ONTO ALABAMA...

It's time to say goodbye...

2007-06-12T07:36:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess it is time to say goodbye to this blog....since we are no longer...'ONTO ALABAMA'...it's been an 'eventful' 10 months! Please change our blogsite to the former site: http://wacowilliamsfamily.blogspot.com/. We're back! Look for new posts coming very soon!

We're back!! :) Time to catch up...

2007-06-10T19:40:00.000-07:00

Well, we made it safely to Texas...but before I get to all of that, let me back up to when we first got to Memphis for our 2 week stint in Memphis and West Point, MS with our families before heading to Texas. Our new nephew, Logan Price Jones, was born on May 24, 2007...weighing in at 8lbs. 5 oz. We went to see him in the hospital and lots at home when he was getting used to 'his schedule.' He's so sweet and his big sister, Abby...is a big helper with him. Their birthdays are exactly 2 weeks apart (May 24 & June 7) so we were there also to catch Abby's 3rd birthday party! Isn't she just precious! I will miss her the most and hate being so far away from her. She definitely has my heart. You know how the innocence of children just melts your heart? For instance, like when we are playing and out of the blue she says..."I love you E." I can only hope and pray our child is as sweet hearted and smart as she is.During our 2 weeks after moving from Alabama...we also made it to a good friend's wedding in Kosciusko, MS (birthplace of Oprah Winfrey). Congratulations Jim & Brittany! Jim is a childhood friend of Forrest's and then they both went to MSU and linked up with Forrest on the football team and Jim in the Famous Maroon Band. It was a beautiful, laid back wedding...and we got to have some quality time with some of our best friends from MSU, who now live in Memphis...Charlie & Candace (see pic). Of course, while passing the time on Saturday...Candace and I found 'Oprah Winfrey Road' and the first place she ever faced an audience...the picture of the little church. Oprah lived in Kosciusko until she was 6 years old...and now you know! :)

So on Friday, June 8, we trekked 11.5 hours in separate cars from Memphis to Waco. Wow, did that seem like a long drive! And if you've never tried it it's pretty challenging, especially the part of communicating with your husband to be in sight and not leave you in the dust. He was pretty good but frustrated with me for not using the cruise control more often! (ha). We've already enjoyed our time here. We slept hard on Friday night...and got up fairly early to meet 3 of Forrest's coaching buddies to unload the BIG ABF truck. Thanks so much to Kim, KJ, Shawn, and Brent for unpacking us in less than 2 hours!! Very impressive huh? We had forgotten how humid it is here compared to TN, MS, or AL. We stepped outside and it took my breath away...but you get used to it. And the sun here is not just hot...it's HOT... and it stings your skin. Sunblock here we come! Anyway...we enjoyed the rest of our Saturday doing our own thing. Forrest took a long nap and watched our MSU Bulldogs punch their ticket to the College World Series...then proceeded to go watch a movie with some of my BU coworkers (all female except him-ha). And I joined my Sunday School friends Katie (one of my best friends from Waco that moved to Midland, TX last summer who is due Sept. 8) & Brooke (due July 14'ish) for a nice lunch at Pei Wei (new to Waco!) Then I proceeded to get my eyebrows a quick wax...and then took another jab at 'baby registering' at Target with the girls. There are about 6 of us in our Sunday School class who are pregnant right now...crazy huh? God is blessing many families right now with these precious miracles! We then went over to Jennifer's, lounged, and talked about ...what else...PREGNANCY and all the details...you probably do not want to read about. Jennifer's due date is ironically 2 days before mine, so I have a feeling we'll become very close in these next 5 months and beyond. She too is having a boy! :) It was so nice just to be in the company of 'true' friends and Christian sisters. What a breath of fresh air. I later met back up with Forrest & Co. for an early dinner at Jason's Deli...another 'breath' of fresh air of Christian fellowship and no timetable. We of course headed to church this morning...it was almost like we had never left....and we were welcomed back by so many. God is blessing us all the time but especially with renewing our friendships with such amazing people here. What a first 48 hours back in Waco huh? Well, I better hit the hay...I have a BIG day tomorrow with my job interview at 3pm. Please pray for me if you remember...I'm of course nervous...but know it will work out how God wants it to. In that...I shall not worry!

Tomorrow's posting... I'll show you where we are living for the next couple of months and our dear friend that is allowing us to practically take over her home. What a blessing it is and perfect setup for us to call 'home' until we find a house of our own. She is a 'saint' for allowing all 4 of us to live with her. Bless you Kim...til then. Goodnight!

Update from the road...

2007-06-01T05:41:00.000-07:00

Good morning friends & family! [Warming: no fun pics...b/c our computer is disabled at this time in the move] Some of you have been wondering what the heck we are up to and where the heck are we...so...I'll tell you. Since leaving Alabama a week ago today, we have been in Collierville, TN visiting my family. We made it safely in both vehicles with our stuff piled high in each vehicle and just enough room for Bella. :) We had walkie talkies (Forrest's idea) and had fun with that. We gave ourselves nicknames such as...Big Chief, Little Mama, and White Rider...I'll let you guess who was who! :) It was very fun and made the time pass by quickly.

While in Collierville, we finally saw our new nephew who was born on Thursday, May 24-- Logan Price Jones-- 8.5'ish lbs, brown hair, and blue eyes. Proud parents are my brother, Paul & his wife Amanda, and precious big sister, Abby. He's so sweet and doing very well. We have several pics of him but no capability to download them from a computer. We'll try very soon. Hold tight!

We trekked down to West Point, MS on Wednesday to see Forrest's side of the family. His sister, Ginger & our other niece and nephew, Caitlin & Patrick...are here visiting from Kentucky. Today, we venture along even further to Kosciusko, MS for a good friend's wedding on Saturday evening. Proud groom-to-be is Jim Gassaway, MSU Alumni and Famous Maroon Band Extordanaire. Forrest is a groomsmen and so is our good friend Charlie Lockhart, Famous Maroon Band player with Jim. So, we'll meet up with some of our best friends...Charlie & Candace here at the farm and head to Kosciusko for a wedding weekend! Candace & I were MSU Pom Squadder's together and she was a matron of honor in our wedding :) The trip should be fun ...as we share a hotel room together ...and enjoying the must ammenity of a swimming pool :) Do you know the most famous native of Kosciusko? It's Oprah Winfrey's birthplace & former home...we'll see if I'm successful in finding it! On Sunday, we'll travel back to West Point, MS and spend a few more days with his parents...then trek back to TN to see my family one more time & celebrate my niece, Abby's 3rd birthday...before hitting the long dusty trail to.... T-E-X-A-S!!

Yes, you read right...we are headed back to our former 'home' of Waco, TX. We'll be driving all day on Friday, June 9. Please pray for our safe travels of the something like 10 hr. journey. How we came to this decision??? Well, after much prayer and seeking other jobs for Forrest...his former school, Connally HS, seemed to be the 'open door.' We never really heard back, nor could get ahold of the MS school...so we are taking that has a 'thanks but no thanks' gesture. I had my phone interview with BAYLOR UNIVERSITY on Tuesday. It went very well I thought, and I made it to the next round 'committee' interviews sometime the week of June 11th. The 'reality' of all of this will set in soon I guess when we are driving the long distance to TX. It will be harder for me b/c I'm an emotional woman and have grown greatly attached to my niece, Abby, while being so geographically close. And with the baby coming it will be a challenge I'm sure to have family a great distance away and not be able to help out as much as they would probably like to. But as always, God will provide as He always has.

Prayer Requests: Please pray for our safe travels this week and next, our adjustment period[physically, spiritually, emotionally, financially, & mentally] as we try to 'settle' back into being Wacoans before the baby arrives in 5 months, my job endevours, & Forrest's job finalization of getting back in the swing of things as a Cadet. Speaking of...I will be a full 20 weeks / 5 months pregnant tomorrow! Praise the Lord! I can hardly believe we have reached this point....but am very grateful. That's all for now...we'll try to post again soon...and have lots of pictures to show for it! :) We love you all & are so thankful for your love and prayers...

GOING HOME...

2007-05-24T07:08:00.000-07:00

I decided to blog this post today, b/c I know I will not have time tomorrow to do it...so here are my end of the 'road' reflections in AL...

Today is our last FULL day in AL. I didn't think it would be emotional...but I can't help it...God made me this way to have a heart and to use it often. Despite all that has happened to us in the past couple of months, I look at the entire year as whole and choose to ALSO look at the positives. I am currently trying to finish F's Football 2006 scrapbook b/c I know if I don't finish it here...it might not ever get done :( There are so many great pictures and newspaper articles that commemorate the 'good times' we had here...and what a great season he/we had. [God called us here for a reason, met some AMAZING students and families, home improvement of the entire house this summer w/ quality time w/ our families, F's first head coach season-- restored pride to a football program and for sure a most memorable season for a special group of seniors, frequent road trips to Starkville for football games, weekend getaways to spend memorable moments with our families, an entire an entire 10 months of 'work vacation' for me...it felt so good and I'm so grateful to have had this down time, a great church-Clements Baptist- and pastor we found to bless us indeed and get us through this difficult time, a growing faith in our Sovereign God who cares about each step we take, many lessons learned, a stronger marriage, and last but not least ....our first born coming in October. :) We'll say our goodbyes at graduation tonight and then it's...goodbye probably forever this side of heaven...

I tried to find a song that fit perfectly with the end of this chapter in our lives...last year leaving Waco, TX it was "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts....this year...it seems to be "Home" by Christ Daughtry. As most of you have heard or seen this song performed on American Idol...it has become somewhat of a semi-theme song for our last weeks/ days in AL. We listen to it almost every day when F has to go clock out at work everyday at 3:10pm even though he is finished teaching at 1:20pm. [Too long of a story to share] Those of you who do know the story...I know you are rolling your eyes along with me right now. :) Those of you who know me...know I LOVE music and the lyrics especially that make up a song. Music is so powerful and moves me. This song is no exception. I don't know about you but I find myself listening to a song over and over again until I memorize it and then try to find a way to make it pertain to me and my life. Click it down on my playlist if you wish :)

So thank you Athens, thank you Clements...as the song says, I don't regret this life you gave to me.

HOME
Chris Daughtry

I'm staring out into the night

And trying to hide the pain

I'm going to the place where love and feeling good don't ever cost a thing

And the pain you feel is a different kind of pain

I'm going home to the place where I belong

where your love has always been enough for me

I'm running from, you know I think you got me all wrong

I don't regret this life you chose for me

But these places and these faces are getting old... So I'm going home

I'm going home

The miles are getting longer it seems

The closer I get to you....

I've not always been the best man and friend for you

But your love remains true and I don't know why

You always seem to give me another try

I'm going home to the place where I belong

where your love has always been good enough for me

I'm running from you know I think you got me all wrong

I don't regret this life you chose for me

But these places and these faces are getting old

Be careful what you wish for cause you just might get it all

You just might get it all and then some you don't want

Be careful what you wish for cause you just might get it all

You just might get it all

I'm going home to the place where I belong

where your love has always been enough for me

And I'm running from.. you know I think you got me all wrong

I don't regret this life you chose for me

But these places and these faces are getting old

These places and these faces are getting old

I'm going home

PS-- I'll be sure to take more packing pics, but this was from yesterday afternoon...and poor Bella wanted to get in on the action so bad...well she 'ATTEMPTED' to jump in the truck...BAD NEWS...before I could help her she landed flat and hard on her back...poor puppy--glad she's so tough...that was quite a leap and distance to fall :(

What a bad momma I am!!

2007-05-24T05:51:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BELATED 2nd BIRTHDAY BELLA!

I can't believe we forgot Bella's birthday...it was Tuesday, May 22...she turned 2 years old! I thought I'd celebrate her by showing you pics of her the day/ weekend [July 4th weekend 2005] we got her in Pittsburgh, TX in a Wal-Mart parking lot near the Campbell's Lakehouse. Isn't she the most precious puppy you've ever seen? Uhhh...I wish we could go back and she'd be that small again for awhile. This is her first swim with dad...not sure she's diggin' the water. She was like any other baby...slept...ALOT! As you all know...we love her unconditionally and spoil her a little too much, but she's added so much to our life and been a good training tool for parenting. Love your dog today...and if you dont' have one...you should! :)

Weekending....

2007-05-22T12:50:00.001-07:00

Well friends and family...alas...it is the FINAL week in AL. Can you believe it? We sure can't! And with any 'big move,' there is sooooooo much to get done before now and Friday afternoon. But before we go there....let me back up to our weekend. I'll give you one guess where we went...b/c of course we always go somewhere! :) If you guessed Tennessee ...you are a winner! The MAIN reason we went was to give Colleen, a BFF of mine, a baby shower on Sunday. Colleen is due in mid-June with Baby Michael! Love you Colleenie! Hope you had a wonderful time too :) It was very fun to see old friends and catch up. The top picture is: Karen Fesmire, Maggie Fesmire, Colleen, and I. Karen & Maggie have been friends since I was in high school! I coached Maggie in youth cheerleading when she was in 1st grade...and now she is a junior in college---HOW OLD DO I FEEL? They are too sweet and will always be friends of ours. The 2nd pic is a new challenge for me and Colleen's shower gift from me...A DIAPER CAKE! I got the instructions off the internet...and it was fairly easy to make...so this is my new 'present' for expecting mothers. It is made up of about: 60 diapers, a baby shampoo bottle and a feeding bottle. Click above if you want the directions too! :) Forrest is such a sweet husband and helped me make the final 'tier.' :) While in town, we definitely found time to see Miss Abby, my almost 3 year old niece, ....who will be a BIG SISTER...on Thursday!!! :) It's hard to believe that my nephew will be here this week. Congratulations twin brother and Amanda! :) Abby is like her Aunt "E" and LOVES to swim...all the time, all day. So that's what we did! She's being silly here with her mom's sunglasses on...but very cute of course!

On Monday, we headed to Pontotoc, MS for Forrest to interview at SPHS...for the head coach position. We're just in the 'waiting game' at this point...should know something at the end of the week. Please pray for God's discernment for us and LOUD & CLEAR voice to let us know where HE wants us to move! Later, we raced home to make it to Bella's obedience lesson. Just a sneak peek of all the fun we have while there! :) Here is my 18 week pregnant self and Bella hauling it around the room. She's doing good and has her final lesson on Thursday!

So that is about it until tomorrow (ha). Also, on the job front and deciding factors...I just got a call today and got an interview for the Campus Visits Coordinator position at Baylor!! I am tentatively scheduled to phone interview on Tuesday am. Please pray for this opportunity as well. Obviously...we are keeping our options open between North MS and back to Waco. There are so many pros to both locations...but God hopefully will let us know soon. God is a movin' right now that's for sure! The moving truck comes tomorrow morning!!!! Pictures and posts to come...until then...be sure to tune in tonight to 'The Bachelor--After the Rose' tonight @ 7pm!! I can hardly wait :)

We're having a ....HE!!!!!!!!

