Welcome to the Blog: A Story of Faith, Family, and Florals

I was recently talking with my niece’s boyfriend, whose mother speaks all over the country about stewardship and following God’s calling. I was fangirling over her when he mentioned how much he wants to share his own versions of the stories she tells. That hit me hard, along with the thought of my own mother forgetting things, or my mother-in-law who raised 9 kids and doesn’t remember it all. And me? I can’t even remember what I wore yesterday (except that it was the same black shirt I wear every day—pregnant or not, for four kids now.)

If I’m being honest, I have no clue what I’m doing. I stumbled into falling in love with flowers about 12 years ago. It all started when I helped with a charity event for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) chapter in Augusta. My husband was competing in the Man and Woman of the Year competition, and we needed someone to contribute flowers for an event. Not wanting to spend or ask for any money, I decided to take a crack at it myself. And now, 12 years later, here we are. We’ve done weddings, parties, everyday moments, funerals—you name it.

My sister-in-law was actually the one who named our business and set up our Instagram account. For weeks, months, and years, she convinced me to believe that this dream could be a reality.

A lot of people believe in me far more than they should. With 7 children, a busy family life, volunteer work, and a household full of activity, I decided I wanted to document this journey. For my kids, of course— everything is for my kids —but also for when I’m feeling like I haven’t made progress.

That’s when I realized this journey that God has called me on needs to be written down. Thankfully, I have an amazing sister-in-law who’s an editing guru and can turn my jumbled thoughts into something readable… thank you, Tricia!

So here we are. I’ve tried to give this business back to God in every way. I’ve completely ignored this calling at times. I’ve forgotten countless invoices. State taxes? Oh, you’re supposed to file those? I’ve had our seventh child, been high and low, and pleaded with God more times than I can count for a clear answer to my prayer: “God, if this is what you want me to do, I need a clear sign.” For two years, I’ve been asking, and He always shows up.

The last time, it was an undeniable “HERE’S YOUR SIGN” moment. My sister-in-law suggested I change my prayer to “How do you want me to do this, God?” And boy, has He shown up and shown out again. The village that surrounds us—our family, school, friends, kids, and myself—is incredible. I couldn’t do anything without help.

The funny thing is, I’m the helper. I don’t like to be helped. I want to serve others… very Martha-like (Ha! If only I could make it to sainthood like Martha). But I know I can’t do anything without a whole lot of grace. His mercies are new every day, and that’s one thing I’m so thankful for.

With that, I want to remember these days. The time when I thought it was a good idea to start a business. So, in 10 years, when I’m actually understanding how a business works, I can look back and see how far we’ve come and what we’ve celebrated. Or maybe, I’ll see that I let my fears take control, and that this first blog, the signs, and the village were all a big mistake. But if I said that, I’d be denying the calling and the talents that God has blessed me with.

In this blog I will feature some of our work. I will show you our beautiful individual arrangements along with parties and showers and weddings we are blessed to be asked to do. And I will take you along for the ride— the fun, the beautiful, and the crazy. So here’s to you, kids! And to whomever reads this. I’m here. I’m trying, I’m believing, I’m persevering, I’m working, I’m soaking it all in, I’m making mistakes, I’m learning, I’m praising, and I’m remembering.