Thankful

I started thinking this weekend about things I am thankful for. The list has grown and grown and grown. I won't post all of my list, it would be too long and I know I would leave someone or something out. If I just post the highlights, then it appears I am not really thankful. Basically I have come to the conclusion that I have more to be thankful for than words can express.

The wisdom of James

This morning, James came down and I was reading Paul Finebaum's column re: the Auburn v. Alabama game today. I read it to James and he asked, "What time does the game start?" I replied "3:30, which means we will have to go to Hunter's party around half time."

His huffed and gave a pouty lip. Then he said, "It's okay. There are alot more days to watch football than there are birthday party days. When I am PawPaw's age I can watch Auburn-Alabama games but I won't be invited to many birthday parties."

A house divided

Saturday is the big game. The Iron Bowl. I along with James & Grace (if she chooses to watch) will pull for Auburn. Shannon will cheer for Alabama.

You can tell we aren't in Alabama anymore. People have had the nerve to schedule events our children need to attend during the game. That wouldn't be happening in Alabama. We will be recording to watch it later... or not depending upon the outcome.

This game always means alot for the two teams. Here is what I think it means for them this year.

For Alabama, a win means Shula's seat cools down and it basically makes the season. If they lose to Auburn and then lose a bowl game, they could end up with a losing record this year. Ouch!

For Auburn, if they lose this game, it could mean disaster. A season that a few weeks ago was so promising would be down right disappointing if the regular season ends with back to back loses to our biggest rivals. A win means a 10 win season. A good bowl game. Oh yeah, it also means one for the thumb! A win will be 5 in a row for Auburn over Bama.

Steve's prediction: Auburn 27 Bama 17

WAR EAGLE!

This last weekend we went to Alabama for Grandma Jones' Thanksgiving. Growing up, our family always had two Thanksgivings and two Christmas times, one for Dad's side and one for Mom's side. Mom's side, i.e. Grandma Jones' side, made the concession to have Thanksgiving early and Christmas late.

We didn't know it but we had an extra passenger on the trip. Grace broke out with Chicken Pox on the way down. She had the vaccine but being the exceptional child she is, she got them anyway. Thankfully it is a mild case. We know this because a mom who is our carpool buddy got them as well. Grace's are very mild compared to her. She and Grace are keeping each other company during the days until Grace can go back to school and the mom can go back to work.

Grandma Jones' Thanksgiving was in Tuscaloosa at the home of my Uncle Zane. While we were there, we took the kids to see the University of Alabama. I got my master's degree there and Shannon grew up in nearby Jasper and is a Bama fan. In honor of the up coming Iron Bowl I am posting a picture of the Bear Bryant Statue. Notice that on the ledge near the statue, there is a bottle of Coke and a bag of Golden Flakes. Someone had left an offering at the alter of Alabama football. To know the significance of the Coke & Golden Flake chips, you had to have grown up watching the Bear Bryant show.

Everybody has one

This may be a you had to be there post but, last night over dinner, the subject of opinions came up. The time struck me as right to educate my children to the old saying. "Opinions are like belly buttons, everyone has one." Shannon chimed in and said "or noses". A few seconds later Grace adds "but not arms or legs". Shannon & I burst out laughing and the unexpected responce to the wisdom. While we are laughing, James adds "or hair". I don't think we had laughed that hard in a long time.

Trick or Treat

These kids pulled a great haul of candy!


Grace as a "spa lady" and her friend Mansi as "Hermione Granger"





The happy Jedi