Christmas with the Lowery's/Kreb's

Last weekend, Patrick and I went to the coast to celebrate Christmas with his family. We had a wonderful time, and it was great for all of us to be together.

Friday night we got to eat at one of our favorite places, Edd's! It's a hole in the wall burger place, that has been there FOREVER, but it is so good. His dad, mom, brother, and the two of us loaded up to eat and ride down to the beach. We then came home and exchanged presents. I love giving so much. The expression on people's faces is priceless. Patrick and I were blessed as well and received some wonderful gifts, one of my favorite gifts was tickets to the see the Lion King on Broadway in New Orleans! I am much looking forward to that.

Saturday morning, we got up and headed to Nana's and Doll's house(Patrick's grandparents, they live right next door). His aunt and uncle were there, along with his two cousins. We were also blessed to share lunch with Patrick's great grandparents. We ate together, hung around, and then played pictionary. I have to say my team won both times!!! There was lots of laughter and fun had by all. The rest of the night, we just "chilled," and that was very nice to do.

Sunday we headed to Dieberville with his family before we headed home. We ate at a great sandwich place called Which, Wich, and looked in a few stores before we hit the road. It was a nice ending to a great weekend.

It really was a GREAT weekend. We are so blessed by our family, and we are thankful we were able to spend time with them.

Merry Christmas from the Lowery's!

It's Christmas Time

The holiday season is in full force. It's hard to believe it is already the 16th of December. Where has this month gone? Soon, it will be Christmas day, and a New Year will begin. It is so easy to get caught up in the decorations and presents, but it is our hope that we always remember the reason for the season. The greatest gift of all, our Savior, now that is something to celebrate! We are looking forward to the coming days of spending time with family, and enjoying a little relaxation.

Patrick and I had a great time decorating our new house for Christmas. It was fun to find a place for all of our decorations, and know the memories we are making in this home will last a lifetime. I wanted to give you a little tour of our Christmas decorations. I hope you enjoy!

Front Doors: With our Christmas swags made by Patrick's Mom.

Outside of the house. Hopefully, next year we can add more to it, but we really like it.

Christmas Tree (I think we need a bigger one next year.)

Our little reindeer in the corner.

Sofa table in the entry way.

End table.

TV stand.

I love this pillow that I got from Franklin Hill last year.

A very vivid reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.

Dining room wall.

Kitchen table.

Decorations in the hallway.

Baker's rack in the kitchen. (Notice the USM theme on one shelf)

Frosty has to make an appearance.

This is by the garage door.

On our garage door. Love this wreath from last year.

Kitchen plates.

Christmas canisters.

I really like the kitchen decorations.

"Santa, I know him!"

I think that is about it. I have only added one thing since I took these pictures. I'll have to take a picture soon because it is super cute. I'm hoping to find some good deals after Christmas to add to the collection.

Hope you all have a GREAT weekend. Be back soon with more details about our holidays.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Southern Miss to the Top!

Well, a lot has been going on since my last post. I need to get caught up, but
First, I have to say

GO EAGLES!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

The Ealges beat #6 Houston in the Conference Championship game! It was a great game, and so exciting that the Eagles came out on top (no one gave us a chance). It was a great day to be an Eagle fan. We were very much looking forward to going to a bowl game. It would have been a fun road trip, but Hawaii, is a little out of the budget. Oh well.. We will find other ways to spend our holidays. It will not be dull that is for sure. :-) We are still very happy for the Eagles. They have had a GREAT season. There are changes coming though. Fedora has left, and the AD is retiring.. It will be fun to see what next year holds. Hopefully, it will be another great season.

I'll be back soon to tell you about our weeked in Jackon! and to show you the decorations of the house!

Stay tuned!

Merry Christmas!!!!

The countdown to Christmas has officially begun. It's December 1st!

My blog is officially in the Christmas spirit! 

My 100th Post!

It's officially time to say: MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

It probably doesn't seem that I blog that I often, but I finally made it to my 100th blog post. Yeah me!

I've been thinking about what I would write about, but nothing wonderful has come to mind.

So, I thought I would write about what has been on my mind this morning.

