our proposal story

Today is June 29, 2012. One year ago today, Jonathan asked me a very important question, placed the most stunning ring on my finger, and prayed us into new life together. I have decided to use our photos to share our engagement story...

I flew to Florida on Monday, June 27th. I spent the day with lounging by the pool with my parents. (I remember having a discussion with my dad about marrying Jon. He was asking about the timing of everything coming together. I told him I was just praying Jon would be able to propose in the next coming months. We would spend the next year saving money and perhaps we could marry the following summer.)

Jon and I knew we were going to be engaged in the near future. We had soaked our relationship in prayer, and he had already asked my parents for their blessing. Since they absolutely adore him, of course they consented. I was nannying full-time over the summer and Jon was working crazy hours at his two jobs in order to save for a wedding/ring. In no way, shape, or form did I think Jon had saved enough money for a ring by that time. I admired my hardworking man; I appreciated his devoted heart and his desire to purchase a beautiful ring for me using the cash he worked hard to earn. I visited Florida with the only intention of spending time with my love and my family.

Jon drove up to Bradenton from Fort Myers. We met my parents, his mama, and his sister at a local favorite, Peach's, for brunch on Tuesday. (At this time, my dad and his mama knew about the upcoming proposal. I, on the other hand, had NO idea.)

After brunch, Jon and I headed to Fort Myers. When we arrived, we cooked a delicious meal together. (Again, a favorite hobby of ours!) It was one of those fun-looking-but-I've-never-actually-made-it Publix recipes: Cowboy steak and shrimp with cheesy mashed potatoes and salad. It was soooo good! We enjoyed an evening "in" together. Afterall, at this point, our relationship was still long-distance and we soaked up every second we had together.

The next morning, Jon cooked me a gourmet breakfast: omelette, biscuits, grits, and my favorite- plantains! We packed the car and headed to the beach for the day. 

The day was perfect. The weather was beautiful. And I was with my love.

We spent the day soaking up the sun. Indulging in some ice-cream, had discussions of anything and everything under the sun, including music, weddings, whose city was a better location for us, babies, good baby names, awful baby names, the teeny-boppers flirting with our jet-ski man, etc... We had a blast just being together.

As soon as we returned to Jon's apartment, it began to rain, Not rain, but pour. Monsoon even, It came our of nowhere! Jon's demeanor immediately changed, and I wondered what was wrong. 

Jon had told me to bring a fun, "going out" dress with me. Believing our engagement was still a couple months out, I was thrilled at the thought of just a night out on the town.

As I prepared to get ready, Jon offered to steam my dress. When I told him it was hanging in the coset, he looked at me strangely. (I had not idea, but the FedEx had been delivered from Shane Co. just three days prior. My ring was in that closet and he feared my snooping eyes might have seen it. Of course, I saw nothing.)

The pouring began, and Jon's mood continued to get weirder. I ran to the car with a trash bag over my head so I didn't look like a wet rat at dinner. My purse was heavy from traveling, so I began to empty some of its contents and put them under the armrest. Jon looked scared when I opened the compartment, and I kept asking what was wrong. He sheepishly replied, "Nothing..." (Unknown to me, my ring box was in that very compartment! Again, I saw nothing.)

Jon began texting while driving. Because it was pouring rain, I was upset with him for diverting his attention off the road. He never texts while driving, and we never have our phones out when we're together in person. I became very agitated with him. (His original plan was to propose on the beach, but the rain was diverting him to Plan B- propose at the restaurant. His friends were headed to the beach to hide and photograph the proposal; he was texting them to say, "Change of plans." Poor guy. Just look at how nervous his face looks above!

Jon let me out at the front door and he parked the car. When I entered the restaurant, the host said, "Darcy, right this way." I liked the special treatment! Jon came in, and in the rush of things he forgot to remove his doo-rag! He was so embarassed. I slipped it into my purse and playfully went to tap him in the butt. He swerved to miss my hand. Now, I was mad. What was wrong with him???

Once we sat down and settled in, I grabbed his hands and asked that we just enjoy the night. I was still so unsure of the strange behavior, but we focused on one another and enjoyed a delicious meal. Okay, I like to take pictures of food. I'm a foodie. Lick your lips and enjoy...

