Sweet R&R

Matt is home and my heart is about to explode! We've crammed so much fun into the past week and I've done my best to document every moment. It's cheesy I know, but I don't want to waste a second away from him, so I'll have to put up more pictures after he leaves. I'm so happy!!!

Butterflies!

I'm about to die with excitement - Matt is in Kuwait waiting to catch a plane home! We're not sure how long he'll be on "stand-by" there ... it could be hours or days, but at least he's at an airport! fyi: Iraq to SC is about 6,586 miles. I haven't seen him in 7 1/2 months and my heart is filled with joy. Here's a picture from the last time we saw each other on July 1st - fake smiles and all.

I've got butterflies in my stomach and I'm nervous as if I'm about to go on a blind date. For some reason this past week I've felt compelled to have a total body transformation before he sees me. I had an urge to run out and get a spray tan, fake nails and color my hair. Luckily, I didn't act on any of those crazy ideas. Please join me in praying that Matt makes it here safely and that time stands still these next 2 weeks.

Super Suppers = Score!

I've recently discovered Super Suppers and I had no idea what I was missing! This little resturaunt/store in Macon specializes in "Take & Bake" meals that are made from scratch. The regular size entrees ($12) have about 4 portions, which means I can get 2 lunches and 2 dinners for $3 each, if I'm not sick of it by then.  I must say it's a challenge to "cook" for one, but this is a wonderful solution. I even feel a bit domestic when I have to turn on my oven for once.
 The menu changes monthly and they have a taste testing on the first of each month so you can try before you buy.  The Shepard's Pie is delicious and has been the perfect comfort food for this time of year. So if you're running short on time or wouldn't mind having a freezer full of homemade meals, I would highly recommend checking this out.
http://www.supersuppers.com/index.php

When I grow up...

While in the "big house" doing my laundry this evening, I started thinking about what I wanted to be when I grew up. As a kid, I always wanted to be a grocery store cashier. Whenever my Mom would bring home the groceries, I would lay them all out and scan them across my imaginary counter. I remember when my brother Reynolds was about 4 or 5 he always said he wanted to work at McDonalds. Such high aspirations!

 Luckily, I have found a career that I love. But these are the random jobs I think I'd like to have "in another life:"
 1. Editor of a travel magazine
 2. Performer at Disney World
 3. Undercover food critic
 4. Performer at Disney World
 5. High school guidance counselor
 6. Flight attendant
 7. Writer
 8. Teach English in Italy
 9. Antiques Road Show "groupie"
10. Dairy farmer

A Sweet Valentine's Day

While I couldn't be with the one I love today, I certainly loved the ones I was with. Tonight I had a "date" with Lauren and Renee at one of our favorite Macon restaurants - Jim Shaws. Of course the place was packed, but after watching all the tables like a hawk, I was able to snag a spot on the back patio. I'm so thankful to have these girls living in Macon! Here's a picture of us on our "date night." I think I was trying to imitate Bieber.

I hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day and cherished spending time with friends or sweethearts.  xoxo

love is in the air

  I can't believe I've finally started a blog. I've toyed with the idea of blogging for quite a while and I always enjoy keeping up with my buddies and their (kitchen disasters/house-hunts/pregnancies/vacations/etc.) So for those who are interested or plain bored, I'll do my best to entertain and inform at least once a week. 

  I really hate that I didn't start blogging immediatly after Matt's deployment on July 1st, but the Bar exam was looming over me and then I started my new job. Better late then never right? I don't quite know how to describe the past seven months. It's ironic because I've felt the most alone and the most loved all at the same time. Spending July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years (and now Valentine's Day) without the one I love has been no walk in the park. However, I'm happy to report that each day, God has shaped me into a stronger and braver woman. 

Matt and I have mastered the long distance relationship for sure. We haven't lived in the same zip code in four years. I really hope he's achieved some frequent shopper status with Harry & David and the Cheesecake Factory! Speaking of Harry & David, sweet Matt sent an impressive tower of goodies for Valentine's Day - so much for a wedding diet. Can you see the "whoopie pies?"  He knows that I'm a sucker for pretty packaging, and H&D always sends thier treats in the most beautiful boxes with lovely bows.

Secretly, I'd be thrilled to receive any of those cellophane-wrapped baskets you can buy outside the gas stations for $19.99.  I shipped Matt a package of sweets the other week and it has made it to Iraq just in time :) Tomorrow may be a bit sad, but Matt is coming home for his R&R in a week!!!! Love will be in the air .... literally!