central game! What more could a girl ask for! Side note: Danced so hard this week I think I might have hurt my knee! Insert: [Sad Face Here]!

HAPPY WEDNESDAY....

Thanks to Jamie for hosting!

We're Famous....

2011-01-21T15:51:00.002-06:00

Ok, so maybe not really famous, but we did make The Secret Bed and Breakfast blog!!!
Jon and I went to The Secret for a little getaway at the first of the year. The views were beautiful! We stayed in the Tree House which was just perfect for us!
The Innkeepers, Mrs. Diann and Mr. Carl were fabulous!

(This image was taken from their website!)
We loved every minute of it! Thanks for such an awesome trip and experience guys! We CANNOT wait to come visit again!
If you want a great B&B experience then go visit The Secret!
By the way, we are going to be sending some friends that way soon, and I am still planning the girls weekend to enjoy the rooftop pool! BIG HUGS!

Five Question Friday

2011-01-21T09:49:00.002-06:00

1. Where did you meet your spouse and did you instantly know it was love? Long story....but yes I do believe within a couple weeks I know that it was love and within the 1st month and half we knew we were getting married! I know that God created Jon just for me. We fit together so well. He is strong when I am weak. God has changed us so much since we got married, but the more he changes us the better we compliment each other! I knew in the beginning that we were in for an amazing love, a blessed life, and lots of laughter when I met my prince charming! Thank you Jesus for such a wonderful husband! I love him and I am so blessed! After 4 years he can still make my knees weak and take my breath away!

2. What is your favorite room in your house? My living room! I love the colors. It is all very neutral with accents of sage green. It also has the pictures of my family and friends so it is nice a homey! Jon and I love to hang out there, and when friends are over it is the place where all the fun happens! It is the center of the Whitten house...
3. Can you wiggle your ears? No....sad I know, but No I can not wiggle my ears!

4. What is your evening ritual? Evening Ritual? I can honestly say that I really do not have one. Every night is different...my husband are rarely home in the evenings so the ritual would depend on the day! I am the kind of girl that before my head hits the pillow I am out! Boring I know, but that my life!

5. How many hours of sleep do you need to function? 6-7. I always aim for 8 hours, but I never make it, but I know if I aim for eight then I will usually end up with 6-7 which I can easy function on. More than eight and I have a hard time getting going for the day....less than 6 hours and by 5 in the afternoon I am DONE!

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!

What I am loving Wednesday....

2011-01-19T09:00:00.002-06:00

Here is what I'm loving on this fabulous Wednesday...

I am loving all of my Sharpie Pens. They write so well, they never bleed through the paper, and oddly enough they make me really happy! I love when I find a good pen, and now that I have found those I am sort of a pen snob (so my husband says)!

I am loving my Jesus Culture album Your Love Never Fails!

I am loving all the head bands, broaches, and scarfs that I got for Christmas! Just a little pop of color and some fun accessories go a looooooooooooog way in making my day so much better!

I am loving my best friends...Cindy, Angelia, and Tiffany! What would life be like with out beautiful, fabulous, awesome friends? I mean what would a girl do without her besties there to support her? They are awesome, and I love them so!

Cindy and Me

Angelia

Me and Tiffany

I am loving the way I can so tangibly feel God's loving arms around me as he directs and guides me. That feeling is incomparable! It is the best feeling ever to wake up feeling the love of God all over you! He is awesome, and he never ceases to amaze me!

Of course, I am loving Jonathan! He is an awesome husband who loves me now matter what!

HAPPY WEDNESDAY....

Thanks to Jamie for hosting!

Monday...Monday...Jesus Culture

2011-01-17T22:03:00.000-06:00

Don't you just love Mondays? It actually wasn't that bad today! After work I went to church for prayer, and then followed it up with an hour and 10 minute walk with my bestie, Angelia! It felt great to workout, but it felt even better to talk with my friend before she starts her 7 day shift at work! [Insert sad face here!]

So I just want to tell you guys about the new CD that I got from ITunes. We are having the Sacred Assembly at our church so I wanted to get some really good praise and worship music. So last night I purchased Your Love Never Fails from Jesus Culture! IT... IS... AWESOME!!!! I always try to have prayer time on my way to work in the morning since my commute is about 35+ minutes. It was amazing....my favorite song is "Your Love Never Fails"...the song says that Jesus works all things together for my good! My friend I believe every bit of that song. Last year Jon and I faced some decisions, and this year we are seeing some of the benefits that were produced by making some hard decisions. Jesus has been so faithful to work all things together for our good! Thank goodness he has not given us everything that we thought we needed or wanted right when we wanted. He is faithful and loves us so much that he has to wait sometimes because he has something better!
Below is the video...enjoy and I pray that as you watch the video that you know that Jesus is working all things together for YOUR good!
Be blessed! BIG HUGS!

Five Question Friday

2011-01-14T11:31:00.001-06:00

TGIF...here are my answers for FIVE QUESTION FRIDAY!

1. What movie could you watch over and over again and not get tired of?
I will admit that it is sometimes hard for me to sit down and watch a movie. I am a tab bit A.D.D and I love to talk so that kind of makes me a bad person to watch movies with. However, I have 3 movies that I could watch over and over. 1st: Sister Act 2. I love this movie. It really works great for me when I can watch it alone because that way I can secretly sing and dance in my living room with the movie! Yes my friends...Sister Act 2 is an interactive movie for me! 2nd: Dirty Dancing. I love everything this movie offers...the music, the dancing, the romance, and Patrick Swayze. I always feel so good by the end of the movie! 3rd: Pride and Prejudice. This is one of the only movies that I can watch over and over again and dare someone else to talk through! I love the story. I simply takes me away and I become fully engaged! LOVE IT!

2. What's your biggest pet peeve right now?
Ooohhh...that is a tough one! Right now I would have to say that my biggest pet peeve is that fact that some people think since Jon and I do not have children that we are not considered a "real family" and since we do not have children then we must not have anything going on in our lives...! This bothers me to my inter most core. Jon and I are a REAL family and our fur baby, Sarah Bear, makes us a family of 3! I know that children are different from dogs and that once you have children that your family of 2 becomes 3, but please do not act like just because it is just Jon and I that we do not make up a family! Also, just because we do not have children does not mean that we do not have anything going on...we both work full time jobs and are both actively involved in several extracurricular activities!

3. If you had to describe your best friend in five words or less, what would you say?
Well, I have 2 best friend!
Tiffany (best friends since 1st grade): giving, beautiful, talented, fashionista, and faithful.
Angelia: fun, encourager, genuine, godly, and sweet.
There are so many more things that describe them...so many stories! Five words do not do them justice in describing their greatness!!! Love you girls!

4. If you did not have to worry about money or go to school what would you do for a living?
If I did not have to worry about money or go to school then I would love to be an arts and crafts teacher in the community! I would have a small studio somewhere centrally located in our neighborhood. I would offer these classes for free and it would be open to all children! We would do crafts with glitter, paint, lots of glue...we would plant flower pots and grow flowers! We would bring light and life to the world with all of our colorful creations! I would be able to offer them a snack (some children do not get much to eat at home...this I have learned from some of our children at Church), and I would wrap up our session letting them know just how wonderful and special they are! I would give lots and lots of hugs and let them know that Jesus and Mrs. Lisa love them very much...this would be my outlet...this is my passion! God has opened my heart to love children from all ages and backgrounds. My heart desires to love them and show them the love of Jesus...I have found that arts and crafts is a great avenue to bring the children in and they LOVE IT! It shows them how to be creative and it allows for opportunities to encouraged them to grow! I so hope that one day this will be more than a dream!

5. What is your one "splurge" item, that you will always buy, no matter the cost?
Diet Mt. Dew! I drink lots and lots of water, but I do not think that I can function with out that beverage! There is nothing quite as refreshing as opening up a ice cold Diet. Mt. Dew when I am extremely thirsty...just thinking about it I feel refreshed! No matter the cost I promise I will always...ALWAYS people...splurge on Diet Mt. Dew!

Hope you enjoyed! Happy FRIDAY!

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

2011-01-12T12:51:00.000-06:00

Here is what I'm loving on this wintry Wednesday...

I am loving my new winter headband that keeps my ears nice and toasty in all the winter weather that we have been having.

I am loving the camcorder that Jon's mom got us for Christmas. We made a home video about the Bilizzard of 2011! Oh...what a fabulous memory catcher it is!

I am loving our Kinect and my dance game "Dance Central"! It is so much fun and a pretty good workout!

I am loving the way I feel after losing 70 pounds...

I am loving my awesome husband, Jonathan! I am so thankful that God created such a wonderful man for me! He is the peas to my carrots!

HAPPY WEDNESDAY....

Thanks to Jamie for hosting!

Five Question Friday

2011-01-07T13:46:00.001-06:00

1. What is your current favorite book, and why?

My current favorite book is The Love Dare. I am reading this book in preparation to do the 40 day challenge with our Young Married Sunday school class! I believe that my husband and I have a god centered marriage, and that we for the most part are good. However, I believe God is in the business of making good marriages great, great marriages awesome, and awesome marriages out of the world! So I am opening my heart as Jon and I are both reading this book saying, "God help me to be an awesome wife with an out of this world marriage!".

2. Do you go to the dentist regularly?
Yes. I go twice a year for cleaning and then if there is ever a problem. Side note: I am so very afraid of the dentist...I always go with IPOD in hand and lots of prayers said! However, I know it is so important so I put my big girl panties on and deal!

3. What is your worst memory from High School?
The worst memory of Sr. High was losing my paw paw. I remember that December 7th-11th like it was yesterday. My high school had won the 2A State Championship that Friday Dec.7th! The 8th was spent at the hospital watching as my grandfather struggled to breath and such...spent the day out there just talking to my family and having a few tender moments with him. The 9th I went back to the hospital and he was growing worse. I remember sitting there looking at him knowing he was in pain, but knowing just how much I was going to miss him. Monday the 10th I had school...I do not remember much about that. I know that Monday night I studied for a trig/pre-cal test with some friends. Tuesday morning my daddy woke me up because my momma was on the phone. My paw paw had passed away that night. My heart just broke....there is still part of my heart that is misses him so much! I CANNOT wait to see him...

4. What do you hope to be remembered for in your life?
This is hard...really what do I want to be remembered for? I want Jon to remember for being an awesome wife...his closest friend, the one who held his heart, and the one that will forever be his "beloved"! With my momma I want to be remembered a her precious daughter...her friend! God has healed the relationship that I had with her and now we are super close. I want her to remember the good times, my laughter, and "the moments" that changed us for the better! My daddy...I simply want to be remembered as his baby girl...the one that loved him so much it hurts and how proud that I hope I make him!
I hope I am remembered as a great friend who was always there, a listening ear, an encourager, and for the joyful, easily excited spirit that the Lord has blessed me with. I want to be remember as woman that gave it all for God, who was not perfect by far, but who loved hard, gave much, laughed often....

5. Are you superstitious or do you have any superstitions?
I wouldn't consider myself to be superstitious per say. However, when a black cat darts in front of my car it takes everything I have not to turn around and head for the hills. I also think that to have good luck in the new year you should eat black eyed peas...but do I fret if I did not have black eyed peas of New Years...no!!! I have broken a few mirror and opened umbrellas indoors and nothing....God takes care of me and works ALL things together for my GOOD!

3 Bottles of Free Nail Polish...just pay the shipping! *Super Deal**

2011-01-06T12:54:00.005-06:00

Did you know that you can order 3 free nail polishes from Zoya? Just head over to facebook and "like" them. Then you can order through their website using their code. Great deal, right?!

Here are the three colors I ordered...

Jade:

Glimmer:

Kylie 2:

Thanks to MJ at Teaching in Heels for the info!

Is feeling feisty...

2011-01-06T11:16:00.000-06:00

and could conquer the world!!!

So ready for our "Secret" Getaway!

2010-12-29T12:46:00.000-06:00

Jon and I will be leaving in the morning for a getaway to "The Secret" Bed and Breakfast! We will be staying in a Cottage at the B&B called "The Tree House". It is made like a tree house...I think it will be super fun! I am packing the camera and our new camcorder so we will be able to make lots of memories exploring the area and hiking around! I am so looking forward to getting away for a few days before we blast off in to 2011!
2011 is shaping up to be a busy year and it is has not even started yet! However busy...it should be exciting! There are certain things I want to get done within the first couple months of 2011! My number one is purging all of the bedrooms and closest in my house! We have too much junk (I use the word junk fondly because most of it is mine and I am quite attached to it)! Number two: to start blogging more regularly!!! We will see how that goes!
I am also very much enjoying my GLEE soundtracks that I got for Christmas and Jon's Kinect. We have the game Dance Central, and oh my goodness is it fun!!!! My friend, Angelia and I have been dancing it up!

If I do not post again before...HAPPY NEW YEAR! MAY THIS YEAR BE A YEAR OF LOTS OF LOVE, LAUGHTER, and LIFE!

All about Christmas...

2010-12-22T15:11:00.004-06:00

ALL ABOUT CHRISTMAS SURVEY:

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Wrapping paper...with lots of pretty bows and ribbon. I think that Christmas present wrapping is art!

2. Real tree or Artificial?
Artificial with clear lights! Jon and I tried our hand at the real tree, and lets just say that it did not go so well.

3. When do you put up the tree?
We usually try to wait until the weekend of Thanksgiving...however this year we have been extremely busy so the only weekend we had was the weekend of Nov. 14th... so we took that weekend to put all of stuff up including the Christmas tree.

4. When do you take the tree down?
We usually try to have the tree down before January 31st! We love our tree and the way it looks in our house...so we wait til the very last minute. You know...right before the folks next door start to think we are crazy!

5. Favorite gift received as a child?
My Kid Sister Doll from my daddy! I loved her...

6. Hardest person to buy for?
All four of my parents! They are all hard to buy for...man my brain hurts thinking about it!

7. Easiest person to buy for?
Jon...he always tells me what he wants.

8. Mail or email Christmas cards?
Mail! I want the people that I send them to know that I took the time to send each one personally. I always try to put a personal message in each one.

9. Favorite Christmas Movie?
Home Alone...and this year I got to see White Christmas. It was pretty stinking awesome! Oh, and then there is This Christmas...LOVE THAT MOVIE! I think I like Christmas movies in general.

10. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
Usually in November...the major kick off is Black Friday.

11. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Yes.

12. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Peanut butter fudge that my momma makes and the Christmas breakfast that my daddy makes.

13. Lights on the tree (colored or clear)?
Clear

14. Favorite Christmas song?
I love Christmas music period!

15. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
As of right now we travel...always! Jon and I have never had Christmas at home with just the two of us. However, once we have babies our plan is to be home Christmas day!

16. Angel, star or ribbon on top of tree?
A big beautiful sparkly Christmas Bow!

17. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
We open Christmas presents with my momma and Herbie and oldest brother and his family Christmas eve. All other gifts are open Christmas day.

18. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?
People who are more worried about what they are going to get and buy that they forget the real meaning of Christmas. It is important that we remember God send his only son Jesus to be the baby who would grow to be the man...the lamb that would die so we could have ever lasting life...that my friend is the best Christmas gift of all!

19. What do you want for Christmas this year?
As far as an actual material thing I want a pillow case with mine and Jon's picture on it! That is it! There are other things that I long for it my heart...

20. Traditional colors (red and green) or other colors?
Traditional...but it must sparkle and be covered in glitter.

Asking for your prayers....

2010-12-21T12:43:00.000-06:00

Well it is almost Christmas time! I am excited and simply cannot wait to start celebrating with my family. However, I am writing this post to ask for your prayers....
Please pray for a dear member of my church, Robert Conwell. Robert is the same age as me and Jon, and is currently fighting for his life. The week around Thanksgiving he was diagnosed with Leukemia. He has been undergoing treatments, and his immune system is completely wiped out. Infection has setup somewhere in his body, and he has been admitted to ICU yesterday. The doctors said that first 24 hours were critical, and Robert made it thur that, but he is not out of the wood yet. Doctors said that our prayers seem to be working, but I just ask that if you read this to please take a moment to pray for Robert and his family. He is an awesome man of God who works with the Youth at our church. He has so faithfully brought the van girls to my classes on Wednesday night, and he has inspired so many. His family is keeping us updated. I know that God is the healer and works all things to together for our good....after all Tis the season for Miracles!!!!