Amidst the dinner, every one of the restaurant staff was extremely hospitable to us. I kept thinking, "This place has the greatest staff ever!" (They knew there was a proposal coming; they didn't know if he planned on proposing at the restaurant, though.)

Jon kept asking if I needed to use the restroom. I continued to reply, "No! If I did, I'll go when we get up to leave." Poor guy just wanted me to leave the table so they could hide the ring in the dessert. Stubborn-ness is not a virtue.

After the meal, I moved over to Jon's side of the booth. I held his hand and asked that he level with me. Why was my man acting so weird? What had been such an "off" night for us became a beautiful thing.

Jon expressed his love to me. He told me that for a while he had been experiencing this void. He had told his mom about it, he had been praying about it, and he was searching for the fulfillment of this void. The answer was me. Then, it went something like this:

J: "Do you know how much I love you?"
M: "Yes Jon, and I adore you!"
J: "Will you be my wife?"
M: "Jon, you know I want to be your wife!"
J: "No, will you marry me?"
M: "Jon, you know I want nothing more than to marry you! We are just waiting for the fund so you can buy a ring, and..."
J: "No, you don't understand...Will you marry me?" (Places the red, velvet Shane Co. box on table.)
M: Immediate tears, throw my hands on my head, shake my head, there are no real words.

I was so stunned, I couldn't even open the box. Jon and I opened it together, and I peeked in to see THE MOST stunning ring I had EVER seen!

M: "Ooooohhhhhh!!! I love this ring more than any read I've ever seen! Even more than the ones we tried on! Wait...this IS the ring I tried on and fell in love with!"

We had tried on rings when Jon visited Nashville before, just so he could see my taste. I tried on the most gorgeous ring in the store, in my eyes. The jeweler let me wear it around the store, and hard as I might, I fell in love. However, never in a million years did I think I would have a ring that nice. My baby worked HARD for me!

Everyone in the quiet, chic, classy restaurant congratulated us. The head chef brought out champagne, a ridiculously-sultry dessert, and asked to take photos for us. "Man, now I've got to go home and kiss my wife!" he yells after shooting some photos.

I am still in such shock. My man had been working soooo hard for me. He really wanted to buy me a nice ring, and it was important to him that he pay for it in cash. He wants the ring to always be a reminder, no matter the circumstances we're going through, that he's MY man, he WILL work hard for our family, and he is a PROVIDER. What a gift!

As we left Chops, the phone calls began. We started with our parents, which I was floored that they already knew it was coming and nobody leaked the surprise! Then our siblings, grandparents, and closest friends. Screaming, laughing, crying, and shaking...We drove to our prayer warriors' house, Dave and Linda Anderson (who also knew it was coming, actually Jon's entire small group knew it was coming, and no one slipped a word!!), and they prayed over us. We could think of no better way to begin our engagement that in the presence of God seeking His favor and will for us. Their living room became a holy place, and I'll never forget it.

The calls and texts continued on the drive home, and the night seemed like a dream.

Jon revealed another surprise...we were headed back to Bradenton the next day to enjoy a dinner/pool party with both our families at my parents' house. I'll never forget walking in my mom and dad's house as an "engaged woman", flashing my ring to all who would look and sharing our story a trillion times. It meant the world that our families could celebrate with us.

My wonderful fiance reveals yet another surprise...the next day, the two of us would do something I'd begged to do with him for years... We were headed to the most magical place on earth- Disney World!

We had the BEST day, and it really was magical. As vain as it is, I can't tell you how many times he caught me just staring at my ring. I got several compliments waiting to ride Space Mountain, The Haunted Mansion, and so on. I could have told our story (the shortened version, of course) a trillion times!

So what if I balled like a baby during the fireworks at the end of the night? I was overwhelmed with emotion, and the Disney fireworks will pull on anyone's heart strings! As I sat with my love's arms wrapped around me, I thanked God for this amazing man He gave to me.

The next day, Jon and I went to the b.e.a.utiful town of Naples. We window shopped the outdoor boutiques, ate gourmet ice-cream from my favorite shoppe-Kilwin's Fudgery, Jon bought me a beautiful dress (pictured below) at White House Black Market, and shared our story with the owner of a local art gallery.

