December Goals

I read Nancy Ray's blog regularly.  If you haven't checked her out, please do...right now!  Paige was the one to point her out to me.  Every month, Nancy posts her goals for that month.  I'm going to try it this month.  I thought it would be a good way to give me incentive to get things checked off my list (thank you Type A personality).

Also, I've been engaged for ONE MONTH today!!  I feel like I've gotten a lot done, but there's not much to show for it.   Hopefully, I'll be able to get more done this month.   Many goals in the list this month will include wedding tasks.  We'll see at the end of the month how much I actually get done.  Here goes nothing.

• Focus on the Gospel and become more aware of what Christ has done for me, instead of focusing on myself and what I can do to gain His approval.
• Don't get hurt at Ultimax.
• Insure my engagement ring.
• Meet with the pastor at FBC to book the church.
• Hire the following vendors:
• Wedding planner
• Caterer
• DJ
• Florist
• Finalize the guest list.
• Pick out a wedding dress.
• Start the registry process.
• Start to exercise more and eat more healthy. Gotta get into wedding shape!
• Make a budget for Christmas presents and stick to it!
• Enjoy time with my and Brett's family.
• Take more pictures.

Wow, that's a lot of goals.  I think I can do it though.  What are your December goals?

Surprise! Wedding Planning Survival Kit

So for some reason, yesterday was a little bit of a rough day.  Maybe it was going back to work after a holiday or not being able to spend any quality time with Brett over the break or traveling five weeks in a row.  Whatever it was, I was in a somewhat out-of-sorts mood when I got off work.  I checked my mail and there was a slip saying I had a package.  Megan, my Maid of Honor, said to be expecting something in the mail so I was really excited when I saw the slip.

I picked it up at the office and rushed home to open it up.  Lo and behold, it was a WEDDING PLANNING SURVIVAL KIT!!!  Oh my, it was amazing.  Seriously, the highlight of my day. 

Everything was a shade of purple (one of my wedding colors).

Here are the details of the contents with the little description she wrote with each one.  If you are a MOH, this is such a good idea.  The bride will certainly appreciate it.

• The Knot Magazine- Not just any magazine but a bride bible. Since Megan can't be here with me physically, she inserted her thoughts via Post-its.  

Megan had gone through all 500 pages and noted dresses and flowers she liked, some she didn't know how the designer got paid to make something so unattractive, and just random notes.

• Recipe for blushing bride - When the stress is high, whip this blushing babe up and move to the next task.

• Lavender bubble bath - Take a break, relax!

• Starbucks Columbia coffee - Not only is it one of your favorite blends, but it will come in handy after you've been looking at Pinterest all night.

• Milano cookies - Another favorite.  Indulge a little. You deserve it!

• Framed Proverbs 31 - Because we all need a daily reminder to strive to be like her! Look often. She will help you love your husband.

I cannot say how much this package meant to me.  I value all the time she took to make personal touches to the magazine and the thought that went into each content.  It is something I will never forget.

O Christmas Tree

O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree, how long you take to build!

I know I may get some grief about this, but it's true: I have an artificial Christmas tree.  My parents bought their tree before I was born.  When we put it up, we have to arrange the sections so that the holes where branches are missing don't show as much.  Artificial trees are all I've known so I bought one when I got my own place.  It is the kind that takes about 45 minutes to set up because you do it branch by branch.  I enjoy the build up of seeing it form into a beautiful tree. And yes I think it is a beautiful tree, but I may be biased.  Below are a couple of pictures that I took while decorating.

Halfway there!

Completely built tree

Finished product!

 Here are some of my favorite ornaments.

My ECU Santa

Handpainted ornament from my senior trip with the Fantastic Four

Elite Eight!

To me, Elite Eight seems to hold the significance of what NGU has accomplished more than quarterfinals, although they mean the same thing.  This is the staff's third season.  Their first season, they went 2-9. Their second season, they went 9-2 during the regular season and were Victory Bowl Champions (the NCCAA National Championship), finishing the season 10-2.  This year, they are 9-2 (11-2 including playoff wins) and have made it to the third round of the NCAA Division II Playoffs.  I cannot say enough how proud I am to be nvolved, even if just a little bit, in this historic moment for NGU.  It really is amazing.

NGU had to play Mars Hill, the last team to beat them, this past weekend.  Brett said his guys have been waiting for this game.  When I was playing competitive ultimate, it always made me nervous if we played a team that we had beaten, especially if that team had been killing other teams since losing to us.  A situation like that throws ranks out of the window.  Clean slate. Actually, it seems to shift the momentum to the team that lost because there is more incentive for redemption.  That was exactly the case this past weekend.

The first half was close but NGU blew it wide open the third quarter.  The defense got takeaways the first play of Mars Hill's second, third, and fourth drive of the half. After that, there was never really a chance for them.  The final score was 58-32.  NGU has outscored its opponents 298-66 the last six games.  They are on fire. Delta State better watch out this weekend!!

212

Willy Korn had three rushing TDs and threw a fourth.

Chad with some of the defense.

After Willy's third TD.

Jamarius' pick 6.

