Three Years Later

"Will you go steady with me?" 

That is how my sweet boy asked me out three years ago. After I finished  giggling I of course said yes. At the time we couldn't tell anyone we were together. We were breaking the company rules. Three years later we are married and living this crazy baseball life together. My sweet husband has taught me how to be a better person, friend,and follower of Christ. He lives his life for him and it is evident. If I had to pick three words to describe Brandon they would be Man of God. If I could pick a few more I would add humble, compassionate, righteous, giver, and patient. He never seeks approval of man, he chooses to live and serve our God and by doing so he can love me and others with all of his ability.

I have a story that almost brings me to tears to tell you and I know he probably won't like that I did - more evidence of how humble he is. Last week were were driving back from Nashville when we stopped for gas. A woman in a car pulled up and asked where we were from. She proceeded to tell us the story of how a man stole her purse and she didn't have enough money for gas to get back home. She was crying and clearly upset. Brandon immediately offered to buy her some gas when she told us how the police already bought her gas and gave her a tank for the road and that she would just need some money for later on. She offered us her diamond earrings in exchange for some money and asked for our address to send us money when she made it home. He walked over to me and asked what I thought. With the possibility of us both thinking maybe we were getting scammed he opened his wallet without hesitation and proceeded to give this woman some money for gas. We told her to keep her diamond earrings and told her we hope that she would be able to make it home safely. Her appreciation was clear on her face and we knew she was grateful.

If your laughing thinking wow you got one pulled over on you, neither him or I care maybe we did? We will never know. We were giving from the goodness in our heart and if she was lieing and stole from us, that's on her now. My husband may be the only Jesus that woman will ever see. We have NO idea the effect we may have had on her or how we may have changed her life. It amazes me to see my husband live like Jesus and for that I am forever grateful.

He continues to bless me daily with his kindness and I only hope I can make him as proud as he makes me. I can't wait to see where life takes us in the next few years. We have been discussing things lately that NO one will could really believe we are thinking about doing and I know I wouldn't want to go through any of them with someone other than this guy! I hope that by sharing this guy and his heart with you, he inspires you to be a better person too. 

first photo together ever

 spring training 2010/valentines 2010/memphis 2012

nye 2010/ hunting fall 2010/ memphis 2012

 seaworld feb 2012/ fake marriage / spring training 2012

 all star break 2010/ engagement photo/ zbb concert nov 2010

 engagement christmas eve 2010/ blake shelton concert jan 2012

 spring training 2012 / first visit to memphis 2010

 cowboy game 2010 / all star game 2012

first christmas 2011/ honeymoon / mountain vacation nov 2010

Dear Husband,

Thank you for always being patient with me. I know you threaten to leave me often when I'm not ready and I love you for not. Thank you for making me laugh often. I want you to know that I love your accents and I truly miss them when we aren't together. I may have to start taking audio clips of you so I can have them all the time. I've told you before but when we are together I feel so at peace. I know that you are the only one for me and cannot wait for all the crazy adventures we are planning or that are being planned for us. You have changed my life for the better and bring out the best in me. Thank you for always forgiving me when I am not my best self and teaching me how to learn from every experience. Finally thank you for teaching me how to live in the moment. I love you more than I've began to express here. Looking forward to eternity with you. 

I love you!

10 Ways to Encourage Your Spouse

In high school I was voted Most Spirited by my class. I know this isn't any official award or anything to be proud of but I feel that this particular quality is complimentary to being a wife of a baseball player. When you think of someone with spirit do you think of a cheerleader? Hate to burst your bubble but I was never a cheerleader. I had no plan after high school to become one either. Surprise for me, when I said 'I do' I accepted the job as head cheerleader for team B & L. 

One man team..should be cake to cheer on this dude! Well what if your guy starts slipping again and again and again. Not so easy now is it? He has to know that someone believes in him no matter what the score. That someone is me.  [enter leg kick here]

I know that is probably a terrible analogy for the things I'm about to share with you but its the truth. Cheerleaders cheer the entire game. It doesn't matter what the score. They never sit down or quit cheering until the game is over. Well our game isn't close to being over and I have to cheer on my guy. 

