Pitiful Babies

Patrick was sick last night.  I think it was just allergies but it was bad.  He called into work.  He has never called in to work and it almost killed him to have to.  But he was that bad.  I have a really hard time having empathy for people when they're sick but refuse to go to the doctor.  He said if he wasn't better today he would go.  He was better today.  He's still congested but felt well enough to go to work.

Aren't they so cute.  Ally wouldn't leave his side all night.  She laid right beside him.  It was the sweetest thing.  I love them both so much!

Wednesday Weigh-In

I know it's been forever since I posted a Wednesday Weigh-In.  I've been doing really well maintaining.  The exercise has helped.  I knew it would!  I really only work out twice a week for an hour.  I try to have a third work out but it's usually just walking or running.  I ran my fastest mile time tonight of 10:03.  I was so excited because I didn't think I was really moving that fast. 

I'm still holding strong at 135lbs.  I feel so good.  I'm so excited to be able to wear more than one pair of jeans in my closet (although I do think I need at least one new pair for fall)! 

Another Sweet Baby

Last night Patrick and I took dinner to our friends, Jimmy and Britni, that just had a baby.  ( I tell you I think there's something in the water here!)  Braylon James was born Thursday and is possibly the tiniest baby I've ever seen.  He was so sweet and cute!

He weighs somewhere around 6lbs and I'm pretty sure he's carrying 4lbs of it in those cheeks.  He is so precious!

I felt like such a grown up taking dinner to friends that just had a baby.  I've had several friends that have had babies but this is the first time I've taken dinner to someone.  I know it's silly but I just felt so grown up. 

It ain't over till it's over...

Wow.

I don't love watching games at home.  I get so nervous and feel so helpless.

First of all I would like to take back what I said about Arkansas not being that good blah, blah, blah.  They are apparently every bit as good as they think (well not every bit because they didn't actually win).  They played one heck of a ball game.  We didn't play our best.  It seemed to take a while to get into a groove and I'm not sure McElroy ever got into his.  So the offense readjusted and did what it had to do.  Thank you Mark Ingram.

I started the day pretty early, okay not that early.  I went to the grocery store to get a few essentials for the day.  I came home and started cooking.  I made pigs in a blanket, hogs in a blanket, cookies, and cheese dip.  My parents came by with Drew and Ava after soccer so they could see our den.  (They hadn't seen it since we stained the floor.)  They ate a bite and we watched the first half of Tennessee and UAB.  I really thought UAB was going to win it.  But they didn't.  Then it was game time.  I already said this but I was nervous all week long so today was no different.  When Arkansas scored on the second play I wanted to puke.  Then we couldn't do anything on offense.  I was scared to death.  Before I knew it the teams were headed to the locker rooms for half time.  I told Patrick that I was relieved that half was over and was ready to come back out a new team.  That's when he kindly asked me if I'd seen the stat they just showed.  I hadn't.  2-5 was Saban's record when he was losing at halftime.  Great.  I don't remember much of the second half since I had my head under a blanket hiding.  I know we kicked a field goal then scored a touchdown to go ahead 24-20 and Arkansas still had a few minutes and luckily for us Mallett threw an interception. 

Now I'm already nervous for Florida.  It's going to be a tough month of October for the Tide if we can just get through the next four weeks and have a week off. 

Our little tailgate table in the den.  I was so excited it was so cute.

Pigs in a blanket

Hogs in a blanket. 

Roll Tide Roll!

Ally is pooped too.  I don't think she really likes football.

Can I just go ahead and say that I dont' like watching games on CBS with Verne and the other guy commentating. I know their job is to talk and keep us informed but haven't they ever heard the saying "Silence is Golden". The first half they were talking about Ryan Mallett's feet and how bad his footwork was when he threw. In the third quarter they were saying his footwork was wonderful and said he was better than Drew Brees. Well I don't think his footwork could have improved that much at half time.

With all that being said I am proud of the Tide for not giving up and bringing home the win. It wasn't pretty that's for sure but it was a win. I think we can learn a lot from this game and hopefully regroup this week and be ready for Florida, really ready!

Roll Tide Roll!

