We Survived...Did You?

Well, we have survived another whirlwind of a Christmas. If you are anything like us we have several different Christmas' that we must attend. Typically they start on Christmas Eve Eve (Dec. 23) and wrap up the day after Christmas. Here is how our time broke down:

Our first Christmas was with my mom's side of the family. There are usually gifts for the kids and then my grandpa will buy us a ham or something. Christmas eve day, Wendy and the girls attended church with her parents (I was home extremely sick from something that I ate). They then went to my grandparents (dad's side of the family) for Christmas. I really hated missing that time with my grandparents. We draw names for kids and adults for this time together. I had to buy for my cousin's husband who I have never even seen before, in fact, I don't think I have even seen a picture of the guy. For all I know someone in her house got a new flashlight (that's what this person wanted), I don't even know his name. Anyway, Christmas morning is done at our house with just our family. I like being able to do that now that we live by all of our family. We then went to Wendy's parents house for lunch and Christmas. Here we also draw names for adults and kids. I went even though I didn't feel like eating much and repeating the day before. Finally, on Tuesday we went to my parents house and celebrated Christmas with them, again we draw names for the adults and just buy for all the kids (my sister and I each have 3 kids).

It was a fun time and quite enjoyable. There is nothing more fun for me than to watch my kids open their presents. I am sure those of you with kids understand and agree with that. I am a person that enjoys the holiday's because I enjoy spending time with family. I don't feel that it is a time for worrying about how much I get. I wish other's felt that way. There are some things I would like to change about all of the drawing of names that we do, but no one ever wants to listen to me because it would mean they might not get something. Aren't we adults, don't we normally buy what we want, when we want anyways? I like buying for the kids, as I have said.

Okay, enough of that. With that said, however, here is a list of the gifts that I received for Christmas.

1. NIV Study Bible for my phone

2. Cash (always good)

3. Hard gun case

4. Lowe's gift card

And the greatest gift that my adorable wife could have purchased for me...

5. Season 1 DVD of Beverly Hills, 90210

What did you get?

We've Got ICE!!!!!!!!

I don't mean sleet and snow this time, but I mean actual ice. For those of you that know us, probably remember a conversation like this at some point:

US: Would you like to come over for dinner?

YOU: Sure, can we bring something?

US: We will handle all of the food, but if you want ice in your drink you might want to stop and get some.

Well no longer will you hear us say that. We finally broke down and purchased a new refrigerator. For those of you that don't know we have not had ice since our first year of marriage and that was because we made it with the old plastic ice trays. Our first refrigerator to own was left in our house that we bought in Searcy. We have had it ever since. The refrigerator was delivered yesterday and now we actually have ice. You are probably thinking, yippee ice, well we are talking 10 years of marriage without ice. So we are pretty excited.

By the way, you won't believe were we bought it.....

Winter Wonderland

It finally started snowing yesterday around 3:00 pm. That was after it had sleeted for about 15 hours straight. The snow ended late last night and parts of Oklahoma had it's first ever blizzard warning from the National Weather Service. We ended up with about 10 inches of snow on top of the 1-2 of sleet. Roads are hazardous and travel has been discouraged. Most of the roads will not even begin to clear until tomorrow because most of northeast Oklahoma will have below freezing temperatures today. So, we are stuck in doors.

The girls were begging all day yesterday to go and play in the snow, this was during the massive sleet period. We told them that we would tomorrow. So today we bundled up and headed out for them to make snow angels. They wanted to make a snowman but the snow would not pack. It was quite deep and we have some very deep snow drifts. It's awesome. I love snow. I don't like the fact that we have used 2 of our 4 built in snow days before December even starts but I do love the weather.

Here are some pictures of the girls making snow angels and our front yard before it was all messed up.

WINTER HAS ARRIVED IN OKLAHOMA!!!!

Well we are getting hammered with winter weather and it could not have come at a worse time. It started last night with sleet and freezing rain and that is what we have been receiving all night long. Snow is supposed to start moving in this morning and snow ALL day. They are predicting accumulations of 6-12 inches. I doubt we get that much but mixed with the ice travel is almost impossible. We are all out of school today, but we probably won't be leaving for Harding today as planned. We may try to make a run for it tomorrow morning but who knows. I am bummed, but I sure do love the snow. I would like to be able to take the girls out if it ever starts snowing and stops sleeting.

Do you like the snow and cold weather?

