The Race for the Gold Ball

It's that time of year again… unless you're a coach's wife, you have no idea what I'm referring to. Although the season may seem intense, nothing is as tense as the weeks of the State Playoffs. Everything changes in these 5 weeks. Teams may be predictable in season, but once the playoffs hit- all things are possible. It's win or go home-- and no one is ever ready to head home.

The Golden Demons charging in to the Stadium
(The photograph I risked my safety for-- so glad it turned out!)

Thankfully, our Golden Demon's have already found themselves in the second round of the state playoffs! Rally towels were swinging like crazy in the Golden Demon Stadium this past Friday night! It's exciting for the fans, but for the coaching wives it's a whole new level of excitement. All of the HOURS and HOURS our husbands put in [whether it's on the field in practice, in the film room, or simply on their own working and watching film] finally starts to play off- in a big way.

A friend and fellow coaching wife and I always sit together at games-- well we did until I almost took her out with my great excitement when we intercepted the ball in a BIG play with only 8 minutes left in the game. I went to hug her and while I was hugging her I yelled, we just won the ball game!!! (Bless her heart, I pretty much tackled her) She started laughing and people around us thought we were crazy-- I thought to myself, weren't not crazy, we've just been around our husbands so long that we are starting to think like them and knew that we had just won a ballgame!

Beggs Making the headlines in the Tulsa World Saturday Morning 

It was a rough week prior to the victory. Lee was diagnosed with acute bronchitis in the middle of the week, but is receiving treatment as if he has pneumonia considering he will not be able to stay out of the cold weather for the unforeseen future. In addition, another coach came down the a nasty stomach virus the day of the game. Both, still came out and did their job and helped lead our team without one complaint. So proud of the staff that surrounds my husband on a daily basis. The Lord is so good!

This was the first playoff victory for my husband while being the head coach. Consequently, it was a big night for our household!

So proud of this man!

As Lee and I were walking off the field, one of our starting running backs asked me if I would make the team some more of the gooey butter cake that I have randomly surprised them with throughout the season. So of course I said yes!

After buying out the stock on the shelves at Walmart of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and cake mix I went to work. Making enough Gooey Butter Cake for our entire team is quite a challenge! High school boys can put away food on any day, much less after a big practice. Lee asks that they stay away from a lot of sugar while in season, but I think this calls for an exception.

Gooey Butter Cake has always been a staple dessert in our home. My St. Louis roots can't help but love a good Gooey Butter Cake. 

After baking, baking, and more baking, I finally have enough to take the team tonight when practice is over. I love being able to bring little goodies to the team and the coaches throughout the season. It makes what they do day in and day out a little brighter. 

Now it's off to bring home another W for our town this coming Friday night! Who would have thought I would be anxiously awaiting another victory that causes my husband to be gone so much? 

You better believe I'll still be the loudest and proudest fan in the stands!!! 

Zucchini Chips

Being a coach's wife doesn't leave much time for home cooked meals during the season.  We are constantly on the run to the next game, getting home ultra late after meetings and practice, or simply just exhausted from all the special functions and events that football season brings. Thus, clean eating has not been priority in our house. Let's be real- it's more of a grab and go or throw some comfort food our way time of year. No matter the year, football season always brings its challenges and this is usually the hardest. My crockpot literally broke from extreme use this season. (Thankfully, Williams-Sonoma ships quickly--otherwise Lee would be out of luck for a while!)

However this week we decided enough was enough. A healthy diet leads to so much more than slim figures. It gives you more energy, better moods, clearer skin and a happier well-being all around. 

So today I ventured out and made two new dishes. (Thanks, Pinterest!)

First on the menu was Zucchini Chips. Any form of chip is always welcomed with eager arms in our home… however, I was very skeptical about this particular kind. I mean, a vegetable as a chip? No way that could actually be enjoyable, right? 

Wrong.

They are surprisingly delicious!

The Cast of Characters:

Zucchini

Apple Cider Vinegar

Olive Oil

Salt

Pepper

Start out by slicing the Zucchini ultra thin. I read that lots of people liked theirs about 1/4 inch thick; however, my favorite ones were the ultra thin ones that throughly dried and got extra crispy.

I put all my Zucchini slices into a bowl and poured a little apple cider vinegar over the top and stirred. This simply gave a little tangy flavor to the chips. It is definitely an optional step.

