Christmas Vacation!!!

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

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....

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!

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

Hot Water Heater...Best Buy

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!

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!

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?

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?

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....

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

• 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!

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

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

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!

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!!!

Happy Halloween

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

A weekend full of children!!!

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....

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!

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...

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?

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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,

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!

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!

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:

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!

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

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?

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!!!!!!!

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!

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

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!

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!

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!

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!

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

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!

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!

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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...

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.