Bedlam Update

Here are a few pictures from my trip to Bedlam. What a great game even though I was torn with the outcome. I am normally an OSU fan (I even wore orange to the game), but after living in Arkansas for 8 years I started rooting for any team from Oklahoma. So in the past I have been a fan of both. In fact, I usually root for whoever will be able to respresent the state on a bigger stage. So if OU has a chance to win the National Title (which they don't this year) I tend to root for them when they play OSU. This year the Big 12 South title was on the line for OU but I still rooted for OSU. It turned out to be a great game that came down the end. OU 27 - OSU 21 (OSU had a chance at the end to score for the win but could convert). The seats were great, especially since they were free. I was shocked by the face value of $250, I am glad they were free. We sat 19 rows up on the 20 yard line. There a few pictures above that I took with my cell phone that is why they aren't that great. Picture 1 is of the center of the field (wow right), picture 2 is of the infamous Pistol Pete mascot, and picture 3 is the endzone building which is none other than Gallagher-Iba Arena.

Bedlam...

I AM GOING TO THE BEDLAM GAME!!!!!

This Saturday at 1:30 I will be in attendance at Boone Pickens Stadium on the Oklahoma State University campus. I grew up in Oklahoma and have never attended the game but now I have tickets. For those of you that are not familiar with Bedlam, this is the game that pits the OSU Cowboys vs. OU Sooners. The battle for Oklahoma. Now for those of you in other states this may not be much because we are talking about Oklahoma, but for us this is the game.

I was lucky to get tickets, you see at OSU they set aside a certain number of tickets for Oklahoma coaches. You just have to call and see if they have any available during game week. So yesterday, being the first day to call, I began calling at 8:00 am and by 8:15 I had gotten through and received my complimentary tickets. I am excited.

I will let you know all about it on Saturday.

Time With Dad

I look forward to Thanksgiving break every year because that is time I get to spend quality time with my dad. Since I was a little kid, I enjoyed hunting. And since I was a little kid, I always hunted with my dad. This year is no different. This past Saturday, dad and I met at 5:15 am and headed to the woods. Although we didn't see anything all morning we still had time being together. In the afternoon, we both saw deer and we both missed on our shots. However, it was still a good time. Tomorrow morning we will meet again and hopefully have a little more success. Although it is great killing a big buck (I have never shot one as big as the picture), I just look forward to this time to spend with my dad.

What annual time do you look forward to spending with your parents?

Book Recommendations

For some reason, ever since I started teaching, I have started reading books during the summer. I am not a fan of reading but I have found a few authors that I really enjoy. Two summers ago, I ran across a Christian author named Ted Dekker. He writes futuristic books and mysteries. I had a friend mention to me one of his books called Black, it was part of a three part trilogy(Red and White are the other titles). I read them all and was hooked. Since that time I have read others by Dekker titled Three, Showdown and House (co-authored with Frank Peretti). If you are looking for books that are hard to put down then Dekker is the choice for you. Why do I share this with you, well it's because I just bought his most recent book titled Saint and I am looking forward to reading it even though it is not summer time yet.

Another author that you might enjoy, who also writes Christian fiction is Robert Whitlow. I ran across his books last summer just hanging out at a christian bookstore outlet in Branson. I would say that his books are similar to a John Grisham novel. He is a former lawyer who now writes lawyer books. His books include titles like Life Support, Life Everlasting, The Trial, The Sacrifice, Jimmy, The List, and Mountain Top (recently released).

Finally, for you men and fathers. I have read a few of the Every Man Series books. These are great books that deal with various topics that we, as men, don't want to talk about. They have even branched out into a few books for women. I have read Every Man's Battle (Sexual Integrity) and I plan to read these others that I own, Every Man, God's Man (Spiritual Integrity), Every Man's Marriage (Marital Intimacy), and Every Man's Challenge (Spiritual Growth). I even noticed last night that they have written books titled Preparing Your Son For Every Man's Battle and Preparing Your Daughter For Every Woman's Battle. Also for men, I have mentioned before the book More Than A Dad by Scot Anderson (highly recommended). I also bought a book last night by Ken R. Canfield, Ph.D. President of the National Center for Fathering. This book is titled The 7 Secrets of Effective Fathers - Becoming the Father Your Children Need. I will let you know if it is worth reading.

So there you go, no football update, so I needed something to post and after my visit to Mardel I got excited about reading again and I have a little time since football is over and baseball doesn't officially start playing until February.