So I compiled a list of ways to encourage your better half. If you're the better half then I mean your spouse. This is targeted towards encouraging a man, of any profession, so if you're a man reading this these barely apply to you. Use cautiously. 

1. Prayer. First of all, I know I need help so I'm calling in reinforcements. We are gonna need the whole team on this one. I know prayer isn't for everyone so maybe you write a note of encouragement instead. Usually I like to write them out and email them because we aren't together. This also serves as a reminder for him, and me, that He is in control. It's better to split the burden three ways, than just one. I also do this late at night so it's a nice surprise for him to start the next day. This is my go to and he has never said to me, "wow that made me feel worse." Always a win.

2. Jokes. You can find humor relating to almost any topic here. I know my guy has an awesome sense of humor and he likes to laugh. I'll try several times to get a laugh. If that doesn't work I try something else. It lets him get his mind off whatever it is bothering him, even if that's me. 

3. Gifts. Do not get fancy here. I mean something small. A Hallmark card and candy. None of this American Greetings junk. Just kidding, I'm a little biased to Hallmark. Even handmade will do. I had to mail something to B one time and decided to go the extra mile and send him lots of sweets that are unhealthy for him and a card. He appreciated all the 'sugar' I sent. (In the south kisses are called sugar cute huh?) First line said this.. "Hey, remember that time you left me in New York?" and I included a York peppermint patty. That's Mrs. Most Spirited coming out and maybe a little bit of sass.

4. Space.  If you're having a bad day or something is bumming you out do you always want to talk about it? Respect your other half. If they say they aren't in the mood to talk - let them be. It really probably isn't you at all. If it is you then that isn't my problem. Joking, but honestly let them cool down. You'll get cool points for being understanding.

5. Avoid the subject. For guys, if they don't want to talk about it, they don't want to talk about it. Pretend the situation never happened and he will love you. More than he already does. This is different from space. Space refers to not talking at all, avoiding the subject allows you to still talk, just not about the issue.

6. Date Night. Can't go into details here but dazzle him with your wits. Use your best assets. You feel me? I'm a married woman - don't judge.

7. Poems. I like to rhyme and I'm pretty good at it. Plus its cute and catchy. One time we (me and my little bro) turned a rhyme into a rhythm and actually wrote a song for Brandon. That will never be on the blog ever, I'm sorry. Unless we start practicing again.. Ol' Cotton Dickson is taking the mound, removes his cap as the anthem sounds....NO its never going to be on the blog. 

8. Songs. No, not one you wrote but maybe the lyrics to a song that is talking about something you feel you're going through. I can't tell you the number of times I text him telling him a good song to listen to because of the lyrics. If you can't think of any then I recommend Sexy and I know It by LMFAO. Two for one here jokes and song. 

9. Food. Did I already use this? No that was candy. So I like to bake treats for my guy as well.  Cookies. Brownies. The new cookie brownie. He doesn't complain. It definitely never hurts the situation. *Note if you are encouraging him on a diet journey food probably shouldn't be your weapon of choice unless its a cheat day. 

10. Be there.  Ask yourself am I hurting or helping the situation? Don't decide now that this is the time to nag him for this and that. Pick up the slack for your guy. Pick up your guy, not physically but emotionally, be there for him to lean on if he needs. If not.. still be there.

Dear husband, this ones for you. I really always try to make your life easier especially if you feel that things aren't going your way. I hope that all of these methods I've used, and now shared with the world, have helped you in some way. Also I'd like to say if it would make you happy I will put your song on the blog but that is last resort to cheer you up. I also feel that we need new team uniforms in all camo because I know that would be your wish. (That was me using a joke to make you laugh.)  - xo xo your #1 cheerleader. 

What do you think? Do these work for you and do you have any I'm missing?

LD 

Sunset

The sun has set on another weekend but I hope you enjoyed celebrating the awesome Dad's in your life! 

I promised myself when I found out we would be living in Memphis that I would try to take in more of the city. After being here since Tuesday I tried a new restaurant downtown and went to the river twice. It was so pretty the first time that I had to take Brandon the second. We watched the sunset together and took some silly photos. I love that he is an outdoorsy guy and we can go enjoy these simple blessings together.

