The Nicholsons

Snow snow snow!

2011-01-12T10:00:00.000-08:00

This week has been great so far! Rigby is doing really well...and finally only taking the 1 or 2 medications he's supposed to (for reflux). Hooray!

It's also been great because of the snow! We got tons of snow on Monday which completely covered everything. Since we didn't get any pictures of Rigby in his first snow (Christmas in Columbia) I was determined to get some of him this time! The first one is Rigby getting suited up to go out in the cold...look at that face!!!

Isn’t he the cutest snowbear you’ve ever seen!?!?!?

Another great thing about the snow is that Chad came home early from work on Monday, stayed home from work on Tuesday, and went in a little late on Wednesday! So, he got to feed Rigby a bottle and had a sweet snooze with him on the couch.

Big Rig

2011-01-05T12:40:00.000-08:00

Rigby Christopher Nicholson is now 8 weeks old...9 weeks on Monday. These last 8 weeks have been a whirlwind!

Rigby was due on 11/1/10, but wasn't ready to make his debut yet, so I was induced on 11/7/10. Labor progressed well and I was ready to push on 11/8/10 around 3:30pm. After about 1hr 40min of pushing, the doctor determined that Rigby was turned funny and was having a difficult time making it down the birth canal...and they recommended a c-section. They whisked us away and at 5:19pm on 11/8 our precious little boy was born!

For the first 2 weeks, Rigby slept like a champ. His eating wasn't as easy as we were finger feeding him waiting for my milk to come in. Then, as we began the 3rd week, Rigby started crying pretty much all the time and was super hard to get calmed to go to sleep. The stress of a crying newborn and my crazy hormones was pretty overwhelming and I was incredibly emotional...wondering how in the world I was going to do this. I even said a couple of times 'I can't do this!' We thought it was colic but in the 3rd week, I finally decided to take Rigby to the Dr....and it turned out he had reflux!

Once getting reflux under control with medication, he developed thrush. Once the thrush was gone he got a cold....and after battling the cold for more than a week (over Christmas) he developed a fever and was admitted to the hospital with RSV. We stayed 3 nights in the hospital while the doctors and nurses monitored his fever, but sadly, there was nothing they could do for the RSV since its a virus. After 2 days of him sleeping almost non stop and losing 9oz of body weight, he started perking up and his fever went away.

That was all just a few days ago and I am happy to say that our little boy is pretty much back to normal now. He's still got a little bit of a cough, but he is his smiley self again and I am enjoying every minute of my full time mom job with him. He is an incredible joy!

I will post again!

2010-12-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

I DO plan to post again...and catch everyone up on what the Nicholson household has been like since our sweet little Rigby has come along....but not now... :) Rigby is waking up from his nap and he's hungry, so I've got to run!

...more to come!

Come on Rigby!

2010-11-03T13:05:00.000-07:00

Well folks, we are still awaiting Rigby's arrival.

We saw the doctor today, and there's still no progress. Since I'm overdue, they also wanted to do an ultrasound to check on his size. The great news is, he is healthy and is weighing in at about 8lbs so far. But, it seems that there's not as much fluid as they'd like to see, so I'll go back on Friday for them to check it again.

If I don't go into labor before Sunday night, we've got orders to go ahead and check into the hospital to begin the induction process on Sunday night.

Its kind of a relief to have a plan in place. I just hope the meds they give me for induction do the trick and things progress quickly!

I hope my next post is pictures of my son :)

277 days is a loooong time...

2010-10-29T10:53:00.000-07:00

So, according to my little counter on the blog, I've been pregnant for 277 days. Man, its starting to feel like I'll be pregnant FOREVER!

We went back to the doctor today and still no progress. I know, I know, it isn't even technically time for Rigby to be born yet, but really, 0cm again?!?! Well, we scheduled another appointment for next Friday 11/5 and if he's not here by then, they'll schedule to induce probably the following week...let's all hope he comes before then, k?

9 more days?

2010-10-23T06:11:00.000-07:00

9 more days till my due date (or, as my bother in law corrected me....Rigby's due date) but still no sign of the little man making an appearance. We went to the dr. on Friday and I measured 0cm! What a bummer! I was hoping at least for SOMETHING since I know you can have a few cm for weeks! Oh well...he's just not ready yet. We'll go back to the dr. on Friday 10/29, 4 days before my due date...let's hope for a few contractions before then to open me up! :)

One frustrating thing is that I've left my wonderful job. That's right, last Tuesday was my last day at Greenville Literacy Association so now I'm home waiting. Its funny, but I feel kinda guilty being home especially when Rigby is showing no signs of coming out soon...I feel like I should still be working. Chad is so sweet, though, because he just says my job now is to relax and be pregnant. I miss my job already but know I've got a greater job...the job of my life, just ahead with more blessings and rewards than anything else I could ever do. I'm just thankful I'll be able to focus on that full time.

The Nursery!

2010-10-12T09:57:00.001-07:00

I am so proud to put this picture up! For those of you who know me well, you know that I am not a decorator. I just have a hard time putting things together...unless it's straight from the Pottery Barn catalogue, but when I have to make it up, it is much much harder.

So, putting together the nursery was pretty challenging for me. I looked and looked for the bed-in-a-bag type thing, but nothing really stuck out to me, so I asked my oh so talented mother to make it all for me (and she gladly agreed).

My ideas changed almost daily and I was getting really frustrated. My mom and I searched all of Greenville for that perfect fabric and it was nowhere to be found. I did, however find a striped fabric on etsy.com that I LOVED, so I decided to try and design the nursery around it. Then, things came together even more when I bought a vinyl tree decal from etsy and voila! Here is the amazing finished product!

Didn't my mom do an amazing job? She made the bedskirt and outside of the bumper pad out of the curtains (on sale from JC Penny), the inner bumper pad out of a quilted fabric, and then of course, the finishing touches from the fabric from etsy. I absolutely LOVE it!

Wow! 36 Weeks!

2010-10-04T12:27:00.000-07:00

We're in the final countdown, folks! My doctor's appointments have now moved to weekly appointments and things are still going great!

We met with the doctor this morning and had an ultrasound to confirm that Rigby is headed in the right direction...and he is! He's head down and pretty low in my pelvis (hence the pain and occasional waddling).

Here, you can really only see his head (big white circle from bottom right to to top middle). In the left of the shot, is his hand. When they took this picture, it looked like he was making a sucking motion, but because he's so big and things are so scrunched up, we couldn't tell if he was sucking his thumb or not...but his hand is in the right place, so we might have a thumb sucker!

We could also see his little body and how it was contracting as he was practicing breathing. He's so cute! I can't wait to see him face to face!

I've put in my notice at work...so, yes, on October 20th, I'll officially be a stay at home mom. Yikes! I hear it is wonderful, though, so as scared as I might be, I know it'll be worth it.

More randoms

2010-09-28T08:12:00.000-07:00

Hucks Family Beach Vacation 2010! I am a terrible photographer...and by that, I mean, I don't take pictures when I should...so, usually, I end up with fragmented stories about the events I'm photographing!
My entire family got together (Mom and Dad Hucks, Terry, Kendra, Rachel, & Will Lowder, Adam, Leah, Isabella, & Elissa Hucks, and Chad, Allison, & Rigby Nicholson) for another beach vacation in Murrells Inlet, SC. The following pictures are from our visit to Huntington Beach State Park. We went for some ghost story telling, alligator sightings and a picnic first! In the last picture of Will and Elissa, you can just barely make out the alligator in the background!

New Belly Pic!

2010-09-07T07:30:00.000-07:00

Hi all! I know, I know, it's been a loooong time since my last post...I have no excuses! :) But here is a 32 week belly pic. For those of you who have a hard time relating weeks of pregnancy to months of pregnancy...I'm just starting my 8th month. Crazy, right!?!?! Only about 8 more weeks to go!

I had a doctor's appointment the other day and the doctor gave me an A+ for my stomach measurement and Rigby's heartbeat sounded great! I was tested for gestational diabetes and thankfully am all clear there. Also, (without giving numbers) my weight gain has been right on track! hooray!!!

Chad and I took a couple of classes this past weekend and he was too cute. He was so interested in everything and asked so many questions. He's going to be a great partner and coach :) We can't wait to meet little Rigby!