First, we did have a wonderful Thanksgiving break. It was so wonderful being off and spending time with family. We got to spend some time on the coast, and had a GREAT thanksgiving meal with Patrick's extended family on his mom's side, and we got to have a WONDERFUL meal with my family. There was a little shopping that took place, some beautiful swags made (by Patrick's mom), and even some trash made. And the Eagles beat Memphis on Saturday for a chance to win the conference. It really was an awesome time. It truly was a time to be thankful, for we are incredibly blessed.

And now the Christmas spirit is in full swing. We have the house decorated, and the presents are being bought. It really is the "most wonderful time of the year". I love it, people are happy, the decorations are hung, and there is a lot of joy in the air. But, really it's a celebration of our Savior being born because without HIM what would life be like? I am thankful we do not have to find out.

However, I realized as I was listening to the radio this morning, that this season is not joyful for everyone. Maybe you are sick, have lost a love one, cannot be with family, etc... A radio station was fulfilling Christmas wishes, and a lady wrote in saying she wanted her parents to be able to fly to see her brother during Christmas because he was leaving for a 6 month mission with the Navy right after the holidays. However, the dad had not worked in the last year, and money was tight. But, the radio station is making this possible. The family was overjoyed, it was such a heart warming story. It made me realize many people do not have their loved ones with them over the holidays, and there are some people who don't see much joy during this season. It made me even more thankful for being able to see most of my family, and having them fairly close. I think it is something we can take for granted. There might be times when we are on each other's nerves, but at the end of day we are a blessed family to be able to spend the holidays together. Everything doesn't have to be perfect, it's not about the most expensive gifts, but about the simple fact of being together. It also made me realize even more how a simple acts of kindness especially during the holiday season can go a long way. We do not always know a person's story, but at the end of the day a simple gesture may have made a huge difference. A challenge to myself...

Now do not get my wrong, I love receiving presents as much as the next person, but my heart also loves to give. And we are not rich, and cannot buy everything we might like to. However, it's not just about the material things. I hope that Patrick and I will be able to set an example for our children one day, that it is not always about our wants, but about what we can give as well.

Anyway, that was just on my heart this morning as I listened to the radio and read other stories about being "alone" during the holidays. It is sometimes easy to live in our bubbles and forget what it might be like for others. This holiday season our hearts deeply miss my great aunt Geet, and Patrick's Maw-Maw. It's just not the same, but what a party I am sure they are having in Heaven. We love them, and miss them both.

I'll be back soon to share our Christmas decorations with you. I guess I better get busy changing the blog!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

"Thanksgiving is a time of quiet reflection upon the past and an annual reminder that God has, again, been ever so faithful. The solid and simple things of life are brought into clear focus."

-Charles Swindoll

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for. Patrick and I are so blessed, and this really is a season to be thankful. Today, as we spend time with our families we give thanks for all of our many blessings. 

We hope you have a wonderful day as well!

In everything give thanks.
1 Thessalonians 5:18

Let's Go Eagles!!!

Well, two weekends ago the Eagles won a nail bitter against UCF. It was a crazy game, that literally came down to the last play. But, in the end the Eagles pulled it out. We were so excited. The rankings came out, #20 in the BCS... How awesome is that? The Eagles had everything going for them. There was even a shot at a BCS bowl game if all the stars had aligned. This past Thursday night Patrick and I headed to Birmingham to watch the Eagles take on UAB. We were looking forward to seeing them clinch the East division and spend time with family and friends. It was sure to be a wonderful weekend. Well, most of you know how it all happened. It was freezing, and the Eagles lost (Oh, and let me also mention this big guy fell on me, and I have to matching bruises on my shins, and I lost one of my favorite earrings). I feel better now... :-) We are still asking how this happened? None of us really know, how we could have lost that game? The coaches say, we were out coached, out played, and had no energy. How could you not be excited? You were on a run for one of the best seasons in a long time! Oh well...life does go on. But, it was a pretty devastating lost. This is the 3rd year in a row that we have lost to UAB. I think we are cursed.