I know it isn't a huge accomplishment and doesn't really add many explore Memphis points but its a start. Although I'm not thrilled that I won't see my guy again for two weeks I'm looking forward to taking my favorite little tykes swimming, getting some sewing in, and jewelry making. I've been seeing some awesome beaded jewelry lately and have gobs of beads at my parents that I got years ago. I think its finally time to put them to use, we'll see. If you've seen or have any great inspiration - send it my way please.

LD

How I Do It

Hey friendlies. How is your weekend going? I've been thinking a lot the past few weeks after having many conversations with friends about how crazy, stressful, exciting, sucky, awesome, unpredictable this lifestyle is and can be. The most frequented question/comment was along the lines of How do you do it?/ I don't know how you do it.


Well today I'm going to tell you. I really have put a lot of time and thought into this. When asked on spot my answers were I just do, It's all we've known, and I don't know. While those are actually accurate and true, I've ventured a little deeper into my mind and heart to figure out how exactly how I do it. Now I have an answer that has a bit more substance.


In the very beginning of our relationship, I mean the very beginning, Brandon and I became friends on Facebook. We communicated through messages and nothing else. We worked at the same place and saw each other every day but we never talked in person. There was a connection from the get go without actually being together. Four days after we first hung out, he left town for a road trip. I wrestled in my mind if when he got back things would pick up where they left off. Also looming in the back of my mind was the fact that at the end of the season, I was packing my bags and heading north and he was heading south.  It was no secret from day one that we would have to learn how to be together without being together. 


This August we will celebrate being together for three years.  At some point in each of the three years we have dealt with long distance. So.. how do I do it?

Love + Trust + Independence

We'll start with love, because they say, first comes love...


Love. Everyone believes love means something different.  I'm not an expert on love but I seriously believe that love is what the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 13:7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. ALL, not some things - job loss, promotions, death, births, moves, in-laws, financial trouble, you name it - love can take care of it. The day we got married we committed to one another forever, until we die, that we will love one another through it all, not through some of it.


Trust. I can't keep tabs on my guy especially when he is half way across the country but I don't need to. I trust him. I can't explain to you something so personal between him and I. It's just there. I know based on how he was raised and his faith that I can trust him 100%. My husband doesn't drink, at all. I also choose not drink with the exception of once or twice a year and it is literally one drink. I don't want to worry about his choices being influenced by alcohol and he doesn't want to to worry about mine. It's just our understanding with one another. He by no means tells me what to do. We just choose to not go out of our way to make our relationship harder than it needs to be. 


Independence. I am not a stage 5 clinger, unless we are in the same room together and then I have to have some part of me touching him. I spend a lot of time on my own. I mean a lot. All my fellow baseball girls can relate to this and it's no exaggeration. For a seven o'clock game, my guy shows up to work around one, even earlier if he has to get in a workout. The game isn't usually over until ten and then tack on time for eating/shower/post game arm exercises. By the time we go to bed, its about two or three. We sleep in, most the time, unless we have errands then start the whole process over. Road trips are usually four days or eight/nine day trips, some in the big leagues are 12 day trips.


Anyway back to the independence... I can't rely on my man to entertain me. This is his job and it keeps him busy. I was never one of those girls that was afraid to do things on my own like go to the bathroom. The only reason I need you is if I run out of toilet paper. Even if I do I can still manage on my own. If I'm in a new city, I'll go places by myself, walk around, explore, think, pray, thank God for all my blessings. That was one of the coolest things in NYC was walking around wherever I wanted. I even did it twice in STL while I was there living in the hotel. I also have my own hobbys. I love sewing and have even skipped a weeks worth of games because when he was at work that is when I could get stuff done. I even started my own little business to run and manage. I also like to blog, which is great for you. Even though I spend a lot of time on my own I like to keep myself busy so I don't realize I'm alone.


I can't tell you I don't get bored, or lonely, or sad that we can't be together. I can't tell you that we don't fuss at one another when we can only text or talk on the phone. What I can tell you is that we love and trust each other through it all and I have managed to maintain my independence and support him at the same time. While writing, I realize this post can apply to pretty much any relationship not just ours. You're welcome for the free advice and you can take it or leave it. Either way I won't be offended. 


