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.

Ragin Cajuns Athletics - Garon Places Fourth At 28th Annual Louisiana Classics

Ragin Cajuns Athletics - Garon Places Fourth At 28th Annual Louisiana Classics

28th Annual Louisiana Classic - ULL 2013

Today has really been emotional for me. Today concluded the last home tournament Brandt will play for ULL and his friend, Nick Ward, that he golf with and competed against while he played for MCC passed away yesterday from his injuries. How ironic that we learned of his passing during the golf tournament. My heart breaks for his family and friends. Brandt played very well. These last 2 days we saw the Brandt we've known of the golf course for the last few years. He has struggled so much, fighting his way to get back. Although he had his difficulties, he had so many more positives these last two days (3 rounds). He had the low score for the tournament with a 68 for his 2nd round. This same round he carded 4 birdies in a row. He shot 73-68-73 taking 4th place out of 84 players. He surely had his struggles, especially on par 3's. We saw a shot today that we (Danny, Coach, or I) have NEVER seen him hit, but he worked so hard and fought to get it back. We are so proud of him and his character. Love you Brandtman!!

Great Start!

Brandt finished in the top 10 for his first tournament for this season. They played in San Antonio, TX at the Oak Hills Invitational. He had a rough start yesterday with shooting +1 in the first round and then +2 in the second round...yes...college plays 36 holes on the first day. He hung in there today and didn't do anything fancy, just stayed steady shooting even par (71). He moved up from 15th yesterday, to 10th today. The team as a whole struggled. ULL finished 12th place.

College Golf 's last chapter

I just made our first reservations for one of Brandt's first tournaments of his last college season. It seems like yesterday that we were in the PBS gym for his signing with Meridian and here we are beginning his final college season. Although time has flown by, what a journey it has been. As a parent, you always believe your child can do and achieve anything they set their minds to and Brandt accomplished so much. I must admit, with each big win, we would think "it couldn't get much better than this", but God said "Yes it can" and He showed us how. With each honored award, we would think "it couldn't get much better than this, but God said, "Yes it can" and He showed us how. God has truly had control over Brandt's golf career and it has been so amazing to watch Him work in Brandt's life. So, as I retrieve golf tees from the dryer, sweep golf balls from under the couches, have golf balls teed up on chapstick, find golf balls mixed in with my Easter eggs under my Easter tree, and get kicked out of my own kitchen while trying to cook supper because of a quick chipping game between my boys, I have to say, "I'm going to miss this one day". It was excitment when he move on from high school to JUCO, then JUCO to ULL, but I have to say it's nervousness(for mom) for the next big step. Turning pro is a whole new ballgame. Can he do it? ABSOLUTELY and especially if it's God's will for his life. We have totally trusted God with Brandt's golf and He has paved the way down this special path (once he finally got our attention to get on it - we're a little hard headed), I think we'll let him continue to lead. We are praying that Brandt has a great spring season, strong finish, he stays humble, and that God will continue to bless him on and off of the course. “I believe in a big God and special things can happen,” Tim Tebow

A dirty house...since when do I care!

If you know me very well, you know that house cleaning and laundry are not my strong points. Especially when my kids were small. If you walked in my house there were dishes in the sink, clothes on the floor, toys everywhere, and shoes to trip over. The best part though was...I DID NOT CARE!!!!! There wasn't time for house work. Between working and running the kids all over, that was the least of my worries. I kept it up just enough to keep us sane. The two-story on Harrell's Ferry Rd. helped too, because we could close the kids doors and the laundry room door and it looked like we had it all together...Haha!! You never know what's behind closed doors. So...I seem to be changing. I'm starting to want everything in it's place and clean. I have been cleaning out and throwing away things, making room for everything to have a place. It hasn't been easy in this house and I have a long way to go, but I am on a good track. I guess this is considered a new chapter in my life. Time to clean! How crazy! My motto used to be..."there will be a day when I have time to clean, until then, I have kids to raise." So, I guess, for the most part, my kids are raised. Yikes!!! Now don't get me wrong...I'll drop it all to support my kids in anything they do, so I must not have changed too much, just now I'm home looking at it more! LOL!!!! I'll never forget I had a girl that played sports for me and I would bring her to and from games because her mom "couldn't make it". One time her mom told her that she couldn't make her game because she had to get this house straight. Her response to her mom was, "Coach Carol's house isn't clean, but she is at all of her kids games." I have to say, I'm so glad a clean house did not bother me and I couldn't use it as an excuse not to support my kids in all of their activities. Thank you Lord for showing me how important it is to spend time with my children, no matter how old they are. "I learned that we can do anything, but we can't do everything... at least not at the same time. So think of your priorities not in terms of what activities you do, but when you do them. Timing is everything." Dan Millman

