I am ENGAGED!!

Honestly, three years ago I thought that my life would never come to this point. But here I am writing about the day my heart desired.

It happened... and it was REAL!

On December 2, 2012 I travelled to meet Hunter during drill for the annual Christmas party. Since this was a dining out, I even asked Hunter what I should wear. In hindsight.. this worked out perfectly for Hunter.. as he got to choose every detail, even down to what I would be wearing.

I met a bunch of soldiers and their families as Hunter walked with me and showed me around. Hunter, as an officer in training had to serve the food to all the soldiers with the other officers, and so I waited until the end to get my plate and then he was able to quickly join me at the table.

After we ate we just sat and mingled. Hunter told me he would be right back. Before I knew it, he was near the stage, and his commanding officer said that Hunter had to make an announcement. Hunter took the microphone, and asked me to come to the stage. I was scared to death! I did not want to go on stage in front of all those people! But, I got up, and made my way to the front. I heard a soldier scream out from the back 'oh no! He's going to propose!' and my heart started racing even more.

When I got to the stage Hunter was grinning from ear to ear. He then got down on one knee, and said: 'Will you marry me, Keri Flowers?' I can't begin to tell you the millions of thoughts that were running through my head... how my mind was racing as fast as my heart. I was honestly shocked!! I got him to move the microphone away from his face and asked, 'Hunter, are you kidding?!'. When he said no, I was overjoyed! It was then that I responded, and I believe all I said was, ok!

Wow. What a day. I went the rest of the weekend in pure shock. We had talked about marriage, but in the future.. we even joked just last week about not getting married until 2018... wow. What a difference!

I am so happy, and so glad to have a wonderful guy who wants to be with me forever!

Where I was asking if he was kidding... :)

Yes!!

168th Engineering Company.. where it all happened!

My new life

Life is wild! But... isn't it always? I have successfully completed my first nine weeks of teaching, and I am halfway through my second! Wow, how time is flying.

This week was American Education week and the week was filled with fun gifts and food from our administrators. Friday teachers received "You Rock Because..." cards from students. Students were given the opportunity to write to their teachers.. but it was all volunteer.

A few that I received were simple reminders of why I am a teacher and why I do what I do. For safety reasons... the names and partial messages are removed.

Student #1 "You are the first teacher to teach math all the way, none of my other teachers taught like you do..."

Student #2 "..you rework problems and answer all my questions...."

Student #3 ".... you are not my favorite teacher, but I learn the most from you... my other teachers don't have the classroom management that you do...."

I received many more sweet cards... but these few meant the most. Yes, I am not here to be your friend. I am here to help you learn... and it is good to know that I am doing just that!!

Praise the Lord!

The thoughts that plague me

There are times when I just cannot hold it together. There are times when my relationships, with people, and with God suffer. Recently I have been down... down so much so that I didn't know what to do... For five years I cried out, literally to God to heal my friend... things have only gotten worse... And it has been hard to deal with.

Today, I got a text of encouragement from my friend. I have been doing a lot of thinking lately... and How God is in control... and we may never understand. But imagine, how humbling it is to be encouraged by one who cannot live a normal life.. when I am here... driving myself crazy for more.

I must be thankful for what I have, yet conscious of what I don't. Because it is God's perfect plan that makes me who I am.

It is all a journey we continue on... We may never fully understand.. but it isn't the understanding that matters. It is how we walk. Will I learn to continue to walk with the Lord even when times are hard? How about when times are great?

Lord... reel me in. Hold me and never let go. Keep my eyes focused on you.. and when I stray (because I know it will), bring me back... and make me new again. Amen

Goodbye's are the hardest

Tomorrow, Saturday, is my last day working for the University. It is move in, so yes, we are working on Saturday's and Sunday's for the next two weeks.

I walked in to work this morning to see this... and the fighting back tears began. The past two years at my first big girl job have been great. 

I appreciate the family that I have gained through working here, and the people who have greatly impacted my life. It has been a blessing and a God send, and I know that these are people I will never forget. I love Building Maintenance, and I will miss taking care of my 80 brothers, and my Tuscaloosa dads. I love you guys! Thank you for everything!