LD

Last Things Thursday - III

Hello friends! It's been a while, like usual. You know I'm glad I have this online journal to help me keep track of where I am when and how I am feeling about it. Tonight....I'm coming to you from Memphis Tennessee. Yep - we're back! I honestly can't explain to you how it works, why,when, and who decides this. But I'll tell you that its not me and it's not my husband. We are just rolling with the punches best we can. If you're new and catching up with me maybe start waaay back here, here, or here. 


Today I'm linking up with Jenna like most Thursdays... who also just opened a new shop [Neon & Nude] check it out! 


The Last Thing I ...


ate - Mexican with my man. Last night was the first time I've seen him in TWO weeks. If you ask me, that's two weeks to long for these newlyweds. 

cried about - I was at my parents the last two weeks and our dog Rudy of 14 years is having some neck problems. He apparently had an episode of some sort and was not eating/drinking for a few days. I cried with him thinking about all the great times we've had together and that he was gonna be leaving us soon. I love this pup and am not looking forward to the day we have to say goodbye. Fortunately he is doing much better but he made me realize how much I love him. 

daydreamed - that Brandon and I went out on the lake fishing for the whole day. Hopefully we can do this when he has a few days off in July.


cooked - um, I seriously can't remember. I did pick up some cookie dough from the store so maybe I'll bake some cookies this week.


sewed - I have had a few orders for the new camera straps. Since I'm only visiting my guy until Monday - I didn't pack ANY crafting stuff. I  feel lost with out it to be honest but that's okay. I'll get over it. Plus I really feel like I have no clue which direction my shop is taking so it's better to have some time away to think/brainstorm/plan.


sang along to - Sunday, my sister, two brothers,two of their friends, and I went to the Brothers of the Sun Tour featuring Tim McDreamy McGraw and Kenny Chesney. I love country music and good looking cowboys. The only thing that could have made it better is if my cowboy was with me. Also Grace Potter opened for them and was awesome her album came out Tuesday - must buy! I love up and coming artists..it reminds me of my guy fighting to make his dream come true. Which also reminds me of Dave Owens and that you should go check him out here and his sweet amazing supportive wife here. 

laughed about - ecards. I love them and they are true, mostly. 

Alyssa ... I'm talking to you.

needed - was the weekend away with my family. Thursday I met with two of my close friends from college for dinner and to catch up. Then Friday - Monday I was in Kansas City. We went to the pool, caught a movie, rocked out at the concert, and then did some shopping.  I really enjoyed a weekend away from the crazy baseball life. Mostly I enjoyed the pool. I love the pool.

thought about social media - is that it's AWESOME. I seriously have been counting down for a wedding of someone I've gotten to know through Instagram. I know normally this would be creepy but it's not and I will totally meet them someday even if it's when I crash the wedding on the 23rd. If I haven't told you before I LOVE Instagram [larnlevydickson] and the Holden family. 

did spur of the moment - pulled off the road on my four hour drive to watch the sunset. This photo has a filter, but it doesn't matter this is how gorgeous it looked to me! I love that sometimes I stop to enjoy things like this. 

don't want to think about - leaving my man. Two weeks away was way too long not seeing each other. I can't even think that we are going to do this again from June 18 - July 4. Must get in lots of hugs and kisses now! But it does give us the opportunity for texts like this. It also reminds me of the beginning days of our relationship which is kinda cool. Not cool enough to make me forget I have to go to bed and wake up alone. Oh well - thankful for technology. 

did that made myself laugh - I'm silly what can I say. This is truly how I feel. Do you agree?

YOU did to make me happy - was to stop by my blog. Thank you and if no one has told you today you are awesome and can do whatever you put your mind to! Fight for you dreams and never stop.

A Baseball Update - Behind the Scenes

Hey guess what... we've moved again/are still moving/never stop moving. I don't really know how to describe it so I'm going to do my best. 