Next, line your Zucchini on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. (I buy precut parchment paper specifically for baking sheets from King Arthur Flour. I highly recommend them! Grab one, cook, and then throw it away with all the mess once you are finished. It's lovely.)

The next step can be done one of two ways: either buy Pam with Olive Oil and spray a light coating over the slices, or in my case since I didn't have any of the Olive Oil Pam Spray, I chose to use a brush and lightly coat the slices myself.

After you've oiled the slices, pull out your salt and pepper and go to town. However, remember that the Zucchini will shrink in the oven and thus your spices seem to double in taste once the chips are finished. I definitely over did the pepper--so take it from me, less is more in this case!

Throw them in a 230 degree oven for 1 hour. If the chips are not dried out and crispy at the one hour mark, keep cooking them but check back every 10 minutes so they do not get over done. Mine ended up needing about and hour and a half total cooking time. 

Finally the chips were served.

Although they still can't compare to a good ol' baked potato chip, they make their own statement and give another veggie serving as a bonus!

These will definitely be on repeat in our home.

Up next: Oopsie Rolls (Gluten-Free Buns)

Our Story: Part 3

I absolutely loved wedding plans. The options numerous and the possibilities endless. Thankfully our families were from the same area and not much travel was needed to get everyone there for the big day.

My brother was away at Medical School and we were adamant that he be there for our special day. He had three dates that he would be able to come home... so we quickly decided and the date was set. 

Eleven months later... we were MARRIED! 

Lee & I on the church steps after the ceremony

Our wedding cake under a live floral chandelier

 April 30, 2011 was a night we will never forget. So much fun and laughter. We wouldn't trade the memories we made with our family and friends for anything.

We had to postpone our honeymoon trip because spring football was in full swing and finals were upon me at the University of Arkansas.

Our first few months of marriage were CRAZY BUSY to say the least.

Lee had accepted his first head coaching position. We were packing up my apartment, his rental house and moving everything to our new home in Gore, Oklahoma. But that wasn't the extent of the craziness. On top of it all, we decided to remodel our new home in Gore before we moved in. Mass chaos describes that summer perfectly.

When we won our first District Championship (excuse the blurry photo)

After serving the Lord for two years in Gore, Lee and I felt the Lord leading us to a new town. In January of 2013, Lee accepted the Head Coaching position in Beggs, Oklahoma. 

We were nervous and excited all at the same time. We knew the Lord had lead us here and were certain it was where He wanted us to be. 

You know you are walking in the Lord's will and direction when everything falls into place perfectly. There were so many miracles (yes, true miracles) that happened in the Spring of 2013 with Lee and I. Everything from finding a home, to my graduation from the University of Arkansas. That semester is one I will always credit to the Lord. He taught me so many things in those short few months that I pray I will never forget. My God is truly good ALL the time.

Lee coaching the Beggs Demons to another Victory in the fall of 2013

We have finally finished remodeling our second home (yes, we ventured into another remodel despite the chaos it brought two years earlier) and couldn't feel more at home than we do here in Beggs. Having grown up in a city, I never understood the small community environment as well as I do now. I love being a part of a town that genuinely cares for one another. I am proud and excited to see what the Lord does in the years to come here in Beggs. 

The Lord's plans have only begun to unfold for this country boy and city girl. May the Lord shine His light through us to a generation in need of His Truth. 

Living our lives 100 yards of love at a time,

Our Story: Part 2

After bombing the first date, I declined him for a second. I had a wedding to go to that day so it worked out perfect (or so I thought)…

A week had past and no word from the coach since I declined his second date request. I was perplexed as to why he wasn’t still contacting me—this hadn’t ever happened before.

I had come home for the weekend and was sitting in my mom’s classroom as I looked out the window only to find Lee staring right back at me. It was the most awkward window wave I have ever given.

So very politely, Lee came into the classroom and said hello. Another fellow teacher (who was our same age) was in my mother’s classroom at the same time. It appeared as if I had declined Lee’s invitation in favor of “the other guy.” Little did Lee know that wasn’t an issue! You could cut the air in that classroom with a knife that afternoon; however, being the southern gentleman that he is, Lee was very nice and polite regardless.

As I watched from the window the football team load the bus for the game, I remember pulling out my phone wondering if Lee would text again. After much deliberation, I decided to be friendly and let him know I hoped he did well in his game and that I would be praying for him.

