The Character to Commit and Complete

Gumption that is! And exactly what I am working to adhere to daily; however, this is quite the difficult task!

It has been a full fall season so far. Testing, conferences, and football games. I have enjoyed the positive stress but am ready for the holidays! My to do list is ever-growing for my time off. Saving for painting, fencing in the back yard, built in bookcases, etc. I must priorotize! Trying to find pictures for my inspiration...I will share when these are discovered.

Danny and I ventured up to Dahlonega, GA this past weekend. What a hidden gem! The town is very quaint and quiet, yet the local shops and dining opportunities are bursting with flavor and adventure. I especially enjoyed the High Cotton Boutique. I also had an amazing eggplant parmesean sandwhich for lunch. We stopped at the fudge factory on the way out of town to Wolf Creek Winery. Gorgeous!!! The wine and scenery! While we did not grab a bite to eat at the cafe, it is definitely on our list to revisit.

Since the leaves have started falling and pumpkin spice lattes have made their seasonal debut, I have learned the following: My house is not baby proof (yet!), Footloose will make anyone want to stop everything and dance, and the Christmas decorations that Macy's puts up in October will never be premature.

Whitney

What's New?

Goals, goals, goals! Like...blogging more! This is a goal of mine that I AM going to surpass! 

A new goal of mine has been to work out more and put this over schoolwork. I have started a Yoga class at my school twice a week that I am loving! I have also started running again (yes, again. Some of you may be saying, but you have never run). You seen, I got into it with 2 awesome friends from school at the beginning of the year. Life and my need for sleep quickly got in the way, so this was put on the backburner. No more! Working out makes everything from my spirit to my attitude better, as well as the fit of my jeans!

This week is conference week. My students have done well with meeting and surpassing their own goals. It has been rewarding to brag on them and meet the very people that have shaped them into such neat ten year olds! I have almost completed the first semester of my doctorate degree...wow! Only 8 more to go...I think I can, I think I can. Insert motivation here.

I have also learned that fall is very much the new wedding season. As I am getting booked up to coordinate for weddings in the spring, I am enjoying these beautiful fall events with such awesome couples. I have also found my new "favorite wedding moment." This is actually during the rehearsal when the couple looks each other in the eyes and begin to rehearse vows. It seems to be that "this is for real" moment for each of them and is very magical to witness. God has truly blessed me with the opportunity to work with such amazing people to help make their special day priceless.

Coming up in my life...I am going to a doctor next week for my long-term voice issues that I have been struggling with. I hope that this Nashville expert can give me suggestions to "fix" my voice and be able to sing like Carrie Underwood again! Ok, so maybe I am not quite there yet, but karaoke worthy for sure! This is a passion that I truly would love to be able to do more in church and for fun! So big prayers needed please!

Danny and I booked New York City for Thanksgiving!!! Danny's dream has been to be in NYC for the Macy's Day Parade...so we thought what better time than now! We will hoping be waving to the family! Prayers needed here though for this country couple on teacher budgets! I will be sure to post pictures and happenings.

As you can see, I do check things off my checklist and plan a little, meeting a few goals along the way. I enjoyed reading a quote by Henry Ford that states: "Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal." This is very true and a great depiction of what I have learned first and foremost lately. Take it or leave it. 

Cheers, Whitney  

Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice!

Many of you are already aware I assume that Starbucks brought back their pumpkin spice lattes today. Did they really know that Georgia was going to have its first fall day of the year? Leave it to Starbucks to be that good! However, do not pack away that summer wardrobe just yet my friend, we are back in the 80s next week.

On my mind today are trivial things like...could NBC provide a better bachelor candidate, for this show really is my out and I must have it each season! I'm afraid to say that I will not be tuning in for Mr. Ben. =(
And more serious thoughts such as....the People magazine article on the Children of 9/11. It truly puts these trivial things in perspective. This week will definitely be more reflective and memorable for some than others, but I think we all need to take the time to reflect and pray for those who lost loved ones.