We celebrated with Jon's friends and church family at Life Church, and enjoyed lunch out with close friends afterwards. This group of people really has God's anointed blessing on them, and it was an incredible worship experience.

Sidenote: I cannot express how truly amazing it is to know your parents love your fiance as much as you do, but it was pretty incredible to what my Paw-Paw's interaction with Jon. To have his approval for his only granddaughter's fiance meant the world.

 The trip wouldn't be complete without a movie date with our siblings! We piled in the car with Parker, Jordan, and Sarah and went to see Transformers 3D. We had such a great time, and again, meant the world to share time with our siblings during such an exciting week.

This is our proposal story. (Thanks for hanging in there, those of you who read the entire thing!) It truly was an INCREDIBLE week, and I was blown away by the love and care from Jon. Baby, you continue to blow me away!

in just six months...

Tomorrow, June 29th, marks the one-year anniversary of our engagement!(Don't worry, all you romantic, love-story heart-throbs...tomorrow's post will include the juicy details.)  :)

And two days after that, Jon and I will celebrate our Six Month Wedding Anniversary!

In realizing this, my heart was full of recollection today. 

Since Jon asked me to be his wife and placed the most stunning diamond ring on my finger one year ago, our lives have been rocked...consisting of huge life changes for both of us.

One thing is very, very evident: God is good to us. So good. Entirely too good.

His provision is immense. His faithfulness never fails.

And He has plans for us. 

June 29, 2011: Jon decided he liked it and "put a ring on it"
We enjoyed a week of engagement bliss together in Florida. The wedding planning began immediately and a date was set! I reluctantly applied for my Florida teaching license...Jon pursued potential jobs in Tennessee. Whoever got a job in the other's state first got to move. :) 

Thank you for a Christlike man pursuing me with all his heart, God. You're good!

July, 2011: Jon visited Nashville for a week. We shopped for his wedding band, viewed potential future apartments, set-up my new classroom, registered (for 5 hours!) at Bed, Bath & Beyond, and continued the wedding planning. After all, we were getting married just 5 months after. The State of Florida made huge budget cuts across the board, but especially in Education. New hires were next-to-impossible. We continued praying about our location. 

Thank you for boldness, God. Thank you for working on my issues with trusting you. Thank you for my hard-working man that is providing for our future life together!

August, 2011: I began working at a new school, teaching subjects I'd never taught before. Jon continued working looong hours at both his jobs. We were both working hard to save money for our wedding. The long distance planning was difficult; the long distance engagement was even harder. We were perfecting our communication skills...over the phone. (Together we were praying for Jon to get a job in Nashville...I was praying specifically that Jon get a job in Nashville in October. For several reasons, this would have been perfect timing. I boldly made my request to the Lord.) 

Thank you for new beginnings, God!

September, 2011: This month was particularly challenging, and I had felt the Lord prepping my heart for this difficult month. We were missing each other like crazy; we hadn't even seen one another since July. We were working really hard and praying with intensity over our future. Half-way through the month, some awesome news. Jon was hired by The Loveless Cafe corporate office. He would work in their gift sales department right up until Christmas. This means he would be off in time for the wedding, then we could get another job for post-wedding. And the best part...He would stop work October 3rd. That's right! My prayers were not only heard, but answered! 

Thank you for answering prayers, specific prayers, God!

October, 2011: Jon moved up to Nashville the last weekend of September- the same weekend I was to be out of my townhouse. We moved him into what would be our townhome, moved my things into the townhome with him, and I moved myself into the Underwood's house. (Rick and Donna Underwood were gracious enough to let me move in to their extra bedroom, and I will forever be grateful!) Jon and I were enjoying living in the same state for the first time ever throughout our courtship. Jon rocked at his new job, our church family welcomed him in with open arms, and we began to learn each other on a different level...a daily "I can see your face" level. My yellow bug was having an engine problem, and we learned that blinking engine light would cost a minimum of $2000 of our wedding money to fix it...and just maybe that would fix it. We were forced to trade it in and buy a new car. We were extremely thankful to have saved some cash, and were incredibly more thankful for my parents' ability to cover additional wedding funds so we could purchase a car unexpectedly. 

Thanks for providing yet again, God!