Lee coaching in the fall of 2009

Lee had the opportunity to coach his cousin during his senior year in 2009 (These were the days when Lee didn't cut his hair during football season)

He was persistent and asked me out again the following evening. This time, it was on my “turf,” the tennis court. After showing him the ropes on the court, (lets take a minute and not forget who won that game! Whoop Whoop! It’s the only sport I can even come close to competing with him in) we walked around the local park and got to know each other a little bit better.

After that night, there has yet to be a weekend go by that we haven’t spent it together.

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Only 7 short months later, Lee proposed! But not in any ole way… he went ALL OUT!

I had warned him that he better do it right, or I would make him do it again… and he took me seriously!

Lee conspired and got both of our families in on the action. It was May of 2010 and we were all headed on a fun filled family vacation to Walt Disney World! The most magical place of all! I LOVE Disney and was pumped to be heading down to Florida that spring.

Lee’s family is very spread out. His sisters ranged from age 7 to 16 at the time, so it was no surprise that we would choose Disney World as the destination. His sisters had never been to Disney and it had been years since I was there.

The first full day we were at Disney we started out with a character breakfast. It was so much fun! I mean, who doesn’t want to eat breakfast with Pluto?! At the end of breakfast, all the ladies ran to powder our noses quickly before we headed out for more excitement in Magic Kingdom. When I came back, Lee was gone and in his place was an envelope addressed to me. 

I quickly opened the envelope and began to read the news that Snow White had sent her dwarfs to capture Lee because she was no longer the fairest maiden in the land since I had arrived. After reading the details in the letter, I set out to "free" Lee through accomplishing several tasks throughout Magic Kingdom.

The minute I arrived to my next stop, a Disney employee would bring me my next clue. It was I was in a dream--out to capture my prince.

Lee's sisters helped me with my hunt

After several hours of hunting and performing crazy tasks, it finally hit me--he's going to propose!!! I was so excited when I finally found him at Cinderella's castle holding a beauty bouquet of flowers shaped like a pillow with a glass slipper and tiara on top. My eyes were going to and fro searching for that diamond ring!!! Yet it wasn't there..........

After we all took pictures and I realized that it was all over and THAT. WAS. IT.

Lee mentioned that we should all go back to our rooms and take a nap before we headed out to dinner. A nap?! Really?! We are in DISNEY WORLD!!! I thought to myself... in between my self-lecturing about how I won't be "that girl" who is mad because she didn't get a ring. I was going to be happy and thankful that I had a guy who would go to such measures just to bring a smile to my face.

After everyone napped, we headed to dinner.

While at dinner, it started STORMING outside. The storms seemed to make everyone uneasy, except me. I couldn't figure out why everyone was so uptight about the issue. We could ride the tram back to our hotel on Disney property and never have to step foot outside. I obviously had no idea what was in store for our evening plans...

After dinner, we headed out to a boat dock in which we boarded a yacht. If any of you have been to Magic Kingdom, you know there is a river in the front of the Kingdom from which you can get excellent views of the nightly firework show over Cinderella's Castle. (Side note: I had always wanted to be Cinderella every since I was a little girl. Cindy was always my favorite Disney Princess)

The Yacht's surround system was linked into Disney's Wishes firework show and the music that accompanied. We relaxed and enjoyed the ride along the river and then the fireworks show started. It was magical! It doesn't matter how many times you watch the Disney firework show, it's always spectacular!

About half-way through the Wishes show, Jiminy Cricket says "if you just believe, dreams really do come true." It was at that point that Lee dropped to one knee and asked me to marry him. And of course I said YES!!! It couldn't have been more perfect. All of our family was there and we were ENGAGED!

God knew what He was doing when He let this city girl fall deeply in love with a crazy country boy. 

Our Story: Part 1

It all started back in the summer of 2009.

I was a student at the University of Arkansas, but was home for summer break. The private high school that had I graduated from had a teaching position open and had asked my mother if she would like to come and fill the teaching spot. [Keep in mind, my mother hadn’t had an “employed” job since I was born and before that it was in an Children’s Hospital, not a classroom]. So after much deliberation, (and me begging my mom to take the job—with no real reason except I thought it would keep her busy and would be fun) she finally accepted the position and became the new teacher on the block.

Little did I know what that year would have in store for me….

In the mid-October of that same year, I received a random phone call from a former teacher of mine (who at this point now has a classroom next door to my mother).

