I'm Back! + 6 Month Recap

Hello blogosphere! It's been 6 whole months since I last posted to this dusty ol' blog - wowzer. Some days I can't believe I've stayed away this long and then other days, I can. So much life has happened in the last six months and really, that's been my biggest reason for staying away. Instead of writing about all that's been going on in our lives, we've been working through it. But don't hear me wrong - we're good! Ultimately, the last six months has been a time of God growing Luke and me. In our relationships with Him, in our marriage, and in our faith. It's good stuff, y'all. 

Let's start back in March, shall we?

March/April. March was great. I turned 27 on the 26th and I was nearing the end of my second tax season working in marketing for a tax prep company. Early April brought a new job for Luke - which was a huge blessing in disguise - because about a week after the tax season ended, my company was restructured and our entire team was cut (plus many others). I can't say that I didn't expect this at all. Hindsight is always 20/20 and looking back, the writing was on the wall. But the best part was that I had complete peace about it. I was confident in God's greater plan and immediately jumped into job hunting.

May. In May, my family took a week-long beach vacation to Port Aransas and the timing couldn't have been better. I was still job hunting and could relax 100% on vacation knowing that work wasn't going to be calling me. At the end of the week, Becca and I ran in the 2014 Beach To Bay Relay Marathon in Corpus Christi. We ran each others' legs too, so we put in right at 9 miles each. It was a great way to end our vacation!

 {Our little family}

{Becca and I after Beach To Bay}

At the same time, Luke and I had found a house in Corpus Christi that we wanted to rent and put a deposit down. I was a few rounds into a job interview that I was confident would end in a job offer and Luke's new job was going well. We got approved for the house, packed up a trailer full of furniture and boxes we'd had in storage in Hallettsville (where my parents live), pulled out of the driveway to head towards Corpus Christi with our things, looked at each other, and both said..."No." It hit us immediately. This wasn't the plan; it didn't feel right. God wasn't calling us to Corpus. I called and backed out of the interview process and we lost our $800 deposit on the house (ouch). But it was the right decision. And in the next few days, we drove to Houston to visit my friend, Sarah, who had just had a baby, and it was on that trip we felt God moving us to Houston. 

June. In less than a month, I had a job offer in Houston, TX. When God speaks, He speaks! We were and are still very blessed that Luke's job has him traveling around (mostly) South Texas, so his home base can be anywhere he is accessible to work. On June 19th, I started my new job as the business development manager for a software company in Houston that works mainly with the major players in the refining/chemical space. It was a career move I never expected to make, but I can't even begin to tell you guys what a blessing this job has been for me and Luke. The work culture, my colleagues, the way every day on the job looks a little different...God hand-picked this job for me and I'm humbled every day that this is the direction He's taking my career!

July. Now, here's the fun part. On July 3rd, Luke and I found out that not only were we in a new city with new jobs, but a new creation was also being formed in my belly. I was just over 4 weeks pregnant! Shocked is probably the best way to describe our reactions. We knew that a baby was in the nearer future, but we weren't expecting for this to happen quite as soon as it did. It took a couple of wide-eyed weeks, but we eventually settled into the idea of becoming parents. And where were we living, you ask? Ahhh, yes. The answer would be with my aunt and uncle temporarily while house hunting. Again, signs that this little peanut wasn't 100% planned, ha! Our casual house hunting turned into house hunting in OVERDRIVE. New city, new jobs, new baby...let's just add a new house on top of it!

{Photo by Journey Tree Studio}

August. You know how when people buy new houses, they post these super cute pictures to social media of themselves signing papers or standing in front of said house? It always looks soooo easy. Umm, NO! That wasn't the case for us at all. I'll spare you the details, but after having a contract on one house, backing out, competing for a second house, being outbid by other buyers, and then being asked if we still wanted the second house because the other buyers backed out, I literally had a panic attack. Seriously. Hysterically crying, driving down Beltway 8, approximately 9 weeks pregnant or so. Can anyone say hormones?? Beyond that, we had loan changes, special conditions, etc. that about put this first-time preggo chick over the edge. We closed on our house on September 9th and to say it was a glorious day would be the understatement of the century. Can't believe we survived!

