GO ILLINI!

We had the great opportunity to see the Illini play against Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tennessee last Tuesday evening. Since Nashville is only 2 hours away we jumped on the chance. Decked out in our orange and blue, ready to cheer for our team we left bound for Vandy. We were running about 20 mins behind what we had planned, so yeah we were feeling a little rushed. Unexpectedly we missed the whole first half. Apparently there had been quite an accident ahead of us and so the traffic was backed up down I-65 N. We saw the emergency helicopter leave and even saw the crunched up vehicle being taken away. You know, I always say God places you where you are supposed to be, when you are suppose to be there. Had we been running on time or a little ahead that accident could have involved us. As much as we hated to miss the first half and then try to find parking that late in the game, we were and are thankful we avoided what could have been. We ended up having a great evening with Illinois winning 69-63. The boys and I were really excited to see it spitting snow as we left the Gym.

A shot of the Vanderbilt mascot, dance team and cheer squad.

I was really excited to get this action shot. I love basketball. It moves so much faster and is more exciting than football.

Illinois coach, Bruce Weber, going over the game plan during one of the timeouts. He is the silver haired man in the middle of the group.

I had taken a photo of the guys and a super nice girl offered to take our photo together. Awesome! I love the chance to get all of us in a shot.

OSAKA

Tonight we all went to the Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar in Florence. I know what goes on there, but I have never been to one. Joe, on the other hand, has been to several. Many of which were in Japan on one of his trips with NAL. So, we thought the boys would enjoy the experience. The food was great and the boys really had a good time. Jackson even said this is where he wants to come for his birthday dinner in March. It was a great way to spend a chilly, rainy Friday evening.

HONORING OUR VETERANS

I wanted to share a photo of my Grandpa Raymond Boose. He is a WWII veteran. Soldiers are proud people that do not want to be singled out for their acts of bravery, but would rather "do their job" and go on. My grandpa is no different. He has seen, smelled, heard, tasted and felt experience that I could never imagine. When I was a young girl I would listen to his stories and once in a blue moon he would tell us about the war. He was honest and told us with hesitation. I'm sure he didn't want us to know the horrors of war or what he went through. What I do know is that he is an amazing man who went to war to make sure his children, grandchildren and even those to follow could live in safety and security. He often tells Bayley that he "went to war, so Bay wouldn't have to". He received many honors including the bronze star and a purple heart. Grandpa would never tell you that, but it's true. At 97 years old he is a proud, independent, wonderful man still living in the home he shared with his wife, Loma and in which they raised their family. You can still find him listening to a baseball game on the radio and watching another on the TV. If you can't tell, I love him very much and am immensely proud of him. I honor all veterans and those serving our country, but I always say an extra prayer of thanksgiving for my grandpa.

Each year the Muscle Shoals fourth grade presents a patriotic program honoring our veterans the week of Veteran's Day. The kids did a wonderful job singing all of the songs and behaved very well while on stage. Bay and Jackson have talked all week about how Great Grandpa Boose is a WWII veteran and a true American hero. I'm so grateful that my boys have had the chance to know my grandpa and begin to understand what he did for our country.

Bay in the hallway at the high school immediately after the program. He was such a well-dressed a young man and is starting to look a little grown-up. As long as I have taught him style, my work here is done.

This is the full fourth grade on stage at the Muscle Shoals High School Auditorium. There are 8 classes and over 250 students in Bayley's grade.

Bay is in the middle looking at the audience. This is where I was waving and he was trying not to smile too much. You know he has to be cool collected when onstage.

MAYA'S 1 YEAR PHOTOS

We recently received an email with access to these beautiful photos of Maya at her 1 year photo session. I'm so glad Wes and Katie send us photos and keep us in "the Loop" as to what is going on in Clay County. Maya is such a doll!

GOLFING AT SPRING PARK

We have been having some beautiful weather and we are trying to take advantage of it. Last Sunday we spent part of the afternoon at the golf course near Spring Park in Tuscumbia. There are only 9 holes so it is great for the boys. Kind of makes me want to borrow my aunt's clubs and give it a try...we shall see....

Bay was quick to inform me that I was not allowed to drive this golf cart "crazy" like I do the one at the farm. He said "mom there are rules" and I couldn't just "drive all over the place". Sure, take all of the fun out of it!

Joe is helping Jackson aim for the hole and read the green.

Bay getting ready to tee off.

Our own little Tiger Woods...Jackson working on his form.

FLAG FOOTBALL- JETS

Last evening was the very last game for flag football...that is until next year. Anyway, Bay played really well this year. This being his second year, you can see his improvement from just 6 weeks ago. He is taking a strong interest in sports and beginning to understand how to not get frustrated, but to play harder and that is how you get results.

Bay with Coach Isbel after the last game. He was a wonderful coach! Watching him work with the kids and teach them not only how to play, but how to be a good sportsman made us very thankful we had such a well-rounded person for our coach.

Bay receiving his participation trophy from Coach Isbel.

The lighting is poor since this was at night in a wide open area, but I wanted to show this to everyone. Bay is usually a running back or receiver, however in this play at the beginning of the game he was quarterback. He threw a pass to Hogan who took it all of the way to the end zone. Coach even mentioned the touchdown pass in the awards presentation after the game.

Good Job Bay!

THE STORM-SOCCER

I really enjoy the fall sports so I hate to see it end. Personally, I think Jax looks adorable in his soccer uniform. He was one of the youngest on the team this year so he had a lot of learning to do being in the next age bracket. He did really well and improved not only his skills, but is understanding how to work as a team to win. Muscle Shoals has a great sports program!

Jackson was running after the ball in an effort to take to the goal.

Jackson with his coaches for the Storm Soccer team.