That's pretty much how we feel about last night's game against Alabama.  Oh no!  It was bad.  Actually, it was very bad.  And they are good.  Actually, they are very good. I'm still a very spirited Mississippi State fan and always will be.  We've cheered our Dawgs through much much worse games than last night.  I'm still believing in our team through the rest of the season, and I am anxiously waiting to #webelieve my way through our upcoming game against Texas A&M.  We have big games from now until the Egg Bowl.  Our team needs our support, and quite frankly I have more fun when we get geared up as a school.  So #webelieve...still.

There are few things I feel very strongly about.  I feel very strongly about traditions, family, and Mississippi State football.  Well, I also feel very strongly about who I'm voting for in November, but I wouldn't dare discuss that with you.  Ha!  And when I feel very strongly about something, I get emotionally attached.  I'm emotionally attached to traditions...from holiday traditions to ringing my cowbell.  I'm one that thinks it's silly to change Ole Miss's mascot.  I'm emotionally attached to everything family.  Obviously.  And I'm emotionally attached to Mississippi State.  And since it just so happens to be football season...I'm emotionally attached to Mississippi State football.

Enter game day.

Happy believer!

 I have never experienced a football season undefeated.  At least none that I remember.  So, I have no apologies for joining the #webelieve trend.  I am proud of our fans for their support and the change of culture at Mississippi State.  I remember when we made the trips to Starkville expecting losses.  We still rang our cowbells and tailgated with the best of them, but it wasn't near as exciting.  So I have no apologies for enjoying our 7-0 record no matter who we played...and having the hope and "belief" that we may pull it off.  Even if it was by divine intervention.  Ha!  I was and still am a believer.

After so much controversy on Facebook and Twitter last night, (I really should give both of those things up until football season is over!) I realized that our #webelieve trend had ruffled some feathers.  I was surprised to see how many other schools were obsessed with us.  I didn't know anyone ever paid much attention to Mississippi State.  But last week, they did.

Uh oh, Mama.  Did we upset some people with our #webelieve pictures?

 The Cinderella team believing in the abilities of their team.  Sometimes, when you least expect it, things happen that you never saw coming.  Take Millie Janalee for example.  She was just enjoying a little tummy time, exploring all the things her legs and arms can do, and then something exciting began to happen...

Whoa!  What's going on?

Hmmm...I wonder what will happen next.

Here we go...

Rolling...

I rolled over!

Did you see that, Mama!?

 Then, there are times when things don't go our way at all, and we face plant.  We end up stressed, drained, and frustrated with social media.  Take Millie Janalee for example...

Well poo!

The latter happened to my dear Bulldogs last night.  We metaphorically face planted.  Bad.  The final score was 38-7.  Hmmmm.  Not exactly what we hoped for.  I'm not gonna lie.  I was believing and hoping for a win of course.  I always hope for and believe in a win.  But I was prepared for the outcome to not go my way.  However, I will admit that I was not expecting the score to be that bad.  I was expecting to compete.  We have competed with Alabama before.  But, last night...it was rough.  I watched it, and I cheered to the end.  Still believing in my team to bring in a touchdown.  Finally, they did.  The outcome was still not pretty.

What surprised me more than the outcome of this ballgame was the social media attacking.  Oh. My. Word!  I never knew cheering for my team was wrong.  I never knew that anything I said was wrong.  I'm still having a hard time deciding what part of #webelieve, #hailstate, or #8and0 was so controversial.  I don't think I have ever seen so many fans from completely unrelated teams make fun of, bash, and compare us to their scores in my life.  Maybe it was all aimed at obnoxious State fans.  I guess I'm just not friends with them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.  I don't really keep up with anyone else's scores, record, or fans but my own.  I assumed everyone else did the same.

Last night was rough...on all fronts.  And I was emotionally attached.  I'm not even gonna deny it.  So when attacks happen, I cringe.  I watched games completely neutral last night, and I cheered for my team when we played.  I'm not one who prescribes to the idea that we all need to cheer for teams just because they are from our state or in our conference.  But I do prescribe to the idea that there is no reason for bashing and running us into the ground.  Simply because we believed. 