After we got out of mourning, we did have a fantastic weekend. Friday, Patrick and I spent the day with Grandma and Poppa. Grandma fixed a delicious Thanksgiving meal (that we got to enjoy with my Uncle as well), and the rest of the afternoon was spent playing Rook. Grandma and Poppa were partners and Patrick and I were partners. I haven't laughed that hard or that much in a long time. Just imagine two people in their 80's playing a card game, where you have to depend on each other, and add on that they can't hear very well. I'm telling you, it was something else. We really had a great afternoon of playing cards. Looking forward to going back.

Saturday we spent the day with Kara (CT was hunting). We went shopping, and Patrick was a real trooper. We even took him to some of the "boy" stores as well. I got a few Christmas presents bought, so that was a good thing. We really enjoyed spending time with Kara. That night we got to play with Roxy, (the new dog) and watch football. She is so sweet. Kind of makes me want a dog.. ALMOST..., but not quite!

Sunday we headed over to my aunt and uncle's house, where we had Thanksgiving dinner. Mom and dad were there so they could spend sometime with Grandma and Poppa, and Adam, Amy, and Cameron drove over for the day. We were almost complete. Lori and James couldn't make it. They were missed, but it was a good day. Lots of good food and fellowship.

Looking forward to spending tomorrow afternoon and Thursday with Patrick's family, then headed back to Hattiesburg for Thanksgiving with my family. It will be wonderful to have everyone together. We have so much to be thankful for.

I am trying to decide if I want to brave the crowd on Friday for a little shopping. There are some really great deals, but I guess we will see how that works out. Saturday USM plays Memphis for one more chance to clench the East division. I really hope we play well especially for the seniors. There is still time for a great season. Hoping for a big win!

As the title states: Let's Go Eagles!!!!

Patrick and I at the game.

Kara and I at the game. It was a little cold!

Sweet Roxy!

Grandma and Cameron

Weekend

Well, I figured I better update about last weekend because this weekend is almost here. I am not sure where the week has gone. It feels like it has moved fast and slow all the same time. Nonetheless, Friday is almost here. Woohoo!

Anyways, last weekend we finally had a chance to go to the coast. It has been a long time since we had been. Thankfully, we haven't been kicked out of the family yet. We got to visit Patrick's grandparents, great-grandparents, and of course his parents and brother. Unfortunately, his dad was working nights so we didn't get to spend as much time with him as we would have liked too.

The highlight of the weekend was getting my haircut. It has been way too long since I had a haircut. I have been curly for the last 6 years or so. I have naturally straight hair, but after I met Patrick, and realized his mom owned her own salon I decided to give curly a try. And I loved it, and I still do, but I needed a change. And I change I got. But, I am loving it!!! It's pretty simple to maintain, and the best part I actually can go a day in between washing my hair. Can I get an Amen!!! I never could do that when my hair was curly. So, that is for sure a bonus. I'll have to post some before and after pictures soon.

We enjoyed eating, shopping, and just spending time with his family. On Sunday, we went to the Peter Anderson festival in Ocean Springs. It was crazy... I have never seen so many booths in my entire life. It was like an upscale arts and crafts festival. It was pretty neat, and a beautiful day!

Oh, and how could I forget we cheered on the Eagles by getting updates on our phones. It was pretty intense, but the Eagles did not disappoint. And we are now ranked #22! Pretty awesome, but we have to keep winning. This weekend we play UCF at home, should be a great game, and hopefully we will come out with a win! Looking forward to spending the weekend with family and friends and cheering for the black and gold.

And just to let you all know (all 3 of you), I am ready to put up our Christmas tree. Is it too early? I think we are going to start next week. If we don't get started we may never get it all up. I'm looking forward to decorating our house for Christmas.

And one last final thought... the situation at Penn State has me devastated. It just makes me so sad. I guess I have worked with people who have been victims of sexual abuse and no one can understand their pain. It really is a tragedy for all victims. And I'm not defending Joe Paterno by any means especially not knowing the entire story, but I find it incredibly sad that a coach and person so many people looked up to is ending his career like this.  Praying for all those impacted. I can barely watch the coverage without crying. It really makes you think about the decisions you make in life.

I guess that's it... Hope everyone has a great Friday and weekend!!!

GO EAGLES!!!!

Trick-Or-Treat

Well, do you like the new design?

