Welcome to Atlanta...

Lots of changes in the past few weeks - new city & new job! I've recently moved to Atlanta and I just started work with a wonderful law firm. It's been an adventure so far just figuring out how to get from the apartment to work and back home again, but I imagine I'll start to find my way soon enough.  My roommate snapped this awesome picture on my first day of school work. It's nerdy, but pretty endearing. I must say I am glad that she captured the momentous occasion :)

Cottonbaler Ball

On Saturday, Matt & I attended his Battalion Ball at the Marriott on River Street. He looked so handsome in his dress uniform! I made him explain the significance of each decoration on his uniform - but I'm afraid I would mess up if I tried to list some of them. Needless to say, I'm a proud fiance.

Here's all the guys - so sharp in the dress blues!

 Matt & SFC Solomon

Melissa & I before the dinner. She'll be tying the knot in a few weeks!

I really enjoyed seeing all of the traditions and formalities that the soldiers recognize. Matt's Regiment dates back to the Battle of New Orleans in 1815 and has such a rich heritage. Before dinner, several toasts were made - "To the United States of America, To the Commander-in-Chief, To the 3rd Infantry Division, To our Fallen Comrades....."  It was special to be a part of a tradition that dates back so far.  

It was powerful to look across the ballroom and see hundreds of men standing proudly in their uniforms, singing the Army song. It's been a challenge, and scary at times, but I'm thankful that through Matt, I've learned so much more about our military. And The Army Goes Rolling Along..............

Solomon Wedding

On Saturday, Matt & I went to the wedding of his former Platoon Sergeant.  It was a beautiful wedding and I was excited that I wasn't going solo, or as a 3rd wheel! I had a date, I had a date, I had a date, hey hey hey hey! Both SFC Solomon & his wife are in the Army. The bride was b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l!

Solomon was so funny because he would stop in the middle of the aisle and pose for pictures; it was hilarious!

He's been such a good friend to Matt while he's been at Ft. Stewart and I was happy that we could celebrate with them on thier special day.

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Solomon!

HHI

Matt & I took a quick vacation to Hilton Head and we were able to soak up the sun for a few days. It was such a treat! I am incredibly jealous that Matt tans so easily while I constantly lather on the SPF.

At night we met up with friends that were in town. I'm not sure what we were celebrating here with the giant party hat. 

 

Just a quick recap of the beach trip - I wish I was there now!

Sweet Isabelle

One of my oldest friends from home, Ellen, recently had a baby girl that is just too cute. Ellen and I grew up in church together and it was so special to see Isabelle be baptized there.  She is such a beautiful baby.

It seems like yesterday that Ellen & I were playing man hunt in the sanctuary and going to youth group lock-ins. It's hard to believe she & TJ have a precious little one.  After church, Ellen & TJ hosted a reception at thier home. I had to take a picture of the cake ... isn't it sweet?!

                                                               Love this happy little one!



Matt's Homecoming

This post is a bit overdue, but I'm happy to share the news nonetheless! Matt is finally home from Iraq and I am so thankful! I wanted to share a few pictures from the welcome home ceremony. We heard that the troops would arrive to Ft. Stewart around 9:00 p.m., so of course I made the Flowe and Reese families get there at 6:00 p.m. just to be safe.  Matt's family was so excited and his Mom brought flags for everyone to waive.

The guys finally arrived much later than expected and it was so dark that it took me a while to find Matt. There were hundreds of guys that all looked alike. When we finally found each other, I practically shoved another soldier out of the way so that I could get to Matt. I was so so happy to finally hug him.

The welcome home ceremony was so sweet and I loved seeing all of the little kids with their "Welcome Home Daddy" shirts. The Army band played lots of patriotic songs and the spirit in the air is something that I will never forget. My heart really felt like it would explode.

We spent the next few days in downtown Savannah. Matt was excited to wear normal clothes and eat good food.

 Cory, Matt & Reynolds

 So happy to be together

Thank you friends & family for all of your prayers and love and encouragement over the past year. Matt & I have so much to be thankful for!

My Maids are Getting Married!

Several of my dearest pals and bridesmaids have recently gotten engaged (or married) and I couldn't be happier!!! I'm so excited to be able to share in the wedding fun with each of them!

Jennifer & Jesse got married in May, & it was one of the most fun weddings I have ever been in!

Mary Andrews & Griffin got engaged around Memorial Day weekend

My cousin Taylor and her boyfriend Tripp got engaged last week:

And Meredith & Jamie got engaged TODAY!

I love these girls so so much and I'm excited about all the fun times ahead :)

Tie a Yellow Ribbon 'Round the Old Oak Tree

...or Pecan tree - that works too right?

