Well, we did it.  We faced the bad weather forecast full on last Saturday for the annual Egg Bowl!  One day every year, Mississippians come together in one stadium...this year it was Davis Wade Stadium...to cheer on their team!  Of course, we were there for our Bulldogs!

Loyal fans to the end.  In the stands rain, sun, sleet, or snow!  After much debate and going back and forth, we ended up putting up one tent and one small table of snacks with chairs to tailgate a little before the game.  This was after a yummy lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings in Starkvegas.

We made a small stop by The Lodge to stock up on our last gameday goods.  One of those purchases included Daddy's "doorbell."  Yes, it's a cowbell that hangs on the wall...or, in our case, our tent.  Every time Daddy walked by, he rang the doorbell.

We are glad Daddy decided to give in and put up a tent for two reasons.  #1 - Russ looked pretty silly sitting out with all the random chairs.  #2 - It started raining just after we set up!

As always, we enjoyed our visitors and passersby.  Jimbo and Rachael never fail to stop by and visit.  They win the "great friends of the football season award" this year, because I never made it by their tent.  Yet, they rarely missed a week to visit us! 

Jimbo and Russ

Dustin had a few friends in town to play.  Ha!  Most of them included Ole Miss fans I think.  I was thankful for their willingness to not dress in bright red and blue.  For the most part, they remained neutral.  However, there was some debate on whether Dustin was sporting red or maroon.  Hmmmm...I'm still going with red.  He swears it's maroon!  What do you think?

Dustin and Sheila

Mama, Ben, and his friend (or girlfriend...I can't remember!)

Daddy and Carson solving the world's problems

Like I said, it began to rain soon after we got settled.  That didn't stop Mama and me from greeting our Dawgs at the Dawg Walk!  It was just as loud and fun as always.  I forgot my camera, so I had one free hand while the other was ringing my cowbell.  What did I do with my free hand?  Oh, well, I gave the following "fives": Coach Mullen, Tyler Russell, and Chris Relf...among others. 

Me and Mama in our cute ponchos

We had a surprise visit from Russ's cousin and my great friend, Season!  She had her sweet little Hunter in October.  She let Stacee keep the baby so she could enjoy one football game this season.  I'm not sure if she made it through the entire rainy game, but I'm sure her pregame festivities made up for it!  Ha!

Season and me

We had a last minute change to our stadium seating arrangement.  Kristin and Lee found out they couldn't make it to the game, so I immediately texted Jeff to see if he wanted to bring Seth.  Seth and I share a mutual obsession with anything MSU.  Thankfully, Jeff was willing to brave the rain and bring Seth.  I think, or I hope, they had a blast!

Jeff, Seth, and Russ

Sitting on "Smith row"....section C row 6!

The rain may have dampened the ground, but it didn't dampen True Maroon spirit!  Our team came out wearing their new Egg Bowl uniforms complete with gold shoes, gold numbers, and "Hail State" written on their backs!  We cheered on our senior players and got ready to play ball against TSUN (that school up north).

It was wet, cool, and rainy!  It was fun, exciting, and a little sloppy too.  Worth every soaked bone and every chill bump!  We scored one right after the other up front.  We took it slow after halftime much to our dismay.  However, our Dawgs held those Rebels to only one field goal.  No touchdowns!

Me and Russ

Dustin keeping the rain out!

As expected, the Rebel fans began to trickle out.  Ben texted Dustin to tell him he thought it was about to hale .  He wondered if they were ready to leave.  Likely story!  Ha!  Dustin simply texted back...."Yeah, it's gonna hale alright....HAIL STATE!"  Just for the record, State fans have been there MANY times before, so we try not to enjoy the misery of "the other team" too much.  We know it hurts.

But in the end, it was fireworks, cowbells, cheers, yells, and running around with the Golden Egg!  Bulldogs wrapped it in maroon and white!

We are bowl bound!  Our tickets are preordered, our hotel rooms are reserved, and we are patiently waiting until Sunday's announcement.  Will it be Nashville or Memphis?  I'm crossing my fingers for a fun Music City Bowl on December 30.  We'll see.

Until then, we'll enjoy this win and the next 365 days of bragging rights.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

That's right!  It's the most wonderful time of the year!  Did you forget?  Do you disagree?  Maybe it's time for you to slow down, take a deep breath and remember what Christmas used to be.  Maybe it's time for you to remember the excitement of looking at Christmas lights, pictures with Santa, baking in the kitchen with family, Christmas carols, Christmas carolers, and family.  Maybe it's time for us to stop and remember what the true meaning of Christmas is...and why we celebrate.  Maybe it's time for us to mark some things off our commitment list this year.  Make more time for family, fun, lights, music, and Christmas magic. 

