Baby Showers Galore

A couple weeks ago, the Gardner-Webb football wives decided to host a baby shower in honor of our little Henry.  Brett's and my parents were wonderful enough to make a day trip to go to the shower.  I didn't expect either to come because it is at least 7 hours of driving in one day, but we are very thankful they could make it. It made the day that much more special having our parents there.

Almost all of the wives were there, along with the oldest GWU child (teen actually) and the two youngest.  In true GWU wives' fashion, there was a great spread of food.  Y'all, these women can COOK!  While I ate almost everything, I gravitated to the desserts.  So good.

The weather was so nice that we were able to eat in the screened-in back porch.  We socialized, opened presents, and played some shower games.  The wives all pitched in and bought us the Ergo carrier that was on our registry.  I was shocked!  Brett and I were going to buy it if we didn't receive it because having something to carry Henry will be really beneficial when walking Piper, during football season, and while I do household chores.  There were plenty of other cute gifts and necessities that we received too. 

Quanza came up with one of the games that we played.  She filled three sippy cups with the punch that Angel made.  Whoever drank it the fastest won the prize. As the game went on, no one could get any punch from the cup!  Little did we know that the pineapple from the punch was clogging lid.  Lots of laughs were shared over the struggle.

Thank you to the wives for hosting a wonderful shower.  I'd be hard-pressed to find a group of women who are more giving, selfless, and loving than this group of women.  We are blessed.

I may have gotten seconds...and thirds. So good!

It was a beautiful day to sit outside and socialize.

Can't believe this little boy is walking!  Henry is due a day after Daniel's 1st birthday.

Such a cute onesie from Britney: Chicks are all over me.

One of the shower games. Seeing who could drink the punch from the sippy cup the fastest.

Henry's mama, Grammy, and Nana

My GWU family

While the women were at the shower, the men (Brett, my dad, and Yogi) stayed at home. Yogi and Brett watched the Masters.  Dad ended up fixing our lawn mower, which hadn't worked this season, and mounted our monitor to the wall.  Seriously. I don't know what we do or our house would look like without him.  Plus, he has saved us a ton of money.  Before they left, we got some pictures, as this is the last time we'd see them before Henry comes!

Henry's Nana, Daddy, Mommy, Pops Man, and big sister

My dad (still trying to figure out a name for him), Daddy, Mommy, and Grammy

My little family

This past Sunday, our Sunday School class at First Baptist Church - Shelby threw us another shower!  We walked in from service to such a sweet display of (amazing) food, onesies, and gifts.  The shower was so much more than Brett and I expected.  We spent the first 30 minutes or so of Sunday School eating (I see a trend here), opening gifts, and fellowshipping.  We received a lot more of the essentials, like diapers, wipes, bottles, and shampoo.  You can never have too many of those things. Thank you to the wonderful women in our class who were so thoughtful in each of the details!

Katie, one of our Sunday school leaders, said that Henry must be special.  I would have to agree with her, but not for the reason that you may think (him having awesome parents like Brett and me).  He will be extraordinary because of the people who will be in his life and their influence on him.  From actual family to our GWU football family to friends and fellow church members, I know that Henry will be taught about the Lord from an early age. He will be taught to value God's Word, think of others first, be respectful of authority, be teachable, love those who aren't like him, and cherish family and friends.  We are so thankful for everyone who has been supportive during my pregnancy and our soon-to-come little boy.  We love you!

It's Finally Here

Today is one of my favorite days of the year.  It's GAME DAY! I woke up at 4 this morning and was off and on until 7 when I finally decided to get up.  Too much excitement.  Anyway, GWU Football takes on Furman tonight at 7.  I'm anxious, excited, and stressed;  I can't image what the players and coaches are feeling.

In honor of tonight, I wanted to post pictures from the staff cookout at the Head Coach's house (we missed you KaShanda, Keenan, and Kendall).  Coach McCray and Ms. Angel were kind enough to have all of us over before camp started early this month.  Their house is absolutely beautiful and was the perfect place to have everyone together.  I love moments like this because it reminds me of how God has blessed Brett and me so much with a great head coach, one of the best support systems for me in the football wives, and much entertainment from all of the coaches' kids.  We really couldn't ask for a better staff or a better man to lead the ship.

Sweet little Daniel.  The youngest coach's son.

I think Issac was posing for this one.

Sydnei is the best big sister.

Michelle holding Piera, Rocco and Melissa's youngest. What a doll.