I'm so excited because Matt is scheduled to return next week! I can hardly wait! No more Skype, or being a 3rd wheel at weddings with my couple friends, or eating alone at the bar at Outback (yes, I occasionally take myself out on a date). When I spoke with Matt, he asked me what our plans were for next weekend .... OUR plans for NEXT weekend!!!! It hardly seems believable that I will be seeing his sweet face so soon!

It's an old-fashioned tradition to put out a yellow ribbon to signify the homecoming of a loved one, and as you probably know, I'm a bit old-fashioned.  Plus, if you've ever heard the song, it's so endearing. For a good throwback to the '70s, and to hear the sweet song:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjqBhZj_37U.

Update on AB

AB should be homeward bound within the next three hours! We're so happy that the doctors approved her to travel. If you'll join me in praying that she has a safe and uneventful journey home, I'd be grateful.  Thank you for your love & prayers. I must say that nothing surprises me anymore with my sister!

prayer request

My little sister has been studying abroad in rural China for the past few weeks, and she has been in and out of the hospital with abdominal pain while she's been there. The physicians believe it is appendicitis, which may or may not require surgery rather immediately. I'm currently on stand-by with my bags packed and ready to fly to Shanghai to meet her (as I'm the only one in the family with a Passport). We're waiting to hear if she's approved for travel back to the U.S. or if she'll need to have the surgery there - it's starting to sound like she's well enough to come home.  I know my sister is scared (but in good spirits), and my parents are worried. Please say a prayer for my sister and the doctors that are caring for her in China. The past 48 hours have been incredibly nerve-wracking and confusing. The language barrier and difference in time has added to the frustration; but thankfully, she's with a group from the school that has been so kind and patient.
I know the Lord is looking over my sister. Mom told me this morning that she had gotten in touch with a missionary couple that is in the same city as AB and they've already gone by the hospital to visit her.  Their last name is Miracle - how amazing.
My devotional book, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, is wonderful and the passage from a few days ago really comforts me. I hope it can comfort you through any hurdles you may be facing:

Welcome challenging times as opportunities to trust Me. You have Me beside you and my Spirit within you, so no set of circumstances is too much for you to handle. When the path before you is dotted with difficulties, beware of measuring your stength against those challenges. That calculation is certain to riddle you with anxiety. Without me, you wouldn't  make it past the first hurdle!The way to walk through demanding days is to grip My hand tightly and stay in close communication with Me.  Let your thoughts and spoken words be richly flavored with trust and thankfulness.  Regardless of the day's problems, I can keep you in perfect Peace as you stay close to Me.

5 Months Away!

In 5 short months Matt & I will be tying the knot! Mama & I picked up the dress last weekend, and it's starting to really sink in that I'm getting married. Mama enjoyed playing "paparazzi" as I left the store.

Although it's been tough having Matt away during the past year of our engagement, I'm so thankful to have girlfriends that are loving and patient, and don't mind listening to me talk on and on about china patterns or first dance songs. Wedding planning has been so fun, and I've especially enjoyed all time I've spent with my dear Mama - she is such an amazing woman. It's also special when friends from different stages in my life have gotten to meet.  I can't begin to imagine how wonderful it will be on our wedding day, to have the people we love all in one place together.  Just a few of the people I love  -

 Mama & Meredith in Charleston

Katy & Lauren in Macon

Taylor & AB

Kathryn, AB, Meredith, Taylor & Liz Ann - zlam :)

Memorial Day

I have always looked forward to Memorial Day as a reason to rest and enjoy a long weekend, but this year it meant much more. Before I met Matt, I'm embarrassed to say that the military never crossed my mind. I was certainly thankful for our service men & women, but I never had a personal connection to military.  Over the past four years, I've been introduced to a whole different world that really seems like a family, and I have a new appreciation for the sacrifices that were made by so many people. I'm especially thankful that we can set aside Memorial Day to honor them.

So far there have been 6,013 U.S. casualties in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.  It's a number that I have a hard time wrapping my head around, but when I think that each person was some one's son or daughter or father or husband, it really breaks my heart. There is a website that keeps track of the casualties, and when you put a face with a number, it is powerful.  http://militarytimes.com/valor/

Having become friends with only a few of the men and women that we send across the sea to protect us, I have a sense of gratitude now that I have never felt so deeply. It really moves me to my core when I think about all of the soldiers over the years that have made a conscious decision to serve the USA, many of whom have given their lives. They willingly offered to go where they were needed, and do what they were asked, putting aside everything else.  I'm filled with joy to know that Matt is coming home soon, but at the same time, my heart breaks for the families that are sending their loved ones over to replace him.