January 14th

January 14th was the 5 year anniversary of momma's passing. Can't believe it. So much has happened since then, but I still remember it like yesterday. I cherish that last week with her, being by her bedside 24 hours a day and was so blessed to have Debbie Parker and Martha Long as my administrators, allowing this to happen. God knew I needed to be at Parkview that year of school and placed Mrs. Almyra Johnson at mommas house that summer before to encourage me to apply that summer. I never would have considered PBS until she told me pay was raised and benefits were offered. It is truly amazing to look back and see God's work in my life and how he perfectly orchestrated every decision and move I've made. We serve a mighty God. I miss her dearly everyday, but I have no guilt or regrets because of our God. I love you momma and I cannot wait to see you again. I soooo much to tell you! XOXO

Catching Up!

So where do I begin to catch up this blog? So much has happened since the last post so I'll keep it short and sweet. May of 2011, Brandt graduated from Meridian Community College and finished the MCC golf season in Odessa, TX. MCC did not have a great tournament, but he ended his JUCO college being named NJCAA Player of the Year, also known as the Jack Nicklaus Award. Brandt, Sean (his MCC Coach) and I flew to the PGA tournament "The Memorial" in Columbus, Ohio and Brandt was given the award by Jack Nicklaus himself. We were treated like royalty. It was such a great experience. I'll have to come back later with more details. Our summer (2011) was the usual with traveling with Brandt to golf tournaments. He played the "Spirit of America" in Decatur, AL, the Louisiana Open, and some Baton Rouge tournaments. I started writing grants for PBS this summer and left the classroom to become the Elementary Curriculum/Technology Coach. The Fall of 2011, Brandt became a Ragin' Cajun at University of Louisiana, Lafayette. We had a great year planning for the wedding. It was so much fun spending time with Katie and helping her make decisions about one of the best days of her life. It seems like yesterday when she was born and now she is married. Because of Brandt's All-American awards, he was invited to participate in the Patriot All-America golf tournament in Arizona in December. He played in memory of a fallen soldier from Louisiana. It was such an amazing tournament. Dec. 2011 was the very first tournament. We met Brandel Chamblee from The Golf Channel. This past Dec. (2012) some of the tournament was on ESPN. Brandt did not play this one. October 7, 2011 was Katie and Ryan's wedding. It was amazing. Everything was perfect. We couldn't have asked for better weather. There was a wonderful turnout of family and friends and the night flew by. I almost blew it though. I had rented a cake pedestal for the bride's cake and paid for it in full a few months before the wedding in case I needed someone to go get it for me. The afternoon of the wedding, we took some things out to the plantation and as Danny and I were heading back to the house I realized I had not picked up the pedestal. It was 4:45 and the rental place closed at 5:00. We are on George O'Neal in the Friday afternoon traffic, so I call to see if they will wait for us, we were on our way. I was told no, they had to close when the other shop in with them closed. Long story short, I got there at about 2 mins. to 5:00 and got the pedestal. Whew!!! That was a close one! I have to say though, that was the only problem of the day. Chad worked at Sherwood Country Club for a while, but now he isn't working. He is looking for a job, he's just a little picky about what he wants to do. I'm going to do my best to blog more frequently so I don't have so much to catch up on. LOL!!! Stay tuned!