Love this man and the ministry we have together.

I just love this picture of Kelly with Daniel.

Those precious little hands.b

During camp, we take the players to church.  Those two Sundays are some of my favorite Sundays of the year (I know I have a lot of favorites in this post).  It's one of the clearest ways I see how God uses us.  After service, the church we attend feeds us lunch.  It's a big task with all of the men, but I'm very thankful the local churches want to be involved. 

The first Sunday of camp was picture day, so after church we headed back to GWU to get family, coach, and player pictures.  Another moment where I realize how blessed we are.  And how hilarious and full of energy the boys are.

Sharp. And he dressed himself.

My coach

Coaches' son minus Daniel. Nothing like it.

Be still my heart. So precious.

Some of the football wives. So thankful.

After the second Sunday taking the team to church.

And with that, let's get ready.

It's GAME DAY! GO DAWGS! BEAT FURMAN!

Welcome Daniel!

We had the blessing of adding another member to our football family!  Quanza and Issac welcomed their son Daniel Jeremiah into the world Friday evening.  In honor of Daniel's arrival, I figured it was about time to post pictures from Quanza's baby shower (yes I know I am over a month late). 

Quanza's friends from Springmore and her church hosted a wonderful shower in the football center.  The decorations were perfect and the games were great. I'm so glad we got to celebrate her before Daniel's arrival.  Now that he's here, we can spoil him :)  Love you already little guy! Can't wait to meet you!

Tre added the balloons to the Bulldog in the football center

This cake is just precious. Some serious talent.

Love the diaper cake.

Gift table

The beautiful mama.

Angel loving on Piera.  Now Piera has a friend close to her in age!

Sweet girl

Love this mama and baby

Many of the football wives. They are a blessing to me.

Piera loves her daddy.

The Toughest Win Yet

Yesterday, GWU took on Charleston Southern (ranked 12/13 in the country and 10-1).  It was a very tough game emotionally for our family.  Brett had coached with a lot of the CSU staff at NGU.  He considers them some of his closest coaching buddies. I wasn't sure how Brett would be feeling this week since it was the first time he's ever had to coach against a staff he's been on.  We didn't talk much about it at home because I knew he had a lot going through his head already.

I got to the stadium early so I could see them talking with each other.  It is really awesome to see the interaction.  We are so grateful for everything Jamey and Chad have done for us.  We wouldn't be where we are today without them believing in Brett and giving him his first full time job as a coach.

Brett, Jamey, and Bullet

Newland and Brett spotted me

Chad has influenced Brett in more ways than one.  They even stand the same.

Since it was the last home game, it was also senior day.  Two of Brett's specialists are seniors: Hudson and Jordan.  Both will by missed a lot next year.

Jordan and his parents. They sat with us through the torrential downpour during the Wofford game

The Moorings escorted one of the players.

The game was emotionally draining.  As a coach's wife, it is really difficult to see Brett coach against CSU's staff.  Our offense took care of the ball and the defense played stellar all game.  That was the most complete game I have seen our special teams play.  J.J. returned a kickoff for a TD (his first of the year), Jordan was perfect for field goals and extra points and punted some BOMBS, Matt had his best kick-offs of the year, and the team covered the punts and kicks pretty well.  I may have almost shed a tear out of pride when I saw J.J. return the kick.  GWU ended up pulling out a win 27-10.

He got some air on this one.

I think this was after J.J.'s kick-off return

After Coach McCray's Gatorade bath.

We love Bullet

I think that's more of a look of relief that the game was done.

After the game, I was able to visit with Kelli (Chad's wife).  I look up to Kelli so much.  While Brett and I were dating, she was the one I would look to in order to see what makes a good coach's wife.  She is so supportive of her husband, loves to bring the kids around the team, and cooks for her guys.  It was so nice to see her, even if it was only for a little bit. 

We were exhausted that night from the emotional stress of the week and day, but decided to go to Matt and Keenan's elementary school football game.  It was the first round of the playoffs (yes they take their elementary school football very seriously here).  Kenny was talking trash all game.  He kept me in stitches.  Matt played awesome (running for a TD and two point conversion, and completed about 6 or 7 passes).  Keenan helped with a tackle!  Keenan's team ended up winning 16-8.  Kenny stormed the field before the game was over.

Overall, it was a great, but tiring Saturday.  Now to relax by the fire and maybe put up some Christmas decorations today.  I have to get some enjoyment out of our Christmas decorations with all of the weddings we have this holiday season.