Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Pray for Arkansas


































When I hear about severe weather in Arkansas, I always worry. My college, Harding University, is there and my college roommate and other friends still live nearby. There was a lot of damage in the state and I just wanted to take a second to lift up all of the victims, their families, and the responders and send a little extra love, comfort, and prayer their way. #arkanstrong

Monday, April 28, 2014

All the Feelings...

















Oh man, I have ALL of the feelings right now. It's finally starting to hit us that we leave Tennessee in 5 weeks. Five Weeks ya'll. When we got back from our last Nashville trip, we really started to realize that there might not be another trip before we leave. Although we haven't really been as many times as we would like to, we have developed favorite places to go and it will be sad to leave them. Fortunately, we're going back to DFW and there are plenty of restaurants, malls, and fun things to do there. There is just something about Nashville though. It has this feel to it that I've always loved and honestly, if being near my family wasn't a factor, I would probably move there in a minute!

With all of the change on the horizon, I've also been laying awake most nights digging up my past. There are decisions I've made that I regret and I wish I could go back and change. I always make choices and then immediately wonder if I've made the wrong one. My faith is not what it should be and I am ashamed. The hubs and I talked about John 14 yesterday and I feel so much like Thomas. He asked Jesus how in the world would they know the way if they didn't know where they were going? Jesus tells him that He is the way. Perhaps if I will put my feet in His steps, I will finally find my way to the Peace that He offers.

If you pray, please say one for us as we prepare our home and ourselves for the long road ahead. If you don't pray, just think on us for a moment. Either way, the positive thoughts of others can do a lot of good.

I'm praying for the families that have been affected by the tornadoes sweeping the south. There is a lot of uncertainty ahead and my heart goes out to them....

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Happy Easter 2014!

"Then bursting forth in glorious day, up from the grave He rose again!"

It has been a such a beautiful weekend--Saturday we were fortunate to spend some time with Kristofor and Lauryn at the Loveless Cafe, did a little shopping at Opry Mills, and had a nice little Easter dinner with Kelsie. The Lord is so good to me!








*In case you're interested, my pink dress is from Cato's and the creamy dress is from Ross.

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Taking Stock

Making : Lists of all the things that must. get. done.
Cooking : Leaner Sloppy Joe's with ground turkey instead of beef. Tone It Up represent!
Drinking : Water. Always water.
Reading : Speak Love by Annie F. Downs--learning to use my words more positively. Especially words towards myself.
Wanting : To eat ALL of the candy and snacks my mom sent us in our Easter "basket." That woman is incredible.
Looking: At all of the blogs I follow on bloglovin. Such talented ladies out there.
Playing: With my nails--I'm obsessed with my cuticles and keeping them in order. 
Wasting: Time. I just can't seem to get myself to use it better. So. many. projects.
Sewing: Sadly, nothing. *See directly above.
Wishing: Summer would get here--Wamava here I come!
Enjoying: Almond butter--sweet and nutty, I love it more than PB but don't tell my husband!
Waiting: For 5:00. It's 67 degrees, sunny and a good day for a walk around the campus.
Liking: All of the shoes and bags on sale at Sole Society. Regrettably, no extra moolah for said shoes.
Wondering: If the boys in the office will answer the messages today.
Loving: My husband. Like a lot. Anniversaries always make me giddy with love!
Hoping: We'll find solid jobs when we get back to Texas after camp. 
Marveling: At the change in seasons--God keeps us on our toes for sure. It's a nice metaphor for not getting too comfortable with any situation...adaptability is key!
Needing: To know the plans for our Saturday trip to Nashville--we finally get to see Kris and Lauryn again! Yay!
Smelling: My almond butter. And Lysol wipes. Yikes.
Wearing: A summery top I got last year from Old Navy. And long hair that I'm still considering chopping off.
Following: The conversation trailing off down the hallway. Put my desk out in the open and I will hear things.
Noticing: Pain in my knee that occurs when I sit too long. Getting older.
Knowing: That aging takes courage. Am I ready to face the battle?
Thinking: About all of my to-do lists, the boxes piling up, and what the future will hold.
Feeling: Bored at this particular moment but in general: nervous/excited/terrified/hopeful
Bookmarking: All the things!!! 
Opening: The chips that came in the package my mom sent. Sour cream and cheddar--my fave!
Giggling: With my co-workers--everything has been hilarious today. Is there something in the air?
Feeling: How much I will miss the people I've come to love here--I wouldn't trade today for anything...