Out of it... and randomness

I am COMPLETELY out of it.. between working two jobs, band camp, moving, my dad being sick and the crazy other happenings of life I am totally out of it.. I even forget to read the blogs I love to follow. My life is in a whirlwind right now.

I need your prayers, for my stress level, my anxiety, and to strengthen my walk with the Lord despite all the crazy times. It always seems when things get tough.. God is the first one we forget, and it should be that way.

It is so weird training someone to take my job..and at the same time trying to get ready for a new job.

My roommate Gabby, her boyfriend Chad and Hunter all helped me paint my classroom Tuesday night. It is coming along great! I am very excited about the crisp clean feel that a fresh coat of paint gives.

Here's to new beginnings, calming tides and hopes of all worries left behind you. Do you ever get really upset and have that urge to post it all over social media? Yeah, me too... but lately, I have been trying to control that more and more. It is unnecessary to complain all the time online, only those who seek attention "need" that. And, think of how long people made it through life without social medial. Find a friend, sorry folks Mary-Anne is taken, and talk it out. It really helps to have a best friend who you can be totally honest with. LOVE HER!

'You don't know me'

Recently I have had varying comments on my capabilities of a teacher... whether it be that I was too nice... that I was too small or anything of that nature. It greatly upset me that so many people felt that I was unable to control a classroom and lead a group of students.

However, I am here to tell you that size, stature, nor level of anger matter in a classroom. I personally believe that I can be nice to those around me, yet still be able to have control and be in charge of a classroom. Mean people make mean teachers... you don't want your child's teacher just being rude.. You want your child to learn.

I have only lived here for two years, and frankly I just have to say the people don't know me well enough to judge my abilities as a teacher. My life before this was deeply rooted in teaching, and even though now I have been in an office for two years, I don't think I have completely lost sight of my goal.

People are so judgemental, and may even judge without the facts. I am sad to leave my job, but excited for what lies ahead. May each of your eyes be opened, and may your hearts be softened to those around you... rudeness or what you feel is blatant 'honesty' is never necessary.

Joss and Main

In my quest to find affordable yet quality furniture for my new apartment I stumbled upon this website. It is a member's only site and you can join through my by clicking here. It is great seeing all the beautiful furniture that is available.

Official!

The hardest thing has been keeping this bit of good news under wraps since May 31st, well... not really. ;)  But, as many of you know.. at this point in my journey it has come time for me to leave my job at the University to pursue a job in my chosen field.

I have kept my employers fully informed throughout the whole process, and they even helped in recommending me for positions!

I am proud to accept a position as a teacher at a high school in Tuscaloosa County! Now, the search for a place to live for the next year... and finishing up my current job, while preparing my replacement for their responsibilities. I am so excited!! I will be sad to leave many of my coworkers, but I know that they will always be good friends of mine. I have been truly blessed.. even in the hard times, with this job.

As of the board meeting last night, I officially will have a new job in August!

Farm Fresh

I will never forget the first time someone asked if I had ever been to a farmers market... my response was simple, no.. my daddy is the farmers market at my house. Living on my own in the city has definitely made me much more appreciative of all the bountiful things that come from my dad and mom's hard work. Here are the goodies I got to bring back from my last trip home!

There are red potatoes, okra, squash, corn and white potatoes (like Russet). YUM! I just love getting to cook all of this home grown food! What a blessing!

High Five for Friday!

Praise the Lord it is finally FRIDAY! This week, I honestly thought Friday would never come. Here are five things I am super thankful for on this Friday!

• Hunter and I cooked almost every night this week, when I say that.. I mean, I cooked. It is nice to not have tons of homework to do each night, so I am making sure that no matter how tired I am, to cook dinner.
• Wednesday night, Hunter tried out the new men's Bible study at our church. He said it was really great, and I was so happy that he liked it.
• The diversion of the new class allowed me to have some time to get Hunter's birthday present! Sneaky, sneaky.
• A wonderful birthday dinner with some friends, Heather and Tyler. They came to my house last night to eat dinner and hang out for Hunter's birthday. What makes me so happy is that Hunter enjoyed the night and the meal. Last year, he was gone to basic training, so I tried to do as much as I could to make this birthday special!