I left you yesterday telling you I was going to New York until Monday. It's Thursday night. I've already been to New York and I am back at my parents house in Missouri. My husband on the other hand never made it to New York, is in Memphis, and leaves for another long road trip Friday. 

The thing with our life is that it is on a day-to-day basis. We thought that we had at least until mid June until we would be rejoining the Memphis team. We thought wrong. Brandon was temporary filling in for a teammate that was on the disabled list and we assumed we had more time. 

It's hard to explain how baseball life works sometimes but I'll keep going...

I arrived in New York yesterday afternoon and got checked into the hotel. When the ladies travel they are usually allowed to check in on arrival. Sometimes the guys don't get in until the early morning and they accommodate for the wives/girlfriends. The hotel was one block from Times Square - I promise I'll write some happy posts with touristy photos soon. I walked around with one of the other girls that had been to NY before. Then we headed back to the hotel to rest up and just do whatever. I got hungry around 9:30 and was nervous to go walk around in the big city alone, but me being the huge rebel I am decided to go. 

My husband finally called me and I was so excited to hear from him. Our conversation went something like this:

L: Oh my gosh -- you are not going to believe how big it is! I have been wanting to text you pictures since I got here but I know you'll be here in about two hours so I'll just let you see it in person. You're going to drive right through it all on the way to the hotel. 

B: Oh, well you should probably go ahead and send them cause I'm not going to be seeing it.

L: What?! How come?

B: I got sent down tonight. They told me after the game.

L: Are you kidding me?

He wasn't. Were we really having this conversation while I was already there waiting for him to arrive? I was crushed. He was crushed. We were going to have a whole day of sightseeing in a new city together. Instead I'm staying in New York, alone, and he is flying to Memphis. I wasn't ready to go back to the room and be alone and ponder over everything that just happened and all that needed to happen. I stayed out in Times Square until about 1 am. Mostly just taking in the little time I had left in NY. 

I went back to the room, showered, and cried. There was no point holding it in. I cried because I could hear the disappointment in my husbands voice on the other end of the phone. Because I couldn't be there to comfort him. Because I know how much he loves what he does. Because he wants to live his dream. Because he loves supporting our family. Because I won't see him for ten days. I needed and wanted to be there for him and I was hundreds of miles away and stuck. We were both helpless. We can't control and had no say in the matter. It's hard.

I made the decision to head to the airport as soon as I woke up, after not falling asleep until after four, and cancel Monday's flight and schedule a new one. After a hour and a half delayed flight after boarding...I made it back to St. Louis to my parents house. 

Did I mention that we gave our 30 day notice for our Memphis apartment on the 29th, scheduled for our rental furniture to be picked up, and the rented washer and dryer to be picked up. Also, Brandon's bags were on the plane already and ended up in NYC without him. Fortunately he has a hotel room for the evening and his bags will be there soon. 

I like to think I'm handling this all very well, maybe I'm not. I don't know. How do you prepare for this? I know it's complicated for those who don't fully understand how it works. Basically they just tell my husband which team he is playing for on any given day and that's where we go. Right now its between Memphis and St. Louis but... if a trade happens, well, I don't want to think about it.

Since he is leaving for a road trip, I'm staying in Missouri with my family, who has been awesome and them living here has made our life so much easier. We'll try and let the dust settle before our lives change again unexpectedly. I have a sleep over already planned with my favorite munchkins and a trip to see all siblings next weekend. We don't know why this happened, but we are trying to focus on the fact that we don't know what will happen tomorrow or the next day, or the next and that it could be so much better than today. 

Times like these make me realize how much of a rockstar my husband is. He used to be a bachelor and could handle this all on his own, now he has to worry about me too, and he does it the midst of all he has going on. I'm learning to be adaptable and always ready to roll with the punches even though some days they are sucker punches. Luckily we can rely on each other through the chaos. He apologizes for me being stranded alone. I apologize for him and his bad days at work. We pick each other up and sympathize for the other, we love each other through it all. I guess that is the lesson in today's crazy events. We're gonna be okay because we'll always have each other. 

Off Day Fun

Most working people have two days off a week - Saturday and Sunday. In baseball an off day is a rare and beautiful thing. Yesterday, after sleeping in, we headed out for what ended up being an awesome off day.