November, 2011: The courtship was even sweeter in person. And for every bill that came due for the wedding day, God provided the money...and the blessing. We began premarital counseling via Skype with the pastor that would marry us in Florida. (Thanks, Allen!) Continued growth and huge gains were made. One night, while driving to meet Jon for dinner, I was hit head-on. I was thankfully left with only soreness, but the car was not able to be driven. We were left with only one car, and about a 25 minute drive between us. Life got interesting, to say the least. Long story, $500 deductible, and a lot of stress later, the car was finally returned. 

Thanks for your safety and protection, God!

December, 2011: The holidays came extremely quickly and we were trying hard not to miss the "reason for the season" amidst wedding preparations. Jon was released from his job at The Loveless Cafe, but was emailed about another career move the very next day. 

Nice, God! 

He interviewed in Nash, made a presentation from Florida, and was hired for an incredible new opportunity the week before our wedding. 

Thank you for the best wedding present, God, and for the next career move for Jon!

At the end of the month, on New Year's Eve, Jon and I vowed to love and honor each other until death do us part. We made these vows in front of 250 of our friends and family members, but more importantly, before God. 

Our engagement was six months of sheer chaos and life changes,  but most importantly, God's continual provision.

chipmunk cheeks.

So. I got my wisdom teeth pulled. All four of them. They were all impacted. Luckily, they put me under and I don't remember a thing, except that they kept calling me "Mrs. Darby" which was weird.

I don't remember being wheeled from the surgery room to the car, but I do remember looking over to the driver's seat and seeing the most handsome man EVER driving me home. Dang, he was hot!

I tried to talk to him, but the bloody gauze in my mouth was very limiting. He held my hand and told me to lie back, and he rubbed my legs the whole way home. He was soooo sweet!

He even bought me a milkshake! We went through the Steak and Shake drive-thru and he ordered my favorite - cookies-n-cream. Mmmm! Only, I wasn't allowed to drink it until we got home. We picked something else up at Walgreens and then finally made it back to the house.

I felt super whoozy and he had to help me into the house. I remember being really hot, so I tried to take off my jeans while he unlocked the front door. This didn't seem to please him.

Once in the house, he removed the limiting gauze from my mouth. So. much. more. blood. than. expected. Cool.

Then he said I could drink my shake. One problem- my entire face was numb. Apparently nothing made it into my mouth and I had Oreo milkshake running down my face without even realizing it. He cleaned up my mess and tried to help. Unfortunately, I'm pretty stubborn.

It was hard to swallow the shake, and with the first bite I thought I was choking. Dramatic, I know.

Then...it hit me.

Pain.

And lots of it.

The hot guy told me I had to drink my shake so it could coat my stomach before taking my pain pill, so I spooned it into my mouth as quickly as I could. Tears filling my eyes. I think they were running down my cheek, but I couldn't tell through the numbness.

This sweet man kissed away my tears, gave my my medicine, and has been taking care of me ever since.

I'm the luckiest girl in the world to have married such a handsome, loving, and helpful husband.

He has been preparing my meals, now consisting of soft foods, washing the dishes, cleaning up after me, making sure I take my pills on time, setting us up for a free month trial of Netflix so I can watch movies, plugging in my cell phone and laptop chargers, propping my pillows up on the couch, and calling from work often just to check on me.

I. Am. Blessed.

I still look like a chipmunk, and although I may feel disgusting, he makes me feel like the prettiest woman in the entire world.

Now, that's love right there. Because I'm lookin' pretty busted. Really. I've got pictures to prove it.

Thanks for being so awesome this week, Jon! You really do amaze me, and I love you!!!

just...be.

I recently read a fantastic book, Empty Promises by Pete Wilson. (Click here to check it out on Amazon!) The timing of my reading this book could not have been more perfect, high-five to the Holy Spirit. I found this book a joy to read as the author is very open and honest, however I found it also a challenge as the reader must in return be open and honest with oneself.

You see, I began this summer trying to check-off my notorious checklist for life.
As a single gal, it used to look something like this:
Find a gorgeous, adoring, Christ-following husband.
Fall in love.
Get engaged.
Plan a dream wedding on a small budget.
Enjoy honeymoon bliss.
Decorate the new townhouse.