I really do, I think it describes this season of life we are in perfectly. The month to really count our blessings, not that we shouldn't always, but I think Thanksgiving provides an extra time of being thankful. And Patrick and I have much to be thankful for. But, more on that later.

I have to tell you about our trick or treaters. Patrick and I were so excited to know that we live in a neighborhood where there are a lot of kids. We were prepared to have a lot of them ring our door bell on Monday night. At first, it was kind of slow and I thought we might be disappointed. But, Chapel Hill did not disappoint. We probably handed out candy to 50 to 60 kids at least. It was really fun. Patrick and I took turns answering the door, and had as much fun as the kids did. They were so cute, and just melted my heart. Makes me look forward to the days where we will be able to share these days with our children. We had just enough candy... I was thankful. I thought I might have to dig through my pantry for any late starters. 

And this past weekend we got to hang out with the cutest little pumpkin ever! Yes, the nephew. I have to tell you, he is so sweet, I could just eat him up. Patrick and I really enjoyed spending time with Adam, Amy, and Cameron. Can't wait for them to come back!



It's hard to believe it is already November. Where has this year gone? We are finally getting to head to the coast this weekend. We haven't been since July... I know bad us... We have seen Patrick's parents a lot over football weekends, but we need to visit with his grandparents and great-grandparents as well. Looking forward to the weekend. And I am getting a new hair do. I am so excited, and just a little nervous!

Hope you have a great Friday and weekend!!!

Cuteness

I just wanted to stop by to share a little piece of joy with you all. You all know how much I adore my sweet nephew. Well, there have been some precious pictures that are just too cute not to share. Cameron, I hope you know much you are loved. You are a true blessing. You melt my heart!



SMTTT!!! Love your little jacket.




Such a big boy!
Cameron at 7 months


 

Cameron at 7 months laying next to his coming home outfit. He has done a little growing! I love his expression. It's like he is trying not to move.

 Just thought I would share the cuteness.

In other news USM had a big win on Saturday against SMU. It was a great game. USM is now ranked #25 in the country. We hope they can keep it going.

And for my memory... Patrick and I have been in a trying season of life. Just for many reasons, and we have our plans and told God what should happen, while also waiting for His plans. You know the mixture of trusting God, but still thinking you can do it. Well, I was reminded today that God's plans are better than mine. He never leaves us, and will see us through it all. We are incredibly blessed. We are thankful for His timing and plans in our life.

Hope you have a great rest of the week!

A little Vacation and a Birthday!

Well, I am back... Okay, I have been back since last Thursday, but I am back to the blog too. Mom, Dad, Lori and I had a wonderful vacation. We took a little cruise to Progresso and Cozumel Mexico. It was nice to be away and just to relax and spend time with the family. Although, my husband was greatly missed. He held the fort down nicely at home. Anyways, back to the cruise. It really was a great time. We go to sleep, relax, eat, read, and do it all over again. It was so nice. But, let me tell you it was HOT. I think it was hotter this cruise than on the one in July. We had great weather, and got to enjoy the double-decker bus tour in Progresso and a day at the beach in Cozumel. I loved it. As you get older you cherish the memories even more. Let me tell you, it was a hoot just being the girls and dad. He was a trooper though, and he knows he loved it! I enjoyed the quality time with this sister too. Ah.. the memories of sharing a room. :-) Nonetheless, we had a great time together. The reality is these trips may not happen as much with the craziness of life. I am so thankful for the opportunity. Thank you mom and dad for taking me. And as a side note anyone who is starting to feel bad for Adam because he did not get to go... Don't feel bad for long... Adam, Amy, and Cameron are going on a cruise with Mom and Dad in March.



In Progresso



I beat them all in goofy golf!

Lori and I are on the way to Passion Island

Beautiful Passion Island in Cozumel

A family portrait. We got good at taking these ourselves.



