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american pie

Typically, you associate American pie with apple pie, but in this girls' American kitchen, American pie is my grandmother's recipe for strawberry pie. I have loved this wonderfully perfect dessert since I was a little girl. My Papa and I both LOVED it.

Sidenote: When I was little, I wanted my Grandma [my mom's mother] and my Papa [biological father's father] to get married. It made sense to me. I loved them both so much and they seemed to enjoy each other's company and my Papa L-O-V-E-D my grandma's home cookin'!

So what do you do when the one you love is coming home from Iraq? You make him an American pie! I know it's probably not his favorite, but I do love this pie and I want to introduce him to this little piece of heaven.

A few weeks ago, I was privileged to spend a week [almost] with my Grandma Shelby. First, you should know that this was one of the highlights of my summer. We spent much needed quality time together. You see, my grandma and I are very close. We talk several times a week and write to one another with our stationary. We have been upholding this tradition for over six years now [since college]. She's a huge part of my life and I love her dearly. I think everyone should spend a week with their grandmother. It's a great time to slow down and enjoy what matters most in life: family. A time to laugh, and bake [and boy, did we bake and cook!]. I listened to her stories and we shared memories and made new ones. We shopped and visited and relaxed. The best naps I've ever taken in my life took place on my Grandma's couch. Here are some things I knew about her, but really appreciate and love: she has the most generous heart, she could work her way around the kitchen with her eyes closed, she has a great sense of humor, she is an angel, I call her the town sweetheart, she loves a good movie and good company, she likes a good bargain too [like me!], she is dedicated and never stops, she is a volunteer and the sunshine that brightens everyones day and she's always up for anything.... and yes, if you must know, she spoils me to pieces!

Tomorrow [tomorrow!] Phil comes home and perhaps he will be in the mood for a slice of American [strawberry] pie. I made this pie with fresh strawberries and lots of love. I've also saved up lots of hugs and kisses for him too!

we float while we wait...

Today was a day that I just didn't want to be alone. I went to the pool with Courtney Batte, who is Trey's girlfriend. Trey is good friends with Phil and they also have been deployed in Iraq together [for a year!].

We are only a few days away so Courtney and I had to discuss girl things. We talked about our dresses, the way we want to wear our hair, what kind of shoes [flats or wedges?] I think flats. We also had moments that we were just so darn excited about the upcoming days, weeks and months with our guys! We have already made a verbal list of "things to do" when they get back. Several double dates are in the works: concerts, movies, dinners, beach, ....everything! It's nice to have a friend to talk to who completely understands all of the emotions of waiting. So while we waited for the hours to pass by... we floated... in the pool and tried to look like we were relaxed.... but really, we were just two very anxious girls with lots of butterflies.

More Phil and Trey moments:

the beach

There is a place that is more beautiful than any other place in the world...

this place allows you to see nature at her finest and God's amazing creation

the smell of salt air,

sand between your toes,

the sun either rising in front of you or setting behind you [on the east coast]

the waves crashing on the shore is never ending,

a cool breeze against your face,

you can play,

nap,

run,
swim,

fish,

dig,

walk,

dive,

build,

search,

listen,

watch,

collect,

wait,

pray,

read,

listen to the sounds of kids playing...

and seagulls squalking

you are at your absolute happiest here...

especially when you're sharing your day with someone that you love

...a day at the beach is the best day [or night] of all!

Phil and I love the beach. We had our first date here and I cannot wait to go back with him.

Today, Lauren and I took Macie and Sophie [Courtney's puppy dog] to watch Courtney play volleyball. This evening, at the beach, we: walked, laughed, ran, watched, played, and listened.

the day i've been waiting for

We have been apart for a year! We made it!

Every day I thought of you...

LOVE came move mountains and help you stay close despite the distance

Communication is everything

Oh man, I've missed you!

Moments apart weren't easy

Everything: is what I can't wait to do with you!

Hugs and Kisses are needed, please!