2007-05-18T05:41:00.000-07:00

Well....our Dr.'s visit yesterday went very good and we had a good time....trying to make sure we all were certain it's a little BOY! It's a little early to do the 'gender' ultrasound at 18 wks. when usually done around 20-22wks, but our doctor wanted me to come in one more time before we moved so...we thought we'd take our chances! The ultrasound tech was sweet and reassured me (since I couldn't really see the screen that well, nor the TV screen) that if it were a girl...it would NOT have the parts she was pointing out. Forrest was also 100% he saw the 'man parts' very clearly as well. Sooo I'm trusting them....you can see what you think and cast your vote...for all of you experienced 'ultrasound gender readers.' :) I was sooooo nervous going in there...just for the obvious reasons...and then they made us wait 30 mins. in the waiting room b/c they didn't have me down on the ultrasound list. Uhhh--not a big deal normally but once you have been told to fill up your bladder to capacity before you come...it's a little uncomfortable...but very worth it! The heart beat was strong at 149 bpm...and he even had his legs crossed 'indian style' at one point. We were both very excited just to see a healthy heartbeat and baby actively moving...but I saw Forrest 'pumping' his fist and doing jumping jacks over there in the corner :) He's thrilled to have a 'quarterback' in training! :)

A dear friend gave me this verse to trust in when anxious about the baby...from God's word...Psalm 22:9-10 "For you are He bringing me forth from the womb, Causing me to trust, On the breasts of my mother. 10. On Thee I have been cast from the womb, From the belly of my mother Thou are my God."

Thanks for your prayers all. We love and can't wait to share our 'miracle' God has given us with you.

Top Pic: Little guy turned toward us and waving ...how cute huh?

2nd Pic: Profile shot of him stretching out...she said he was really moving around so it was hard to get a still shot. Crazy thing is I can't feel him move yet!?!?

3rd Pic: An underneath shot of his rear...look closely near the 'arrow' :) I'm sure he'll love the fact I blogged this later in his life. Your vote?

4th Pic: Another underneath view of his rear...You be the judge!

Update on us....where will we end up next?

2007-05-17T07:21:00.000-07:00

1st things 1st...I have a my last Dr.'s appt. today in Alabama. Kinda sad...since I've grown attached to this practice. They are very modern and friendly and thorough! Please pray if you remember to that all goes well and the baby is still healthy and that it cooperates and we'll see if it is a HE or SHE! The appt. is at 3:30pm...so hopefully I'll have something to post later this evening or in the morning :) We're sooooooooo excited! Thank you God for getting us this far...

2nd things 2nd... We have about 7 days left in AL! It's approached us quickly! We thought we had our plans somewhat lined out until yesterday. As you know...when it rains it pours. We went from 1 school in TX having an asst. position open to now a probable 2 schools...of friends of ours....along with 2 schools in MS having openings....one head job about 75 miles from Memphis and his folks...and the other job toward the coast of MS. Sooooooooooo....now there are several options to weigh and pray that God shows us the right door to walk through. I also applied for a job at Baylor...so we're waiting to hear if I get called to fly out for an interview. That for sure would be a 'weighty' factor in our decision making. So right now we are in limbo as to 'where the heck to move our stuff' or even put it to store...but we know God is always good, faithful, and SOVEREIGN. We ask for your prayers in God's timing of all of this and for 'finishing strong & well' here in AL. I know this next week will be challenging & emotionally charged for both of us with the 'spring game' today at CHS with a new coach...Senior Day tomorrow at CHS...and graduation next Thursday. Forrest still loves his students and players and I know will miss them and this chapter in our lives...but God has called us elsewhere and we truly have NO REGRETS for moving here, even if for a year, even with all that has happened. It has taught us much and we are better for it. I am thankful for the little/ big things...as to not pass over the fact that Forrest has gone to EVERY dr.'s appt with me this spring and would not have gotten to go to ONE if he were still coaching now. It was in God's plan...and how can we argue or question that? In Proverbs God's word says, "Many are the plans of a man's heart, but the Lord's purpose prevails." This is a verse Forrest and I claimed from the beginning of our marriage and still cling to. May it encourage us all to remember that our Lord has it all under control...and He has only a Plan A for us...there is no Plan B!

Bella's 2nd chance @ school...

2007-05-17T07:14:00.000-07:00

Ok...so some of you have asked about Bella's 2nd attempt at school...so we are happy to report that it went really well! This was a private lesson with just us and the teacher. She did MUCH better...and they realized what a 'sweet' dog Bella is and can be. No blood this time (yippee!) :) They gave us some great tips on how to 'unspoil' her before the baby comes and how to make adjustments when the baby does arrive and is 'the baby' and not her. She is a smart dog, and we are trying to be diligent in our 'homework' each day with her. 2 more private lessons before we leave Athens next Friday! Stay tuned!

Weekending....

2007-05-17T06:53:00.000-07:00

Well, lets catch up shall we! I have procrastinated this post b/c I don't have many fun pictures to show for it...but I do have one good one. What a GREAT, RELAXING weekend. Even though it's been 10 months...since I have worked...still feels surreal to me to have a weekend to myself...I still feel guilty and feel like I should be working....crazy I know! Forrest and I had another LONG weekend...with leaving AL on Friday after school and returning Monday afternoon, since he can afford taking Mondays off--why not right?

So we made our usual path to Collierville, TN to see my brother's family and then headed to my parents' 'barnyard.' They still are living in the barn loft and have a NICE stable as you can see...and finally have plans laid out to build a big house for all of their grandchildren and family...6 bedrooms! Who would have thunk it? We are just praying it's ready by Christmas...and if it's not...then oh well...we'll make it work. On SATURDAY...Mom, Forrest, and I trekked to Jackson, TN to see my maternal grandmother and had lunch with my aunt and uncle as well. It was a nice quick day trip for all. It's always good to see family you don't see too often. Saturday night, Forrest & I got to eat out at Macaroni Grill with my brother's family...Abby included! :) SUNDAY..was of course Mother's Day...and enjoyed by all.

I JUST LOVE GOD MOMENTS DON'T YOU? So we were at church in Germantown and they played not 1 but 2 songs that our church in Waco sang in a musical a couple of years ago, when I was in the choir. Now, these are not very common songs that you hear often at church or in worship...they are specific to a certain musical that a guy in Waco wrote. So cool to me! That's when you realize that God is everywhere and is able to connect us all together as one body in Christ no matter the distance. And a fun moment in the service where the pastor honored all the moms, even pregnant ones, to please stand and be recognized. :) It was a special moment for us. We then came back to my parents house and ate "Mother's Day Lunch" and as you can see from the picture...Abby needed to show us what a big girl she is at almost 3 years old and fed my dad's horses....so cute! Also in the picture is my twin brother and his wife (mother of Abby) and mother of soon to be nephew , arriving any day now....my paternal grandmother, and my mom.

So...later Sunday I went over to Abby's house to swim in her baby pool (you know the plastic ones we all used to have). Very fun time with her...as she stressed the importance of sunscreen to me! I know I did not know this much at almost 3 years of age. I guess that about wraps it up...and tomorrow we leave again for Memphis...where do the weeks go huh? :) I'm helping throw a baby shower for my sweet friend Colleen on Sunday...so we are looking forward to another weekend with my fam and friends. Ya'll all have a great weekend! :)

Sites to see in my RV...

2007-05-10T09:10:00.000-07:00

So I have to blog about this before it gets to far behind us. A week ago today, one of Forrest's best friends, Brenner, flew over here from Waco, TX to 'hit the road' with Forrest for a couple of

days in East Tennessee. The boys rented an RV in town and traveled in style. Doesn't it look like so much fun? Pit stops included Chattanooga, Pigeon Forge, and the Smoky Mountains. I believe they had a great time, despite both of them getting a little RV-sick :( This definitely may be a future 'vacation' idea for the Williams side of the family!

Bella goes to school...

2007-05-08T08:43:00.000-07:00

Ok, I'm going to do this to get my emotions out but it's not going to be easy. Last night was very stressful for our family. (Not as in the 'big, eternal' picture of things, but on a much smaller scale of being dog owners). Where should I begin? Ok, so we enrolled Bella in an 'basic obedience' class in town because we want her to be 'more mindful' especially with the baby coming in the fall. And we have heard great things about a place about 1 mile down the road. Soooooooo last night was our first class. Everything was going fine for about 30 minutes. Then the black dog you see in the picture decides it wants to growl at Bella during a 'come' command...well Bella would not have it and growled the most 'satanistic' growl we've EVER heard come out of her mouth and they kind of tangled up. Well, I was taking it easy b/c Bella is a 95 lb. workout--and with being pregnant it's not wise to be jerking her around, etc. But at that moment I did have a hold of her...wow...Forrest jumped out of his chair and before I knew what happened... Bella was on the ground...with blood on her mouth :( We're still not sure if the other dog clawed or bit her but anyway...it was there. HOW EMBARRASSING RIGHT...? to have the 'bad kid' in class with everyone staring at you! :( Uhhh....I wanted to cryyyyyyyy!!!!!!!)

Well then we go on and the teacher does 1-on1 time with Bella teaching her to heel in a walking circle...well I guess Bella didn't like someone else besides us leading her well she starting jumping at the teacher, nibbling her wrist...well before i know...MORE BLOOD...this time it's not Bella's...the teacher's arm is all scratched up and bleeding!!!!!!!! Oh my gosh! This sounds like a movie right? I wanted to cry (again). But thankfully the teacher understood and was thankful it was just scratches and that she didn't try to BITE her like another dog had tried before with her. By the end of the night--we all agreed the best thing for our Bella was 'private' lessons! So we'll take her to 3 private lessons before we leave town ...the equivalent is supposed to be 3 class sessions = 1 private lesson...so we'll see how it goes. Uhhh...so being a sympathetic mom I just felt sorry for her but Forrest says it's our fault for spoiling her so bad. Anyway...we should have done this a LONG time ago when she was still a puppy. Word to the wise--do this with your puppy sooner than later before they become smart and stubborn and spoiled. We'll keep you posted on Bella's progress...just broke my heart that my 'kid' was the bad one of the group. Truth is... that she is as SWEET AS CAN BE... as her pictures portray and has never bitten anyone or gotten into a fight before. She never meets a stranger and just wants to play with everyone! Just sad she didn't come across like that last night :( Oh well!

Needless to say, Bella is wiped out today and has been laid out on the couch ever since she got home last night until 10am this morning. I know this experience and Bella are only preparing us for life lessons and what's to come with our own child! Here's to loving your pets and children...no matter what :)

Some big updates....

2007-05-03T08:34:00.000-07:00

Well, we are HOME-LESS! We closed on our home on Monday!! The Lord has been soooooo good to us in selling our house "For Sale by Owner" in 2 weeks! This is Forrest taking our 'check to the bank!' We did not pass go--we went straight over there after signing the papers. God worked out every detail perfectly! The family moving in is not in a hurry to move in so we will 'rent' the house for this last month we are here. We've really enjoyed our home and were so blessed to find it last July...it's been a good home with lots of 'stories' that the walls could tell you! :)

On TUESDAY, we had a Dr's appt, and heard the baby's heartbeat again around 150bpm. He said everything looked good and wants to see me back in 2 weeks, May 16, for an ultrasound to see if he/ she will cooperate and let us know it's gender!!! What a big day for us! We'll be sure to let you know. Praise the Lord for our healthy, growing baby! What a miracle!

That's about it, we're both off for 'long weekends.' Bella & I are off to the Starkville area this afternoon for me to judge the MSU Pom Tryouts on Saturday...and I'll enjoy some down time on my in-laws farm. All the while, Forrest will enjoy a real "Road Rules" experience...when he and his best friend (flying over from Waco, TX) rent an RV tonight and travel to east Tennessee to fish, raft, hike, camp. Have a great weekend all! I'm going to give 'the camera' over to Forrest to try and capture the journey....to be posted on Monday! :)

Weekending: Boxes & Babies

2007-04-29T11:32:00.000-07:00

Well, friends...this is a 4 day weekend for us! Forrest has off Friday and Monday b/c of snow days! So we are enjoying our first weekend here in our home in a long while. No road trips this weekend...but alas next weekend we both will be on the road in separate states.

Friday and Saturday were both lazy days, I'm sure today or tomorrow will be no different. Friday we went to Huntsville to eat at Dreamland...very good and good fellowship with our neighbors who wanted to take us out to eat before we left town. Saturday all we did was pack up boxes and lay on the couch. We are projecting for our last day in the house and Athens, will be May 24! On the 25th we are heading out! We did manage to squeeze in a movie, Stranger than Fiction. It was pretty good...couldn't be too bad if it has Will Ferrell in it right? It had an interesting concept to it. I recommend it for a rental for sure.

And certainly not least, for those of you who have requested a belly pic from me...this is whatcha get! [Taken after church and a trip to the Ruby Tuesday salad bar] :) Saturday we completed 15 weeks! The front shot is NOT flattering, and the side view (suggested by my husband) wanted our 'first' baby in the pic as well.

Don't you just love SURPRISES?! Well, we received an unexpected package at our front door the other day. It was from some very thoughtful friends in Waco, The Barlows, that we have a very interesting connection and relationship with. Let me explain. I knew Laura from high school and growing up at Germantown Baptist, well we both end up at MSU and both marry MSU boys. Jeff, Laura's husband, was a equipment manager at MSU when Forrest was on the football team. Later we go our separate ways, and both end up at BAYLOR a couple of years later...Jeff as the BU Head Equipment Manager, and I as the Spirit Coordinator!! Jeff and I interacted often in the BU Athletic Dept. And we both go/ went to the same church in Waco....how crazy is that????? They got us lots of fun things for the baby...and the essentials...DIAPERS!! One of our very first baby gifts. So thanks again Barlows--it made our day...ya'll are so thoughtful to have sent us such a sweet gift. I also have another 'way thoughtful' friend in Waco, Ponderosa Queen, we call her Kim. We'll end up staying with her this summer if we do end up going back to Waco. She graciously allows her cabin to be our home. Don't meet to many friends like that do you? The other picture is of a couple of surprises she has given us along the way...even before we knew we were pregnant! Our baby has already gotten quite the shoe wardrobe for every occasion huh? Thanks Aunt Kim!

We are definitely blessed to have amazing friends all over the country...and can't wait til we are reunited again. Honestly speaking, it's been kinda tough here for our 'social likings' ...we went from one extreme in Waco of having to 'schedule a rotation' with friends for dinner or the movies to here where we literally don't have ANYONE our age we could ask on a whim to come over or go somewhere with. I guess the beauty of this is Forrest & I have gotten a lot closer in all areas due to only having one another to lean on. For that I'm very grateful!

