Where Eagles Soar....

The high school football state championship games were held at Auburn University this year.  I thought it was very nice of the AU raptor center to include the Eagle's flight at the stadium (a tradition of Auburn University football).  So, while there for my nephew's game, I teared up a little when I heard them call for everyone to set their sights to the upper deck to watch as Spirit was released for flight. 

Yippee...I had my picture made with one of the trainers and Spirit.

What a majestic creature. War Eagle!

My nephew of the gridiron...

If you have been around me or my blog for any amount of time, you know that we love sports, and we are definitely a football loving family.  I also love my sweet nephew, however, I had not had a chance to see him play a Friday night this year, because well, my boys were playing on Friday nights too, and I go where they go. :)  However, when my nephew and his team made it to the 4th round, and I had a free Friday night, you can bet your lunch I was going to be there to support him!  And after they won, I knew I'd be more than happy to make the drive to Auburn University to watch him play for the state championship game on Thursday, Dec. 6th.  So, there's a lot of photos to follow just random shots of him, his teammates, his coaches and moments of the games.  No, they didn't win the state championship, but that's nothing to hang their heads about....they were still playing high school football the first week in December and only 6 teams in the state can say the same!

The head coach with his father, the former coach, sharing a celebration hug after winning the 4th round playoff game!

The former head coach, with his other son, who also coaches.

My nephew Drake with my mom. 

How exciting!  The teams each had a "tiger walk" of their own to head to their locker rooms. (For those of you who don't know, that's an Auburn tradition that is an awesome experience and for these high school guys, it's was pure joy to walk through to the locker room with a lane made with adoring fans cheering for you on either side!)

Stretching on Auburn's field...

How cool is it to be featured on the jumbotron at AU?

Sweet boy...

He is really a big ol' sweetheart, except when he's on the football field.

My brother went to the doctor just less than 18 hours before the game was to be played, only to find out he had the flu.  The doctor advised he stay home. When that didn't fly, the doctor advised he wear a mask. When that didn't fly, he said well, take care of yourself.  So, in an attempt to avoid and thus save the crowd from his contagious self, the flu victim came into the stadium just minutes before kick off and sat high and away from everyone else.  He did have a friend who wasn't scared of the flu and decided to give him some company.  Also, something to note in this photo, and why I love it...do you see him playing with his ear?  He's stuffing it inside itself and he's been doing it his entire life, it's kind of like the habit of twisting of hair a girl does maybe?  He does it as a habit but it's more prevalent when there's an intense moment at hand.

Look...Drake on the jumbotron again!

I'm serious, ask anybody who knows him...he's normally a peacemaker, with a sweet soul.

I did go up during halftime and part of the 3rd quarter to check on my ear twisting, flu engulfed, brother.  (Because I'm not scared of his germs either.) I was able to get some really fun "aerial" shots being high in the stadium seats.

The State runner-up trophy ceremony...good job guys, chin up!

And the photo of all photos, my brother and his boy....of course this was taken after the 4th round win but still, it's a priceless pic.  Outside of my 3 guys, these two are favorites for sure.

The beauty of fall...

starring Middle Child.

And he shall be called JESUS

The most wonderful time of the year....when the Nativity is brought to the forefront for all to remember.  Sure, Easter is wonderful too, bittersweet really, the time we remember the sacrifice that was made for each of us...Our Saviour died on a cross so we could live forever.  It's pretty amazing stuff when you stop yourself to think about it.  However, every story must have a beginning and before HE could die, HE had to be born.

Thus, sweet, young, Mary set forth on a 9 month journey like none of us have ever done before.  Oh, I know as a mother we all have stories of our children's birth, our grandchildren, our "gotcha" moment for those whom God created a family in different ways.  And certainly, there have been countless friends and family we've known through the years who found themselves at a young age preparing for motherhood. But if you're honest you will agree, nothing beats Mary's story....she gave birth to our LORD.  She is the mother of the one, THE ONLY ONE who can save our wretched, ugly, no good, rotten souls. (For some reason when I wrote those words it reminded me of Home Alone...remember that scene? Great movie.)

Anyway, here's our verse for this month, let it serve as a gentle reminder during this season:

"And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS;

for HE shall save his people from their sins." 

~Matthew 1:21

I am so thankful for Mary and Joseph, their dedication and faithfulness to the message they received from an angel, and their commitment to outlast the world's view of what was taking place.  I am thankful for the wise men who went back a different way. I am thankful for a pile of used hay.  But most of all, I am thankful I serve a God who had a master plan for all creation and that I am able to be a part of it.

I am eternally grateful that Jesus was born to save me from my sins.  Because if we are honest, we know what a mess we can get our lives into sometimes, and the only way out is through a baby on a haystack.

From our home to yours....

Signing Day for a WONDERFUL young lady....

When I grow up, I want to be like Emma Herren. :)

She's a real rock star in the classroom, on the court, and as a leader at her school and community. She is an amazing athlete and it has been a joy to watch her dedication, hardwork, focus and determination result in her basketball scholarship to play for the Faulkner University Eagles!  Go EM!