This is Hunter's plate of food. We had corn, potatoes (grown in my Dad's garden), steak and shrimp.

• A restful weekend, Hunter and I only have a few things on our calendars for this weekend.. and, this will be the first weekend in over a month that we don't have a big event to attend. I am excited to spend some time sleeping (much needed) and just do a few things I want to do, as well as clean.

Linking up to Lauren at From My Grey Desk

Bows for a Cause

Many people take for granted the ability to have a child, and the joy of having a child. We so easily get bogged down in the fast tracked pace of this world, we forget to think of what blessings we really have, me included.

Here is a link to a post belonging to a friend of mine and her husband who are adopting after a long battle with infertility. A friend is doing a fundraiser to help bring their baby home. You can find out more information here.

I am a Master

HAHA! Wow, what a joyous time this is!! Saturday I graduated with my Masters of Arts in Mathematics.

The past two years have been probably the hardest time of my life, but... by the grace of God, I made it through. Lord knows I couldn't have done it without my friends (MARY-ANNE) and family, and definitely Hunter.

Life continues to move at a 90-to-nothing pace for me... I had another interview yesterday, and it went well. When I know more definite details of my life.. then I will be able to share. Right now, I am just working... and trying to get my life in order for the next step.

Here are a couple of my favorite pictures from the big day:

My twin sister, Donna and I, walking to the Coliseum for graduation

Family shot with the parents before the ceremony

After graduation, I had to take a picture with my home, AKA Gordon Palmer

After graduation, we celebrated with all the other graduates and our families at my church

High Five for Friday!

I am taking a little cue from Lauren at From My Grey Desk!

Hello beautiful Friday, you are the end to a tumultuous week, and I am so glad you are here!

Here are my five favorite things from the past week:

1. Gabby and I went to Olive Garden for Dinner Monday night. It was Ah-mazing, as always.

2. Taking and turning in my final exam for my last Masters class.. can you say DONE!

3. I wore a new outfit, and it made me feel good. See that post here.

4. I got all A's this semester! Talk about going out with a bang!

5. My boss, friend, and brother-that-I-never-had, Clint, gave me these books for my graduation present today! If you know me, you know I am movie illiterate. Clint uses movie quotes, all day, every day in conversation. Now, I can watch movies, and learn the quotes! Hooray for graduation!

Glad to be able to link up to High Five for Friday!

Just because

Why the idea for a spiffy new look on a rainy Wednesday night? Just because...

Because, I felt like my hair looked awful....

Because, I was tired...

Because, I am finished... DONE with my Masters degree!! Can you believe it? Right now, I cannot!

Because, I am so exhausted and I can't even tell you what day it is....

Because, I am always cold... so I need innovative ways to wear sleeves

Because, my best friend, Mary-Anne, loves fashion, and is teaching me a thing or two along the way...

Because, despite all the craziness, I believe we should all take a little time to care for ourselves...

Last night, when I got home... I breathed a sigh of relief. I had my very first job interview for a teaching position at a local high school! EXCITING! And I have all assignments and requirements for my Masters degree complete.. now I just sit and wait to graduate Saturday. :) Finally, there is a light at the end of this very tiring tunnel. The stress of it all is catching up with me, but I know it will all be worth it. Praise be to the Lord for His many blessings!

Closing Doors

Today, when I turned in my final exam, I walked out of the doors of Gordon Palmer for the last time. The building that has become my graduate home over the last two years. What an amazing feeling as I took in my breath and tried to breath in all that was around me, as if preserving this memory in my mind.

What a journey it has been. This has been one of the hardest, but most rewarding times of my life. I look forward to where the Lord will lead me from here.

Holding On

I heard this song for the first time this morning... WOW. It has really touched my heart. Sometimes, with everything that we have going on in life here on this earth.. it is hard.. hard to look up, hard to feel worthy of His love. So many times... I feel like saying, forget about me Lord, spend your time on someone else. But God doesn't want that... He wants all of us, all the time. Praise be to the God who loves us despite ourselves.

You can listen to it here.