More to post soon. We CLOSE on our house tomorrow @ 3PM...so please if you remember say a prayer for it to all go smoothly for us to SEAL THE DEAL! What a blessing from the Lord! It took my parents 1 1/2 to sell their home...and it only took us 2 weeks! God is faithful. On Tuesday, we have a Dr's appt...please pray for that special event too!

Thanks all. Happy Sabbath Day! LOVE HAS A NAME!

The Weekend Review....

2007-04-23T13:03:00.000-07:00

Well....we're back from an 'extended' weekend trip to the Memphis area....just getting back this afternoon b/c Forrest was able to get a sub for today :) We left after school on Friday afternoon and made our 'usual' trek down Hwy. 72 to Collierville, TN. We ordered in pizza and helped my brother put together our 'soon to be arriving' nephew's baby furniture. The boys got it knocked out, while the girls entertained Abby Rose (our precious 2 3/4 years old niece).

SATURDAY... Forrest & I had a date with my best friend, Colleen, to do some 'baby registering at Target & Babies R Us. It was very fun and made this whole new journey a little more real for both of us. Funny side note: We walked in Babies R Us and Forrest said, "Holy Moly"...obviously he'd never been to this store before....it was quite cute...I think we were both overwhelmed at all of the decisions you could or would have to make! Colleen is due in June with Baby Michael! Thank goodness I had an expert like her with me to say yea and no way to some things. Thanks Colleeny! We later met us with my other best friend in the Memphrica area, Candace, to have lunch. She's the best too. We danced together at MSU...and have become life long friends. She graduates from the University of Memphis with her Master's Degree in 2 short weeks! Congrats Canae! We're proud of you and Charlie :)

After all of that...we headed back to the 'barn' for some much needed R&R. We then discovered that Abby Rose was spending the night at the 'barn' with Grandmommy & Pa...no rest for the weary but how can you be tired and say no to a sweet pea like her? I hope our child likes to go visit their grandparents as much as she does...she would go there every day if she could. She gets to pet the horses and have an 'ice cream' party outside. Isn't that sweet? She loves to sit out in the sunset and eat ice cream! Here we are--I have cropped the picture to save myself the grief of seeing my body changing a little too much in some areas. Although, my sweet husband seems to like my ever-changing body even more these days! In the pic: Aunt E, Abby, and my mom (aka: Grandmommy).

The major point for our visit this weekend was for Amanda's baby shower on Sunday. This is me and my twin brother's wife, Amanda. She is due May 24...but we'll just have to see about that. Baby Boy Jones doesn't look like he'll last that long in the oven. :) She got a good load of gifts, and I think she really liked my canvas I made for her to match his nursery bedding. His 'finally' selected name, birthday, weight, length will go in the top right corner when known.

Last but not least...here is a pic I couldn't resist taking of Bella 'co-piloting' our trip with Daddy. Isn't she hilarious? She sits in the backseat and rests her chin on his shoulder. I wouldn't be surprised as many weekend road trips to either of our parents houses if she knew how to get there on her own.

I just have to add this side tangent...Forrest was such a sweet husband and champ for hanging out with 'the girls' all day long...and being totally selfless in my planned agenda. He has scored many a points with me recently. I'm soooooooo blessed to have such a loving husband as he. I know I don't deserve him most days. Seems like even though we are in limbo and it's been a tough couple of months (jobwise) that God's sunshine in the entire thing is that we get to spend a lot more time together and just enjoying the gift of one another. I love you my Baby's Daddy! :)

Enjoy your week...and just remember another weekend is fast approaching! :)

Our weekend....to MS (again)

2007-04-16T07:26:00.000-07:00

Well blog friends...the weekend went by pretty fast! Friday we headed back over to West Point, MS again (seems like we go every other weekend). We of course grilled out and enjoyed my father-n-laws great country cooking....and my mother-n-laws too! :) Then all day Saturday I had the privilege of judging the MSU Cheerleading Tryouts. It was very fun to be back in the mix of things as in the good 'ole days...but very tiring! I forgot what a full days work feels like, but I'm sure it's a little different being preggers! I did feel honored b/c the Spirit Coordinator and Cheer Coach were the only 2 other judges besides me. So I was the only outsider judge. They are starting an All Girl Cheer Squad....and getting rid of the JV Coed Cheer Squad. So all of you MSU fans, the next time you are at a football or basketball game...you'll know who this group is. They are the same as the Coed Cheer Squad but without the boys! I helped start the All Girl Cheer Squad at Baylor...and it's definitely a good thing to have. Our fans really enjoyed watching the girls do almost everything the boys could! :) Both squads (Coed & All Girl) are very talented and will be fun to watch in the fall!

Needless to say I crashed when I got home to the farm...and then we watched "Facing the Giants" (the movie) with my in-laws & Forrest....they had never seen it before. They were delaying watching it b/c it hits a little close to home with us...but they made it and it's still one of my favorite movies....and yes, I still cry every time I watch it!

Bella enjoyed the farm too. I hear that all day Saturday she chased (sprinted) the 2 horses all over the pasture. I believe it would be an equivalent to a marathon for us. You could tell she was very tired and sore from the way she was limping yesterday...and the other obvious fact that she slept the entire 3 hours in the car and laid ALL day on our couch asleep yesterday. I think she enjoys the farm the most out of all of us :)

Thursday nights just got better...

2007-04-12T07:08:00.000-07:00

So tonight my rear will be parked in front of the TV...yes I probably watch too much primetime TV but what can a girl do when Grey's Anatomy and Notes from the Underbelly are on back to back? This new show is supposed to be pretty funny...and I'm sure even more so if you are pregnant or a mom...how convenient! Maybe I can get Forrest to watch with me....any betters? If you click on Grey's Anatomy you can see which female character you are most like. Can you guess who I am? MIRANDA! As the description says "You’re a perfectionist and you expect nothing less from everyone around you. Even when people complain, people admire you for holding them to a higher standard. Your family is your rock, even if you don’t get to see them as much as you’d like." So tell us who you are and what you think of the new show! Happy Viewing! :)

RESURRECTION DAY!

2007-04-08T16:44:00.000-07:00

IT'S RESURRECTION DAY!

*I encourage you to click on "Worthy is the Lamb" down on my playlist when reading this post. I don't think Gnarles Barkley will allow you to be as reverent as needed.

Many of us know it as "Easter"....so how come? Here is a pretty informative 'history of Easter' video I found on MSN. Sadly the 'pagan' part of this holiday has overtaken the 'Christian' meaning and reason for celebration. Don't get me wrong...I'm not against Easter eggs and the Easter Bunny for kids, but the true meaning of Easter should not be overshadowed by them. I vividly remember these times as a child and enjoyed sharing them with my 2 year old niece this weekend.

Jesus found me today in my 'home' church at Germantown Baptist (TN), and it's definitely what I needed to be so grateful for this weekend and be reminded what a 'sacred' time it is for Christian believers. How come we can't treat every day as Easter? He always speaks to me through music and this morning was no different. Seated with most of my family our church had 1500+ people in our service. I know I know, some of you are definitely NOT into this type of music but today in church it was so powerful to see thousands of people singing it together. Whew...it was powerful and tears just streamed down my face! (And no it was not all pregnancy hormones) IT WAS THE POWER OF JESUS'S SAVING GRACE IN MY LIFE! The words that really "spoke to me" were...

Thank you for the cross Lord

Thank you for the price You paid

Bearing all my sin and shame

In love You came

And gave amazing grace

Thank you for this love, Lord

Thank you for the nail pierced hands

Washed me in Your cleansing flow

Now all I know Your forgiveness and embrace

Worthy is the Lamb

Seated on the throne

Crown You now with many crowns

You reign victorious

High and lifted up

Jesus Son of God

The Darling of Heaven crucified

Worthy is the Lamb

I hope each of you were able to celebrate our "Risen Savior" today in your own special way with people you love. And I hope that we continue to have the 'spirit of Easter' in our hearts each day.

On a lighter note, my camera had issues this weekend so this is the only 'good' picture that was taken...of my precious niece Abby and her 'Aunt E'. Love her! Bless her!

From Rabbit to Baby in 4 weeks...

2007-04-06T05:50:00.000-07:00

Well...WE got to see her/him yesterday on the big screen! And it was so amazing. First, I was excited that Forrest was able to experience it all with me for the first time. He was cute and was asking many questions and of course had a funny comment "I think it looks like me!" :) I just held my breath until we saw it all and heard the heartbeat. Music to my ears at 148 which Katie thinks means 'boy'...we'll see in about 2 months! We were really surprised when she did a free 3D/ 4D screening just for fun. That was when it became quite real to me b/c I saw her/ his legs and arms and beating heart...technology these days!!! Such a miracle to see it all there.

#1 picture: Side view and I think trying to suck it's thumb

#2 picture: This is the 3D/4D image...it's kinda blurry but so neat in actual viewing

#3 picture: I think this is a behind shot so you can see it's head, neck , and body

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS....GOD hears them and is answering and blessing us each day. Praise be to Him alone!

PS- The title is from our first ultrasound where I thought it looked like a rabbit--you'll have to scroll to find that picture! :)

HAPPY GOOD FRIDAY & EASTER TO EACH OF YOU...I pray you know the 'true' reason for this holiday and the love Jesus died with for you and me on a cross to save each of us. We're headed to Memphis after school (no our schools are NOT out)...to spend the weekend with my side of the family and celebrate my sister-n-law turning 30! HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMANDA!

DR. DAY!

2007-04-05T07:44:00.000-07:00

Hey family, friends, and viewers...Just wanted to ask for your prayers today. We have a doctor's appt. at 2PM today to hear the heartbeat again and get another picture :) This will be Forrest's first time to experience all of this, so it will be a special day. Please pray for all to go well and everything to be looking great for Baby W in week 12. Thank you very much for our love and prayers. We'll be sure to let you know how it goes. :)

PS- The family who was interested in our home are 'on contract' and waiting to get approved for their loan. Please pray they are approved soon! Are we blessed or what?

A new coach is named...

2007-04-03T06:50:00.000-07:00

The board meeting was last night, and they approved a new head football coach to replace Forrest. [FULL ARTICLE IN MORNING NEWSPAPER] Thankfully, it represents Forrest pretty well. Ironically enough, this 'new' coach was the coach before Forrest. He left a year ago, hence leaving the spot open for Forrest, and now is back. Guess he didn't like the other school? Nonetheless, we wish the team the best in the upcoming football season. We enjoyed our time while we were here...and know without a doubt that God 'called' us here for a reason and now it's onto our next chapter in life...I'm sure it will be 'immeasurably more than we can ask for or imagine' Ephesians 3:20

HOUSE FOR SALE UPDATE: A family 'offered' on our house yesterday and we counter offered and now we are waiting for her call this afternoon. Keep the prayers coming---what a blessing it would be to sell our house BY OWNER in such a short time frame. God is good...all the time!

Our weekend in Starkville/ West Point, MS

2007-04-02T06:32:00.000-07:00

Well, here is my first posting of the 'dawning' of maternity clothes. Actually, here me out...if you have recently been on a college campus you will know that the 'style' is 'baby-dollish' shirts/ dresses and 'maternity-ish looking' clothes! Good for all of us pregnant women I reckon to 'be in style.' (ha) Honestly, I saw ALOT of MSU girls this weekend in similar outfits...so I guess I blended in quite well. I will admit it's better seeing that then all of that tight, tight 'painted' on jeans and shirts. In the pic to the left I look 'plump' more than anything...maybe it was the way the maternity shorts were sitting on my stomach...:( I'll do better next time! I'm feeling good and go to the Dr. this week on Thursday. Please pray for everything to be going well and for us to hear the heartbeat again with a better picture of the little one!

We had a good weekend. Friday night Forrest went to the baseball game vs. Kentucky with some of his friends...it was also a 'Bachelor Party' weekend for a friend of his getting married in June. I stayed home b/c I was pooped from driving and knew I would not last long out there. Saturday was a BEAUTIFUL day...for the football Spring game. Forrest had a 'former football players' breakfast that he took his dad too and then we met up with some college friends to watch the football game...later ate at "the Deli" (yummm & my favorite) with the same friends and then went back to watch the baseball game. Later, we came home to his parents and I 'crashed' and he went back out to 'party' with the bachelor boys. Not me!

UPDATE ON OUR HOUSE...Yesterday...we hurried back home to host an 'open house' for our home from 2-4PM. We prayed that the people who were going to buy it would come...even if we only had that one family show up...and we pretty much did! They are a family of 4 who want to relocate from their current home in Athens. They seemed to LOVE the house and all of it's updates (Thanks family for your hard work) You know who you are! :) They saw our ad in the paper!! :) They are supposed to be calling their bank today and seeing what they can offer etc. So please pray that they make a 'reasonable' offer and we get it sold! Honestly, after searching ourselves for a couple of months before we found this one...you really aren't going to find a nicer house in a better neighborhood for a price like this. We even have a big enough backyard so they can build the pool they want! What a blessing it would be to have it sold 'by owner' it such a short time. Only God is what that's about. Thanks for your prayers....we'll keep you posted on the progress.

BELLA...Last but not least, you know I couldn't go too long from posting a picture of our Bella! Of course we take her wherever we go for the weekend...but she especially loves the Williams Farm b/c she can go fishing and play with the horses. Have you ever seen such? The horses pretend she isn't even there and act like they know she just wants to play. So cute! She even tried to jump up and kiss them on the mouth! (ha) HAVE A GREAT WEEK...

SUPER BULLDOG ANYONE?

2007-03-27T07:57:00.000-07:00

Are any of you Bulldogs going to Super Bulldog Weekend ? Forrest and I are going for the first time since we were students :) We are pretty excited and hope to soak it all in. He has a former football players breakfast Sat (not sure if I'm invited or not) then an "M" club luncheon...then we'll head over to the Football Spring Game, then I imagine to the baseball game vs. KY. Anyone have any baseball tickets you aren't using? I'm sure they are not that expensive but just wanted to ask and be on the lookout for you if you'll be there!

Be sure to watch the men's basketball team tonight in the Final Four of the NIT!! Tip Off 6PM! The teams are: MSU, we play West Virginia tonight, then the other teams are Clemson and Air Force. The championship will be on Thursday...Tip Off 6PM! Go Dawgs!!

Congratulations ...Caleb is here!

2007-03-23T07:26:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our Waco friends...Jon & Kelly on the birth of their son, Caleb! He was born 5 weeks early on Sunday. Please pray for him to be able to come home soon. He is in the ICU at this time...but doing pretty good. They are going to be wonderful parents. Jon is a Baylor Track/ Cross Country coach and jokester (just like Forrest) and Kelly is gentle spirited, elementary school teacher. We did many a Bible study together at our church in Waco. We love you guys!

SPRING is in the air...