I know that there are so many men & women currently deployed that don't have much support back at home.  While Matt has received many letters and boxes filled with more Little Debbie Cakes and baby wipes than anyone could possibly need, there were several of his "buddies" that rarely if ever got a letter or care package. So I'm determined to make what little impact I can by writing random soldiers. Hopefully, it will let them know that someone really cares. If you're interested in doing the same, here are two websites that are helpful:
http://www.anysoldier.com/
http://www.letterstosoldiers.org/

Just Peachy in GA

It's official! I turned in my South Carolina license plate for a Georgia tag. This was my last "official" tie to the Palmetto State, so it was somewhat of a big deal for me. Byrd laughed at me for documenting the occassion. I'm getting really excited for the day that I can remove the "Half my heart is in Iraq" magnet from my car! Counting down the days!

My Soldier Loves Paula!

This past weekend was so fun & it went by in a flash! On Saturday, Mom, Nana, and AB came to Macon to enjoy the Garden Tour (more pictures to come). We spent Saturday morning walking through six beautiful gardens in the neighborhood. In the afternoon, while I volunteered for the tour, the other 3 hens rested in my hobbit hole. What a life!

On Sunday, after my family departed, Lauren and I went to the Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show in Atlanta. We've gotten to be pros at these things. For the past few years, we've had so much fun going to  random craft shows & expos and we've developed an ability to scout out any free samples! We agreed that this show made the top of our list. We zig-zagged up and down the rows of vendors collecting lots of "swag."

 But we really went to the show to see Paula Deen! We sat in a crowd of about 2,000 people and watched Paula & her husband cook and tell the funniest stories. She really knows how to work a crowd. She was literally throwing mini key lime pies and pork tenderloin out into the crowd.
Matt loves the Food Network, and after moving to Savannah last year, he became an even bigger fan of Paula Deen.  Lady & Sons is one of his favorite restaurants.

 So, because I am shameless, I made a neon green poster that read "My Soldier loves Paula." Then, when it was quiet, I ran to the front and held my poster up and yelled "Paulaaaaaaaa!" She whipped her bouffant hair around, read my poster aloud, and said "Well honey, tell your soldier I love him too."

I passed Paula's message along to Matt and he was happy ... and embarrassed. I think if Paula had seen Matt's sweet face, she might have agreed to cater our wedding.

Love My Little Brother

I was happy to spend Easter weekend in South Carolina with the family. It was a quick trip, but well worth it! I spent Saturday afternoon with Mom, Anna, Ashley & Ms. Cindy looking at bridesmaid dresses in Greenville - so thankful for their help! Then I headed to Greenwood to see the family.
I am constantly amazed at how quickly my little brother Reynolds is growing up! He is becoming such a handsome young man and he's such a sweet brother. We're 10 years apart, but we're best buds. Reynolds always asks how the wedding plans are coming along and he always has great ideas. I can't wait to see him in a tuxedo on the big day!
I can still remember when Reynolds was this age.

Now he's so grown up.

I'm thankful to be blessed with 3 precious siblings.
- A proud big sister.

Maundy Thursday

The sermon at the Maundy Thursday service this evening was really powerful, and explained more about the passage in John where Jesus washed the disciples' feet.  For some reason I always thought "maundy" somehow meant mourning. What I found out is that maundy roughly translates to mandate or command. That makes much more sense. Maundy Thursday is the day set aside to remember the Last Supper & the mandate that Christ gave us to, "Love one another, as I have loved you." 
It is moving (and honestly a bit uncomfortable) to see the black cloth draped across the alter in the church with the crown of thorns sitting there. It's a very visible reminder of the tremendous sacrifice Christ made for us.

Secret Garden

Many of you have heard about my carriage house in Macon that I affectionately refer to as my "hobbit hole." It is perfectly situated in the garden behind the big house and this is what I get to see each day. I am blessed to live with folks that have huge hearts and green thumbs. Byrd & Tyler work tirelessly in this garden each day and it is simply breathtaking. Each morning I'm so excited to see what's blooming.

Peonies, Roses & Foxglove

 The coy fish are enormous! If you look to the left you can see my favorite one...the rainbow fish :)

 I really couldn't imagine a more beautiful place.

 

 Blueberries -->

First strawberry of the season!

Usually, the spotlight is on Bob the corgi. This is sweet Arthur.

 Today after work, Tyler & I planted a sweet banana pepper & two "mortgage buster" tomato plants I bought at the Farmer's Market. I'm going to do my best to keep them alive! The Macon Garden Tour is April 29-May 1. Come on down!