 Go ahead.  Take a breath.  Be still for just a moment.  Take in the joy.  Take in the thankfulness.  Be filled with excitement.  Make Christmas feel like it once was.  Start by looking at the ornaments on your tree.  Were they a gift from a loved one?  Do they remind you of a precious time in your life?  Are they homemade?  Take a moment for these memories.

Take a night out of your busy schedule to drive around with family or friends to admire all the fun Christmas lights.  Maybe it's time for you to break out the lights, and light your own yard up for fun!  Create a little Christmas magic in your front yard!

Sit down with hot chocolate and watch a Hallmark or ABC Family Christmas movie with the kids, hubby, or friends.  Or, for that matter, sit and watch one by yourself!  Make it a feel good one!

Take some time this month to hug on your loved ones!  Enjoy this holiday with those you love just as if it could be your last one with them.  Because it just might.  We are not promised tomorrow...much less next year.  So, soak it in.  Hug.  Laugh.  Reminisce.  Be merry!  Live this holiday like it's your last!

Take some time to give to others.  Not a frantic shopping spree stressing over just the right gift.  Give from your heart.  Create a homemade happy for your neighbor.  Give a sweet framed picture to the elderly lady in your church.  Be a Secret Santa to someone who needs a little pick-me-up this year.

And, take LOTS of pictures!  Pictures tell a story.  Pictures help us relive memories.  Pictures remind us of moments.  Pictures are precious.  Take a second to snap a picture instead of rushing off to the next thing.  Spend a "snapshot" of time creating a memory.  Make a mental note that it is a memory.  When you look back on it, you will smile...because all along you knew...

You were making memories!

After all, what better time to make memories than the most wonderful time of the year!

Thanksgiving with Russ's Side

Friday afternoon, after a yummy breakfast at Cracker Barrel, my family headed north.  Russ's family usually has their Thanksgiving celebration on Friday or Saturday after Thanksgiving since Roan and I spend Thanksgiving Day with our side of the family.  I didn't contribute much of anything to the meal, but my sister-in-laws did a fabulous job of making sure our tummies were happy!

Roan carving the turkey

Russ was able to come in Friday morning after working on Thanksgiving Day.  I was so glad he was able to celebrate with turkey and all the trimmings!  Family get-togethers at "Granmomma and Pop's" are always full of energy.

Leah, Sam, and Grace

The young kids run around playing, drawing, playing the piano, sewing, crocheting, and giggling.  The older kids sit around on iPhones or watching television.  Well...actually some of the adults do the same thing!

Seth, his friend, and Jimmy

We were able to catch up on all the  news and make plans for the upcoming holiday season.  We talked about work schedules, family parties, and Christmas Eve.  Actually, the girls talked about the plans.  I suppose the guys just do whatever we plan!  Ha!

Jeff and Russ

After gathering in the kitchen for the blessing, the moms dug in and started fixing little plates.  Everything looked and smelled SO good!  The guys ate their traditional meal in front of the television watching the Arkansas/LSU game.  I grabbed a seat with the ladies in the dining room...however, I chose a seat where I could see the game too!  I can't help it!  I'm obsessed with SEC football!

Grub grub!

Russ's mom enjoying her family in one place together!

Me and Russ

Russ's sister, Olivia, and me (and Farley!)

Brothers 

After supper, the grandkids brought down the tree and began decorating!

Elle and Will

Will and Olivia fluffing

Sam found the star to top the tree

While the kids fluffed, decorated, and lit the tree...the sister-in-laws joined Julie in a few games of Rumikub.  It was intense and competitive.  There were winners.  There were losers.  There were teasers.  And there were encouragers.  I'm not gonna tell you which I was! Ha!

The children nestled in and watched a holiday favorite...Elf.  We enjoyed a fun and relaxing evening with family!

We have so much to be thankful for!  May we remember to be thankful every day...not just on Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving on Megan's Side

Speaking of the family zoo....

For the last 27 years of my life, my family has traveled south to Jackson for Thanksgiving.  We always celebrated by staying at Maw Maw and Paw Paw's Wednesday night, watching the Macy's Thanksgiving parade that morning, followed by a delicious traditional Thanksgiving lunch that my grandmother always had busily prepared for us.  This was one of two times we got together with my dad's brother and his family.  Then, we would drive over to Nonnie and Pops's house for dinner and spend time with my mom's brother and his family.  When my grandparents both moved to apartments or assisted living, Russ and I took over.  When we moved, my sister took over.  Now, we have all moved away.  My cousin took up the slack this year.

Rage

Since we didn't have a "neutral house" to stay in this time, we drove down Thursday after the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade and checked into our hotel.  Clancy and Jack (and Rage, the newest member of the family) graciously hosted all sides of the family....my mom's side, my dad's side, and Jack's side of the family.  That was our family zoo!