2007-03-23T06:52:00.000-07:00

Yay for Spring arriving! No more jackets and chill factors! I forgot how nice it is to walk outside in shorts and a tshirt. The cherry and pear trees are blooming across Alabama and Mississippi. Too bad we don't have any in our yard. :( I will go ahead and apologize for leaving my memory card for my camera at home during all of spring break (grrrr). But I do have few pictures to show for our relaxing time away in MS and TN. We left last week after school for Forrest's parents farm in West Point, MS to visit with his sister's family, who were in town as well. It's always a relaxing, do whatever you want time. Thankfully so since this girl likes to take naps a lot these days (and rightly so) :) We managed to get in 2 fishing trips to the ponds. I caught a huge catfish (picture coming soon) that we later sauteed' and ate :) It was big enough for all of our dinners. Patrick, our nephew, Ginger's son...had a great time with Bella. I'm not sure who had more fun...Bella or Patrick. I've never seen Bella get in the water like this, back in TX she was TERRIFIED of it. Guess she knew what she was missing out on and went for it!

I had a great time in TN as well. I actually ended up going by myself and left Forrest in MS to go to the MSU games with his dad! Go Dawgs! They danced their way into the Final Four of the NIT Tournament in New York City...playing West Virginia on Tuesday night!! I was blessed to go to dinner with some of my church HS friends. There were 7 of us all together. We have kept up through an email chain for the past 11 years!!! God is definitely in the middle of our communication and encouragement and prayer for one another. And many of us our bloggers and DID NOT TAKE A PICTURE!! How in the world? It was such a fun night of fellowship...thanks girls...lets do it again in a couple of months! I also got to babysit my 2 1/2 year old niece, Abby. This stay at home mom stuff does not get the credit it deserves...it is tough work! And she is a pretty good kid. No pictures sorry.

Last but not least, we FINALLY put our 'For Sale' sign up in our yard. We have received 3 calls and when we returned on Wednesday, there were no brochures in the info tube :) Please pray for God's timing to sell it for our asking price. It would be such a load off of us. Thank Him too for allowing us this Spring Break time to finish packing and cleaning it up to be 'showable.' (ha) That's about it...enjoy Spring....get out there and breathe it in!

Let the Madness begin...

2007-03-14T06:35:00.000-07:00

Well, this will be the first year in 3 years that I'm not going to be a 'sideline' spectator for the Women's NCAA Basketball March Madness. The Baylor Lady Bears will start play this SUNDAY @ 2PM against the Univ. of Chattanooga. They'll be playing in Raleigh, NC! I've never been there, and I'm sure most of those Texans haven't either :) It'll be a great road trip hopefully. The 3 years I went in 2003-2006 we made it all three times to the Sweet 16 and in 2005 were the NATIONAL CHAMPIONS! What a great memory and experience I'll always have. Good Luck Bears...we'll be watching...no doubt! Sic em!

The Weekend...in Tennessee

2007-03-11T16:14:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a great LONG weekend but we are back in Alabama...tending to the necessary things. First things first....on Thursday afternoon we had a doctor's appt. to hear the baby's heartbeat. The baby measured 7weeks & 3 days and had a heartbeat of 171 bpm. I could hear it faintly but I think the lady had the volume turned down :( Nonetheless, I was SO relieved to hear the heartbeat and see a 'baby bean' inside of the sac. Can you see it? Kinda looks like a rabbit (ha). What a beautiful picture! I go back this week for 'prenatal' testing....blood, genetics, the whole works. Then, we go back in a month on April 5 for another ultrasound b/c I still have that stubborn cyst on an ovary. Who knows...maybe it's a blessing in disguise to get free and frequent ultrasounds :) Apologies for the 'ghettoness' of this picture but our scanner is not working.

Onto Friday, I had many 'mom to be' moments with my best friend Colleen and her daughter Lucy, as well as, Kelly and her two kids....Sarah and Drew. We had an early playdate at the Collierville park. It was BEAUTIFUL weather and lots of 'stay at home' moms where there with their kiddos. I had a great time with my friends and their precious children and definitely know an activity that my children will get to know well...play time at the park! :) This is Colleen's adorable little girl, Lucy, we both had on brown gauchos that day so of course we had to take a picture. Isn't she a doll?

I later had the privilege of picking up my PRECIOUS niece, Abby, at preschool at GBC...she was so excited to see me there. We later had a great late afternoon of drawing and playing 'restaurant.' Later that night, she came over to 'sleepover' at my parents farm....so on Saturday morning we had 'lazy' time and enjoyed a good 'ole Southern morning of breakfast, watching the horses, and shopping :) She is the smartest 2 1/2 year old I know. She talks so grown up...already potty trained...knows all of her colors, alphabet, and stores to shop at. :) This isn't the greatest picture of her but I wanted to include her since she lights up my life. My twin brother and wife are expecting a boy in May, so Abby won't be an only child for much longer!!

PS- On the job front, Forrest's interview at Grenada HS (Mississippi) went well on Friday morning...not sure when we'll here something but they want to name the new HC by April 10. Please pray for our patience and faith in our great God. Have a great week all.

HERE I AM...

2007-03-05T16:24:00.000-08:00

Forgive my lapse in the blog world...I have been reading everyone else's but seem to not have the 'energy' or 'drive' to update my own :( Forgive me! Well, let's see what's happened since we were in TX! Forrest's family came into town this weekend. What a treat because we got to have fun 'fam' times, as well as, get alot done on our house 'projects' so we can hopefully put our house up for sale very soon. They were such a BIG help with our kitchen. This is Forrest's sister, Ginger, not sure what she is doing 'finger painting'. It's gone from maroon textured wallpaper to red painted texture to beige texture today. We decided to paint over the red to appeal to 'the masses' of potential homebuyers. I think it looks great. Forrest and his dad put up the fancy chair rail. I'm glad they are getting practice in b/c I want that for the 'nursery' in our future home(s). Other events of the weekend that are a treat for people that live in small town like his sister and parents...eating Papa Johns pizza, going to a drive-in movie, eating at Dreamland BBQ, and shopping at the mall. Needless to say, I was one tired chick when all was said and done and now I'm paying for it with a nasty cold.

So that's a whole blog topic in itself...GETTING A COLD WHEN YOU'RE PREGNANT! It could be worse I know and am thankful I don't have a sore throat. I am also VERY thankful I can stay at home and rest all I want. What a blessing! I have the stuffy nose, cough, sinus stuff, chest congestion. So I want to hear opinions from all the moms and moms to be out there of what you did, what meds you took while pregnant and sick? There are so many opinions out there but my OB nurse told me today that Tylenol Sinus was fine, as well as, Robitussin...so I'm praying those work for me because I don't want to be on them very long.

Last but certaintly not least, we had bad weather last week....tornado watches/ warnings, etc...even in tragic deaths of several high students in south Alabama, Enterprise HS. Such a sad story for this high school and community. Please remember them in your prayers. I'm sure you've seen them on TV. We were blessed that the tornado did not take our path. On a much lighter note, Bella enjoyed the rain and MUD. She's a dog and dogs will be dogs. So she found the biggest mud puddle in our backyard and bathed in it! Uggghhh ...how can you not laugh at this sweet face? Forrest was a little miffed b/c we knew the 'chore' of giving her a bath that was to come. The pictures do not do her justice. She's a mess!

On the pregnancy front, I'm feeling great....except the tiredness that is to be expected and now this nasty cold. I go for my next ultrasound on Thursday. So please be praying for that. I am just praying to see a healthy heartbeat. This waiting game can really make you anxious and nervous. But I know God is in control and it's my job to FAITH HIM. 2 Corinthians 5:7 "For we live by FAITH and not be sight." As our pastor hit on this verse yesterday....I think the entire 9 months of pregnancy is one of the biggest tests of faith a woman/ a couple can have. I mean think about it. Your hope and dreams are out of your control and you just have to faith God each day, each minute, each month that He is 'knitting' your child, your miracle He's given you to be healthy and in your arms in 9 months or less...without you SEEING anything for that long time period. Quite amazing the whole thing! After my doctor's appt., we are headed to Memphis for the weekend. Forrest has an 'informal' interview with Grenada HS (5A) in Mississippi for a possible head coaching job. Grenada is about an hour south of Memphis and Jackson, MS right? So we are excited about that possibility. So please pray for that whole thing if it's where we are supposed to be....and also that I'd get over this cold so I can see my niece and sister-n-law this weekend. Abby is 2 and Amanda is 7 mos. pregnant....so of course germs are not allowed in their house!

Have a great week all. Oh, here is a fun blogspot of a friend of a friend (I hope they don't mind me sharing it) but I know how we all love to visit other blogs that we don't even know the people :) They live in Arlington, TX. We are about the same amount of weeks along but instead of 1...she's got 4!! She too had infertility issues and was on Clomid one month--and wham--the blessings of quads!

Last weekend....in Texas!

2007-02-24T10:53:00.000-08:00

*May I suggest you click Southbound 35 on my playlist while reading :) You'll definitely get the TX feel going on with some Pat Green music! I of course had to post our great 'long' weekend back to TX! Seems so long ago....but it wasn't. Last weekend, Forrest and I flew out of Nashville to Dallas and drove down to Waco. We managed to see almost everyone we wanted to...and caught 2 Baylor basketball games! May I just say Baylor is beautiful. I mean look at that picture of a building on campus? But what makes Baylor even more beautiful are the PEOPLE. Here is a picture of my dear friends, Kim & Rachael. Rachael once cheered on the Coed Cheer squad for me and this fall took my place as the All Girl Cheer coach. She also got married this summer. My kids are growing up! :) And of course you all know Kim. She used to be my 'boss' in Campus Recreation at BU...but more importantly life long, eternal friend. I lived with her this summer before we moved to AL. They both rock....and bless my heart. The Men Bears (as I affectionately call them) lost by 1 measly point to Texas :( And on Sunday...the Lady Bears smoked the Texas Longhorns by 15!! This is a fun picture of both Baylor mascots that I oversaw while I was there. They are both fun to watch! Sic 'Em Always!

We had great fellowship time with our Sunday School class at church and then for lunch. They too bless our hearts sooooo much. We miss them greatly! We also had a chance to see some friends that just had 'twins' in November. Forrest coached with Brent at Connally...and they are still best friends. Brent & Kelly are a great couple blessed this fall with Hayden & Haylee. The twins were 2 months premature! A God story goes along with their birthday. Brent was scheduled to fly over with our friends, the Campbells, to watch Forrest's game and at the last minute said..."I have this feeling I just need to stay here with Kelly this weekend." WELL... good thing he did...b/c that night while we were in the middle of the game, Kelly went into labor and soon after had them. Talk about close call! Praise the Lord for intuition huh? The babies are doing good...weighing 9-10 lbs. They were born a couple of weeks before Jenny's (Holloway) were born. They are precious! Since Forrest is praying for multiples, I made him hold both at the same time. We felt so special with them allowing us to come over and hold the babies. Thanks Merritts!

Another highlight was having dinner with Forrest's former head coach and his wife...at one of our favorite restaurants....Johnny Carinos. Thanks Jennifer & Kevin for a great night of convo. It was just like 'old times'...who knows maybe we'll be back and do it again sooner than later :)

Another highlight of our trip was getting to attend 'SING' at Baylor last Friday night. I planned our trip just right to catch it all huh? My first year at Baylor I got to judge one night of competition. For all of you non-Baylor Bears...to try and give you a taste of how amazing it is...you can click here to see! :) There are about 20 acts (all done in one night) it lasts for about 5 hours but very worth it to see how much hard work the students put into it. Basically every sorority and fraternity do an act and compete to see who's is most creative and has the best 'wow' factor. It's supposedly the nation's largest amateur show. I guess for my MSU friends, I'd compare it to Derby Days but on a stage and a lot more $ poured into it with a much larger audience and the entire fraternity or sorority participates. The Top 8 acts are awarded to perform in PIGSKIN. The performance done during Homecoming weekend for all of the alumni & family who could not make it to SING or rather did not want to sit through 20 acts! :) It's a big 'bragging rights' thing between the Greeks. It truly is amazing to see their 'hidden' talents come out and perform in such a way. They have to SING all of the songs performed with a live orchestra accompanying them, as well as, design/ make all costumes and paint the backdrop. And to see that many boys 'synchronize dance and wear makeup' at the same time...quite impressive! :) See for yourself...Sing Winner 2006 (KOT) or 2nd Place 2006 (Kappa Kappa Gamma) ...Outtakes 2007-Part 1 ...Outtakes 2007-Part II...Outtakes 2007-Part III. The first two links are actual acts from last year and the outtakes are from this year and pretty funny! Happy Viewing! We had a great time...thanks BU & Waco friends...we LOVE you!

It's true...finally time to blog...

2007-02-22T16:44:00.000-08:00

Well...it's true. We are pregnant! As if you didn't know from the countdown ticker above? We found out a couple of weeks ago and since then I've had several visits to the doctor for this and that. I go back in 2 weeks for another checkup. I really like my doctor because he is being careful and making sure things are on track. All glory definately goes to God! When we found out we were pregnant....we were in the middle of 'infertility' testing with both of us...after a 2 year waiting game. He definately spared us from much more stress, wait, heartache, and financial strain. The news also couldn't have come at a better time with all of the 'bad' news with Forrest's job drama. It was a week later that we found out we were pregnant...and all of that other 'mess' just seems to pale in comparison huh?

We appreicate your prayers each day for this little one. After the miscarriage in '05...we definately take one day at a time and consider each of them a triumph. We have learned how fragile life really is, and I just wish more people did too and wouldn't take it so for granted. Life just doesn't happen...GOD chooses to CREATE it from nothing...and to SUSTAIN it each day...whether inside or outside of the womb. He creates miracles. You and I are miracles! So go...and enjoy the life/ lives God chose to give you.

1 Samuel 1:27 For this child I prayed; and the Lord has granted me my petition which I made to him.

A Trip 'home'....

2007-02-13T05:49:00.000-08:00

This weekend Forrest & I went to Memphis to visit my side of the family. It had been since Christmas since we had seen them I think. I regret that I did not take any more pictures than these. My friend Colleen who I grew up with in our HS days...now lives in Maine and was visiting 'home' too. I also got to see another friend, Kelly Woodard (Wood) who still lives in the Memphis area. We all were very active at Germantown Baptist Church back in the glorious JH/ HS days! We all met up for lunch on Saturday afternoon. Abby, my precious niece, wanted to go with her Aunt E so I of course brought her. How could I refuse a face like that. Colleen has Lucy and is pregnant with one on the way this June. Kelly has 2 kids, Sarah & Drew, but she opted for alone girl time with us :) I LOVED being around Abby and listening to her mature sayings. We played 'restaurant' and 'doctor.' She too has a little brother on the way in May. She likes to be silly as you can see and close her eyes and laugh. So this is the best we could do for now. Thank you Lord for sweet friends that we can still have relationships with through the miles and months and for a great family.