{Casa de Hinton}

And now it's September. I'm just over 15 weeks pregnant and we're homeowners. Moving commences next Thursday and we couldn't be more excited! After all that's been going on these last few months, I couldn't help but start to feel like I was missing the chance to document this next chapter of our lives: baby, living in the burbs, and being grown-ups (is that what we are??). So, I'm back! I can't wait to give you guys more detailed updates on this little barnacle that's attached himself/herself to my stomach and to keep you posted on moving/house decorating! 

{Forgive my weird face; it's serious business taking selfies of baby bumps}

The last six months have had their share of ups and downs, but Luke and I cling to the fact that our God is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. For every disappointment we've felt, there has been a greater, ever better solution that we didn't see coming. God has opened all of the right doors and closed the wrong ones. It hasn't always been easy, but we've felt His peace. This is the song that was playing on KSBJ as we were driving home from closing on the house and I was rubbing my tummy. We are overwhelmed, grateful, and blessed.

Apartment Tour: The Kitchen

Since Luke and I have moved to New Jersey, I've had many people ask me to post about our apartment. I've wanted to, but with my crazy work/travel schedule and just never feeling like my apartment was as decorated or put together as well as I'd like, I just haven't. But Sunday afternoon, Luke and I were washing the dishes, I thought to myself, "Why not now? At least the kitchen it clean." Ha!

So, here begins my first installment of the "The Hinton's New (And Significantly Smaller) Home in NJ Tour," starting with: the kitchen.

Here is our little dining area. Being that we live in a pre-war apartment building, there are a lot of quirky characteristics about our apartment. The first being the built-in cabinets that you see behind the kitchen table {which I happen to love!}. 

I love my little "coffee bar" that I've set up on one of the kitchen windowsills. It's just the right size and I steal a few minutes in the morning, sitting at the table, acting as my own barista. {Side note: See the unpainted part of the wall behind the heater? It was like that when we moved in. I plan on painting it, but ya know...}

An opposite view of the dining area. I love the old window screen I have hanging on the wall, but I'm not sure what I'm doing with it. I might try to hang a free kitchen printable from Pinterest on it, but I haven't decided. Suggestions?

Quirky characteristic #2: Look at this tiny stove! Seriously, none of my cooking sheets that I was gifted from our wedding fit inside that thing. It actually came with a baking sheet that fits inside, thank goodness! And notice all the white? It drives me nuts! But I haven't decided whether or not I want to paint a wall or if we'll be in this apartment long enough for it to matter. Think I should?

Quirky characteristic #3: This sink. I've just never seen anything like it, except maybe in an old county home. The cabinets are metal painted, what else but, white. And the sink is like ceramic or something. But one think I love about this sink is the detachable sprayer thing. The water pressure is strong and makes doing the dishes a lot easier, especially since you don't see a dish washer anywhere.

We don't have a pantry, so we bought this big ol' guy at Target when we first moved in and I'm so glad we did! We normally put extra paper towels and laundry soap on the bottom shelf. Just ignore that third shelf. That is where all of Luke's work papers and other crap go to get forgotten about, ha!

And last, but certainly not least, my little family in the kitchen. I told Luke, "Babe, move out of my shot. I'm blogging about the kitchen and I need to get some pics," and he said, "Take our picture!" He's such a blogger's husband. :)

So, there it is. The Hinton's tiny kitchen. I know I keep saying tiny like it's a bad thing, but you know, I'll never forget this kitchen. So much character; such a fun little place to sit, drink coffee and blog. I will try to do a few more posts about out apartment, but don't hold me to any type of schedule. I have a few more things I'd like to do to both the living room and our bedroom before I share.

Have a blessed Tuesday!

Back together.

These three are officially in NJ to stay. My heart could not be more happy!

I flew back to the east coast on Saturday and Luke pulled into town on Sunday with the Uhaul, the pups, and his good friend, BJ, who helped him make the 1800-mile drive. There is so much to catch everyone up on, but for now I'll leave you with this picture from our quick, 30-minute walk to grab lunch this afternoon. I still cannot believe our entire family is back together, and in New Jersey of all places! So, so thrilled. :) 

Home.

