Thirteen Reasons I will miss SC

There are way more than thirteen reasons why I am going to miss living sweet South Carolina, but here are just a few that have been on my mind lately (in no particular order)...


1. Our niece Baby Kayleigh. She has only been here for four short months, but man...I love this kid! The thought of not being able to see her when ever I want or having her grow up without me getting to see everything absolutely breaks my heart.


2. Wellford Baptist Church. This church means so much to me, and I am so excited about everything that is about to happen here. We have made so many lasting friendships and this is where we got married.

3. Meadow Street. Brad and I have made our first home here. This house has also come to mean so much to both of us. We have come accustom to all of the sounds that our older house makes, and we can find our way around in the dark if we need to. So many special memories have been made in this house.


4. Mama & Tim. My parents! I am actually the last of the Layton Four to leave home (home, as in the "DLW" area) and it is going to be bitter sweet.

5. FRIENDS!!! Brad and I met so many great friends while we were at Anderson College, and our prayer was that when we moved home and got married that we would be able to find some fun "married couples" that we would be able to hang out with here. We have been blessed beyond belief! We have made so many life-long friends and reconnected with some old friends and it is so hard to imagine that we will be able to find new friends again.


6. Margie, Brad's Grandmother. This is a precious lady who has had such an important role in shaping and raising Brad. She has helped make him into the man he is today. She took him to church when he was a little boy, and I have no doubt that she has helped plant that seed of Christ in his life. If it wasn't for her, we probably wouldn't be on this road that we are on today. She has Alzheimer's and is struggling day to day to remember who we are. She would be so proud to know of the man that Brad is becoming.


7. Papa G, My Grandfather. I have so many fond memories of my childhood playing at my grandparent's house. I love to think of these memories when I think of my grandfather. He is sick and seems to be on a roller coaster ride with his medications. I often worry about us being so far away because it has been so easy for them to just call us if they need anything.

8. Amanda & Josh, Brad's Brother and our future sister-in-law. I can remember being a little jealous of Jaime and Kelli's relationship. I could only hope that I would be able to have a good relationship with my sister-in-law(s) when that day came. Again, I have been blessed beyond measures! They each mean so much to us, and I pray for their marriage!


9. Shannon Forest. This is the school where I worked last year. There are so many amazing brothers and sisters in Christ and precious children here that have made a huge impact in my life! I am sure that my journey will not lead me back here, but it will always hold a special place in my heart. I will always be grateful for the opportunity they gave me and for all that I was able to gain from them.


10. I-85. Ok, so I won't really miss Interstate 85, but I will miss knowing my way around. I am not great with directions, I really don't think I am even good with directions BUT I know how to find my way around, and sometimes, I know more than one way to get there. I am terrified that I am going to get lost in NC! However, I do know how to get to the nearest SuperTarget, so I know I can survive!

11. Niles W. Brock. Who is this you ask? This is my beloved fish. I don't think he will be able to make the trip with us. Does anyone need a darling pet?

12. Football. My husband will laugh at this one! But really, if I think about it, I have always pulled for either Byrnes or Clemson. We can hear the high school games from our yard and the band practicing. It was a little annoying at first, but it has now become the sounds of home. When I move, Wake Forest High School will be in my back yard. They definitely won't replace Byrnes, but I think Nate might convert us to Tarhill Fans.

13. South Carolina just sounds so much better than North Carolina. We have a cooler flag too.

I am tickled pink about moving! We are so excited, so please don't get me wrong when I say this, but dang I am going to miss living in sweet South Carolina.