HAPPY FEBRUARY!

2007-02-09T09:13:00.000-08:00

Happy February all! Just thought I'd show you a few pics of our February thus far. My front door hanger I found at Michaels for $4.99 I think...love it against our bright red door. On Wednesday night, we traveled 4 hours north through Nasvhille and landed at Forrest's sister's door in Kentucky. Forrest interviewed for the HFC job at a 6A nearby. We should hear back something next week hopefully. It was a quick trip, but glad we got to see the Harveys. Here is Caitlin, my niece, Ginger, Forrest's sister, and I playing with Valentine decorations for a project Caitlin was doing.

Bella had a hay day with their pets, Dixie--the dog...and 2 cats....and it seemed like every neighborhood dog came over to play. This is our attempt to keep the pets separated! Yeah right! And last but not least....Uncle Forrest & Patrick playing a 'guitar' video game...pretty fun for them...so I 'heard!' :) Well have a great weekend everyone...we are off to Memphis...FINALLY to see my precious niece, Abby....and my family and Colleen, and the Lockharts! Yeah for family and fellowship!

My heart belongs to a coach...

2007-02-04T16:40:00.000-08:00

Well...I have been waiting to write this post when I had 'enough' time to write it...so why not during the Superbowl? Yes, I love football...but it seems to not be so important right now. As many of you know...Forrest was notified on Wednesday afternoon that he was 'no longer needed' as the Athletic Director & Head Coach at his high school. As you can read in the articles below...he was given NO reasons, NO whys, NO incidents, NOTHING....just told 'we are going in a different direction.' I think this dad who wrote the Sunday article says it best..."Was it for taking the team to the 3A state playoffs for the first time in 15 years, or for winning four games after moving up from 2A to 3A, or for moving all the way from Texas to coach a team that he unknowingly thought was more important than trying to figure out which alumni have the highest stature and not stepping on their toes?"

So he's been in the newspaper 3 straight days....FRIDAY'S article, SATURDAY'S article, & SUNDAY'S article. Be sure to scroll down to on Sunday's article written by Keith Smith (a football parent). We are still in the 'can this really be happening to us' mode. Forrest stays on the phone a majority of the night these days talking to 'dads' that are just shocked this is happening...and giving their best wishes. But I guess as every day passes it will become more real. We took a quick road trip to his parents in West Point Saturday-Sunday to 'get away' but then spent several hours on the phone with parents. So it seemed to follow us. We are so appreciative of the love and support we have from the parents, community, and seems what to be the 'majority' of the community/ school...but maybe not the 'loudest'...(yet). Too bad this strong support is a little too late for us. We have now found out it's about 5 people in the community that are not Coach W 'fans'....and still seem to be campaigning to get the 'unhappy' player parents on 'their' side. Evidently, there are more 'Team Williams' fans than they had thought! :) We are honestly trying to stay out of it. Our 'soon to be' pastor came over to pray with us on Wednesday night and said something that is so true and is replaying over and over in my head. "You have each other and you have a Sovreign God and that's all you need." Tuesday night will be a tough one for us. It is 'Senior Night' for our basketball teams...so everyone will be there and so will we. Please pray for those interactions and that night. Other things to please pray for:

Forrest's interaction with the other faculty, staff, coaches, players, parents for the rest of the year

Forrest's search for another job somewhere in the South

My job search here to have at least a part time job for the next couple of months to help us out financially

To sell our house at the perfect time so we won't lose any $ but Lord willing...make $ to cover moving expenses

That we would have strength and self-control to leave with class and integrity and not say anything that our 'flesh' might want to say to a select few; that we would not be sarcastic that we would 'finish the job' as Christ would want us to and that all would see Jesus in us through this difficult time and He would get the glory for it all

I picked this picture because it was taken Forrest's FIRST year of coaching. Honestly, all of the other pictures from this year really made me sick to my stomach. I think back of what a 'great life' with 2 great jobs, loyal friends, and a great church body....all that we left behind to be here...and now it ends like this? But I do have to remind myself we met some great people, families, players here...and got to see both of our families A LOT more! We truly believe God "called" us to Alabama for certain purposes....those of which we may never know this side of heaven...and as I'm studying in Romans..."who are we to question God?" He works ALL things out for good for those whole love Him and have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). I leave you with this truth from God's word that we found this weekend to help us through all of this... Thanks everyone! We love you!

Proverbs 10:9 He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who walks the crooked path will be found out.

1 Peter 2:15 For it is God's will that by doing right you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.

1st Snow in AL...& the white girl...

2007-02-02T14:30:00.000-08:00

We awakened Thursday morning to a winter wonderland...our 1st snow in Alabama! Bella enjoyed it the most. We believe it was her first time to see and be in snow...and was a little apprehensive about it all. She didn't know whether to trust it or not. She has been pretty 'snuggly' lately on the couch (see pictures). I think it is due to 'cold' weather!! She is definately an inside dog. Isn't she the cutest thing ever?

HOME IMPROVEMENTS...

2007-02-02T14:01:00.000-08:00

Well....here are my latest home improvements...after our "Family of 3" moved out last week. I actually started painting the closets to our 'extra' rooms the day Forrest found out about being asked to 'step down' from his job. It was so ironic that I was in the middle of 'home improving' when he came in to tell me the bad news. Now, there is a new purpose for all of this...not to please our guests who visit...but to SELL THIS HOUSE! Don't they look so much better?

The power of words, pictures, & music...

2007-01-30T06:48:00.000-08:00

Last night was the Colt Fall Sports Athletic Banquet. I headed up the 'decoration committee' since I have much experience in this department. :) I was pleasantly surprised by the creativity of the parents. I called "Senior Moms" and "Coaches Wives" to see if they would provide 1 centerpiece for a table. It turned out great. {See album for all of the pictures} We definitely put a lot of time, thought, effort, and heart into the event to show our appreciation to the Clements Family, student-athletes, parent volunteers, and the great group of 11 seniors...we will greatly miss! Overall....I think it went over pretty well. We really have nothing to compare it to since this is our first year at Clements...but I will share a few words of appreciation from a football mom. " Last night was so awesome. The banquet not only served the purpose of thanking folks and presenting awards. It also provided an opportunity for encouragement of the younger players. Gave them a glimpse of what can be achieved and what it means to the community. Cool. It was also nice to see many of the athletes taking the time to thank the coaches for their time and efforts. Our new Athletic Director/Football Coach did an excellent job of making this a community night. Lots of parents and families there with the athletes. The event ended with the coach showing a presentation with music to some video highlights of the season, along with a couple taped interviews and ended it with some of the photographic images I took over the season. There is just something about images and music put together. It's a beautiful way to relive something wonderful! And the coach also offered copies of the presentation for sale. Coach also recognized the parents who volunteer time and talents to the programs. Made a big deal about those who serve the community with their time. And there are alot of folks who volunteer time and effort to the various sports programs to make it all work. The coach and his wife also had several of the images I took throughout the season, printed in a large format and displayed on the wall. The images will next be hung in the football locker room. Encouraging one another is powerful. Powerful enough to lift you out of grief. Even if it's just for a few minutes. Thanks Coach Williams and Elizabeth for a job well done."

So as you can see...these words are very special to us because as most of you know in the 'coaching world' it's easier to criticize rather than encourage or appreciate.

God is good...and when we keep obeying Him...His favor is on us. Appreciate someone today! :)

PS--The flower bouquet only a coach's wife could love...and it's not even Valentine's Day yet! :)

New blog friends.....

2007-01-27T20:39:00.000-08:00

The Vickerys are our friends from Kanakuk....and a little of MSU thrown in there. I'll try to make it short, but the skinny is....Joneel, Forrest & I were on Kanakuk staff together starting in 1999. Joneel went to Texas A&M, while of course Forrest & I attended MSU. Her now husband, John David....also went to MSU (but didn't do Kanakuk). Are you follwing me thus far? Well in the meantime...he dated one of my sorority sisters/ roommates and very good friends with the rest of them (all other 3 of them...I made 4). Well...I'm really not sure as to how Joneel & John David started talking...I think it was over the internet? But I didn't have anything to do with. Joneel even flew over to visit John David at MSU our last year there...so that was a very fun time for me to have a Kanakuk come visit ...since we were pretty sparse back in my day....all the K2'ers (the majority) were from Texas A&M & Baylor (which little did I know at that time in my life) is where I'd one day live and love. So anyway...they got married last year and now live in Williamsburg, VA and are pregnant ALSO. We have a small world and a big God huh? Welcome Vickerys! :) [Not the best picture...but it will do.] Picture taken at one of my most favorite spots in all of America....near Branson, MO at a restaurant called "Top of the Rock." We always went there on our 24's (yeah MK). If you are ever in the area...you must go! It's a little pricey...but actually I believe ranked one of the Top 10 Honeymoon areas in the USA. It's beautiful!

EVERY DAY LIFE...

2007-01-13T11:45:00.000-08:00

Well...I know we all like updates...but I don't have much to report....so for now it's just the every day life 'stuff.' This week I have been looking for a job on the internet...trying to get more involved in the community...painting logos on Forrest's weight room walls...substitute teaching, and falling down! To all of these except the 'finding a job' I have been successful! :) I have joined 2 classes in the last week! How's that!!?? I am now attending the "

Homemakers Class" at the church we're visiting. Since that's my title these days...why not go to the class... right? I go to my first class on Monday night...I'll be sure to report back on it later this week. On Tuesday nights...I now attend BSF- Huntsville [Bible Study Fellowship] There are about 300 women in it...and my purpose of joining was to meet new friends and learn more about the Bible & Jesus. We are studying Romans for this time period...and already I have gotten so much out of it. Although it takes me about 45 minutes to drive over....it's very worth it. I encourage any of you to do it if you live in town that has it. Check on the website above to 'locate a class' near you! The coolest thing is it's an International Bible Study Program and serves more than 30 nations that all are on the same lesson week to week. So when I'm studying a certain chapter in Romans...so is a woman in China! Our God is big! Next...I love to help and serve my husband...and this picture is the 'early' stages of his athletic weightroom. He since added another horse head on the other side to balance it out and give me more work to do! :) I think it looks good....too bad we don't have a 'before picture.' Last but not least...I have been very clumsy lately. Here is my arm after falling 'up' the 2 stairs in Bella's room. No, I did not land on my arms...I caught myself on the door frames! Uhhh I was by myself at home...and I was just praying I had not broken by elbow. It's hard to see them....but I have bruises all the way down my forearm. :( The sadder thing is that a couple of weeks before this...I had fallen ON THE SAME 2 STAIRS...and scraped the bottom of my foot and all of it's nerves practically off...it too left a big bruise. Who does this?

Until next time...get involved and enjoy God's magnificent works around you!

Merry Late Christmas to me...it's the little things right?

2007-01-07T15:54:00.000-08:00

Well this weekend certaintly was productive as far as organizing and cleaning are concerned! I organized ALL of my 'biz supplies" and finally got them out of the kitchen. Once our roomies are gone they will have their own room. Until then, they are all in Bella's room (see picture). I later organized some of our office and our room. I then treked over to Huntsville to "get away" and treated myself to my Old Navy Giftcard...and bought this sweater. You know, the one everyone has now. I hate to be "trendy" but I really like them. Thanks for inspiring me to get one Candace :) I then hopped over to SuperTarget and bought a NEW VACUUM CLEANER...the Dirt Devil Vibe! It was on sale (of course)! :) I absolutely LOVE it and had to use it immediately upon returning home! Our old one, if MK, Nat, and Jenny remember....I received at my KD wedding shower almost 6 years ago...so it was time to retire don't you think? Thanks girls! Ok so back to my new 'toy' ...I love it because it has a clear tube and you can see everything you pick up. Forrest commented that he thought I vacuumed up a mouse! Instead...it was just all of Bella's hair from all of our carpeted rooms. Gross I know...but she's so worth it! We bought a 20 year old home...and lets just say our old vacuum did not 'get the job done.' The other bonus is it is bagless and 100% allergen filtered. Yeah for new toys! I know ...I'm now considered a housewife when I get excited about domestic toys!

We are going to a National Championship Game Party tomorrow night....a parent couple from CHS invited us. Yeah for making friends! All I can say is we are sad to see college football end &...GOOOOOOOO

HAPPY 2007!

2007-01-01T15:49:00.000-08:00

L-R: My dad; my TWIN brother; Abby, his daughter; me!

We're back! We had a wonderful time seeing our families in the Memphis area and in West Point, MS. Click HERE to see the ENTIRE picture library :) We enjoyed our lazy days in Memphis on my parents new 'farm land.' The picture in the album of the smaller, green roofed barn is their apt. loft and where they live until they get a house built. It really is a beautiful place they have ...very relaxing! Now both of our parents (Forrest & mine) live on farmland! :) As always, it was great to see my niece, Abby. She is at a great age to enjoy Christmas. She loved the 'drawing board' and 'magic toothbrush' we got her (see pics). While at the 'Jones' Christmas we also saw 2 great movies that I highly recommend [We are Marshall & The Holiday].

From L-R: Mike, brother-n-law; Caitlin, niece; Ginger, Forrest's sister; Sylvia, Forrest's mom; Forrest, me, Patrick, nephew; Joel, Forrest's dad; Novii, Ginger & Mike's foster child

Christmas in West Point was filled with MANY people. I think at one time we had 16!! Forrest's sister's family came from KY, we came from AL, his uncle's family came from North Carolina, and our 2 friends Kim & Brenner flew over from TX! What a treat huh? Thanks Brenner & Kim...hope the coons were worth it :) The pictures in the album explain a lot.

For New Year's Eve... our dear friends from college, Candace & Charlie, drove from Memphis to ring in the New Year with us. It was their first time at our house! :) We took them to Dreamland in Huntsville and then rented a couple of movies. We seem to have a running tradition to spend New Years with them. We did in college with going to several bowl games together and now after college. Guess we have started a tradition huh? Thanks for coming Lockharts...we really appreicate it, enjoyed it, and LOVE YOU. Come back real soon!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

While You Were Sleeping...