Last Friday, I celebrated my 26th birthday. My, where has the time gone!?! 26 years.... It was a very relaxing day. It started with Patrick getting up very early to go to AT&T to get me the new iPhone 4s. I would not say I'm really into all the latest gadgets, but I had the iPhone 3G... no 3Gs, no 4, but the 3G.. It was a dinosaur. I desperately needed an upgrade. I was so happy when he brought in the new iPhone. I really do love it. It is so much faster, and has some really neat features. One of which is the ios5 upgrade. You can imessage.. It doesn't use text or data. How neat is that. If anyone has the iPhone 4 out there you can upgrade to ios5 for free and anyone who has it you can imessage with, even on an iPad!
Enough about that, but it was a GREAT present. I then got to have lunch with mom, Lori, and Patrick, followed by cookie cake and singing! (my favorite) Mom and I did a little shopping for my birthday, and I was pretty much lazy the rest of the day. Patrick and I did go to dinner as well. It was a GREAT day! I felt very loved by all the cards and messages. I am very blessed!

One last birthday note, Patrick had beautiful mums and pumpkins waiting on me when I returned home!!! Aren't they beautiful? I love them!!! and him!!!

And last, but not least.. GO EAGLES!!!! This Saturday USM plays SMU at the Rock and it's homecoming, and the weather should be beautiful. This is a BIG game for the Eagles. Hoping for the W!

Have a great weekend!

Out of the Office

I know... I know... I said I would do a blog post to catch you all up. Lots has been happening around here. But, I will have to catch you when I get back from a little vacation. I will be out of the office this week.

Patrick will be holding down the fort, while mom, dad, Lori and I spend some quality time together... Mom had wanted to take a girls trip before I got married, but that never happened. So, with Lori getting married in 2012 we decided we better jump on the opportunity. With all the crazy schedules this was the best time to go. Somehow dad is getting to go too... I will miss Patrick, and Adam, Amy, and Cameron... but looking forward to some time with the sister and the parents. I will fill you in when I get back.

Hope everyone has a great week!!!

Oh yeah and Go Eagles!!!! Beat Navy!!!

Football Season 2011

Catch-Up... Almost...

I know, I got behind again. I really had good intentions.. same story, different song, I know. I have a lot I want to write about, but so little time. However, I thought I would give you a quick update on what's to come.

*Last weekend, we had a great time in Birmingham spending time with our great friends Kara and CT, and my grandparents. Many highlights to talk about.

*Tuesday, marked the day 7 years ago that Patrick and I started dating. It's hard to believe it's been 7 years!!! We don't really celebrate, but it's just a day to remember.. I'll never forget it. Although, I did get flowers and cookies. That was sweet huh!?

*Also, my dear, sweet friend Emily lost her grandmother this past week. Ma, was such a special lady. I remember visiting her house growing up. We had lots of fun there fishing in the pond, making butter, and riding in the woods. She will be greatly missed, but she is in a place with no more suffering. We know she is made new, and is rejoicing with our Father. It was great to see her, Dave, and Sarah. I wish it had not been under those circumstances, but a joy in my heart to see their faces. Praying for the Howell family as they rejoice and mourn the loss of sweet Ma.

*It is a beautiful day here in Mississippi. Hoping for a beautiful weekend. It will be a full weekend. Patrick's family will be here, our friends CT and Kara, my grandparents form Birmingham (this is a treat), and Adam, Amy, Cameron, and Albe.. and there is a BIG football game. We will be on the go, but it will be filled with so much joy and laughter. I can hardly wait.

I promise to catch up soon. Have a great weekend!

Happy Birthday Samantha!!!

Happy Birthday to our Sweet Friend Samantha!!!

We hope you have the best day!!!!

Not often do you find a friend like Samantha. It was truly God who brought us together as roommates in college... Samantha is a forever friend, and Patrick and I both are so thankful for her. She would do anything for you, and encourages and prayers for you daily. She truly is a wonderful friend.

Happy Birthday Samantha!

We hope you have a wonderful day!!!

Here's to many more birthday celebrations!

Hope all your wishes come true!!!

We love you!!!

Samantha even braved the USM game with us in the torrential down pour. That is a true friend!

Weekend Recap

Yes, I know it is Wednesday, and the weekend was over a few days ago, but I can't seem to stay on top of things. I have been meaning to write this blog since Sunday night. You see how well this has worked.