Random Pics

2010-09-07T07:29:00.000-07:00

Okay, my computer seems to be running VERY slowly right now, so , I'll have to add more pictures later...

So, we've been busy over the last few months and because I've been so slack, I've not posted any pictures of all the fun stuff we've done! So, here goes!

We went to Oklahoma City for Easter to visit Kendra, Terry, Rachel, and Will (oh, and Rainbow, the cat)

19 Week Videos

2010-06-17T19:22:00.000-07:00

These are some videos Chad took at our 19 week appointment. If you look carefully, you can see the 4 chambers of Rigby's heart beating.

Here you can see him opening and closing his mouth again...just like the 12 weeks video...does that mean we've got a chatty baby or a sleepy baby??? hmmm... Also, check out how he's wiggling around in there. It almost looks like he's trying to do a somersault!

Usually, I don't like bananas...

2010-06-15T10:55:00.000-07:00

As many of you probably know, I don't like bananas. I haven't liked bananas since I was probably about 8 years old. I've tried them in breads, bananas foster, candies etc, but there's just something about them that I don't like.

But, this little banana picture here, represents Rigby's length from head to heel at this exciting half way point. He's weighing in at about 11oz now, and growing right along schedule. So, needless to say, this banana...I adore :)

The secret is out!

2010-06-14T06:38:00.000-07:00

Well ladies and gentlemen, I apologize to those of you who have been anxiously awaiting this announcement, but Chad and I have just gotten back from vacation. So, without further ado..............

It's a BOY!!!

For those of you who aren't as knowledgeable about ultrasounds as others...look at the nub in the middle...that's the obvious boy part :) and the nub on top is his left thigh. Imagine he's sitting on the 'camera.' You can only see his little bottom. It's interesting to look at the poll results too! So many people were so sure it'd be a girl! I figured...since all my college girls have girls...someone had to add a boy to the mix!

It's a healthy little baby ______!

2010-06-08T09:55:00.000-07:00

Well folks, the verdict is in! We know the gender of our sweet little baby!!!! We got some great pictures at the doctor this morning and knowing the gender helps so much to give our baby more of an identity to us! Everything looks really healthy...the heart, spine, brain, everything is great! We can't wait to share the news with you, but we first want to tell the grandparents.

We'll see Mimi and Poppy tomorrow night and then Grammy? ;) and Grandpa on Thursday morning. We can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Look what Daddy made!

2010-06-08T04:50:00.000-07:00

Chad and I searched for a quality bookcase for baby's room, but couldn't settle on anything. The solid wood ones at the "stain it yourself" places were too expensive and the cheapies at Target were the wrong color....so, naturally, Chad decided to just make one! He spent his off Friday getting the materials, drawing plans, and creating the frame.

Then, on Saturday, we both worked hard; me inside cleaning and him out in the garage perfecting is masterpiece! Chad decided to inscribe a message to our little one on the back of the bookcase: "To our baby, the first of many gifts. Love, Dad." So sweet...just watching him write it made me tear up (of course, these days it doesn't take much).

Then, I joined him to begin the staining process and by Sunday, we had a finished bookcase the same color as our nursery furniture...that fit perfectly in the spot we wanted it to!
Isn't is beautiful? I am so proud of my sweet husband...already a great daddy :)

Tomato baby

2010-06-07T10:50:00.000-07:00

So this is our baby! ...an heirloom tomato! Now that I'm looking at this tomato, I suddenly want to eat a yummy tomato...is that weird?! :)

We go to the doctor tomorrow to hopefully find out if our little tomato is a boy or girl! It looks like our blog readers are saying that its a girl! Well, we'll all know pretty soon! That is, as long as baby cooperates with us!

I'll have to apologize ahead of time for not posting the news immediately, but we hope to surprise the grandparents when we see them on Wednesday and Thursday, so we'll wait to go public til after that.

I hope to post more pictures soon!

Belly Pic!

2010-05-26T18:05:00.000-07:00

Well folks, are you ready for the unveiling of my belly? I am 17 weeks and people are just starting to notice that something is different. I am still not big enough for people to be sure that I'm pregnant, though....so they don't want to ask or say anything.

I'm most comfortable in maternity pants now, but have to say that I still can't get use to maternity tops. They are just too blousey for me now, but I know it won't be long before I begin to love them.

Just 1 and a half more weeks til we know if we're having a boy or a girl! Can't wait!!!

The realization...I'm going to be a mom!

2010-05-26T18:02:00.000-07:00

So, I went to the dentist yesterday (good check up by the way). The dental hygienist asked me what time of day is best for my appointments...and said that the next appointment would be in November sometime. In that moment, it hit me...by the next time I see the dentist, I'll be a mom!!! Holy cow! How will that work? Will I feel up to going to the dentist only 3 weeks after having the baby? Will I take the baby to the appointment, if not, who will watch the baby? Ahhh!!

...pretty funny I thought...

Baby Nicholson-16 weeks!

2010-05-18T10:19:00.000-07:00

So, we went for our 16 week appointment today not knowing what to expect. This was, by far, the shortest appointment we've been to yet! Although it was short, it was super sweet because we got to hear baby's little heartbeat! It was precious! swish swish swish swish...the doctor could even tell that baby turned over while she was listening! Amazing!

Dr. LaBelle also measured my stomach, and it measured exactly 16 weeks...so everything is right on track!

I know some of you might be anxious for some belly pics, and I'm sorry to tell you that you won't get them in this post...Honestly, I keep forgetting to take them! You see, until pretty recently, you couldn't really see anything, so it didn't seem like there was anything to take a picture of! But, I've got a little belly now, and elastic has become my friend :) I'll be sure to start taking some pictures and post them as soon as I can!

In other baby news...we bought a crib! We'll get to pick it up in Atlanta during our next trip...which just so happens to be to a HARRY CONNICK JR. CONCERT!!!!!!! We're shifting furniture around, starting to clean out all of our junk from the nursery, and trying to get organized...what do you think? nesting!?! :)

Okay, now that you've seen the ultrasounds, know the hear rate, as well as belly measurements, vote! What do you think? Will we have a Chad or Allison Jr.???? You've only got 3 weeks, so vote now!!!

2010-04-22T11:52:00.000-07:00

So do you think baby is sticking it's tounge out or what?

Baby Nicholson at 12 Weeks!

2010-04-21T07:55:00.001-07:00

You went WHERE in January???

2010-01-30T09:16:00.000-08:00

Yup, Chad and I just got back from Niagara Falls! Random, huh? Well, here's how it happened....

About a year ago, we sat in on a sales presentation for a type of vacation club because they promised us a "free trip." We knew we wouldn't buy anything from them, but were just curious about the trip they were offering...so, we chose 3 destinations and several travel dates. Ultimately, though, the company we were dealing with had the final say about where and when...so, about 3 weeks ago, we got notification that we'd be going to Niagara Falls! ha!

It was cold, but we both were disappointed that there was no snow on the ground! It was nice, though, because we were maybe 2 of about 15 people in the whole town! We parked wherever we wanted, never waited to see the sights, and didn't have to "wait to be seated." It was great! BUT, by Wednesday...there was plenty of snow on the ground, it was absolutely beautiful!

After a 1/2 day in Niagara, the next day we drove to Toronto, Ontario to see the sights there. We went to the CN Tower, Casa Loma, and a Maple Leafs Hockey Game! It was awesome!!!

I've put some pictures on my new Picasa website. I'm not exactly sure how it works, but try and check it out! I'll put a few here too...

Just some pics

2009-06-29T15:35:00.000-07:00

Last month Chad and I went on a short backpacking trip with his best friend Abe and his wife Bethany. We hiked about 15 miles or so in the Nantahala Basin and partially on the Appalachian Trail. The worst part was the rain. Thankfully it didn't rain too badly while we were hiking, but it poured both nights we were there...and Abe and Bethany's tent leaked really badly. They had great attitudes, though, and were rather chipper for being so incredibly soaked.

After living rather primitively for 3 days, we decided it was time for a little Georgia mountain wine and cheese. We found this little vineyard/winery, Tiger Mountain Winery, and stopped by for a little tasting.