What books would you recommend?

Week 10 - IT'S OVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well week 10 came and went, now football season for the Bulldogs is over. Halellujah!!!!

If you recall about 3 weeks ago I wrapped up my post telling you to stay tuned for how, not if, but how we would lose our final three games. We had an overtime loss, a blow out, and then there was last night. What a fitting way to finish the season, 1-9.

Here's the recap. Bulldogs came out and played great defense, as always. The offense actually did a little too. Heading into the fourth quarter the Bulldogs lead 9-0. In fact with about 7:30 minutes left in the fourth we scored our first TD and lead 16-0. On our way to our second win of the season. Then something happened and the Ropers decided to start playing. The Ropers went on to score their first TD of the game and successfully executed the 2-point conversion, 16-8 Bulldogs. On our next possession we had a bad exchange witht he QB and Center and the Ropers recovered the fumble. A few plays later and a 2-point conversion added the score was tied 16-16 (Score tied within about 30 seconds). Our next possession would prove to be our last and it resulted in a punt. So the Ropers take over with about 4 minutes remaining and begin their drive to victory, however and interception returned for a TD put the Bulldogs ahead again 23-16. The Ropers took the ball again and drove down the field. They scored with about 8 seconds left 23-22. Surprisingly the Ropers line up for the field goal and it appears that overtime is in the future. Here's the good part, a poor snap, a scramble by the holder, and successful 2-point conversion pass puts the Ropers ahead and the victory, 24-22.

What a way to end the season. And in reality it shouldn't have been that close. Luckily for us the Roper's QB was suspended that day at school and so their second really good WR played QB. But, I guess it wasn't lucky enough.

I told you it would be exciting. Well, it's over, and I am on to Baseball. Don't worry once the season starts I will only update on a weekly basis not after every game. Thanks for tuning in to Bulldog football.

The Scrooge of Halloween...

Those of you that know me, know that I don't do holidays. Well, tonight, Wendy and I took the girls trick-or-treating. Yes, that is right, I tagged along. This is a huge step for me, I don't usually go with them, often times because of games or something that I am committed to. In fact, if I am at home alone I don't even turn the porch light on. I know hammer me all you want, but I am changing.

Why? Well about a year ago I read a book titled More Than A Dad by Scot Anderson. It is one of the best Christian books that I have ever read and I would highly recommend it to anyone. I would share with you what it is about but then you might not find it and read it, plus as I said, it's been a year I don't remember much. I plan to re-read the book over Thanksgiving. Let me know what you think if you actually read it.

Enjoy the pictures. Brecken was Strawberry Shortcake and Camdyn was Tinker Bell.

Harding

I love the fact that Harding sends out T-shirts to newly born babies. We received ours about week after Bentley was born. I was so excited to get it as you can tell.

This week has been Red Ribbon Week at many schools. Brecken's school had different dress up days and Thursday was favorite team day. I dug into my drawers and found my Harding jersey and let her wear it, she loved it. It thrills me to here her say that her favorite teams are the Bulldogs (I'm not sure why, we are 1-8) and the Bison.

I miss Harding. I miss the simple town life. I miss the friendships that we had, although many of them are still strong, I miss spending time with friends. I miss Harding football games. I miss faculty intramurals. I miss, even though I am old and out of shape now, the Rhodes Rowdies. Maybe one day we can return the town and school that we love.

Week 9 - I Get Friday Off

For some reason, we played on Thursday night week. In fact, we found our on Monday of this week. Good thing we looked at the Tiger's schedule because ours shows us playing tonight (Friday). I really don't think the extra day of practice would have helped us. I am sure all can believe that.

The Tigers struck early and struck often. We were down 27-3 at halftime and down 45-3 in the middle of the fourth quarter. Our first team offense scored on their second or third string defense, 45-10, and then our defense recovered a fumble in the endzone (their second or third string offense made this mistake). This was our first defensive touchdown of the season, that's right it took 9 weeks to get the accomplishment. Final socre 45-17. Have I mentioned that we are horrible?

The Tigers were far superior to the Bulldogs, in fact, most teams have been at least superior to us. But or some reason even though we 1-8 our coach hasn't accepted the fact that we just plain suck. Here is the quote from the team meeting after the game, "They [Tigers] are a good football team, but they aren't that much better than us. We just did not get mentally ready for the game. We ned to learn how to prepare mentally for games."