Anyways, this is what has been going on in bullet format. Hope you enjoy!
* Friday night Patrick's parents, brother, and our friends  Kara and CT came to town. We all went to Crescent City, it was very delicious!
* Saturday morning the boys played golf, while the girls did a little shopping. We all went to Letha's for lunch.
* After lunch, it was time to get ready for the USM football game. We were hoping for a big win. We went to Eagle Walk to pump up the Eagles, then went to the book store to kill some time. However, not too much time because soon it was time to get to the stadium.
* The weather was perfect, and we enjoyed a GREAT game. The Eagles scored over 50 points. We are hoping we do as well against West Virginia, Virginia (thank you Lori for pointing this out, I debated a long time about if it was West Virginia or just Virginia.. I chose wrong!) this weekend.
* We had Winged-It after the game... always a good late night choice.
* Sunday morning Patrick's parents headed out, and we got to spend some time with Kara and CT. We were all a little tired.
* We went to Movie Star for lunch because Patrick's grandparents were passing through and wanted to try it. It did not disappoint it. It was very good.
* It sounds like all we did this weekend was eat... well maybe so :-).
* Early that afternoon CT and Kara left.. we were sad to see them go. The weekend was not long enough and we do not get to hangout with them as much as we would like. But, never fear we are headed to Birmingham for a long weekend to spend time with them and with my grandparents, yeah!
* I got a little nap Sunday afternoon and got the house picked up. Then we went over to my parent's house to see them and spend time with Lori. Always nice to be able to do that.
* Monday came too soon... It's been a crazy week. I have worked late every night, and tonight is no different. However, I am excited about celebrating Samantha's birthday with friends tonight.
* I guess that sums it up. Headed to Birmingham for the long weekend. Looking forward to a break.

Hope everyone is having a great week!

PS: I'll post some pictures of the weekend soon.

A Day of Remembrence

9/11 holds many memories for people all over the country. I remember coming out of First Priority my 10th grade year and learning of the attacks. I'm not sure I truly understood what it meant or what was happening. What do you mean our country is under attack? Why would someone want to attack us and kill so many innocent people? I am not sure I even understand to this day, but I guess who does? I know that my heart ached as we saw more and more images of all the devastation and loss of the lives on that day 10 years ago.

My heart still aches for all those who lost loved ones. I cannot begin to imagine the pain and suffering they felt. I can only hope they find peace in our Savior and know they are not alone. I pray for all the children who have to grow up without a mom, dad, brother, sister, grand-parent, aunt, uncle, or friend. Tears still pour down my cheeks as I see images and hear stories. My human nature still wants to question sometimes, how could this happen? I can only hope life lessons have been learned from that tragic day, and that our nation stands together.

I was able to visit ground zero a few weeks years ago on a trip to New York. The site tells the story itself. It was moving to see it for myself. I hope Patrick and I have the opportunity to visit the memorial and museum one day.

This truly is a day of Remembrance. A day I will never forget, and one I'm sure my children will be reading about in the history books. As our hearts are filled with many emotions, I think it is also necessary to reflect on all the heroes of that day. There were many... and I hope they will never be forgotten.

Praying for our country, and all the families directly and indirectly impacted by the events of 9/11.

"One Nation Under God"

Date Night

It is a very rare treat that Patrick and I have an actual date night. Sometimes I wonder why we do not have one more often, but many weekends are consumed with sporting events, family in town, or us out of town. We do not find ourselves with a free night too often (and we wouldn't have it any other way.) However, this Friday night we decided it would be a great night to go to dinner and a movie. I was so very excited. I love spending quality time with my husband, and after a crazy week it was just what we needed. It feels like there have been a lot of sad things happening in our life lately (not to us personally, but to family and friends), so it was good to unwind from the week.

On the way to the movie

We enjoyed dinner, then went to see Contagion. It was a good movie, with a great story line. I would have loved for some of the plot to develop more, but we both enjoyed it. And it really makes you think about all the germs out there. 

We thought about coffee or ice cream after the movie, but we decided we were too full to eat anything else. However, we did enjoy cherry sprite zero from sonic. It was a great night, and I am thankful for the time we got to spend together.