Then, from there we had the ultimate post-backpacking meal at the Dillard House...never been? Like greasy, fattening, all-you-can-eat, country cooking? You should go!

Chad and some of his basketball buddies joined up for the Mud Run. It was really fun to watch...and they placed 96th out of more than 500 people! Wow!

It was really funny to see all of these people running around mud-soaked...you see, the mud was rather flesh colored, and I'm not sure you've ever taken a mud bath in your clothes or not, but the muddy water makes your clothes stick to you like glue...and everyone, after emerging from the previous mud-filled hole, looked, well, naked! It was so weird!!!

Adding a new blog

2009-06-29T15:31:00.000-07:00

Yeah, so it's called "Money Saving Mom" but nowhere on the website does it say you must be a mom to enjoy reading this...so, I'm cool :) Great ideas!

Another wrecked cake

2009-05-05T13:15:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm aware that if you like the cake wreck blog, you are probably reading it...but there are some wrecks that are entirely too funny and therefore need special attention...on my blog!

I find this to be hilarious (commentary by the cakewrecks.com blog poster):

Happy Falker Satherhood!
As with the infamous USB cake, some Wrecks cannot be fully appreciated until you know the story behind them. Fortunately, you guys looove to tell me your stories - some of which I've been hoarding to include in the upcoming Cake Wrecks book - and now I think it's high time to start featuring more of them.Ashley J. had two male coworkers each expecting a child, so the office decided to get them a cake. They wanted it to say, "Happy Fatherhood Shawn and Glenn." Instead, they got this:

to see the follow up video the wreck recipients took at the bakery, check out the website!

2009-03-16T07:12:00.000-07:00

We waited ALL winter for some snow. We got threats of snow a couple of times, but somehow Upstate SC was missed....until February! It was really pretty crazy. Chad and I were at a small group meeting about 20 mins from our house...as well as several of our friends. It had been raining and raining for hours and as we sat in our meeting we anxiously awaited the snow.

After about an hour, we noticed the rain had finally turned to snow! Wooohoo! We continued to meet for about an hour longer and we piled into our respective cars to head home. BUT, in that one hour, the accumulation had piled up several inches on everything......and even the roads. Needless to say, our friends Honda couldn't make it up the hill in the neighborhood, so she parked her car at our friend's house and we started our Subaru taxi service!

Another friend was further ahead of us, stuck, with his 3 children in their Suburban. We met up with him, put his kids in our car (now there are 6 of us) as he tried his hand at negotiation the icy, snowy roads without his children. Later, we met up with him, dropped off his kids with him, and took our other friend home. What would normally have taken us 20 minutes...turned out to be a 2 hour drive. I LOVE OUR SUBARU!

This is one reason we love our neighborhood...the great kiddies everywhere! The two ladies belong to the Rutlands (2 doors down) and Carson is the 2nd of 4 Rogers kids that live across the street. The pasty one in the middle is Joe...he only lasted about as long as it took to take this picture, and soon after he was violently kicked down be the angels in this picture! ha!

I know I know...

2009-02-11T12:51:00.000-08:00

I know I need to make a new post. I have so many pictures I need to post, I guess I've just been a little blog-lazy. I'll try to make it up to you!

I love all things ironic...

2008-12-29T07:06:00.000-08:00

I think well-intentioned misspellings fall into that category...especially when the object that has been misspelled is for sale to the general public. This is why I think the Cake Wreck blog is so hilarious. So, for those of you that would prefer seeing pictures on my blog rather than going to the Wreck blog...here is a particularly amusing 'holiday' wreck on their site...

Our new lamp

2008-12-15T07:49:00.000-08:00

This is a lantern Chad and I found at a junk store on our way hiking one day. I thought it looked so interesting, and thought it had some potential.

We looked it up on the internet and found out it was a carriage lamp for a horse drawn carriage. It probably housed a candle, or a kerosene lamp, but there's obvious marks that show where they tried to convert it to DC power. The rusted wires were still inside. So, we brainstormed about it and decided to try and get it back to its origin and turn it into a lamp. Then, it sat in our garage for a while, and I then moved it to the ledge in our kitchen.

Then, this past Saturday, Chad and I exchanged Christmas presents (b/c we'll be traveling with family for the next week and a half) and Chad gave me a couple of components, which at first, I had no idea what they were....and then I realized, he'd given me what we needed to make our lamp! hooray! So, here are some pictures of the process and finished product. We simply added a wooden base, the lamp mechanism, and a flicker light bulb. We had a little trouble at first...trying to route the original base and shape it to size. After that base broke, we made a trip to Hobby Lobby and bought some replacement parts and whipped the lamp together in a matter of a few minutes! The best part is, that we didn't have to compromise the lamp's original structure at all to make the new lamp!

Ultimate praises....

2008-12-07T15:56:00.000-08:00

In high school, if you didn't know me then, I was in chorus. Well, I wasn't in only one chorus, but by my senior year, I had worked my schedule to be in ALL of them. There were 3; Concert Choir, Golden Blues (showchoir), and the Chamber Choir.

I LOVE to sing. I sing most all of the time. Even when people talk, I take their words and relate them to a song...I can't seem to help it.

That year, my senior year, I worked very very hard at sight reading, picking pitches, hitting notes, combining voices with my alto neighbor etc. in preparation for All-State Choir try-outs. Our teacher gave us hymnals and we learned to sightread from those hymnals. It was tough, but I absolutely loved every minute of it. After our months of practicing, it was time, and I made the All-State chorus...the mixed chorus...the highest honor! It was amazing.

This past weekend, I joined our church choir as we prepare to sing a few songs during the holiday. As I slid to the front of the pew for good singing posture, opened the hymnal to a song I did not know, the sweet conductor made a comment that made my heart drop, and tears flow freely and uncontrollably. She said, "Let's worship together just as my dear friend is worshipping God in heaven now because she just left us and she had a beautiful voice." I tried to dry my eyes, but everything that happened from that point on only magnified my angst. I attempted to sing and got a few notes out and recognized the sound when 2 alto voices sound so similar that it almost sounds like one...

You see, while all of those beautiful memories were being made in high school...I was also making a beautiful friendship with my sweet sweet Carla. I sat next to her. We were fellow altos. We learned together. We sightread together. We danced together in show choir. And we were always trying to help each other...and worked toward the ultimate goal of making our voices sound as one...But what brought tears to my eyes the most, was imagining Carla, now, in heaven with our Comforter, Counselor, Mighty God...singing His praises.

I finished choir practice and made it to my car where I just cried out to God...and in my pain from having lost this incredible friend, I was comforted in the confidence I have knowing she is singing with my Father, and that one day, I can sit next to her again, and sing with her again...Ultimate Praises to Him.

the Avett Experience

2008-11-03T13:53:00.000-08:00

So, my brother called about 3 months ago and asked if Chad and I would like to see the Avett Brothers with he and Leah at the Peace Center on Nov. 1. Being a fan of generally all live music, and having the one of their albums (provided by my brother) we were excited at the opportunity! You see, they had bought the tix for them and another couple, who, found out that they were going to have to attend a wedding instead of this concert...so we ended up reaping the benefits of it!

Check out the video...and listen really close for my voice, because we were all sitting right behind the guy videotaping this...The concert was awesome! I am a huge fan now! It's a folk band that clearly loves what they do (by the jumping and headbanging...yes, headbanging to the banjo) They added a good amount of rock to this show, and it was just amazing...I can't wait to see them again!

The headliner was also good: Nicole Atkins...man, that little girl can wail!

Today I...

2008-10-28T11:20:00.000-07:00

A friend from college does something on her blog that I thought was very interesting...she lists short sentences about her day. I liked it. Simple, yet, informative. So, here goes.

Today I....

had coffee with fudge chocolate creamer

sat under a tree in my car with the sunroof open and did my bible study

suspected the guy sitting near me in his car was up to no good

spoke spanish

taught 3 new students the alphabet in english

regretted the thought that i might have to turn the heat on

This one's a doozy...but has all the details!

2008-10-08T09:47:00.000-07:00

...I was going to post all these individually, but it was going to take a loooong time...sorry if its hard to make out what they are!

