The answer to her prayers.

Ever since I can remember my mom has always reassured me that God had someone very special waiting for me. She always promised that I would *just know in my heart* when I met the one. Every time I got my heart broken or discouraged..she just said, "I know it's hard to believe, but you're going to meet him when you least expect it."

Turns out, my mom was right. The day I met Philip... I wasn't looking, I didn't expect it and after knowing him only a few days, I knew he was the man I was going to marry.

I'm sure when I'm a mother, I will understand how my mom is feeling now that I have met the man of my dreams....and the man my mom has prayed for...for me. My relationship with Phil has only brought me closer to my mom... because she knows how truly happy I am and she is so excited for both of us.

My mom absolutely adores Philip and is always thanking him for being who he is and treating me so well.

On the way home tonight, I popped in the new Carrie Underwood CD...we were listening and previewing each of the songs and then we heard "Mama's Song" (#3 on her CD) My mom looked at me and I looked at her. We both had goosebumps.

"Mama's Song"

Mama, you've taught me to do the right things

So now you have to let your baby fly

You've given me everything that I will need

To make it through this crazy thing called life

And I know you watched me grow up and only wanted what's best for me

And I think I found the answer to your prayers

And he is good, so good

He treats your little girl like a real man should

He is good, so good

He makes promises he keeps

No, he's never going to leave

So don't you worry about me

Don't you worry about me

Mama, there's no way you'll ever lose me

And giving me away is not goodbye

As you watch me walk down to my future

I hope tears of joy are in your eyes

Cause he is good, so good

And he treats your little girl like a real man should

He is good, so good

He makes promises he keeps

No, he's never going to leave

So don't you worry about me

Don't you worry about me

And when I watch my baby grow up

I'll only want what's best for her

and I hope she'll find the answers to my prayers

And that she'll say:

"He is good, so good

And he treats your little girl like a real man should

He is good, so good

He makes promises he keeps

No, he's never going to leave

Mama, don't you worry about me"

Such a perfect song.

I am so blessed to have my mother and Philip in my life...

Amazing

So we thought we had the perfect wedding location and a date set, but after going back the second time...something just didn't feel right. Feeling stressed and overwhelmed, Phil and I started talking about what was important for our wedding and we came back to our original plan and idea for our wedding- Shifting Sands Beach Club-

When I woke up this morning, I was anxious to find out if the beach club was available for us to host our wedding reception. I couldn't stop thinking about it... As I was driving to work, Phil called with his "Good Morning, Sunshine!" and our casual early morning(VB time) and mid-afternoon (Iraq time) conversation.... he out of the blue said, "I think today is going to be a really good day!" I was hoping he was right...and assumed he was referring to Shifting Sands being available. *I'll come back to that comment later...*

During my lunch break, I heard from my mom and found out the dates that the beach club was available. I continued to eat lunch, and waited for Phil to call me after his workout to tell him the great news.


When he called, we were both very excited and relieved that we had found our place where the beginning of our new life would begin. Everything felt like it was falling into place. After work, I met my mom and we drove to the base and signed the contract.

It's official! *September 25, 2010*

After an evening of dinner and a little shopping, I returned home to a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers and a card from Philip with the first line of his card saying.. "Hi Sunshine!" It makes me smile to know that Phil knew the flowers would be delivered today and it did turn out to be a great day.... as he predicted.

Things seem to be falling into place for us and our relationship so perfectly. God has continuously blessed us and seems to be reminding us often of His plan. Amazing.

We've come so far

I have so much respect for all of the soldiers who served our country in the past and their loved ones. As the woman waiting at home, I can't imagine the relief and reassurance that came along with a letter written by their loved one fighting a war in a foreign country.

When Phil first left for Kuwait and a few weeks later to Iraq, a phone call once a day was more than I could have ever hoped for. Saturday Skype dates was a dream come true... but now that we get to see each other every night on Skype... it's unbelieveable. Not only am I able to fall asleep to his voice every night, but he is the last thing I see before I close my eyes. It's the greatest feeling knowing that he's safe and is smiling at me. I know I will never take for granted having the technology that we do to be able to stay close while he is away serving his country.
I'm so proud of you Philip McDowell.

Skype.Facebook.Email at home and work.Cell phones.Telephones.Hand written letters.Video messages. Journals. We've got it covered!

A few videos I made for Phil when he first left...