I leave you with this: one more week of football...yahoooooooooooooooooooooooo! Last game - Ropers, a team vying for the playoffs.

Pumpkin Patch

We went to the pumpkin patch today so that we could take picutres and get pumpkins for the girls. It's not a huge patch, but it is close to the house and we go every year. The girls have so much fun looking at all the pumpkins and picking out what they think is the perfect pumpkin. Here are some pictures from our time there. Trust me when I say that Bentley is not always sleeping.

Week 8 - You Are Not Going To Believe...

Oh wait, yes you will, we LOST!!!! Unfortunately we actually played the best game of the year defensively (have you noticed a pattern?). Even offensively we had our moments. Here is the quick run down of the game.

We scored first...Bulldogs 7-0. The Comets quickly replied with a touchdown of their own, halftime score 7-7. We came out in the 3rd and played well. In fact we went up 14-7. These are probably the first two times we have actually lead in a game apart from the victory we had in overtime. Of course our only lead came in overtime during that game and it ended the game. Okay, back to this game. About mid fourth quarter, the Comets struck again and tied the game at 14. With under a minute left, the Comets quarterback dropped back and threw a bomb. The receiver caught it, despite good coverage, and scored...but wait, a flag was on the ground. Lucky for us there was offensive pass interference called. Our defense held and we went to overtime.

Overtime, I have shared my thoughts about the structure before, we are 1-0 in overtime. Our only win came in overtime. We took the ball first and on 3rd down threw an intereception in the end zone. The pressure now falls on our defense. On 3rd down and 1 the quarterback ran in for the winning touchdown. Comets 20...Bulldogs 14. Heartbreak.

I told you last week to stay tuned for eventful ways that we will lose our final three games. Game 1 of 3 - lost in overtime. Next week we take on the Tigers, who by the way are pretty good, but whose not when the Bulldogs come to town. Stay tuned!

Early Introduction

I am so excited to share with you all that yesterday in our town Best Buy opened. Now, I don't have to drive into Tulsa just to look around at all the things I can never afford. Unfortunately, I did not get to attend the grand opening with everyone else in our town. So, tonight I decided to view the new Best Buy and see how it matches up with those around the country (I have been to Best Buy in many states, Arkansas, Texas, Kansas, Missouri, California, Washington, Colorado, Massachusetts, to name a few). However, that is not where my complete excitement lies. Since Bentley was born just a week ago, I decided it was about time to introduce to her the greatest store around. Although, she appeared to be sleeping, I know she was really just soaking in the amazement of the store. I can also tell you that Brecken and Camdyn were equally excited. For weeks now (at least since the sign has been up) Camdyn has pointed out Best Buy everytime we drive by. Tonight when we pulled into the parking lot she yelled, "Best Buy, it is open now, can we go inside." My heart is filled with so much love right now. What a way to spend "family time", checking out Best Buy.

Week 7 - We won't make the playoffs!

As if there was any questions, and believe me there was not, we are officially out of the playoff hunt. The top four teams in each district make the playoffs and with our stellar 1-6 record, we are mathematically eliminated. I guess the upside to that would be after November 2 this miserable season is over.

I don't really feel like writing much about the game but here are the quick highlights. We were down to the Braves (yes, imagine that another indian, I mean Native American mascot) 12-0 at halftime. Our defense has done a great job these past few weeks but as always our offense can't move the ball. In the second half we finally scored and were down 12-7. Late in the 4th quarter we moved the ball down the field with great running and few short passes (we usually don't throw short because our coach like to go long), inside the 10 yard line we coughed up the ball. With a little back and forth defense we put together a goaline stand and forced a fumble. Bulldogs take over, 1st and 10 with 97 yards to go in 1:47. Plays 1 - 3 gets us alittle breathing area, but on 4th and 6 instead of the 1st down we throw a 40 yard pass incomplete. Securing another loss for the Bulldogs. Final score...12-7.

Three games remain and we WILL lose them all. Continue to keep posted to find out how we lose them. Next week the Comets!

Week 6 - We had a baby

Before I update you on the game, and I know many of you have laid bets on whether I went, let me tell you that pictures of Bentley will be posted and email later today. Yesterday I composed an email with a picture attached on my phone (I have a new toy) and thought it was weird that no one had responded, it wasn't until this morning that I realized it didn't send. Sorry!