On a lighter note, I had one of those moments today when I truly feel complete in my career choice. One of my sweet students wrote a narrative on "The Most Interesting Person He's Ever Met." I felt a little awkward conferencing with him on his paper and the entire thing being about me. The words he used to describe me and the innocence about the paper brought tears to my eyes and made me realize just how much I am of a role model to the children I teach. It also made me realized that even though fifth graders are close to age to middle school, their hearts are far from it.

I came home feeling extremely motivated and stress free, so I decided to bake! I baked cupcakes and cookies for my jewelry party I am hosting tomorrow after school. Pictures to come of the adorable cupcakes. Since I am in the Marth Stewart mood, I am also making my wish list for fall and holiday decor for my house. Anyone hiring? Because I will definitely need another job to fulfill this list!

It is a short week...we can do it! Here's to wishing, hoping, and praying that the DAWGS win this weekend!

Pencil and Paper

Well, back to school is officially here! I have had a positive two weeks of getting to know my new babies and their families. I am enjoying my new school and feel so grateful to be here! I know that I am officially a nerd, because I get so excited entering Wal Mart or Office Depot and seeing buggies full of supplies!

I started data notebooks with my students this year...my third year doing them. It is so neat to see ten year olds make goals about school, sports, their family, and their faith. WOW-they get more mature as the years go by. I too started my five year journal a few months back. I highly recommend this....http://www.fredflare.com/AT-HOME-stationery/5-Year-Diary/. This is not the exact journal I have, but it is very similar. You basically write a small blurb each day on a page with 5 entries. The following year, your blurb for that same day will be under your previous year's entry. It is an awesome way to see where life is taking you and the things you have overcome. You will be amazed at how refreshed and relaxed you feel by simply using pencil and paper.

I am now feeling more convicted because although I have been dedicated to my journal, I have been slightly off with blogging. More to come, more frequently! Check out my new links under USANA and Stella and Dot as well.

I hope all of you teachers have had a great start to the school year. Remember that you may be the only hope to a child's future and their success (even the HTL-hard to love- ones)!

Follow Through

14 days later...and I am writing my next post. I promise to be more faithful and write more often. The last fourteen days have been productive and exhausting all in the same. My classroom is set up and in working order. I met my gems today and already love each of them. This year is sure to bring excitement, laughter, and the molding of minds (mine included)!

14 days later...and I have revamped my energy to stay on a budget. Please do not ask me how this is going until a month or so...it is going to take some time adhering to. I have however lost 4 pounds and managed to stick to my gym routine thanks to my jumpstart from Usana'a reset. Amazing process that truly changed the way I crave foods and feel throughout the day. Unfortunately, it did not quite change my lack of dancing skills in Zumba class. =/

14 days later...and I have made some wonderful new friends at my new school. There is nothing like friends to get you through any type of mood, activity, feeling, etc. I have also re-united with some old friends through Bachelorette viewing parties on Monday nights! Team JP!

Looking forward to my first official week with kiddos next week. Praying that all teachers have an awesome week. This I have recently learned and now know....do NOT pre number anything in your classroom until after the first week, hot glue does not come off of gel nails, and roach bugs love hanging out near my school trash can (I will overcome the fear of them one of these days)!

Whitney

Momentum Moments

Do you ever wonder why sometimes you are driven, determined and feel as if you could set the world on fire while other days you are unmotivated, grumpy, and soothe your soul by being a couch potato and watching your entire dvr list in one sitting? Please tell me I am not alone. My momentum has been so up and down lately, and I truly must get it balanced before school starts back...1 more week...help!!! I can say that I am excited to meet my new gems and label dividers in binders! I have just gotten oh so used to catching any and every class at the gym, sleeping in, and playing with Ruby. My moments of warp speed momentum must stay!

I am in Day 3 of 5 on Usana's reset. I am feeling great and noticing a difference in my (lack of) cravings. It has been a great energy boost and goal accomplishment even if I still do not rock daisy dukes like J Simp! Please let me know if you would like to pursue your Reset journey and make life changes as well.

Sunday is my next Stella and Dot party. Feel free to come and bring friends! 2-4p.m. at our house.

