Out of the Loop

Sorry I've been so MIA recently.  March was probably one of the busiest months of my life.  Here's a recap of our crazy busy, but good, March.

• Brett and I went to Billings, Montana to visit my brother.  My cousin Kyle joined us too.
• Our niece, Laney, was born while we were in Montana.  
• Brett traveled back and forth from Gardner Webb to Greer for at least half of March.
• I had to pack the whole apartment to prepare for our move.  
• We closed on our first home.  Here's to not being debt-free for a while.
• We moved.
• We filled out March Madness brackets (of which I cannot win anymore games; thanks Indiana and Ohio State).
• We both got our NC driver's license... again.
• We went to Ocean Isle for Easter and met Laney for the first time.

I plan on writing some posts to recap these events.  They may come more slowly because we're still in the process of unpacking the house.  Sorry to keep everyone waiting to hear all about our crazy life.  Thank you for being patient!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Today is my Daddy's birthday!  It's been a busy day but I couldn't pass writing a post to celebrate my dad and let him know how much I love him.  He is my rock.  He's the first person I call with any questions about houses, cars, computers; well really, anything.  He is so smart and handy.  He has my best interests at heart at ALL times; but he's not shy at holding me accountable and telling me truth.  I'm totally a Daddy's girl.  He'll always be the first man I ever loved.
 

I think the picture below captures us in a nutshell.  Check out the "leisure" pants.  I am my father's daughter.  Love you Dad.  Happy birthday!

Laura's Baby Shower

I've been pretty absent from the blogging world but life has been incredibly crazy since we found out Brett was going to coach at Gardner-Webb.  Hopefully life will slow down a little bit, but it's not looking like it will in the next month.  One of the things going on within the next month includes the birth of our first niece, Laney Adyson.  This past weekend, Brett and I went back to Ocean Isle to help with Laura and Laney's baby shower.

Laura's sisters and mom, and the Hickman/soon-to-be Hickman women helped throw the shower.  We had everything from decorating onesies and making bows, guessing the size of Laura's belly and different baby foods, and taking home individual cupcake favors (which were DELICIOUS).  Laney is definitely a spoiled little girl, even before being born. Here are some pictures from the shower. 

We can't wait for you to get here Laney!

Thank You, NGU

We're moving back to our home state! As some of you may have heard, Brett has taken a job at Gardner-Webb University, a D-1AA school in North Carolina.  It was a decision that came with much prayer, sleepless nights, and tears.

Leaving North Greenville University is bittersweet for us.  NGU has been such a blessing to both of us.  Brett and I often say that if he were in West Virginia (at a school he was planning coaching at before NGU offered him a position) we would have never started dating. 

NGU's administration and staff have been nothing short of amazing.  They have been incredibly hospitable to me through the 2 years while Brett and I were dating or engaged, and took me in as one of their own after we married.  We have so enjoyed the relationships that we built with the fans and administration.  Brett and I will greatly miss the fellowship with these incredible individuals; however, we hope and pray that this fellowship will not end with us leaving.  The relationships that Brett and I have built here are so important to us and our marriage.

Honestly, I wasn't quite sure what to expect from being a coach's wife.  My first real experience as a coach's wife is one that is so dear and close to my heart. Brett wanted to host the freshmen on July 4th since it was their first time being in summer school and away from their families.  I made the classic hot dogs and hamburgers for what I thought was going to be six players.  Well it ended up being 11. Even though they were freshmen, boy could they eat! 

It was the first time I got to see Brett interact with his players as men instead of players.  He was cutting up with them, trash talking while playing NCAA Football, and being more their friend instead of their coach.  As the players walked out the door, I was shocked when I got one hug, followed by another, and another.  I had never met these young men but they were so appreciative.  It brings tears to my eyes thinking about it.  These players at NGU are such high character young men. 

NGU, you will always hold a very, very special place in Brett's and my heart.  You are where Brett started as a coach, and us as a couple.  We love you, and wish the very best for you in the future. 

Second Christmas

This is almost a month late but oh well.  After we went to Gail and Yogi's over Christmas, Brett and I headed up to my parents.  We were able to get there at night and woke up around 9 the next morning.  I'm definitely a person of ritual so I had to ask Mom if Santa came.  Mind you it was December 28th so of course he had come!

We had a wonderful Christmas with Mom, Dad, and Oba.  I got some great slippers for when I work.  Brett got some clothes and a bunch of disposable coffee cups. I really enjoyed watching my parents and Oba open their gifts. Seeing their surprise and joy gives me happiness.  Sierra even got some good food for Christmas.

Oba surprised she got her calendar

Sierra was ecstatic about getting soft food.

Brett with his new ECU alumni plate.

Playing his Tiger Woods game

We also celebrated Brett's birthday while we were there.  His birthday started off with some homemade fire crackers.  Seemed like the neighbors were trying to outdo Dad.  If only they knew it cannot be done.  Brett got to watch football all day.  Mom made a special dinner with our favorite dessert (1, 2, 3 cake).

"You can't see me."

Dad's faces in these are priceless.

Haha.

Thinking about what to wish for.

Showing off his new sports coat.

I really enjoyed my time with my parents, although we missed having Chris there.  It was hard not being with them for Christmas, but that's what happens when you get married.  There are compromises.  I promise this is my last overdue Christmas blog.  Hope everyone is enjoying the new year!

Happy Birthday Laura!

Today is my beautiful sister-in-love and soon-to-be mommy Laura's birthday!  I cannot tell you how much her friendship and sisterhood has meant to me.  As I said before, Laura was one of my saving graces during the engagement process.  She would check in on me regularly to see how I was doing or if I needed any help.  That meant more to me than I can state.  Now that I'm married, she has been one of the people I go to with any questions that I have.  She is brutally honest and open, which is one thing that I love about her.

I am so excited for this next phase of her life with Will and Laney Adyson.  I'm excited to see how she transitions to motherhood.  She will no doubt be a great mommy.  I hope you have a wonderful birthday Laura.  Can't wait to see you at Laney's baby shower.  Love you!

Seven

Seven months ago I said I do to Brett.  Although it hasn't been a walk in the park, there is never a day that I regret my "I do."  Sometimes Brett and I joke by asking each other our vows again, but it's a wonderful reminder of what we promised each other: "For better or worse, for poorer richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live."

Love you Brett!