Alabama 24- Arkansas 20

Biggest Test Yet

VS

Arkansas is the toughest team the Tide has faced thus far this season.  Everyone wants to beat us.  I'm so nervous.  I've been nervous since last week.  Arkansas is a good team.  But I'm not sure they're as good as they think.  (At least I hope not.)  I actually haven't watched them play much but what I've seen didn't look promising.  They have a great quarterback, he has great numbers but their offense seems very one dimensional.  So if we can stop the passing game and make them run we should be okay.  (At least that's what I heard some guy say on Paul Finebaum and Paul agreed.)  We just need to "Score Early and Often!)  The Hogs are having a "Red Out".  Should be terrifying seeing all those fans in red, Not!  I'm not sure they realize that our guys are used to looking at over 100,000 screaming fans in red at Bryant-Denny.  Or do they realized that Georgia tried the "Black Out" on us and it failed miserably.  I saw a video of the students from Arkansas camping out in tents outside the stadium to get front row seats.  There were over 100 tents lining the road.  It was unreal.  I just feel so helpless when I watch it at home.  I'm having "Hogs in a blanket" for snacks.  Not sure what kind of company we'll have if any for the game and either way I'm just fine!  I'm probably not going to sleep a wink tonight I'm so excited/ nervous!

Roll Tide Roll!

Beat the Hogs!

BootCamp Round 4

Last night we finished up the fitness tests to start round 4 of Bootcamp.  It was tough and I didn't improve like I hoped!  Here are the Stats:

• Push-ups- 36 (-8 from rd3)
• Crunches- 80 (+8)
• Shuttle Run- 10.7 seconds (down 0.3)
• Recovering Heart Rate- 121bpm
• Resting HR- 59bpm
• Beep Test- 55 (-7)
• One Mile Run- 10:03 (Best yet! I don't know by how much)

I have really got to buckle down and start running everyday not just at bootcamp to build my endurance.  I struggle pushing myself beyond where I think I can go.

Wordless Wednesday

Brain Dump

I think this morning's thoughts can best be understood by a giant list of bullet points!

• Bootcamp Round 4 starts today.  That means we'll get to take all of our fitness tests again to see how far we've come.  (Expect a post on that later this week) My best friend, Kristen, is doing this round with us.  I'm afraid this might be the end of our friendship.  I'll let you know.
• Why am I up at 3:00am on a Tuesday, you may ask... well I take adderall for my ADHD and I have found it is most effective if I put it on my nightstand and set my alarm for 30-45 minutes before I actually have to get up and take it, go back to sleep, and the it is easier to wake up.  Well I apparently woke up or dreamed it was time to get up and took it.  So an hour later I am up with no chance of going back to sleep before it's time to go to work.  yay.
• So now I'm up watching Sabrina, the Teenage Witch.  I remember watching this show with my family every Friday night growing up.  I loved watching TGIF every Friday.  That was back where there were actually shows you could watch as a family and everyone enjoyed them (or at the least tolerated them). 

• I really, really, really want to go shopping.  I'm loving all the new fall stuff.  Sadly, it's still 90°+ here so cute jackets and scarfs are not very practical.  But "they" say it should start cooling off in the next couple of weeks.  I'll believe it when I see it, or rather feel it!
•  I think Thursday is the first official day of Fall.  I put the few fall decorations I have out yesterday.  It just didn't seem right being that the high yesterday was 99°!
• I'm already nervous about this weeks game against Arkansas.  It should be a great game although I'm really hoping we just run away with it.
• I finally got my prints framed from Chicago for our long hall.  I'm so excited with how they turned out.  I love that they look so nice and they are special to Patrick and I.

This isn't the best picture but you get the idea.  The one on the left is of Navy Pier, the center one is the Bean with the reflection of the city, and the one on the right is the John Hancock building from the pier.  I don't love the frames but they came in a set of 4 for $14.99 so I can't complain about that.  I spent the most money on the mattes.  I had to have them special cut because the prints are 8x12.  I had them printed at myphotopipe.com  (the same place I had this panoramic printed, that still needs to be framed)  I have been so pleased with everything they've printed for me.

• 
  
  I am in love with these precious rain boots. I love this site.  It's like ideeli.com they have designer sample sales that last 2-3 days.  These boots are only $14.70 plus shipping.  They have tons of other designs and styles even kids sizes too.  Check them out at Hautelook.com

• 
  
  I'm so excited for Premier week for all the fall shows.  Tonight is Glee!! Tomorrow is In the Middle, Modern Family, and Cougar Town.  These are just a few of my favorites!

I guess that's enough rambling for now.  I hope everyone has a great first day of fall!

It's another Bama Win

Alabama 62 - Duke 13

That, my friends, is what you would call a good old fashioned ass whoppin'!  We didn't expect Duke to put up much of a fight, and we were right.  Both Ingram and Dareus were back and you could tell they were ready to play ball.  Ingram had over 100 yards on 9 carries.  His first carry was 48 yards and he had another for over 50 yards.  He's back and better than ever!  Dareus had a good sack and several key tackles.  Now I will say I am nervous as ever for Arkansas next week.  Our defense still needs some work.  While Duke only scored 13 points, they made a lot of mistakes that I don't think Arkansas will make so we've got to be ready and get tough on defense.   