We did a little early birthday shopping! Then we found a nice park and snapped some product photos. I love when he does this for me. These new items are now available in the shop.

Then we played around taking some artsy pics and some goofy ones. I feel like if there would have been an old couple watching us they would have been saying something like, "Oh remember when we were so young and in love like those two?" 

We were going to hit a movie after dinner but decided to enjoy the rest of the night at home watching movies with our roommates and eating skillet cookies and ice cream instead. 


Yep, I love off days!

Our Valentines Day

I have a few minutes here on the patio before it starts raining. 

Valentine's Day was Tuesday. Monday Brandon brought home a beautiful arrangement of flowers. It threw me off because that would have been fine if there was nothing else. Tuesday he surprised me with a new lens for my camera and a sweet card. He got a home cooked meal from me. 

We had pancakes. Nothing fancy. The add water kind. Umm... they were really good actually if you ever get in a bind with limited supplies. We brought along a crock pot, a griddle, and a toaster. I may have already told you this but so far I haven't gotten creative using just these three pieces of cooking equipment. A challenge I've yet to conquer. 

Tiny kitchenette. 

This is what happens when you don't have a spatula.

Not to shabby.

We visited our friends newborn baby.

Visited the beach.

But more importantly our day was spent together full of love and laughter.

I learned the right and wrong ways to write in the sand. He lost his camera privileges after this.

Then we laughed at these guys picking up some last minute flowers before heading home after work.

The greatest gift of all though is his love.

Dear Valentine - I love you so much. You are the best husband a girl could ask for. You work so hard for our family and I apppreciate that even if I forget to tell you. I love sharing this crazy life with you. We may not know what the future holds for us but that it's going to be good because it's together. I love how you come with me to shop for fabric and get in line for me to have it cut before I'm done shopping.  I also love all your crazy accents that you talk in all day long and I'm not sure why.  Looking forward to many more years to celebrate our love. Xoxo.

Departing Soon

I can't believe we leave for Florida this week! Yippie. Alabama was finally starting to feel more like home. It's probably because we have been here for three weeks straight for the first time all off season.  

From the beginning..

We tied the knot on Nov 5.

Honeymooned in Cabo for a week.

Thanksgiving followed two weeks later.

Brother graduated from MIZZOU.

We went to Tennessee for Christmas,

then Christmas'd in Missouri.

Threw a NYE party.

BD traveled to work conference in D.C.

Winter Warm Up in STL

Drove to GA to see Blake Shelton

and we are home. 

That is what it's like to be traveling every two weeks. Busy bees. Now it's time to pack up again and head south.  

I hate leaving. Hate it to the point of boo hoo tears. I don't think that will be the case this time around. Normally I dread Spring Training. He leaves traveling south and I leave traveling north and it seems like a looooong time until we get to see each other. This year, I'm tagging along. 


Don't take this as I won't miss our family and home and things here in Alabama because I will very very much. But...I do believe Florida will be good for me and I'm excited for this chapter to begin. Then hopefully we will be in STL because I miss my family! Until then we will take it one day at a time. 


This is what I'm looking forward to most in Florida. 

A routine. It is probably about to drive BD crazy as it is. I have sleeping issues, not a surprise to many of you, and I just need a normal everyday routine. Since I will be the work taxi at 7 a.m. each morning I think a routine will be established.

City life. Nothing irritates me more when I am in the middle of a project or cooking and I realize I don't have something I need. This means an hour and forty five minutes later I will be home from 'town' and unmotivated to complete the tasks. I am excited for a less than five minute drive to the grocery or craft stores. 

Coffee shops. Sometimes that is where I like to write and grab a cup of coffee if I have LOTS of projects I am wanting to work on. If I need that extra pick me up to start the day it will not be far away.


Shop progress. I will have plenty of time to work on items for the shop. Here it seems as something goes on everyday and I never have a set time to work on things. I just get to them when I can. I'm hoping to get at least three-four hours each day devoted to the shop.

The beach. Sunshine. Flip flops. Baseball. Baseball. Baseball. 


Yes, I do believe Florida will be good for me.