It's Official!

Well, he did it! Brandt is a graduate of the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. It was such an exciting day. Not only did he graduate, he graduated as an honors athlete and was recognized in the General Studies College ceremony. One other athlete was recognized in this ceremony. Also, Brandt's coach, Theo Sliman, attended the ceremony. This is the first graduation he has attended for any of his players. We love you Theo! There were two ceremonies. One was a general assembly of all of the graduates, then they split up by colleges. It was in the individual college ceremonies where the diplomas were handed out. Of course everything ran late. We got out of the last ceremony and back on the road to BR about 4:00 and we had a party scheduled for 6:00. Katie and Ryan were ahead of us and I get a text that traffic was stopped from Gross Tete to BR. Still had so much to do before everyone got to the house and now traffic problems. We quickly started texting to push the party back and had to call Danny's brother to go pick up the food. When we got home, Katie and I took off to Sam's to pick up the cake, only to be told it wasn't there. They gave us one out of the cooler (since I had a house full of guest and NO CAKE!!). All in all, it was a great day and night. So many friends to celebrate with and support Brandt in all that he does. We are so proud of Brandtman and can't wait to see what God has planned for him in the future. Oh...and Sam's called the next morning...the cake was there, the girl "overlooked" it. Hmmmmm!!!!!

Fast and Furious...or Crazy!

Crazy would probably be the best way to describe it. A week from tomorrow, Brandt will graduate from University of Louisiana-Lafayette. Daddy was right...life doesn't slow down, it just gets faster. Every time a new chapter begins, I feel like I blink and I'm writing about another new chapter. This journey has been amazing. Who knew when Mike Phillips was at The Island Country Club, trying to talk Brandt into golfing for Parkview, it would lead to this trip. God has been so good. Whoever thought Brandt would end up in the little town of Meridian, MS because a JUCO coach, THE Sean Covich, took the time to send a letter to 3935 Drusilla Dr. in Baton Rouge, LA. Really??? Out of all the Jr. golfers in the USA, Brandt??? Not competing until his junior year of high school, he only had a year of competing on his resume'. Then he got to Meridian, competed against his teammates for 1st pick of golf bags...he came in last...got the worst bag on the team. Travels to the first tournament with the team...WINS it!!!!! and it was only up from there. Because of that letter from Sean, our house if FULL of honors...many Medalist honors, Arnold Palmer Award, Jack Nicklaus Award - NJCAA Player of the Year (and met Jack in Ohio to receive the award), All-Patriot Golf Tournament (invitation only), in Arizona, and so many more. With all of this, Sean Covich started getting calls from Universities wanted Brandt to come play for them, but being the good ole' Louisiana boy, Theo Sliman from University of Louisiana-Lafayette said he'd sign Brandt to play for him. Brandt's first year at ULL, the golf team qualified for it's first NCAA Division I Golf Championship since 2007. What an honor!! His senior year, he was captain of the team and finished as a member of the All Sun Belt Conference 1st Team. As his college golf career ended, he qualified for and played in the Southern Amateur Championship, but the ultimate qualification was for the US Amateur. We traveled to Boston, MA. What an amazing experience. I am so glad he had that opportunity before he turned Pro. Speaking of Pro...his Pro career begins in January. It's a new journey...uncharted territory...but one he is ready for. God has directed him this far, so he is trusting Him to continue this journey. Only God knows when this amazing journey ends...until then, Brandt's up for the ride.