2006-12-19T16:21:00.000-08:00

On Sunday at the church we attend right now, Clements Baptist Church, a solo was sung...that was AMAZING! It changed my life. It put an entire new perspective on the birth of our Savior, Jesus. I encourage you to read the words and then maybe download it from ITunes....or go buy the entire CD at Walmart! The song is by CASTING CROWNSon their new CD [LIFESONG]...the words are powerful and convicting....
WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING....
Oh little town of Bethlehem
Looks like another silent night
Above your deep and dreamless sleep
A giant star lights up the sky
And while you’re lying in the dark
There shines an everlasting light
For the King has left His throne
And is sleeping in a manger tonight
Oh Bethlehem, what you have missed while you were sleeping
For God became a man
And stepped into your world today
Oh Bethlehem, you will go down in history
As a city with no room for its King
While you were sleeping
While you were sleeping
Oh little town of Jerusalem
Looks like another silent night
The Father gave His only Son
The Way, the Truth, the Life had came
But there was no room for Him in the world He came to save
Jerusalem, what you have missed while you were sleeping
The Savior of the world is dying on your cross today
Jerusalem, you will go down in history
As a city with no room for its King
While you were sleeping
While you were sleeping
United States of America
Looks like another silent night
As we’re sung to sleep by philosophies
That save the trees and kill the children
And while we’re lying in the dark
There’s a shout heard ‘cross the eastern sky
For the Bridegroom has returned
And has carried His bride away in the night
America, what will we miss while we are sleeping
Will Jesus come again
And leave us slumbering where we lay
America, will we go down in history
As a nation with no room for its King
Will we be sleeping
Will we be sleeping

A favorite Show....

2006-12-19T15:10:00.000-08:00

Ok so here's my confession...I WATCH 'TEXAS CHEER MOMS!' Ok there it's out! Are you happy? Well, really there's nothing to be ashamed about. If you haven't seen the show you really need to tune in on Monday nights from 6-7PM on TLC. Here's the deal...the show is a reality TV show about Texas HS cheerldeading...but here's the catch...it was filmed last year in Waco when we still lived there! So all the little extra clips and such have very familiar restaurants and signs, roads, malls, etc...that we used to be 'our life.' Our church was briefly on one episode. :) I also know the coach and at one point we sat down to see the potentials of him taking my position as the All Girl Cheer Coach @ BU. Needless to say, he's still at Midway HS...doing his thing. But that is why I watch...because it was filmed in Waco and I know the coach...end of story. I will say the film crew did a VERY GOOD job of making me miss Waco :( I love you Waco! PS- If you are a watcher...you better let me know in the comments section. I make Forrest watch it with me sometimes, and he could not believe all of the drama that went on. I said well honey..."Welcome to the last 5 years of my life...where have you been?" I told him it's WAYYYYY different for football coaches vs. cheerleading coaches. The good thing is....I think he NOW truly appreciates the daily in's and out's of my 'calling' [aka: job] the past 5 years of my life. Stay Tuned! PS- Click on the red link at the top; then click on 'Take a Sneak Peek' to watch the show's intro...it'll get you hooked :)

Not much....

2006-12-19T14:31:00.000-08:00

Hey all...well I decided to post since even I was getting bored with my 'unupdated' blog...is that a word? Anyway...plenty has gone on ...but in the form of me substitute teaching at Forrest's HS... Clements HS on an extended time period for a retired teacher (the whole story will be blogged when I'm done...aka...tomorrow at 12:15 :) But other than that....same ole, same ole...going to basketball games with Forrest to watch his teams...and running with Bella after school...and last minute Christmas shopping. Here is a picture of Bella and Forrest with a new toy sent from Texas ...Thank you Kim & Mia!

Oh, and the update with our 'houseguests' is that their house will be finished around the end of January...that will make it about 6 months...(August-January) with I think maybe 1 night we've actually slept a night 'alone' in our 'new' house. But it's fine and we all get along...and have about the same schedule... until next time...

Be Merry & Blessed!

The Weekend....in Memphis

2006-12-11T20:06:00.000-08:00

Colleen is one of my best friends that I grew up with at GBC in high school. She lives in Maine now...so after a LONG drought of not seeing each other for nearly 3 1/2 years...we got to see each other this weekend. I stole this picture off of Colleen's website...but isn't it cute? You are one blessed mama...Colleenie..and Lucy is one blessed baby! Lucy turns the Big 1 on Thursday...so Happy Early Birthday Lucy! Thanks for going to the mall (again) Colleen just to hang with me a little longer. I'm so thankful you got to meet Abby and I got to meet Lucy. Unlike Lucy, my niece, Abby...did not want to see Santa...but we managed to take a cute pic in front of the "huge ornament balls" at the open air mall in Collierville. Love this place! I am showing this picture far away so you can see the ornaments...and how fun they are.

This is another cute picture of my niece, Abby, we are just chillin' on a Saturday morning. Can't beat that! She loves my 'jewelry' so that's why she has it on with her jammies! :) By far the best trade off with moving to Alabama...is definately not having to say 'goodbyes' to our family, especially Abby, for too long. Merry Christmas Ya'll!

It's beginning to look a little like Christmas...

2006-12-01T21:10:00.000-08:00

Well....we had a lovely, quiet night at home this Friday. We went to Blockbuster and got 1 guy flick and 1chick flick (Mission Impossible3 and Shop Girl). I also took advantage of the 4 for $20 bin...and bought some of my all time favorties..."Must Love Dogs, Elizabethtown, and Mona Lisa Smile...the 4th is a present for my mother-n-law...and since she reads this I can not reveal at this time :) I'll give you 1 guess in which one we got to watch first? HMMM...well as MI3 played I wrapped a lot of our Christmas presents...it made me feel so organized! :) Whew hoo! Only a few more presents to get and then we are done. This is our VERY FIRST year to have/ put up our very own Christmas tree...our apartments in Louisiana and Texas were too small and the house in Waco...well we just didn't have time to go cut a tree down and too cheap to buy one. Sooooooo...last year....at the day after Christmas sale...I got this PRE-LIT 7ft. tree for $30(?) So after 5 years of collecting ornaments from the wedding and each holiday....we have our perfect tree!

I love these pictures--but because of the flash Bella closes her eyes b/c it's too bright :( But they are still cute...nonetheless. As always...click on the pics to enlarge and then again on the box in the right corner of the pic when/ if it appears.

HAPPY DECEMBER! and Happy Birthday to some favorite people of mine...My mom's is today...Bailey's is Sunday...and Colleen's is Monday! LOVE YA'LL!

Thanksgiving 2006 & Bazaar Time @ MSU

2006-11-29T17:25:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving 2006 & MSU Holiday Bazaar pictures can be seen by clicking HERE! We had so much fun with our families. It was so great to go and relax and not think about the next thing we had on our "to do list." We stayed at my brother's new house in Collierville, TN...so we got a lot of down time with our sweet, 2 year old niece, Abby. Here is a video of her and I...(click on the song title) she loves Rascal Flatts and her favorite song is "Me and My Dang" (ha) because she can't pronounce her "g's" yet. She is adorable! The hardest time of the trip with her is when I went with her to get a flu shot and had to help hold her down while they gave it to her in her leg (ahhh) I felt so mean...but she's over it and the high pitched screams are over...but I'll never forget it as long as I live...she just trusted me to take care of her and then I had to lie and tell her we were just going to say "hi" to the Dr. :(

We also got to spend 1 night in Memphis with our friends Charlie & Candace. Candace & I were on the MSU Pom Squad together and Charlie played in the Famous Maroon Band and Forrest was the football player. Aren't we a spirited Bulldog group? :) It was so fun and such a blessing. They took us out to their new land they are building on....sooo pretty. Bella loved it the most! Here is Candace, Bella, and I...ahh pretty girls! Then we went to eat at Firebirds...a new restaurant...and then the boys went to a movie and Canae and I ...what else...PAINTED!

Our masterpiece is the red/snowman one in the picture album. I let her keep because we both made it. I made another the next day and sold it at the show. The words and design were her idea. Go team! I almost forgot...they have a MAC computer that has weird disiullusions...(hence what you saw in the picture album)

My very 1st art show went pretty well. It was held at MSU in the Sanderson Center....I place I frequented way too much back in college...(working out) but it brought back some good memories...crazy to go back as an "adult" though. I would have been happy to sell 1 piece but I sold about 12... :) It was a good experience...I did 4 custom paintings while there...as shown in the picture album. Thank you to Forrest's parents for helping me set up, keeping me company, and the much needed encouragement to step out there and just do it! :) And to MK! You definately gave me some amazing pointers.

THANK YOU THANK YOU!

Almost here...

2006-11-26T05:52:00.000-08:00

Well friends, the big show is tomorrow! I'm quite nervous and don't know what to expect but I'm sure it will be fine and my mother-n-law is going with me to help. I'm doing my first arts & crafts show tomorrow at MSU. The HOLIDAY BAZAAR will be Monday from 9am-7pm & Tuesday 8am-6pm. (Looong days) I'll be sure to let you know how it goes! Please pray for a good experience since I've worked pretty hard on my canvases. :) See SIMPLY STATED blog for pictures! :) Thanks for your support...and especially a big thanks to Mary Katherine for her daily pointers and inspiration. Thanks MK! Tell your friends and family who are around Starkville to stop on by...I'll be in the Joe Frank Sanderson Center- Auxillary Gym :)

Traveling Fools...

2006-11-20T05:47:00.000-08:00

Well...I've been told by a couple of people that I'm falling down on the "blogger" job so here goes to catch you up. Really, nothing much has been going on. What did we do the first Friday night Forrest/ we didn't have a game to coach? We tried to heal our sorrows by ordering pizza....he played computer games while I painted. Sounds like a fun and romantic night huh? Then, on Saturday morning, Forrest took his "certification test" to teach PE...well he then got on this whim..."Hey, let's go to Starkville for the last home game?" So with a 10 minute warning...I showered and packed like a crazy woman! Here's the catch...if we would have been 1 minute longer...we would have not made it to the "Coach's Ticket Gate" and gotten our FREE tickets before 1/2 time. God was certainly watching out for us! Although our Dawgs fought hard they fell to #5 Arkansas 28-14. Not a bad showing though....we didn't make it easy for the Razorbacks!

Here are a few snapshots of our trip...literally. Bella being a good car rider and showing us her "mean" face with her teeth exposed :) The new 1/2 time show that honored the Vets and current soliders (it was really good) *If you look close they spelled out "USA." and finally the "Pom Squad" ..."some things never change." Those are the same tops I remember Candace and I picking out of a magazine about 6 years ago. They still look good. And yes, I'd like to be down there again if I could...maybe minus the crop tops. :( I was really impressed with them and how cute their dances were. Go Dawgs! And thanks, as always, to my wonderful inlaws...who always give us a good home cooked meal and place to stay after the games in West Point.

Thanksgiving Disclaimer: Rest assured there will be more than enough pics to post very soon of our Thanksgiving holiday since we'll be headed to Memphis to see my precious niece, Abby...and the fam....as well as, back to West Point to see his fam some more...and then the MSU Holiday Bazaar is Nov. 27-28 so I'll stay there and do that. Fun Fun! Wish me luck at my first REAL show! Kinda nervous!

Ugly to Beautiful....Nov. 10-11, 2006

2006-11-11T15:13:00.000-08:00

[Click on picture to enlarge it]
Well, Forrest's first season as a Head Football Coach has come to an end. The Colts lost last night to Leeds (see above for final score). We traveled 2 hours south to Birmingham for the game. I met his parents there...and we cheered til the final buzzer. The scoreboard however was "ugly". We have a great group of seniors that will really be missed...many tears were shed after the game. This team never said die until the final buzzer. I was really proud of them last night.

The beauty came this morning after going to bed at 2am...we slept in and were lazy all day! As you can see by the pictures...God's beauty is right here in our own front yard. Our camera has a really cool feature that takes out all of one color...as seen by the "red" tree. The leaves are beautiful this time of year in Alabama. So wherever you are...stop and enjoy His beauty around you. Chances are...you won't have to search too far! :)

LAST WEEKEND...INTO ...PLAYOFF WEEKEND #1

2006-11-09T07:11:00.000-08:00

Forgive me for not updating the blog about our latest football action. As it turned out, we lost last Friday on Senior Night to Ardmore in OT (20-14) :( But we are still in the PLAYOFFS for the first time in 15 years. Our first game is tomorrow vs. LEEDS (near Birmingham). We travel there. So if you remember to say a prayer of favor for the Colts tomorrow night ...it'd be appreciated...and for our traveling mercies.

But let me back up....our friends Brenner & Stephanie Campbell flew their plane over to see Forrest's last game and to hang with us all weekend. What a great weekend it was. We did what we wanted to do. We drank coffee, talked, walked Bella, and ate out. They love Bella...so you can imagine she got extra lovin' when they were here. It was a good time had by all. Hopefully we'll get to do it all again real soon. Thanks Campbells...we love you! Your trip over was so special to us!

Last but not least...CONGRATS TO OUR MSU BULLDOGS! What a WIN over the Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday! And it was on TV for all of us to see :) 24-16 Baby!! It's even sweeter now that we live in the "Bama Nation" and get to wear our MSU gear proudly the entire year. Go Dawgs!

HAPPY 29!! TO MY ONE & ONLY LOVE

2006-11-06T19:29:00.000-08:00

Photo and video editing at onetruemedia.com

I LOVE YOU! What an adventure these 7 months have been...only because I love you :) I thank God every day that He created you for me!

HAPPY FALLIDAYS!

2006-11-01T12:56:00.000-08:00

Just thought I'd share a couple of pictures from our 1st Fall in Athens. The leaves here are beautiful. It seems like they change hourly...it's kinda like walking outside to "colorful" snow...it's everywhere...as God intended it to be! Here are Bella & I from Halloween. She is a basketball player and I'm a baseball player. Forrest was a football player (of course) but didn't feel like putting on a jersey...so he wore his "travel warmups" (ha). As you can see, Bella's a "big" girl and busting out of her jersey (ha). We had fun taking her around the block with our live-in roomies and several other coaches' kids. HAPPY FALLIDAYS!

EXTRA, EXTRA...SEE ALL ABOUT IT!

2006-10-28T09:35:00.000-07:00

COLTS WIN! PLAYOFFS HERE WE COME!

2006-10-27T21:10:00.000-07:00

Well........ WE DID IT! The Colts won the game tonight to punch their ticket into the 3A State Playoffs of Alabama!! They have not been in the playoffs in 16 years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How awesome is that? It feels sooooooooo good...after a "convincing" win like this...but I will say all glory goes to God. I had "my sword" "on" me tonight. I wrote scripture from 2 Chronicles 20:17 on my hand before I left for the game. Last Sunday when I was in Waco at our former church the message came from this passage and I decided to claim if for Forrest and I and the Colts tonight. 2 Chronicles 20:17 " Take your positions, stand firm, and you will see the deliverance that the Lord will give you. Do not be discouraged, do not be afraid for the Lord is with you!" As my sweet father-n-law once said...."God did not MOVE/ bring you and Forrest over there to not have favor on you." It's so true. There is a purpose for us being here...although it's hard to see at times. Being the head coach is WAY different than being an assistant...the head coach position is a LOVE/ HATE deal....and we've just felt arrows being thrown our way here and there....but a victory like tonight...will help build trust, belief, and validation. So thank you for your prayers and support...you will never know how much they mean to us. My ONLY regret tonight is that I didn't leave my camera on "video" mode to capture the team "doucing" Forrest with not 1 but 2 gatorade coolers. He got soaked and it was quite chilly/ windy out there tonight. What a night...what a sweet memory!
Pictures....Top L: Two senior/star players...RB & QB...throwin' up the "C" during the alma mater after the game; Top R: THE FINAL SCORE; Lower L: After game alma mater...new tradition "the coach" started; Lower R: after game prayer. Next week is our last regular season game. I can't believe how fast the season has gone. Have a great weekend.... GO COLTS! Sleeping better tonight, Forrest & Elizabeth

SAD COLT DEFEAT...LAST FRIDAY...

