Giving Thanks....And, Remembering.....

God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say "thank you?" ~~William A. Ward

Thank you God for today and every day that I live to see another sunrise. And, thank you for giving me the health to make the most of each second count.

Thank you for my family and my friends; for the love of a family and friends truly is life's greatest blessing. I treasure each day I am blessed to have them in my life.

Thank you to my husband who is the person that I could not imagine traveling this road of life without. And, thank you to my children who remind me how precious each waking moment is.

Thanksgiving

We traveled to Huntsville, AL, last Wednesday night to spend Thanksgiving with Harold and Gail. As usual, Gail prepared more food than any of us could eat and we probably all gained at least 5 pounds during the visit. The Thanksgiving feast was delicious as usual. So, thank you to Harold and Gail for the wonderful meal.

On Friday evening, we visited the Santa's Christmas Village (Constitution Village) in downtown Huntsville. It opens each year the day after Thanksgiving decorated as Santa's Village and each year we attend while we are visiting. The first stop in the village was to see Santa of course. Pete, Gabrielle, Lia & Krista met us there for the evening as well.

We didn't stay long this year as the weather was so cold. It was in the low 30s and the hot chocolate just didn't keep us warm long enough. Yes, we southerners are whimps when it comes to cold weather.


Iron Bowl 2007 & Pete's "Nappy" 40th Birthday

The Iron Bowl is the name given to the annual football game between Auburn University (our alma mater) and the University of Alabama. This football rivalry between Alabama and Auburn is a huge event in the state of Alabama. The winner of the game wins "bragging rights" for the next year until the team meets again. Since we live in Georgia now, the Auburn vs. University of Georgia game seems more tense because we are surrounded by Georgia fans. But, the Iron Bowl is still a top priority to any Auburn fan; no matter where they live! Of course, Jeff and I dressed for the special occasion. And, Rachel and Anna stayed with Gail and Harold for the evening. They had plans to go to the Huntsville Botanical Gardens to see the Christmas light display. Jeff and I got a rare night alone without the kiddos. And, I have to admit...it was pleasant being able to watch one football game this season without interruption.

For several years now, we have met up with our friends Pete & Gabrielle (both Auburn alumni) and their family to watch the Iron Bowl. Clarence (Auburn alumni) and his wife, Kelly, and their children (C.J. and Andrew), usually make it to Huntsville on their way back home to Virginia after visiting with family in Alabama. And, this year we celebrated Pete's 40th birthday in addition to meeting up to watch the Iron Bowl.

I made Pete a cake. It was in the shape of a football and decorated in Auburn colors. My writing on the cake wasn't the most legible. While it was meant to say "Happy Birthday," the "H" looked more like an "N" so it appeared to read "Nappy Birthday." Oh well....it's the thought that counts, right? And, here is a picture of the birthday boy below. Doesn't he look like a serial killer?

I'm proud to report that Auburn maintained their winning streak against Alabama. We have now won for the sixth year in a row. It was a nail biter of sorts; as most Iron Bowl games tend to be. It doesn't seem to matter how either team performs prior to the Iron Bowl. The winner is always a toss up when it comes to this game.

We had a great visit with Pete, Gabrielle, Kelly & Clarence and children. I hate that we live so far away from one another and do not get the opportunity to visit more often. Hopefully, we'll see Pete, Gabrielle, Lia & Krista as they travel back from Orlando close to New Years.


In Memory of Uncle Frank

Love is stronger than death even though it can't stop death from happening, but no matter how hard death tries it can't separate people from love. It can't take away our memories either. In the end, life is stronger than death.~~Author Unknown

My Uncle Frank died at the age of 73 on Sunday, November 25, 2007. He will continue to live our memories and our hearts. From his obituary: He was a member of Knights of Columbus, and served in the Air Force. He retired from ARCO and Small Business Administration. He was also a realtor in Birmingham for over 35 years. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend and was a blessing to have in our lives.

Rest in peace Uncle Frank......