Pieces with the Reeses

Ryan's brother, Matt, has been serving our country in Iraq for the past 6 months. He has been working so hard and doing such a great job. He began his 2 week leave and came home to Greenville on Sunday. Everyone is so glad to see him. Britt and Matt are planning a wedding, so they have enjoyed being together and making some plans and all the rest of the family has enjoyed catching up with him. Yesterday, we all went out for lunch at our favorite spot, Brick Street Cafe. Then, the brothers + Britt went to play some golf. Last night, we went out for Mexican. It was so much fun.  Matt and Britt Cory and Ashley Mike and Cindy Matt and his two biggest fans Ryan and me The girls Showing off our letter necklaces....Britt started the trend All the guys Boys being silly...Ryan trying to show off his bicep Cute one!! We love you Matt and are so thankful you are home!!!! Thanks for all you are doing to make our country a better place!!!

I have never been a big participant in Valentine's Day. I like the concept of it...you know celebrating your love and everything...but it has never been a huge deal to me. I have enjoyed celebrating it with my hubby though. This year, I was working Valentine's, but my sweet husband had made our house a restaurant, complete with romantic lighting, great food and bread shaped like hearts. It was so incredibly sweet of him. I was so surprised too! It made me feel so special. Here are some pictures I managed to get of the big date night in...... The romantic dining room table set-up Ryan cheesing from all his hard work Valentines Beautiful card and earrings from Ryan Beautiful flowers Ryan bought for me Scout was totally over Valentine's Day My two men Ryan testing the pork tenderloin Scout....how cute!! My buddy and me Scout got a Valentine's kiss on the forehead The heart toast I was telling you about.. Such a great night...Love you, Ryan! Also, we got this...

Don't know if I told you guys, but Ryan and I are in a community group now. We love it....love the people, love the teaching, love the fellowship. One of the girls in the group is reading the book, "Calm My Anxious Heart". I haven't read the book, but after hearing her talk about it, I definitely want to. She shared a quote from the book that has really been something to think on and challenge yourself with. Just the basic premise of living in the moment God has you in during this specific time in your life. I thought some of you may be in similar places and could use this challenge as well.... Never allow yourself to complain about anything--not even the weather. Never picture yourself in any other circumstances or someplace else. Never compare your lot with another's. Never allow yourself to wish this or that had been otherwise. Never dwell on tomorrow--remember that (tomorrow) is God's, not ours Quite a challenge for sure....much easier to say than to d...

My mom called about a month ago and told me she was attempting to organize a women of the family beach weekend. We all were able to work out a time to go and this weekend was the weekend. My mom, sister, sister-in-law, brother's girlfriend, two aunts and one of my aunt's best friends all met up at the beach on Friday. The main point of the weekend was for each one of us to discover something about our lives that we want to change or point out a circumstance in our lives that we wish were different. We spent a lot of time looking at God's word and discussing God's power and the power of faith in prayer. It was cool reading Scripture that reminds us that we can do anything through Christ who strengthens us and no thing is impossible with God. It was such a sweet time of fellowship with women that I am blessed to call my family. Of course, we had some laughs too. In fact, I laughed so much my cheeks are sore today. It was truly a special weekend. Here are some pictures......

My sweet friend, Sally, is having a baby. I am sure you remember me talking about it before on our Grannie's weekend. Sal has been a very special friend to me since we met in college almost 7 years ago. She brings me encouragement, support and is such a prayer warrior. I can't wait to see what a wonderful mother she is. I am so excited for she and Taylor to raise a daughter!!! It is going to be a joy to watch! Sal calls her baby "Baby Bukes". The story of where Bukes came from is very long and maybe we will get to that another time, but that is what they call the baby girl that is on the way. I was invited to a shower for Sally this past weekend in Atlanta. Ryan and I went up Saturday to spend some time with the Stanfills before the shower Sunday. We had such a great time. We spent some time with their friends in Atlanta and Sal and I shopped for a dress for her to wear to the shower....just a good time of peaceful fellowship. The shower Sunday was ADORABLE!! Sa...