2006-10-25T10:17:00.000-07:00

Here is a GREAT pic of the Head Coach himself. (Taken by the local newspaper). The Colts lost to Lexington 42-14 :( I chalk it up to him not having his #1 cheerleader there. They HAVE to win this Friday in order to be in the PLAYOFFS for the first time in 16 years! If you remember please pray for Forrest and the team this week and the coaches, community, school....I know it's just football but it'd be great for us to win in many regards...personally and professionally. Thanks friends. GO COLTS!

{Keep up with the Colts by clicking on above link}

Latest Canvas...

2006-10-24T15:36:00.000-07:00

Well I can't remember my username or password to http://www.simplystatedbyej.blogspot.com/ so I will just have to post my first ever "drawing" canvas on this blog. I think it turned out pretty cute. I made it for a friend in Waco for a woman who has been trying 8 years to get pregnant and finally is....to put in her nursery :) I hope you like it Jennifer...what did your friend think?

'HOME' COMING...IN TEXAS

2006-10-24T09:04:00.000-07:00

Well here is my collage for my amazing weekend back in Waco, TX at Baylor Homecoming 2006! I'll share more of my thoughts very soon. Here is another pic of the Homecoming Parade held on Saturday morning before the game. It is the largest collegiate Homecoming Parade in the USA...pretty cool huh? [Click on the collage to see a close up view, then click on the box on the bottom right corner for an even closer view] You may have to click on the picture once enlarged until the box appears at the bottom right. Enjoy!

Ok so here's are my thoughts on my first trip back to Waco. It was pretty hard yet sweet at the same time. I didn't really tear up until I saw one of my favorite students and she gave me a hug as they were practicing their Bonfire/ Pep Rally routine. It was strange not to be "in charge" but I think I refrained pretty well and let my successor, Jennifer, handle it all. :) The Bonfire/ Pep Rally was great...the squads looked great and hit the routine (yay!) You can see all of my adventure captured in photos HERE! Then the next morning I headed out early for the parade (see below) It was fun to actually watch and enjoy and not be managing a big group of students....aka doing my job. Then the game on Saturday...it was good to see alumni from the squads I worked with and we won the game with 1 minute to go...36-35 vs. Kansas....can't ask for a better game than that huh? We hadn't won a Homecoming game in 9 years....and 2 more wins puts us in a bowl game! I of course teared up at the end of the game just thinking what a "familiar" scene this was for me and now it's not. How I miss college gamedays! (Yay!) After the game, I came back to Kim's cabin and had 2 of my former students over for a grill out. It was so laid back and just what everyone needed from a crazy week/ weekend. It was just like old times! One has graduated and loves her job and one is graduating in May. Then on Sunday am....went to my old church and old Sunday School class. It was a sweet time to be back in fellowship with that group of believers. Of course I teared up during worship...because we have not found a home church here yet...and I miss that very much. Then I went to eat with my church friends and that was great...oh how you take things for granted when you are comfortable and enjoying life huh? The lessons I have learned from this move is to never take people or experiences for granted...to complain a lot less and to hug a lot more and to edify others and truely listen even to those around you. I nearly missed my plane by a 1 minute time window in the Waco airport. Thank you Lord for that. To all of my/our Baylor & Waco Family...we love you and miss you. As I figured out how to put it into words ...it's best understood as this "we left a piece of our hearts there and that's why it hurts when I/we have to leave." Until our next trip back...blessings everyone!

PS- Some of you have asked about "the brick with my name on it." It is in the ground outside of the new BU basketball arena/practice facility in my honor for the 4 years of work I gave to the Spirit Squads. It's so neat that it'll always be there even when I cannot be. Thanks you know who! :)

COLTS WIN! BULLDOGS WIN!

2006-10-16T06:28:00.000-07:00

Well from the first picture you can tell that WE WON ON FRIDAY NIGHT! Read all about it! And another article about Forrest starting a tradition at Clements in his first year there :) Read here. (see above picture) :) This was a special one because our friend, Kim, from Texas/Baylor....flew in for the weekend. Thanks for being our good luck charm, Kim. It was a great win and helped us take another step closer in reaching our "playoff goal." We have to win this Friday in order to secure a spot. Semi-bummer....I will be flying to Waco for the weekend for Baylor Homecoming. I hate to miss Forrest's games...but we planned this back in May...so he understands. He definately knows I'll be there in spirit!

On Saturday morning, we have now started a semi-tradition of getting up very

early and trek the 3 hours over to Starkville to see the dogs play. It was again special because our friend, Kim, had never been to a SEC game...and it was MSU Homecoming...so she was in for a real treat. Tailgating was of course amazing and the cowbells she thought were pretty neat. She even rang one! :) The Bulldogs played tough and won 35-3 over Jacksonville State. At this point in time in Dawg football...a win is a win right Bulldog fans? A fun time was had by all and we enjoyed our time on "the farm" back at Forrest's parents home in West Point after the game. It always very relaxing there. Well we're back at it this week....I'm dropping Kim at the Huntsville airport this morning and then headed to the doctor to see if I have strep throat. :( I gotta get well before I fly over to Texas on Friday!

FACING THE GIANTS

2006-10-10T16:10:00.000-07:00

Well I'm finally sitting down to journal about "the movie." Forrest took his team to see it last Thursday night after practice. 38 of us loaded a school bus and headed 30 minutes away to Florence, AL to watch...what is now one of my most favorite movies! It was so touching and really sparked my faith in so many areas. We both cried at several points in the movie (me more than him) :) It really was amazing of how much the movie is our lives...I'd say 75%...I'd say all except the parents wanting to fire him and how poor they are...everything else was pretty close....so it made it that much more fun to watch!

It made me proud to be "in the club," the coach's wives club. There are many nights and weekends not spent together due to practice, watching film, and games...but when all is said and done it's worth it to see your husband successful...making a difference in the lives of high school boys and when the clock expires on Friday night and your husbands efforts and family sacrifices pay off.

Ok, ok...the main part that made me cry is when "Brooke" (the wife) was sitting at the doctor's office (again). If you don't want to know what happens in the movie then don't read this part. She receives the "negative" pregnancy test result once again and leaves the doctors office. Keep in mind they have been trying for 4 years! And he gets tested and realizes that it's "him" that is the cause of the infertility. So then the nurses realize they have the charts mixed up with "another" B. Taylor....so the nurse runs out to the parking lot...but BEFORE the nurse reaches her....Brooke says "GOD I WILL STILL LOVE YOU." UHHH....how amazing is her faith and love for God to continue to stay after 4 years...and if it never happens...I'll still love you Lord." SUCH A GREAT LINE! Then the nurse shares the GOOD news and Brooke holds it inside until her husband's team goes on to win the State Championship game. He is overwhelmed by God's goodness ....all in one day...he wins a state championship which seemed IMPOSSIBLE ...and finds out he'll be a DADDY. At the end of the movie, she walks in and Grant (the coach) is playing with his little boy and she is pregnant AGAIN...with ANOTHER state championship trophy on the wall. NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD! I'd be fine with having "our story" end up like theirs! :) Go see the movie! Praise the Lord for being glorified on the big screen all across the nation!

THE WEEKEND...5 POINTS, $42.15, AND 3 OT'S!!

2006-10-08T14:05:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow friends and readers. I definately need to catch up on my blogging so here goes! Friday we played our toughest opponent "Colbert County" ...have won several state championships...we were down 0-21 at the half and the mighty COLTS fought back and scored 28 points in the 2nd half...only to lose by 5 stinkin' points! We caught a touchdown but they called it back saying our QB had passed the line of scrimmage when he threw it (GGGRRR...DOUBLE GRRR!) We would have been up by 1 pt...with 2 minutes to go...and no doubt would have won the game. Forrest's boys played so hard...they have nothing to be ashamed about. I regret I did not take any pictures because I was too busy cheering! :)

The next morning we got up at 6:45AM to participate in our NEIGHBORHOOD GARAGE SALE! It was quite the experience to see almost every house in our neighborhood having a yard sale at the same time. We made $42.15 and my in-laws brought some "junk" from MS :) and made huge, homeade cookies to pocket around $75!! Then my BAYLOR BEARS...beat Colorado in Boulder, CO in 3 OT's!! If you click on the collage you can see the score really does say...Baylor 34....Colorado 31!! We are now 2-0 in Big XII play!! SIC 'EM BEARS!

Forgot a Homecoming picture....THE COACHES' WIVES CLUB!

2006-10-06T09:23:00.000-07:00

I just realized I forgot a Homecoming week picture of importance :) This is me and 2 other coaches' wives. Velvet, is on the left, lived here a LONG time...and Jody, on the right, is our roomie and wife of Forrest's friend from HS who moved over here with us. We are enjoying the "Homecoming Bonfire."

Go Colts...biggest game of the season is tonight...please pray for a Colt win! As we listened to last night when we took some of the team to see ...http://www.facingthegiants.com/..."God cares about football because He cares about His children." If you can go see this movie please do...it sparked my faith in so many ways! *More to come on that very soon! :)

OUR WEEKEND...HOMECOMING...

2006-10-01T16:50:00.000-07:00

[CLICK ON PICTURE TO ENLARGE]
Well, I'm sad to report that the Colts suffered a loss on Homecoming Friday night :( Uggh. We just didn't have it in us. Many of our starters had strep throat...so we were just behind the 8 ball all night. Final Score: 6-19. The good thing about it is they were a 4A school we are a 3A, so they are not in our district and it doesn't "officially" count against our record for the playoffs. Moving on...we play a VERY tough opponent on the road this Friday...so everyone say a prayer we pull up the upset of all upsets :) Forrest is planning on taking his team to see "FACING THE GIANTS" on Thursday so pray the logistics for that work out smoothly so he is able to bus them over to Florence (30 mins away) so the entire team can see a great, Christian made football film. This is a sign I made for the midget Colts cheerleaders I volunteer coach. They used it for the players to run through during pregame :) We went to KY on Saturday for our niece's (Caitlin's) 8th birthday and to see our nephew, Patrick, play in his little league football game. It was so great to hop in the car and drive 3.5 hours and be there. This type of thing could never happen when we lived in Texas. So it was great to be with Forrest's sisters family for a day. The last picture is of Caitlin, me, and their foster daughter, Novie, they will have for awhile. They had just gotten her a couple of days before we got there. She is precious....and Auntie E changed 2 diapers, helped give her a bath, and put her down for the night :) Whew hew. It was a great weekend had by all. Thanks for reading...enjoy your day of rest everyone! PS- One of our bestest friends (TX) lost his dad yesterday to lung cancer...if you all remember please say a prayer for the Campbell family during this difficult time. THANK YOU.

NEW CRAFT ...

2006-09-25T08:33:00.000-07:00

I did this yesterday...and thought it turned out pretty cute. Just wanted to show...feel free to try yourself :) I just painted it with hodge podge and then a pearlized white and then used brown paint pen to write whatever you want...and hot glued raffia on the stem. HAPPY FALL YA'LL!

WHAT A GAME! COLTS WIN AGAIN!

2006-09-23T10:32:00.000-07:00

What a GAME! The Colts pulled off another "upset" last night and won with :00 seconds left on the clock. We beat another Top 10 team in the state rankings. We are working our way up there too! :) Talk about a nail biter. You can read about it HERE! We scored the first 19 points of the game and then in the 4th quarter we were down by a touchdown 26-19 with 6 minutes to play....uhhh. We were on our 2 yard line and drove the entire field to tie the game...stopped them on a 3 and out defensive drive (Praise the Lord) and then got the ball back...got in field goal range...WAIT...here is the best part!! Listen up!! We kicked a field goal with :02 seconds left (missed it and the game is still tied... Right? The ref calls "roughing the kicker", moves the ball closer to the uprights and we get ANOTHER CHANCE...RU KIDDING ME? With :00 seconds on the clock...here I am with the principal's wife and the asst. principal (holding hands) and saying lots of prayers....the ball goes up and in!! COLTS WIN...COLTS WIN!!! Man it was sweet...and I was so proud of Forrest and his team. I just kept praying during the 4th quarter for Forrest to be focused and call the right plays ...later he told me that his mind was in a "fog" all of 3rd quarter...and he couldn't think of things that would work...hmmmm. God definately showed us favor again tonight. One of the best parts is that my parents drove in from Memphis to see the game...it was a memorable night! One I'm sure we'll remember for a long time.

THE DOG & COLTS!

2006-09-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to show you all a few pictures from the weekend. Bella got a new "pink" collar so everyone will KNOW she is a GIRL...she also got a harness for our walks/ runs...so she will be a little more easier to control when we see squirrels and neighbors. :) It works great! I highly recommend it. The cheer pics are of the "Clements Colts Midget Cheerleaders" that I volunteer coach...on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Arent' they cute? A big jump from college kids to 1st graders huh? They had their first REAL game on Saturday...but it ended at 1/2 time b/c a 2nd grade boy was taken away in an ambulance. Praise our Good Lord...he was ok and in church with us on Sunday! Happy Tuesday!

COLTS WIN!! COLTS WIN!!

2006-09-16T08:11:00.000-07:00

Colts WIN...Colts WIN! Well...elated is an understatement of how we felt last night and waking up this morning. Starting off the season 0-2...we had some "doubters" early on...but I knew Forrest could pull the team through and we he got his 1st win as a head coach last night...followed by a bucket of ice water all over him! Click here for "the story" and HERE for more scoop. I have prayed for that moment for a long time...and God showed His favor last night on us. We can all breathe a sigh of relief now. I'm just so happy for Forrest and for his players and their families...as he said in the newspaper article...they all deserve a win like this!" Thank you for your prayers and support. I thought I would have cried last night at the buzzer but I think "relief" just took over my body. Congrats Colts! We look forward to relaxing a little today...but Forrest didn't get in until 12:30am and was out the door to trade films with next week's opponent at 6:45am....I'm sure a well-deserved nap is in the plans for this afternoon. Happy Weekend all! Go Bears...I'm rooting for you (of course) ...wish I could be there...but always there in heart. :)

2006-09-12T19:04:00.000-07:00

What a great find. I found these really cool canvas paintings today while I was setting up a "selling" area for mine on Ebay. Aren't they so great? I emailed the guy and sent him a picture of Bella and he said he'd do one of her for $175. If you want one too of your dog or want to see more of his at the ebay store...click HERE! Do you think this is close enough to Bella or no? Let me know!! This one is around $90. Not sure where the heck it would go in our house...but I just think it's so unique!! And because I love our dog sooooo ...well it's just a given. PS- The size of the canvas is 18x18 so that's pretty big...and the artist lives in New York...I've never been cool enough to own an original piece of artwork...I'm still up in the air...let me know your vote! :)

Off to MSU...