The Mysterious Flowers

About a month or so ago, I went and bought flowers to take to the cemetery for momma. Well, when I got out there I couldn't get the vase out. I decided to go on home and when Danny got a chance he could go back with me and get the vase out. Finally another day, we had time to go by but the way it was jammed, he couldn't get it either. I told Anne about it so one day her and Scott went out there and when they got there they called me. She said, "You got the vase up?" I said no and she preceded to tell me that it was up and there were flowers on momma's grave as well as grandma and grandpa French's grave. I didn't think too much about it and said that Daddy must have done that.
With today being Mother's Day, I had a hard weekend, missing momma. Daddy had texted me about something and at the end of the conversation I shared with him that I was planning on going to church, for the first time in a while, then realized it was Mother's Day. I just didn't think my first time back in church should be Mother's Day, too sad for me since momma was such a huge part of the church. Not much later I got another text from him asking if I wanted to go put some flowers out at the cemetery. Well, to make a long story short...Daddy didn't put those flowers on the graves and we have no idea who did. We do know that there are many people out there that loves our family and would do something like that. Whoever it is, Thank You! Thank you for remembering our family members that have gone on before us, but also thank you for loving us like family.

Brandt wins again!

Two weeks ago, April 11 & 12, Brandt and MCC competed in the Red Wolf Invitational. MCC was the only Jr. College in the tournament. All of the other schools competing were 4 year colleges. MCC made a great showing placing 7th and Brandt was the medalist. I wasn't able to make that tournament, so I was sitting on pins and needles waiting for the live scoring updates on Golfstat.com. I don't know when I'm more nervous, being at home waiting or on the course watching!!! I'd much rather be on the course though. A lot more fun!!!!

Then a week later, April 18 & 19, MCC played in the NJCAA District IV tournament at Willow Point Golf Course in Alex City, AL. The weather was great and there was a lot of great golf. After the first day of play (36 holes), MCC was in 4th place and MCC had the top two medalists, Jake was #1 and Brandt was #2. Tuesday was another great day of golf, but mom was very nervous. We played with CACC and Darton CC. The top 3 teams were put together. It was a tight match in every group. In the end, Meridian took 2nd and qualified to go to the NJCAA National tournament in Odessa, TX. Brandt won medalist, adding the NJCAA District IV medalist title to his resume'.

We will go to Odessa the middle of May. There will be some stiff competition at this tournament, but our boys can do it. I'm looking forward to a great time and some good golf.

House full of boys!

Jake and Adam came home with Brandt for Spring Break. They stayed for 6 days with us and we really enjoyed their visit. Jake got to know Rini (the boxer) real well. She found her way on the couch with him a few nights.
They played golf everyday, getting ready for their next tournament. Sherwood has a good driving range and then they could play a round of golf if they wanted.
Got to see Travis. He is in town for a couple of weeks before his unit leaves for Iraq. He will be gone a year. They had a crawfish boil at his house so the boys got to eat crawfish. Brandt was so glad to see Travis. Hopefully he will get home one more time before Travis leaves.
The boys leave first thing in the morning for the Spring Fling at Goose Pond. Praying that they all shoot well and bring home the hardware.

MCC wins by 15 strokes at Black Bear!

What a great few days with the MCC golf team and friends. The boys were playing in the Mississippi/Louisiana College Invitational at Black Bear Golf Course in Delhi, LA. Talk about in the middle of nowhere!!! The boys stayed in the cabins. When we first pulled up one of the first signs we saw said "Black Bear Habitat, Don't feed the wildlife!" Haha!! Well, there were no bear sightings, but the Eagles kicked butt and took names.

