Chattanooga Update :)

I realize that I haven't posted since we've been in Chattanooga, and figured it was about time I did! We are still in love with this city and are so thankful for God allowing us to have the opportunity to live here. Brett has been very busy between studying hard to learn the State Farm lingo and traveling back and forth to Murfreesboro for training. He is really enjoying the program, and has met some great people and made new friends! I think he's really enjoyed the location because he's been able to meet up with alot of his old friends! Most importantly, Brett has found a place to play basketball here, hahah! I've started inservice, and got to see my new classroom, which is AMAZING! My favorite part is definitely the built in bookshelves and closets. I also got to meet my third grade team, and they are so wonderful. I'm very excited to work with them. However, I absolutely cannot imagine not seeing my sweet kids from last year walk down the hall to fourth grade.I have missed them so much this summer. I am so, so thankful that God placed me in Humboldt for my first year of teaching, and I will miss everyone there. I'll forever be grateful for all the things I learned there! Most of the things you hear about social networking are on the negative side, but I'm so glad we have networks like facebook, because I am able to keep in touch with some of my kids' parents and friends from there! Here are a few of our Chattanooga favorites so far.. Taco Mamacita- it's a problem for me.. The Icecream Show- another problem Tennis Amigo's Being on the River, Brett loves to water ski, but I am still too much of a chicken to try... Brainerd Baptist Church Brunch at Bluewater Not traveling 200 + miles every weekend :)! **Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires ** James 1:19

We're Moving!!!!!

I have waited a very long time (not so patiently) for this day to come. We are FINALLY moving out of Jackson! Brett will be starting a State Farm office, and I will be teaching third grade! We are so thankful that God opened these doors and truly believe that this is all happening because of much prayer. A week ago we were driving around North Chattanooga looking at houses, and I found one that I instantly loved. It was built in 1935 and has so much character. I absolutely love that Chattanooga has these cute, old homes. We have a lot of work to do to the house, but we are really looking forward to it. Last Sunday we discovered that the original hard wood floors are underneath the carpet in both bedrooms. Pulling up the carpet and refinishing those floors is project #1! I'll post pictures as we go!

Have Faith

"Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen me and yet have believed." John 20:29

This verse was shared in our Sunday school class last week and I was so touched by it. I really strive to be faithful, and it was nice to be encouraged by this message. Jesus understands that we might have doubts sometimes, and thats okay. However, keep the faith, and you will be blessed :).

Mike asked the question, "Where do you lack faith?" Some of the most common areas that we lack faith are: salvation, believing God is always in control, unanswered prayers, and believing God will provide during difficult times. Check out these verses if you are lacking faith... Romans 10:9 (Salvation), 2 Samuel 7:28 (God is sovereign and in control), Malachi 3:10 (God will provide), Romans 6:11-14 (Our sins have been paid for), Psalm 46:1 (Difficult times), Proverbs 15:29 (Unanswered prayers).

Spring Break 2012

This might have been the best spring break I've had. It started off with Bree's bachelorette party in Nashville. It was so good to catch up with some of my very amazing Chi Omega sisters. I forgot how much I miss having these girls in my life!
Then we were off to Chattanooga. Brett actually ran downtown with me, which I very much enjoyed. He usually runs so much faster than I do (he is twice as tall as I am...) so we don't normally run together because he's too fast, and I'm too slow, but he was sweet enough to run at a very slow pace with me! Tuesday morning, we randomly traded in our car for a new Jeep Cherokee. I am soooooo in love with it! Can I just say, my sweet husband traded in his dream car, that we bought 6 months ago, for me to have the Jeep. Such a sweet man he is! On a side note, I am a horrible driver, and it's best for others on the road, and me that I'm in a SUV. I can't see out of a car.
Finally, we went to our favorite vacay spot, Destin. Jessica and Jeremy joined us! We went to eat at all of the favorites: Red Bar, Great Southern, and Stinky's. I say favorites, but I am not a fan of Stinky's! We layed on the beach, shopped, and went to Rum Runners in Baytowne, for some great music and dancing. We had a wonderful time! I am so thankful for my fall and spring breaks, and am looking forward to experiencing a summer break! Knowing me, I'll get bored and find a summer job or something......... maybe not!
This is one of the first Easter's that I have not been in church, or dyed Easter eggs with my family. I will probaly not miss these special events again! Shout out to my sweet mom for sending Easter dinner to my house, and my Memaw, Grandan, and brothers for watching Teddy for 9 days! What would we do without our families?!

I also have some VERY exciting news that I absolutely cannot wait to share! Coming soon!

Piloxing/Running!!!!!

Have any of you ever tried a piloxing class? I did for the first time last night and it was a lot of fun! I also ran almost three miles...yay! I officially signed up for the Music City half marathon, so I have LOTS of work to do in preparing for it! I really wish it was warmer so I could run outside, but for now, the gym will do! On a side note- I always complain about our gym. Well, apparently it's under new ownership now and they are re-doing everything! It looks so much better. For what it's worth, I really appreciate it haha!!

Have a good night!

Pinterest Craft ~ Winter Wreath

I absolutely love pinterest! It is the perfect fix for a rainy, or in this month, cold day! I wanted a new wreath to put on my door for the winter. Of course, pinterest had a burlap wreath that was so cute, and really easy to make.

Here's what you need:
1 yard burlap (any color)
1 yard tulle (any color)
1 10 or 12 inch foam wreath
straight pins

Take the burlap and cut it into 4x4 squares. I cut long strips first, then made squares out of those. My squares were not perfectly sized 4x4's..so don't freak out about measurements! Take the two opposite corners of the square piece of burlap and make a triangle, then bring up the other two corners, too. Put a straight pin where all four corners connect and pin to the foam wreath. I just looped the tulle through the top of the wreath to make a bow. I also added a little wooden letter!

Happy New Year!

Happy 2012! I love starting a fresh new year and setting goals for myself. I'm so thankful for the new beginnings God allows us to have! We rang in 2012 with some of our best friends in wonderful Nashville. We ate at the amazing Merchants, downtown, heard some music, and finished the night with catch phrase at the Sheraton Music City! Last year we celebrated in Atlanta, and next year we have promised to celebrate in Chattanooga! I keep telling my bestie, Jessica Bills, that 2013 is our year (for many reasons :)!!!!

Last night, I made pork tenderloin, black eyed peas, cabbage, mashed potatoes, and an oreo cake. Brett and I made a list of goals for the year and sealed them up. We'll open the envelope next new year's day... starting our own little tradition!

Here are some pics, Happy New Year to you all!!