Until next time, I will conclude with my know alls for the week: I now know that I will always be a nerd, budgeting is far more important than it seems despite the negativity of turning down a great pair of shoes, and there really are friendly people left in the South who wave at you when you drive by!

Thanks for reading!

Stella and Dot

I am having another Stella and Dot Jewelry party on Sunday, July 24th from 2-4pm at my house! Refreshments and snacks will be served. Stella and Dot just released their new fall line, so be sure to drop in and check it out. It will be a fun afternoon of girl talk, trying on designer pieces, and getting great deals! You won't want to miss it! But if you do, check out http://www.stelladot.com/ ! Feel free to bring friends as well!

Southern Saturdays

So I take back what I said about sweating...spin was very envigorating this morning and I could almost feel the calories being swept away! However, I followed it by attending the Suwanee farmer's market where I indulged in a tasty, watermelon lemonade and endless samples of salsas, jams, and jellies. This is why I work out--to eat the fine delicacies we have in the South! I did end up getting a heap of veggies, salsa, spreads, and stuffed tomales for only $27. I left with feeling as if I had gotten my money's worth...highly recommend it. Saturday's from 8-noon and Tuesday evenings from 4-7pm.

My afternoon consisted of a shopping trip to Costco...not my idea of grocery "ing." My type A personality needs labeled isles, large selections, and bagged purchases.

I came across a great verse today:
"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."              2 Corinthains 4:16-18

This made me better analyze my current transformation of bringing more balance in my life between being a wife, daughter, sister, and teacher. I am always renewed and should embrace every second of the process. How are you being transformed? What renews your spirit?

One Hot Day

I have officially decided that I do not like to sweat. Even glisten. After running many needed errands today, I look as if I ran a marathon-gotta love these hot, Georgia summers. I also revealed my true southern nature while in line at Chickfila. A little girl randomly came up to me after wandering too far from the play area and asked for "pop." It took me a couple of minutes getting her to describe what she meant for me to realize she was in fact a Yankee, and wanted "coke!" I was literally searching around for lollipops thinking that you never know what Chickfila has begun to offer for kids!

I am currently cooking up enchiladas for tonight's small group get together. I am using a new recipe and realize that I like to cook way more than I let on. I am also doing the whole, "a little of this sounds good, a little of that seems right." Look below for the recipe! Finding the time however is a whole nother' story folks! I am sure I am not the only one in this predicament.

I do not have much else for today. Lessons learned...stick to the men's section at Nordstrom (it ends up being cheaper when you meant to only pick up an item for your husband) and elderly ladies in Keds are about the cutest things I've seen in a while. Hope everyone is having a fabulous week!

Whitney's "Little Bit of Everything" Enchilada's

3c of diced chicken or 2 chicken in a can
4oz can of diced green chiles
1 10oz pkg yellow saffron rice
1 can black beans
2 tsp taco seasoning
1 15oz pkg pie crust
1 8oz pkg cream cheese

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Precook rice by bringing to a boil over the stove until soft (about 15 min). Mix cooked rice, chicken, chiles, beans, taco sauce, and cream cheese together in a large mixing bowl. Roll pie crust into 15" rounds. Use a pizza cutter to cut 3' rounds. Stuff each round with a spoonful of mix. Fold ends together and press gently with a fork edge. Place each on a greased cookie sheet. Paint edges of folds with water for a golden brown look. Bake in oven for 15 minutes. Enjoy!

Inspiration

I have promised myself to fully commit to this blog and post often. My current state of relaxation is due to my summer vacation...oh the joys of being a teacher! I began the journey of pursuing my doctorate degree two weeks ago, so far so good. I am sure that you will see some of my highlights and hear my woes along the way, but it will be worth it all in the end. My summer obsessions thus far include photography (loving my new Nikon D3000), spending time with family, working on my tan while preserving my skin with sunscreen at the same time, planning my future travels, becoming more healthy (be sure to check out my fitness section), and working through my transformation of self as God continues to show me new things each day. Things I know so far is that adulthood has come on all too quickly, shopping will always be an obsession of mine, and hair never looks good in the morning!

Thanks for following my blog! I look forward to comments, questions, and writing more!