Bass Pro Shop

Sunday night we headed to Bass Pro Shop for family night since JC has a part time job there. He is working there mainly for the big discount which will help fund his fishing habit. The amount of people there was incredible - we had to make our own parking space. The kids immediately headed to Santa's Workshop which is the department that JC is working right now. JC is wearing an very interesting hat - an elf hat. It's the so lovely. He on the other hand could do without wearing it. I took some pictures which are posted on my facebook page, but I think that he would kill me if I posted them here too.
We stayed in the store for over 2 hours. We met some friends there and had a great time. This is the 3rd Bass Pro Shop that I have been in, but I was very impressed with the store. I loved the Nascar items around the store and of course all the outdoor stuff. But I believe that the most impressive thing was the grounds around the store. From what I could see in the dark, it looked cool. There is a small lake (pond if you ask me), stone bridges, walking trails, etc around the store. I can't wait to take the kids out there during the day to see everything. Josh just wants to go back to Santa's Wonderland and was rather upset when he found out that after Christmas, it would not be there anymore. They had two shooting stations set up and a place to play with a remote control truck. Let's just say that I found a chair in that department and had a seat while I wanted on the kids. Maggie and her friend Morgan played on the boats.
So the next time you are at Bass Pro Shop, stop by Santa's Wonderland and say hello to my elf.

Busy weekend

It was a weekend that was packed with stuff. Saturday morning, we picked up Josh from his friend's house after the spend the night party. Then off to Maggie's meet we went. She did a great job. Her lowest score was 9.0. She got 3rd on floor with a 9.3 and was 5th All Around out of 14 girls in her age group. Our team came in 2nd place - missing 1st place by 5/10 of a point. I was so proud of her. i will post pictures when I get a chance to download them. I just hope they come out since the lighting was terrible.
After her meet and some lunch, we headed to Tuscaloosa for the game. The kids were so excited. We had packed enough clothes that you would have thought we were going away for the weekend. Once we got to town and found a place to park, we headed off the the quad. JC and Josh started playing football and Maggie started doing cartwheels all over. I on the other hand was standing around taking pictures and shivering in the cold. All I could think of was how cold it was going to be at the game. I took Maggie to the pep rally at the library and JC had Josh right behind us.
We got to our seats and things were going good until it started raining during the 2nd quarter. The kids did great considering how cold it was. We stayed until about 8 minutes left in the game right after Alabama scored for the last time. The kids were so tired and were asleep before we were out of Tuscaloosa.

My Little Girl is Growing Up

Tonight I had to realized that my little girl is growing up. I had to buy my little girl her first bra tonight. We got her a sports bra and she was so thrilled. I on the other hand was a little sad because it's just means that she isn't my little girl anymore. It just seems like yesterday that she was my baby girl and I was holding her in my arms for the first time and now she is growing up. Where did all the time go. Times like tonight remind me to make the most of every moment that I have with my kids because before I know it they will be grown.

Josh's Field Trip

Today Josh and his class went on a field trip to Desoto Caverns. Since I had to work, JC went with him. It was his first trip to take with either kid, so I have to give props out to JC. He rode the bus and said that Josh fell asleep on the way to the caverns. By the time I got home, JC was a little tired. Josh said that they had a blast. So thanks JC for stepping in and going with him when I couldn't go.

Remembering Those Who Serve

Today is Veteran's Day - a day to remember the men and women who have fought and died and are fighting for our country. As I was driving in to work today, I was listening to the Opening Drive on JOX - yes I have become addicted to listening to a bunch of people who have never played a day of football in their lives call in and give their wisdom on what the coach needs to do. This morning they played the speech from the movie Patton where he talks to the troops while standing in front of the American flag. If you have seen the movie you know what part I was talking about. As I listened to the speech, it reminded me of something that I already knew - we are a blessed nation. It made me think of the sacrifices that our men and women in uniform make everyday - whether here at home or over seas - so that I may live in a free country. So many times we go about our lives thanking for granted the freedoms that we have in this country of ours. I pray that we never lose this freedom and never take one day for granted that we have to exercise that freedom.

We also need to remind our children of the sacrifice of our troops and what it took to make this country free - not only today but everyday. So many children today do not even have a clue about the history and foundations of this great nation of ours - and that is a shame.

So not just today but anytime you see a veteran or a man or woman in uniform, take a moment to stop and thank them for their service. I would like to say thank you to all of you that have served and the families of those who have served. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

What we can rely on

Every night the kids and I read a short devotion to help them grow spiritually. Last week we started on a section titled "Relying on God". When I started this with the kids, I wasn't expecting the lesson that I would get. Last night the verses talked about God holding our right hand and to not be afraid. Tonight the passage was from Psalm 146: 3, 5-6, 10

Don't trust the leaders of the land to save you.
They are only people...
But good things come to people
who let God be their helper..
He always keeps his promises...
God is King forever.
Cheer for God!

When I read this tonight to the kids I was blown away. What a fitting passage for today with the election going on. As I read the devotional it talked of how we rely on things and people, but we need to remember that these things and people will let us down at times. But no matter what happens, He always loves us. And sooner or later, everything will turn out all right. As I listen tonight to all the talk and see the results, it is comforting to know that even though we don't know what will come tomorrow, God does. So tomorrow morning when my kids wake and are worried that McCain didn't win, I will simply remind them and myself of the lesson that we learned tonight.

Today as I stood in line with my kids to vote, I felt a sense of pride. So many people, some first time voters, turned out in record numbers to let their voice be heard.

Election Day

Tonight as I read the kids' their nightly devotional, I was reminded that God is the only One who will never let us down or leave us. While others around you and the government may let you down, God is and will always be reliable. The verse we read was found in Isaiah 41:13 "For I the Lord your God hold your right hand; I am the Lord, Who says to you, Fear not; I will help you!" Before I read the devotional to the kids tonight I was scared of what the results of tomorrow's election may bring, but now I know that no matter what God is still in control and that He will be there no matter what. This country is the greatest country in the world. I am thankful to be living in a country where I can worship my God without fear. It is my prayer that God will continue to show mercy to this country and that He will not remove His protection on this country.