Now about the game, have I told you that we are horrible? Well we do! We played a good first half but could not fully capitalize on the mistakes the Zebras made. In fact our defense and special teams did everything to win except score touchdowns. Our offense had good field position all of the first half but could not make things happen. At halftime, we were tied 11-11. How many games have you seen tied 11-11?

Most of the third quarter was much like the first half, good defense, horrible offense. Our defense fell apart in the forth because they had played the entire game. Our offense play calling was horendous. Get this, we kept throwing the ball when we were getting pounded 69-0, but last night all we wanted to do was run the ball to no success. We couldn't throw deep, and we did try but we never took advantage of the short balls they were giving us. I don't understand.

I don't know what our stats were but the final score was 26-11, Zebras. We gave them their first win and we dropped to 1-5, only 4 more weeks and may not when a game.

Well I lasted through three quarters and left when they went up 10. I needed to get back to the hospital.

She's Here!

She has arrived. We arrived at the hopital about 7:15 and had the baby at 1:15. Wendy and the baby are both doing great. Her name is Bentley Aiden and she weighed 6 lbs 12 ozs and was 19 inches long. Pictures to follow.

I'm Gonna Miss The Game?!?!

Well it has been decided, we will have our baby on Friday (if not sooner). We went to the doctor again today and Wendy asked about inducing, I think she is tired of carrying the baby, and so the doctor made a phone call. He came back into the room and asked it Friday at 7:30 would work...doesn't he know that I coach high school football, couldn't this wait until Monday. However, being the good husband that I am I said "oh, that will work fine" because it isn't about me at a time like this, I am not carrying a baby. Plus we had asked for this to happen I should push the envelope by requesting a different time. No one wants to upset the person that will be delivering your child. So on Friday morning we will arrive at the hospital to begin the process of having a child.

So, what about the game? Well as I have mentioned we play the Zebras and yes they are called the Zebras (side note: they are red and white, explain that to me. What is with these schools who choose mascots and then have colors unrelated to the mascot. Case in point - Northeastern State University Redmen, colors Green and White. Okay enough on that topic, I will save it for another post.) I am bummed about missing this game because we are playing the school district that Wendy and Brecken teach and attend school at. I want the Bulldogs to ruin Homecoming and beat the Zebras. Now do I really think that will happen...NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Although the Zebras are 0-5 this year they are still better than us.

Why can't I go to the game, assuming the baby has already arrived? I mean, I went golfing the day after Brecken was born (Wendy kicked me out of the hospital) and I attended the Rangers game with Jim and Eddie the day after Camdyn was born (I already had the tickets), wouldn't you think that if the baby is born before noon or shortly after I could still make the game. Just kidding, that will not happen...I mean the baby won't come that soon! Just kidding, although those of you that know me are thinking...yes it is! You might be right.

All that said, we are having our child on Friday but don't fear even though I will not be in attendance I will still post the outcome of our game. I know most of you are entirely engrossed with our season, we are doing so well!

Week 5...Scalped

We five for the Bulldogs brought us back home after two road games and was Homecoming. You would think that the excitement of homecoming would fire up the guys and bring home a win, especially since we welcomed the Indians who we demolished last year (one of only 3 wins).

Things didn't start off so well as the Indians scored early in the first and took a 7-0 lead. We had several chances to score but for some reason our receivers didn't want to catch the ball. So we quickly got down 14-0 before one of our senior recievers decided it was time to catch a ball in the endzone. 14-6 after the missed extra point, have I mentioned before that we don't really have a kicker. At halftime, the score was 20-6 and we only hoped things would change.

After halftime we put together a long drive and scored making the score 20-13. Our defense played a great second half but our offense struggled at times. With a little less than 3 minutes to go in the game our defense held them to a 4th and 1, but a hard count drew our linebacker off sides giving them a first down. Again we held them to a 4th and 4 and forced a punt, but instead of the block we ran into the punter giving them another 1st down and securing their victory.

Another loss by the Bulldogs bring us to 1-4 on the season. We travel to Wendy's school district next week and face the Zebra's for their homecoming. Luckily the Zebra's are 0-5 but that doesn't really mean much with the Bulldogs coming to town. Stay tuned!

WHEN?????

I am so ready to have the baby. Since Friday, Wendy has been have some contractions but nothing to rush her to the hospital about. I guess I am saying that they aren't regular yet. I am hoping that it happens in the next few days. Please pray for everything to go well once it happens.