Brett was so pumped.

Final score

My stud.

Our Supposed-to-Be Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner

That's a lot of words for a title.  It pretty much explains how my night went with three wonderful ladies: Cheryl, Jenn, and Natasha.  Cheryl has been in Greenville, NC doing a rotation for P.A. school and was in town today so we decided to hang out.  Jenn thought of having a pre-Thanksgiving dinner, full of lots of desserts if you know Jenn.

We had a change of plans because we've all been so busy, and Jenn was cooking for her family's meal tomorrow.  Instead of Thanksgiving food, we had pineapple and ham and pepperoni, sausage, and mushroom pizzas with breadsticks.  Jenn did bring over some pie crust that she and Natasha carved into some letters and added cinnamon and nutmeg for the fall flavor.

It tasted really good.

An "H" for my future last name!

Our night was filled with lots of laughter, some wedding talk, and getting slightly freaked out by the new Willy Wonka.  I love these women!

Cheryl did this WHILE she studied.  She's amazing.

Our hair almost matches!

Take 3 with Tasha.

She is such an encouragement. I love her.

Round 2!

I wasn't sure what to expect last weekend going into the first round of the playoffs.  Brett and I usually talk about the other team, their strengths and weaknesses, but we hardly talked the week before the game because he was so busy.  All I knew was Bullet, who always seems to know EVERYTHING about the other team, said NGU's defense would get at least three interceptions.  I was a little doubtful of that.

When I saw Albany State (GA) on the field, I thought, "These guys are HUGE!!!"  Seriously they had the largest D linemen I had ever seen in that stadium.  Greg, Brett's friend who coaches at Methodist in Fayetteville, reminded me that it may mean that they're slower than Brett's guys. I was sure hoping so.

Well, guess what happened the first pass of the game?  That's right: NGU interception!!! It was such a lopsided game.  Greg called a 35-0 score at halftime, another thing I was doubtful of especially with less than 7 minutes left and the fact that we still needed 2 TDs.  I was wrong again.  By halftime, it was 42-7, with the help of a NGU punt and kickoff return. 

The second half was more of the first, except with NGU's second and third string players. The final score was 63-14.  I was so impressed with NGU's offense, defense, and special teams.  I think that was the best performance I've seen by all sides of the ball.

NGU will be playing Mars Hill this weekend, one of the two teams that beat them this season.  Brett says the guys are chompin' at the bit to get back and play them.  Strike the stone!

Brett and Gooch with his guys

Isaiah broke up this pass.

Interception!

These three kids make me smile.

The defensive staff talking to their players.

Isaiah's punt return.

Jack watching his daddy.

I could just eat him up.

Happy Birthday Mama!

Happy birthday to a woman who is:

• Selfless, always putting others first,
• Patient beyond anything that I can imagine,
• Hardworking, her hands are never idle,
• Wise, sharing the wisdom she has learned throughout the years,
• Full of faith, and
• Beautiful, on the inside and out.

Most of all, happy birthday to the woman who has taught me through her actions how to be a Christ-like (future) wife.  Love you Mama!!

Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Proverbs 31:28-30

Wedding Update: Venue and Date

So, my engaged life has been a whirlwind.  With football, traveling to Montana, and wedding planning, I feel like I haven't had much time to breathe.  I guess I should get used to that.  I called Brett the day after writing my thoughts about being engaged post crying because I felt so overwhelmed by everything I had to do. I had to find a venue, a date, a photographer.  Do I know who is going to play our music? What colors are we going to have?  Have many people? Where are we registered? AHH the questions were overwhelming me.  Really it's been one day people!  Brett was his typical self, but it works to calm me down.  He actually said, "I figured you would get like this, but I didn't think it would be after one day. Toughen up."  Brett's rule #1: Don't be soft.  Sometimes he makes me repeat it.  Yes, he's a football coach.

My mom also affirmed me that everything was going to be ok.  She has been fantastic throughout this whole process.  She has made all the calls I've asked her to make.  I send the emails, she makes the calls.  We make a fantastic team.  I don't thank her enough for all the work she has put into the planning so far and for the stress she has lifted from my shoulders.  Thank you Mom (this is her home page so she'll read this tomorrow)!

The first place I heard from with an opening was The Oaks at Salem in Apex.  It is a beautiful venue, with a gorgeous house sitting on 5 acres, with lots of oak and maple trees, and a pond.  I loved it.  However, it was expensive.  I didn't know how it would fit into my budget.  I contacted over 20 places.  Let me tell you, it's amazing how far in advance venues book.  Despite the other venues that had availabilities, the Oaks was always in the back of my mind.  I told my mom that, to which she replied that she would go by and check it out.

Mom drove up to the Oaks last Thursday afternoon (the 10th).  There was a caterer there who was being approved, and April (the resident and manager) said mom could join.  If you know my mom, you know that she LOVED this idea.  Mom found out that the caterer actually serves the food Brett and I want (bbq and shrimp and grits) at a very good price.  She called me and told me it was gorgeous, and raved on and on about it.  She told me about the caterer and said that we would be able to afford having the reception at the Oaks.  I decided I would contact April and tell her that I wanted a tour.