This came from my dear friend and Sunday School teacher, Cindy:
"He is in septic shock; which means his blood pressure has dropped; he's retaining fluids, his kidneys are not functioning. He has developed some sort of infection and has no immune system to fight it so they are giving him huge amounts of antibiotics. As of last night when we were there, they intubated him and doctors said the next 12 to 24 hours would be crucial. Ps. 118:17...."I will not die but live and tell of all you've done". "

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-15T13:24:00.000-06:00

I am so looking forward to the holidays this year! I am excited about seeing my family and of course spending time with Jon. Christmas is our favorite time of year. We love the fact that God has blessed us so that we get to take time to bless other people.
Tonight we are having our Christmas party in the MPACT girls club. We are watching the Polar Express and having snacks. I love those little girls so much, and I am so blessed to get to celebrate with them. Should hopefully have some cute pictures from the party!
Friday my mom and I will hanging out making Christmas goodies all day, and then Saturday I will get to see my best friend Tiffany! We will be having a girls day...Charming Charlie's here we come! Sunday we have our Young Marrieds brunch and Christmas social that night! Lots of things to celebrate and so many things to be thankful for.
Jon and I will be heading to Gordo on Thursday of next week. We are excited because this year we are having a Christmas Feista at the Bordelon house! Should be lots of fun! I will get to see most of my family while we are there for a couple days. Then Jon and I will come back for Christmas with his family Christmas night...Not to mention there should be a Couch/Whitten Christmas and a Wright Family Christmas at some point! We love our friends and family.
I am most excited about Jon and I taking a couple days to steal away at the end of the year to enjoy each other's company and make some plans for the new year! We are leaving town and not telling anyone exactly where we are going...maybe because we don't know where we will end up! LOL I cherish every moment that I spend with him...we got some adventures planned for 2011 that should be pretty exciting!
Well...off to do some productive things....Merry Christmas!!!! Big Hugs from the Whittens!

Pretty in Pink Pictures

2010-11-15T21:06:00.001-06:00

Here are some of the pictures from the Pretty in Pink Party! It was so fabulous! Thanks to all the girls that came out to celebrate with me with! Big Hugs! Thank Jesus for girl friends to celebrate all of lives little joys!

My sweet, beautiful, percious friend Angelia!

All the girls!

Mrs. Tammy and Mrs. Connie...this ladies are some of the most beautiful ladies inside and out!

My rock Cindy, Holly Ray (my buddy), and Candace!

Never underestimate the power of a little black dress, heels, and pearls!

Mrs. Diane...one of the best ladies I know and the best cook!

Shawanna is my friend from work, but she is an awesome friend! Thank goodness for work friends!

Sweet Vicki! Just one of the ladies that Jesus used to change my life!

Cindy...my rock...leader of the pack!

We were so fabulous!

My sweet momma came down to play with us! I love you momma!

Oh so Pretty in Pink!

2010-11-11T14:32:00.000-06:00

I am so excited about my Pretty in Pink party tomorrow night! I can barely contain myself! I got the dress, I got the shoes, going to day to find the jewerly and last minute accessories! Then I will be off to get my spray tan and eyebrows waxed! I am beyond pumped! I promise there will be fabulousness, lots of laughs, and tons of pictures.
Ohhhhhhhhhhh...I can barely stand it!!!!

My heart is full...

2010-10-19T15:31:00.000-05:00

This morning I sit here thinking, and my heart is over flowing with joy, life, and thankfulness. If you would have asked me 10 years ago or even 5 years ago if I thought my life would be where it is now I would have laughed and said no! However, God is so good and his love is full of grace and mercy...he works things out not the way we want, but how he plans and knows what is best for us. I am grateful that the did not give me exactly what I wanted...for he knows the plans he has for me...they are far better than anything I could have planned for myself! I know it is not quite Thanksgiving...and Halloween has not passed yet. However, I think it is ok to be grateful year round...so here are some of the things that I am grateful for...

I am so thankful to my Jesus! He saved me, and gave me life. I am so far from perfect, but he still continues to love me and direct my steps. He believes in me and what he calls me to do. He blesses me beyond my imagination...in good and bad he is always there. Unlike people; my Jesus never fails. As a side note: he taught me that even when people might fail me that they still love me, but like me they are only human and deserve to be loved still in return. He has taught me more about myself (how he has created me to be) and how to love others the way he wants us to love. He has taught me to be a giver and how to really trust him in all things. Time and time again he has proven himself faithful and trustworthy even with the smallest things. He taught me that "It" no matter what it might be is worth fighting for and that he will send other along by my side to fight with me...I am NEVER alone. He has also taught me that I am beautiful and that he delights in me and all that I am. For one of the first times in my life I can look in the mirror, and actually believe it when I say I am beautiful...I want to help others see that beauty in them! The list could go on and on...Thank you my sweet Jesus!!!
I am thankful for Jonathan. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that when God created Jonathan he had me in mind. He is the best friend a girl could ask for and a wonderful husband. He is certain to always make me feel special and beautiful. This will not surprise anyone, but I am a girly girl...and for some an acquired taste. Jon makes me feel comfortable in the way that I am...he is makes me feel that being girly is something fabulous and special...that I am one of a kind!!! I honestly believe that he loves that about me. I will be the first to admit that it is not always a bed of roses at the Whitten house, but we are quick to make a mends. We always support one another no matter the issues because we are Team Whitten, and I can honestly say we are each others biggest fan! When Jonathan and I started dating it was fun...I loved him then. When were married I knew that I wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with him. Now...when he smiles it still lights up my world, he touch still sends chills up my spine, and his hugs can make the worst day better. He will be an awesome dad one , and I absolutely cannot wait to expand our family. As we grow older, we still enjoy acting like children...we enjoy the simple things. Jon is a strong man. When I feel like my world might crumble Jon is the actual face that I can look into that says it will be alright...just trust. He keeps me grounded...and is the glue that holds things together when I am being spastic. Just for my personal memories some of my favorite things that he does: 1. he calls me beautiful (like as my nickname), 2. he tells me I am cute, 3. he allows me to cry when I feel like crying...he will just hold me, 4. he takes Sarah to the vet because I am not brave enough too, and 5. he takes special time most night to tuck me in bed under the covers and kisses my forehead goodnight. I am so thankful to share my life with Jon.
I am thankful for my family. I know I stay really busy, and do not always have a ton of time for visits. However, I hope they know that are never far from my heart. I love each and every person I call family. I hope in 2011 I will be able to see everyone more...
I am so thankful for my friends! Friend make life more enjoyable!
I am thankful for a great job that I love. The company that I work for is wonderful with great people. I know that God gave me this job, and I do not ever want to take it for granted! I just feel lucky to have great co-workers that make working fun!
I am thankful for season...I do believe life would get boring living with one season year around. I love each season for different reasons, and each are beautiful in there own way. Winter- I love winter because it gets cold and is great for cuddling...sometimes we get snow here in Alabama which makes everything look beautiful. Winter is great for wearing sweaters...Winter also reminds me to slow down a bit to take it all in. Spring- I love spring because of all of the new life...flowers begin to bloom, trees get leaves, the world wakes up, and things start anew! Summer- I love summer because I love the sound of children laughing as they splash around on their carefree summer days. You get to go swimming...it is great for grilling out and get together! Fourth of July Fireworks!!! Fall- Fall is my all time favorite time of year. I love the smell of fall. It is football season. Not to mention the beautiful colors of the leaves...pumpkins...fall festivals...etc... I love it!

My list could go on and on...I am just thankful for where I am in my life and for all the blessings I have been given.

91 days left...here we go!

2010-09-30T12:45:00.000-05:00

Wow! Where has the year gone? I know it has been a long time since I have updated, but a lot has been going on. More about that another post...
So I was looking at the calendar today and it hit me. Tomorrow starts October...October is always a fun month for Jon and me. We both celebrate our birthdays this month, I absolutely love FALL and all of the little trick or treaters that visit, and of course our yearly trip to the Pumpkin patch! I feel a little giddy just thinking about all of it!

Jon and I were talking the other day about how busy the next 91 days are going to be for us...here are some of the events coming up:

2nd Annual Skinner/Whitten Vacation (Beach Trip)
Birthdays (lots and lots of birthday and birthday parties)
Candy Apple Party
Pumpkin Patch
Trick or Treaters (making goody bags for trick or treaters)
Fall Festival
Pretty in Pink Party (SO EXCITING Side note: remember to get formal)
Royal Rangers Tech Event
MPact Fashion Show (I cannot wait for the girls to experience this...pictures...lots of pictures)
Thanksgiving (finally some family time...much needed might I add)
Black Friday (part of the new outlets will be open so watch out!)

...those are only a few of the things going on!
I know we will be having a blast as 2010 comes to a close, but there is also a part of me that thinks about some of the things we did not get accomplished this year and some of the things that are to come next year. I am not sure if I should be excited or nervous! The one thing I am sure of is that I am very blessed and I will certainly enjoy every moment of the next 3 months! Here's to Fun, Friends, and Family!

God has blessed me....

2009-04-06T16:52:00.002-05:00

God has blessed me with a great job! I am currently employed as an account coordinator for a marketing firm. I am super excited. I am on the phone a lot, but I love the job. I started on Tuesday of last week.
There is so much more I want to say, but all I am can manage at the moment is that I am truly blessed indeed! God is good, and he hears our prayers!

Trusting God

2009-02-17T15:58:00.005-06:00

God is teaching me to trust him now more than ever! I am learning to trust God with my family, friendships, finances, my future, and marriage. I have always been so quick to say that I trust God and I put my faith in him, but I am actually learning now that there is so much more to that! I am honestly learning to trust God with everything. I have so much joy now! It is hard to let go and totally let God, but the benefits are so great! I am not saying that I there yet, but I am learning. God is dealing with me, and I am giving it to him! I have always been a planner. My ducks had to always be in a row, and there was always plan to get things done! Well, my friends God has shown me that my plans are not always his plans! There are many things going on right now, but God is in control! Jonathan and I are right where we are suppose to be! Thank God for his love, mercy, and certainly his grace!
Jon and I have talked, and while I have been able to slow down some since I have been laid off; God has be totally revolutionizing my love for him and my relationship with him.
I am not perfect, and neither is Jon, but God is defiantly working on us. He is molding us! Praise God for that! He is so faithful! Praise him for what he is doing in us, through us, and for us!

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-13T13:48:00.002-06:00

Hey Guys!
Happy Valentine's Day! I know a lot of people do not like Valentine's, but I love the holiday. I am very aware that we are to show the ones we love that we love them everyday, but I love having a holiday to show a little extra affection! So, I just wanted to say Happy Valentine's Day to everyone. Whether you are celebrating or not I hope you all know how much you are loved, and how much your creator loves you! So...relax and enjoy the day!

On the job front....still unemployed...I have sent my resume to so many places, but still no word. I did get a call from American Family Care this week asking me to come in right away to fill out an application and to interview, but the lady doing the interview got tied up and had to cancel. She said she would call to reschedule, but no word yet.
Jon and I are praying that God brings the right job, and we believe that he is our provider so he will meet our needs. He has been faithful thus far, and he will continue to be! We just count our blessing every day for all he has done for us. We are so fortunate, and he has richly blessed us. We hear stories all the time of families that have lost one or more of their incomes, in the process of losing their homes, and who are struggling to put food on the table! That is not us, and we are so grateful!
I trust the Lord, and I know that if he can provide for the birds of the air then he can certainly provided greatly for his children! If you are struggling right now with the economy or just in general, just remember that God loves you and he will always take care of you. He knows your every need, and he does not ever leave you or forget you! God is God, and he will provide!
It reminds me of the song "We are Blessed". It says,"We are blessed in the city, we are blessed in the field, we are blessed when we come and when we go! We cast down every stronghold; sickness and poverty must flee! For the devil is defeated....we are blessed!" Those words have been so powerful for me in the past couple weeks! No matter what happens....God remains the same!

I hope everyone has a WONDERFUL weekend, and I will check back in Monday!

xoxox, Lisa

I'mmmmmmm back!

2009-01-28T14:50:00.002-06:00

Well, it has been almost two months since I last updated, and a lot has changed! I never went on that Christmas vacation that I had been so excited about. It has been for the best, but a lot happened within a 15 minute time span the morning that we were leaving. Just a few...

I got laid off from my job.
Sarah Bear (our precious baby) was at the vet, and little did we know that she had been turned lose, hit by a truck, and was no where to be found! Thank God for keeping her safe because the vet had already told us the thought she was dead. She came home a week later bruised, but ok.
Blue Cross cancelled my insurance due to a "glitch" in the system.....and so on....

A few other things happened, and so life goes on. I have been looking for a job. I have been putting in several resumes, and i have been on quite a few interviews, but everyone is saying the same thing....we just aren't hiring right now. So....how in a lot of ways things have never been better! Praise be to God!

Well, I just wanted to update everyone...I have not fallen off the face of the earth! Plus, Valentine's Day is coming up...I love that holiday because everything in PINK, and no one complains about it! I LOVE PINK!

So how have you all been? Please tell!

Christmas Vacation!!!

2008-12-04T10:28:00.004-06:00

Jon and I leave tomorrow. (Woo Hoo!) We are heading to Nashville for a couple of days and then we are going to Clarksville. We will be back on Monday! We have a lot planned for our little trip, and we are both extremely excited because we really haven't been anywhere in a while so it should be nice. I always love all the Christmas stuff up there, and we have kind of made it our little family tradition to go every year in December. We just go and relax. This year these are the things we are planning on doing:

We are going to go on the Jack Daniel's Distillery Tour. We have passed it several times heading to Nashville and Clarksville and it looks so interesting. The tours are free so that is always a plus!

I have wanted to see the Parthenon in Downtown Nashville for a long time so we are going to go tour that and hopefully get some neat pictures. I've heard it is fabulous!

I also want to go see the giant guitar in downtown Nashville too. So maybe we will grab lunch down there.

We are also going to go to the Hermitage to see President Andrew Jackson's Home and take the historic tour there. Jon loves history so I thought that would be a super nice treat for him.

Of course we have to go to the Gaylord Opry Hotel for all of the Christmas extravaganza they have: the little Christmas show that they put on, the fountain light show, the hall of trees, the huge outdoor Nativity scene, and we hope to take a carriage ride to see the outdoor lights if the weather permits and the wait is not horrible.

Lastly, we plan to hit up the Opry Mills mall to do some good ole shopping. My favorite stores there are the Apple Barn and Old Navy. Jon loves all the Tennessee stores they have. He says it is God's country.

We plan to head to Clarksville Sunday morning to meet up with his family. We get to meet his dad's new girlfriend. I have already planned to visit the Winery before we leave to get my family some. They all love wine, and since Jon and I don't like it...it is nice to have someone to buy it for. The winery there is very pretty. We are staying the night there, and Monday we will take our time heading back to Birmingham. Jon said if we saw anywhere else we wanted to visit on the way back we could go...or if we don't finish all of our tours in Nashville we can go back on Monday. We got a super deal on our hotel, we are staying two night for $120! It is a nicehotel. They have a full fresh cooked breakfast in the morning, cocktails and refreshment party at night from 5-7, they have a free soda fountain and popcorn bar, indoor and outdoor pool, and the staff there is incredible. We stayed there last year and loved it! Oh, and it is in a awesome location!
We are both super excited to get away for a little alone time and just enjoy each others company. We see each other all the time, but there is something special about getting away from home, work, and the cell phones so we can just relax and be together!

Well alright, I hope everyone has a great weekend, and I promise to take some pictures and post them on here of the things we did. xoxox-The Whittens

Christmas Survey

2008-12-03T09:17:00.003-06:00

A Christmas One (via Pink Lucy)

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I love to wrap presents with wrapping paper. I only use gift bags if it is a last minute gift or I have no other way of wrapping it! I could wrap gift all day...it is so fun with all the ribbons and bows!

2.When do you put up the tree? Normally Usually the weekend after Thanksgiving, but we put it up about a week and half before.

3. When do you take the tree down? After the new year when I finally get the time.

4. Do you like eggnog? Yes, I like to have at least one cup each holiday season.

5. Favorite gift received as a child? My pink my buddy doll that my daddy gave to me

6. Hardest person to buy for? LOL, just about everyone, but this year defiantly my nephews.

7. Easiest person to buy for? Jon!

8. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, it is the one that my grandmother had that she had given to my mom. My mom gave it to me last Christmas.

9. Mail or email Christmas cards? I totally mail my cards. I love getting them from others via US mail so that is how I send them.

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Lets not go there!

11. Favorite Christmas Movie? Home Alone, and most recently This Christmas

12. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I usually start my shopping around the first of November. However, this year Jon and I have been on a roll and we have gotten almost everyone bought for!

13. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? no

14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Oh, that is not fair. I can't have a favorite...I like to much of it.

15. Favorite Christmas song? Probably Country Christmas from Loretta Lynn or Santa Baby

16. Travel at Christmas or stay home? I have always traveled since we have such a large family with my parent being divorced and all especially since Jon and I have been together and his parents are divorced. This year we have talked about coming home Christmas eve night and spending the night at our house so we can have Christmas with "our" family.

17. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Dasher, Dancer, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blizten. Maybe Prancer...Rudolph.....how many were there?

18. Angel on the tree top or a star? Bow...this year mine is red and gold!

19. Open presents on Christmas Eve or morning? We always open the ones with my mom Christmas eve, and then the ones with my dad Christmas morning.

20. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? All the stress of figuring out the holiday schedule and then the stress of trying to keep everyone happy! So this year Jon and I have vowed that we were only going to strive to keep us happy, and the rest will fall in to place. Our family first!

21. Favorite ornament theme or color? Jon and I always get at least one or two new ornaments a piece each year and then we fill in the rest of the tree with gold, red, and green balls.

22. Favorite for Christmas dinner? I like the way our family usually does kind of a unusual Christmas dinner. We have seafood instead of the traditional turkey and ham. It works well for us! I love the shrimp!

The Big News....

2008-12-03T07:32:00.003-06:00

My big brother Timmy got engaged last night to his girlfriend of a couple years, Kylie! I am so excited for them!!!!!!! They both are very happy and excited!

2008-12-02T16:47:00.000-06:00

BIG NEWS COMING TOMORROW A.M.!!!! (If all goes as planned)

Hot Water Heater...Best Buy

2008-12-02T13:27:00.004-06:00

Well, yesterday the hot water heater went out yet again! We called the plumber out...paid the fee...thought it was fixed...go home last night...and you guessed it. The hot water heater is still broken. We got up this morning and went to Jon's grandmother's house for showers.
The plumber called us back this morning after Jon left him a message last night, and he told us that there was nothing more he could do. He thinks the heater is faulty. Jon called the Warranty company....and after a long come to Jesus meeting that are giving us a new hot water heater! Praise the Lord. However, we now have to pay the installation fee. So the good news...tonight or tomorrow we will be back in business with hot water!!!!

In other big news....JON WON A $525 DOLLAR GIFT CARD TO BEST BUY TODAY! He was so happy. He won it at his team building meeting for work. His store sold the most energy drinks (SoBe) gave the card away! So looks like Jon's dream of a 42 inch plasma HDTV will be coming true sooner than later! We had agreed not to get one until we got our debt paid off, but Best Buy has one for $699. So after our vacation to Nashville we are going to get one. It will probably be after Christmas so we can rearrange our living room! YEA! I am so happy for my sweet husband. He has wanted a big screen for so long, but we vowed to be debt free...and now he has been blessed with that gift card! Not to mention I am looking forward to moving the other one to our bedroom so I can snuggle in bed and watch movies and my shows like Jon and Kate and The Duggers without having him complain! HA! It will also be nice for lazy Saturdays in bed (if we ever have one)!

It is Christmas Time!

2008-12-01T15:53:00.006-06:00

Hey Guys! I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving, ours was good, and I have to admit that it was very nice sleeping in my own bed that night!
So here is our weekend recap:

Wednesday- worked until 4pm. Headed home to gather everything to take to Jon's family to
celebrate Thanksgiving. We had a good time. We played cards and just hung out.
Thursday- got up around 8am, and got ready to leave. We left around 10am and headed to my grandmother's for lunch. It was great. We got to see some family we haven't seen in a while. The food was delicious as usual. Then we got to my dad's around 3pm. It was nice. We ate good, and then relaxed for a bit before heading back to Birmingham. On our way out we dropped by my mom's camper to finalize our Black Friday plans, and then we stopped by my brother's house to see how Kylie and her mom had decorated so beautifully! Jon was a doll and drove us home.
Friday- I woke up at 3am, and got ready to shop. I met my mom, my aunt Terry, and cousin Kayla at Kohl's. We shopped, shopped, and shopped some more. My mom and I even made it to the Galleria. I home about 4pm that day, and I took a nap. I was exhausted. Jon got off early, and surprised me. He wanted to go back out shopping, but by that time it was rainy and cold, I was tired, so we head to Sam's for a bit and then head right back home. Jon said he was crazy for even thinking he wanted to go back out shopping! LOL I went to bed fairly early!
Saturday- I did not get up until around 11am. I ran out to the store, got home, got ready, and we
headed to an Iron Bowl Party. ROLL TIDE! 36-0! Then we headed home to watch Phillip's last game at Tennessee. It was very emotional! We like Phillip!
Sunday- Got up reluctantly...headed to church. I felt awful! So after church Jon and I ran a
couple errands and then it was home. I stayed in bed the rest of the day.

I still feel lousy today, but I have pretty much managed to stay at work all day. I have a floral class tonight, but I have no energy left to make it to it! I hate to cancel, but I need to rest and get well. Jon and I are heading on our vacation to Nashville/Clarksville Friday morning early! Must. Feel. Better. NOW!
The good thing is that Jon is working til 9 tonight, and tomorrow he has boy's night so I will not have to cook or do anything once I get home. Then on Wednesday we have church, but nothing after that. Thursday Jon is working til 9 so I will be home packing and getting our stuff ready to pull out bright and early Friday!

So now begins our Christmas planning...more details to follow!
Have a great night...I will be nursing a bowl of chicken soup with my pillow, blanket, and baby girl Sarah!

2008-11-26T09:55:00.002-06:00

Jon, I, and Sarah Bear just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! We hope it is a blessed occasion, and that you get to spend lots of time with the ones you love, relax, and enjoy! Be blessed! Check back in with everyone on Monday! Oh yeah, and Happy Shopping! xoxox -The Whittens

What are you thankful for?

2008-11-19T08:14:00.002-06:00

I am thankful for:
1. God's never ending love, his grace, and mercy. He loves us always, and he has a plan for us. I am thankful that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, and that we can freely worship him!
2. The United States of America. I am so thankful we live in a free country where we can live our lives freely. I am thankful for the men and women who sacrifice their lives, and the families that support them so we can be free and safe here in America! God Bless!
3. Mr. Jonathan Whitten, my beloved. When he came into my life I knew there was something different about him. It did not take me long to realize that I loved him, and that he was the man that God had created for me. He loves me, cares for me, provides for me, protects me, he makes me feel beautiful and special, and the list could go on and on. Jon treats me like a princess! He has my heart, and I feel so blessed to have him in my life. He IS my best friend.
4. My family! Man on man, where would I be without the love and support of my family. I have a large family, and each and every one of them has touched my life in some way or another. They have all been there at different times to pick me up when I fell, to love me when I felt unloved, to encourage me when I couldn't encourage myself, to lovingly point me in the right direction if I was heading down the wrong road. We have all shared life's ups and downs together, we have cried together, laughed until our sides hurt together, mourned and celebrated together. When you feel like you have no one you always have family! Friends do come and go, but family...that is forever! I love all of you guys...each and every last one of you!
5. Friends....new and old. Life is so much better with good friends. Someone to share life with. I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends, and that I get to share in their lives. I love them...and they love me.
6. My church. I am thankful for Life Church Birmingham. They have accepted Jon and I. We are home there. They have welcomed us as family, and we are so blessed to have a wonderful pastor who loves God and loves his sheep! We have fun there, we are ministered to there, and we feel like we belong there!
7. Our jobs. Yes, sometimes I may get frustrated at my job and have a bad day. Sometimes Jon's work seems never ending, but we are so blessed to have jobs especially during this trying time in the economy. I am thankful we have steady paychecks, and we have people at our jobs who make coming to work easier. I am grateful that we have been so blessed!

Some of the other things that I am thankful for might seem trivial, but man what would like be like without it!
1. Our cars. We have one new one, and one trusty old one. Thank you Jesus for reliable cars that get us from point A to point B.
2. Our home. I am so thankful we have a roof over our head, a place to call home, a bed to sleep in. It is such a blessing to have a place were you can escape from the world, you can make memories, and a place were you can just be a family!
3. Heat and Air Conditioner. I do not know what I would do without them. I am not a rough it kind of girl! I like to be warm and cozy in the winter, and cool and comfortable in the summer. Bless the man who thought them up!
4. Sarah! Our dog/baby Sarah Bear is such a blessing. She keeps me company when Jon is away, and she brings us some much joy. You can ask my sister...my nephews...brothers...whoever, they will tell you that I have never been an animal person! I have always been annoyed by them, so when Jon got Sarah, I will nervous. I was not sure I would like the idea of having a dog, and having to be responsible for one. Then there was the thought of "what if she bites me". Well, Sarah came into our home, and she captured my heart. We rescued Sarah form the pound in Auburn. She seemed like she might have been abused. Sarah was shy at first, but she came around, she loved on us, and we loved her back. In some odd way, Sarah Bear has taught me about myself...
5. Seafood, Pizza, Pasta, and Diet Coke/Diet Mt.Dew! These things are all my favorites...oh and lets not forget about chocolate! I am just plain ole' thankful for these foods. They are yummy!
6. Road Trips...I love road trips...they are fun and it is always a good time for Jon and me to spend some quality time together! Love them!
7. Old Navy, Walmart, Target, Kirkland's, and the Galleria! These are my favorite places to shop!
8. Computers, Cellphones, the Internet, IPODs, and TVs. They all provide me with entertainment...they are good ways to stay in touch...thank goodness for technology.

I could go on and on, but I just wanted to note some of the things I am thankful for. It is important during the holiday season that we count our blessing, acknowledge how blessed we are, and offer thanks for everything!
Lastly...I just want to say that I am thankful that we can dream....I like to dream about the future, and I am so honestly thankful for that ability! The dream of where we are going, and the memories of where we have been...two things I never want to take for granted, but I could not imagine living without!
I wish you the best, and many of God's bountiful blessings this Thanksgiving! BE BLESSED...xoxo The Whittens!

What are you thankful for?

2008-11-18T14:35:00.003-06:00

Hey ALL! Thanksgiving is only 9 days away!
In honor of Thanksgiving I want to know what you are thankful for!
I will post my list tomorrow, I am still compiling. Please share your list with me.

On a different subject...Jon Jon is sick with the crud! He has been dealing with it since Sunday, it is getting worse. He went to the doctor today, but they told him it would be a 3 hour wait. So I hope he gets better real soon!

Another baby....

2008-11-17T16:03:00.002-06:00

Well, Jon got a phone call while he was at work today from his good friend Joel. He told Jon he had some exciting news....HE IS GOING OT BE A DADDY!

Joel and his wife Amber are pregnant with their first baby. She is due around the first of June.

Jon and I were shocked, but happy for them. I have not talked to Amber, but Jon said Joel was super excited.

That means I have a best friend (Tiffany) who is pregnant and due in April, and he has a best friend whose wife is pregnant and due in June. We have one couple we are friends with that have a six year old. Our number of friends with children or who will soon been having a baby is growing steadily!

What is really fun is that Tiffany and Tim were married in April of 07' and their baby is due that month in 09', and Joel and Amber were married in June of 07' and their baby is due that month in 09'! Crazy huh? I don't think I would want to have a baby the same month as my anniversary! But, Jon and I are not at that stage yet so we will cross that bridge when we get there.

Looks like Jon Jon and I are going to be doing some baby shopping! Oh, and I have a friend here at work who is pregnant too! LOL Babies, babies everywhere!

The Verdict is in: YUMMY

2008-11-14T15:43:00.003-06:00

First, I made my Coconut Shrimp last night and I just want to report that they were so yummy and delicious! Amazing! Jon said I now have he ok to cook them anytime I wish! I told you guys I would let you know what I thought and I think they are stinkin amazing. Try them...if you like that kind of thing!
I think Jon and I might (that is a huge MIGHT) try to put up our tree this weekend so we can get our Christmas picture made with our baby for our Christmas cards. Jon wants to do photo cards this year so we can show everyone our baby.
We are going up to see my mom tomorrow and then tomorrow night we are grilling our at our friends Janna and Michael (we will be watching the Bama game).
Sunday after church I figure we will be doing our usual...riding around looking at houses! LOL
I am going to be trying a few new recipes this weekend. I going to make Hungry Girl's Cheesecake swirl brownies and WW's turkey bean dip. So if either are note worthy I will let you all know.
Jon Jon is working until 9 tonight, so I am not sure what I am going to do. I know I need to run to Walmart, and I have to get us something for supper. Jon wants me to come up there with him at the CVS and keep him company. If I just had my tree up I could do my photo cards!LOL I might have to do some shopping though.
We hope everyone has a great weekend, and I can't wait to read all about "yalls" weekends on Monday. xoxoxo-Lisa

21 days until vacation

Yummy goodness!

2008-11-13T15:32:00.004-06:00

Ok, so I am a huge fan of seafood. One of my favorite things is shrimp, especially coconut shrimp. So I got a new cookbook at my meeting last night, and guess what? It has a recipe for coconut shrimp! YES! Yum!
So today I of course had to rush out and purchase all of the ingredients and I am making it for us tonight for dinner. Yea! Publix has shrimp on sale! (If it is really good we may have to have them again before the sale ends.) I am also making a Pina Coloda dipping sauce that is suppose to actually be the one for the Red Lobster sauce. OOOOOHHH so gooooood!

I wanted to include the recipe since I am gushing about it, and of course tomorrow I will let you know exactly how delicious they were. Man, I love shrimp!

Coconut Shrimp:

1/4 cup fat-free milk
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
24 medium peeled and deveined, tails left on shrimp
1/2 cup flaked coconut, chopped
1/4 cup cornflake crumbs

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degree. Spray a 10x15 inch jelly-roll pan with nonstick spray.
2. Whisk together the milk and flour in a large bowl. Add the shrimp; toss to coat.
3. Place the coconut and cornflakes crumbs in a large zip-close plastic bag. Add the shrimp, a few pieces at a time, and shake to coat. Place the shrimp in the jelly-roll pan in one layer. Spray the shrimp lightly with nonstick spray. Bake until golden on the outside and opaque in the center, about 5 minutes on each side.

(If you can not find cornflake crumbs, you can make your own by placing cornflakes in a zip close plastic bag and then finely crashing them with a rolling pine. Before you chop the coconut, spray the knife with nonstick spray to keep the coconut from sticking as you chop.)

For six shrimp it is only 150 calories!!!!

22 days until I go on vacation!!!!

Holiday Plans

2008-11-12T15:04:00.004-06:00

Hey there!

Jon and I have finally finalized our holiday plans for Thanksgiving. Good times. We are going to leave for Gordo on Thanksgiving morning and head to my Grandma's in Northport. Then we will go to my Dad's to hangout for a bit. Jon and I will be heading back to Birmingham for Thanksgiving night. We will more than likely have Thanksgiving dinner at Pam and Grandma's that night. Finally we will end our night in the comfort of our own home wrapped in each others arms giving thanks for such a terrific year!
I am so incredibly excited to see most of my family, but I am also looking forward to a peaceful end to the day with my sweet husband.

Jon and I have decided that for this year we just wanted to have a peaceful, non-stressful holiday season. We want to make it about our family, not just traveling from one place to another and so on. We want to enjoy each other this year, and lets not forget we want to celebrate the holidays with our baby too. We do not have an actual child, but we have a dog who thinks she is our baby and in our opinion she is! (I found a shirt I want to get her for Christmas that says "Mommy's little girl"...how precious is that?)

The day after Thanksgiving I will be going shopping here in Birmingham for the first time. I usually go in Tuscaloosa, so we will see how that goes. Maybe if I get REAL bold I will head to the Galleria. Jon has to work the day after Thanksgiving, and he is not sure about Saturday (the Alabama/Auburn game). I would think he would not have too, but we will see. I am really just looking forward to relaxing at home; silly I know.

We still do not have all of our Christmas plans finalized, but we are working on it (should be different than most years).

I have started my count down until I head to Nashville for Christmas: 23 days. I absolutely can not wait!

My Favorite Things Swap

2008-11-10T16:38:00.003-06:00

Hey Guys! So I participated in the "My Favorite Things Swap" that was Jamie's idea. She put the whole thing together. We just had to send her our address if we wanted to participate, and then she paired us up with a "new friend", my new friend is Kelly (hey Kelly). Our mission was to think up of at least 3 of our favorite things, put them in a box for our new friend to enjoy, and then send it to them (staying under a $20 limit). It was a lot of fun getting all of the things together, but it was even more fun getting your package from your friend in the mail. SO. Much. Fun!
So...I included a few of favorite things in my box to Kelly. I put 1. a bottle of Bath and Body Country Apple hand soap (I am addicted to B&B), 2. cookies from Edgar's bakery (my absolute fave), 3. a cookbook (I like to cook), 4. Fettuccine Alfredo pasta sides (I heart pasta), 5. a pack of designed note cards (I love sending and receiving cards).
Kelly sent me a really fun box. Her box to me included her favorite office sweet tooth snacks. She sent me a box of popcorn, a box of 100 calorie sour patch kids (YUMMY), packs of Stride gum, and a Starbucks gift card! Exciting! I was so happy when I got home to see my little box sitting on doorstep. Just ask Jon! I opened it immedatly. He laughed because I was like a kid at Christmas.