Week 4 - What a birthday present...

I celebrated my 31st birthday yesterday and luckily we had a football game...or unluckily since we had to play the defending 5A state champions. We played on Thursday night because we played a Tulsa Public School and there are only so many fields for the TPS teams and so often times there are games on Thursday and Friday. I really don't think it matters what day we play East Central because they are good and we...well, we aren't.

No much to write about except to say that it was impressive to watch them play and unimpressive to be on the same field as them. Final score 69-0. What a beating.

There was a little humor during the game. Along with 2 other coaches, I sit in the press box (0r on top of the press box, as was last nights honor). We help with personnel, alignment, etc. We are eyes in the sky. Well right before halftime a storm came up with lightening and so we decided to climb down. Well the storm moved through duing halftime and afterward we decided, since no one was in the stands, that we would just stand at the top of bleachers for the second half...it was only 48-0 at half. Well shortly after the 3rd quarter started we noticed a group of...how do I say this...african american boys sitting a section over and a few rows down. We quickly realized that they were about freshman age and that they were heckling us. I can't repeat all that was said but let me just say that we laughed the entire second half at them and what they were saying. At one point their team scored again, and they were in our face laughing, all we could do was slap them five and enjoy the moment. There is no need getting upset over a 69 point defeat.

Well homecoming is next on the schedule. I don't think we should take them for granted.

Week 3 - Dirty Birds Victorious

Well, sorry for the delay in updates, but we faced our longtime rival on Friday night the Collinsville Cardinals (aka Dirty Birds). Last year we traveled the 20 minutes to C'ville and lost a heart breaker. This year we again had to travel to C'ville to face a 2-0 Dirty Bird team. Our scouting report told us that they were not that good and we, of course, were coming off the biggest win in several years.

Long story short, we got blown up!!!! Final score 38-14. We had a touchdown called back early in the game because of a block in the back 30 yards behind the play. However, that is not what cost us the game. Our rookie QB, after a great outing the week before, threw 2 interceptions and had 3 fumbles. We lost another fumble and also had a punt blocked. We did not give ourselves a chance to win.

Well that game is over and we can't think about anymore. We have short week, because Thursday night we travel into Tulsa to face the defending 5A state champions. We don't have a prayer. They are quite athletic and we are not. So look for a devasting blow out on Friday.

Week 2...Instant Classic

That's right, see it tonight on ESPN Classics...okay, not really but what a night of football in Bulldog land. After our week one beating, we welcomed to town the #7 team (the TV says #10...we will stick with #7) in 5A featuring the best running back in Oklahoma. We entered the game giving up 232 rushing yards to the opposing quarterback last week, I can not begin to explain what Mr. Baker-Hughes could do to us. I entered the game expecting us to get rolled up (I'm realistic in my thinking). We took the ball to start the game but did not accomplish much, so we punted and the Eagles fumbled the return and we took over again with decent field position. Our sophomore QB took the field and marched us down to the 5 yard line. 1st and 5, we might score first, but the Eagle defense held and then blocked our field goal attempt. They scooped the block and returned it 93 yards for an apparent touchdown, fortunately it was called back because of a penalty. So the Eagles took over 1st and 10 at their 7. On the next play Baker-Hughes took it 93 yards for a touchdown. We were behind. We then battled for a most of the second quarter until Baker-Hughes to a screen pass 76 yards for another TD. 14-0, Eagles. However the Bulldogs were not ready to throw in the towel and responeded with a TD pass by the rookie. Of course, the extra point was blocked...14-6. Just before halftime, the Bulldogs mounted another drive scoring on the rookies 2nd TD pass of his career, we successfully scored the 2 point conversion to tie the game at 14 going into halftime.

With a little less than 9 minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter, the Eagles had taken a commanding lead of 28-14. I guess they got jumped at halftime and decided that they better stop overlooking the Bulldogs. However, that is all the Eagles would get. The 4th quarter belonged to the Bulldogs. Rookie QB added two more TD passes to his stats (of course on the fourth TD we had to go for two because...you guessed it they blocked our extra point). Two minutes remaining 28-28. Our defense held and received the punt, a rookie mistake gave the Eagles the ball back on an interception (#2 on the night). However the Eagles turned around and threw it back to us...so with 19 seconds remaining and about 60 yards between us and victory (we can't kick a field goal remember) we moved the ball about 20 yards when time expired. Hello overtime.