Clancy fixed some yummy cheese balls and appetizers while Jack got the two whole turkeys ready!  My mom stuck the dressing in the oven and put the gravy on the stove.  Jack's mom and aunt brought tons of yummy sides and desserts!  Along with Rhonda's pumpkin roll!  Oh my...delicious!  The rest of us?  Oh, we visited and had a fine time!

Clancy showed me Baby J's "Egg Bowl gift" while the guys looked through the Black Friday ads.  Uncle Howard had his eye on a new camera, and Daddy was studying all the television sales.  The grandparents sat in the living room to rest before the festivities began.

Maw Maw, Mama, and Pops

Daddy and Uncle Howard

There is nothing formal about my family gatherings!  We just relax, hang out, enjoy each other, laugh, tell stories, laugh, cook, laugh, and laugh some more!  This makes for fun and LOUD family get togethers!

Clancy and Aunt Patsy

Smithites

Girl Cousins

Jack did a FINE job on the turkeys!  He showed off his new Green Egg setup, which was phenomenal!  The guys spent most of the pre-meal time out back watching the master chef at work.

Master of the Grill

Some of the family watched the game in the living room and spent time getting to know Jack's family.

Uncle Donald and Maw Maw

Jack and Clancy

Once Daddy said the prayer, we were ready to dig in!  The guys helped get Pops situated, and the rest of us were left to fend for ourselves!

This is what I love about Thanksgiving!  Ten conversations in the same room.  Laughter in each one.  Genuine interest in each other and a love for this time together!

Daddy, Rhonda, Kristin, and Aunt Patsy

Garage Dinner Party

The cool table...much like my high school lunch table!

The host and hostess and their moms (and Daddy)

Once the delicious meal slowed down a bit, things got a little more fun!  I say "slowed down" because I don't think there was a time where everyone stopped eating!  There was always someone in the kitchen sneaking seconds or more dessert! Ha!

The grandchildren get a little silly during family get-togethers!  Jack and his brother had a Bop-It tournament, while some of us posed for a few fun pics.

Me

My baby brother and me

Rage came in to join the party too!

Jack, Rage, and Dustin

As always, we had a wonderful time!  Everyone slowly trickled out for the night.  Of course, we were the last to go.  We made the decision to forgo Black Friday this year.  But, our hotel was actually in the Bass Pro Shop parking lot.  Dustin was my roommate since Russ was working this year, and we decided to walk on over.  You know you're a redneck if....

You brew a cup of coffee, put on your Ugg boots over your leopard print pajamas, and walk over with your mom to a huge store filled with fishing poles and camo recliners!  Ha!  We did find some great finds for Christmas and walked back over to the hotel to jump in our fabulous beds for a few minutes before our wake-up call for Cracker Barrel! 

As always...a Thanksgiving to remember!

Holidays in the Family Zoo

Personalities.

One thing I love about the holidays are getting together with all our family members.  The holidays are one time when everyone makes firm plans to be together, catch up, and enjoy being a family.  When all these people get together, you can't help but notice.  Personalities.  So many people.  So many personalities.  Each with their strengths, but each with their noticeable differences.

As I observed, listened, and enjoyed the conversations around me...I began to reflect on my own personality.  It's very interesting to learn about other personalities, what their strengths are, how to deal with them, and what they need.  It's helpful for us so that we aren't so critical of the differences, but we understand the differences.

Think about all the personalities around your Thanksgiving festivities.  Did you notice anyone running around fast-paced decorating, creating arrangements, cooking feverishly, focused on the finished product?  Did you notice anyone sitting around with friends or family enjoying conversation and soaking in the family time, not contributing much to the meal?  Did you notice anyone delegating all the things that need to be completed?  Now, here is the real question.  Did you find yourself making judgements or being critical of those who didn't rate their priorities the same as you?  Hmmmmm.  I admit that I find myself doing that.  I can become critical, at times, of others with different personalities..especially around the hubbub of the holidays.

My dad has always used Gary Smalley's personality descriptors as he seeks to understand others.  There are many ways to understand others.  Another great way to love well is to learn the five love languages.  Just wanted to plug that in there.  I may blog on that at another time.  But, Gary Smalley describes personalities based on four animals: Beaver, Otter, Lion, and Golden Retriever.  If you're interested in reflecting on your own personality animal, you can do that here.  That website also shows how descriptors can be viewed by other personalities.  As I reflect on myself and the others around me during the holidays, I can organize all my family members each into one dominant group based on each one's personality.  I find that I have some of all the descriptors, but there are certainly two that stand out.