It was great getting to know Kelly, who is one of Jamie's best friends. She seems really nice, and I just might get to meet her. She invited Jon and I to her church in Alabaster to see their Christmas play. We think it would be a lot fun to see so Kelly is suppose to remind me. Who knows? I may go a visiting! The whole process was good times. Thanks Kelly for being my new friend, thanks Jamie for letting me participate with all of the good times, and THANKS TO CRYSTAL (PINK LUCY: Check it out...it is a rather addicting blog) without whom I would have never met the above people! Have a great night! oxox-Lisa

Off...for a long weekend!

2008-11-06T16:57:00.002-06:00

Hey guys, I am leaving in a few minutes for a long weekend. I am going to hangout with my husband and enjoy some time together. This week has been crazy busy, and we honestly have not really seen each other since Monday. I think we may head to Homestead Hollow or Christmas Village. I hope everyone has a great one, and be safe!!!

I am still gathering my thoughts on the outcome of the election. I am going to pray hard for our new president-elect, and our country. God is in control! I put my trust in him! Amen!

oxoxo-Lisa

GO VOTE!!!

2008-11-03T15:44:00.003-06:00

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T14:22:00.003-05:00

We hope everyone has a great Halloween and a fabulous weekend! oxoxox-The Whittens

A weekend full of children!!!

2008-10-29T10:30:00.004-05:00

This weekend, Jonathan and I will be surrounded by children! We are totally excited...and I would assume safe to say a little nervous! I mean we have a dog....not children. LOL Anyways...non the less we are going to have a ton of fun!

Friday- we have tricker treaters coming. I have let some of the parents in the neighborhood know that I am making little candy bags for their children. I am so excited to see their little costumes!

Saturday- we have Big Jon's little boy, Noah's birthday party! They are having those big inflatables, and all kinds of party stuff. It is a dinosaur themed party. I am so totally excited to go to this party. There should be lots of 6 year old there, and we get to play in the inflatables. Score!

Sunday- after church Jon and I have volunteered our day to the children's ministry. We are having lunch, and then we will be setting everything up for our Fall Festival in the Church parking lot. Jon and I will be running one of the booth games at the festival. How cool is that? I always loved fall festivals, so getting to see all the little kids play will be so much fun! Who knows maybe I can find the duck pull ( you know the little pool that has all the little ducks floating around with numbers on the bottom that you pull so you can see what prize you win), but of course Jon wants to do the balloon pop...which I consider NO FUN! We are excited to get to volunteer at something so big and fun at church. Pastor Kevin said that usually the Fall festival which is normally Halloween night runs about 1,500 people. He is not sure about how many will be there with us doing it on Sunday. So if you are in my neck of the woods, and would like to attend let me know. I will include the details at the end of the post! We would love to have you.

So needless to say I am totally pumped about all of the fun things we have to do this weekend. Oh, and a little funny story. The little boy Bradley (he is four) next door now considers Jon and I his "big friends". We have been playing kickball with him and he loves it. He will come to our door, ring the doorbell, and ask if we can come out and play! How cute is that. Jon and I just look at each other. I mean...we don't have to ask permission...so both or one of us usually goes. How cute is that. Oh, and when we have the windows open he always comes over to talk to use....through the screen! Sweet!

Now for the details for the Fall Festival:
It is at Life Church Birmingham from 5pm-8pm on Sunday, November 2nd. It is free. If can look it up at http://www.lifechurch.ws/.

What to give....

2008-10-27T15:36:00.004-05:00

Well, the holidays are coming up soon, and Jon and I try to buy all of our presents now. What we do not get now we will finish purchasing when we make our yearly trip to Nashville for Christmas. That way once we come home we are completely done with shopping. Then I get to move on to my favorite part: WRAPPING! (I absolutely love to wrap presents. It is an artistic outlet for me!)
However, I have been sort of perplexed. Jon and I love to buy presents for people. You can ask just about anyone, and they will tell you that we are a gift giving family. Why? Because it is fun, and we love making others feel special. However, there are a few people that no matter what we give them...it is never good enough! Why, I have no clue. It seems to be that is was not expensive enough, good enough, or whatever, but it makes you not want to buy for them at all. It makes it no fun to shop for them, and it seems like a chore. I often just say forget it...we will buy gift cards. However, Jon was not raised to purchase gift cards...gifts have to be thoughtful and you have to put work into it. So we begin our shopping....and therefore, I am stumped as to what these people will be getting this year.....kind of sounds like Jon and I will have a little more shopping in Nashville than we would like. Do you know someone like that? What do you do so that person does not ruin your holiday mood when it seems like they are turning their nose up at your present?

On a different note: there is this little girl at our church who has down syndrome. She has a few other handicaps, but I just want to grab her and hug her with all of my might! Her parents are so loving, and she has 3 other brothers. They are all adopted. That family warms my heart, but this little girl, I am pretty sure her name is Angel, but not for certain, really just tugs at my heart strings. I do not think she realizes just how much of a blessing she is. I honestly believe that God uses this little girl to touch the hardest of hearts. She is precious...so loving...and she loves to worship! It reminds me how special children are, and how when it comes to our faith and Jesus we really should have that childlike heart. Angel reminds me of that...how much our father loves us, and so unconditionally.
I love the fact that Jon is so captivated and touched by this little girl! She really is a blessings and an angel!!!

Happy Birthday Jonathan!

2008-10-23T16:18:00.002-05:00

I am posting today because I am off tomorrow so Jon and I can celebrate his birthday!!!! He will be the 25! We are going to dinner at my mom's and she is cooking him two cakes....yes you read that right...2! I did not get two...but Jon Jon does! He is getting a chocolate peanut butter cake and a dutch apple cheesecake.
We were going to go shopping, but it is suppose to rain all day tomorrow! Sad :( I know. We may try to catch a movie. I am cooking him pancakes in the morning with Canadian bacon.

I am so glad to be off. We can sleep late and enjoy one another's company.

I do have a prayer request: Jon's friend Big John's grandfather was rushed to the hospital last night with a massive heart attack. He is in, from what Jon gathered from Big John, critical condition. Big John is having a hard time, and my Jon is taking it pretty hard. So just stay a quick prayer for his Grandfather and their family! "By his stripes we are healed!"

Well, everyone have a great weekend! I am off to enjoy mine with my hubby! I am so glad God brought us together! I am so blessed to have someone who loves me so much, and whom I love with all my heart!
oxoxo-Lisa

Gordo...

2008-10-21T09:27:00.003-05:00

My trip to Gordo was great! We had a blast. Friday Jon and I went with my dad and Regina to my oldest brother's house for a cook out. We sat around laughing, telling stories, and just catching up! It was great to see all of them. I have missed them so much. I have not seen them since Memorial Day! Oh, and my major Friday night highlight was riding in the back of my dad's truck! So. Much. FUN!
Saturday we got up and ate breakfast together, and then I left Jon and Dad at home. Went to my friend Tiffany's house were we hung out, talked about the baby, played with the puppies, and I got my hair done! Man, do I feel like a new woman. Tiffany and I have been friends forever so she totally knows what makes me comfortable and what makes me feel good when it comes to my hair! After I left there I headed home where we grilled and boiled shrimp. We ate on the patio which was so nice with the weather. Then....we roasted marshmellows and made smores! LOVELY!
Sunday was church. It was nice to go to church there. It has been since mother's day since I was there. I loved seeing everyone. After that Jon and I said our byes and we were off. We stopped in McCalla for lunch. We ate Mexican, and then we set out on our Sunday adventures as usual. We looked at houses. This time we thought we would check some out in Helena. We found some we loved, but not for $300,000 +. They advertised the subdivision starting at $160,000... but they only had about 5 houses there at the price then they jumped up to the 300's!
It was a great weekend! I had missed my dad so much. I think I can make it to Thanksgiving now...if we head that direction!
Well, that is about it for new.

Guess whose going to Gordo?

2008-10-17T10:11:00.003-05:00

ME! ME! ME! Yes sir! Miss Priss is making her way to Gordo today as soon as I get off work. I get to go see my family...especially my DADDY! Woohoo. I can't wait. We are cooking out tonight, and then maybe again tomorrow, and I am getting my hair done while I am home by possibly the best stylist ever! My good friend Tiffany. She makes my hair look like a million bucks every time.
So....I will update when I get back about the wonderful time I had...there is no doubt in my mind that I am going to have the best time ever!

Have a great weekend! oxoxo- Lisa

****I just realized when I re-read this post that it sounds very...almost selfish...it is all about me, me, me, and me. So I should say that Jon Jon is going with me, and I would have it no other way. I love traveling with him, and I hate not having him with me especially when sleeping at night. So...my adorable husband and I will be heading to Gordo tonight. Love you babe!

It's Birthday Week!

2008-10-13T09:44:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday to ME! Today is my 25th birthday. I can't believe I am 25, actually I will be 25 at 10:04 am...it is only 9:50am right now. I remember being young and never thinking I would be 16 much less 25! Well, I made it!
I can honestly say that I could not be in a better place in my life. Things are great, and I am very content with life. I have a lot to look back on this past year that was great. Things are constantly changing, but I would have it no other way! Thanks to all of you have shared in my life thus far, and here is to many more! Thanks be to God for always watching over me and taking care of me and my family!

Jon and I have been celebrating my birth week since Friday of last week. I think birthdays are a pretty huge occasion seeing as to how if you would not have been born a lot of things would have been different! Jon took me for lunch yesterday at the Galleria, and he got me a "Grown-up" purse, and he got me some Juicy Couture perfume which he also said smells very 'grown-up". So I guess since I am not 25 we have to act like adults, and not just two kids in love living on a whim. We will see about that! LOL. I will update more later...I actually have a few things to do at the moment!

FIREPROOF....your marriage.

2008-09-23T15:07:00.003-05:00

Fireproof comes out in theatres tomorrow, the 26th. Jonathan and I are going! This movie is going to be incredible. I think the principal of it is so important. Marriage is hard, and you have to work at it. The devil will do all he can to attack your marriage and turn you against each other. I think this is going to wonderful to watch. You should check it out...I linked it below. I am excited! I will review the movie for you guys this weekend!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5lSu6GkC2k

MY DADDY...the motorcycle man!

2008-09-23T11:11:00.004-05:00

So... on the way to work this morning I got behind a man on a motorcycle. I followed him for a good little ways down the interstate. I know everyone is wondering how this relates to my daddy.
Well, every time I see a motorcycle man I automatically think of my daddy. He has a motorcycle and he loves to ride it. I am always extra careful around the motormen because I want others to be EXTREMELY CAREFUL AROUND MY DADDY! (thanks to all the careful drives in T-town)

Back to my story! Every time I see a man on a motorcycle it makes me miss my daddy really bad. I remember riding on it when we (my brother) were little. It was so much fun, and so carefree. I know it is not safe, but I would sit on the gas tank and my brother would sit behind my daddy and he would ride us around my granny's house. Everyone in my home town knew my daddy because he was "The Man Who Drives The Motorcycle In ALL Kinds of Weather"! Yes, that is true. My daddy drove his motorcycle in the rain, sleet, storms, it did not matter.
I remember my daddy bring the motorcycle in the hallway of the house to keep it warm so it would not have any trouble cranking up in the mornings when he drove it to work. Gosh, the memories. I also remember the day that the motorcycle died, but never fear later on he got a new one. And the time that he had a little accident in Reform when the roads were wet...that was scary. I had my fair share of burns from the muffler on that darn motorcycle! I also remember the day that the old motorcycle died, but never fear! A little while later he got a new one.
The motorcycle he drives today is...he says it is "blue", but everyone else says it is purple! Ha...I remember the debate about that. He only it drives it now when the weather is nice (thank goodness!). He takes special care to clean it. He and Regina joke about getting her a motorcycle tricycle and them taking off on a little trip!

So seeing the motorcycle man really made me miss my daddy. I know he is only like 2-21/2 hours away, but with life being so busy I can't just go down there all the time. I have always been a daddy's girl. I will always be a daddy's girl. Jon makes jokes about him coming second to my daddy...he knows how close we are and how much I LOVE HIM! The memories I have with my daddy are so precious and I hold them so close to my heart. I just really am missing him right now. Jon says we will go see him soon, and I can't wait. I am sure that little motorcycle man had no clue, but he really did not help the whole...I really miss my daddy situation. I won't say I am homesick, but sometimes a girl just needs a little time with her dad! I mean he is a fun guy...what can I say...he is my dad...it runs in the family! ;)

So...I know this is random, but I just needed to get my little story off my chest, and writing this has made me think about all the fun things we have done growing up. Maybe, just maybe this will hold me over til I can get home!

My gift! A couple new skillets!

2008-09-19T12:48:00.007-05:00

So my wonderful husband called me at work this morning to let me know that our neighbor was having a yard sale and she had some brand new cast iron skillets. He bought me a couple! I am excited, but I do believe that he is even more excited. He told me that this means we get to have cornbread like my momma makes! So looks like we might be having cornbread tomorrow for the football game! HA!

Speaking of football...tomorrow is a big day for SEC games. Jon said we will be in front of the TV all day watching the games, but first we have to make our trip to Sam's to get our football food. We do have some good friends coming over so it should be a fun weekend.

Hope everyone else has a jolly weekend and TGIF!

oxox Lisa

Our Tickets Are Here!

2008-09-18T15:54:00.006-05:00

We got our Dave Ramsey tickets!!!! We just finished our last class of Financial Peace University last Sunday night. This class was such a blessing to us. So we are totally pumped for the live event here in Birmingham! It is October 11th from 1-6.
We love Dave's principals and it is all based on God's principals. The last lesson about giving is so powerful! I want to be able to give like no one else to our church, people in need, and for causes we believe in!
Jon and I are so glad we took this class. We have been able to totally put all of our finances in order. We were not bad shape before, but now we have a plan and we will be debt free by next April or May! Praise the LORD!!! It is exciting. If you ever get the opportunity to see Dave or take his class do it. It is go great; it has really motivated us to prepare for our future.
Dave's motto is "Live like no one else now, so later you can LIVE like no one else". That is our goal!

Dear Lord,

2008-09-18T07:57:00.004-05:00

Hey Guys, I know the last post was real light, but today I need you all to lift up my brothers, uncle, and all their friends. They all work at BF Goodrich, tire plant. My mom just called me this morning saying that they are shutting the plant down for 2 weeks, and then they hope to open it back up. I don't have all the details, but even two weeks with a great reduction in pay is going to be hard. My heart hurts for them because they are my big brothers. I love them and their families.
I know the Lord is great and mighty, and he is always an on time God! He can take care of them no matter the situation, but if you could please just lift them up in your daily prayers. Their names are Timmy and Joey. I mean the bible says if the Lord can take care of the birds of them air how much more can he take care of us. Right now I just pray that they have faith and strength. May the Lord just keep them in the palm of his hand during this uncertain situation.
Ok, so I have lots more to blog about today, but right now I am going to go. Thanks for your prayers and thank you Jesus for all of your provisions!

Update:
Just got a call from my mom. She said that they are going to be closed for at least two weeks starting on the 22nd. My uncle is a Foreman at the plant and he was told that the reason for the shut down is because of the hurricanes which has inhibited them from getting any of the supplies they need to make the tires. They hope in the next two weeks that some supplies will come in, but the contractors are saying it could be as long as 8 weeks. She said that they will be getting sub pay from the plant which will be a rather large reduction in pay, but at least they will be getting some form of pay. So praise the Lord for that.

Fall is in the Air!

2008-09-16T13:07:00.011-05:00

It is starting to cool down a little as Fall rapidly approaches. I love this time of year. The leaves changing, the cool breeze in the evening and morning, sleeping with the windows open, pumpkins and hayrides, Fall festivals, and the leaves falling, and football, and just the sheer excitement that the holidays are coming and it is getting close for all the cooking and family get togethers! I love the Fall. I just love the entire atmosphere and I love being outside in harvest air!

There is just an excitement that builds up during this time of year that makes me feel child like inside. I want to play in the leaves, and run around the pumpkin patch looking for the most perfect pumpkin ever! I love carving my pumpkin.

Jon and I were in Walmart the other day and they have their pumpkins out. I was so excited and he told me that I need to wait a couple more weeks before we bought a couple to carve. We always go to Homestead Hollow for the Fall Harvest and all the fun stuff there. I can't wait! Jon took me to Calera last year to the Heart of Dixie Railroad to the pumpkin patch for my birthday. It was so fun, granted we were the only ones there without kids. Jon said I could be his kid because I was running around like one. I got my face painted and everything!