Oh my gosh, I'm so in love [thanks Usher for letting me borrow your lyrics]

My heart is happy you're here!

Every chance I get, is how often I'm going to tell you that I love you!

The 159th Seaport Operations Company will be getting home this evening at 7:30 PM on Fort Story. I'm ready to welcome him home and jump in his arms! God Bless my Army Captain, God Bless our soliders and God Bless America! Pictures will be posted soon! Thank you to all of my friends and family for your constant love, support and encouragement! This year has been full of ups and downs, but I couldn't have done this without you!

I love you Philip McDowell. You are such an inspriation to my heart and the reason I write...

how sweet it is to be loved by you

I found the sweetest guy in the world. God worked this out just perfectly, don't you think? I tell Phil all the time how thankful I am for him. He's so sweet and takes the opportunity every chance he gets to tell me how much he loves me, or how proud he is of me, or how beautiful I am [usually without makeup-on Skype]

I wonder if he knows how much of an impact he has had on my life? And that I believe he is the one who has made everything in my life make sense.

Every path,

every decision,

every idea

....and even the reasons I am the way I am...

they all led me to this moment and to this man [see picture above] I look at this picture and smile. This is us...two people brought together by God who are just so happy to be together. We just make sense together. I love this kind of love we share. I love how he knows me so well and knows my heart. He's tough and strong and competitive and at the same time he is so sweet to me. I love him and can't wait to be his wife...

Countdown Update: 5 more days!

six reasons

What do you like to do with your favorite girl friends on a Tuesday night at 7:30? Well, around here we like to get together and dance our hearts out. We laugh and celebrate and reteach and encourage and take pictures and celebrate our friendships...all while we DANCE. Tonight we had a mission to learn a certain dance. I can't tell you what dance it was or why we learned it, but I will blog about it later on. The dance we learned is considered "easy" and we did master it and had fun doing it. I love these girls for coming out and learning this dance with me.

Let me introduce you to the beautiful girls in this picture:

[from left to right]

First you will see a girl who isn't much of a country fan, but dresses the part. She puts her boots on and dances the night away and looks so cute and like such a natural doing it! She is outgoing, silly and is the type of person you feel you've known your whole life. She's dedicated and smart and just got engaged herself! Yay! Congratulations!

Next, you will find a girl who LOVES country music with all her heart. She loves dancing and the beach. She would do anything to make sure her friends are happy. She leaves for dental school in August and has so much to offer the world. I will miss her and her smile, but am so proud of her! She also makes the best cake ever [both in the taste category and creativity!]

The next girl is in the same boat as I am. She has been without her other half for a year. She's independent, strong and loves her family. She's loves a good country line dance too! Even though she's only met a few of my friends once or twice, she makes herself at home and jumps right in. She's on a countdown. We both are ready for our guys to come home.

What about her? She is the most honest person you will ever meet. She will dance her heart out all night long and makes it look so easy. She's a great teacher and loves math. She will sit down with a good book and finish it in only a few days. She was the best roomate I ever had and makes a great homemade pizza! I don't know what I'd do without her.

Do you see her? She's the elementary school teacher of the group. She is the most down to Earth girl you'll ever meet. She is so easy to be around and says funny things. We both enjoy a good game of Catch Phrase. I call her my food soul mate. She has the cutest puppy and is always up for a good movie or day at the pool. Our friendship is easy and was meant to be!

Lastly,she is strong while her guy is away serving his country. We are both passionate about love and life and following your heart. She is faithful and appreciates a quiet night in and a good conversation. If it has been a while since you've seen her, you easily pick up right where you left off. She's going to be applying to Med School soon too! She is also a new mom...to the cutest puppy with his big paws and floppy ears.

Please meet my dear friends:

Jessie, Lauren, Courtney B., Jessica, Countney and Geralyn

These friends are six really amazing reasons why I have been able to make it through this deployment. I love you girls more than you know.