Friday

- flew out of GSP at 10:38A and landed in Newark, NJ at 12:30P.

- we checked in at our very simple, modest, safe, and clean hotel, Riverside Studios, in the upper west side next to the Hudson River and 2 blocks from Central Park http://www.riversidestudioshotel.com/.

- immediately after we got to the hotel to put our stuff away and get ready, we got all dressed up for the evening and went directly to the Empire State Building. (aside: the fabulous shoes I bought to go with my dress and other outfits had made my feet actually bleed by the time we were at the Empire State building...and while we waited in line, Chad (my hero) went all the way down to street level and bought band-aids in hopes of cushioning my feet a little)

- we had a wonderful dinner at Meli Melo and listened to old man play the clarinet! It was so romantic! (especially watching Chad so lovingly apply these band-aids to the inside of my shoes)

- Then, we went to the Majestic Theater on Broadway to see Phantom of the Opera on Broadway from the front row!! I had been wanting to see this for about 12 years...(dorky maybe, BUT, our high school band won state competition playing the music from Phantom...and I went to many of the competitions)

Saturday (today we got up around 6:30)

- delicious breakfast at the quaint diner around the corner from our hotel

- early tour of NBC studios (saw the following studios: MSNBC, Brian William's desk, Conan O'Brein, SNL) sorry there are no pics of this, b/c the sets at NBC are all trademarked so no cameras are allowed. (oh, and neither are dangerous finger-nail clippers!)

- It was sprinkling now as we waited in line for the ferry to take us to Ellis Island and by the Statue of Liberty. But, by the time we got on the ferry...the clouds parted and we had beautiful weather!

- Then, we went sight seeing in Financial District: NY Stock Exchange, Ground Zero, Alexander Hamilton's grave, etc. We really couldn't see much of Ground Zero because the fencing around the entire block has a green mesh cloth that blocks any views. However, we did get a couple of pictures. It was really hard for me to grasp the enormity of it all b/c I hadn't seen it before the attack...

- We headed over to Chinatown in search of some yummy lunch. Chad asked a couple (maybe in their late 40's/50's) if they knew of a good place to go. They said "follow us!" So, the four of us walked around Chinatown and finally ended up at Shanghai Cuisine, put our names in to be seated, and discussed what we should have. They recommended the dumplings. When they called Patrick and Helen's names, they looked at us and asked us to join them! Chad did the ordering b/c I had been pre-occupied with all the street sights instead of looking at the menu. They brought more food than I could have ever imagined! So, we shared our food with Patrick and Helen (from California)...discussed work, their children, politics (and surprisingly we were on the same side of the fence) and had a wonderful time!

- It was getting later than we realized, so we had to abruptly leave our new friends and head back to the hotel for a little rest

- we rested for about an hour, then got ready for another night in the Big Apple.

- We went to Gotham Comedy Club. We managed to get the best seats in the house...second row, front and center (Chad was so excited!) The headliner (Dom Irrera) actually mentioned Columbia, SC! so, I had to give a little shout out...he stopped and said "seriously? I never get a shout out for Columbia, SC!" and then he proceeded to talk about the nickname for the Gamecocks and how ridiculous it was...I would have to agree with that! ha! (go Tigers)

- After the show, I was still hungry (b/c the Cesar salad was not so good) and we stopped at a little corner restaurant and had a yummy Gyro.

- We walked down to the Hudson River (right down the street from our hotel) and looked over at the lights of Jersey City. I was pretty scared though (you know, all those terrible things you hear about the parks at night in NYC) so, we only stayed a minute, and went to get some much needed shut-eye.

Sunday

Because we tarried a little on Saturday, we used Sunday to catch up on some of the sights we had missed.
-breakfast at the cool diner next to or hotel

- We went to the Planetarium inside the American Museum of Natural History & learned about the Big Bang Theory! the show was actually amazing though

- we took a brisk walk through Central Park in order to get to our next destination very quickly (b/c we're running short on time and had to get to the airport soon)

- Finally, we made it to La Maison du Chocolat and planned on tasting the best chocolate in NYC (b/c my hubby knows me so well...and I LOVE chocolate) But they didn't open for another hour! and we had a flight to catch! :( oh well...nice attempt...the good news is...you can order online!

- then we headed back to the Museum to get our bags out of coat check and started the 1 1/2 hour trek back to the airport (subway, train, and bus)

- running most of the way, we still only barley made it on the plane in time!

How did he do it?

2008-10-08T09:16:00.000-07:00

If you are just checking my blog after a few days, please read the previous post "It's Monday and you might ask....."

Well, a few weeks ago, Chad made a list of the types of outfits I needed to bring: 1 dressy outfit as if I were going to a show, 1 trendy outfit, comfortable shoes, 1 outfit for a short hike/park visit. So, I packed everything accordingly into my little duffle bag with some hanging clothes out so they wouldn't get wrinkled in the bag.

As we got into the car, I hardly noticed the large suitcase in the back seat b/c we packed all our stuff into the very back of the car. We went on our way! After a few miles, Chad pulled out the file folder and talked me through page by page. He had to pull over the car b/c we were both too excited to be operating heavy equipment!

Once we parked the car in the airport parking lot, he pulled out the giant suitcase, and out of it, he got the small 'carry-on' sized rolling bag! So, I began to re-pack my clothes...taking out the shampoo, conditioner, nail polish remover, extra jacket, etc...and fit it all into this carry on bag!

He had done so well! He had left his hanging clothes out, was dressed for rafting, brought a silly had my dad gave him to wear on the water (that, by the way, said "Paddle Faster, I hear banjos"), and even made comments about the gel in his hair and how he'd have to wash it before going on the water b/c it would make his hat smell bad!

We printed our tickets and waited to board the plane. As we sat in the concourse, Chad pulled out my iPod, 2 sets of headphones, and the double connector so we could begin watching the movies he'd downloaded that take place in NYC! Isn't he amazing! He thought of everything!

You see, Chad has been dying to take me to NYC. I had been there once before during a long lay-over (after missing my flight to South America) but we only spent a few hours in the city. So, he had promised that one day he'd take me...but little did I know, that day would come sooner than later...

Sorry it's just words for now, I'll post some pictures soon...there are just so many and so much to say that I don't want to miss anything!

It's Monday and you might ask, "What did you do this weekend...?"

2008-10-06T06:50:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, Chad had planned a weekend to celebrate our anniversary (9/23). He said we were going rafting in Charlotte at their man made raft course with his parents and that there were some surprises in store after that....

We packed our bags, went on our way Friday morning and headed out. A few minutes down the road, he hands me a file folder labeled "Clues" and tells me to read the clues and he prompted me to turn the pages. Here are the clues...

(ever seen National Treasure?)

at this point, he's pulled the car over, both of us are teary-eyed and I'm speechless...we weren't on our way to I-85, rafting, or even Charlotte....

.....more to come.....

Slideshows

2008-09-13T12:03:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm not sure why you guys can't see the slideshows (youtube links) I added, but since I'm not that savvy, I've added a combo slideshow to the menu bar...take a look!

A weekend at Shining Rock

2008-09-06T10:11:00.000-07:00

By looking at these two slide shows, you probably have realized I'm not the best photographer in the world (I'll leave that to Liv) but here are a few more shots of our camping trip to the Shining Rock Wilderness. I've been there a few times before, once with the girls and the dogs and once when Olivia and Matt began their real courtship...talking all through the night and giggling like middle schoolers!! ugh! But, yes, we are all thankful for that night because they are a happy wonderful couple today :)

This was Chad's first camping trip where he had to carry all his supplies on his back! We hiked in (about 5 miles) on Friday night and got to the Shining Rock Gap about 9:30pm. It was so eerily quiet...we set up camp, made some dinner, and went to bed. We had planned on making the long treacherous trip to Cold Mountain (8 miles one way) the next day, but we were both so tired, we just played around our campsite on Saturday. We found an unbelievable blueberry patch, I beat him in poker, using leaves and tiny pinecones as currency, (I won the rites to his sleeping pad for the night), found a big clearing with an awesome view of the valleys (I'd like to camp there next time), met some new friends, and watched the sunset atop Shining Rock. It was a great relaxing trip...and one we'll probably make again.

