Another District Title in the Books

Last night, my husband's football team captured another District Championship and brought the title back to our town for 2014! I am so very proud of all the hard work that each player and coach have put in since the spring to get the team to this point. I'm especially proud of this guy... =)

Lee and I after the big win! [Cole made this district title picture =)]

Three years ago, my husband captured his very first district title as a head coach...

And last night we were able to recreate the same picture with our dear friends and fellow coaching family. I'm so very thankful to have such good friends to share in the crazy, wild ride of our football life. Here's to many more recreated pictures!!

My husband and I on the left, our offensive coordinator and his wife on the right.

Playoffs here we come! Cole baby, stay put... We have 5 more weeks of football to finish.

7-On-7 Shootout of the South

This past weekend, Lee took part of his football team down to Little Rock for an invitation only 7-on-7 tournament. It was a blast! Although the heat was unbearable at times, the boys were troopers and held strong throughout the day. I was amazed by how many Beggs fans made the 5 hour drive down to southern Arkansas to root on our players. These boys are truly blessed!

As I was sitting in the shade trying to get ride of a nasty heat rash that had found itself covering both of my legs, I received a dreaded phone call from a fellow coaching wife. Towards the end of the first day, despite his amazing catch, one of our players came down hard on his ankle. He was taken to the medical tent where they called me over to get him to the ER right away for images to be taken to make sure he hadn't broken any bones.

If I hadn't be "initiated" in to the coaching wives club already, that day I most definitely found my badge. My phone was ringing off the hook that afternoon. Between parents calling, hospital staff asking questions, me trying to get the player admitted to the hospital, and all the while trying to keep contact between my husband and the players parents about what was happening with him... lets just say it was a crazy afternoon! Thankfully, no major medical care was needed. A trip back to the hotel and room-service was just what the doctor ordered for all of us, to say the least!

To see more pictures, visit beggsfootball.blogspot.com

It was that evening, as I was eating in the hotel with the fellow coaches and coaching wives, that I discovered a lovely pregnancy symptom also known as heartburn. My oh my... obviously, I had never experienced that before! I have been blessed with a easy first trimester and thankfully, that is one of the very few things I can even complain about.

Needless to say, I was more than ready to head to bed after we got all the players back to their rooms and settled down.

The next day went much smoother and our boys played their hearts out. Although we were only there for a short time, I was still very much ready to be back home. This little-momma was not a fan of Southern Arkansas' high humidity. Phew!

Now... let the laundry begin.

NLI Signing Day

Well 2014 National Signing Day has come and gone! Three of my husband's football players signed National Letters of Intent to play at various universities. I am incredibly proud and excited for these young men. Hard work pays off and they are seeing that in a big way this week.

After several offers from schools across the state, our Beggs players chose to divide up between NEO and Northwestern Oklahoma State. Yesterday, we had their official signing day at the high school with their families and friends.

Although our team and town will miss our seniors, we are excited for what the Lord has in store not only in there lives, but also for the future of the Beggs Demon Football program.

Remember Seniors, always keep first things first and the rest will fall into place.

DoLee Wolf Signing with NEO

Shaliamere Rentie Signing with NEO

Patrick Cantrell Signing with Northwestern Oklahoma State

Families, Coaches, and Admin with those signing

Football Coaches and their Signing Seniors

My Husband (Coach Blank) addressing the underclassman

For more pictures of the Beggs Golden Demon Football team, click here.

Catching Up

As you all well know, I have been terrible at blogging the last few months. Where has the time gone?! Thankfully for the snow days, I am able to grab a few free moments…

We won our first round in the playoffs against Claremore Sequoyah and headed off to Checotah to play for the Bi-District Championship.

The Checotah game is by far the COLDEST game I have EVER sat through. The temperatures were in the teens and that did not account for the wind chill. The game was postponed from Friday night to Saturday night due to winter weather. I had layers upon layers upon layers and still shivered the whole game.

It was a INTENSE game, yet our Golden Demons pulled out a 34-28 win and became the 2013 Bi-District Champions!

Time for the Quarterfinals (and Thanksgiving)! Because our team practiced through break, we were not able to go home for Thanksgiving. Thankfully, my family brought Thanksgiving to us! Football and a feast all in one. 

We all knew this game was going to be tough, but our boys gave it all they had. We lost in the Quarterfinals to the soon to be State Champions, Kingfisher.

We ended our football season this year at 10-3. We were Bi-District Champions and State Quarterfinalists! This season was definitely one to remember. The team chemistry was unbelievable. They were much more than a football team, they were/are family.

For more pictures of the Beggs Golden Demon Football team, click here. 

Christmas at the Blank's

Christmas came and with it our traditional Christmas cookies. My mother is a spectacular cookie maker & decorator. Every Christmas we decorate cookies to send out to family and friends… and this year was no exception.

We rang in the New Year by putting the finishing touches on Colonel's Horse Stall. The barn isn't quite finished yet, but we skipped ahead and finished Colonel's stall so he could get out of this crazy winter weather.

 And I must say, he is one happy horse! Especially on snow days like this…

NYE Cookies Mom & I made

2014 has been a whirlwind around our house so far. With college recruiting at its peek, my husband has been here, there and everywhere. It's exciting to see the plans the Lord has for these young people start to unfold. 

