Meeting the Future Sister-in-Love

This is a couple weeks late but my life has been super busy with weddings, holidays, and work.  Anyway, I got to meet my future sis-in-love!  The week before Christmas, Chris and Kelci flew into town for Kyle and Megan's wedding. I drove up Wednesday night and worked from the office on Thursday.  That way, I could hang out with Chris and Kelci Thursday evening at my parents before heading down to Caswell Friday morning (I made a North Carolina tour in a couple of days). 

We had a nice meal, followed by Kelci looking at Dad's guns and through Chris' scrapbooks (sorry Chris, we had to).  She fits right in with our family.  She is sweet and very gracious, but can be silly at times.  Many people over the weekend even said that she and I favor.

She became Dad's favorite at this point.

Sorry for embarrassing you, Chris!

The girls

I didn't get to spend too much time with her during the weekend because I was doing Matron-of-Honor duties, but I can say that I cannot wait until she is legally my sister-in-love.  I am excited for the many holidays and birthdays we'll spend together, and all the memories that come in between. 

You are so loved by our family Kelci!

Love this picture!

Future sisters

I look forward to many more pictures like this.

This makes me happy.

Us with Mimi and Pappaw

Happy Birthday Will!

Today is my handsome brother-in-love's birthday.  I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Will the past couple of years.  It's been amazing seeing him transition from being husband to husband and father.  Will, you are such a good daddy to Laney.  Thanks for keeping us updated and for FaceTiming us so we can see our precious niece.  The "What does the Fox Say" Laney dances are pretty hilarious. 

Will is incredibly supportive of Brett and his career.  I think he actually bought a GWU shirt within a couple days of Brett getting a job here.  Will's one of Brett's biggest fans (aside from me, of course).  I couldn't ask for a better second family.

We love you and are so thankful for you.  Happy birthday!

Happy Birthday Mimi!

Happy birthday Mimi! People often say I favor my mom and Mimi. I couldn't be more happy about that.  Both are beautiful women.  I only hope that I favor them in personality some day too.

As I did with Oba and Pappaw, I'd like to share a favorite memory I have with Mimi.  Mimi loves to work in the church library.  One time when we visited, I went with her to help her in the library. Mimi had quite a few new books that she let me stamp.  After I stamped the books in two or three places, she let me write the reference card for each new book.  I felt so important to be given such a pivotal role.

It was during Vacation Bible School so there were a lot of kids in the library.  The kids faces would light up when they saw Mimi.  There was so much joy when they found a book they had been looking for. I was a part of that joy.  I felt so much pride being the granddaughter of a lady everyone loves.  I'll never forget those moments in the library helping her.

I hope you have a wonderful birthday Mimi!  I cannot wait to see you at Kyle and Megan's wedding.  I love you!

Happy Birthday Mama

Today is my wonderful mom's birthday.  The older I get, the more I realize that my mom is my best friend.  I wouldn't have recognized that a couple of years ago.  She is the first person I call or text when something exciting happens or when I need prayer.  She is always there for me, even when I'm not aware or don't want to see it.  To this day, she meets with a group of moms once a week to pray for their children.  Often, she'll text me before they meet to ask if I have anything that needs prayer.  I still call her when I'm not feeling well. Even when she's not here, Mom telling me what to do makes me feel better.

Some people may call me sheltered, but I cannot thank my mom and dad enough for that. Mom, I don't even want to know what my life would be like without your constant prayers.  Who knows how many countless times God added a shield of protection around me or I was more in tune to the Holy Spirit's voice because of your prayers. If you've gotten this far and can still read through the tears, I love you and am so thankful for you! Happy birthday Mama.

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. 

Megan's Bachelorette

This past weekend, we celebrated Megan's upcoming nuptials to Kyle.  Rather than mourning the loss of singleness, I think we really wanted to celebrate the gain of a husband/lifelong best friend.  I am so thankful that Gail (my mother-in-love) was able to get us a terrific ocean front house on Holden Beach.  There were 10 of us staying in the house.  The house had 10 double beds in 5 bedrooms with three bathrooms.  It was absolutely PERFECT. 

After countless emails to the bridesmaids and other guests, we decided we would play a few games, go to Provisions on Holden for dinner, and just spend a relaxing weekend hanging out (which included Zumba for some).  Megan said that is what she wanted to do since she will be moving after the wedding.

I have to say, as I've gotten older, it's been a little harder for me to meet new people.  I get really nervous and don't know what to say.  Very different from how I was in college.  Anyway, Megan's group of friends are WONDERFUL!  They are all terrific, Godly women who have such encouraging hearts.  As someone who is recently (1.5 years) married, there are a lot of changes to life after getting married.  Everyone was honest, but encouraging that marriage is a wonderful thing.  Yes, it's scary, but it is worth it.  They are also extremely hilarious.  I was in stitches a lot of the weekend.

Below are some pictures from the weekend.  We all cannot wait to stand alongside Megan NEXT WEEKEND when she marries Kyle.  Love you Monk!