Hucks Family Beach Vacation 2008

2008-09-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick slideshow from our vacation with my side of the family. Everyone was there!! Mom, Dad, Terry, Kendra, Rachel, Will, Adam, Leah, Isabella, Elissa, Chad, and Allison! We played beach bocce ball, mini golf, ate great seafood, and celebrated Will's (aka, Spiderman's) 3rd birthday.

2008-09-04T10:49:00.000-07:00

free header pictures

The Post-Father's-Day Father's Day Adventure

2008-07-03T06:36:00.000-07:00

That's right, 'post' father's day...one of the things about being married...is learning how to be creative with holiday planning! Thankfully, we both have amazing parents that are just happy to spend time with us anytime! So, the weekend of the actual (Hallmark holiday) Father's Day, we went to Ft. Mill to hang out with Chad's parents. Then, the following weekend, we entertained my parents in G-Vegas! It is always so nice having them here!

So, for a long time, my dad has been saying he wanted to go to Hendersonville, NC. Its a neat place, although I've always thought of it as a place to go in the fall during apple season and pick apples. But, because it's too early for apples, I was worried we would get up there and not have enough to do to make the trip worth the drive (although it is only about 45 min away) So I researched and found all of these possibilities for our day.

Then, just before breakfast on the day of the trip, my mom said, "Guess what I heard on the radio..." and it turned out that very day was going to be the 17th annual Antiques Festival in downtown Hendersonville! Wow! Any my parents LOVE antiques!!! Needless to say, we had a great time there...

Then, as the rain came in, we went to the biggest antique store I've ever seen. We wandered for what seemed like hours...and hours....and hours...but just long enough for the rain to subside, and for us to make our way to nearby Chimney Rock State Park!

We had so much fun!!! My parents don't get to see that kind of beauty in Columbia, and Chad and I were so proud to be able to show it to them.

Then, as it's closing in on dinner time, and we were discussing dinner plans, Chad suggested we go to Saluda, NC on the way home and eat at The Purple Onion. So, we sat on their covered porch in the tiny downtown Saluda restaruant drinking the best organic decaf coffee ever, and enjoyed a unique Chicken Caesar Pizza together!

Sounds like fun huh?? :)

Vacation!

2008-06-24T07:37:00.000-07:00

Hi all!

Well, I promised pictures of mine and Chad's Hilton Head vacation...and, well, here are maybe the only 2 good ones from the whole trip! ha! well, maybe not...

Chad and I had so much fun in Hilton Head. We played on the beach, we rode our bikes, ate delicious food, slept in late, got really relaxed etc. it was a dream vacation! Really, Chad needed a vacation so badly, and it was so nice to see him totally relaxed!

We learned that there are a lot of restaurants to choose from that you think might be worth the high dollar because of appearance or location, but don't be fooled by the aesthetics! Choose your food carefully!! Perhaps 2 of our favorite restaurants were:

Signe's Heaven Bound Bakery This place was awesome! (Noted by Rachel Ray from the Food Network.) The food was so fresh and the decor was like an English Country Tea Room...so cute! I am also proud to say that Chad and I decided to ride our bikes to/from Signe's which ended up being a 16 mile bike ride that day!

Also, Santa Fe Cafe is quite possibly the BEST Mexican food I have EVER had!! Seriously, this is no joke. This restaurant ranks right up there, for me, as Stax Peppermill. If you go, ask to sit on the terrace get the Painted Dessert Soup (truly a work of art in taste and presentation)...oh, and be sure to budget a pretty penny for the well-worth-it meal.

Honorable Mention:

Hudson's, HH's oldest restaurant and reasonably priced.

The Sea Shack, is just that, a little beachy shack, but the food is really good!!

New stuff...

2008-05-12T17:44:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Sorry it's been so long since I posted last...for ALL of you out there that read our blog :)

After all that hype about the Leatherheads movie...you couldn't even see Chad in it :( But, the guy in the pic with him below had a great shot at the beginning of the movie, and a guy we go to church with was the bellhop in the scene with George at the hotel!

Soccer is going well. I had a pretty good game last week...and was the epitome of aggressive elbowing like crazy (without getting called of course) but, no goals for me :( seems like a mid-fielder curse I need to just get in gear! I will brag on my BFF, Olivia, though, because she's been playing awesome and even had a HAT TRICK this past game! wahoo!

Other news: Allison has gotten a new job! Yep, my stint at the Disabilities and Special Needs Board has been good. I LOVE the consumers I work with and am seriously avoiding telling them I am leaving...Starting June 2, I'll be working as a Program Manager at the Greenville Literacy Association with their English as a Second Language program! I have actually been wanting to do this for some time and am so excited at this opportunity!

One of the best things about changing jobs right now is that Chad and I get to take a vacation before it starts!!!!! And even better than that is that one of Chad's basketball buddies is letting us stay at his oceanfront condo in Hilton Head for free!! Chad's never been to HH, and I have only been once...and that was probably 15 years ago! So, if any of you out there are frequents to the island, leave me a comment telling me where the best places are.

Once we get back from vacation the last week in May, perhaps I'll have some pictures to post. Until then, just words! :)

Leatherheads...Coming soon!

2008-03-28T19:46:00.000-07:00

As you may remember, about a year ago, Chad was an extra in the upcoming Leatherheads movie. Here's one of the pictures from the shoot. For more, check out the 2007 blog posts...should be sometime in April.

Well, the movie comes out on April 4th and Greenville is buzzin' b/c of all the locals that participated. Now, we're not too sure if Chad will actually be noticeable in the movie or not....but, we have watched the "official" trailer...and have actually spotted him!!!! Check it out:

Now, if you don't believe he's in there...just look at this!

After 12 long years.....

2008-03-03T06:05:00.000-08:00

After 12 long years, I, with much coercion from Chad and Olivia, played an indoor soccer game this past Thursday!!!!! Yep, that's right, I began thinking about how long it had been since I played a real game, and I believe it's been about that long....since just after my ACL surgery.

Olivia's been playing on a co-ed league, and asked me to play because they thought they'd need a girl sub....well....they didn't need a sub b/c there weren't even enough players! So, I PLAYED THE WHOLE GAME!!! I seriously thought I might pass out in the first few minutes, but I slowed down a little and was able to at least keep running. I had a couple of good passes and it was great feeling the aggression that comes out in you while playing soccer...but the biggest event of the night was Olivia scoring her first goal of the season!!! whaooooo!!!! Sadly, we ended up losing the game 8-4, but keep in mind that the other team had only 1 girl and had subs...and we had 3 girls and no subs...NOT a fair match!!

I am still sore, but for someone who's turning the big 3-0 this year, not too shabby!! I only wish I had some pictures!

Countdown to Closing!!

2008-02-25T11:58:00.001-08:00

This is my condo...the place I purchased a couple of years ago marking a major life change....a settling, my "growing roots," my independence. I fell in love with this place, bought it, and made it my own. I anticipated living there for years, meeting the man of my dreams, and making it our own little love nest....then, I met him, and he alreay had his own house! Sooo......we rented it, then put it on the market and................

.....after a few short months of being on the market, our condo has finally sold!!! All in one week, we had a renter lined up and 3 offers on the condo! Can you believe it?! Truly amazing...

So, to celebrate, Chad took me out for the most fabulous dinner I think I might have ever had!!! We went to Stax Peppermill and had their Maine Lobster Special!!! It was AMAZING! Everything was great, the atmosphere, the service, the food...the whole experience was wonderful. If you're looking for a relaxed and romantic place to go, the Peppermill is the place! It was impressive, coming from a "foody" background, for so many reasons, but one was that the owner and managers both visited our table a few times assuring that our experience was a pleasant one...wow! Is my husband wonderful or what!?!? He is truly the man of my dreams!

2007-2008 Pictures!

2008-01-17T09:57:00.001-08:00

Okay, the next series of pictures I'm about to post are of some of the following things: Hucks family dinner at the Nicholsons over Christmas, Christmas at Granny and Papa Nicholson's, Christmas at Mimi and Poppy Hucks' house, babysitting Isabella and Elissa (making a wonderful mess of making and decorating cookies) and of the great snow storm...Enjoy!