I just wanted to write about how excited I am to see the leaves change to the beautiful burnt oranges and reds, to feel the cool autumn air on my face, and enjoy the wonderful things that come with this time of year. It is so awesome to see God's wonderful creation and all the amazing things that happen to it. I feel so blessed and loved...I could not be more happy...

Tiffany's having a baby!

2008-09-16T08:38:00.005-05:00

Well, I know this is a little late, but one of my best friends, Tiffany, is having a baby! She is due April 28th! I can't believe it. We have know each other since like 2nd grade. I am excited, but this is my close friend to have a baby. I told one of my parents that she wasn't old enough to have a baby. She laughed and told me she was. I mean we are 25! I guess I was just saying that because I know Jon and I are so not at that point in our life so I guess I thought no one else was either.

She sent me the ultrasound the other day. I saw the little bitty baby. So I am excited and it will be fun having a baby around. They want a little boy, but she said as long as it was healthy that it truly did not matter. Either way I am ecstatic for them, and can't wait to meet little baby Skinner!

Update:

2008-08-27T15:52:00.004-05:00

Hey Guys! I just wanted to update on Scooter! He is doing a little better. My mom took him to the vet this morning. He was so weak that he collapsed outside so she had to carry him. The vet ran test and such. They found out that his ulcers are bleeding pretty bad, and that he has two or three kidney stones. They gave him a few shots, and three prescriptions. But they did warn my mom that he was getting really old and more health issues could come up, but for now he is going to be OK! We are delighted. I am going up to their house for dinner tomorrow so I will get to see him. Thanks for you thoughts and prayers!

In other news Sarah Bear went to the vet today to get a bath, get her nails clipped, get her flea treatment, and her immunizations. So she will be ready for all the company we have coming this weekend! Plus she gets a new bandanna!

Please Pray!

2008-08-26T21:05:00.005-05:00

Hey Guys! I just wanted to ask all of you to pray. I know to some it might sound petty, but my mom's dog, Scooter, is really sick! Scooter has been in the family for about 14 years. He is old, but that does not mean we want him going any where. This dog, according to my mom is my little brother. I have called him that forever! He is really sick, and my mom, step dad, and I are taking it hard. Please pray that he pulls through. We love this little dog so much. Now that I have one of my own, Sarah Bear, I can't imagine seeing her in pain much less anything serious happening. Also pray for my mom. This dog has been her constant companion. Thanks so much. I will update in the morning!

Please Lord, help Scooter pull through! Amen!

Simplicity

2008-08-13T12:34:00.005-05:00

Simplicity...sometimes it is the simple things and moments in life that bring the most joy, peace, and relaxation.
I am sure you all are wondering what the crap I am talking about and I am sure some of you are rolling your eyes thinking here she goes again.
Allow me to explain. Yesterday was kind of a long day at work. Jon and I over slept by a good bit, more so him because he had to work out of town. Then yesterday afternoon he showed up at my work around 5. He wanted to ride home with me, and then he was going to ride back this morning to work with me to get his car. I was not sure if that was a good idea or not, but we did it.
Well, the ride home was delightful. We just talked about our day. We grabbed a quick dinner, and then we settled in for the night. Jon brought home a cupcake that we cut in half and shared. I got online to check my email, the news, and my websites. He played football on his XBox 360. Nothing special about it. Then we turned on the Olympics and watched them, as I straighten up the living room, wash clothes, and folded laundry. We went to bed at about 11:30, and I kept waking him up asking questions that I probably should have known the answers to, but wasn't sure. Again I say nothing major or incredibly special about last night, it was a simple night at the Whitten house. However, with all that said it was one of the best nights we have had in while. Jon and I just got to enjoy each others company and just be. It was simple, but blissful! It is those kinds of moments that make me really feel connected to my husband. It was anything physical, just communication and lounging, but in those moments I feel like I am right where I am suppose to be! I feel content, blessed, and so loved! It is awesome...that feeling. I still feel like I am floating on cloud nine today. I love my husband so much. We are so close, and yes we sometimes argue and do not see eye to eye, but even in those moments I still love him so much!!! I just love the simple things in life! My heart is happy and light, and I just had to write how I was feeling down.
Jon is working until 9 tonight, but this wife is going home (after the gym) to cook her husband a wonderful dinner that he has been wanting forever...Chicken and Dumplings!

Better Late than Never!!! Right?

2008-08-12T13:27:00.004-05:00

So I just have to share my exciting news. Today, 8-12-08, almost 15 months after I got married, I now have my hands on all of my wedding pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Most people do not know how bothered by the entire experience I was. I have been trying for the past 15 months to just get all of the copies we ordered and proofs. It was taking forever. We were getting ZERO response from the photographer. We had already paid in full. (Note: lesson learned) Well, today I received in the mail the copy right to my pictures, all of the pictures/proofs on CD, extra 4x6's, and extra photos of our engagement pictures. I am beside myself excited!

I loaded up some of the CDs and there are photos on them that I have never seen. Oh my goodness, there are some really great ones. Now I can finally put all of my pics on the walls in my house. We can get them printed, and digitally altered with different effects. Wow, I know that I should have had all this a long time ago, but hey better late than never!!! -oxox Lisa

PS. I will post some of them on here when I get them loaded up and printed! YAY! Good thing I am off Friday, I got work to do!

It is OFFICIAL!!!!!!!

2008-08-04T12:44:00.005-05:00

Ok guys, I know that I have been married for about 15 months now! Well, it is now official. I went Friday and got my name changed! Yes, I am now Mrs. Whitten. I am waiting for my SS card to get my new license and finish changing it at the banks, etc, but I did it. I am excited about the fact, but it was a little sad. Not to mention that now it take me a second to write my name because I usually start out writing my maiden name. LOL So I just dropped my middle name, which kind of mad me sad because it just goes so well together, LISA MARIE, they are a match made in GRACELAND! LOL I just wanted to let everyone know. Lots of you kept giving me a hard time about not doing it. It is not that I did not want to, but I hated the thought of taking off just to go sit at the SS office. However, I am so thrilled that I did, and Jon is very happy!

oxox- Mrs. Whitten!

Yard Sale....Fianlly it is over!

2008-08-04T12:29:00.003-05:00

We had our much anticipated yard sale this weekend. Praise the good Lord it is finally over. My house is for the most part back in order. It had gotten so bad trying to get everything ready and priced that I think Sarah Bear was considering moving!

However, the yard sale was a huge success. We made over $300 dollars, and lost about a room and a half of clutter!!!! It was incredibly hot, but that did not keep people from shopping. Friday there were several people who came. One woman would shop, pay for her stuff, and then act like she was leaving, but ultimately come back for more. Saturday was good, but Friday was better.

It was really great getting to meet our neighbors. They are all really sweet. Saturday morning we got to see and talk to our newest neighbors. (More on that later) Plus, we got to meet lots of really interesting people. There were some great older folks who came and visited and stayed to chat for a while. HEY SPIKE, hope your grand baby enjoyed the teletubbies!
It was a good feeling knowing we were getting rid of so much clutter, making a little money for our emergency fund (Dave Ramsey Class), having great fellowship with people, and reminiscing about old memories that seeing all of our stuff evoked.

Pam, my mother-in-law, and Emily, Jon's cousin, helped us get everything together Friday. Thanks guys, we could not have done it without you!!!

Saturday Jon and brought all of the stuff that did not sale to the Hannah Home. So we were glad to know that it was going to a good cause. I mean it was our stuff! I did not want to see it go to waste.

So it was a huge success, but a even bigger relief knowing that it is done and we do not have to do it again any time soon.

Prayer Request

2008-07-15T14:39:00.003-05:00

Hey Guys! I have a prayer request. Jon's dad is going to have some pretty major surgery Thursday at the hospital in Nashville. His name is Mitch. Jon is going up on Friday to stay at the hospital with him for a bit. He has previously had cancer in his arm, and it has been in really bad shape. So they are basically going to use the bone that he has and reconstruct it with concrete. It is a major surgery. Jon is a little nervous. So if you could just keep his father in your prayers. His dad is the one in the middle in the blue shirt.

Good news! The hot water heater is working. We got it fixed Saturday without ordering the extra part or paying any extra money. The owner of the company came out. He was super nice. I will never take a hot shower for granted again. Praise the Lord.

I am going to get to go to Gordo this weekend. I am taking a half day Friday, so I will be leaving at 12. Jon is going out of town so I am going to see my dad and Regina Friday night, and then Saturday my friend Tiffany and I are going to hang out. I have not seen her since October. We are going to check out the new outdoor mall and get some supper. I will be going home Saturday night so I can see Jon. However it is a welcomed break from work, and it will be a nice little road trip. I will miss Jon not being with me, but hey a girl sometimes needs her own time to take care of herself.

Jon and I are having a MEGA YARD SALE the first weekend in August. We are so excited. We need to get rid of a lot of my stuff and his stuff to make more room for our stuff.

Well, that is all for now. I will update later. oxox Lisa

ARG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am seeing red!

2008-07-11T15:38:00.004-05:00

This piece of equipment...a lovely gas hot water heater...has become a thorn in my side!!!!! I love hot water and I love a warm shower, but the gas hot water heater in our townhouse is not working. It has been out since MONDAY!!!! Lets see so about $200, 1 possibly 2 part (thank the good Lord they are covered under warranty), and four plumber visits later it is still not working. So guess what...the plumber is coming back out tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The best part: the wonderful plumber says he has never seen anything like it. They can for the life of them figure out what is wrong with the stupid thing! So...we still maybe looking at purchasing new one. If we have to order part number 2 we have been informed that the order would be placed Monday, but since a gas valve is not something they keep in stock, we have to wait for it to be sent to them, then they (the warranty company) will send it to us 2 day UPS. So they told us we should receive it by Friday of next week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So needless to say Jonathan is stressed to the max, I am stress, and it has been a VERY LONG WEEK! Pray for us, pray for our hot water heater because I am about to lay hands on it!!!!!!!!!! ARGGG!

On a much healthier and happier note, I went to the doctor yesterday and I have gotten rid of 7 pounds in the past month!!!!!! YAY! That makes me happy, and lets me know that my hard work is starting to pay off!
Well, I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, and be safe. oxox -dreaming of a hot shower.

A song that I have fallen in love with!

2008-07-09T13:09:00.003-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1pFfYunEek

The song is called Johnny and June. It is such a sweet song. Here are the lyrics:

Oh there's something 'bout a man in black, Makes me want to buy a cadillac, Throw the top back, And roll down to Jackson town, I wanna be there on the stage with you, You and I could be the next rage too, Hear the crowd roar, Make 'em want more, Kick the footlights out.
I wanna love like Johnny and June, Rings of fire burnin' with you, I wanna walk the line, Walk the line, 'Till the end of time, I wanna love, Love ya that much, Cash it all in, Give it all up, When you're gone, I wanna go too, Like Johnny and June.
I wanna hold you baby right or wrong, Build a world around a country song, Pray a sweet prayer, Follow you there, Down in history.
I wanna love like Johnny and June, Rings of fire burnin' with you, I wanna walk the line, Walk the line, 'Till the end of time, I wanna love, Love ya that much, Cash it all in, Give it all up, When you're gone, I wanna go too, Like Johnny and June, Like Johnny and June.
More than life itself, No-one else, This endless promise, They don't make love like that anymore, Is that too much to be askin' for.
I wanna love like Johnny and June, Rings of fire burnin' with you, I wanna walk the line, Walk the line, 'Till the end of time, I wanna love, Love ya that much, Cash it all in, Give it all up, When you're gone, I wanna go too, Like Johnny and June, Like Johnny and June, And when we're gone, There'll be no tears to cry, Only memories of our lives, They'll remember, remember, A love like that.

HOUSES....I mean really! You have to be kidding me!

2008-06-20T15:59:00.006-05:00

More to come later.......

Alright, I am back to finish what I started. So Jon and I have been looking at houses. We have also been watching HGTV's House Hunters and Property Virgins. Those shows are great and they have really given us some prospective. So we know what town we want to live in, we know what neighborhood we want to live in, and we know the house we want. We have gone back and forth on this, but we have finally made the decision. Before we buy the house we are going to pay of all of our debt. (We are taking Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. It has really been helpful with money management, getting rid of debt, and planning our financial future.) So Jon thinks that with in the next two years or so we should be able to progress with our purchase. We have seen the layout for the subdivision and there are about 23 undeveloped lots that we like. So once we decide to move forward we can pick our lot and everything about our home. It will take about 4-6 to build so we will see.

I was so shocked watching HGTV at how much some house run and how some people so easily shell out 8 hundred thousand on a house!
I was just excited and thought I would share. I have lots of things to blog about so there will probably be a few post today.

oxox Lisa

Things that irritate me!

2008-06-20T15:05:00.003-05:00

Gosh, sometimes there are just things that really, really irritate me! I mean really why must people do these things.

Here is my list:
1. When someone is having a bad day, and they call on the phone and they want to take it out on you! I often think to myself. If you want to take that tone with me, please hang up and try again! I did not ruin your day or your life so do not in anyway get ugly with me when I pick up the phone. I could understand if I was mean or rude when they call. Therefore, Mr. and Mrs. rude people...do not call my phone and yell at me because your are mad that you had to wait in the line at the post office for 35 minutes or that you got stuck in traffic! I do not work at the post office and I did not jam up the traffic on the highway! Other than that please...have a great day!

2. When people just expect you to pull something they need out of your butt. Hello, this is not Burger King...you do not have it your way. I am not FedEx, UPS, or Kinko's. I do not claim to know everything. I do not have x-ray vision, I do not read minds, and I am human. I can not accomplish 500 things at one time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The last time I recalled I was not getting paid to be your personal assistant. I do not claim to be able to do all this. So next time you think that I should drop what I am doing at the very moment you walk in the room to attend to your every need, take a number, have a sit, and I will get back to you at my earliest convenience.

3. When people who are impatient, and they do not want to sit in traffic like the rest of people stuck on the interstate during rush hour. I mean seriously what makes some people think that they are just so important that they should be able to drive up the shoulder of the road and someone is just suppose to stop and let them in! We have all been at work all day, we are ready to get home, and do not care to tolerate pompous people like yourself! That goes for people who think that can get in the outside lane that is merging and go to the end of it and stop expecting all of the ordinary (un-special) drivers should let God's gift to the highway over!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

4. Hangup phone calls. If you dial a number, and you realize it is incorrect , at least have the common courtesy to at least say "oops, I have dial the wrong number" before slamming down your phone. I mean no one on the other end of the phones wants to pick up only to hear it being slammed down on the other end! I mean hello it is not our fault that you dialed the wrong number!

5. People who think they know more about everything than everyone. I mean really...how can you possibly know everything! If you claim that then you are lying. I am talking about those people who really get under your skin! You know if you say that the sky is blue; they must correct your because everyone knows the sky is red! Hello! Come on get off your high horse and realize that you do not know everything...

6. People who do not say "excuse me" when you are walking down the isle at the store or for that matter anywhere. I mean if I am in your way, do not push me over or run over my foot, heel, or person in general. I would happily move over to let you by if you would only asked. I understand that sometimes it is hard for you to say those little words becasue soemone like you should not have to ask people to move...we should just do it because of who you are! There are times if you are coming by that I move without you having to say anything, but if I am looking in the freezer section, and do not realize that you need by; please just ask instead of ramming me! It will help keep the peace in supermarket, mall, or wherever we might be because when you ram your buggy or stroller into me, push me, or hit me...that upsets me, but it really REALLY makes my husband unhappy! So lets just not go there, and mind our manners that we should have learned when we were young and in grade school. Excuse me, Please, Pardon me, Sorry, Thank you. Is that to much to ask? I mean I am just asking to be treated like I would treat you if you were in my way! Or the next time you do it I may just run down the aisle with my buggy so to let you know how it feels!

Alright! I have now vented for the day! I feel much better. Thank the good Lord that it is Friday. I will be leaving work shortly to go and spend the next couple days with my wonderful husband making lots of memories doing absolutely nothing!

New Car

2008-06-02T13:38:00.003-05:00

Oh my. It has been a while since I last updated....months now. Some good things have happened! Jon and I got a new car which we are so excited about. We got a 2007 Nissan Altima. It does not have a key...just a push button to start it. It is so nice, and with gas as high as it is we get really good gas mileage.

Here is what it looks like:

Happy Anniversary Baby!

