Finish the Drill

We are thawing out and drying off from a rainy and cold Georgia vs Ga Tech game. We lost. We didn't "Finish the Drill" as is the football team motto. We still had a wonderful time as this was only the second game we were able to attend this season, due to Jeremiah being in India for the majority of the season. For those of you who do not know us personally, we LOVE Georgia football! One of the highlights of today's game was a tribute to Larry Munson. Munson has been referred to as the Legendary Voice of the Bulldogs since 1966. This man is beloved in the Bulldog Nation and he resigned in the middle of the season due to failing health. He was feeble and weak as they drove him onto the field in a golf cart and was touched as 92,000 fans stood, applauded and cheered. He waved his hat as he turned in a circle to signify that he was touched and to show his love for a Bulldog Nation that loves him just as much, if not more. Fans chanted "Larry" as he was driven off the field with his daughter and granddaughter; possibly changed by the love shown to him today.

For those of you not connected to GA Football this is an excerpt that helps describe Munson's style:

Munson's gravelly voice is one of the most distinctive in all of U.S. sports announcing and is regarded as endearing by Georgia Bulldog fans. Like many of his peers, most of whom he has outlived, Munson's style is to avoid any pretense of journalistic objectivity or accuracy during his broadcasts. He is an unabashed Bulldogs fan, but because he generally espouses a dour or pessimistic view about his team, his broadcasts are considered amongst the modern generation of sportscasters as not only acceptable, but sometimes even more authentic than contemporary sportscasting. His unique turns of phrase – which are virtually always made off hand – are a part of most Bulldogs fans' vernacular.

What struck me the most in this experience was this man's commitment to a team he never played for and a University he never attended. This was his life and he gave all he had to making calls that affected the Bulldog Nation in a very emotional way. As I watched 92,000 people revere a man who may soon pass from this earth I was deeply affected by our (myself included) dedication to people and things that are so temporary. I wonder what could have been accomplished had he had the same dedication to Jesus Christ. How many "fans" could have been affected and lives changed if he used his colorful words and distinct voice to evoke emotion in saving souls for eternity? It made me evaluate my life and what I am putting my focus and energy into that is temporary and how those energies could be better served in building Christ's kingdom. As we approach a Christmas season that should focus around the birth of the Savior of this world, let's all evaluate where we are putting our focus and use that same passion for Christ. Let's Finish the Drill for Jesus!

Happy Birthday, Jeremiah!

We all love you the most and our lives are so full and blessed having you a part of it!

Schooling in our home...

I love to read about other homeschooling families and the ongoings of their days. Often I get some wonderful ideas, usually a good chuckle or two and always some encouragement. Recently this blog has been featuring a day in the life of a homeschool family and I thought I would take a chance on posting about some of our days. You never know what a day will bring and these pictures are a mix of our actual work and a little humor too.

Exploring a world of spatial relationships through pattern blocks, on different development levels for each kid. They love stuff like this!

An assortment of homeschool activities going on...including a recently found friend, Sea Turtle and a tray still containing cereal from breakfast!

Where we often find Eli when we try to school while he is awake. Gracie is in the middle of saying "Mom! Eli has scissors!" Of course I knew that....

Well, some days are just like this. Seems like everything is topsy turvy but we still manage to get it done!

Even dad gets in on the action! What a blessing and privilege it is to homeschool my children! I just pray I always have this right!

Special Delivery for Sarah Joy

I love you Sarah Joy!

National Adoption Month

My heart has been heavy for the orphans around the world, especially the one(s) God has planned for our family. I think about this little baby ALL THE TIME! I want so much to bring her home, to have her live here in our home and for me to begin teaching her about Jesus and loving her with the love of Jesus. I found this video from another blog and it especially hits home as this family is a hometown hero here in Athens.

Freedom to choose

***Mary Beth Chapman has it going on over here as well!***

The freedom to choose our leaders is one of our great rights as Americans. It is something we hold great pride in. So this day is always a historic day for our country, despite who the candidates are. I am always excited about casting my vote, and I take advantage and vote in every election, primaries and all. I will try to hold back my comments as many things about this election make me sick, however I know that our Lord is in control, regardless of the outcome. And my dear friend has it going on over at her blog when it comes to this election. Amen and Amen.

Halloween Twist

Many Christians all across the country have found ways to reach people for Christ on what is sometimes a most evil night. I was inspired by one lady in Dallas and a group of people carrying on the light of Christ for her. You can read about it here. In the meantime, I need to faithfully pray about how God wants to use our family to reach others on this not so Holy night.

Halloween 08

I LOVE living in a small town. It is so quaint and friendly. Our downtown shops and county government offices set up for Halloween every year for the littles to trick or treat. Now, our family is not big on trick or treating, for many reasons, but this I can handle. It is just walking up and down mainstreet, safe, comforting friendly people (most of whom we know) and not scary. We did this for an hour, went home for dinner and then went to our church's fantastic Fall Festival, which is exactly where I prefer my children to be on Halloween night, at God's house having a good ole time.

This is how our costume's panned out this year...Madilyn chose another princess costume from her dress up box, this night she was Ariel the Mermaid. With Crocs. Surely Ariel owned some Crocs! :-)

Gracie was content with being Hula Girl again, thank goodness it is still warm enough to be a Hula Girl :-)

And Eli, well he has recently developed this facination with animals and the sounds they make. He is so cute telling you the bear says Grrr. So when I was at the mall on Wednesday, The Children's Place had all their costumes 1/2 off and when I saw this bear costume, oh, I knew it was perfect. How many more Halloweens will he let me put him in something like this?

Daddy was the last to be let in on the secret about Eli's new costume. We wanted to surprise him. He was so shocked, he just laughed and said Grrrr to Eli.

Hoping everyone else enjoyed their time as well!