Left to right: Isabella, Rachel, Will, Elissa then, my big brother Adam and big sister Kendra at our house for dinner!

Granny and Papa opening presents at their house and Granny getting a makeover from Chad's mom.

One of the Hucks traditions is all the men give each other gag gifts. This was one of them...crazy looking teeth! They all really seem to get a kick out of it. Chad did so good this year and made a multi-tool out of normal sized tools. It was pretty funny. My mom (aka Mimi) also tries to get matching jammies for the grand kids each year...here's this year's pick...well, needless to say, Will didn't get the cute little ruffly pjs with the sparkly snowflakes...but, his were still super cute!

Chad and I had the pleasure of babysitting Isabella and Elissa so Leah could take Adam out for his 33rd birthday! We made a big mess making cookies (thankfully uncle Chad wasn't home for that mess!) but then, we made another mess decorating them! Thanks to uncle Chad for helping clean up our mess!!

Check out the newest addition to our downstairs game room. We've recently aquired this from my grandparents house as they are transitioning into assisted living and we couldn't find a good spot for the large painting in their tiny room at their new facility.

It's a painting by my uncle Jack of he and my dad playing football. My dad (the GT player) is recovering a Georgia fumble! Well, that's the way we see it. Jackie painted this in 1970 around the time when the twins played at their rival schools. It's not what some art critics would consider a master piece, but I have always liked the painting and think it makes a nice addition to this room in our house.

On Thur, Jan 17th it snowed and we decided to stay home from work and play a bit.

This is Harry the snowman.

and this, is Chad and I sledding in our pitiful little SC snow...it was so fun though! We sledded down our hill in the backyard and almost ended up in the creek a couple of times!

Its a Hucks Life

2008-01-03T09:34:00.000-08:00

Hey, I know it's been a while since I posted last, but honestly, I've gotten a Facebook page and now I'm a little addicted...but, perhaps I can come back to the old blog in 2008...

Some exciting news...my big brother has a blog now!!! (check out the new link in the link menu) I just thought I'd bring it to your attention...his little girls are adorable, and he and his wife, Leah, take lots of pics, so I'm sure you'll enjoy checking up with them every now and then too!

2007-11-20T15:56:00.000-08:00

So, Chad and I recently got back from our Western Tour! We took 10 days off, and went to OKC to see the Lowder family, then, to LA to see Brent (Chad's bro) and Kora. We had a great time, and will hopefully make this a regular trip...hopping across the country...only next time, maybe we'll just hop on over to Hawaii!

So, here are only a couple of pics from our trip. We seemed to have forgotten our camera much of the time, so there really are only a few pictures. The first ones are with the Lowders at the OKC zoo...the kids are growing up so fast and are so much fun to be around!

The picture of Brent and Chad is just outside the Disney Land's elusive SPACE MOUNTAIN! Woo! 20 years later, Chad conquered his fears! ha! ...even at 28, that ride is awesome!

First Anniversary!

2007-11-20T15:55:00.000-08:00

Chad and I spent the weekend in Asheville! We went to the Grove Park Inn for dinner...good food, but we both agree, not good enough for the money...(not sure what's up with my strange smile in the first pic!) Then, we went to the Brewgrass Festival on Saturday. This was a very cool festival with brew samples from around the country and BLUEGRASS music!

Then, on our way home from Asheville, we stopped in Flat Rock in hopes of roaming the apple orchard and picking some fresh apples, but sadly, there were none. So, we walked around, played in a giant pumkin, petted a black goat, walked through the bamboo forest, and took a hayride!

Our actual anniversary was on Sunday, though, so when we got home, we fired up the grill and sat on the back patio dancing to the jazz and enjoying each other's company...and eating year-old cake(side note: notice the tile table we made...that's right! laid the tile, built the structure and everything!)...oh, and the cake was suprisingly yummy!

Missionaries!

2007-11-05T06:46:00.000-08:00

I know I promised some new pictures, and those will come, but I thought I'd post a little something about my friend Laura, her wonderful family, and how they have faithfully followed God's calling!

Matt and Laura Tyler are in the final stages of their training to become missionaries in Mexico. They graduated from New Tribes Mission school where the school's focus is planting tribal churches in unreached areas of the world, and are now completing intensive language training, taking more classes, and doing more outreach before they move on to their final destination. Click on their names to get more information about who they are and what they are all about. Also, for a more personal view of this precious family, visit traveling with the tylers.

The reason I am writing about them, is in hopes that you might read about them, and get to know them, and partner with them in prayer and also financially.

As missionaries, they are responsible for raising all of their funds which includes: Personal expenses (for a family of 4), Ministry expenses (Internet fees, printing, business phone etc), and Benefits and taxes (they are considered 'self employed' which means more taxes, and also any retirement funds and health benefits) So, needless to say, they need a great deal of financial support.

Many of you may contribute corporately to missions through your church, as Chad and I do, but this is your opportunity to contribute to a specific family and to their needs as they grow God's kingdom in parts of the world many will never see.

Okay Lyndsay...

2007-09-25T13:53:00.000-07:00

Due to some very recent hate-blogging (I won't name names or anything)...I thought it was time to inform my many devoted readers out there, that there will be more to come soon!

As you may know, my precious husband and I just celebrated one whole year of blissful matrimony!!! yay!!! So, in celebration, we did some local traveling and sightseeing...those pictures will be edited (mainly editing myself as I have grown in many ways over the last year) and then added to my blog...so stay tuned! Okay Lyndsay!?!?

Wanna see something funny?

2007-09-25T06:32:00.000-07:00

Chad and I

Matt and Liv

Mom and Dad

Kendra and Terry

Wanna do one?

Bernice loves Kenah

2007-07-16T12:05:00.000-07:00

Just a little sisterly love after a sleep over...

2007-06-21T05:17:00.000-07:00

This is where we are going this weekend...today...in a few hours. This is quite possibly, my favorite place. Mainly because of all of the memories that reside here. This was my grandparents' house, and I grew up going there....it's in Murrells Inlet (just about 10 miles from Myrtle Beach) This is my Papa so proudly standing on the pier in front of the house...this was his paradise. I'll have to get a picture of he and my Nana together...they were a sweet sweet couple.

Sadly, this could be one of our last visits to the inlet house.

But, I'll always have the special memories of the house...before Hurricane Hugo...making giant card houses in the sunroom, playing under the huge weeping willows with the moss dripping from the limbs. Walking around on the oysters...and cutting my knee without even knowing it (my knee still proudly bares the scar) Getting fish heads and chicken necks from the store with Papa so we could tie them to the end of a string and go crabbing. Lying really still with Kendra and Adam by the marsh so you could see the fiddler crabs come out of their holes...then catching them up with our bare hands. Watching the tide clock pass the hours, and how the water miraculously changed with it. Nana's crafts, artwork, jewelry, that donned the walls, halls, and shelves. Papa playfully threatening to take the rest of my food off my plate if I didn't eat it...so many things...I could go on and on...

I am so thankful that my precious husband has had the opportunity to know this very special place. Because now, I have memories there...that have him in them too.

Big Festival in the middle of nowhere

2007-06-12T05:59:00.000-07:00

So Chad told me he wanted to take me on a suprise date this past weekend...which is not unlike him. So I did my usual guessing and thought I had figured it out. I just knew he was taking me downtown to a fund raiser at a trendy downtown Greenville restaurant. I was very excited. But, then in a casual conversation, I said, hey, there's also a BBQ Festival in Tryon, NC this weekend too...and he said, "that's where we're going on Saturday night!" I couldn't believe it! I was so excited!! That sounded like so much more fun!! A festival in the mountains with live music, many different types of people, and handmade crafts!!! What more could you ask for!?!?

So we drove about 45 minutes into the mountains of North Carolina and ended up at the Blue Ridge BBQ Festival. It was SO MUCH FUN!!! We ate award winning BBQ, looked at tons of mountain-made crafts, people watched (this might have been the best part), danced to great music, and even played Beach Bingo and won! Yep, we won at the exact same time...$10 each!

So go ahead and make your plans for next year! You can be sure you'll see the Nicholsons there!

Serious?

2007-05-28T14:33:00.001-07:00

I love this video just because I caught my somewhat serious husband being not-so-serious...my favorite thing! He's too cute!!!