Almost immediately after Luke and I decided that I would take a new job on the east coast, I began to pray about the place that we would call home. There is something about being a wife that makes finding and nurturing a home one of my top priorities in life. I want a cozy place for my husband to come home to after work; a place that smells like a baked apple pie candle and always has fresh flowers on the kitchen table. After accepting my new job, I knew finding our home in New Jersey was my next big task.
I didn't head up to New Jersey right away, but first began packing up life in Texas. One of the first days I spent packing, Phillip Phillips' song "Home" played on Pandora and for some reason, I began to tear up. Luke and I were still in the initial shock phase of the move where we couldn't believe we had actually said, "yes" to moving 1800 miles away from our family and friends. Although we both knew this move was a total God thing, Luke was definitely overwhelmed. As these words played on Pandora, I couldn't help but feel as though they were the words I wanted to say to Luke, but just couldn't form myself...
"Hold on to me as we go, As we roll down this unfamiliar road. And although this wave is stringing us along, Just know you're not alone. Cause I'm going to make this place your home."
I knew that God would provide a place for us and in fact, already had it picked out. This gave me peace, but searching for this new home was no easy task. His humor is funny though. It just so happens that after 6 days of searching (I'm talking all over North Jersey, Jersey City, Hoboken, Bayonne, and Brooklyn!), I decided to go with the very first apartment I saw, a sweet little place in Morristown, NJ. This decision did not come without it's share of fear, anxiety, and tears. But on Thursday, about 5 hours before it was time to make a decision (we had this apartment on hold for 72 hours), that same Phillip Phillips song came over the radio at the little cafe mom and I were eating at. The words I could make out over the conversation in the room sang the familiar words I had listened to at my house in Texas while packing...
"Settle down, it'll all be clear. Don't pay no mind to the demons; they fill you with fear. Trouble, it might drag you down. If you get lost you can always be found. Just know you're not alone,  Cause I'm going to make this place your home."
I am a firm believer that God can talk to you any way He wants. Yes, He speaks to us through the Bible. He can also speak to us through other believers or through worship music. But on that day, it was through a secular song on the radio. He wanted me to hear that familiar song that had touched my heart just days earlier. My heart had been heavy because I was worried about finding a home for my family, but God knew that I, too, needed to hear these words. I needed to be reminded that my Father lovs me, that he has led Luke and I to this point, and that He is going to make this new place my home, no matter what area Luke and I settle in. Hearing those lyrics gave my heart the peace I needed to get through those last few stressful hours and I'm so glad that God has placed us where He has!
So, want to see some pics of the new place? I thought y'all might. Just take into consideration that these were taken on my iPhone (not the best quality) and that the apartment isn't furnished. Once we get everything moved in, I'll post new pics to give you a better idea of what the place looks like.

The kitchen!
Remember, this is a pre-war building.
Those lovely shelves are built in!
The sink and more shelves are on the other side.






The left side of the bedroom. <-------
The right side. ------->
Check out those sconces! (on the left)
The FRIENDS apt had them, if you've never noticed, ha!

Bedroom closet

on the left.

Bathroom

on the right.

Luke and I

will survive,

I hope

promise!

That's our front door. I'm standing in the living room. 

Another view of the living room. This is from the foyer.
So, there she is. All 700 sq. ft. of our quaint, pre-war (but very well maintained!), and humble abode. :)
Oh, and one more thing. Right after I signed the lease, mom and I headed over to Ashley's Furniture to look for a new mattress. She had just gotten a great deal on a new mattress for their house and we wanted to see if the same promotion was going on in NJ. Not only did I buy Luke and I a new but, but I also got a steal of a deal on a 7-piece living room set. I'm in LOVE with it! The lamps might be my favorite part.

Luke and the pups get here in TWO WEEKS!! I can't believe it's been two weeks since I last saw my loves. I hope the next two fly by even faster! Please continue to keep Luke and I in your prayers as we are apart, as we travel, and as we continue to chase this new adventure. Your love, support, and prayers mean the world to us!

It is finished.

(Well, sort of. I still need to finish unpacking, but...) This past Sunday, Luke and I, along with two of our best friends, picked up a 17' Uhaul truck, packed up our 2 bedroom apartment, and moved out to Camp Zephyr! Yes, I am officially a "camp wife," I live in a town of 735 people (census 2000), and I now drive an hour to work one-way everyday. Yikes, right?!

Now, you're probably thinking, "How did Sara go from city-girl-New-Yorker to small-town-country-girl?" Well, no worries. I'm still a city girl at heart and plan on moving back as soon as the Lord's work through Luke and I in this chapter of our lives has been completed. So for now, we have been called to live and serve at Camp Zephyr. For those of you that don't know, my husband is the guest services manager at this beautiful South Texas Christian camp/retreat facility. This is where we met, fell in love, and spent our summers working as college students. We took engagement pictures on the camp grounds and were married about 20 minutes from its gates. To say this ministry has helped raised us is an understatement. We are excited about God's plan for us (full-time) at Zephyr!