For those of you not familiar with Oklahoma overtime each team gets the ball on the 10 yard line and gets 4 downs to score, either by TD or FG. The Eagles took the ball first and ran it 3 times moving the ball to the 3 yard line. However, the Eagles decided to go for the glory and our defense stuffed them keeping them from scoring. Do you feel the tension...we should not be in this situation. Get ready 1st and Goal from the 10...rookie drops back and nails the slant for the game winning touchdown (Rookie was 13 for 33, 5 TD's and 2 Int's). Man the place erupted. What a night!!!!

Now we may go out next week and get rolled up by another mediocre team but we at least will win one game this year. I must also tell you that one of our players is being nominated for player of the week (Nose Guard - 18 tackles, 7 assists, 1 tackle for loss, and 1/2 a sack...let me put the tackles in perspective for you...he had 25 tackles in 58 plays.)

Isn't it nice when we win, don't you feel like you get more information and feel like you were a Bulldogs for just a moment. See you next week on the Gridiron.

Week 1

Well I have told many of you about the upcoming football season where I coach and have promised to keep you updated on how we do. So we entered week one last night with a home non-conference game on our new turf field. Now before I get to the game, let me just tell you that it was touch and go whether we would even have a field to play on for our first week. It was literally finish in the final few hours before game time. We even had a crisis hit 4 hours before game time when one of our school employees hit the power box with a tractor and knocked out all the lights in our fieldhouse and on the field. Luckily that was fixed almost immediately. With the field finished, the Bulldogs took the field for the first time on new turf and with a new head coach. Unfortunately, it did not end the way we would have wanted. The first half ended at 14-3 Hornets. We had several chances to score but could not punch it in before halftime. The second half was a different story. We were outscored in the second half 27-6 (all of their points came in the 3rd quarter). I think we fumbled about 4 times, losing all 4. It was a rough night. I am sure things will get better. Final score 41-9. Bulldog record 0-1. Stay tuned for updates over the next 9 weeks.

The Dentist

Well about a month ago Brecken started complaining about her tooth hurting, being the good father that I am, I told her she was alright and it would feel better in the morning. Every once in a while she would mention it again. So about two weeks ago I finally decided to humor her and look in her mouth. I THOUGHT I saw some food between her back teeth (gross I know), so I grabbed a tooth pick and tried to get it out. What I quickly realized was that she had a part of her tooth broken. So Wendy took her to the dentist and she, of course, had a cavity and a her tooth was almost absessed (sp?). Today she went back for her filling and did so much better that what her father does when he goes, something about a horrible gag reflex gets me everytime. Attached is a picture that Wendy took on her cell phone of Brecken with the gas on her nose, we are raising an addict.

This mess up or poor fathering makes me think that I should have learned my lesson back in July when Camdyn fractured her arm (July 4th no less). She was out jumping on the tramopline (which we are selling now) and I guess she fell wrong (not off) and started crying. We were good parents because we were inside playing cards with my sister. Don't worry social workers, we were watching them out the window. Well, I went out and got Camdyn and she was crying and holding her arm. Since it was later in the evening, my first thought was "Can she wait until morning to see the doctor so I don't have to wait in the ER for hours." Yes I know, I am a horrible father. Well Wendy made us go and luckily we did, because Camdyn fractured her humerus. Attached is a picture of her in her cast. Maybe I will learn my lesson.

What a week...

Well we have all wrapped up our first full week of school. I can not believe that Brecken started Kindergarten this year. She has been so excited about starting full-day kindergarten since the summer began and now it is hear. I really don't like how fast my girls are growing up. I have attached a picture of her in front of her school on day one. I am sure am lucky she looks like Wendy.

Camdyn is only 3 but is ready for school...I know I am not. This is her picture for her first day at daycare. She already loves going to Ms. Judy's since big sister stayed there last year.

Wendy is in full swing and knee deep in meetings, scheduling, etc.

I am also underway, not just with teaching but with Jr. High and High School football. We have our first varsity football game on Friday, I am not very optimistic about the Bulldog's chances. I'll keep you posted.

A New Experience

Well, I am trying out something new....blogging. I will be real honest with you, it wasn't until very recently that I even knew what a blog was. In fact I learned about them during my in-service days before school started. So here I am attempting something new and struggling with what to even write. Since you all know that I am not a man of many words I will sign off for now.