She was calling to tell me that she had given my phone number to the new football coach. I was speechless. I didn’t know the new coach, I hadn’t met the new coach (or at least didn’t remember—he later told me that I had met him- oops!) and I had most definitely never entertained the idea of a blind date! I felt as if she just handed me over to a complete stranger. And being the small school, small community environment that it was, I most definitely couldn’t be rude and say no! So here I was… in what I thought at the time was  a MAJOR problem.

Within a few hours of received the news, I received a text message from this “new coach.” He told me how he had received my number and then proceeded to invite me to his varsity football game that evening in my hometown.

So I grabbed my girl friends and headed out to my alma mater for an incredibly awkward football game. My friends thought the whole situation was hilarious. Yet, I was in a sheer sweat throughout the whole game at the mere thought of the whole ordeal.

The night ended fairly painlessly until the “new coach” asked me to go out that Saturday night. Of course I had to at least give the guy a chance, right?

Side note: before I continue, I must inform you all that I am most definitely a city girl. 

I wore heels and lipstick, and was never seen otherwise.

So the next day rolls around and the “new coach” calls because he was lost and couldn’t find my house. While on the phone, he warns me that he is wearing cowboy boots. I told him that was fine, but in my head I was thinking “who wears cowboy boots on a date?” (see—told you I was a city girl!)

After finally figuring out where he was, he picked me up and we headed out for an evening out on the town. 

Little did I know this would be my LAST first date…

To Be Continued...

Check back soon for what 

happened next with the city girl & the country boy...

Door Decor

This year, I went a little unconventional with my front door fall decorations. Instead of the traditional round wreath, I mixed it up a bit.

My mother found this in little boutique back home and snatched it up for me. I love how it turned out!

If you are ever in Northwest Arkansas shopping, swing by Opulence. I love all of Rena's unique home decor items in her little boutique. My mother and I have been faithful customers of Rena's for years.  {Click here to visit her Facebook page}

Happy Birthday, Miss Ellie Mae!

Today our little fur-ball turns 3!

Ellie loves the fall too =)

I began the search for the perfect hunting dog for a christmas present to Lee in the fall of 2010. Being the thorough researcher that my mother raised me to be, I discovered a type of Golden Retrievers called English Cream. As if finding a well bred Golden Retriever wasn't hard enough, I added another factor to the mix.

Ellie's biological family

After being put on wait-list after wait-list from breeders across the country, I finally found a breeder not far from where I was currently located who still had puppies available!  I was ecstatic! I was first on her list for her future liter and thus was able to take the first pick of the liter. 

Click Here to Visit Heart of Gold Retrievers
[I would HIGHLY recommend this breeder to anyone in search of a well bred Golden. They will not disappoint.]

After multiple trips and lots of play time with the puppies, I finally selected Miss Ellie Mae (whom I named Bella for weeks until Lee changed her name to Ellie after receiving her--poor dog had an identity crisis) 

The day we brought Miss Ellie Mae home

Although Ellie is highly capable, comes from a topnotch lineage and is incredibly intelligent, her momma has spoiled her too much and thus she isn't so intrigued with putting a dead duck in her mouth. She's smart enough to realize that requires getting out of her bed WAY too early on Saturdays and having to swim in ice cold dirty water. Oops! Sorry Dad, maybe next time you'll get your hunting dog. Ha!

It's been so fun to see her change from her puppy stage to her adult personality. Ellie Mae is definitely part of our family and we wouldn't have it any other way.

Happy Birthday, Miss Ellie Mae! 

Oh Fall, How We've Missed You

One of my favorite things about football season is getting to see my family every weekend. With living farther away, and everyone's crazy schedules it is often times hard to get together throughout the year. However, thankfully my parents LOVE football and love coming to support Lee and I at our games. I love having them there helping me cheer on our Golden Demons to victory. Plus, I get my handy Dad to the house every weekend to help me with what I now call "Daddy-Do-Lists." Jackpot! My father is extremely handy and I have taken fully advantage of his talents lately. Bless his heart, maybe one day he can have a completely relaxing trip to see us- Ha! =)

And with football comes the FALL! Lee and I think this is definitely the best time of the year. Sweatshirts get pulled out of the closet, cow bells dinging at ball games and the colors changing in the trees bring smiles to all who see. With the sight of the holidays are just around the corner, how could anyone not love the fall? I also think our love for the fall has a little something to do with the fact that we originally met in the fall. Corny, maybe, but it's definitely brought even more fond feelings towards this time of the year in our home.