As I sat folding socks on the couch and my husband with his laptop at hand writing a football article, I started reflecting on just how far the Lord has taken us over the past year. It was last year around this time that life was the most stressful it has ever been. The Lord allowed challenges and hardships to come into our life, causing us to cling ever so tightly to Him. He showed us that our purpose in life should always outshadow our goals. Goals can and will change, but purpose always remains. It's so easy to get wrapped up in the here and now that you quickly forget the big picture. 

Although I do not miss the circumstances the Lord allowed in our paths for a short while, I am so very grateful for them. For without trials, faith would never be strengthened. It is in the hard times that the Lords face shines ever so brightly. 

I am incredibly grateful on a daily basis for what the Lord has done for us. It's easy to run to the Throne in hard times, but I pray He continually reminds me that it's on the mountaintop that strength is renewed.

As we turn the page on 2013, I will always remember this year as one that was Divinely directed. So here's to 2014, let His name be lifted through our purpose as we strive to accomplish the goals He has placed before us!

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!!! 

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.

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

64 Day

Football is in full swing! Last night our boys came out with great pride in heart as they began their "64 day." I was very proud of these boys as they continued to yell encouraging words to their teammates throughout the entire workout... and let me tell ya, this was no walk in the park! I am eager to see what the Lord does in and through this group of boys throughout the year. Ready or not, Beggs Demon 2013 Varsity season is here!!

For more pictures from last nights event and others throughout the season, visit www.beggsfootball.blogspot.com

Never Nice

I always know the season has begun when I walk into my husband's office and immediately leave after simply taking one sniff. I have yet to understand how EVERY locker room smells exactly the same. There is no such thing as a nice locker room. It may be clean, it may be organized, but never nice. Not with the odor that those rooms produce. No way that could ever be classified as nice.

Thus, I swiftly made my way to Bath & Body and picked up some wall-scents. Oh the trusty wall-scents, how you make me smile. I always buy my husbands favorite scent in bulk when I go. He even is to the point where he begins to ask for them now-- and if any of you have husbands you know how big of a deal this is! The first time he asked me to go get him "smelly good things" I about passed out. Maybe, just maybe he has seen the light?!

So after a few days of the wall-scents being pugged in, the coaches offices are at least tolerable. (notice I didn't say pleasant.. simply tolerable)

Oh the life of a coaches wife is never dull... Thankfully those smells stay at the field house. This candle loving woman would be frantic every football season if those smells followed my husband home. Thank you, thank you, Lord.

Now that I'm off of my rant, I'll leave you with a few pictures of the team at our last 7on7. Way to go Demons! You're starting to look pretty good out there!

Photo Credits: Carolyn Ashford

Moving Madness

Exciting and crazy times have arrived once again in our household. All of the remodeling has finish and boxes are piled high around us. 

The weekend before our official "move" Lee and I hosted a retreat for all of his fellow Football Coaches and their wives. It was so nice to just get away, into a beautiful cabin on the lake-- and the best part NO CELL SERVICE! Everyone was ecstatic about the lack of communication available to the rest of the world for the night. I, myself, was happy to not hear my husband's phone ringing constantly. Oh the joys of being a coach. 

The guys spent the majority of their stay on the lake. When a dear friend of Lee & I invited them to go fishing, they swiftly jumped at the chance! The ladies on the other hand enjoyed sweet fellowship on the shore with sweet tea and lemonade at hand. 

Beggs Football Coaching Staff at the Coaches & Wives Retreat

Two days later, we packed all our boxes in to the moving van and headed to our new home. Although it was slightly scary and sad to leave our first home and friends that we will always consider to be dear, we both were/are excited to see what the Lord has in store for us in our new town. So in faith we headed west. 

Change doesn't always have to be scary. Some of my biggest fears the Lord swiftly took from my mind. 

Less than a day after we moved, we were welcomed into a home where I was able to meet so many friendly faces. Not only were these faces warm and welcoming, but they were like-minded. As a coaches wife, I am always on guard. Always wondering, "what information are they trying to get out of me?" or "Are they just befriending me because they want more playing time for their child?" (which I obviously have absolutely no control, nor do I want control, over who plays and who does not play on Friday nights). But all of these thoughts rolling around in my mind slowly came to rest as I began to get to know a pastor's wife from our new found home. At the risk of sounding creepy, I actually felt like I already knew her, as I ran across her blog several months ago through the pastors wife at our former church (confusing enough? I think so.) Mrs. Gore's blog is just precious. If you haven't come across her blog yet, I highly recommend you skip over and get to know her adorable family. Her heart of gold is evident to all who read. [Click here to read Mrs. Gore's Diary]

Needless to say, I went home that night much more at ease. The Lord knew just what I needed and when I needed it. It was as if He was wrapping me up in His arms saying that He IS in control. He will bring us friends despite the fact that we are now farther from family. He will take care of Lee and I. We are His children and He loves us more than I will ever be able to grasp. That night, I felt the comforting hands of my loving Abba Father. 

As chaotic as the past few weeks have been, it has been some of the most meaningful weeks. Although the boxes are still plaguing us and the world around us seems to be spinning faster than we can move, I have enjoyed every moment (except for the day our air conditioner broke and it got to a whopping 90 degrees in our little home).

So here's to the next time I'm able to rise out of the mounds of laundry and piles of boxes... and to hoping the internet gets connected in our house soon!