2006-09-10T14:52:00.000-07:00

Happy Sunday to you all! Just wanted to fill you in on our weekend. Friday night was a big bummer...the Colts lost at the buzzer on the 1 yard line...when time ran out and no timeouts to take. Final score: 27-21. Pray for the Colts to get their 1st win of the season on Friday on their away game...they are almost there but can't seem to pull out the "W." One thing is for sure...I believe in the coach "no matter what!!"

Then Saturday morning we headed off early (6:45AM) to trade game film with our next opponent on our way to see the Bulldogs play. It was our FIRST game back in Starkville in about 4 years!! Since living in TX was SO far away and with my job and traveling with Baylor's football team...we seemed to never get back here. Just one of the great perks of moving closer to home...go to MSU athletic events now that we are only 3 hours away...and his parents live in West Point--so we have a free place to stay! My thoughts on the game (unedited version): It was very fun to be there again...many things have changed on campus...a lot more tailgating and the great new bookstore next to the stadium....we received free tickets to the game with Forrest's coach's card, and then for a $30 "M" annual club fee we were able to sit in the air conditioned box overlooking the field. We checked it out during pregame and 1/2 time...but the rest of the time we sat with 2 couple friends (see below). Good to see them again. As far as the game goes...it's really sad when you are now hoping your team will just make it on the scoreboard for the first time this season. In the years we were there on the team and dancing...we went to 3 bowl games...my how times have changed. Oh well...we are still Bulldog faithful through thick and thin...and the atmosphere is worth coming for! I saw my old Spirit Coordinator and 2 girls I danced with...I also saw my sorority house roommate, Meredith, who is from Athens, AL (ironically enough)... fun to see them again...now with their children. My favorite was to see Bully "pictured above" run out the team...this little, fat bulldog was running as hard as he could...needless to say they didn't do that when we were there. And can I put a little comment in about the new dorms on campus?????? UHHH helllloooo!!! They look like hotels!!! Don't get me wrong I'm proud to see the campus look great...but my goodness...coed freshman doors with wooden staircases....wow!! PS- It eases the pain of a shutout loss when you realize that Auburn is ranked #4 in the country...at least it does for me. Oh....and the last picture is today on our drive home when Miss Bella decides she wants to see where we were going and decides my shoulder would be a good chin rest...isn't she the cutest? Thank you 'Williams' for letting her come with us! :)

LABOR DAY...

2006-09-04T16:55:00.000-07:00

Well...I thought I'd share what's really on my heart today...on the national holiday we call "Labor Day." It's ironic enough that a year ago to this very day...I suffered a miscarriage. Some of you may know this and to some it may be "new" news. It's hard to believe that a year has passed, but at the same time I remember the day all too well. All I knew was something was wrong and I was in ALOT of pain....so much that my doctor later told me it was "labor/ contraction pains." I had no idea at that early in a pregnancy that could happen but it did. As I told Forrest later about the pain, no wonder "I just wanted Jesus to take me now!" Anyway...of course...that experience was painful physically and emotionally...but I know it drew me closer to the Lord and still does to this day. So thanks to all of you who ask about us and what's the latest with this part of our lives. We are still tryin'! :) I believe the next step is to...hopefully get a new doctor here soon...and he'll get me on some drugs to help us out. This experience is part of my testimony of course and part of the revelation behind the move that came to me in June. Some of you've heard the story and some have not. God's word came alive to me through a Bible study by Priscilla Shirer, He Speaks to Me, and from the gospels...the story of the feeding of the 5,000...when many of us have read the story over and over...there is a line that had never really gotten my attention until this summer, "And Jesus told the crowd to SIT DOWN and then he would feed their hunger"...but not until they sat down would he bless them. It hit me that wait a minute...maybe that's what God wants to do with me...bless me...but I've been too busy to sit down and receive the things He wants to give to me.

I found that really speaking to me that all of our time in Waco I was so busy running around and being "busy" and doing everything for others that I didn't get the chance very often just to "sit down." And I think that is one of the reasons God moved us here to Alabama is just for me to "sit down" and be still and listen to Him and be blessed. This month and then some I have had no "real job" and it has been really great just to "sit down" and do things I've put off for so long and just to do things I've wanted and at the pace I want to. You know it's quite peaceful and refreshing to "take your time." You should try it some time. I don't mean to be late to an appt. but just to get up early and have ample time to get here or there and not be rushed. Let me know how your "trial" run of this goes. :) Anyway...enough rambling...just my thoughts and my heart on today. My prayer is that God would bless Forrest & I with a "labor of love" that we can call our own ...in His time. Thanks for letting me share.

Tough Loss....Great Weekend

2006-09-04T11:14:00.000-07:00

I'm back!!!!!!! Just wanted to update you all on our weekend. Well....... we lost the game on Thursday (unfortunately) but that's ok...our opponent was a ranked team and we had some costly mistakes (fumbled twice in the red zone). We are a great team..just need to fix a few things. Final score: 28-6. It was such a beautiful, perfect night. Great weather for HS football! I even have a "sports injury" from scraping my calves on the concrete bleachers so hard when I wanted us to get in the endzone! (no picture necessary) Forrest had 8 family members come from 3 states to watch his "head coach debut." A fun time was had by all ...and we're gearing up for this week's home game. I was a proud coach's wife that night...and continue to be. I'm amazed at the pressure my husband is under yet you'd never know it by his disposition and talk. I definitely had chill bumps and tears in my eyes when the team ran through the goalpost sign and scored their first touchdown...all that we have done to "get over here" had come to fruition and we are beginning to see the "why" in it all.

Here are a few picture to commerate the weekend. After Thursday..we started the weekend early be celebrating 4 birthdays!! (Patrick, our nephew; Joel, Forrest's dad; Louise, Forrest's Gma; and Eric, Forrest's uncle). Then Forrest and our roomie, Michael...headed to Fayetteville for the USC vs. Ark game....and I went to West Point, MS with his fam to go to my 1st "Prairie Arts Festival" You know me...I like a challenge...so the night before the Festival...I decided I wanted to enter the 5k run....so I borrowed my sister-n-law's shoes that were 1/2 size too small. Mike, Forrest's brother-n-law also ran. I finished 2nd in my age division (25-29) and received this fun prize (a ceramic trivet) --see below. Much better than a silly, gold trophy huh? The festival was a lot of fun, and I bought a cool "country chic" black chair with a rooster and "southern sayings" ...for only $20!! (picture coming soon). Who knows--maybe next year I can be a vendor with my paintings! :) Hears hoping! More blogging to come soon...get excited!

ON THE JOB FRONT...

2006-08-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

Well, very quickly...I will update you on the job front. I have my Round #2 interview tomorrow at 10AM at the community college nearby...so please pray for me if you remember. I think this job would be a great fit for me...not to mention it would help pay the bills. There were 30 applicants asked to come interview and now they have narrowed it down to 11 for 1 poisitions (advisor/ recruiter).
Also...Coach Williams has his first scrimmage tonight at 6PM...please pray for his sanity and a win. I'm really nervous for his first "showing." Although it's only a "scrimmage," there still has to be a winner and a loser. This picture is ours for the year for the program. I'm not too fond of it because Forrest's leg is covering both of mine...therefore I look BIG!

GO COLTS!

POOR LITTLE BABY BELLA....

2006-08-21T09:11:00.000-07:00

Well, I thought I'd blog about my sweet baby! Isn't she so pitiful? We knew that she had allergies in TX...but they would come and go...but then this weekend her eye "flared" so being the overprotective and sensitive mother I am...I sought out a new vet for her this morning in Athens. I was very apprehensive because I had no idea where to take her or any recommendations. I just looked in the phonebook. Well the 1st stop was not so lucky...it was a hole in the wall and pretty "shady" so I didn't even bring Bella inside...I looked in and said "oh sorry wrong place." :( But I just drove down the Hwy and found this AMAZING vet...who took her in immediately....had this cool contraption to keep her still so she wouldn't be crazy dog and when I filled out the paperwork...they knew who we were just by our "names" on the application..."Oh is your husband..."the new coach?" So kinda fun they gave us special attention....but SUCH a blessing...to have a great doctor for Bella. So the verdict was that she has FOOD ALLERGIES probably...just like her mama! You know what they say about how owners and pets are just alike. I really am convinced this is the case...since we can sympathize with one another and we can be sensitive to her food intakes...so they said to give her Benadryl and watch her and they can even test her blood and see exactly what it is...just like they did to me!! I know I know I'm so attached to her it's kinda pathetic...but she is my baby for now. We need her to be healthy so she can have puppies in the near future :) GOD is good...in the big and small things!

OUR ROOMIES!

2006-08-14T20:19:00.000-07:00

Well hello again :) Where did I leave off? Here are our "roomies" until Christmas! The house they wanted to buy fell through so now they are building a custom home. I really believe that God worked all of this out perfectly for me to have a "friend" while adjusting to a new state, no job, no friends...in order for me not to be too lonely. Jody, is the blonde and mother of Morgan...teaches 3rd grade at Clements. Morgan started Kindgergarten last week at Clements. Michael is the other guy next to Forrest, friends since HS...and now coaching together as their careers take off. Sally is the black dog, that belongs to our roommates...as well as Copper, not seen since he doens't get much lovin' in the backyard :( And here is my unfinished kitchen...that hopefully I'll get to tomorrow. It'll be red texture on the top with white beadboard on the bottom :) Lovely huh?
I really do enjoy the down time of not having a "full time/ over-time" job right now. I'm so grateful for the rest the Lord has provided...but please don't get me wrong I love my Baylor students and family :) and miss them dearly!! :(
So what do I do all day?
Hmmmm...here is a typical day...get up usually when the "working crew" gets out the door 7AM and all head to Clements...I.....walk Bella, run w/ Copper, and walk Sally (if she's lucky)...try to make time for a long quiet time, empty the dishwasher, load the dishwasher, empty the trash, start a load of laundry, watch the View, fold clothes, unpack a box or 2...tidy up where needed...make 2 kettles of sweet tea (the house wine of the South), figure out what I can cook to help contribute to Jody's buffet for dinner :) She's a great cook and hates leftovers...write and mail thank you letters...open checking accounts, try to get an AL drivers license, grocery shop if need be, email friends and family far away, empty the trash, paint my canvases, watch Oprah, IM my BU co-workers :)...feed and water all of the dogs...change over our new address and direct deposits for cell phone, insurance, check on my car to see when it'll be out of the shop, and all other duties assigned by the head coach in order for me to be a great head coach's wife...:)

Job update: I did interview last week at a nearby community college. I think it went pretty well...there were 30 "finalists" that received an interview and we should know something by the end of the week. My prayer is ..if it's meant to be then the offer will be made, and if not then it's not meant to be. I'll keep you posted on any further news.

HAPPY 5 TO US!!

2006-08-11T08:25:00.000-07:00

Today is our 5th wedding anniversary! Don't think we have big plans...but since Forrest took the new job and school has now started..."big plans" would consist of getting to be together, alone and conscience, for more than 15 minutes (literally). So I think we may go to Huntsville tonight after "Family Football Pictures" and go see a movie, You, Me, and Dupree...which comes out today!

Have a great weekend all.

I love you Forrest...the best is yet to come!

The Journey begins...onto Alabama!

2006-08-05T15:12:00.000-07:00

Yes, we are alive and kicking...it's just been a crazy few weeks trying to get up and running in Alabama!! Thought I'd show you some pictures of "the journey." I finally left Texas (as a resident) on July 22 (Saturday) with my dear friend, Kim, to start the 10 hour journey which turned into a 14 hour journey to West Point, MS (to my in-laws farm) for a pit stop for the night before heading to Athens, AL...but along the way we had a slight accident (my first and hopefully my last). It was raining, dark, and we were on a rural highway in MS. No one was hurt (Praise the Lord) but it was definately scary! Bella was a tough girl too, as you can see from the picture, she managed to wiggle her way into the front seat a couple of times to check out the view. The car accident definately made me aware of what a pain it is to talk wtih insurance people, auto shops, etc. After Kim and I arrived with Bella to my new home, we were off the next day to Gulf Shores, AL for a "little" retreat to the beach. We stayed at this charming B&B, The Beach House. I believe Southern Living listed it as a Top 10 B&B in the nation. This is a picture of Kim and I at the Huntsville airport as we "finally" said goodbye "for now."

We then headed back to my house to get back to the grind of "renovation." :) And if you want to see more pictures of the "updates" to our home...click here for "BEFORE & AFTER PICTURES." It has definately come a LONG way...and the "textured tiled" backsplash is the one project I'm most proud of thus far. Isn't it cool? My neighbor told me how to do it...it was easy and CHEAP. Doesn't it look like real tile? Its just sheet rock joint compound and paint! Before this it was textured wallpaper and paneling :(

This was my first "full" week at our new home. Forrest had in-service all week at his school and his 1st day of class was yesterday, Friday!! Can you believe it? So early it seems like. Anyway, I am not working for awhile :) and enjoying being a "full time homemaker, coach's wife, dog mom, and babysitter!" We have another coach and his family (wife and 5 year old daughter, Morgan) living with us in our home...along with their 2 dogs [Copper & Sally] until they find a home of their own. Forrest had to fill a last minute coaching spot on his staff and within a week (literally) the Browns were here and living with us. Forrest and Michael were HS buddies in West Point, MS and God opened up a door for them to sell their house, and provided 2 teaching jobs for Michael and his wife! Morgan, the 5 year old, will start kindgergarten on Tuesday, but for this week I've been champion babysitter :) On top of all of that, Forrest's sister, Ginger, and her kids came to help "renovate" for a couple of days. So at one time we had 8 people and 3 dogs here (ahhh). In the below picture are our new "roommates" :) Michael, Jody, along with his "visiting" sister, Ginger. Like our furniture? :)

That is all for now...Forrest's Athletic Association is having a fundraiser, the Annual Rodeo, that we will be helping with tonight...how fun is that? They have bulls and everything. Debating on if I should whip out my TX cowboy hat that Katie gave me and my green, suede cowboy boots :) What do you think?

Thanks for visiting the new blog...I'll try to do better with daily postings...and you do the same :) PS- Don't worry about Bella...she's getting PLENTY of lovin'.

ON THE EJ job front...I have an interview on August 10, Thursday, for an advisor/recruiter position at a nearby community college, please pray for that if you can remember. Also, I have an application to be a substitute teacher if I want a little more laid back schedule to work in with my ambitious painting career :) Wish me luck!