Let's see...I've got a gorgeous, adoring, Christ-following husband...check.
Now, we work our butts off for ______ years until we are debt free and reach financial peace...
We work extremely hard, climbing up the career ladder until we can both fulfill our dream jobs.
In about 20 years (just kidding, Mom), we will start having babies, and then all the fun begins...

If you're a Type A, plan-a-olic like myself, this list may not seem too crazy to you...
The free spirits in the world, however, are laughing at us.

This verse is at the very beginning of Empty Promises, and it stabbed me like a knife:

"No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content." Ecclesiastes 1:8

Whoa. Was this verse written for me?

But what about my "goals," God? You know? These dreams that you birthed in me, and in Jon too, and that we believe you want us to fulfill for Your purposes? When do these start playing in action?

Then I am reminded.

"Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart's desires." Psalm 37:4

And there it is. Delight myself in the LORD.

You see, without even realizing it, I've placed these "idols" before God. They're not even necessarily "bad" idols, but Pete writes that "idolatry is when I look to something that does not have God's power to give me what only God has the power and authority to give".

Yikes. I bet that if we all did a little self-eval, we'd find some hidden idols that we didn't even realize we had given such prominence. I know I sure did.

In my desire to please God and fulfill His "purpose" for my life, I am rushing past the most important factor...HIM!

Like I've stated before, I'm a dork. Typical Type A personality, high-strung, go-getter type. These character traits often benefit me, especially in the career world. However, patience is never a strong point of mine, and this kind of rushing-to-produce mantra is not always the sacrifice of praise God is looking for.

I'll admit, I have some control issues as well, And when I combine my internal need for control with the "regime of the plan", the outcome is not always beautiful. Here's another quote from Pete:

"when the need for hurry meets the desire for control, it becomes really easy to start worshipping someone and something other than our Creator God" (page 8).

Yikes.

And so this is where I was.

Trying not to sound like a book salesman, let me reiterate that you. should. read. this. book.
Everyone should.
I believe there are some huge points to be learned and scriptures to be examined in this title.
But moving forward, this is where I'm at...

I believe that God is calling to just..."be".
Be content.
In who He says He is and in what He can do.
Be content.

Yes, He's given visions and dreams.
Yes, He promises to see those dreams to fruition.
Yes, He's guiding the way and yes, He does have a plan.

God has been asking, "If I never did another thing for you, would I be enough?" Of course my instant reply is, "Yes, God!" But He is searching me heart (Psalm 139). And He is challenging me to consider my answer. On a daily basis.

I choose to just "be". To live in the presence of this God. To saturate myself in His Word, and hide His Word in my heart. To accept each day for what it is...a gift. And to seek His purpose each and every day.

This is the last quote I'll use for this entry, mainly so I don't get sued by Pete Wilson for stealing his thunder. But I pray these words will be etched on your heart:

(Page 13) "...I believe that God has not given up on you. He is, in fact, powerfully present in your life...In his resurrection, he gave us hope that we can indeed experience the fulfillment of our desires. Jesus is continually inviting people to give up their idols and follow him. Jesus, and Jesus alone, is worthy of our whole devotion. He alone has the authority to forgive all of our sins. He alone has the wisdom to guide our whole lives. He alone leaves us invigorated rather than exhausted, at peace rather than anxious. He alone has the power to fill the gnawing inner emptiness we all experience and bring purpose to each and ever day that he sees fit to grant us as a gift."

chatty town.

We have big news...Jon was hired on with Town Parke! This means that he'll be working his second job on the weekends earning additional income to help us win our goals for Financial Peace! We are both very thankful for this new position. While Jon can't wait to get to work earning extra money, I am a little apprehensive about losing our "couple time" on the weekends. That's really the only time we see each other! But, again, I am extremely thankful for both this new opportunity and mostly for the hardworking heart of my husband. We have big goals, and this is another step in attaining them!


Jon met with Town Parke for his final meeting early last Saturday. He came home, cooked a delicious breakfast with the most incredible homemade omelets, told me the good news, and ordered me to get ready. We packed the car and headed out of town for the day! As I stated before, we are diligently fighting our way out of debt, so spontaneous outings are not a normal occurrence. This made this spontaneous day trip even more exciting! We chose to celebrate our by packing up the car and heading to Chattanooga...just the two of us. (Our horribly-grammared catch phrase of late is "We ain't got no babies!")