2008-03-13T09:32:00.000-05:00

Well, in four days on March 17th Jonathan and I will celebrate our 1st anniversary. I am so happy and incredibly blessed to be married to such a wonderful man. We are leaving tomorrow going to Gatlinburg Tennessee. We are staying in a cute little cabin in downtown.
I can hardly believe that it has been a year. It has certainly flew by. Jon and I are doing wonderful. He is such a great husband. We have had some really good times, and made some really good plans for the future. I can't imagine anyone being a more perfect fit for me. God knew what he was doing when he put the two of us together.
I just wanted to brag about what a wonderful man that I am married to, and thank God for him. We are celebrating one year, but here is to many more happy, blessed, successful, and love filled years! I love you Jonathan! xoxox, your wife.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ME!

2008-02-14T16:07:00.000-06:00

So, Jon and I had agreed not to celebrate Valentine's until tomorrow so we could go out and etc...without having to go to work the next morning. We were going to swap presents then too. Well, I was sitting at work when the florist guy comes in looking for a LISA WHITTEN. Well, at work I still go by my maiden name so everyone looked at me kind of werid when I said those are for me. I was so happy. He sent me 12 long stem red roses in a big vase. They have babies breath and purple liliacs in it with lots of greenery. They are gorgeous. He did good! I was so shocked because we were not suppose to give our gifts until tomorrow. A little early...never hurt anything. They are just so pretty...I just want to stare! I love them, but I can garuentee that I love him so much more! xoxoxox, Lisa

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-13T15:08:00.000-06:00

Hey Yall! It has been a little while since I posted last. Things here are going great! Work is good, Jon and I are good, my health is good which has been a little rocky for a while, GOD is good, and Jon and I are looking to make some changes soon...when I say soon I mean in like the next year and half! I don't want to speak to soon so when we decide I will let everyone know!

Tommorrow is Valenitne's Day. I am excited. I know that people talk about it being so commerical, but I love it. Number 1 because it is a day where everything is PINK...and red! Number 2 because it is a day set aside for showing someone how much they mean to you and making a genuine effort to do so. I mean Jon and I show and tell each other how much we love each other all the time, but sometimes we get so caught up int he hustle and bustle that it becomes routine so it is nice to have a day where you can reconnect and share some specail time together.

So since the last time I blogged our dog Sarah bear had to have some sugery on her ear. She had a hemotoma that had to be removed. She was so pitiful. So she has become an inside dog which I thought I would hate, but the truth is...I LOVE IT! She is so my buddy! I love coming home and having her meet me at the door and be so excited that her momma is home! Jon said I have spoiled her beyond belief. I like it! We have special mommy and Sarah time every night while her daddy watches Pardon the Interuption! LOL

On a sad note my stepdad's best friend since they were children passed away this weekend. He is taking it hard, and my heart breaks for him! He has always been so good to me, and he is just the nicest guy. I hate seeing him so upset. However, his birthday is at the end of the month so Jon and I are going up there this Saturday to celebrate.

In just over a month Jon Jon and I will celebrate our 1 year anniversay! I can't believe it. It has gone by so quick and overall I have loved every minute of it. It is true what they say...I love him more everyday! We are so different yet so much alike!

Well, I will end my chatter for now! Be Blessed and I will write soon I PROMISE! xoxoxo

Great Website

2008-01-23T15:23:00.000-06:00

Alright so I just wanted to give everyone a heads up about this great website I have found. It is called Hunger Girl. You can find it by going to www.hungry-girl.com.
It is a great site for healthy recipes, snack ideas, and fun modern diet advice! I love it...it is my new website!

Heath Ledger

2008-01-22T15:59:00.000-06:00

Hey, so I am addicted to FOX NEWS online. They just reported that Heath Ledger is dead! That is so unbelievable. I mean he is in his 20's a big time star!
Fox reported that they found him at a NYC residence that they believe is his home. They think it might be drug related! Gosh that is so surreal.

All I can say is THANK GOD for everyday that my family gets to live and that the people that I love and who are close to my heart are still with me. Thanks be to God and I pray that I have many more years with them.

Hair-dos, Highlights, Seafood, and random comments!

2008-01-22T15:40:00.000-06:00

Alright so I went to the salon, Salon Vogue, last Thursday. I went in and told Becky, my wonderful hairdresser, that I wanted something a bit different. So we cut about 4 inches off, then we put lots of layers in (some of them are short), and then the big change was that I got bangs. Not like straight across blunt bangs, but short swoopie bangs. I LOVE IT! We laughed because after she cut it she was fixing it when she asked, "how long has it been since you have had bangs?" I replied "oh about 7th grade!" She laughs and says "well we are going to have to do some training because your hair is not used to short swoopie bangs"! However, we made it work quite well. Some of my new favorite hair things are my BIG SEXY HAIR products and my Velcro body rollers! JON LOVES IT TOO! SCORE! :)
This Thursday I have an appointment to get my hair highlighted...takes to long to do it all in one day! I am so excited.
This is a busy week at work. We have the board of directors coming in for the annual first of the year broad meeting. So we have been busy!
Tonight I am so excited. Jon and I are going to the local grocer to get STEAMS SHRIMPS AND CRAB LEGS for dinner! I think I will in heaven, plus we have American IDOL.
TOMORROW is HUMP day so only to days left until Friday...the weekend! Now that I am working 7-5 five days a week I live for the weekends to do nothing or should I say a bunch of somethings that usually make me happy because it is not work! :)
It is cold, messy, and rainy outside so I am ready to get home...see my hubby.
Oh I got a new recipe for LOW CAL INDIVIDUAL RED VELVET Cakes....can't wait to try that. I have also been doing some research for healthy or better for you Superbowl snacks. I will try to post some of those on here soon!
Well until next time....hugs, Lisa

GIRLS NIGHT

2008-01-16T16:29:00.001-06:00

Well, I get off in 30 minutes. I am so ready. I have been busy today and I am ready to let loose. We have girls night tonight. Me and some of my girl friends from work are going out to dinner at DON PEPE's and then to play BINGO! It will be nice to go out with them and talk about things other than work!

Today it has been raining and sleeting all day. It is really messy outside. The weather blogger on ABC 33/40 said today winter is half over. Not sure how I feel about that! I do know it is super cold (for Alabama).

So Jon Jon is totally OK with me going to girls night. First because he knows I am his for the weekend excluding the 5 or 6 hours I have to work at Mom's tax office. Secondly because he said he needed some guy's time ...ie meaning he would sit at home to night, order a pizza, and play his XBOX 360. I know I will get home and he will have the house a mess, but I love him so I won't kill him!

So funny story! I almost killed Jon last night or should we say this morning! At precisely 3:38 this morning Jon rolls over and says "You took all the covers...and rips (My one blanket) off me! I am fuming at this point because not only did he wake me up, but I was cold! So to get even I stomped over to the lights, flipped them on, and ripped the cover off Jon, and said...."look at you! You have TWO OTHER COVERS....BUT YOU ARE LAYING ON THEM! THIS IS MINE...I ONLY HAVE ONE AND YOU STOLE IT! (you should know we have different covers because we both steal them so we have different ones so this does not happen) I walked back over turned off the light got in bed and said "DON"T TOUCH ME OR TALK TO ME" I was so mad...of course once I left the house for work I called him and he was so sorry. He remembered what he did and felt bad! LOL It is funny to think about this in hind sight. Bless his sweet little heart!

Well stay warm and take care! I will write soon! oxox Lisa

Under the Weather and hit by a MACK TRUCK

2008-01-09T15:19:00.000-06:00

Alright, so I have been under the weather and hit by a big ole mack truck. This weekend was great...I was feeling very fortunate that I had not gotten sick like so many others that I know. Well then 2 am rolls around Monday morning and I thought I was being back over by a mack truck multuiple times. I woke up vomiting uncontrollably....boy I know Jon was rethinking the whole sickenss and in health thing...I had a fever. I was so sick that I don't even remember much about Monday. Obvioulsy I could not go to work, Jon has told me all kinds of stories about almost passing out with my eyes rolled to the back of head, being really loud at the doctor's, and just silly things that I have said. I did not wake up (like for real get out of bed and do something) again after hitting the doctors until yesterday at about 1ish or 2ish. The doc said I had a bacterial infection and possibly the flu. I had not been sick like that in a while. It totally blindsided me. Thank goodness for Jon. He had to take off work to take care of me. It was patheictic. I am feeling better now, just a bit weak.

PS> I STILL HAVE HOLIDAY PICTURES COMING!

Movies

2008-01-09T15:11:00.001-06:00

Here in the past few weeks Jon and I have been frequent visitors to the movie theatre. We have really started enjoying going. We used to not go because I could not be quite long enough to watch the movie, but I have improved. So this is what we have seen:
This Christmas (I loved it so much that I will be purchasing it when it comes out)
Alvin and the Chipmunks (I liked it. It was a cute little movie)
National Treasure (Jon and I both enjoyed it...looking forward to the next one)
I Am Legend (Made me jump a lot...it was different)
PS. I Love You (I LOVED IT...I cried like a baby, but man it was good)
Next on my list: 27 Dresses

Happy New Year...

2008-01-09T15:06:00.001-06:00

Well, I know it is a little late, but HAPPY NEW YEAR. Things have been crazy here starting off the new year. I had to work New Year's Eve and so did Jon. He was in bed by 10:30 and I was asleep by 12:45. New Years day was a day of relaxing together and lots of football. I asked Jon if he were upset about us not having any BIG new years plans and he said no. He just wanted to start the year off together me and him. I thought that was sweet. So we made a few resolutions...which will be kept to ourselves...and we are OFF for a new year full of wonder and excitement.

So busy...so many things to do, so little time!

2007-12-19T15:32:00.000-06:00

Hey guys. I know it has been a while since I have updated! Since Thanksgiving Jonathan and I have been running none stop! We are enjoying just being together for our first big holiday season as husband and wife.

Thanksgiving was good. We went home to Gordo and got to celebrate and give thanks with everyone. Jon got to help cook at my dads which he revealed in the fact of. I cooked sweet potato casserole, mac and cheese, and dressing for that dinner.

As with every year my mom and I along with my sister-in-law went out shopping the day after Thanksgiving. We left at 3:30 and we did not return home until about 4 that day. It was great. My best purchase was a Christmas tree for our house. It is a 7 ft. pre-lit white light tree. So pretty...my favorite thing is the fact that when you touch the branches on the outside they feel real. Jon's favorite thing is that it came with a remote control so you never have to unplug the tree. It only cost up about $55 after our rebate.

The last weekend in November Jon had to work so we stayed around the house and hung out with our friends. Then the first weekend in December we had a wedding to go to. That was interesting! It was a cute wedding. Brought back some great feeling of when Jon and I got hitched! lol That was the first wedding we have been to since ours that one of us has not been in.

The 6th, which was a Friday Jon and I went Christmas shopping. We had breakfast together at Cracker Barrel and then made a day of it. We finished all of our Christmas shopping in that day! Thank goodness.

Last weekend Jon and I went to Nashville. It was magical! We loved every minute of it! Just spending time together during the holidays and everything was great! We did a lot of shopping, went to ICE How the Grinch stole Christmas, went to Gaylord Opryland hotel, and played at the arcade, and had some great food! Jon took me to the Apple Barn twice! I love that store. We got some cute pictures. I will try to post tonight. I have lots to show.

Last night we had our company Christmas party. It was SOOOOOOOO much fun. They had it at this little restaurant down town called Bettola. The food was yum, the company was awesome. My friends Janna and her fiancee and Cheyenne and her husband, and my friend Jennifer. So much fun! We are planing to all go out after the first of the year again it was so much fun! We did not want to leave.

Friday night we have Christmas with Jon Jon's family. That should be interesting, and hopefully good times! I am making a pie for the occasion. I think I am going to make a candy bar pie. We will see.
Jon has been working until midnight this week so I miss him something awful. He was off last night, the tonight and Thursday he will be working again to midnight! NO FUN! BOO! He is my best friend and there is no on else I would rather spend my time with.

Saturday went Jon gets off at 1 I think we are still going to celebrate our friend Erin's birthday. Then that night or Sunday we will be heading home to have Christmas with the family!

Monday night we have Christmas with my dad and family and then after that we have Christmas with my mom and her family at my uncle's house. Christmas morning we will be spending at my dad's and then that afternoon Jon and I will head home of our first CHRISTMAS ALONE at OUR HOUSE!@ I can't wait. Jon is itching to get his present! LOL I am enjoying it some much...I am off Wednesday to recuperate for everything that has gone on in the past month. They closed our office Christmas eve so I got my PTO hours back and I have to use them! YEA!

Well if I do not post again before Christmas...MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY NEW YEAR, and GOD BLESS. LOVE, THE WHITTENS! oxoxox

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-20T16:13:00.000-06:00

Well, I just wanted to wish everyone a HAPPY THANKSGIVING. As of tomorrow afternoon I will be leaving town heading to my family's house in Gordo. Jon and I are going to celebrate with them. I can't wait to see everyone....lots to catch up on. I haven't seen my brother Timmy in quite sometime because the last time I was down there he was out of town!

We had Thanksgiving dinner today at work. I bought sweet potato casserole. I have only heard good things about it! Lots of people have asked for the recipe.
Tonight with have Thanksgiving dinner with Jon's family because his aunt and her family and Jon and I will all be leaving town and his mom has to work this weekend. I am excited to spend some quality time with them.

So I won the chili cook off here at work. I won a $50 Walmart gift card! I made deer chili, and everyone loved it! Yea!

I have been under the weather a good bit here lately. My doctor has me on new meds and for the last few weeks I have been pretty sick! My doctor says that once I get adjusted to the meds I should start to feel better. My dose just leveled out so here is praying that I will start to feel better again soon. My doctor say that the benefits of the meds is greater than the side effects...I would like to know if she has ever taken it! Most days here the week and half I just go home and lay on the couch. I hope I am able to enjoy the week coming up!

My mom's dog got really sick last week. I was so upset, the doctor thought it was cancer, but praise the Lord it was only a ulcer which they were able to treat with antibiotics and other meds. Boy, I love Scooter so much. I got him a little get well present...so I can't wait to give it to him.

Well, I am going to end for now. I will write again on Monday. I am off for my Thanksgiving adventures....and of course my Day AFTER Thanksgiving Hunting (SHOPPING).....God Bless....Happy Thanksgiving...Be Safe....LOVE THE WHITTENS xooxox

WOW

2007-11-12T14:32:00.000-06:00

Wow, what a wonderful weekend! The boys were so much fun! I have lots of pictures to upload here, but I can't find the USB cord for my camera to computer hook up. So we will have to wait for the photos. However, there are so many funny stories. We went bowling, ate pizza, played video games, and we were all partied out by 10:30! LOL AJ and I passed out watching Ian and Jon play football. Jon said he and Ian were playing when all of a sudden Ian's football players just stopped moving. Jon looked over and he was passed out sleeping. Jon put me to bed, then AJ, and then got Ian a blanket and pillow for the couch. The next morning I woke up so I could cook at about 7 when I realized AJ wasn't in his bed. I was like what? Well I go downstairs where he informs me that he came downstairs to sleep on the love seat because "We had put him in a room with no LIGHTS!" My sister did not tell me that AJ only sleeps with a nightlight! LOL It was so funny. He said Jon and I were trying to scare him. Jon took the boys yard selling and stuff Saturday along with lots of XBOX playing. AJ told us that this is what he calls a PaRtY! LOL Good times!

Saturday night Chris and Tamara came over for football, hamburgers, and cards! Gosh, we like hanging out with our good friends! However, Tamara and I always seem to lose at Rummy.
Sunday was church, and then Jon's friend Joel came over. We watched his wedding on DVD, looked at all of his and our pictures from each others weddings and honeymoons, then the boys set in for about 6 and half hours of college football on the XBOX 360! I was of course in bed by 9:30.

I cut all of my coupons out, prepared my grocery list for Thanksgiving, and gathered my recipes! I can not wait for all of the cooking to begin! What fun it is all going to be! It is almost here! Only 9 more days! Good food, good times, good family and friends! Plus, you can't forget about the day after shopping. I do not really need anything, but I love the excitement of the crowds and the energy of the rushing around looking for a bargain!

My mom called today to inform me my cousin John is getting married in December. They are having a reception in Fayette on the 29th of December. Jon and I are already making plans to attend. He did not get to come to ours because he was in basic trying for the Marines! LOVE IS DEFIANT ELY IN THE AIR!

Suprise! Suprise! Suprise!

2007-11-09T15:13:00.001-06:00

Today I am at work when my phone rang. It was Jonathan. He called and said he was taking me to lunch. He was off today, and he went golfing this morning so I was really shocked that he called. Well, at about 1:00 he came walking in. I was so excited! He took me for Chinese, we ate, and talked. It was sweet. I was so surprised! He is such a wonderful, sweet, handsome guy. I am so proud to call him MINE! I LOVE YOU JON!

