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 :)