Here are a few photos of the day...

Little did we know that Chatty was actually hosting a street fair that day! Enjoying the absolutely perfect weather, we walked around admiring the many craft tents looking for a treasure.

We shared a hot dog and a soft pretzel while perusing the street fair goodies.

I've been to the Tennessee Aquarium before, but Jon had never been. It was fun to survey the creatures with childlike eyes. We took our time walking through each exhibit slowly, admiring it all, and taking pictures of everything. (Well, that is until the i-phone battery died just a couple hours into the trip.)  :)

After viewing the aquarium, we walked the downtown streets of Chattanooga. I came to love this city while traveling for Trevecca. We visited this place often, and I find its downtown setting charming, clean, and extremely pedestrian friendly.

We roamed the streets until we came upon this place- Sticky Fingers! I had almost forgotten about its succulent barbeque! This is where we shared dinner. The ribs were loaded with meat, falling off the bone. And for not being a huge chicken wing fan, I sure did chow down on their famous wings!

To avoid Riverbend traffic, we headed back to Nashville after dinner. Afterall, we just ahd to make it back in time for the Miami Heat vs Celtics game! Once we got home, we landed at a newly-opened burger joint just down the street from our house, Burger Republic. They advertise their amazing shakes, so we decided to give them a try. Man were they right! Jon ordered a S'mores milkshake and I got a Nutella shake, although we both sipped each other's like it was our own. They were uh-mazing!! (We'll be back to try their burgers, don't you worry!) We plopped down at the bar right in front of our own flat screen TV, sipping our shakes, making friends with Nick our server, and cheering on the Heat.

It was a great end to such a perfect day.

Life is certainly not perfect, and this we are learning more and more each day. However, everyday God's grace, provision, and faithfulness is received more and more in our marriage. 

He continually blesses us beyond what we deserve, and we are trying to be good stewards of these blessings. 

God is challenging us with some big things lately...and we could not be happier to accept these challenges. TOGETHER.

Jon, 


You are my very best friend. I could not ask for a better teammate to do life with. I thank God for you every single day, and I pray I can be the wife He has called me to be. I completely and utterly adore you. Happy Six Months! 
    
                             -Mally

Can I have a little jalapeno on mine?

Okay, y'all... this recipe is legit. 

It comes from the kitchen of Melissa Guthrie, better known as, my Mama. 

It's super low-maintenance, 

extremely tasty, 

and will satisfy any Mexican--lovin'-foodie on a summery Thursday evening. 

Here goes...

Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

You'll Need:

1 can cream of chicken soup

1/2 cup sour cream (light)

2 T. butter

1/2 onion (chopped)

1 tsp. chili powder

2 cups chicken (cooked, diced)

1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chiles

8-10 (7") flour tortillas

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack/Cheddar cheese

*Optional:

parsley for garnish

jalapenos for topping

chips & salsa/guacamole on the side

To Do:

1) Preheat oven at 375 degrees.

2) Stir together soup and sour cream; set aside.

3) In a 2-quart saucepan, melt butter. Stirring often, cook onion and chili powder on medium heat until the onion is tender.

4) Stir in chicken, chiles, and 2 T. of soup/sour cream mixture (from step 2). Remove from heat.

5) Along the center of each tortilla, spread 1/4 cup chicken mixture and fold sides over. Place seam-side down in a 9x13 pan.

6) Spread remaining soup mixture over top of enchiladas.

7) Cover pan with foil and bake for 15 minutes.

8) Remove pan from oven and sprinkle cheese over the top. Place pan back in oven uncovered, cook cook for additional five minutes (or until cheese melts).

9) Garnish with parsley, jalapenos, salsa, or guac.

10) Dig in! Feel free to give in to your inner salsa dancer.

House guests.

Whew! What a fabulous start to summer we've had! Over the weekend, we entertained a couple house guests in La Casa Darcy. My mama drove the twelve hour journey from The Sunshine State to bring the brothers back to Nash for their summer tour. Arriving the very next day, one of Jon's best dudes from Fort Myers flew in, accompanied by all his style and personality. We only had a few days to shower my Mom with love and make Matt fall in love with our city, so we crammed in a lot of action. With Mama in the guest room and Matt on the sleeper couch downstairs, we've had an eventful (and almost mini-vaca for us, really) past couple of days!