Well tonight we have my sisters middle two boys! I am excited, but Jon is excited to the second power! As of right now we are going bowling and then back to our house for pizza and video games. I am going to take pictures....of all of the fun. I think it is so adorable that Jon is excited about the kids coming over. One day in the far off future Jon is going to make the best daddy ever!
Tomorrow night some of our buddies are coming over for the ball games, and to hang out. It will be nice haven't seen them in a couple weeks.
Sunday our friend from Idaho, Joel, is coming over for dinner. I haven't seen him since the wedding, and Jon hasn't seen him since he went to Idaho for Joel's wedding.

So we are having Thanksgiving dinner here at work on the 20th. I am bring a big sweet potato casserole. That should be lots of fun. Everyone getting together at work to give thanks and celebrate. Good times.

Only 12 days until Thanksgiving, and I get to see my folks! Oh, and my brother and his girlfriend's baby puppy Roxie!
Only 28 days until our friends Chris and Tiffani tie the knot! Sweet...
Only 35 days until Jon and I head to Nashville to do all the Christmas stuff! Road TRIP!
Only 46 days until Christmas.

Christmas.....

2007-11-08T10:36:00.000-06:00

Christmas...huh? My thoughts........well I will have to write more about that a little later. I mean really....however, I am excited about the holidays!

Halloween Costume

2007-11-08T10:24:00.000-06:00

Hey Guys, I just wanted to post a picture of my Halloween costume. I was a Corspe Bride. I won thrid place in the costume contest!

Burrrrrrrrrrr....it is cold!

2007-11-07T09:16:00.000-06:00

Alright...all I can say is it is so COLD! I was cold yesterday. I am still cold today. I am sitting at work with a blanket, a jacket, and a sweater! I need some cooco!

So Excited

2007-11-05T14:24:00.000-06:00

Alright...so we have like 17 days until Thanksgiving and 49 until Christmas, and I am so excited. Jon and I are planning on going to the grocery store this Sunday to buy some of the things we need for the casseroles and things we will be making for Thanksgiving. It is hard to believe that it has arrived so quickly, but I am totally super excited.
My friend Cheyenne had her baby. His name is Rylan Jayce. He is 7lbs and 12oz. I went to see him Friday night. They are both doing well. Saturday I went to see my sister Jill and the children. Eli has gotten so big! He would smile and giggle at me. I love him so much. AJ was goofy as ever! Ian, he is 13, and AJ, he is 5, are coming to spend the night with us on Friday when they get out of school. They are going to stay until Saturday afternoon when Jill and Doyle come with ELI for a cookout! Wow...so Jon wants us to go putt putting Friday night, but I think it will be to cold. We will see. Jon has planned for us to have a pizza party too while the boys are with us so we will see what actually happens. I think he is just so excited he can't decide what he wants to do.
Daddy and Regina came up Sunday and went to dinner. It was good. Jon cooked Regina a brownie cake. It was a nice visit.
So...next week at work we have a IRONBOWL PARTY which is a little early, but who cares! Then the next week is Thanksgiving. Then we have a week of nothing... which we will probably in enjoy resting... then we have our friends Tiffani and Chris's wedding. Then Jon and I are going on a little vacation to Nashville before all of the Christmas get togethers. I am so excited! HOLIDAYS>>>I LOVE THEM SO!
I will try to get my pictures from past posting up soon, but just running out of time.

My Epiphany....

2007-10-25T14:45:00.001-05:00

Alright, so I was driving to work this morning listening to a CD that I had made last night from my ITUNES. Well, the song "Battle Hymn of Love" by Kathy Mattea came on. Now that song was the song that Daddy and Regina had at their wedding so I already knew the song, but this morning it brought to light a entirely new meaning for me. Here are they lyrics:

I will pledge my heart to the love we share Through the good and the bad times too I'll forsake my rest For your happiness 'Til my death I will stand by you With God as my witness This vow I will make To have and to hold you No other to take For rich or for poor Under skies grey or blue 'Til my death I will stand by you

There are wars and there are rumors Of wars yet to come Temptations we'll have to walk through Though others may tremble I will not run 'Til my death I will stand by you I will put on the armor of faithfulness To fight for a heart that is true 'Til the battle is won,I will not rest 'Til my death I will stand by you With God as my witness This vow I will make To have and to hold you No other to take For rich or for poor Under skies grey or blue 'Til my death I will stand by you 'Til the battle is won I will not run 'Til my death I will stand by you

So...the whole new meaning thing. I was listening, actually listening to the words. I was like WOW! You know there was that song that says LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD...well it shouldn't be. Yes, couple/husbands and wives will and do certainly fight, but it should not be a battlefield between on another. There are to many things, problems, temptations that come against you as a couple to have a battlefield in your own home. What this song reveled to me this morning was that we...in the union of marry should become one as a "army" to fight against the things that the world and the devil will bring against us in marriage, not fight against one another. I mean I have heard this often in our marriage class..., but this morning it hit me. When you get married you do become one, you don't have to fight by yourself any longer, you have a partner...you can go "into battle together". So I felt like this song this morning was really declaring that to each other that we are committed to fight against all the "bad things" that are going to come, but we took a vow that until our death we will stand by one another.

So, I guess what I am really saying is that I am glad to be in Jon's army. I love him so much and no matter what I will fight beside him, with him, and even for him when he can't fight for himself because sometimes in life we just get weary.

"Battle Hymn of Love" has always been a pretty song to me, but now it is a song that moves me and reminds me of the union and responsibilities as a couple to always stand together and keep our love strong! Til my death I will stand by him!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIjj1mLa_38

Uh...ok

2007-10-23T15:08:00.000-05:00

Alright, so the past weekend was great. Erica's wedding was really sweet. I still have to get all the pictures downloaded to the computer so I can post them here.
On Sunday Jonathan and I went with our friends Will and Erin to explore parts of Birmingham. We went downtown and ate at Mellow Mushroom. It was really good. Then we walked around downtown, and went to one of the park for a little football. The highlight of Sunday's adventure was our trip to Vulcan. We got to go up to the top, and it was the most beautiful sight. The weather was wonderful. Jon was scared, because he is scared of heights! HA! I forgot, but he was a real trooper. I got some really cool pictures of that as well.
So tomorrow is Jonathan's 24th birthday. He is having a get together with all of his friends Saturday. I am making him a cake, and we are grilling out. We had dinner at his mom's last night, and then tonight we are going to my mom's for his birthday dinner. So that should be good times. I am taking him shopping Sunday. He wants new golf balls. Easy enough, huh? He so funny.
The first Sunday in November Daddy and Regina are coming up to our house. We are getting to take them to dinner at Cajun Steamers for Regina's birthday. Since Jon and Regina are cooking buddies, so I have been told, Jon is making her a cake. He is going to display his skills for her! LOL I will post pictures of that process because that should ensure some laughs. Jonathan making a cake...that is laughable. Hopefully that will turn out OK. I can't wait! It is birthdays all around!
My friends Krystal and Tiffany are suppose to be meeting me at the Galleria Saturday for a day of hanging out and dinning. I can't wait. I haven't seen them in what feels like FOREVER!
We have finally gotten some rain which we needed badly. I do believe the rain has brought the fall temperatures too. Jon and I have not been running the air conditioner which has been really lovely. I love sleeping with my windows opened.
I am so ready for the holidays. I can't wait to hang out with my family. This will be mine and Jon's first Christmas together which will be more than fantastic. Life at the moment is going rather well! :)
I have to go to the doctor for blood work on Thursday, and I will have a follow up appointment on the following Thursday to discuss my results. I believe everything is fine!?!
So I just have one quick prayer request: My friend Dana asked me to put to keep her friend Becky in my prayers. I put her on my prayer list at church, and if you guys could say a quick word for her too I would appreciate it. Becky is a young mother with two children and a great husband, but she is battling breast cancer for the third time. The doctor told her they could not do anymore radiation only chemo. The cancer has metastasized in her chest in part of her lungs. It is just hard on them. My Sunday School teacher's sister is going through pretty much the same thing. Dana is having a very hard time with it not only because it is her best friend, but she works with people at the hospital everyday who are battling cancer. So, God is a big God, so please just say a prayer for Becky, Michelle, and my friend Dana.
Well, I will post more later...other than a few things that are tense right now, I feel rather blessed! Hugs, Lisa

Railroad Express to the Pumpkin Patch

2007-10-17T15:39:00.000-05:00

On October the 13th, Jonathan and I set out on an adventure to the Heart of Dixie Railroad where we took the train to the pumpkin patch. It was loads of fun. We were almost the only adults there without children, but it was great times. We took the train, went to the pumpkin patch, I picked a fabulous pumpkin, I got my face painted, took pictures in front of the great pumpkin, and thought about going on the hay ride, but opted not to so another couple with their two small children could ride. It was so much fun that Jon and I are going to try to go back for the Polar Express. Here are the pictures.

Jon and Me as we began our train ride. This is the picture of our pumpkin once we carved it and put the liquid candle in it. I thought is picture was awesome.

Introductions

2007-10-15T16:23:00.000-05:00

Well, I have a couple new friends...well they aren't really new any more because we have worked together for a while now, but I wanted to introduce them to you all.

First is one of my "new" great friends, Janna. Janna graduated from UNA and she is a wonderful person. She inspires me to find a cause, believe in it, and do all you can to support it. She and I have the most fun conversations! She is getting married in March! She is a fabulous person.

Next is my boss and friend, Amanda. She is so easy to talk to, and we have lots of interesting stories to swap. She is patient with me at work, and she is great to work for! Amanda and her husband are having a baby in May. So I get to share the whole pregnancy stuff with her. She is great! I love watching her grow, and hearing most of her stories, the scary stuff though makes me never want kids with Jonathan. If we do maybe it will be down the road once I forget all of the bad things that have a happened to my friends and sister during pregnancy. My friend, Cheyenne, is actually gone on maternity leave so I will have to post her picture later on with the new baby. However, she is one of the most funny people I have ever met. I know she will have the most adorable baby. I can't wait. I also can't wait for her to come back to work!

FOUR and No MORE!

2007-10-15T16:11:00.000-05:00

Oh my...this birthday was better than I could have ever imagined! However, I am certainly over the desire to have birthday cake for a while. In all I had four birthday cakes. One from my company for my party which was a fourth of a sheet. Then my mom had me one which was a round cake, but it was rather large, it was red, white, and pink. Then on my birthday Jonathan got me a pink and green ice cream cake, which was wonderful! He sang me happy birthday while I ate my piece. So sweet. Then today I got to work and one of the ladies there had brought me a cake Friday. It was a full sheet cake, decorated like autumn with happy birthday Lisa on it. So sweet, but way to much cake for me. I felt so loved! I got some really nice and incredibly unexpected gifts! I am so blessed to have so many thoughtful and special people in my life who make me feel like a million bucks!

Daddy and Regina called me Saturday morning at 6 something and sang happy birthday. I was so happy to hear from them! They sent me card that my daddy picked out and it made me cry! Man I am a self proclaimed daddy's girl! They are so good to me. Then mom called at about 7. My big brother Joey called...and we talked for a bit. Then Timmy and Uncle Bobby called! Funny thing was almost all of Jonathan's friends called or sent me emails wishing me happy birthday so I guess they must really like me too! LOL Well....more about my birthday celebration with Jon to come with pictures from the Pumpkin patch.

Reflections...who is that girl in the mirror?

2007-10-10T12:26:00.000-05:00

Reflections...who is that girl in the mirror? Who am I? Well, I am Lisa Marie Bordelon Whitten.

So I think that every year one should take inventory of their life thus far, and over the past year. I was driving to work this morning thinking quietly to myself, "Wow this has been a crazy year, I have graduated college with honors, gotten married to my best friend, I now have a house, a grown up job that I love, new friends, old friends that I have grown closer too, a recently expanded family that I have grown more fond and appreciative of, and new nephew who is just the cutest thing ever, and a wonderful church family that is great, and lastly but not least a new CVS store for my husband. Oh, and I forgot to mention the load of responsibility that comes with all of those things! :)

As I was driving to work I phoned my mother like I always do. We talk at least twice a day. She always makes me feel special that entire week of my birthday. Then like she was there with me while I was having my reflection this morning she says, "Baby girl, this has been a huge year for you. You have had several big changes happen this year." I laughed and said yes...but I was like wow she is so right. I mean I got a new last name, I am living with a BOY for crying out loud that is a huge change, I am living in a new city, I have completed a cycle of education that has been on going since I was 5!

I have to admit I am a much different person than I was a year ago. My priorities have changed, for the better I might add. I now make it a point to spend time with my folks and try not to let to much time pass without talking to them, and letting them know that I love them. I do not waste time trying to make friends with people that I know 5 years from now wont' matter. I concentrate on keeping the friendships I have strong, and the new friendships that I have growing. I try each and everyday to be a wonderful wife to the fabulous husband God has so graciously blessed me with.

I have to say that being 23 was great, and I love all the changes that have happened. I just feel so much more grown up. Don't get me wrong I still like to have fun, and Jon continuously reminds me how goofy and silly I am, but I just see things a bit differently, different things are more important that they were a few years ago.

So as I reflection on the past year, and look forward to another memory filled wonderful year, I thank God for giving me one more year of great things, and thank him for letting me live to see another. He is GOOD! I am going to try and post some pictures from my big moments at 23, and then of course more pictures will follow of the birthday festivities to come. Happy Birthday to ME.

Thanks to all of you who have taken part in my big changes, and who have watched me make my transformation! HUGS!

Birthday Week Festivites

2007-10-10T12:11:00.000-05:00

Well, my birthday is rapidly approaching, and to my surprise I have already begun to celebrate. On Monday, my boss at work sent me a list of questions asking me what is my favorite kind of cake, where I would like to go for lunch and a few others, and then my momma called to ask me what I would to have for dinner at my birthday party she is throwing me. I was like wow!
So today my wonderful boss, Amanda, to me to lunch. We went to Pizza Hut, ate and talked. It was great. Tomorrow afternoon she is having me a birthday party at work for me cake and all. Thursday night my Momma is having me a birthday party with my favorite meal and cake. Friday working is providing me breakfast because I will not be here Saturday, my actual birthday. I also am taking a half day Friday so Jon and I can run to Florence to get me fitted for Erica's wedding. Saturday Jon and I are celebrating my birthday with lots of adventures! I can't wait. I feel so loved and special. This has turned out to be a special birthday, the big 24!

Homestead Hallow Harvest Festival

2007-10-08T14:32:00.000-05:00

Jonathan and I went to the HOMESTEAD HALLOW HARVEST FESTIVAL this weekend in Springville, Alabama. It was so much FUN. Jon was such a great sport. He knew this was so important to me because I had been looking forward to it for over a month now. I was so excited upon arriving that I was squealing. He just giggled and said I was goofy! We took some pictures, and did a little shopping. Of course Jon's favorite part was getting all of the festival food like a funnel cake, roast corn, nachos, kettle corn, and he got me some boiled peanuts. It was a perfect afternoon. I got to see all of the pioneer things like blacksmiths, broom making, candle making, soap making, wood working, the moon shine distillery. It was great. I got to tour a pioneer house and get my picture made with the pioneer lady. She laughed. She said she had taken pictures with kids before, but never adults. As we passed the moon shine distillery this little boy asked his mom what that was...she said nothing that he needed to worry about because he would never have any! I thought that was hilarious. I love the fall weather. It was so much fun spending the day doing something I love with my best friend. Good memories. Enjoy the pictures....this next weekend adventure is my trip to the pumpkin patch and the railroad!

Oh MY....what pretty flowers.

2007-10-08T14:20:00.000-05:00

Well, as I had mentioned earlier in my last post that Jonathan was out of town for a bit last week. He left early Monday. I had already started missing him before he had backed out of the driveway good. I have a tendency to be sick when he is not here...I just I make myself sick thinking about it. Well, by Monday afternoon I missed him so bad. Then the florist came walking in with a vase full of flowers. He said these are for Lisa Whitten. I was like shut up, that is me! Well, Jonathan had sent me flowers...hot pink I might add. The card said I LOVE YOU, Jon. I almost cried. He sure made me feel loved and he completely made my week. Here are some pictures. I still have them, but I took them home over the weekend. They are not in my living room!

Is it over yet?