May Miscellaneous

2007-05-28T14:07:00.000-07:00

Well, here's a hodgepodge of pics for your viewing pleasure...let's see...there's Forest, the Forester, the newest addition to our family.

Then, there's Bernice...an old member of the family, snoozing under self-made tent. My dad'd Mother's day gift to my mom! Good job dad!!

Chad and his Dad at the big 3-O party...Isabella and Elissa at their 3rd and 5th birthday party.

.....and....well, a view of what newlyweds do on weeknights! ha!

Want an Autograph?

2007-04-22T14:21:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics from the day of filming. They filmed Chad's scenes in Charlotte, NC beginning at 5am!

So, it's thought that these scenes will be of the first few of the movie...and you might or might not see Chad's face. Nonetheless, he's #1 and Reed, here, is #16 so look for them both! You'll see Chad chasing John Krasinski, Jim from "The Office," as John (his character's name is something like Carlton Rutherfordton) runs for an 80 yd TD run in the last play of his last college game and Reed's cheering on the bench. The whole scene was just one play. The rest of the movie is about Krasinski's pro career and his relationship with the character George Clooney plays. Clooney also directs the movie.

Most of the day they just hung out on the field and waited to shoot different angles of the one scene that Chad was in. Chad is here with his childhood friend, Scott Hanson, whom he plays b-ball with on Tue nights. Scott was part of the primary group of football players for the movie, so you'll see him on many of the teams in the movie, but his face is only used on one team.

Chad had a great opportunity to spend the day on a movie set as well as be in a movie, but didn't get a chance to interact with Clooney or Krasinski, but was right next to them as they worked. They got along real well and seemed like great guys.

Our Beloved Papa

2007-04-05T06:03:00.000-07:00

Robert “Bob” Bailes
January 15, 1922-April 3, 2007

Papa at the ripe ole age of 39 married for the first time a widow, Evelyn Hucks, with three children in 1959. They were married at Myrtle Beach AFB as Papa was in the Air Force. The three children were Lonnie, (now deceased) Harriet and Bobby. Lonnie went to the Navy; Harriet married the next year to high school sweetheart Freddie Moore and Bobby only 13 at the time of the marriage remained in the home.
Papa was transferred to McDill AFB, Tampa, Fla. a couple of years later, so starts the travels for Evelyn & Bob. They were soon transferred to Edwards AFB, Calif. While there Bobby graduates from high school and meets future wife. In only a short year Papa is sent to Vietnam. Evelyn & Bobby return to their home in Fla. while Papa is overseas. Harriet & Freddie are in Myrtle Beach where Freddie is working as a pharmacist. Bobby joins the Air Force and marries Vanda his high school sweetheart.

On his return from Vietnam Papa is again stationed in Calif. this time at George AFB in Victorville. From there he retires, back to Myrtle Beach. Papa was born in Rock Hill, SC so coming back to SC is the only place for him.

Papa loves his retirement, buys a small 10 unit motel in Surfside and he and Nana meet and greet many people. They had a sign in their motel office that read “there or no strangers here, only friends we haven’t met”. In 1979 they sell the motel and buy a home in Murrells Inlet. Now they are really retired!

Nana & Papa’s family grew and is still growing. Much to the sadness of all of us in the family and to Papa, Nana was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Papa faithfully cared for Nana until the last 4 months when she had to be placed at NHC in Surfside. On January 26, 2002 Papa lost the love of his life. He just hasn’t been able to accept Nana not being there. Papa was the youngest of seven in his family and until October 2002 he and his favorite sister were the only ones left. Losing Nana and his beloved sister Mary in the same year took its toll on Papa. It seemed he just couldn't recoup. He knew he had his family but we just couldn't take Nana’s place.

Papa is survived by his 2 stepchildren, Harriet and Robert "Bobby", 5 grandchildren (Deborah, Julie, Kendra, Adam, and Allison), and 7 great-grandchildren (Brittany, Lauren, Katy, Rachel, Will, Isabella, and Elissa)

My husband the movie star!

2007-03-22T05:25:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, Chad tried out to be a football player extra in the movie Leatherheads about a month ago. He was so excited about playing football again...let alone, it be for a possible spot in a movie! However, the tryouts were tough, and there were a lot of guys there who had played college ball, and he, unfortunatley, was overlooked.

Well, just about 2 weeks ago, Chad received a call from someone in casting, and they wanted his face in the movie!!! (He is SO excited!) He'll be on the "Penn Team" and we're hoping for some screen time. Today (Thursday) he's getting his haircut (1920's style) and will be practicing and getting a costume fitting. Then, he'll practice for a few more days, then film for one day the first week in April.

VestFest 2007!!!

2007-03-14T07:37:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you all have been anxiously awaiting this update...so, here are a few pics of our weekend on the Chatooga River. We camped right next to the river. It was gorgeous the night of the eclipse as we sat around the campfire and the moonlight lit the white caps of the rushing water.

Who? Jon and Tang, Abe and Bethany, and Chad and Allison (notice the vests?)

We had a few adventures...1. You'll see some pictures of us riding bikes. My husband bought me a starter mountain bike (since I'd never been before...we wanted to make sure I liked it) Abe, Bethany, Chad and I went out for a ride and came to these 3 massive jumps. (these pictures don't do it justice) It was crazy! I was scared, but tried it anyway, and everyone got a kick out of my screaming as I went up and down, up and down, up and down each hill..it was pretty funny.

2. we went hiking to this amazing part where the stream met the river in an incredible rushing 70ish ft waterfall, and several falls going the width of the river (maybe 100 yards?). I've never anything like it...and again, the pictures don't do it justice.

3. Jon began to leave early, and he and chad had so easily driven just next to our campsite as a little "off road" excitement without regard for the plan to get out....so, the X-Terra was pulled out by the Subaru and a 1" think piece of rope that kept getting smaller and smaller...then, the Blazer was pulled out by the X-Terra. Sound simple? NO! We pushed, pulled, dug, bounced, and climbed on those trucks for 4 1/2 hours!!! All the while (as Jon would point out)...a tow-strap at Wal-Mart was a mere 30 minute drive away! ha!

...coming soon

2007-03-02T10:07:00.000-08:00

...pictures from VestFest 2007...the kind of camping you bring can bring an air mattress to...and, of course, a warm fuzzy vest.

Where is VestFest 2007?

Dethroned!

2007-02-27T12:54:00.000-08:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a new Remarkable Reflex Regin! Matt Griffin wins with .187 seconds!!

I attempted what seemed to be the impossible, and realized that, sadly, my times grew slower and slower...and I've concluded that my boredom is affecting me more than I could have ever known...

I do have a new favorite game though...its called Collapse, found on: http://www.lifetimetv.com/games/realarcade/game.php
Current score: 171,864 on level 9.

3 days and counting....

Ho-Hum

2007-02-21T11:10:00.000-08:00

Well, as most of you know, I recently resigned from my position at the Hyatt after almost 5 years! It was a tough decision, but Chad and I both felt it was what God was calling us to do...so...you might ask, what are you up to now, Allison?

Currently, I am working a temp position through Godshall Staffing http://www.godshallstaffing.com. It isn't a position with any potential (thank goodness!) but they needed a warm body to sit in until the person they hired finished their 2 week notice at their other job. I am utterly, terribly, mind numbingly BORED. So, I'm sitting here...trying to stay entertained. Here are some things I've been doing:
- job searching
- reading blogs
- playing LOTS of Solitaire
- listening to www.wncw.org (great public radio)
- and, my favorite... http://www.bored.com

A challenge to those others of you who might get bored from time to time...test your reflexes at: http://www.bored.com/reflexgame/index.html and beat my lowest time of .202 seconds...tell me, and BE HONEST...

More fun times with the girls...

2007-01-18T17:01:00.000-08:00

They're breakdance fighting!

Good Times in SC

2007-01-18T16:47:00.000-08:00

Hey Chicks! Check out this old picture I found...I was going through deleting old pics and found this delightful pose of Laura, Matt...and Haley! This is on a trip to Charleston to visit the Tylers just after Matt and Olivia got married...good times

Back Seat Rudolphs

2007-01-08T11:25:00.000-08:00

Left to right: Rachel, Elissa, and Isabella. Aren't they so cute..one day Isabella is going to hate me for this!