I got to the Oaks early Friday morning and was blown away.  April was extremely warm and nice.  I loved the layout and decor of the house.  Not to mention the wrap around porch and brick patio!!  We booked it on the spot! Here are some pictures by Luster Studios of the Oaks.  If you want to see more, click here.

That means, Brett and I are getting married on June 16, 2012!!!  We're so excited. I feel like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. Now there is a date.  June 16 will never mean the same thing.  It will be the day I marry the most wonderful man.  It will forever be important to us.

NGU is Playoff Bound!

This past Saturday was a very special day.  First of all, it was Senior Day.  Brett had two seniors recognized before the game: Carl Dukes and Nathan Batchelor.  These two guys hold a special place in Brett's heart, as they are two guys who have been there since Brett's first year as a coach.  

 

Secondly, it was Military Appreciation Day.  They did a ceremony before the game, where three men took their oath.  At halftime, they recognized the parents of a fallen soldier. I often forget about the family members involved in the military. They received a standing ovation. Such courage by not only our military but also their parents, spouses, and children. It moved me, the mother, and many other people to tears.  So thankful for our military and their family.

Thirdly, it was NGU's last home game.  If they beat Notre Dame College (OH), they would gain their first playoff berth in school history, finishing the season 9-2.  Needless to say, they beat Notre Dame College 62-0.  They had720 yards of total offense, whereas the NGU defense held ND to 78 total offense yards.  Unheard of.  Brett's whole family came to watch so we all got to witness this huge feat by the Crusaders.

The players praying before the game.

Brett with his linebackers.

Taking the oath.

The Hickman men

Brett with Dukes and Batchelor.

So so proud of him!

I decided to stay late on Sunday so that I could go to the NCAA Division II Selection show with Brett.  They had a dinner before and then moved into the auditorium for the show.  It was my first actual football event, aside from the games.  I was proud to be at Brett's side, supporting him through this important event in his career.  I also got to witness the fraternity of the coaches, their wives, and families.  I'm seriously SO excited to be apart of it in the future.  I really enjoy being around Kelli, Keonna, Heather, and Solmaz.

Anyway, I sat between Brett and Chad.  They were both shaking their legs before the announcement.  As soon as NGU was announced, a bunch of the guys got up and started cheering and clapping.  It was such a neat atmosphere.

NGU got the third seed in Region 2.  They will be hosting Albany State (GA) this Saturday.  Let's go Crusaders!

NGU vs. Albany State

Two happy people right there.

The Wild West

My parents, Oba, and I went to see Chris out in Billings, Montana last week.  He is working at the Billings Clinic in the Radiation Oncology Department and is really enjoying it.  Our flight left at 6:30 on Thursday morning. It as one of the worst flights I've ever had, as we went over some horrible weather on the way to Minneapolis.  The Billings airport is actually located on the "Rims" and then you drive down the side to get to the town.  Chris told us prior to coming up that we should think about what the world was like 20 years ago because that is what Montana is like today.  Boy was he right.

We were able to relax the day we got there.  Chris had the next day off so he took us to Red Lodge, the closest ski resort.  He wanted to go see East Rosebud Lake first, a site he's hasn't seen before.  We tried to drive there but we ended up going on some dirt road through Switchback Ranch.  Switchback Ranch is one of the largest cattle ranging operations in the Northern Rockies, running 2,000 animals over approximately 160,000 acres!  I was in awe of the scenery, Dad was having a heyday taking pictures of all the deer, and we even saw a fox! Here are a couple of pictures on the way to Red Lodge.

Dad likes to say that this looks like a post card.

Amazing.  It almost looks fake.

I really love this picture of my parents.

Me and the bro.

Us with Oba.

Yes Oba is using a peace sign.

This doe was within a couple of arms length from us.

Some of Switchback Ranch. Notice the dirt road.  I'm glad Chris has a truck.

Once we got to Red Lodge, we ate at a Mexican restaurant (which apparently is pretty popular in Montana) and went to a candy story.  Oba was right at home in that candy store.  She would have bought everything if she could.

Yes, those are all baskets full of candy.

Using my aperture on the camera.

That sign fits Dad so well. Haha.

We drove to Beartooth's Pass after lunch and some souvenir shopping.  Beartooth's Highway is one of the most scenic drives in the United States.  We were only allowed to go 12 miles before we reached the barricade because of the snow.  During the winter, they move the barricade closer and closer to Red Lodge.

Parents at the barricade.

My favorite picture from the trip.  Gorgeous background.

Part of the Beartooth Highway.

We drove home afterwards, after about a total of about five hours of riding in Chris' truck. Everyone took naps.  Actually, I took a nap five of the six days of the vacation.  It reminded me of college.  I woke up on Saturday to snow!  It snowed all day Saturday.  Oba was happy, yet hesitant, having the snow around.  We went to Chris work and then Cabelas, one of Dad's favorite stores.

Snow!!

We celebrated Chris' 27th birthday with take out Outback! So glad I was there for his birthday.  All in all, we had a fantastic trip.  I'm looking forward to the next time we can travel up there.