After the first round, the Eagles were in first place by 15 strokes. MCC has #1 & #2 man, Adam Monsen and Brandt, respectfully. Coach promised the boys steak for supper if they shot even par or better as a team. A little motivation goes a long way!! They got steak for supper. Par for the team was 288 and they shot 286, 2 under as a team. Also, Tom, the teams chaplain showed up about halfway through the round. This helped turn things around too! The boys absolutely love Tom and love having him around. It was like their day brightened up when he showed up.
This morning, day 2, we woke up to rain. They started the tournament and actually Clemens and Oscar had teed off already when they suspended play. They came in the clubhouse soaking wet...and that was only the first hole or two. Around 9:15, when it started raining again they called the tournament, making MCC the winners! Adam won medalist and he, Brandt, Jake, and Clemens all made the All Tournament team.

It would have been a miserable day for the boys if they would have played all 18 holes today. Yesterday was freezing! Thank goodness it was dry!

Great times! What an awesome group of boys! I thank God everyday that he led Brandt to this team. It has been an unbelievable journey, but that's the only way God does things!

Golf!

Chad and I will be headed to the big city of Delhi, LA Sunday to watch Brandt and the MCC golf team. Because of his poor finish in the last tournament, Brandt had to qualify against his teammates to go. This is the first tournament he has had to qualify for since his first semester at MCC. He has always been exempt because of his tournament performance. Oh well, that's golf for ya!! He's still struggling a little with his game, but it's coming back. Can't wait to spend a few days on the golf course.

Engagement Party!

Well, it's on the calendar! Ryan and Katie's engagement party is just around the corner and of course it is at an awesome restaurant, Little Village. Hopefully Stuart won't have to work and can come to the party. We are excited about the start of wedding festivities. We have a lot of the wedding plans in place, so we can enjoy the celebrations without stress...and I am loving shopping for outfits for the different events(and of course shoes and jewelry for each one). Momma taught me well! LOL!!! Now to get the boys and Danny outfitted...and NO they will not be wearing golf attire or hats.
Now to get the guest list together so the invitations can go out. It's going to be fun!!

Great week, but the wedding nightmares have started!!!

Danny and I got to go watch Brandt and MCC play in their first match for the spring season. It wasn't Brandt's best golf, but we enjoyed being away and back on the course. We are so excited to see what God has in store for Brandt's future in golf. He truly has a passion for the game and it is so contagious.
Now I have to figure out how to retire or work from home so I can travel with him. Haha!! One day!!!!

Then...last night I had a dream that it was the day of the wedding and Danny, Chad, and Brandt forgot to go get fitted for their tux. No tux...not good!!! The funny thing is, I haven't been worried about the wedding at all, so I don't know where that came from. Maybe that was just reminding me that I need to dot my "i's" and cross my "t's". I am enjoying the planning though. Probably because Katie and Ryan are doing most of the work. It's going to be beautiful!!!

Busy week!!!

The wedding plans are coming along nicely. This last week I finally found my dress and shoes. I feel so much better. Whew!!!! Now to enjoy the rest of the planning. We got the orchestra booked and now Katie is working on the horse and carriage. We are looking for some really cool favors, so if anyone has any suggestions, please let us know. We have an engagement party around the corner and I guess that will officially kick off the wedding festivities.

Daddy's pathology report came back negative, so we are praising God for his goodness. Now he and Sue can start getting ready for Israel. Of course, he never had any doubt he would still be going.

MCC kicks off their spring season next week. They will be in Fairhope, AL at Rock Creek Golf Course. Beautiful weather is in the forecast and I can't wait. Hopefully this will help my spring fever or it may make it worse. I can't believe this is Brandt's last semester at MCC. It seems like yesterday we were at his signing. God has been so good!!!

I Can't Believe It's Been A Whole Year!!!

Wow! I knew it has been a while since I blogged, but didn't realize it had been a year.

What a year! It would be shorter to tell you what hasn't happened this year. Haha!