I guess you could say it hit a nerve.  Just like it would if someone was bashing my family or my traditions.  Because Mississippi State football is among the few things I feel strongly about. 

We believe...STILL.

#WEBELIEVE at Fourteen Weeks

Our sweet baby bulldog was fourteen weeks old on Wednesday!  The weeks continue to fly right by us, and we are reminded to soak up each moment and make precious memories along the way.  I find myself staring at those big blue round eyes, studying that little mouth, and running my fingers along her itsy bitsy toes just in disbelief that this is my life.  Millie Janalee is our sweet precious girl, and we are filled with such gratitude for this opportunity.  I wish there were stronger words to express our feelings.  I don't think such words exist.  

"I don't feel sick, Mama.  Why are we at the doctor?"

 We started today off with, what I thought would be, a quick trip to the urgent care clinic to get Millie Janalee checked out.  Three hours later, we left with clear lungs and a prescription for reflux.  We've had a bit of congestion lately.  It's that time of year!  I picked up a humidifier to put by Millie Janalee's bassinet, but today I noticed the congestion in her chest...or I thought it might be.  It turns out her lungs are clear, but the congestion is causing other issues that should be fixed with our little prescription.  Our girl is such a good baby that it's hard to tell if something is wrong or not.  Just look at that face when we got to the doctor.  I'm so thankful my parents were in town and joined me for this LOOOONG doctor's wait since Russ was working out of town!

PawPaw and Millie Janalee resting up for the big game.

Today is a big day in our home.  It's a big day in our family.  Heck, it's a BIG day in OUR STATE and across the globe!  Today is the BIG GAME against the #1 team in the nation!  Both teams are undefeated and are fighting to keep the streak alive.  We know the odds are against us, but #webelieve!   Of course, there have been "haters" when it comes to the Bulldogs' social media trends.  If you are not a Bulldog, the trend isn't meant for you anyway...so back off and come up with your own catch phrase.  As for me and my house...#WEBELIEVE!

#webelieve: "It means we believe in our team, we are proud of their accomplishments, and we have faith in their abilities. It doesn't involve anyone else." We are proud of our boys and our coaches. We are proud to be Bulldogs...and #WEBELIEVE!

Millie Janalee BELIEVES!

 Happy Fourteen Weeks to our Baby Bulldog!  Go Dawgs!

MSU vs. MTSU

This past weekend, we traveled south to Starkvegas once again!  This time it was MSU Homecoming and another important game for the Bulldogs.  As of now, we are still undefeated leading up to the Crimson Tide Saturday night!  You better believe we will be watching from home with cowbells in hand.  Actually, we are all dying to go!

Mama and my lil' cheerleader

Daddy's girl

The Homecoming game day started like every other game day...with visiting, eating, and watching some football.  Millie Janalee was much happier than the last game day, so she made for some fun entertainment too. 

Millie Janalee with her uncles

Having a big conversation with Uncie Lee

Jack and Clancy traveled to Starkville for Jack's first ever MSU game.  We were so glad they stopped by for a bit.  Truth be told, everyone comes to see the baby now.  It's not really about the rest of us!  Ha!

Millie Janalee and Clancy

We always love when friends and family stop by to visit!  Everyone knows where we'll be, and we are happy for others to join us anytime!  We love all our "regulars" and we love surprises too!

Paw Paw, Millie Janalee, and Karen

Cayden, Jennifer, Millie Janalee, and me

Hunter, Rachael, me, Millie Janalee

Some of Sheila's family stopped by!  We were glad to meet them!

A few of Dustin's regulars...

All this visiting, talking, and being passed around made Millie Janalee ready to relax.  And there's no better place to relax than in Daddy's lap!  It doesn't hurt to have a toy to help too.  While my loves took a minute to chill, I joined in a game of corn hole.  Of course, I lost.  I don't even know how to keep score.  I just aim and toss.

Daddy and Millie Janalee

Picture perfect toss!  Ha!

It wasn't long until it was game time!  That means changing diapers and pulling out the big headphones.  Ha!  Millie Janalee must have been exhausted, because she fell fast asleep slumped over in my arms.  Bless her!

However, once we were in the stadium amongst the cowbells, cheers, and bright lights...she was wide awake!  She stayed wide awake watching the game (mostly on the big bright Jumbotron) until halftime.  She was as content as could be!  Such a baby bulldog!