Our First Fall Together

Now that our house is becoming a home and boxes have disappeared, we are truly able to relax a little more with the small amount of time that we do have together at home lately. No more dreading unpacking in our "spare time." Hallelujah!

So for now, I'll break out the blankets, grab a cup of cocoa and enjoy the beautiful weather the Lord has blessed us with yet again. Hello Fall, oh how we have missed you.

When Trials Roar

Over the past week, our community has been struck forcefully. After feeling as if the world couldn't cave in any more, another football player received word that his mother had gone to be with the Lord. When my husband got the phone call my heart dropped-- "Lord, this is too much for these kids."

Text messages and phone calls have flooded our household this week with questions. Deep questions. Questions that I don't have exact answers for. Questions that only God can answer.

"Why do bad things happen to good people?"

"Why did God allow this?"

As my husband and I looked at each other trying to help answer questions together, all we could think to say was scripture. And that's when it hit me-- it doesn't matter what we say, all that matters is scripture. God's word is the only thing that can come close to answering the roaring questions that are swirling around.

The Lord is in control and will remain on His throne no matter how much our world seems to crumble. Although our minds can't wrap understanding around what the Lord allows to happen, I will remain confident that through it all, we will see His goodness. (psalms 27:13)

The Football Captains carried their fallen player's jersey out on the field for the coin toss in remembrance of their friend. In addition, one also wore his number throughout the game. 

My husband and I have only been a part of this community for a short time, yet I feel like we have known the people here for so much longer. When they hurt, we hurt. We truly are one big family.

Through trials and hardship, God's grace is sufficient and so much more evident. For how would we know joy if not for pain.

I ask that you please keep our kids and team wrapped in pray this next week as funerals begin and loved ones are laid to rest. May the Lord's lovingkindness be present and His goodness seen. I pray that through the darkest hours, His light shines brighter than ever to this group of young people.

And forever we will say, You're the Lord our God

Click here to read the News Report

Ranked in Top Ten

I was grinning ear to ear this week as I read the Daily Oklahoman. My husband's football team entered a top ten ranking after scoring two hard fought victories to kick start the season. In pre-season, we were ranked 34, but have quickly entered the top ten! I'd say that deserves some celebration!!  But not too much, as we have another tough battle quickly approaching this Friday night.

To read the Oklahoman's rankings, click here.

If you weren't able to make the first few games and would like to catch up with some pictures of the Beggs Demons, click here.

Heartache

I lay awake tonight as my heart aches for my Beggs family. The agony is real, the pain deep, and the burden heavy. The loss of a peer strikes young people like a knife- sharp and double edged. Many questions arise... with no good earthly answers to combat them.

"I have told you these things so that you will have peace of

heart and mind, Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows, 

but cheer up, for I have overcome the world." -John 16:33

Although life may see like a vapor, there is always a purpose. There are times in life when trials seem to be more than we can bear, thats when you let go and let God. He never asked us to walk this life alone. Instead He's walking us hand-in-hand through life's journeys till we one day see Him face to face.
Oh, what a joyous day that will be!

In the morning, when I rise... Give me Jesus

Photoshop Fun

Considering I've been keeping my Canon very active lately, I decided to start exploring in Photoshop. 

So this afternoon I took Miss Ellie Mae outside and played a little catch. She was more than eager to cooperate with my photo spree as long as she could play at the same time.

Here are a few glimpses into our afternoon of fun in the sun and a few photoshop edits to match.

Before: Original Image

After: Edited Image

Before: Original Image

After: Edited Image

I've never been big on editing my pictures, but it's never too late to start!

Before: Original Image

Edit #1

Edit #2

Just a little fun with my girl while the hubs is away at football meetings. 

Golden Demons

I saw a shirt this week was entirely fitting for this time of year. It stated, "I have no life, I'm a football coach's wife." So true! Especially during the season. Although it's definitely the busiest part of our year, it is also our favorite time of year. Football is addicting... yet oh so rewarding.

This year I have found myself in the midst of things not as the errand lady, but rather as a photog. Photography has always been a hobby, but never something I've had enough time to sit down and get good at. I decided to setup a football blog simply for all the football pictures to be gathered and posted on one site throughout the year (and I must say, there are some great ones up right now). Head over to the Golden Demon Blog and see what's been happening down on the turf in our neck of the woods.

Moms Scrimmaging at  Mom's 101

First Things First