2007-09-27T16:22:00.001-05:00

Man, am I ready for Sunday. Jon's store opens Sunday, and we are very excited. After he closes at 6 we are going for a romantic evening out, which we need very badly at this point. We see each other in passing, and I am ready to have him to myself with his undivided attention. However, our time together will be short lived because Monday morning he will be heading out of town until Thursday. So pretty much a week without him because when he gets home on Thursday he has to work a 12 hour shift and then again on Friday. So the next time I will get to see him husband will be Saturday. I think it all stinks really bad. I mean when someone is your best friend and you are not getting the kind of quality time you need with them it makes it hard. I LOVE him and I want to be with him...here comes the not so fun part of being grown up and madly in love!
Other than that I am loving all the fall decorations I have seen out, and I have already decorated my house. Yea! I am so excited about the holidays this year. Our first holidays together as husband and wife, plus I can not wait to see all of my family. This year will be GREAT!
I have decided what I shall be for the company Halloween costume contest. I am going to be a scarecrow! I sketched it out today while I was at work, and I do believe that I will work on it next week while I am without Jonathan.
I am not sure of weekend plans as of yet, but I am sure I will find something to keep me busy. Well, I must run, but I will blog again later. Hugs, Lisa

Everybody is Famous in a SMALL TOWN!

2007-09-20T13:02:00.000-05:00

Miranda Lambert has a song out called "Everybodys Famous in A Small Town". Well, if you do not know I grew up in a very SMALL town. Jon grew up in the city. So when we heard this song Jon was like well that is most certainly you and your town that you grew up in. The thing is it is so true. Here are the lyrics:

They say life is so much sweeterthrough the telephoto lens of famearound here you get just as much attentioncheerin' at the high school football gameI dreamed of going to NashvillePut my money down and placed my betBut I just got the first buck of the seasonI made the front page of the Turnertown GazetteEvery last one, route one, rural hearts got a story to tellEvery grandma, in law, ex girlfriendMaybe knows us just a little too wellWhether you're late for church or you're stuck in jailHey words gonna get aroundEverybody dies famous in a small townTyler and Casey broke upIt ended pretty quietlyWe heard he was caught red-handed with her mamaSo that's just what they let us all believeEvery last one, route one, rural hearts got a story to tellEvery grandma, in law, ex girlfriendMaybe knows us just a little too wellWhether you're late for church or you're stuck in jailHey words gonna get aroundEverybody dies famous in a small townBaby whoNeeds their faces in a magazineMe and youWe've been stars of the town since we were 17Let's go on down to the quick stopWear your yellow shadesAnd I'll put on my tight jeansAnd we'll just spend the weekend burnin' rubberAnd we'll let em point and stare in disbeliefEvery last one, route one, rural hearts got a story to tellEvery grandma, in law, ex girlfriendMaybe knows us just a little too wellWhether you're late for church or you're stuck in jailHey words gonna get aroundEverybody dies famous in a small town.

I love it, and I thought I would share. Hugs, Lisa

It has been a while...just random updates:

2007-09-19T15:08:00.000-05:00

6 MONTH ANNIVERSARY
Well, Monday the 17th was mine and Jonathan's 6 month Anniversary. We made it half a year. That says a lot. I can say that in the past six months we have had some wonderful times, some rough times, and some of those moments where you thank God for being such an incredible human being into your life. We were excited. We went to dinner Sunday night to celebrate because we knew we would not feel like it on Monday. That was night, we enjoyed our favorite little BBQ place, Jim N Nicks. We can home I painted my nails, and the funniest thing happened. Jonathan asked me if I was going to paint his toes, I was like yeah. So I painted his toes pearl pink! How funny. He is such a good sport.
However Monday Jonathan wanted me to make a nice romantic dinner. So I asked him what would be a romantic dinner, he replied fish sticks and mac and cheese. So his wish was granted. For our 6 month dinner we had fish sticks and Mac and cheese. We were both so tired that after we ate we went to bed...it was a very non-eventful night. It is nice to know however that in our relationship we are comfortable enough to know that we do not have to have they hype and sex on every occasion.

CVS IS DRIVING ME CRAZY! OPEN ALREADY!
Alright so as we all know Jonathan has been blessed with a new store. He has been a store manager now for over a year and his boss wanted to build him a new store. Well he is finally getting to start working on it. However, it is wearing him out. He wants everything to be perfect, that is Jonathan. CVS has become our child that we must baby. I go to work and then I come home to him at CVS and then we go out with people to entertain them while they are in town. They are nice people. Two of the men are friends of his from Auburn, really nice men, but man am I ready to have Jon to myself again and have some kind normal relationship. Next week will be the worst because it is the week before the store opens. I am excited, but tired just thinking about it. Dear Lord, help me to be a supportive and understanding wife while my husband approaches one of the biggest accomplishments of his career thus far! Amen!
He is going to do well because I know him and he is awesome at what he does! That wonderful man has a bright little future ahead of him and I am excited that I get to be by him the whole time....that is if we don't kill each other first! JUST KIDDING! He is my best friend!

ELI!
I am going to see Eli this weekend. I can't wait. The doctor release my sister so she gets to go back to work in like a week and a half. He is growing so well. He also has gotten his days and nights straightened out so he can sleep now at night. Jill is doing well also. I know she is not ready to go back, but she will do great. She is a great mom!

ALABAMA FOOTBALL
Well I am an Alabama fan and Jonathan is a Tennessee fan. My team, Alabama is dong alright this year. However, Jonathan's team is 1-2. Oh goodness, and this weekend poor Tennessee was not losers, they were pathetic! They gave up! Alabama on the other hand gave up quite a scare! They pulled it out in the last 20 seconds of the 4th quarter. Praise the LORD. ROLL TIDE! We will see how this weekend goes!

FALL is in the air....
Wow the weather has been so nice here lately. Saturday Jon and I opened the windows and we did not run the air again until Monday night. I can not wait for it to get a little cooler. No air for the rest of the year! I love this time of year I am already decorating for the fall and for the harvest time. We bought stuff to decorate the house with this weekend and we got a scarecrow named BOB! I like him a lot. Oh, and I am already planning the holidays...and a mini vacation. More details later!
Have a great week. HUGS, LISA

Eli loves his Aunt LISA

2007-09-05T08:41:00.001-05:00

We are Grown-Ups for Sure!

2007-08-24T08:32:00.000-05:00

Jon and I are officially grown-ups now. We just went and bought a new bed! We have been sleeping on a full size bed with mattress Jon has had for years. However, yesterday we went to the Mattress Warehouse and got a new one. It is made by Sutherland and it is called Sensations! It is a queen size so no more crowded sleeping. YEAH! It was originally a $1200 set, but we got it for $700 with free delivery, setup, and frame to put it on. It sits up real high and has a very thick plush pillow top. It is so soft. I can not wait to sleep on it. I told Jon when we get it I was going to take one day off work so I could stay at home and sleep in the new comfortable mattress. We had been wanting a new ever since we got married. We stayed at the Tutwiller Hotel the night we got married. The bed was the most comfortable thing ever. Well we got one that was very much compatible. LOL So now I don't have to go pay $300 to sleep on their bed again! LOL I am just so excited, but even more excited because this is one of our first big grown up purchase besides our living room furniture and kitchen table! Hope everyone has a great weekend! Love, Lisa

Irondale Cafe AKA Whistle Stop

2007-08-22T15:03:00.000-05:00

Last night Jon took me on a surprise adventure. He had went to the Irondale Cafe about a month ago. He was telling me about it, and I said I would love to go because supposedly that is where all the action took place in Fried Green Tomatoes. Fannie Flagg was said to have written her book about that cafe and the people around it. You must know that I love the movie Fried Green Tomatoes, but I love the book so much more. It is a lot better than the movie.

Well, last night Jon and I went to Sam's Club to pick up a few things. After we were done he said he had a surprise for me.

He took me to the Irondale Cafe AKA Whistle Stop! When I realized where we were going I was SOOOOOO excited! It made for a perfect little home grown date!
It is an old place, but it is just so cozy. It is cafeteria style dinning, but it was great. They had old music playing. The atmosphere was nice! We had a great time. I thought it was very sweet of Jon to surprise me with something like that. He had to have been listening to remember that I really wanted to go there. We got to watch the trains. I tried to get Jon to take pictures with me because I never leave home without my camera, but he wasn't cooperating.
I just wanted to tell my story. I had a good time. It was sweet!

Baby, Oh Baby!

2007-08-16T09:08:00.001-05:00

So my sister, Jill, had the baby yesterday. His name is Elisha "Eli" Scott Ragsdale., as my nephew AJ(Eli's brother) annouced to everyone that his name is from the BIBle. I am so happy. It has been a while since my family has had a baby. He was little. He only weighted 6lbs and 15 ozs. He was 201/2 inches long. He has super long legs and fingers. He is so tiny. He was doing good, but now he is in the NICU because his little lungs are having trouble breathing. He was a little early so the doctors thought this might happen. So maybe he will be all better soon so he and his aunt Lisa can party! lol I am so excited. I will post more pictures when I get them of us together. Then I have a suprise picture that will make everyone giggle!

Lots O Tidbits

2007-08-09T12:54:00.000-05:00

So I haven't posted in a few days. Not a lot has been going on except for the working. So I thought I was just update on a few things and then I have a few little stories. I hope this blog finds everyone well.
Last weekend Jon and I did not do a whole lots. It was kind of a lazy weekend. Friday Jon and I went to dinner and did a little shopping. Saturday we went yard selling and played cards with friends that night. Sunday we had our regular routine, and we did go play golf. That was fun. Sunday we had a retirement party for one of the elderly ladies that work for Jon. We had fun! She enjoyed herself very much! She is a sweet lady.

This week has been a little hectic. Monday was definitely a Monday! I just had a bad day all the way around. I snapped at everyone. I had a headache all day long so I was not in the best of moods. I ended up going to be very early. Tuesday Jon had a headache so we did nothing after work. We just swapped bad moods. Now Wednesday was interesting. I noticed my car was driving really rough. So when I got to the gas station I got out to check the tires. You should note that my tires are NEW! Well the driver's side front tire had a HUGE BUBBLE in the sidewall. It looked like a dinosaur eggs had been stuck in there. Well I call Jon and call daddy because we had gotten them from daddy's work. Well I drive home on it, and by the time I got there it was losing air because the tire had pulled the rest of the way from the rim. Needless to say that Jon had to change a tire. So he is driving my car with the spare and I am driving his.
While we were outside changing the tire the little neighbor boy came over to talk to us. He sat on the curb with me. He was so dirty, but cute. He is 3. We still do not know his name, but he was going to talk to Jon about our flat tire. He just talked and talked the whole time while eating a piece of balled up slice cheese. He was so dirty, but he did enjoy his cheese. I thought it was hilarious. Jon and I had a lovely dinner. We just sat and talked forever. It was nice to get to catch up on the week after us being so busy and sick.

Today is my nephew Dawson's birthday. He is 8 years old today. However, he was unhappy because he had to start school on his birthday. Jon and I sent him a balloon to the school with a candy bag attached to it! I am going to call him tonight. We are going to get to see all of our family in Gordo in like a week and a half. We are going down for the weekend. I can't wait. I miss my daddy and Regina, but I also miss everyone! I just can't wait to see everyone and TALK!

Jennifer, my sister-in-law is doing somewhat better. She is still not healing as quickly as the docs would like, but improving a little everyday. Thank Goodness.

My sister Jill is having her baby on the 15th! She is having a little boy. I can't wait. We went and saw them this past weekend. A.J. their youngest started school today for the first time. I have to call and see how that went! I will post pictures of the baby when I get them.

WE have two people trying to convince us to get another dog. The dogs are puppies, and very cute. However, we have one big dog now, and she spoiled and very territorial. So I do not think I am ready to be a momma to two yet!

Well as far as the rest of my family they all seem to be doing fine. I talked to Nicole on Tuesday. I haven't talked to Timmy in a couple weeks, but I will hopefully get to see him soon. Jon's family is doing well.

So how about the space shuttle launch. Every time I see that it amazes me even more. How I would love to explore space. It just so cool! OH, and the priest that was arrested for running naked!?! He said he was running early so no one would see him. That made me giggle!
Well I guess that is all for now. I have not major plans for the weekend until Sunday. After church Sunday our friend Justin is having a sports day, then we are all going swarming. Well talk to you all soon!

My day so far...

2007-08-01T14:42:00.000-05:00

Alright, so my day so far has been a roller coaster. This morning I got up, and Jon and I left the house at the same time. Well traffic was really bad. I was in front, and Jon was driving behind me. I could not get out of the merge lane. So Jon let me over, then he let me over again, and then for a third time because I have to cross three lanes to get to my lane for exiting onto 459. I tell you what. Just the fact that he did that warmed my heart. I know that that is the polite thing to do in traffic, but it made me feel so loved. He was running late, but instead of zooming past me he waited so I could cross. I mean that boy cares about me so much, I felt so loved. It is the smallest thing, but man! It showed me that he cares about #1 my safety and #2 he wanted to make sure he baby was going to get across. It was just a little way of showing his affections that meant so much to me. I guess I should say that I hate traffic, and he knows how nervous it maeks me, so that is why it made me feel so loved. He may not be the most romantic guy, but he sure knows how to make this girl's day!
Now at work we were having a BLOOD DRIVE. Being the person that I am, giving blood is not a pleasurable experience, but it is something that I do and that we all should do if we are able because it saves lives. So I took my fear of needles, suppressed it, and allowed my veins to be abused. I must first say that the ladies that took care of me were some of the most friendly ladies! The Red Cross has some wonderful people working for them.
I went to give. They stuck me and I was fine, but I was bleeding really fast! I filled my pint within like 4 minutes. Well, I think maybe I filled it too quick because I started filling faint. They gave me the cold compresses, something to drink, and reclined me. After a few seconds of seeing double I was fine. I should just inform all of you that the dramatic process I just described is actually normal for me when I give blood. However, what happened about 15 minutes after leaving the donation site wasn't. I was sitting at my desk when all of a sudden I got extremely hot. I tried reclining, drinking some soda, holding my feet up, but nothing was working. I was about to pass out at my desk, OH NO! I tried calling my boss, but had trouble picking up the phone. After three tries I finally got her, and all I could get out was: I don't feel well, I am hot, can you help? They finally got me back to the donation site, got me cooled off, some sugar in me, and then I promptly went to eat a bite. Needless to say that was scary. My darn eyes were rolling back in my head! HELLO, I was freaking out. Now it is 3:12 here, and I feel as good as could be expected. I am, however, very tired and weak. I can't wait to get home to cuddle up with Jonathan, and let him baby me.

P.S. If you do not mind say a quick pray for my sister-in-law Jennifer. She had surgery, but she is not recovering like she should. They may have to go back in! My nephews start school next week, and she can't even get them ready! She is hurting, and I am sure a little nervou! So lets all pray that God will fix her right up! (Please think of my brother and nephews too) Thanks, and I will keep you posted about her condition! HuGs!XxXxXx

Living our love song...

What I am Loving Wednesday....

We're Famous....

Five Question Friday

What I am loving Wednesday....

Monday...Monday...Jesus Culture

Five Question Friday

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

Five Question Friday

3 Bottles of Free Nail Polish...just pay the shipping! *****Super Deal******

Is feeling feisty...

So ready for our "Secret" Getaway!

All about Christmas...

Asking for your prayers....

Happy Holidays!

Pretty in Pink Pictures

Oh so Pretty in Pink!

My heart is full...

91 days left...here we go!

God has blessed me....

Trusting God

Happy Valentine's Day

I'mmmmmmm back!

Christmas Vacation!!!

Christmas Survey

The Big News....

Hot Water Heater...Best Buy

It is Christmas Time!

What are you thankful for?

What are you thankful for?

Another baby....

The Verdict is in: YUMMY

Yummy goodness!

Holiday Plans

My Favorite Things Swap

Off...for a long weekend!

GO VOTE!!!

Happy Halloween

A weekend full of children!!!

What to give....

Happy Birthday Jonathan!

Gordo...

Guess whose going to Gordo?

It's Birthday Week!

FIREPROOF....your marriage.

MY DADDY...the motorcycle man!

My gift! A couple new skillets!

Our Tickets Are Here!

Dear Lord,

Fall is in the Air!

Tiffany's having a baby!

Update:

Please Pray!

Simplicity

Better Late than Never!!! Right?

It is OFFICIAL!!!!!!!

Yard Sale....Fianlly it is over!

Prayer Request

ARG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am seeing red!

A song that I have fallen in love with!

HOUSES....I mean really! You have to be kidding me!

Things that irritate me!

New Car

Happy Anniversary Baby!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ME!

Happy Valentine's Day

Great Website

Heath Ledger

Hair-dos, Highlights, Seafood, and random comments!

GIRLS NIGHT

Under the Weather and hit by a MACK TRUCK

Movies

Happy New Year...

So busy...so many things to do, so little time!

Happy Thanksgiving!

WOW

Suprise! Suprise! Suprise!

Christmas.....

Halloween Costume

Burrrrrrrrrrr....it is cold!

3 Bottles of Free Nail Polish...just pay the shipping! *Super Deal**