Of course, since she fell asleep at halftime, she missed her second big debut at Davis Wade Stadium!  Yep.  Our baby girl graced the big screen on the Jumbotron once again.  Ha!  It wasn't intentional.  I promise.  I actually sent four pictures in the first week in hopes they would feature one.  I guess they liked her because she made a surprise appearance again!  Since we weren't prepared, we don't have a picture of the Jumbotron, but I found the image on the website and saved it just for you!

While I was on the website, I noticed they had created a THIRD image!  I guess I learned my lesson.  Maybe not so many pictures next time.  Of course, I'm tempted to just keep sending them to see how many times they will feature our bitty baby.

Other things Millie Janalee missed were great plays by our Dawgs and a big fat WIN!  We proudly wrapped that one in maroon and white!  You know what that means?  We are still undefeated!  We have an uphill battle next week against Alabama, but I'm keeping the hope alive.  You never know.  I'm certainly expecting a big game.  We are all wishing we could be there to help cheer for our Dawgs.  Kristin swears they do better with our loud voices.  She's probably right, but cheering from home will have to do. 

How did Millie Janalee feel about the game?  Well...

White bear sighting on MSU campus

Here's to hoping our next game day is exciting, fun, and ends with a miraculous WIN!  Go Dawgs!  Beat Bama!

Pumpkins on Main

As you can tell from my previous posts, Millie Janalee and I have been soaking in the pumpkin patch this week!  Our hometown church is hosting "Pumpkins on Main" for the first time, and I am SO excited about it!  I couldn't wait for all the pumpkins to be delivered so I could take Millie Janalee. 

I've had my eye out for a pumpkin patch that was free since Millie Janalee really isn't old enough to know what's going on, and this was perfect!  I could go as many times as I wanted, and I can pick my pumpkin when I was ready!  The best part is that all the proceeds go to Oasis Medical Center.  Oasis Medical Center is a Christian ministry that demonstrates the love of Christ through confidential medical services, factual information, education, and emotional support to women and men facing unplanned pregnancy and related issues.

This ministry holds a special place in my heart as we have been blessed through the miracle of adoption.  Just as our adoption agency served as an "oasis" for Millie Janalee's birthparents, Oasis Medical Center ministers to those facing unplanned pregnancy without judgement.  Ministries like these provide families with the truths surrounding their options. 

Among the many services offered at Oasis Medical Center are pregnancy testing, adoption education and referrals, after abortion recovery help, and parenting classes.  Russ and I received a donation to Oasis in Millie Janalee's name this summer, and I was so touched by the thoughtfulness of this sweet family.  I love how God has used Millie Janalee's story to emphasize the value of human life and the loving choice of adoption.  I encourage you to take your little ones to "Pumpkins on Main" this month...or pick some pumpkins for your fall decor.

Millie Janalee allowed a few photo opportunities Wednesday afternoon.  It was a little hot in the sun, and I had her in the warmest outfit she's ever worn.  Bless her!  We managed to snap a few pictures in the shade before she had enough! 

And how do we solve a mini meltdown?  Well, PawPaw of course! 

After spending some time at the pumpkin patch, we knew we couldn't leave without visiting one person.  "Auntie Jen"!  Jennifer is the children's minister, and she loves Millie Janalee!  Millie Janalee has no chance with all these people around her!  "Auntie Jen" knew just what this baby needed after working so hard on her photo shoot...

Watch out parents!  Children's minister BUSTED!

Don't worry.  It didn't happen long before I was pulling out the wipes to clean that sticky mouth.  But we had to pry that sucker stick from my little piggy's fingers.  She had a tight grip and a busy tongue licking every bit she could!

Such a happy baby...guilty of a sugar high!

Such a fun day back home!  If you live in the surrounding area, take time to pick your own pumpkins and support Oasis Medical Center.  Oh...and these pumpkins are some of the prettiest pumpkins I've seen!  Pumpkins of all sizes.

Just know that it's hard work taking pictures at the pumpkin patch!  Millie Janalee was worn slap out!

I just LOVE fall!  Have you been to the pumpkin patch yet?