Here's a recap:

Before hitting the road, Mom, Park, Jo, and I spent the day at the renovated Opry Mills Mall. This was the first time I'd been there since the flood, and it was beautiful! I mean, who doesn't love a mall with a Which Wich in its food court?

That night, I dined with my girls at Cabana as we celebrated the soon-to-be Mrs. Jonathan Moore. (Sometimes you just need a girls' night out, amen?)

Dudes vs Girls: Jon & Matt spent the day doing who-knows what Mom & I spent the day together. I believe the guys ate at McDougals, went to Jon's work, went hoopin' at the gym...Mom & laid in bed talking, you know, solving the world's problems. Then we went shopping, something we do best, and enjoyed lunch at our fave spot, The Puffy Muffin.

We met the dudes, my brothers included, at SATCO for dinner and a little b-ball. The Heat were playing, and although they produced a game ending in more embarrassment than jubilation, it had to be witnessed.

We cooked breakfast to feed an army at our house the next day. If you haven't picked up on this yet, my hubs is quite the Emeril. When it comes to breakfast, I'm more so his sous chef than anything. It was delish!

With full bellies, we went our separate ways: Mama went to see her Mama, and the guys & I headed to downtown Nashvegs. Afterall, we only had a couple days to make Matt fall in love with our city in hoped he'll move here one day.

We drove around the city, playing "tour guides" and showing Matt our favorite Nash spots. 

 This included a shopping spree at Urban Outfitters...oh-em-word, now I remember why I don't go there very often...I wanted to purchase everything.

Fighting traffic the entire way, we headed to the sweetest part of our weekend - celebrating the marriage of our good friends, Danielle and Jonathan Moore. 

(See below for a photo of the stunning bride and groom.) 

(Ohhhh... my husband is sooooo handsome!!!)

We love you guys, and we were honored to be a part of your big day!

After the beautiful wedding, we just couldn't help ourselves. The weather was absolutely perfect, and we wanted a spot to chill outside. We took Matt to one of our Hillsboro Village spots - Jacksons.

Sunday morning we had an awesome service at church. It was so great to sit in between my Mama and my husband in church. Of course we were the last ones to leave, as everyone was sooo welcoming to our guests. 

Matt requested some hole-in-the-wall Nashvillians-only-eat-here type restaurant. So we took him to Martin's Bar-B-Que in Nolensville. We smelled like BBQ smoke for the entirety of the day, but it was soooo worth it.

With happy hearts and full bellies, the we all crashed once we got home. I mean, this was the definition of "food comas". 

We returned to church to celebrate with Pastor Alan and Mrs. Kim. They fly to Russia this week, and this time they are returning with their three daughters!!!!!!!!!!

Jon took Matt to the airport around 4am. I said goodbye with my eyelids still shut.

As one guest left, another arrived! My mom's twin sister, my Aunt Melinda, drove down from Pennsylvania! Aunt Melinda, Mama, Grandmother, and I sat in my home sipping coffee, eating doughnuts, and just catching up on life. It was one of my favorite moments of the trip- laughing and sharing with the women in my family. And I felt like a big girl hosting this wonderful women in my home.

We took off for lunch at Brick's, and spent the entire day together. That night, Melinda and Mama even came to Jon's church softball game. It was fun for them to visit with long-time friends, so I'll forgive them for sitting on the opposite team's side in order to play catch up. :)

My cousin Kristi and her husband, Michael, met us for milkshakes after the game. They are such a fun couple, and we adore them! Although by this time I was beat and couldn't control the yawns coming out by the minute, we had a great time. 

I treasure my family, and I am so thankful I live close to several of them. 

So, I waved goodbye to my Mama just a few hours ago. 

(No, she didn't leave 4 hours after the planned departure time! And no, that was not the theme of the weekend!)  :)

It felt weird to say goodbye, and I wondered if we'd ever live in the same city again...

I love my Mama. We do things very differently, but we are learning to respect the others' ways. I'm so thankful for the woman she is, and the huge role she has played in my life. This short but oh-so-fun trip was the best way to begin my summer break. And in a couple weeks, we'll do it again...only this time, on the beach!