A Family United or A Girl Divided?

Watching football is a given in our home.  Once the hint of autumn is in the air, the pigskin epidemic sweeps our house with a force like no other.  Yesterday was the annual interstate rivalry between our two largest state universities.  Now, I've never been to the big game in person, but we always faithfully follow along on the tube.  Just because we're at home doesn't mean we can't get into the game.  I've been known ride the surf of a Lazy Boy recliner while screaming "Go!  Go!  Go!" as the ball neared our team's end zone.  And yes, that does mean I was standing on the furniture - don't judge me.  Anyway, for those who don't know, we are BIG Iowa Hawkeye fans at the Jones house.  The hubby and I have both been long-time fans and have raised the kiddos in the way of the "Black and Gold." 

Now, I have a confession to make.  I really, really like Iowa State's head football coach, Paul Rhoads.  In fact, I like him so much that I feel myself wanting to cheer for the Cyclones.  Is there a vaccine for this thing I have??  My poor dad is probably rolling over in his grave as I'm typing this very post.  But, let me defend my position.  Do you know Paul Rhoads?  Yeah, I don't either (not personally, anyway).  However, I see enough about him on the news, in the papers, and on web to know he's one quality coach (and human being).  In fact, whenever I think or talk about Mr. Rhoads, the song, "You Made Me Love You (I Didn't Want To Do It)" comes racing into my head. 

I will say, this illness (or whatever it is) was bothersome during this year's Cy/Hawk showdown.  I couldn't find my usual fighting fervor.  Instead, I sat calmly watching (from the kitchen) a game that had a few great plays and a lot of errors.  In the end, the Clones emerged as the better team, and all I could think was "Of course they're the better team; look at their coach!!" and "Good for you, Paul Rhoads and awesome job, Cyclones!"  (I may have just thrown up in my mouth a little.)  So, in my after game reflection and frustration of this conflicting corruption conundrum, I decided to lay out all my cards in an open letter to Mr. Paul Rhoads - Coach Paul Rhoads.  I must admit, I do feel a little better. 



Blessings,
Stephanie

Write Me...Write Me Not

Well, my weekly blog goal is not quite happening for me.  I think perhaps, with all the homework and lesson plan writing I've been doing, writing just doesn't seem fun right now.  So, with that being said.  I think a pictoral post will do - with some captions, of course.  I don't want to leave you totally in the dark. 
Here we go...I think we'll work our backwards.  :)

This was what we woke up to this morning.  Although, I shouldn't complain - it's been a mild winter.

Bear and his "Angry Birds" Valentine Box. 

When family visits - it's time to dance! :)

Oh no!  It's the Paparazzi! 

Helping out (and having fun too) at the church family Valentine's party.

Cavy @ Basketball

Miss Shay & her Daddy attended the Daddy/Daughter Dance  :)

They had such a good time.  :)

One silly birthday boy turned 13...

The Four Amigos....Oy!

Little Miss taking the ball down the court.  :)

Our little players after their games.  :)

Birthday fun fit for a teen (sigh).

Unbelievable weather for Janurary!

We had a lovely Christmas, followed by a not so nice week of the stomach flu.

Spending time with family made Christmas Eve extra-special!

Bear played at the Candy Cane service. :)

The kiddos love dressing up and playing a part in the Nativity Story.

I couldn't get Bear to go up and join in the fun...  :(

The older boys took part in one of the candlelight services with their dad (who sang).

Miss S had her winter dance show.

Here she is with her flowers.

And with one of her biggest fans.  :)

This picture just makes me smile.  :D

Mr. B's winter concert.

Bear was "Joseph" in our church's Christmas program.  He was so cute!  He was mad at me when I told him this, but I couldn't help but think he looked like Linus from Charlie Brown Christmas. 

See?  ;)

I suppose it gets tiresome when mom always has the camera pointed in your direction. LOL

And this, my friends, is ME.  :)  The kiddos in my kindergarten practicum class did a unit on "Community Helpers."  One of the helpers was a teacher - so they drew me.  I asked them if they gave me a haircut (see the drawing - that's not a lot of hair - ha!).  They simply explained that I always wore my hair up when I was there - and they were right.  :)  I sure do miss those kiddos!

Our Thanksgiving table. 

Some cousin fun. :)

Wow!  I think that acutally covered all of my missing time.  Hooray!  I guess I'm officially caught up (for now).  Thanks for checking in with us.

Blessings,

Stephanie :)