Today was a pretty low key day too... We watched a lot of football, including watching the Eagles LOSE. It was a disappointing lose, but life goes on right!?! Hopefully, they can get it together by next week!

Wet, Wild, Weekend

Last weekend, Patrick and I had our first "party" at our new home. This "party" was in conjunction with the first football game for USM. We were so excited to see all of our friends and watch the Eagles play. We decided to have the party at our house instead of a traditional on-campus tailgate because we thought it was going to be miserably hot!!!! Well, it was not so hot, but it was WET.... Tropical storm Lee brought us a lot of rain over the weekend, and Saturday was no exception. It worked out well for tailgating because it was cool enough for people to sit outside in the garage. That was a relief because I was worried about where everyone was going to sit inside. And I'll my worrying was pretty much for nothing.. It turned out to be a great tailgating party, not too wild..., and I think everyone had a great time. It was a lot of fun to catch up with friends that we had not seen in awhile, and make a few new ones. We were thankful and happy to share our home with friends and family. We had plenty of good food and fellowship.

The house is tailgate ready!

We bleed black and gold!

Waiting for everyone to come!

Wonderful cheese ball!

Ready for lunch!

Samantha and I ready for some football! Or, maybe just some food!

Have I mentioned that the game did not start until 9:00PM! Yes, you read that right. The original plan was to go to Eagle Walk at 7, but because of all the rain it was cancelled. Therefore, a little before 8 it was time to suit up and go to the game. We all got our rain gear out, and were set. It was a little wet, but thanks to my rain jacket and poncho, the only thing that got really wet was my bottom. The rain let up a few times, and it was nice to take a breather. We were so excited to see the Eagles play, however, the game was as pretty as the weather.. ha! But, in the end the Eagles pulled it off. I was so glad! I was going to be seriously upset if I sat in the rain to watch us lose. This weekend we are gearing up to watch the Eagles play Marshall on TV. Hope we can pull off a win, we are hoping for a big season from the Eagles. First conference game is important! ***It's not looking good for the Eagles against Marshall... so disappointing..


***And a funny side note to share: Right before we got out of the car at the stadium, I handed the tickets to Patrick for easy access. He looked at them, and said, "where is the rest of the ticket?" I looked at him, like what are you talking about, this is the ticket. Then he compared them to his parents' tickets and I realized I had torn them where they are suppose to be torn at the gate... uh oh.. I was a little panicked.. I wasn't sure what we were going to go. Patrick said we would play it cool, so we got to the gate (I was holding my breath), Patrick handed the lady the tickets and said the guy up there tore them, and she said okay. No harm done! Thank goodness... Now, my brother comes to the stadium a little later, and told my dad and I, "I wasn't sure if they were going to let me in." So, of course I ask why, and he proceeds to tell us that he did not have all of his ticket... hahahahaha!!! He did the same thing I did... Too funny.. I guess we really are related. And don't worry, Patrick will tear the tickets from now on!!

Trying to stay dry, but still smiling!

Hope you all have a great weekend. We hope to rest some too because next weekend will be wild again with USM playing at home, and our good friends CT and Kara are coming to stay with us for the game!

Are YOU Ready for some Football?!?

Yes, it's that time of the year again and the Lowery household is excited. I grew up around sports my entire life, and when I say I bleed black and gold I am not exaggerating. It really is the truth. I always wondered if I would marry someone who loved USM as much as my family. Well, let me tell that you that I did. Patrick also bleeds black and gold. Any my favorite sport is starting FOOTBALL!!! I love college football, and USM has their first game this weekend. We are really looking forward to watching the Eagles play. We are hoping for a GREAT season. USM has been known to build you up, and then bring you down, but hopefully this will prove to be good year for them.

We are having our tailgating party at our house this weekend. The rest of the week will be spent getting ready for it. I have come to the conclusion that a perfectionist planning a party does not go together. I know I just have to let a lot of stuff go, and make the most of it. I just want to have plenty of food and room, and I want everyone to be happy. I hope all of those happen. (I'll give a report next week on how it went.)

Who are you cheering for this weekend? You can bet, we will be wearing the black and gold and cheering loud for those Eagles!

SOUTHERN MISS TO THE TOP!!!