Jamie Grace - Holding On

VERSE 1:
All the signs of life
They’re all around me with every heartbeat
I feel so alive,
I am joy and sadness,
Peace and madness
If only I can fight just a little longer
I know It’s gonna make me stronger

CHORUS:
I just keep holding on to what I believe
Oh, I believe in you
Give me the strength to fight
And the heart to believe
When it’s hard to believe in you

VERSE 2:
Oh and these are the times when doubt’s tryin’ to creep in
And I need a reason that’s larger than life when hope seems hard to find
If only I can fight just a little longer
I know it’s gonna make me stronger

CHORUS:
So I just keep holding on to what I believe
Oh, I believe in you
Give me the strength to fight
And a heart to believe
When it’s hard to believe
I’ll just keep holding on, holding on, holding on
Give me the strength to fight
And the heart to believe
When it’s hard to believe in you
Oh oh oh oh oh
When it’s hard to believe in you
Oh oh oh oh oh
Oh, I wanna believe

If only I can fight just a little longer
I know I’ll be stronger

CHORUS:
So I’ll just keep holding on, holding on, holding on
I’ll just keep holding on, holding on
I’ll just keep holding on to what I believe
Oh, I believe in you
Give me the strength for the fight
And the heart to believe
Cause I’ve got to believe
I’ll just keep holding on, holding on, holding on
Give me strength for the fight
And the heart to believe
'Cause I’ve got to believe in you
Oh oh oh oh oh
Yeah I’ve got to believe in you
Oh oh oh oh oh
Oh, yeah I feel so alive.

Changes

It is only at the point at which you believe your life can only slow down, that it speeds up at an inevitably fast pace.

I have finished one class.. after a minor mishap, I was able to turn in my final exam (I made a 96!!) and I have received an A in the course. One class down, one to go.

About two weeks ago my fellow Office Associate decided to quit. This has been my first week all alone, not to jinx it.. but it has been great. I told myself I would just have to work smarter not harder, and increase my efficiency. Until we hire a replacement I am working 6am-4pm. I am ready for school to be over, because then it won't be so draining.. but honestly.. I am still madly in love with how great my job is. My management team is the best, the way they value me, and how they relate to me. I appreciate them beyond words. My guys have been helpful too, and that is always nice. It hasn't always been this rosy, but we are back on the right track.

So that is me in a nutshell... I am working 50+ hours and trying to get out of school at an alarming rate. Like I said, just when you think things will slow down. HAH!

I am so thankful how well this is going, yet ready to be done with a few things. I need a few things in my life to move over to the complete pile. :)

Side note: If you are a regular reader and you are willing to pray, please pray for my friend Steph. She needs relief from the pain and healing if possible. Thank you.

Hiatus

Wow, I honestly didn't mean to take a month long hiatus from writing, or reading other blogs for that matter. Things with life and school have been exceptionally crazy in the past month, and now that a few things are behind me, I plan to return and continue regularly posting. I will do my best to catch each of you up.

Thanks!

OOTD - Birthday

Anthro - Traced Trimmings Dress (no longer available)

My mom bought me this FABULOUS dress from Anthropologie for my birthday! It was cold and rainy yesterday, so this is how I worked it up for the colder weather.

Dress: Anthro Traced Trimmings

Cardigan: New York and Company

Shoes: TJ Maxx

Dressing up and wearing heals just makes me happy. I had a great day on February 29, not only because it was my birthday, but because I felt great in this outfit too!

Some of Hunter's favorites

A couple nights ago (around February 16), I was wondering what to do for dinner, I had recently stocked up on veggies at the publix sale and needed to finish off a sack of potatoes.

Hunter had some left over steak from our valentines night out and I decided to put it to good use. I cut up the steak and added it to a frying pan with some soy sauce, sauteed it for a bit and ta-da! A whole new meal. I baked the asparagus in the oven with olive oil and salt, and prepared a version of my friend Jackie's potato fries. I sprinkle them with a little salt and some crushed red pepper. Spicy foods are mine and Hunter's favorites.

Never forget to use up those leftovers! Make something new out of something and jazz it up a bit. The possibilities with food are endless!

Birthday

My birthday only comes around once every four years... Yep... you guessed it. I am a leap year baby, and a twin on top of that. One day, when I have time..  I will conduct a mathematical study on the likelihood of this happening.. Yep, I am a nerd.

