TPC

As many of you know, Drew and I were not only high school sweethearts, but also church sweethearts. We have the privilege of being a part of the same body of believers in our hometown. The past 8 years of our dating/engaged relationship involved many, many church events. As we begin the transition to our new Tennessee home, we are excited to join a new church as well. I'm the Nashville newbie, since Drew spent four years there for college. Thankfully, he found an awesome church during his college time. We have decided that this will be our newlywed church home as well. Man, the Lord provides! I still remember the first time Drew took me to The People's Church. I was blown away! I love our hometown church and part of me is not ready to let go; but, the more Drew and I talk about newlywed life, the more excited I get about transitioning to another "new home." Check out The People's Church here.



P.S. Drew wanted me to mention that Jim Caviezel (aka - Jesus in The Passion) and Matthew West have both dropped-in on a service in the past few months. We're not name droppers or anything, right?

We're goin' to Jackson, Look out Jackson town

So, I'm not sure if the Johnny/June Cash song is about Jackson, TN, or Jackson, MS, but it seems fitting because Drew and I are hitting I-20 this weekend for a Jackson, MS wedding. Drew's good friend is taking the plunge and Drew is a groomsman. Since he will be busy Friday and Saturday "practicing" for our big day, I'll have plenty of time to wander around the capital city of our neighboring state. I have a LOT of thank you notes to write, so my plan is to knock those suckers out (who are we kidding, we all knew Drew wouldn't be lending a hand on that task).


Instead of sitting in the local Starbucks, I decided I'm hitting up the local culture to add some flavor. Plus, I love exploring a new city. I just wish Drew could be my tag-along/drag-along.

Here's the list:

Mississippi Museum of Art

Looks like they have some Warhol and O'Keefe in their collection, so I'm hoping to find a comfy place to sit, be inspired and write.

Mynelle Gardens

Pretty day, camellias, and thank you's...how Southern

Fondren District

Just the shopping adventure this eclectic heart needs - (after finishing all the thank you's)

Drew took one look at my list and was (almost) thankful he will be occupied with the wedding. Any suggestions on cute lunch spots for one? Or maybe other places of interest not listed on the tourism website?

Let Go(d)

Hello rough week! Both the Meggs-to-be have been running frantically with our crazy schedules. Drew was given the opportunity to do some audio work with a close friend at his church in our sweet hometown of Cullman. Audio is Drew's passion and he is extremely talented. I'm so thankful when opportunities arise that allow him to join his passion for audio with his passion for Christ! Best part - he was asked to repeat his performance for their very busy Easter services! This weekend/week has been especially stressful for me. I'm trying to finish grad school in the midst of moving, wedding planning and life in general. Unfortunately, I have struggled in one of my classes all semester. I had a make-or-break test on Monday and my feeling toward the test was more of a break. But, then I saw this picture on a website I like. It spoke volumes to me. I sometimes forget how much the Lord provides for Drew and me continually. He didn't provide jobs, a home and a church (more to come on that later) to fail us now. I need to Let Go(d). Drew reminded me of this last night during our nightly long-distance phone call -oh how the Lord reinforced that conversation with that image. This time in our lives involves so much transition and trusting in the Lord and His providence. So, as we await my grade on the scary test I took, pray that we'll remember to trust and remember to Let Go(d).

Meet Dave

This is our friend Dave. When I say friend, I mean the man Drew insists we listen to on talk radio...all the time. We also attended an event he did in Nashville. And he lives down the street from the family of a Nashville friend. And his studio/Financial Peace Plaza are a mile from our apartment. We know a lot about Dave. He has his critics, but he has been great for us. We are starting our marriage with a clear financial plan. We have goals - both short and long term. We have a written budget. Did I mention we're only 23? Our favorite thing about Dave is his span. His advice is timeless and is applicable at any age. We're not saying we're fanatics who are completely ditching Starbucks, eating-out, and cable; but we do like knowing how our money will be spent and being on the same page for that spending. So now that we have introduced our friend Dave, you know you want to check him out here. Then you can come visit us and we'll drive you by Financial Peace Plaza because we are nerds like that.

Decor dilemma

Drew and I have been extremely blessed with generous wedding showers. So generous that we were gifted a FULL 12 place settings of our Wedgwood White china. Although Drew was excited, he just didn't understand my zeal for the pristine white plates and the dainty tea cups.

I. Am. Obsessed.

BUT, here is the issue. Our newlywed nest will be snug. Snug is the nice way to say that our 1 bedroom-1 bath apartment is small. This leaves my hubby-to-be and me with a decor dilemma. My obsessed self can't stand the thought of leaving this beautiful china packed away at our parents' homes. So, we're exploring inexpensive, newlywed budget-friendly options to display these lovelies.

1st option I found from IKEA. Super cute and fairly affordable. Any opinions? We were a little alarmed about the disclaimer listed on the website about the glass panels shattering with a "knock."

Then I came across this cabinet on Etsy. A little large, but absolutely beautiful...plus it has storage! Drawback: Drew doesn't want our home filled with "old stuff" and this falls in the "old stuff" category. I love the vintage, this-piece-has-a-story feel. Alas, one of many kinks you must weather in marriage.

We would appreciate any suggestions!

Greetings Family & Friends

Since Drew & I (Jill) will officially call Nashville home in a short 4 weeks, we decided we needed an avenue to keep friends and family updated on our life there. We are excited to be newlyweds in such a fun city. Thankfully, we both have jobs that are close to our newlywed nest. I'm excited because we'll be a short drive from Downtown Historic Franklin, Publix, Whole Foods, TJ Maxx and Cool Springs Galleria. Drew is excited because our proximity to work and shopping cuts down on our fuel bill (but let's be honest, probably increases other bills). Welcome to our humble abode.

I will be the first of the Meggs-to-be to call our newlywed nest home. Drew follows shortly after the wedding in June. Over the past few months, we have collected "stuff" American Pickers style for our future home (stay tuned for pics after the move). Plus, we have lots to add to our collection from our amazing showers! For the next 4 weeks, I'll be finishing-up grad school while Drew works hard making/saving what I like to call married money. We have a few big events happening during the coming months - namely friends' weddings, a half-marathon (cheering on a friend, we aren't running!), my grad school GRADUATION, and a potential trip to Seattle. We'll be sharing details of those with you as well. Thanks for following our Tennessee Transplant journey!