I am guilty.  I am the one at your Thanksgiving celebration that could be found sitting next to a family member or friend enjoying conversation, taking pictures, playing games, not in a hurry to clean up, and soaking in the family togetherness.  I focus on people and relationships more.  I gain security from close relationships.  I am a deep thinker, compassionate, dislikes change (and that's being kind with my words...I really hate change), loyal, indecisive (I don't like to plan ahead too far in case I change my mind).  I'm not good at saying, "no."  I tend to give in easily to keep peace and avoid confrontation.  I have sensitive feelings and tend to be nurturing.  These are some of the Golden Retriever personality traits that I find in myself most times.  Some others who are known to have this personality are: Mary, Charlie Brown, and Pooh.

Now, understanding how some of the other personalities work, I can assume that they may view a Golden Retriever personality as "lazy," not helpful, or not concerned with doing the things he/she should be doing.  I'm also assuming that family loves unconditionally and loves me no matter what.  However, I couldn't help but notice how things played out among various personalities.  I don't mind cooking.  I hosted Thanksgiving dinner completely for the five years Russ and I lived in Jackson.  I cooked, prepared, created nice displays of appetizers, sides, salads, desserts, casseroles, and Russ grilled our meat.  It was great!  Russ and I were excited about having those we love in our home.  However, when people arrived, I was very unconcerned with working in the kitchen.  I wanted to be near my family.  I become very relaxed and social when others enter the picture.  I also never cleaned up until my guests left...not while they were there visiting.  Remember, I tend to focus on relationships.  My thoughts sound something like this...."Relationships last forever.  No one will remember or care what we had for dinner in 2009.  I don't want to waste a second of time I have with our families together."  So, I didn't prepare any food that took elaborate preparation.  I never found myself frantic or ignoring the fact that our families were there to see us.  That was my personality.  I think cooking heartfelt meals is a precious and cherished personality trait.  I just don't have it.  I would much rather enjoy those around me than spend my holiday working feverishly for an end result while others are around.  I found myself making this statement during one of our conversations about Christmas Eve food: "I'll be happy to buy anything you want me to!  I can bring whatever."  Of course, we all laughed...followed by a list of easy-to-make dishes I could contribute and a reassurance that I could cook.  To which I said, "Oh, I can cook.  I just choose not to."  I didn't mean it brash at all.  I truly meant that there are things more important to me than cooking a lot of food.  Russ and I don't eat a whole lot at meals.  It's just not that important to us.  We'd rather spend those 30 minutes - an hour of time together watching a movie, spending time together running errands, or taking a trip "home" to see family.  My Golden Retriever personality holds great importance in relationships, traditions, and enjoying the moments together.  I don't like to rush off at a certain time.  I don't mind stopping my project or to-do list in order to make it to a wedding, play, or other special event for my loved ones.  I enjoy rearranging my schedule or knocking things off my list so that I can spend more time with my family or friends.  I enjoy playing it by ear and being where the people are when it comes to family holidays.

I'm sure all of you enjoy those same things.  I'm also sure some of you are gasping at the fact that I don't hold great importance on preparing elaborate pies, turkeys, and candies for my family during the holidays.  That's okay.  I probably have some thoughts about things you hold as important.  I think home cooked meals are priceless!  I am SO thankful for those around me who lovingly prepare those meals so that I can enjoy them.  I am so very thankful for my "family zoo" of personalities.  I am thankful that my sister cooks elaborate and fancy meals for us to enjoy.  I am thankful for the time my sister-in-laws spend in their kitchens making delicious traditional foods for our Thanksgiving meal.  They show their love for our families by doing these things.  They create wonderful memories of cooking these meals during the holidays.  I am thankful that I have only Russ and me to worry about with everyday meals for now.  I cherish the extra time I have to spend talking to, playing with, and enjoying others.  I look forward to cherishing that time with our children one day.  I am thankful that my mom moves in such a fast pace trying to accomplish tasks for our holiday get togethers.  She does the work, so that we don't have to.  Although these personalities are different from mine, I am thankful for what they add to our "family zoo" of personalities.

Although I may view a Lion personality as unconcerned with those around them, focusing only on their task, and not spending enough time simply being still and enjoying the holidays...I also understand that they thrive on control, reaching goals, and not wasting time.  What I view as precious time with family may be seen as "wasted time" by others.  It is a judgment based on one's own personality traits.  And, we could ALL add a few traits from each other's personalities to help us become more well-rounded individuals.

So...tell me.  How many animals are in your "family zoo?"  Try to understand those personalities and enjoy their strengths.  Try to enjoy contributing your strengths, and try not to judge those who contribute different things to the holiday season.  Be observant and thankful for the differences.  It may take a village to raise a child, but it takes a ZOO to make a family holiday!