Two of my best friends had birthdays this week, also! My friend Steph turned 22, and my friend Mary-Anne turned 24. Mary-Anne had a mini mid life crisis, which really got me to thinking.

24 - (or 6 if we are talking leap years) what do we have to look forward to? Most life milestones are gone.. or long forgotten. Now we just work, hope true love looks our way... and strive for retirement. That is when a co-worker and friend of mine said, you must set many more goals. Goals in life to keep you going, to keep you young.. to keep you strong. You can check out Clint's management blog here!

Life isn't over because we are getting older, we just have a new outlook on things. After all that has happened the past few years here are some things on my list:

Goals:
Graduate with my Masters (May 2012)
Get accepted to the PhD program
Get a teaching job, with my very own classroom
Get married (maybe one day...)

I believe after these goals are accomplished, another new phase in life will get started... then, a new perspective and yet another set of goals.

Perspectives:
Not much really matters in the grand scheme of things. Stephanie has taught me through her struggle to value life and everything that you are given. Don't worry about the petty pickings of those self absorbed drama lovers. As long as we have each other and know what is important... we can do this.

Have fun, working yourself to death when you are young will only kill you - I can thank Clint and Hunter, David Tingle and Mary-Anne for this one... IDK how many break downs I have had throughout this graduate school journey. And looking back to how much fun I had in undergrad. Working your tail off isn't worth if you didn't enjoy it along the way. Clint gave me an intervention pep talk about grades and perfection, and Hunter strives daily to take me away from the desk even if just for a little bit and make me smile (I have begun watching TV again!). DT and Mary-Anne, I wouldn't know what to do without their shoulder to cry on... through the tough times, it means a lot to have someone who will actually listen.

Take the time to listen, you never know what someone has went through, me included. Stop your judgemental rudeness and have a heart. Yeah world, I said it. ;)

Beyond it all, God can bring you out of and through anything.. it may not be the way you planned it, or the way you wanted it. But that is why He is God and we are not, isn't it?  This year I asked God to heal my friend Steph for my birthday, and even though He may have said 'no' or 'not right now' somehow... this will all work out... I haven't been in the greatest mood or mindset though all of this, and I am trying really hard, but it is harder still to watch someone you love suffer. But that is another post for another day.

Here's to another year, another goal, a blessed life from God and some of the greatest friends a girl could have. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!



Here is a wall shelf a friend handmade for me, for my birthday! :)

Click here to read a short article done by the local news back home for mine and Donna's birthday.

Day 21: A favorite photo of you

Hunter and I took this picture after we got our National Championship shirts.. yes, the very next day! HAHA! I love this picture!

ROLL TIDE!

Day 20: Handwriting

Yep, this is me.. in class, taking notes. A student of mine once told me, 'Miss. F*, your handwriting looks like a cross between a boy and a girls!'

Too funny!

Day 19: something you hate to do

Ok, so I skipped Day 18, I had a rough week, and a rough weekend... no biggie. ;)


This is me, studying and doing homework on Sunday. Oh, how I want Sunday to be an absolute day of rest... doing only things that please and honor God by resting in Him. My hectic schedule rarely lets this happen... soon, it will be a reality!

Day 17: Time

Time for work, guys clocking in... the day beginning. Praise the Lord it is FRIDAY!

Day 16: Something New

For Valentine's day Hunter gave me a chain and a new charm for my Pandora bracelet. :)

Day 15: Phone

Considering I take most of my pictures now with my cell phone, I took a picture of the two phones I use for work: My desk phone, and my southern linc phone. :)

Day 14: Heart

Cupcakes my roomie made for on the 13th

Ok, so I must admit, I didn't take any heart pictures, or any pictures at all yesterday. Hunter and I celebrated with dinner together, and then left to study... we both had tests today. School has been taking over lately. Here is hoping for a relaxing weekend!

Paperclips I made into a 'heart' at work.

Day 13: Blue

For those of you that know me, blue and green are somewhat of an obsession of mine. So, it took me a while to pick what to show you guys for blue. This is the shirt I wore to work, with a green sweater over it.