We were blessed to have the opportunity to be at her signing.  Her future coach at Faulkner opened his time with prayer...and then spoke of the excitement he had for Emma's future as an Eagle.  But did y'all hear me, he OPENED WITH PRAYER....God is so good.  Coach also invited everyone to come watch Emma play next year at Faulkner....and you can bet that's been duly noted at the House of Bowling....we love Em and can't wait to show our support, in fact, my kids have already asked for Faulkner clothes for Christmas! :) 

Of course we're also ready to cheer her on during her senior Wildcat season this year as well!

Congrats, Em, you are very deserving! I am so proud of you and love you very much!

You NEED to make this....

.....and you can thank me later. :)

Seriously, it is the best and fun to let the kids help out in the kitchen....they will love getting to cut a cinnamon roll up into 8 pieces and throw them in a casserole dish! This is the easiest, yummiest, one dish wonder you can make on Thanksgiving morning if you're planning a late afternoon turkey meal, or great for Christmas morning, New Year's Eve, a family treat for the weekend, heck, I'd make it for an afternoon snack even, it's just good, people. That is all. Enjoy!

*Options....almonds were used int he photo above but pecans are obviously a great choice as well.  I usually only put nuts on 2/3 or the casserole, Baby Girl does not like nuts so I save room for her! I also use almond flavoring because that is what our family tends to LOVE, but again, vanilla is fine and I've used it before when we were out of almond flavoring.  And if you want, after baking and cutting a piece for your plate, you can drizzle on a little dab more of Golden Eagle Syrup, totally up to you.

Try it and let me know what you think!

My little Braveheart....

Because it's November and I need a weekend at the beach....

God is always in control...

Short and sweet.

I try to relate our verse every month to situations/events/moments in life relevant to the time.  Although, honestly, the Bible is relevant to your life each and every day, regardless of what the world puts forth, there is an answer in the B-I-B-L-E (sing it with me, "yes that's the book for me! I stand alone on the word of God, the B-I-B-L-E!").

For this month's H3 I chose a verse from the Old Testament....a reminder for today from long ago.

 He changes the times and seasons;
He removes kings and establishes kings.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to those who have understanding.

~Daniel 2:21

Indeed, God is always in control....yesterday, today and forever. And we are but a fool to think otherwise.

No tricks, YUMMY treat!

Elder Son -- Friday Night Lights Edition

Both of my boys are members of the Varsity Football team, and Middle Child plays on the JV team as well.  And both of my boys have played on Friday nights in the past....like for mere minutes at the end of the 4th quarter when we were winning by a large margin. However, recently, Elder Son, who is 2nd string on Varsity, played the entire second half in Friday's game....both ways, on offense and defense!!  I was so proud of him. 

Here he is blocking to help make a hole for his friend...who made a touchdown on this play!!!  I know you can't see them very well, but the other 3 white jerseys in this photo are some of Elder Son's closest friends and teammates....and ironically enough, they are #'s 5, 6, 7 and 8.  Pretty neat, huh?

OH. SO. CLOSE.  In fact, mere inches away from the goal line.  Elder Son caught a pass and was running it into the endzone for the 2 pt conversion after the aforementioned touchdown.  And he was stopped just shy of the making the score. Shucks. But at least his Aunt Karisa keeps him in good underwear. :)

Two of my favorite boys...a little father and son chat in the huddle.

Middle Child...never judge a man by the size on the outside

Because you have NO idea the size of the heart, will, fight and sheer determination on the inside.

Yes, it's lots of photos, but that's just a sign of a proud mama.

Baby Girl had one of her FINEST meets ever earlier this month in Birmingham.  Scoring some of her highest scores this year on almost every event!!!  Even making a personal best record on uneven bars...her big nemesis!  She amazes us daily at training in the gym and during her competitions....

VAULT:  Not her best event, but improving and that's all we can ask for....I know I wouldn't want to run full speed down a runway lane headed straight at a vault table.....but she does it, day in and day out.

Squeeze!!

Stay tight!  

Land it.... 

Oh man, I know, I know, I took a step on the landing.  

Always make time to discuss the gameplan with friends!

BARS:   An event she has struggled with for a couple of years, but she's getting stronger week by week and finally putting together a pretty clean and connected routine....and reaching her personal goals....so KUDOS to that!!

Mouting the uneven bars

Low bar work 

On to the high bar skill set

Pointed toes, straight legs, tight body 

ditto. nice. very nice Baby Girl.  

Beginning release move.  

BEAM:  Her favorite event.  Better known as the place where she ROCKS her routine.

A beauty to behold.  

Landing a leap.  

SOLID. I mean S.O.L.I.D. 

high jump on beam.  

see, isn't she a beaut?  

And here she is receving big high fives from Coach Devon....

and hugs from Coach Erin (former Alabama gymnast) for her stellar performance on that 3.9 inch beam!!  

WOW!!!  Look at that...the judges thought it was STELLAR as well....9.475!!! 

Way to go Baby Girl!  

FLOOR:  A chance to show off her strength and personality....and we all know she is full of that!

Beauty 

and Grace 

all tied up in a bow. 

And a WINNING SMILE!!   

Love that girl.