Ally has been watching football with us all day long!  I think she is mad at me though.  She has stayed glued to Patrick's side all day.  She is just now sitting by me since he is gone to work!

We started the day actually cheering for some Blue Devils.  Patrick's nephew plays for the Morris Blue Devils so we put on blue and headed to the park at 10:30 this morning.  (Can I just say I own no blue clothing.  I had to search for anything blue.  I finally found a blue tshirt from rush that I wore.  It was honestly the only thing blue I could find)  I love football. Even little league.  They are so cute and it's so fun to watch them get so excited.  Tripp plays tight end and he caught 2 passes for 2 point conversions and I think he caught one touchdown pass.  We were so proud of him!  They ended up winning 28-16 I think.

Someone called his name from the sidelines (it really wasn't me) and he waved at me!  I guess he saw the camera!

Blocking his man!

Patrick and Tripp after the game!

It's Gameday at Home

VS

Today is Bama's first road game.   So we've got a little tailgate at the house.  I love going to T-town but I also love curling up on the couch and watching the game in the comfort of my home.  We just finished our "man room" this week.  Well finished it as much as it's going to be finished for now.  (we still have to fix the floor and get new couches but that will be a while)  We're going to watch Patrick's nephew play this morning. 

Roll Tide Roll!

Bowling Birthday

Sunday the Horton family gathered at Lighting Strikes bowling alley for Kathryn's 5th birthday!  I hadn't bowled in a while but was so excited.  When I was at Bama a bunch of us from work would go about once a week.  I was never any good but always had fun.  (Like I was so bad that one time I fell and got a foul for and the guy in the lane next to me.  He was mad.  I was embarrassed.)  My first frame I bowled a strike.  I was so excited but I quickly told everyone it was beginners luck.  Second frame, strike again.  I tried to act cool but I really wanted to jump up and down like a little kid.  Third frame, another strike!  Fourth and fifth frames, both spares.  Then Patrick's brother-in-law tells me that I haven't left a pin up yet. The last five frames weren't as impressive as the first five but were still a personal best. 

The birthday girl!

My score was 158...I know this doesn't technically prove anything since you can't see my name...just know that I wouldn't lie about my bowling score!  In case you were wondering (which I'm almost positive you weren't) Patrick's score was 71!

Bama 24- Penn State 3

Hottest. Game. Ever.

I've never been so hot in my life, and the humidity oh my goodness...I've never been so sweaty from just standing.  It was about 90° when we arrived in Tuscaloosa at 11:00.  We set up the grill and chairs in the front yard under the trees.  There was just an historic feel to the whole day to me.  I wasn't alive when the bear was around but Saturday is how I imagine gamedays felt when he was around.  We sat outside until the rain came.  It was around 3:00 when the bottom fell out.  Luckily it quit before game time.  I missed seeing Joe Paterno, Bobby Bowden, and Coach Saban on the field pre-game.  I was kinda bummed but I did get to see Joe Pa leave the field at halftime and the entire stadium erupted in applause for him.  He is very respected in the world of college football and it was really good to see!  We played a great game.  I love those games where you can just relax and cheer and not have to be so nervous.   

Gameday yard sign...week 2!  I love the classic look.

Our little family! 

Me, Daddy, & Bullet after the win.  (Seven hours of tailgating in the heat, humidity and rain is my excuse for my hair!)

Clay, me and Matt.

Bullet is so excited!

Roll Tide!

It's Gameday Baby!

vs

 

I love gamedays! I know that I say they each week, but I mean it.  I really love getting up early, packing the car, driving in the traffic, and finally arriving on campus.  Today will be no different.  Patrick is coming today since he's off work still.  I'm so excited!  It should be a great game.  ESPN Gameday will be on campus.  It's all so iconic to me.  Joe Paterno, the winningest coach in college football versus the 2009 National Champs.  Both schools have such historic programs.  Bobby Bowden will be in the stands. Today is also Coach Bear Bryant's birthday...he would have been 97 years old.  I've got my baked beans ready for the "Old Fashioned" tailgate. 

Roll Tide Roll

Happy Wednesday!

This morning Patrick's brother had back surgery.  They had to be at the hospital super early so I offered to take Tripp and Ashlyn to school since I work right by their school.  They were so sweet and cute.  They were up, fed, dressed and ready by 7:00, we didn't have to leave till 7:40.  So we took some pictures to pass the time. 