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Happy Three Year's!

I just want to say Happy Three-Year Anniversary to the man who drives me crazy and loves me more than I deserve. I love you handsome and I couldn't do it without you!

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

So Much on My Mind

My worrying heart is plaguing me. I feel as though I'm spiraling down deep chasm of fear, doubt, and regret. I hesitate to write about it here because most blogs are filled with the happy times: pictures of trips, new recipes, and good news. However, there is the other side of the coin; life gives us ups and downs and they are real, and honest, and should be shared because everything is not sunshine and rainbows.

I suppose in the grand scheme of things, my worries are small--but they are important to me and I'm praying that writing them down will help me see that it's only a list. A list to be checked off one-by-one and I will be fine.

Our future is so uncertain at this point. Anyone who really knows me well can tell you that having no concrete plan is akin to an unexpected tornado in my mind. There are a couple of things we do know: May 31st we get in the car and drive to Texas. June 6th we head to Virginia for camp. Once we get from camp, the plans are up in the air. No permanent dwelling and no tangible jobs. 

Thankfully, I have very loving and supportive parents because we'll be staying with them until we can get on our feet again. Joshua wants to take the Fire Fighter exam when it rolls around again but we don't even know when that will be or how many spots will be open in the department. My most current plans are to apply to Grad school and get back started on my Master's in Reading. I'm terrified that no one will hire me for this year though because it's been so long since I've taught and that was just student teaching. I probably wouldn't hire me either but maybe with this Master's I'll have a better chance. In the mean time, I guess I'll substitute teach to get me back in the classroom and also in with a few districts for when I finish my degree. 

In the mean time, we have a lot of packing to do and we have a lot of plans to make for camp. Each evening I start off with the best intentions to get things done, but I find that I just sit on the couch and watch too much television or spend too long on pinterest with pins that will likely never happen. My existence is so unfulfilled that the exciting parts just can't keep up with the lows. 

We need a new start for sure, but getting there is the most terrifying experience. I am praying daily for sanity, clarity, and direction. My trust in God's plan waivers constantly and I need to have faith that the other side is better....

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Funny Things My Husband Says...

As I'm getting in the car after work:

Him: I hit myself in the head today.
Me: Why?!
Him: I was practicing karate.


In bed:

Me: I'm talking away thinking he's awake, when in fact, he isn't.
Him: I'm your man!
Me: Are you awake?
Him: ......


Also, check out these photos from Kris and Lauryn's wedding. We're really gettin' down!


Monday, April 7, 2014

What I'm Pinning Lately...



It's no secret that I love Pinterest; besides, what woman doesn't love clicking on just "one last pin" only to discover that they've pinned right through making dinner and their an hour long episode of their favorite show? Anyhow, here are a few things I'm loving right now--maybe it's just me, but it looks like I need more blue in life....
Spring Stripes - Penny Pincher Fashion TRANSITION / THE LITTLE KIDS SHARED ROOM - BLEUBIRD--I really love the simplicity of the photos and the similar editing style Rock Necklaces: A variation on the age-old nature necklace, these wire-wrapped pendants are fun for kids to trade. Some girls paint their names on one side and their best friend's on the other, and wear them as a proclamation of their unbreakable bond.Bluetique Cheap Chic » That royal blue with the lace is perfect! Little braids into a big messy braid. Navy midi skirt, grey tee, printed scarf, gladiator sandals--oh that skirt! Love the vest with a fancy necklace! 
*Click on the pictures to head over to their sources!

Sunday, April 6, 2014

I Love a Good Sunday

Although the weather isn't exactly ideal for a Sunday afternoon, it's still warm enough to leave the windows open and let out some of the winter air. I'd say today was quite the success for us; I make Protein Pumpkin Muffins, the hubs is baking bread(sorry ladies, he's mine. forever.), and I've packed two more boxes for the big move in May.

Now I'm listening to Mae, feeling nostalgic for the college days, and waiting oh so patiently for a fresh slice of homemade bread. Day made. <3


Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Atlanta Pictures!!!

Here are a few(maybe a lot) of pictures from our Spring Break trip to Atlanta!











































































































Thanks for sticking it out through all the photos--these are just a handful of the favorites that I took!