{My movers, the hubs and the pup}

{The beautiful sunrise that greeted me on my official drive into work from the new house. South Texas is breath-taking at sunrise!}

As soon as I get some wall decor up, I will post pictures of the new house. I need to do a little work before then! I am pretty proud of our progress though. I've cooked two meals in this house, while Luke has set up our internet, Netflix, Hulu, AND has put together all of our new Ikea furniture. He's one stud of a husband. :)

Hinton Update!

Hey everyone! After a crazy week, I am so grateful for the weekend and some downtime to catch you up on all that has been going on in the Hinton household!! Luke has to work today, so Brooklyn and I are just hanging out at the apartment and being lazy, minus the laundry piles I still need to work on and the 3 mile run I have sworn to complete. I've been a little disappointed in myself lately because I'm way out of my normal workout routine. This all changes starting today!

{mo.ti.va.tion.}

House... Luke and I got an update yesterday on the house we'll be moving into (get caught up on that story here). It looks like the house should be ready for us to start moving into next week! The last few weeks have been a little stressful with working out the details of the move, but we're excited and are trusting in God's plan for this time in our lives. Be looking for more moving and decorating posts soon!

Work... When I showed up to work this past Thursday morning, there was a piece of paper laying upside-down on my desk. When I turned it over and read what it said, I got very excited!! On this paper was a travel itinerary for my very first work trip. I will be flying to Phoenix, AZ with two other colleagues of mine for a sales training seminar this December! I'm pretty excited for not only the chance to travel, but also the opportunity to grow my knowledge of this industry. Call me a nerd, but I can't wait for my business trip!

{Oh, hey Phoenix!}

Brooklyn... The pup is doing good, but she's been a little extra whiny lately. Her new favorite thing to do is to sit in front of the laundry room doors (we store her food and treats on a shelf behind these doors) and cry until someone gives her a treat. I have no idea where she learned this! When Luke has to stay the night out at the camp, Brooklyn loves to curl up in a ball and sleep on his side of the bed. I can tell she misses him when he's gone. She can't wait to move out to camp to live with her dad full time and to finally have a backyard to play in!

Travel... Luke and I are headed up to Waco, Texas for Baylor Homecoming in 4 weeks. I can't wait!! This will be our first Baylor Homecoming as a married couple, which makes this trip even more special. We're driving up to Waco early Friday to catch Singspiration Friday night. We'll go to the football game Saturday afternoon and to Saturday night's performance of Pigskin as well. I can't wait to see all of my college friends and to be back on Baylor's campus!

Shopping... Didn't you know there would be one of these? :) I haven't shopped too much lately, but last night Aubrey and I were walking around the mall and noticed that Gap was having a big weekend sale. I bought a cranberry-colored, 3/4-sleeve t-shirt (perfect for fall!) for $9.79, originally $24.50 and 3 pair of low-rise bikini panties for $2.79 each, originally $12.50 each. 68% savings, huzzah!

And last, but not least, I'm guest posting on Following The Walkers today! Go check it out! :)

Hope y'all are having a great weekend!!

Decorating Ideas!

Ok, friends. Since yesterday's post was a little sad, I've decided it's time to start looking on the positive side of things and to get happy again (*que Here Comes The Sun*). Since Luke and I are going to be moving into a house in the next few weeks or so, I wanted to show y'all a few decorating ideas I've been looking into on Pinterest (duh). 

{I'm absolutely in love with this windowsill. Our new house has a similar window above the sink and I will be trying to re-create this look to the best of my ability}

{I have an old window screen very similar to this guy, except instead of 8 small squares, it has 4 larger ones. I think I may paint the frame this exact color. Who knows where it will end up!}

{I am in LOVE with this office! Because our new house has 3 rooms and we don't have any kiddos yet, there is a good chance that one of the rooms will turn into an office/workout room. I wonder how Luke would feel about me re-creating this office?}

{When you walk into the back door of the new house, you walk immediately into a "mud room." I would love to re-paint and re-organize somewhat similar to this. We even have similar steps!}

{And to keep with the fall spirit, I must learn how to make one of these cute yarn wreaths! I'm a huge fan of something cute hanging on a door to reflect the current season}

What was your first/starter house like? Did you have to do a lot of work to it? If so, what improvements did you make? What was your favorite DIY project?