Thomas is out of surgery and in a lot of pain so if you could say a little prayer for him today we would all appreciate it.  I'm just so thankful for our healthy family.  I think about all those families with critically ill children, parents, brothers and sisters and I can't help but be thankful.  Even though this was a big deal to us (and any surgery is a big deal) I know it can't even compare to some of the life and death situations and decisions some people a faced with daily.

No Way José

What a wonderful day for football.  We could not have asked for better weather.  I was exhausted as I got ready for the day ahead.  Ally was sick all night long.  She apparently ate somthing at my parents house Friday afternoon that upset her stomach and she was up every two hours.  I felt like I had a newborn.  I got about four hours of sleep and I was so worried that she was still going to be sick Saturday but she was fine.  We were both so tired but I wasn't going to miss this tailgate for anything.
  It was a cool 70° as we arrived at my parents house to get the car loaded.  Kenny Chesney's Boys of Fall started playing as I turned on my parents street, it was perfect.  We were on the road around 9:30.  I wish I would have taken a picture of the packed car.  We didn't take that much stuff to the beach for a week with 6 people.  Dad could barely see out the back window.  I couldn't help but smile as we headed down.  It was so fun to see all the fans with their flags flying headed to the same place we were.  My grin grew bigger and bigger the closer we got.  I was practically giddy by the time we reached the driveway of my sister and brother's house.  We got everything unloaded and started putting everything out.  Our fellow tailgaters soon started pouring in with their new gameday gear and covered dishes.  I'm surprised my face doesn't hurt from all the smiling I did. 

Dad, Bullet and Matthew and the official season ticket ceremony.

Cousins & Roommates on the front porch after they hung the sign.

Siblings and all the signage at the house.

Please notice the circled sign in the top left of this photo.  It says "Bullet is Here" on one side and the other side says "Bullet is NOT Here"  This was a very effective way for Bullet to let all his fans know if he was at the tailgate or currently away from the tailgate.   

Ally Bama in here gameday gear.  She got her haircut on Friday so she was still wearing her cute little bows. 

The Champions pregame video.  The 2009 tribute.  I'm not going to lie I got a little tearly eyed reliving that game. 

Ingram and Dareus coming on the field.

Me and my Daddy. 

Alabama 48- San José State 3

We had a blast for the first game. We had about 40 people in and out all day at the house.  My dad woldn't have it any other way.  I'm so glad I have the day off tomorrow to relax and catch up on some housework.  I'm already looking forward to next weeks "Old Fashioned" tailgate for the Penn State game.  We're having hamburgers and hotdogs. 

Bama vs San Jose State Preview

VS

The tide will open the season at home tomorrow against the San Jose State Spartans Tomorrow.    I'm so excited I can hardly stand it!  Mark Ingram and Marcell Dareus will be out this week.  Ingram due to a knew injury.  Dareus as punishment for accepting bribes from an agent, he will be out for two games.  It is unknown how long Ingram will be out. I'm so excited to see the stadium expansion completed.  

Today is wear your team colors day in the great state of Alabama.  I'm sporting my crimson and white and Ally's proudly wearing her houndstooth collar. 

Our theme this week is Tex-Mex.  I'm making Black Eyed Pea salsa. 

I think that's all...Till tomorrow!

Roll Tide Roll!  

The Horror

It's  around 8:27 and the phone rings...
Me: Hello
Mom: Hey, Did you get those tickets (Alabama Season Tickets) off the table?
Me: Um No... I was looking for them while yall were at the beach.  I just assumed you put them somewhere safe so they wouldn't get lost.
Mom:  I thought I put them with your dad's stuff. 
Me: {panic} I knew I should have brought them home with me.
Mom: {panic and terror} Well I've throw away a lot of s*** in the past two weeks.  I bet I threw them away.
Me:{anger, nearly tears} Why would you throw away a huge FedEx envelope?  How would you not know what that was?
Mom: {anger} I don't know Maggie! I'm just crazy I guess.  I know I put them in you dad's stuff. (When she says "Dad's Stuff" she means an enormous pile of papers and crap. This pile sits on a dresser where he comes in and unloads in the afternoons.  This is not a safe place for important stuff.)
Me: Well I guess I won't be going to the games.
Mom: {hope} Let me look around some more I'll call you later. Love you, bye!
Me: Love you, bye.
End call. 8:34

8:42 Phone rings.
Me: Hello
Mom: {excitement} Found them...they were in you dads stuff.  I told him that's where I put them.
Me:{nearly happy tears} Thank Goodness.  Cause I was going to be very, very upset with you.  I had lost all confidence in you to keep up with anything important.

Crisis Averted!