Well, in October Katie and Ryan got engaged. The wedding will be this October, so we have been busy planning. It hasn't been difficult though because Katie already knows most everything she wants. We have the venue, photographer, dresses, flowers, band, cake, invitations picked out, and Ryan has already booked the honeymoon. They are on the ball. Although, I am having problems finding just the right dress! LOL!!! Katie said I could wear jeans if I couldn't find one!!

Chad is now working at The Island Country Club on the golf course. If he could pass his PAT he could begin his PGA course work. He has to play a round of golf and shoot below a certain score to pass. He's working on his game, so pray he passes it soon. He got a puppy this year. It's a bloodhound named Cleetus. He is the size of a horse, but loves Chad. He is so funny. When he smells something, he doesn't stop until he finds it. Although, that nose gets him in trouble sometime too!

Brandt has a great first year at MCC in golf. Yes, his grades were fine too, but you know us...golf is why he's there. He has a much more in depth golf resume' now. A few highlights are he won the NJCAA tournament in Huntsville, Alabama and because of that win he received the Arnold Palmer Award. Click here to view more of his accomplishments at MCC.

Their season is beginning soon and I can't wait. I miss being on the golf course.
When he finishes with MCC, he has signed with University of Louisiana, Lafayette, the next step in his incredible journey. God has given him an amazing talent in golf and we look forward to what He has in store for Brandt in the future. It's all in God's hands!!

Danny is doing well. He is still at Georgia Gulf. He was put back on shift work, but in Dec. 2010 he got another straight day job and loves it. Much less stressful. He is hoping to retire from this position. Of course, he is still cutting grass on the side. I don't know if he'll ever give that up.

And then me! I am still teaching 3rd grade at Parkview Baptist and still love it. This past summer I began the journey of a master's degree. I am getting it from Louisiana College and will graduate in May. It is a lot of work, but I'm so glad I've done it. I was also asked to be an assistant coach for Parkview High School volleyball team, which of course I agreed. I coached the freshmen this year and was one of the assistants for varsity. We had a great year. We got an awesome head coach, Becky Madden, and I have thoroughly enjoyed coaching under her.

With all we have going on, we really miss momma. She would have loved all of this, especially helping plan Katie's wedding. Katie though will always have a piece of MeeMaw with her, for you see, her engagement ring has momma's solitaire in it.

We covet your prayers because we can't do any of this without the Lord's help. He has protected and guided us thus far and we know he will not abandon us now. We seek his will daily and praise him for all of our blessings.

Catching Up!

Wow!! I knew it had been a while, but didn't realize it has been 3 months. Sorry!!!

We had a great Christmas! Got a lot done in the house toward finishing the remodeling, but of course that has now come to a halt. Oh well, it's much better than it was.

Daddy got remarried. He married a lady that has been a member of the church for many years. She had lost her husband about 6 years ago.

Chad is working for The Island Golf Club in Plaquemine, LA. He likes it, just doesn't work too many hours right now. He is missing the money.

Brandt is back at Meridian JuCo. Golf has started. They played last week and took 2nd place as a team and Brandt took 3rd place in medalists. Danny and I didn't realize it, but he is ranked No. 1 in his district and no. 4 nationally in Jr. College Golf. He is off to a great start this season. God is so good, all of the time.

Danny, Chad and I are headed to Fairhope, Alabama to watch MCC play in a tournament at Rock Creek. It will be good to get away. I just hope we have good weather. I am so tired of the cold and rain.

I promise to update more frequently!!!

Katie got her job!!!!

Katie is now working for the State Police Crime Lab and she loves it. It ended up being a full time position and will last at least 3 years. She also has to put in a mandatory 10 hours overtime every 2 weeks. Jindal put this overtime in place when he got in office. She says it is very interesting and has some interesting stories to tell.
She graduated in Criminology, but she may go back to LSU and complete her biology degree now. This will help her if another position becomes available in the lab.

We are so proud of her, we just don't see her much anymore!! :o(