Singing Baby Laughs!

2007-01-08T11:17:00.000-08:00

Before, you saw him singing...now, check out Will laughing at big sister, Rachel's, joke!

The Wedding!

2006-12-04T05:57:00.000-08:00

At Last! A posting from the Nicholsons!

2006-11-22T11:32:00.000-08:00

So, many of you have been hate-blogging for a while...and, I think I have decided that since it has been many many months since my last blog (the engagement blog), and I am now a married woman, I should post some more pics! ...especially for those of you who were unable to attend our wedding...(miss you Wingos!) Also, my decision to post again, was spurred on by a glance at the blogmaster, Laura, and all of her great pics of her cutiepies drooling and whatnot...and then by my sister's blog which has several comments, and only one picture...and there has only ever been one picture....so pictures will come soon!!! Check back...soon!!!

Engaged!!!

2006-04-17T11:32:00.000-07:00

After walking around Georgia Tech campus, we turned the corner and approached a bridge. I knew this bridge, I had heard about this bridge before...I knew that it was a very special place for Chad, and that it held a lot of significance in his life; it was the place where he knew he wanted to go to GA Tech, the place where he turned his life and his dating life over to God, and...now, my brain is going crazy!!!! But he wouldn't ask me to marry him now! We haven't' finished counseling...maybe he's just going to say some sweet words here....

then, I look over and there is a plastic bag with something inside coming toward us. He said, "go pick that up." I pick up the bag, and there is a rose inside with my old ring tied to it with a ribbon. (one I've worn on my ring finger for years) He told me that to him, the old ring symbolized my singleness and he proceeded to tell me he wanted to retire the old ring (give it to him) in exchange for a new ring (our life together)...he continued on with more sweet words, got down on one knee, pulled out a small box and said"Allison Kay Hucks, will you marry me?!!!" I was speechless, crying, shaking, a nervous wreck, but still managed to get out, "YES!" we hugged for a minute, then he pointed me to the other side of the bridge, where one by one, our friends and family popped up from behind the wall to congratulate us!!!! This picture was captured at that moment!

We went to dinner at Hard Rock Cafe with about a dozen people and thanks to Chris and Denny, the waiter sounded a gong, called Chad and I up on the steps, and yelled out, "he asked her to marry him, and she said yes!" Then, they all yelled out CONGRATULATIONS!! Oh, we got free ice cream out of it too!

After dinner, we went to celebrate at the Sun Dial, a beautiful rooftop lounge at the top of the Westin that rotates 360 degrees above Atlanta. Here we are calling loved ones that couldn't be with us...proud Moms and Dads and my loving big sister (I miss you sis!!)

He Sings!!!

2006-04-03T07:50:00.000-07:00

You have to admit this is the cutest thing you have EVER seen!!! This is Will Lowder (7 months old) singing his heart out! It sounds like he's inherited his daddy's pretty singing voice!

Bee Cove Creek (aka 702)

2006-03-31T10:42:00.000-08:00

The trip started on a sunny, but chilly day. We were both so excited...listening to great music (courtesy of my brother) driving through the mountians near the NC and SC borders. I had planned the trip, printed driving and hiking directions, and we were ready to go! We hiked for a little while, then, the trail came to an abrubt end. We could hear the falls, just as the directions said, but the slope downward toward the sound seemed a bit risky. We continued on what we THOUGHT could have been a trail...but, well, it wasn't....so, we thought, lets just slide down this embankment and hope it turns out okay! :) Well, the picture below is where we ended up!!! Beautiful! And this was only the first of a few falls. We ate our peanut butter and jelly/honey sandwiches here, and rested for a few minutes. Okay, so to this point, we'd hiked for probably 2 hours....then we kept on. We slid and climbed and walked through the river until we found waterfall after waterfall. It was amazing.

Check out these other pics!
Don't you just love posed pictures that don't look posed :)
Good acting Chad!
Knotty (not to be confused with naughty) tree! Liv, I thought about you and Matt when we passed this...cool tree huh?

The Hucks Family Together!

2006-03-31T10:13:00.000-08:00

The Hucks family together again! Mom, Dad, Kendra, Terry, Rachel, Will, Adam, Leah, Isabella, Elissa, Allison, and Chad.

It was so much fun! Check out these pics! The one below is my Papa meeting his great-grandson for the first time! I like the one below if Isabella and Elissa sitting on the stoop of my dad's new shop...that is the look of exhaustion! Its like you can just see how tired they are...precious! Isn't Rachel getting big? She is such a great big cousin and sister!
I'm having some technical difficulties, so this is all for now...my patience are running very thin, but I hope to post some pics of Mine and Chad's hiking adventure soon...so stay tuned!

Valentine's Day 2006

2006-02-15T17:00:00.000-08:00

**Disclaimer**
This might be a long story, but if you stick with it, you might just enjoy it!

Sooo....some of you might already be aware of my sweet boyfriend's disability... to keep a secret. Yes, it is true... sad, but true.

The story began a few months ago when I went to an eclectic home decor store in downtown Greenville called Emporium. I love this store! I fell in love with this gorgeous, giant, hand crafted mirror. I actually was considering buying it when I saw the price tag said $600!!! For a mirror???
Well, Chad and I talked about it, and we decided we could make a mirror similar to it with enough time and patience, but there was no discussion after that.

Then, around Christmas time, I saw a mirror at TJMaxx large enough to put behind my couch and asked Chad what he thought about me buying it. Instead of saying something like, "honey, you shouldn't spend your entire gift card on one thing, get several small things, " he told me he was making me a mirror like the one in Emporium for Valentine's Day. Can you believe that? It was early January and I already knew what my Valentine's Day gift was!

Well, yesterday, Chad was so sweet, and with tears in his eyes, told me he had bumped the mirror in his garage and the glass had shattered. In his rage, he destroyed the rest of it and put the remains in his burn pile. I was so upset, but not that I wasn't getting the gift, but because I knew how hard he'd worked on it... all his time, effort, money, planning etc... and the tears filled my eyes.

We had a wonderful night, truly magical, I put the incident out of my mind. He dropped me off at my house and reminded me that the last gift he had for me was via an email that I should check as soon as I got home. So, he called my cell and reminded me to turn on the computer. I walked into the office, turned the computer on and walked out (to give it time to turn on) All the while, he's asking me, did you turn on your computer yet? Yes, Chad, I just have to wait for it to turn on... Then, because of his impatient prompting, I walked back into my office, and, out of the corner of my eye, I see some large object that doesn't belong... and there it was... the mirror he'd broken! Only, of course, he'd never broken it... he was trying to make up for the fact that he'd spilled the beans, and so, as my dad would kid him, he wouldn't look so "weak!"

What a sweetheart huh? A lying sweetheart :) ha ha... I just can't help but love him!

Chad and Allison went to Savannah!

2006-01-29T22:00:00.000-08:00

Well, my first blog picture! Here goes...

Chad and I went to Savannah to take a break from our hectic work schedules. Here we are at the Conch House (recommended by my friend Alan) His Trout was amazing, my Mahi Mahi was okay....if you go...get the special!

2006-01-29T21:50:00.000-08:00

Chad brought his boat and we went out to Tybee Island to paddle around. We ended up paddling for about 3hours (Chad did all the paddling might I add...) past the bridge in the background to the lighthouse you'll see in the next picture. Oh, and Chad got to FINALLY try out his new wetsuit!!!

2006-01-29T21:45:00.000-08:00

Liv, you'll like this picture! Check out this cool lighthouse located on what Chad and I like to call "Razor Blade Island." Yes, the journey was great, however, the wonderful water socks we decided to wear didn't really protect our feet from the ubiquitous razor-like oysters beneith them. Nonetheless, with some trading off of the good water socks, we were able to explore and enjoy this deserted lighthouse.

2006-01-29T20:30:00.000-08:00

After the journey o' the razor blades, we had to shimmy up the winding staircase and shady ladder... but... once at the very top of the lighthouse, the view was well worth my fright.

2006-01-29T20:00:00.000-08:00

Looking out on the Atlantic Ocean... ahhhh.